Yet, she did.
Before the conversation could continue, Ford rang the metal triangle, sending out a loud clanging sound that called everyone to dinner.
“Oh, good. I’m starving,” Capri said, heading that way.
The aroma of sizzling steaks wafted through the crisp mountain air, mingling with the delicious scent of roast beef slowly cooking in a buried pit nearby. The grill crackled and hissed, each pop releasing a burst of smoky fragrance that promised a feast to remember. Tables groaned under the weight of homemade sides: creamy coleslaw, tangy baked beans, buttery cornbread, and crisp garden salads topped with fresh vegetables. The scent of barbecued ribs, smothered in a tangy sauce, mingled with the sweet smell of corn on the cob, roasted to perfection.
As partygoers lined up with plates in hand, conversations floated on the breeze—neighbors catching up, friends sharing laughter, and children’s excited chatter. The clink of utensils and the clatter of plates blended with laughter and the sound of crickets chirping rhythmically from the grassy edges of the clearing.
Lila caught sight of Reva’s loyal assistant, Verna Billingsley. She waved, and Verna waved back.
“Hey, Verna. How’s it going?” Lila asked.
The older woman shook her head. “Well, the office rebuild project finally got finished. It liked to have been months working in all that dishevel.”
“Reva said you were a real trooper. That you kept right on top of the construction effort and everything that entailed,” she said, hoping the compliment might erase the sour look on the woman’s face.
Verna harrumphed. “Somebody had to. Jumping through government hoops is a real trial…know what I mean?”
Lila suppressed a laugh. In this case, the government was Reva and a town council that rarely crossed her. She doubted the project had been held up with red tape.
As the sun began to dip behind the majestic Teton Mountains, casting a warm golden glow over the gathering, the sounds of contented chatter started to fade. Plates were emptied, and satisfied sighs could be heard as guests leaned back in their chairs, savoring the last bites of their hearty meal.
The aroma of grilled meat still lingered in the air, but now it was joined by the soft strumming of a guitar. The band, positioned under a rustic wooden pavilion, began to tune their instruments, drawing curious glances and eager smiles from the crowd.
Slowly, the hum of conversation quieted, replaced by the anticipatory hush that always precedes the first note of live music. With a final, harmonious chord, the band signaled the start of the evening’s entertainment, and the guests began to shift their attention, ready to enjoy the next phase of the celebration.
Nick Thatcher took Charlie Grace by the hand. “I think that’s our cue to dance.”
She smiled back at her boyfriend before following him out to the floor. As they swirled to the music, the crowd applauded and cheered.
“You go, Charlie Grace!” called someone from the crowd.
Kellen found his way to Reva, Lucan in his arms. “Will you do me the pleasure, Mrs. Warner?” She granted him a wide smile. “I thought you’d never ask.” The three of them moved to the dance floor where they began swaying to the music.
Capri spotted her mom and stepdad across the way. She scrambled over and grabbed the handles of his wheelchair. “Sorry, Mom. This dance is mine.” Her eyes twinkled as she wheeled her cancer-ridden stepfather onto the makeshift dance floor and whirled him around the wooden deck to the tune.
When the song ended, Dick reached for Capri’s hand. He patted it with an appreciative look on his face. Even from a distance, Lila could see him mouth the words, “Love you, sweetheart.”
Lila’s eyes were drawn back to Whit, who seemed to be scanning the area, looking for someone. Before she could turn away, he caught sight of her and started heading in her direction.
“Oh no,” Lila whispered to herself, trying to edge away, but it was too late. Whit reached her side, his blue eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.
“Evening, Lila,” he said smoothly. “Enjoying the party?”
“Trying to,” she replied, her voice curt.
Whit didn’t seem fazed. “Well, let’s say we make it even better. Would you care to dance?” He extended his hand, and Lila stared at it for a moment, her mind racing.
Dancing with Whit was the last thing she wanted to do. But before she could form a proper excuse, her feet betrayed her, stepping forward. She took his hand. The warmth of his grip sent a jolt through her, and she felt an unexpected flutter in her chest.
As they moved to the makeshift dance floor, Lila was acutely aware of the curious stares following them. Whit’s hand settled at her waist, pulling her slightly closer, and she had to remind herself to breathe. The music swirled around them, and despite her initial resistance, she found herself relaxing slightly.
“You look really nice tonight,” Whit said softly, his voice barely audible over the music.
Lila’s heart skipped a beat. “Thanks,” she managed to say, feeling a blush creep up her neck. She glanced up at him, and for a moment, she saw past the polished exterior to the man underneath. His eyes held a sincerity that took her by surprise, and she realized once again that Whit Calloway was undeniably attractive.
As Lila swayed in Whit’s arms, she felt a warmth spread through her. His hand resting gently on her lower back sent shivers up her spine, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek was oddly comforting. Every step they took together felt like a silent conversation, a promise of something unspoken yet deeply understood.
