Page 147

I shrug and wave her off. “Not sure what you mean.”

“So where were you?”

“Studying the inside of a broom closet,” I say.

Her head falls back with laughter. “Were you cleaning?” she asks, then fixes my hair.

Leaning in, I whisper, “More like gettin’ dirty.”

Archer walks up behind me, wrapping an arm over my waist. “Oh, there you are.”

Now that we’re in the light, I can see how swollen his lips are and know mine probably look the same.

I snort when Gemma shakes her head. “You two need to work on not being so obvious.”

Archer choke-laughs at the realization we’re busted. Soon, we’re grabbing glasses of wine, then eating hors d’oeuvres.

We watch as Katie and Noah have their first dance, and then other couples join in.

Archer dips me, then spins me around right before kissing me. I’m not a huge fan of PDA, but right now, I want everyone to know he’s mine.

“Get a room,” Tyler mumbles as he dances with Gemma next to us.

“Oh, I have one. Already christened it,” I blurt, and Archer chuckles at Tyler’s scowl.

After we’ve danced ourselves silly, and the sun has long set, Katie and Noah cut the cake. The icing is a sweet hazelnut, and I shamelessly go for seconds. Right before I get a chance to chat with Katie, my phone buzzes. I almost forgot I had it stuffed in the secret pocket of my dress.

“Ms. Blackwood?”

“Speaking,” I say, realizing it’s my security service for the boutique.

“Just wanted to let you know the motion and smoke alarms have been tripped at your shop.”

“Oh my gosh.” My eyes widen, and Archer’s smile fades when he notices my mood shift. Every horrible scenario plays out in my mind.

“Are you able to go there now?” the woman asks, interrupting my thoughts.

“Yes, but I’m an hour away,” I say.

“Alright, I’ll inform the authorities you’ll be there soon.”

“Okay, thank you.” I end the call so we can leave right away.

“What’s going on?” Archer asks.

“My shop could be burning to the ground right now. We gotta leave.” The happiness I felt before the call is replaced with pure panic. Archer doesn’t ask questions. He just takes my hand, leading me toward the exit. We pass Tyler, and he knows something’s not right.

“My shop’s on fire,” I call out, then turn my attention to Gemma. “Let Katie know. I’m so sorry. I have to go.”

“She’ll understand, Ev. Keep us updated!”

Archer opens the passenger door for me, then goes around to the driver’s side. He starts the engine and pulls out of the parking lot.

“How could something like this happen? Everything is up to code.” I try not to cry, but my shop is my livelihood and passion.

Archer grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles as he drives us to Lawton Ridge. “I know it’s really hard to think positive, but it might not be as bad as you think. It could be a false alarm.”

I shake my head, the tears beginning to stream. “After what I’ve been through this past year, I highly doubt it.”