“Everything is going to be fine.”
I don’t say anything because he doesn’t know if anything is going to be okay. The ride is silent, and I fiddle with my mom’s pearls, one of the few things I have left from her and take a deep breath. It isn’t long before we are crossing the train tracks and immediately the run-down homes turn into nice four-story houses.
What the hell am I doing?
We continue driving, passing huge ranches. The mountains are in the distance somewhere but it’s too dark to tell. Fifteen minutes later we arrive in front of the house. It’s plantation style home with four large columns in front. The entrance is round with French doors painted red.
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he says, bringing my hand to this mouth and kissing the top.
I give him a small smile, somewhat reassured, and nearly whimper when he lets go of me to get out of the car. He looks so handsome tonight. He is wearing black trousers and a black suit jacket with a white button-up shirt, without the tie.
Shame. I had ideas about that tie.
He opens the door for me again and holds out his hand to help me out. I slide my palm into his and stand, my heels tapping against the pavement. “You look stunning tonight, Abby. I’m a lucky man.”
His compliment makes me feel at ease. “And I’m a lucky woman.”
He holds out his elbow and stands straight. “Shall we?”
I don’t say anything, just loop my arm through his and begin walking. When we make our way up the steps the doors open, and Holly is there to great us.
“Abby!” she says happily, bursting with joy when she sees me. She gives me a big hug and I’m a little taken back, but I return it.
“Hi, Holly,” I chuckle.
“So glad you’re here. Mom and Dad are at it again, Bryce.”
Bryce groans and lays his hand on my lower back. “Let’s just get this night over with and then maybe we will never return.”
As good as that sounds, he also sounds like he is dreading tonight. Is it because of me? Is he nervous too?
“Come on, let’s eat,” Holly drags me inside by the wrist and Bryce chuckles.
“Holly, is that Bryce?”
That has to be the Mayor.
“Does he have the Police Chief’s daughter with him?” he asks from the other room.
My heart sinks. Why does he want Bryce to be with Charlie?
“I’ll explain later,” Bryce whispers in my ear.
Damn right he will.
A young woman on the Mayor’s arm enters the foyer, which is bigger than my living room, kitchen, and bedroom combined.
Hell, it’s bigger than my entire house.
There is a chandelier above my head, a butler to the left, and a double spiral staircase ahead. I’m so far out of my element, I’m in space.
The mayor is older with grey eyes and hair to match. He is wearing a pristine suit and tie and a scowl on his face when he sees me on his son’s arm. The woman on his arm is young, beautiful, and has a bit of mascara under her eyes as if she’s been crying or maybe it’s just been a long day. She doesn’t look happy though.
“Hello,” she greets with a large perfect smile. “I’m Diana. Bryce’s stepmom. Welcome, welcome. We are so excited to meet you…”
“Abigale,” I manage to say through a flaming face.
“Abigale Knight,” the May