Page 27 of Mail Order Splash

“How does that work for a woman? Wouldn’t she know she had a child?”

“Exactly, but dirt is dirt, even if they have to make it up.”

“I need to mingle. Would you care to join me?” We paused to smile around to our guests. “See you on the other side.”

“Not at all, I have my own mingling to do. How about we meet back here in two hours to compare notes?”

“I like the way you think.” I kissed her cheek. “Oh, is Dr. Garcia coming tonight for sure?”

“He is. We can meet up with him after our duties.”

The whole Hawthorne gang from both sides were at their appointed spots or mingling except for Murphy, who was out dancing. “Started a bit early, I see.”

“Dalton, can you get the twins out here with us, for old time’s sake?”

“Murphy, you are the only one that could get them out here. I do not compare to your powers.”

“Hey, did you see the new crop of socialites are here tonight? Maybe your wife is in there.” She gestured toward the opposite of the room as she pulled me onto the floor.

“Thanks for warning me.” I inched away, trying to leave. “Who’s the one in the pink dress?”

“No idea, I haven’t seen her before. Pretty though.”

“Very pretty. She looks as polished as the others, so she must be one of them.” I managed to get away from her.

“You want me to find out for you? Girls do talk in the powder room.”

“Not necessary. I have more important things to do tonight.”

“More important than all of this?” She chuckled as I walked away.

As I made my way around the room doing the Hawthorne thing, I couldn’t resist taking another look at the girl in pink. Occasionally, she would look in my direction and smile, but I knew to not give too much attention back or, before I knew it, I’d be married to her. But, I found myself constantly looking her way.

“She appears to be here with someone.” Murphy snuck up behind me. “Go talk to her.”

“No way, not tonight. I’m trying to prove something to Kellan.”

“She seems a bit different from the others. I haven’t seen her speak to a single one of them.”

“Could be a good sign. I saw her with Aunt Victoria’s doctor friend.”

“Oh, maybe she likes older men.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

“Go dance, Murphy, you’re too much for me right now.”

Near the end of the night, Aunt Victoria waved me over to speak more with Dr. Garcia, but only after she had stood speaking with the girl in pink. I waited until the girl walked away then approached.

Why am I being shy? I’m not ever shy, you weren’t allowed to be in this family. Don’t do it, you’re proving yourself right now.

“Dalton, I have to run once again. Do not take it personally.” He nodded to the girl in pink. “This is Dr. Schaffer, a colleague, and we have a big emergency once again.”

“Hello, very nice to meet you.” She looked directly at me as if to say something more, but didn’t. “I’ve enjoyed your party although it’s been years since I had to stand in heels this many hours.”

Good to know. That means she’s not a socialite. Hold on, did he say doctor? Why does she look so familiar? Do I know her, is she offended I don’t recognize her?

“That, dear, is why I switched to kitten heels years ago. Not as flattering, I know, but ankle-saving.” Aunt Victoria put her hand out to her. “Do come back again, we have a party in two weeks. There will be plenty of people looking to invest.”

“Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind.” She looked to her side as the man she arrived with walked up behind her.

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