Page 147 of Enticing Her Love

“We’ll see.” He downed his drink. “Suddenly I’m thirsty, too.”

Flynn sidled up to her as Wells walked away. He slid an arm around her waist, speaking low and gruff into her ear. “Did you see me with that baby?”

“Yes. I think my ovaries exploded.”

“Mm. Did it give you any ideas?” He palmed her ass.

“Are you thinking about babies already?”

“Not yet, but I’m looking forward to honing our baby-making skills later.”

She turned toward him, grinning. “I like the way you think, Braden.”

The music stopped, and they both looked toward the stage, where Alexander Silver was stepping up to the microphone. He was distinguished-looking in his designer suit, with thick dark hair, silver at the temples, broad shoulders, and chiseled features, and he had a commanding presence. “Good evening. It’s nice to see everyone tonight. I hope you’re enjoying yourselves.”

As applause and a few whistles rang out, Flynn hugged Sutton against his side and said, “This should be fun. Come on.” They made their way over to their families on the other side of the room.

“Before I bring Mayor Osten to the stage to announce the winners of the silent auction, I’d like to thank everyone who bid tonight,” Alexander said. “As you know, all proceeds will benefit the Silver Island Hospital. Let’s give our medical workers a round of applause for all they do for our community.”

Another round of applause rang out.

When the din quieted, Alexander said, “Without further ado, please join me in welcoming Mayor Patrick Osten to the stage.”

As everyone clapped and cheered, Tara’s humble father made his way across the stage waving, his cheeks pinking up. Mayor Osten had short brown hair, a little extra weight around the middle, and he always had a kind word at the ready. He cleared his throat and waited for the crowd to silence. “It is my pleasure to announce the winners for tonight’s auction.” He put on reading glasses and pulled a piece of paper out of his suitcoat pocket. “The winner of the weekend retreat at the Silver House is Saul and Nina Barker.”

Applause rose around them as the sweet older couple made their way up to the stage to collect their gift certificate. They stood with the mayor for a picture, before heading off the stage. Mayor Osten read off several other winners of a case of wine from their family winery, dinner at Wells’s restaurant, a chartered fishing trip, and more, working his way up to the larger items.

“The next item is very special. Many thanks to bestselling author Jock Steele for donating it.” Mayor Osten motioned for his wife to carry the item up to the stage.

“What?” Jock said loudly. He leaned closer to Daphne. “What did we donate?”

“Congratulations to Davis Barrington, whose family owns the Silver Island Gazette,” Mayor Osten said as Tara’s mother hurried across the stage carrying Jock’s treasured antique typewriter. “Davis has won this beautiful antique typewriter.”

Applause and cheers rose from the crowd.

“That’s my typewriter! I didn’t donate that!” Jock fumed. “That was from Harvey Fine! It was his wife’s.”

“Shh,” Daphne pleaded. “It’s for charity, and you can use the computer. It’s just taking up space.”

Jock’s voice rose above the crowd. “Daphne. How could you do that? You know how much it means to me.” Baby Hank started to cry.

“You’re scaring the baby.” Daphne started crying.

“Hold him,” Jock demanded. “I’m getting my typewriter.” As they argued, Sutton and Leni ran over to try to calm Jock down, and Mayor Osten continued announcing winners.

“The Steeles have been awfully generous this holiday season. This next item is from my future son-in-law, Levi Steele,” Mayor Osten said as Robert Osten wheeled Levi’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle into the room. “The winner of this shiny Harley is Wells Silver!”

As whoops and cheers filled the room, Levi hollered, “Who donated my bike!”

“I did!” Tara said. “We have a baby and Joey. You don’t need the bike anymore.”

“I’m a frigging Dark Knight,” he seethed. “I need my bike.”

Gasps rang out around them.

“You’re embarrassing me.” Tara started crying.

“You don’t need your bike, Dad!” Joey yelled. “You have us!”