Will’s father was a tall man who shared features with his son butin a more imposing sort of way. He gave her a tight smile that contradicted his words. “Nice to meet you.”
“We really need to have a proper family meal, dear,” Emily Grand said to Will. “It’s preposterous that this is the first time we’re all sitting down together.”
When she stepped back, Will whispered in Lexi’s ear, “Preposterous,” making Lexi laugh.
His grandparents were both elegant and adorable. His grandmother was a tiny woman, barely up to Lexi’s shoulders, dressed in a Katharine Hepburn–style dress while his grandfather looked like an older version of Will’s dad, distinguished in his tuxedo.
He charmed her immediately, giving her a hug instead of a handshake. “I told William, you’ll know when you know. When she’s the one, it’ll just hit you differently.”
A little kernel of longing lodged in her heart at the mention of her being Will’s one.Stop. It’s a fairy-tale night, not a real-life fairy tale.
Once the introductions were made, they’d only just sat when a waiter appeared by their sides to take drink orders. Champagne flowed as the Grand family shared memories of the store and its history all while saying hellos and chatting with people who stopped by their table. It’d been just her and her mom for so long Lexi had sort of forgotten what it was like to have a bigger tribe.
When her father was alive, her parents had multiple friends. They enjoyed hosting dinners and game nights. When people came over, their house was filled with food and laughter and love. The love was still around, but there was definitely less of the other two.
Which, Lexi realized as she sat here now, was an absolute shame. They hadn’t just lost her dad. They’d lost so much more.
“You okay?” Will leaned in, his fingers dancing along the line of skin between her shoulder and neck, sending shivers over her body.
“I am. This is wonderful.”
“In small doses,” he whispered.
She laughed. “Be grateful. You’re a lucky man, Will.”
Using his index finger, he turned her chin toward him. “I am grateful. For them and for you. I agree. I’m a very lucky man.”
The heat in his gaze warmed her from her toes to her head.
“Quit making googly eyes at each other,” Kyra said, leaning over into their space. “You’re making me jealous.”
Will pretended to push Kyra’s face back with his hand, making her and Lexi laugh.
“You’re a lucky woman, Alexandria. No annoying siblings.”
“Until now. Now she has us,” Maddie said from across the table.
“I apologize in advance,” Will said and the others laughed.
Lexi laughed along with them but inside, she reminded herself that as real as this was, it was also pretend. She wasn’t marrying this man. She wasn’t going to join his family even if she got to know them. Their limo wouldn’t turn back into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight but William Grand wasn’t her prince. This was a fairy tale Lexi had inserted herself into and when Will’s infatuation ended or the truth came out, she’d be alone again. He’d brought so much into her life. It would be so easy to let herself believe it could always be this good or better. What would have happened if Cinderella hadn’t married the prince?
Lexi listened to the Grand siblings, Rachel, and Will’s grandparents laugh and joke as more people filled the room. His parents sat rather stiffly, joining the conversation when spoken to but they didn’t seem to be in a very celebratory mood, whispering back and forth to each other. She liked that the others didn’t let it dampen their night and that they pulled her into the fold so easily. Like she belonged there. Lexi chose to believe that even if Cinderella hadn’t ended up with the prince, she would have found her happiness on her own terms. When all of this was over, she’d do the same.
Twenty-nine
Will chatted with an acquaintance he’d known for some time but his gaze kept wandering to Lexi, who was listening intently to whatever Kyra was telling her as they browsed the silent auction table. The money would go to charities. As much as his mother got under his skin at times, she was doing wonderful work in the community. The tension at their table hadn’t been easy to ignore but the food was excellent and his grandparents already seemed enamored with Lexi. Maddie fidgeted with her linen napkin, her shoulders ramrod straight, her expression guarded even though he could see Rachel was doing her best to make her laugh. The plan was for Will’s dad to give a speech wishing the company a happy birthday, Will to honor his grandfather and grandmother and their success, and his grandfather to announce Maddie taking over as CEO, followed by a few words from his sister.
He and Kyra had tried to soothe her nerves but their father’s snide comments since Granddad told them hadn’t made it easy. Will was just happy to enjoy one of these things without feeling like his mother had him on some sort of eligible bachelor display. But he didn’t like seeing either of his sisters worked up over something that should be a celebration.
Excusing himself from the conversation, which he was doing alousy job listening to, he headed Lexi’s way. She captivated him. The way her hair was swept up off her neck, exposing delicate skin he’d explored with his mouth. The way she played with the snap on her clutch, opening it and closing it, a tiny tell no one else would notice but one reminding Will that no matter what she showed to the world, she wasn’t entirely comfortable in this setting.
He’d just about reached Lexi, locked eyes with her, felt that spark of lust and something much deeper that happened every time they were together, when someone said his name.
He turned to see Nigel, the fiancé of Lexi’s friend, striding toward him. From the corner of his eye, he saw Lexi’s look of recognition morph into nerves only to be immediately smoothed out again into a welcoming expression.
“How’s it going?” Nigel said, a bright smile on his face. The guy was polished and friendly. Will had enjoyed talking with him at the party and he knew Lexi enjoyed reconnecting with Jackie even though there was hesitancy in her tone the times she’d brought up her old friend.
Will shook his hand. “Great. Thank you for coming.”
