Page 34 of Maggie

Wylder’s dad gave her a knowing look. “It’s great if you can stay. But don’t let Wylder tell you he can’t leave, either. He can go with you if that’s what you both choose.”

“Oh?” Maggie asked.

“Dad,” Wylder hissed.

“He’s had this idea in his head for years that he needs to stay in town for whatever reason. His tattoo studio or his family or something like that.” He held up one hand in a surrender gesture. “Don’t get me wrong. We love to have him. But he’s got more flexibility than he believes. If you two want to go to your place in New York for a while, there’s no reason he can’t. Don’t let him tell you otherwise. He may want to set down roots here, but it doesn’t have to happen yet.”

Claudia smacked her hand against his chest. “That’s enough of that. Butt out of Wylder’s business.”

He patted his wife on the hand and drank a sip of his champagne. “You’re only saying that because you don’t want him to go anywhere.” He leveled his gaze on Maggie, his eyes a similar color to Wylder’s. “Seriously, Maggie. Don’t let him have any excuses.”

Maggie glanced at Wylder, who looked irritated, and smiled at him. “We’ll see what happens.” She squeezed Wylder’s hand.

The first dance ended and people returned to their seats. The band stopped playing and the wedding party took their seats at the head table. Soon, someone tapped a knife against their cup and announced that traditional toasts were up next. The audience listened attentively as the father of the bride, man of honor, and maid of honor gave their usual speeches and everyone toasted to them.

When they were done, servers wheeled small carts around the room and passed out dinner.

The flash of a camera caught Maggie’s eye. A quick glance showed her that someone was using their cell phone camera to take her picture.. She leaned toward Wylder and put her hand on his chest. She brought her face beside his cheek, smiled, and kissed his cheek. She saw another flash from the corner of her eye.

“You’re about to be all over the tabloids,” she whispered in his ear.

He turned his head to whisper in her ear. “I’m not worried about it. Being photographed with you may be the highlight of my year.” He chuckled.

His gaze flicked to her mouth then back to her eyes. He licked his own lips, almost as though he wished they were hers. After a moment’s hesitation, he smiled toward the camera and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. Not quite a kiss, but enough to show intimacy to the camera. Though she knew it wasn’t real, happy butterflies fluttered in Maggie’s stomach.

He leaned back, watching her. She smiled shyly at him.

They settled back into their seats as the servers arrived at their table with dinner. Efficiently, covered plates were passed around the table. They thanked the servers and uncovered their meals. The delicious aroma of chicken cordon bleu tickled Maggie’s nose as she uncovered her plate. Mini roasted potatoes and roasted green beans accompanied it. She had to commend the caterer; the food looked picture perfect. She pulled her cell phone out of her clutch and snapped a photo for social media later. She’d have to find out the name of the catering company and tag them in the post.

Someone tapped Maggie on the shoulder. She turned to see one of the musicians standing behind her — a tall man with thick glasses who wore a suit. “Are you Maggie Simmons?” he asked.

“I am. Who are you?”

“My name’s Carlisle. I’m a huge fan.”

Maggie smiled at him and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, Carlisle.” He shook hands with her.

“Can I get a photo with you?” he asked.

“Sure.”

Carlisle adjusted so that he stood over Maggie’s shoulder. She grinned for the camera as he snapped a selfie with her.

“Thank you,” he said, fiddling with his phone.

“You’re welcome. Maybe I’ll see you in the crowd at our next show.”

He beaned. “Count on it!”

Carlisle left with a smile.

Maggie turned back to her meal to find everyone at the table staring at her.

“Does that happen to you a lot?” Aubrey asked.

“All the time. Not as often as it does for other members of my band but yes, regularly.”

“Doesn’t it drive you crazy?”

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