Page 115 of The Summer We Danced


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She looked like a dream with her dark eyes wide and serious and her little shoulders square with solemnity.

“Our favorite flower girl is wearing a delicate confection of tulle and lace,” Akari told the crowd from her perch with a microphone. “The pale blush fabric catches the light with each graceful movement, certain to delight every wedding guest.” She waited a few beats as the tempo increased, then Akari called out, “Dance for us, Nolie!”

At the expected command, Nolie extended her arms with the grace of a ballerina and pirouetted, tossing petals from her tiny basket and earning cheers and applause from the crowd. She did a few steps from the recital she was missing, but no audience could have been more appreciative.

Next to Vivien, Crista let out a small, choked sound, her hands clasped together at her chest. Anthony stood a few feet away, beaming with pride.

And they were having another! Vivien slipped her arm around her little sister’s waist and gave her a squeeze.

Nolie finished her last twirl and reached the end of the runway, her tiny hands lifting her dress as she took a bow at the applause, confident and unafraid.

It was a stark contrast to how she’d been when they arrived in Destin—shy, uncertain, struggling in ways no one had fully understood. And now? Now she looked like she belonged here, like she was shining from the inside out.

Tessa stood off to the side, pride all over her face as she gave Nolie a discreet thumbs-up. But there was nothing discreet about Nolie’s response. High on her performance, Nolie rushed into the arms of her teacher, overwhelmed by the moment.

Once again, Crista whimpered with happiness.

Vivien stood on her tiptoes, able to see her mother watching the exchange. Then Maggie’s gaze shifted and Vivien followed it, catching her make long and direct eye contact with Jo Ellen.

What was going through the minds ofMagsandJo? Could this event lead to…reconciliation between these once best friends? Or was that too much to hope for?

The music faded and the first few notes of Wagner’s classicBridal Choruslaunched the climax of the show. Everyone turned to enjoy a parade of white, cream, and pink perfection on the bride models.

“We’re starting this last group with Lumière’s ‘Seasoned Bride’ collection, with a champagne A-line worn by Dr. Katherine Wylie, a research scientist at Cornell University.”

But before she could catch a glimpse of Kate, Vivien felt a warm hand on her shoulder.

“You could have been a bride and a beautiful one at that.”

At the words spoken softly in her ear, she turned, drawing in a sharp breath at the sight of Danny Sullivan a few inches away. A whiff of a musky scent and the light touch of his fingers nearly made her sway.

“Oh, hello. I didn’t realize you were on the invitation list,” she said, letting him guide her away from the group. “You or your, uh, sister.”

He rumbled an easy laugh, his silvery eyes sparking with mirth. “Yes, Vivien, sheismy sister. I still can’t believe you thought I was some kind of conman after a widow’s bank account.”

“Shh.” She jabbed his arm, not surprised his biceps were just as strong as the ones she held only minutes ago. “The brides are coming down the aisle.”

He tried to look serious but he still smiled. “I was right, you know.”

“About?”

“Fiona. She wants you back. She’s here with a bona fide apology and a promise to let you do things your way. Mostly. I’m merely her emissary asking if you will accept these terms and return to work for her.”

Vivien inched back. “Really?”

“That is, if you want the business. I could see why you wouldn’t.”

She glanced in the direction of where Fiona sat, watching them intently. Once again, Fiona gave a slightly pathetic wave.

“I can get her to beg,” he said, “if that will seal the deal.”

She laughed softly. “No begging necessary. I’ll talk to her later.”

“Good.” He leaned in close to whisper in her ear, even though they could hear each other easily over the music. “I hope that means I’ll see you again.”

Despite the warm air, chills cascaded down her arms and all she could do was pray he didn’t notice he had that effect on her.

“I’m sure you will,” she said, trying to sound cool and professional.