“What should I pick up for Willow?” he leaned closer to my face as he spoke.
I stared up into those crystalline blue eyes and felt my heart start to speed up. Wait, what had we been talking about? I scrambled to remember. Oh, we were talking about food! “Willow can share mine.”
For a second I thought he was going to lean in and kiss me, but the song ended, and regretfully, I stepped back from Wyatt. “Thank you for the dance,” I said with a smile, making my way off the dance floor.
I checked in with the caterer who was packing up, and the bartender to see how his supplies were holding. I picked up a couple of water bottles and took them over to the two security officers, who more than appreciated the gesture. Slowly, I made the circuit around the reception again, checking to see how the dessert table was fairing. The cakepops were almost gone, so I shifted the remaining ones to the front of the display.
Willow giggled, and turning, I saw her dancing out on the floor with the flower girls and their parents. The gift and card table was fine, and I didn’t imagine anyone would try anything with a police officer and security present. I worked my way around the reception tables again, picking up empty glasses and reminded folks to be sure and sign the guest book.
I’d just handed the empties to the bartender when a couple who were about to leave passed me a card for the newlyweds. I assured them I would see that the bride and groom received it. Walking over to the gift table, I dropped the card in the big decorated birdcage. Violet had decorated it in silk flowers and white organza ribbon, and it was almost filled with cards.
“This turned out to be a charming day, even if their wedding theme and décor is horribly tacky.” The snide voice was female, low, and husky.
A striking brunette stood beside me. She wore a short, chic, black dress, killer heels, and a matching cambric cloche style hat. I didn’t recognize her, and my instincts screamed that this young woman was not an invited guest. “Can I help you, ma’am?”
“Oh lord, that accent.” She rolled her eyes. “How utterly white-trash you sound. I’d heard some poor little Southern cousin had arrived in William’s Ford, and moved in with the Drakes…you must be Magnolia.”
“That’s right.” I smiled politely even as my stomach tightened.
“So tell me,” she continued. “How does it feel to have the family treat you like hired help? But then again, you’d be used to working in the service industry, wouldn’t you?”
Her insults didn’t faze me. I studied her carefully, and wondered where she’d come from. For some reason I’d felt like I’d seen her before. She was definitely new to the reception, because I would have spotted the big black hat and designer dress immediately among the guests. Her haute couture outfit stuck out like a sore thumb in a sea of pretty and casual spring colors and pastels. My gut said wedding crasher, but there was something familiar about her…
“Let me offer some friendly advice,” the woman said. “You’re going to want to leave William’s Ford. Things aren’t working out for you here.”
“On the contrary.” I folded my arms across my chest. “Things are going wonderfully.”
“I’ll only warn you this one time,” she said. “Pack up that brat in your trashy car, and get out while you still can.”
Before I could respond, Wyatt walked up holding out a fresh bottle of water. “Magnolia, I brought you…” he trailed off as he focused on the young woman in the hat. “Leilah.” His voice was flat and hostile. “What the hell are you doing here?”
She flashed a sly smile at Wyatt. “I simply had to see this fiasco for myself.”
“You aren’t wanted here.” His voice was tough as nails.
“Oh.” The woman’s mouth moved into a faux pout. She managed to hold it for a moment, but started to laugh. “I have to say, I was very disappointed not to have been invited to cousin Duncan’s wedding.”
Wyatt’s whole body language had changed. I’d seen enough drama at weddings to know when a nasty scene was about to cut loose. “This is a private event.” I stepped smoothly between Wyatt and the woman. “Since you’ve admitted that you weren’t invited, ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” Taking her firmly by the elbow, I looked for the security personnel. Catching their eye, I motioned for them to come over.
The woman threw back her head and laughed. The husky sound cut through the reception and several people stopped, looking over toward us at the same time. Oh no you don’t, I thought, and began to steer her out, even as security hustled forward.
She dug in her heels and began to struggle. “Let go of my arm or I’ll put you on your ass.” Her voice was low and mean.
I had no doubt she’d try to do as she threatened. What she wanted was to make as big of a scene as possible, and I was determined not to give it to her. I wrapped my left arm tight around her shoulders, and pulled her snug against my side as if we were close friends. “Aren’t you precious?” I flashed a smile that was all teeth and no mercy, even as I kept her moving.
I felt her muscles tighten and had no doubt she was about to pull an epic stunt, but Diego Vasquez stepped in and took her other arm. “Don’t even think about it, Leilah,” he said.
The woman gasped and was silent. I wasn’t sure what Diego had done, maybe hit a pressure point on her arm or something, but it worked.
Security caught up to us a moment later and we passed her off to their capable hands. The two men moved to either side of her. Each taking one arm, they lifted, and hauled her
