Page 33 of Maggie

Maggie forced a laugh. She swallowed hard and tried to not look guilty.

Wylder interrupted, “Aubrey. Stop meddling.”

“What?” Aubrey asked.

“Don’t pressure her.” He turned to Maggie. “You can come to dinner if you want, but you don’t have to.” He slid his hand into Maggie’s and squeezed.

Her gaze met his. She said, “It’s okay. I like your family. I’d love to come to dinner.”

A smile touched the corner of his mouth and he nodded. “Okay.”

“Well that settles that,” Aubrey said. “I’m making my special stuffed chicken for dinner so you’re in for a treat.”

Maggie grinned at Aubrey. “That sounds great.”

Aubrey beamed at her.

The wedding party walked into the room with lots of photo flashes and chatter accompanying them. The flourish reminded Maggie of paparazzi. Kelsey rushed over to take her place at their table.

“Maggie, when are you leaving town?” Kelsey blurted out as she slid into her chair.

“On Saturday. Why?”

“Can you come to a party so I can show you off to all my friends?” Kelsey had the most innocent look on her face.

Maggie laughed. Wylder smirked and slid a hand over his mouth to hide his laugh. Audrey turned bright red. “Kelsey, no,” Aubrey said. “Absolutely not. Maggie is a person. She’s your uncle’s girlfriend, not a party favor to show off to your friends.”

“Aww man.” Kelsey pouted.

“I’m coming over for dinner tomorrow. Bring your posters and anything you want me to sign, okay?”

Kelsey perked up. “Really?”

“Really.”

Soon, Wylder’s mom joined them and the rest of the bridal party — minus Kelsey — found their way to the dance floor for the first dance. The band played a mid-tempo song. Several guests applauded and joined the couple on the dance floor.

The event looked like a formal ball. Maggie almost expected Cinderella to appear in a fancy gown and glass slippers.

Wylder kept holding her hand, but moved their fists to rest on his thigh. Maggie saw several glances and hushed conversations from other guests, but no one had approached them to say anything. She’d have to up the game soon so they made a good impression.

Maggie sipped her champagne and noticed Wylder drank water. “Not drinking?” she asked.

“Nah. I’m driving later. I won’t risk drinking before I do. Don’t worry about me, though. It doesn’t bother me if you drink.”

She leaned toward him and whispered in his ear. “I’m not drinking if you aren’t. I’ve noticed some people watching us so I’m going to turn up my affection, okay?”

“Okay.”

She laughed as though he’d said the funniest thing, kissed his cheek, and settled back into her seat. One-handed, she switched her champagne glass for an empty one and filled it with water.

“So Maggie, why are you in town right now?” Wylder’s dad asked.

“I’m visiting my dad and stepmom for a couple of weeks.”

“You live elsewhere, right? What are your plans for after your visit?”

“I’m not sure yet. I live in New York City. My band is on a break for a few months then we go back on tour.” Maggie winked at Wylder. “I might be persuaded to stay in town longer, but we’ll see.”

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