“So, you’re looking for an Emily, you said?”Austin asked, then turned to Jesse.“Did I meet her? I must have met hundreds of people tonight. Jesse knows everyone.”
“Olivia’s daughter. You met her. When we checked out the history alcove.”
“Ah, the young girl with the green dress and red hair. Yes.”
“Oh, could you two excuse me for a minute? I see Mr. Jeffers over there. I need to talk to him for a minute about the rehearsal dinner cruise for his son and his son’s fiancée next week.”
“Sure, I’ll help Livy look for her daughter.”
Jesse walked away, and she and Austin stood awkwardly at the edge of the ballroom.
“So…I guess I should look in the alcove. She’s probably there explaining all about the hotel’s history to anyone who will listen.”
“Actually, I think she’s headed our way.”Austin pointed through the crowd.“Isn’t that her?”
Emily rushed up to them.“Mom, there you are. Are we still going to stay longer? Please? There are still so many people coming by the alcove. I want to stay there and talk with them.”
“Yes, we can stay longer.”
“Thanks, Mom. You’re the best.”
“Emily, did you meet Mr. Woods? Austin, this is Emily, my daughter.”
“I did. Ithink. I met a lot of people.”Emily laughed.
An infectious grin spread over Austin’s face.“I know the feeling. I’ve met so many people tonight. You have the advantage of at least knowing the townspeople.”
“And I think everyone in town came tonight.”Emily’s eyes shone with excitement. Her daughter would remember this night forever.
“I’ll see you later, Mom.”Emily turned and took a few steps before twirling back toward them.“Oh, bye, Mr. Woods.”
“Good night, Emily.”Austin smiled easily and turned to her.“Your daughter is charming.”
“She’s…well, I think she’s very special. She helped put together the history alcove for the hotel. She’s quite the history buff.”
Austin glanced around the crowd.“So, if you’re staying for a bit, would you like another glass of champagne?”
“I do think I’d like that.”
He snagged two glasses from a passing server and raised his.“To meeting new people.”
“Lots of them.”She laughed as they touched glasses.“I could introduce you to some more if you’d like.”
“I think I’ve hit my limit. I hope no one expects me to remember their names.”
“Like mine?”she teased.
“Livy. I’ve got that one.”He rewarded her with a wide grin.
And his eyes twinkled. But maybe that was just the lighting in here? She tore her gaze from his face.“So, have you been to Moonbeam before?”
“Nope, first time. I needed to get away for a bit and decided to come here and look up Jesse. He offered to let me stay with him at his cottage.”
“He still has that cottage over on the beach, doesn’t he?”
“He does. Great view. Do you live on the beach?”
“No, I have a house on the canal system. Complete with an old boat that we putter around in.”
