That still happened after four years together.
He crossed the lobby immediately.
“What happened?”
“I’m okay.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
I almost smiled.
“Dad happened.”
Julian looked past me toward the ballroom.
Then noticed my ring.
Not
on the chain.
On my finger.
He looked at me.
“That’s new.”
“It shouldn’t be.”
“No.”
His thumb touched the band.
“It shouldn’t.”
He did not ask whether I wanted him to confront anyone.
That was one reason I loved him.
Maren approached carefully.
“Hi.”
I turned.
“Julian, this is Maren.”
“The bride.”
Julian smiled.
“Congratulations.”
Maren looked embarrassed.
“Thank you.”
“And apparently you’re my brother-in-law.”
“Apparently.”
Then Victor appeared.
He was halfway through the ballroom doors when he saw Julian.
His posture changed immediately.
Professional mode.
Respectful mode.
The version of Victor reserved for people he considered important.
“Julian Mercer.”
Julian nodded.
“Victor.”
“What brings you to Rosemere?”
Julian looked at me.
He let me answer.
“He came for me.”
Victor smiled as if he had found a way to restore control.
“Evelyn, please tell me you didn’t summon legal counsel because you fell into a fountain.”
I looked
