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“Oh!” She hadn’t expected that question! And yet, hehadasked her for the first dance yesterday.
“We are the only people herenotdancing,” he added slyly.
Caitey didn’t need prompting or the extra motivation. She wondered what being in Marcus Stirling’s arms would be like. That broad chest was asking her to come closer . . . if she was honest with herself, she’d been wondering for two days now. Ever since sitting at the Coffee Loft with him that first day. Despite her nerves. And the mysterious woman in the photograph.
Jenna’s story about Marcus’s past made him vulnerable and deserving of sympathy, just like everyone else. For all his confidence, good looks, and natural charm, he wasn’t immune to bad relationships. Or heartbreaks.
Just like her dating experiences, which always ended badly, or the guy just disappearing into the ether after one or two dates.
Before she could nod, Marcus had stepped in closer to take her in his arms, swaying gently in time with the music. This Navy man knew how to dance! Who could have predicted that?
Their hands fit perfectly together, and the moment she was in his arms, his other handslipped around her waist with a firm, protective grip. In high heels, Caitey could look into his face. She never remembered dancing being this personal, this romantic.
Being so close was a little intoxicating, and she stumbled slightly at the decisive moment of his presence. He held her tighter, and the stumble was barely a bobble as if he’d anticipated it, and within seconds they were in sync.
The song swirled around her, enclosing her with this man like one beat, one heart.“. . . all along, I believed I would find you . . . Time has brought your heart to me . . . I have loved you for a thousand years . . . I’ll love you for a thousand more.”
The dinner gong sounded, and the chatter crescendoed as everyone worked their way into the dining room and sat at the table.
When the group entered the dining room for dinner, dripping red candles created a second fairytale castle experience. The food was beautiful, and the atmosphere was one of joy, smiles, and laughter.
Caitey had been placed across the table from Marcus. They could gaze at one another but not speak very easily when they had dinner partners on either side who kept talking to them.
Dinner became a blur of each course, with food so delicious it melted in your mouth: homemade rolls dripping with butter, rare filets that sliced smoothly, asparagus tips, a spinach raspberry salad with vinaigrette dressing, and finally, the most delicious wedding cake.
Jenna and Logan fed each other cake and champagne, andthe easy chatter and laughing were so lovely after all of Caitey’s worries the past few days.
Caitey ate the last bite of her cake and set down her fork when she spied Logan and Jenna, beginning to make their move towards the stairs leading to the honeymoon suite.
Her cousin leaned in as she passed, hugging her. “Thank you for the best wedding ever, Caitey. I hope the snow begins melting tomorrow so you can get home . . . but of course, you can stay as long as you want.”
“I hope you make your flight to the Caribbean where your private island awaits!” Caitey told her. “It’s been a beautiful day. Congratulations again to you and Logan. May you live happily ever after as you experience all the ups and downs of your beautiful life together.”
Jenna and Logan disappeared through the doors, and all Caitey could hear was the swish of her wedding gown in the marble foyer.
She rose from the table, and Marcus caught her eye. He said, “Meet me back there,” lifting his chin to indicate a quiet corner of the dining room.
Caitey did a double take at the surprising request. The thought of meeting up with Marcus for a private conversation shot a case of butterflies straight up her stomach. Sizzles ran down her neck, and those flying butterflies were going crazy.
What was that all about?
CHAPTER 22
CAITEY
Aminute later, when she moved toward him, Marcus was grinning like a teenager. “I think we’re letting all that snow go to waste.”
Caitey laughed. “How does snow go to waste?”
“There are mountains of it, and nobody wants to go out and play. How about you and me? We’ll make a snowman. Snow angels. Walk under the moonlight.”
“Wow, Mr. Navy SEAL Man, you appear to have some romantic bones underneath that dinner jacket. But alas, I didn’t bring any snow clothing. I was wearing a short-sleeved dress two days ago.”
Mrs. Hearst passed by, overhearing the conversation, and gave them both a knowing smile. “I have snow and ski clothing and we’re about the same height. I’ll fetch them and bring them to your room.”
Shaking her head, Caitey added, “It must be going on eight o’clock and already dark outside.”
A mischievous grin spread across the man’s lips. “That means we’ll have all the snow to ourselves.”
