Page 42 of Freeing Lark

“You work security?”

Grant’s eyes returned to her. “Among other things.”

Something about his attention made her want to step backward. She didn’t. Her mother, however, stepped closer. “Grant is quite accomplished.”

Lark knew that tone. She’d heard it before. Her mother’s matchmaking voice. Oh, no. Absolutely not.

“Lark is recently back in the area,” Hildi continued. “She lived in Bell Creek for a while.” She wanted to roll her eyes at the blatant lie. She hadn’t moved back home. That would never happen. She planned to be a permanent resident of Bell Creek.

“I’ve heard that’s a charming area.”

“It is.”

Grant smiled. “Perhaps you could show me around sometime.”

“No.” The answer came so quickly that Bradley coughed to cover a laugh. Hildi’s expression could have frozen water. Lark smiled sweetly. “I mean, I’m rather busy at the moment.”

Grant’s gaze lingered on her. “We all make time for the right company.”

That may have been true, but she knew deep down he would never be the right company for her. Definitely not. And apparently, according to her mother’s expression, Grant was very much on Hildi’s approved list of potential replacements for Bradley.

That was never happening. Not now. Not ever.

Fortunately, the men eventually moved on to another conversation. Grant gave Lark one last look before joining them.

She waited until they were several feet away before releasing the breath she’d been holding. Her mother drifted toward a group of society friends. With a menacing glare, she seethed, “Lark, darling, don’t disappear,” before turning away.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Hildi smiled knowingly and walked away.

Lark turned toward Wren and stopped. Something was wrong. Her sister looked beautiful. Perfect, actually.

Her gown was elegant. Her hair was immaculate. Her makeup flawless. But there was something missing. Life.

Wren stood quietly beside her, hands folded in front of her. Too quietly. “You okay?” Lark asked softly.

“I’m fine.”

Lark frowned. “You don’t look fine.”

“I’m just tired.”

“Are you happy?”

Wren looked at her. “Of course.”

The answer came too quickly. Too smoothly. Lark lowered her voice. “Wren, you don’t have to lie to me.”

“I’m not.”

“Do you really want this?”

A flicker crossed Wren’s face. Then disappeared. “Of course.”

“You know you don’t have to marry him.”

Wren’s shoulders stiffened. “Mom and Dad want this.”

“Screw them. I don’t care what Mom and Dad want.”