I shifted my focus to Violet and her partner Matthew Bell as they danced together. I’d be shocked if those two weren’t engaged within six months, I thought. I shifted to check the reception area, scanning again for any possible problems, and my gaze lighted on Julian. He was standing off to the side sipping at a glass of champagne. I followed his line of sight, and found Holly.
Holly was also standing alone and looking fairly miserable, as she pretended not to watch him from over on the opposite side of the reception area.
“We’ll just see about that,” I muttered. Taking a swig of my water, I set it aside and marched over to Julian. “Come with me,” I said, taking ahold of his arm and firmly pulling him along.
“What are you up to?” he smiled, good-naturedly.
I leaned back speaking close to his ear, as not to be overheard. “You should go dance with Holly.”
Julian stopped dead. “That wouldn’t be wise.”
“Why on earth not?”
“She works for me. People would talk,” Julian said.
“I can’t see how anyone would, so long as you behave yourself on the dance floor.” I scowled at him. “A polite slow dance with a fellow member of the wedding party is hardly scandalous behavior. It’s actually considered socially acceptable. And it’s something a gentleman would do if he saw a bridesmaid standing alone and looking miserable.”
Julian sighed.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Unless your daddy didn’t raise you right, and you’re not a gentleman…”
“Maggie, I—”
“Or unless you’re afraid.” There. I’d practically double-dog dared him.
“Damn it, Magnolia.” Julian glared at me for a second. “I had no idea you were so bossy.”
I crossed my arms and sized up my opponent. “I prefer the term, ‘strong willed’.”
Julian gave me a withering look.
“Go on.” I nudged him in her general direction. “Go dance with her.”
He handed me his glass, and I watched as my cousin made his way around the perimeter of the dance floor to ask Holly for a dance.
The look on Holly’s face was everything as he offered her his hand. Surprise, pleasure, and hope all combined into one. Smoothly, Julian led her to the dance floor and the couple began to slow dance with the rest of the guests.
I watched over them for a bit, and subtly checked for any response from the crowd, but no one reacted or seemed horrified by this new development. As a matter of fact, Autumn gave me a ‘thumbs up’ from over Duncan’s shoulder. She’d seen the whole thing.
I lifted the glass in toast to the bride and winked at her. Another slow song started and Julian and Holly continued to dance.
Wyatt appeared at my side. “You look lovely today,” he said.
I glanced down at the sky blue jacket and black skirt that I wore. It was a practical ‘work outfit’ and while stylish, it was hardly lovely. “This old thing?” I smiled as I said it. “I’ve worn it before while working other weddings.” The skirt hit right above my knees and was secretly stretchy, which allowed me to move. I’d added my Grandma Taylor’s pearls, with a silky white camisole underneath the blazer. Due to the grass, instead of my typical heels, I wore black flats.
“You look very professional and beautiful.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
“Dance with me.” His voice was low and sent a shiver down my spine.
“Thank you, but I’m working.”
Julian and Holly waltzed past us. “Come and dance, Maggie,” Holly called over Julian’s shoulder.
Autumn and Duncan slow danced past me. “Go and dance,” Duncan said. “Enjoy yourself.”
Aw hell, I decided. I supposed a single dance wouldn’t hurt anything. I set the champagne glass down I’d been holding for Julian. “Alright, I’d love to.”
The man danced well, and I found myself smiling up in his face as we slow danced around the large, raised wooden dance floor. It was a perfectly polite slow dance, but secretly I yearned for more. If I’d have been anywhere else—as in not working—instead of a well-mannered hand on his shoulder and the other held formally in his, I’d have wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed close to him.
But I was working, so I smiled and made small talk. “How do you like your sky blue socks?” I teased him.
“They’re very stylish, and it could have been worse.”
“It was supposed to be for fun,” I countered.
“At least I didn’t have to wear the pink socks,” Wyatt said loudly enough so that Xander, who was dancing nearby with his date, could hear him.
The other couple danced closer. “Real men are not intimidated by wearing pink,” Xander said to his brother.
“You’re such a stud, Xander.” Wyatt said dryly.
“Y’all behave now,” I warned them as Xander and his date moved father away.
“What are you doing this evening?” Wyatt asked me.
“Well I have to help clean everything up after the reception ends, and make sure the gifts get taken care of—”
“No,” Wyatt interrupted me gently. “I meant what are you doing tonight? You’ve worked your ass off today, I thought you’d like to go out to dinner. With me.”
“That’s a lovely offer, but honestly I’m going to be wiped out. The only thing I had planned was to put on my pajamas, eat pizza, and crash on the couch.”
Wyatt tugged me slightly closer. “How do you feel about Chinese takeout?”
“That sounds like heaven.” I said even as my stomach growled.
Wyatt frowned over the noise. “Haven’t you eaten today?”
“Early this morning.”
“You didn’t eat with the wedding guests, did you?”
“Why would I do that?” I frowned at him. “I’m working this event. I’m not a guest.”
“Magnolia,” Wyatt said softly. “Autumn and Duncan would be horrified to hear you say that.”
“For heaven sakes, I am here to work. Thomas is paying me extremely well to make sure today goes off without a hitch.”
“Well someone has to make sure you eat today.” Wyatt tilted his head to one side. “Why don’t I come over around six o’clock tonight—with supper?”
“Make that steamed shrimp and mixed veggies and you’ve got
