* * *
“Honestly, Mrs. Stewart.” Abigail was trying to make her point another way, hoping to reassure Bronwyn Chambers as they stood under the sprawling branches of the Tree of Gifts. “I don’t know why Vaughn didn’t bring Ruby with him tonight. I was so caught up in my own role in the evening, I didn’t think to ask him.”
Hoping to redirect her companion, Abigail pointed to a rabbit tucked into a nook between tree roots.
“I think the bunny would be a fun carving to bid on. All the younger kids will find him since he’s low to the ground like them.” Abigail glanced in Vaughn’s direction, ready for rescue before his mother’s questions became more personal.
He’d been heading their way at one point, but he’d been intercepted by an older man, who held him in deep conversation now.
The party around the tree had grown, with some additional guests from upstairs joining them as the original group still searched the branches for surprise forest critters to bid on in the fund-raiser.
“Perfect.” Mrs. Chambers passed over her card to Abigail. “Would you mind penciling in the necessary details, my dear? I left my reading glasses at home tonight.” She grinned ruefully as she held up a beaded evening bag. “I ask you, how could I fit more than a lipstick in this?”
“Of course.” Abigail wrote the name of the carving on the card.
“And I don’t mean to put you on the spot, Abigail, but I’m so very glad to see you with my son. Together.”
Abigail looked up slowly, unsure how to respond. “We’re not really together.”
His mother attempted to smile but there were worried lines etched around her eyes. “But there was something in his manner when he called you over. He likes you, Abigail. I can tell.”
Abigail could see how much his mother wanted to believe that, but she couldn’t afford to bear the weight of anyone else’s hope. She could hardly corral her own runaway feelings when she knew that Vaughn wasn’t ready for more. She’d almost made the mistake of inviting Vaughn to the ultrasound and gender-reveal appointment with her. It wouldn’t be fair to his mother to let her think that Vaughn was interested in anything long-term with Abigail.
“We’ve struck up a friendship, Mrs. Chambers,” she assured her as she returned the bid card, her heart in her throat. “But...” She blinked fast. Took a breath to steel herself. “That’s all we will ever be.”
Needing to leave before her emotions spilled over, she excused herself. Turning, she ran squarely into Vaughn.
He must have overheard her. Although why her words would make his expression turn so thunderous, she couldn’t say. She’d simply told his mother the truth, which Vaughn had stressed from the beginning of their relationship.
It wasn’t destined to go anywhere. The sooner she began to realize that, the better.
* * *
Vaughn wasn’t sure what had transpired between Abigail and his mother before she denied having a relationship with him. But the hurt in Abigail’s eyes spoke for itself. She was upset.
She edged past him now, taking fast strides toward the exit. Thankfully, Vaughn’s father had joined them, so he didn’t have to leave his mother standing all alone in the middle of the gala fund-raiser.
“I need to speak to her,” he informed his parents, leaning in to give his mother’s cheek a kiss. “Thank you both for coming.”
He charged through the crowd and headed up the stairs to the rooftop party, where the country band had taken the stage under the canopy of white lights. Steel guitars and fiddles had the dance floor almost full as the party turned lively.
His gaze scanned the tables, searching. Finally, he spotted a flash of scarlet-colored tulle near the sparkling water station by the bar. Abigail had a wrap over one arm and her evening clutch in her hand as she paused to take a drink.
Relief filled him. She hadn’t left.
“Abigail.” He reached her side, realizing as he approached that she was more upset than he realized. Her eyes looked shiny. Too bright.
He didn’t think it was a coincidence that she chose that moment to set aside her glass.
“I was just leaving.” She slipped the sheer black wrap she carried around her shoulders, tying it in front. “I’m more tired than I realized. I think the long days of working on the statue are catching up with me.”
He heard the exhaustion in her voice. And while he had no doubt this week had been hard for her, he couldn’t help but wonder if the conversation with his mother had more than a little to do with her sudden departure.
“I’d like to drive you home.” He needed to speak to her. Wanted to keep her safe.
“Thank you. But I’ll be fine.” She opened her bag and pulled out her keys while the country band shifted the music for a slow number.
“Abby, please.” He put a protective arm around her as a new rush of people lined up at the bar nearby. He drew her farther from the noise of the party, toward the display of flowers at one end of the rooftop garden. “I’m sorry if my mother made you feel uncomfortable in any way. She means well.”
“Of course she does.” Abigail shook her head. “Your parents were both lovely. I just—” She hesitated. “I’m ready to leave.”
“And I don’t like the idea of you going home alone at night with Rich Lowell still at large.”
“You were kind enough to install an alarm system to keep me safe,” she reminded him, sliding her key ring over her finger while the metal jangled softly.
“But I’ll sleep better if I see you walk inside.” He couldn’t seem to remove his hand from the small of her back, and wished he had the right to hold her in front of the world. To kiss her here and now. “The conversation with Cole Sullivan put into perspective just
