Page 4 of Dream Chaser

“Happy anniversary!” Kate’s cheerful voice carried through the house, forcing me out of the bedroom.

As I emerged from the hallway, she gasped. “Wow! Look at you. I wish I looked this young.”

“You look amazing, Katie,” Preston said. “And you’re the mother of a beautiful baby girl. Nova could learn a lot from you.”

I clenched my fists. What exactly did he want me to learn? How to be someone I wasn’t, so he’d consider me worthy?

David hugged his wife’s shoulders. “My wife is hot. I’d ask for her number if I saw her walking down the street. Hell, I’d beg for it. Just like I keep begging for another baby…”

Kate giggled. “You, goofball. I’m not ready to have a second child just yet.”

David wiggled his brows. “Never say never. The night is young.”

Preston gestured to the patio door. “You guys can go to the backyard while I wait for Henry and Rosa. I’ve already set everything up.”

I did that, but who cared?

The round teak table and chairs I’d assembled stood next to the rose bushes I’d watered before starting a fire. Bright amber flames danced in the fire pit, casting our surroundings in a yellow glow.

In another life, with another man, this would’ve been romantic. Tonight, the setup was just another sad reminder of my failed relationship.

Kate clasped her palms under her chin, studying the bottle of merlot on ice, the charcuterie board, and the bohemian crystal goblets on the table. “Wow, Nova. Just wow. This is dreamy. You’re so lucky. Preston already told us he chose the furniture. It’s not common to find a man who cares about these things.”

I swallowed a snort. “Can’t be harder than finding a man who cares about his wife.”

She giggled. “Oh! You’re so funny.”

David glanced at the house. Preston was strolling toward us with Henry and Rosa.

“Happy anniversary.” Rosa hugged me briefly. Henry gave me a reserved smile.

“Thanks,” I whispered.

Preston pointed to the table. “Let’s sit.”

We settled into the new chairs as he poured wine into our glasses.

David grinned, lifting his goblet. “To you guys. Here’s to lots of happy years together.”

“Cheers,” I said under my breath, then downed my merlot in a few gulps.

Rosa nudged my shoulder with hers. “Stressful day, huh?”

“Nah.” Preston popped a cheese cube into his mouth, chewing loudly. “Nova’s always stressed. She doesn’t know how to relax.”

I refilled my glass. “He’s right. I forgot how shortly after we got married.”

Silence enveloped us, broken only by the fire’s crackle.

“Oh.” Katie grabbed Preston’s wrist. “I love your watch. It looks great on you.”

“That’s Nova’s anniversary present.” He studied the chrome timepiece with a proud smile. “I can’t wait to show it off at the office on Monday.”

Who knew today’s economy would improve so fast?

“I’d show mine off, too”—I leaned back in my chair—“but it’s a bit complicated.”

Rosa fluffed her blond hair, smiling with just a corner of her crimson lips. “Girl. Don’t make us jealous. Agent Provocateur? Victoria’s Secret?”