She opened her mouth to protest, but he stopped her. “They are a gift to you because you are my friend.”

Her heart stung when he said friend. She knew that they didn’t have a formal relationship outside of the fact that she was carrying his child. The knowledge didn’t stop the fact that she was falling in love with him.

Saturday came quickly. Her heart thundered in her chest and she gripped Micah’s arm tightly as they walked into the room packed with people. She tried to catch her breath as she looked around at the elegantly decorated ballroom.

Angie rushed up to them, pulling a tall handsome man behind her. She hugged Micah and then Lucy. “This is my mate, Noah. This is Lucy.”

Lucy shook his hand and smiled.

“We’re sitting at the front table,” Angie said. “Flora, Conner, Jade, Marvin, Olivia, and Zac are sitting with us. I wanted Lana and Paul, who run the animal sanctuary to sit with us, as well, but they didn’t want to be in the limelight.”

Dinner was announced and everyone took their places. The food was delicious.

“This is almost as good as Vera’s,” Lucy said.

“I would have paid to have her cater the event, but I think that this would be a bit overwhelming for her,” Angie said. “I have to agree that Vera is the most amazing cook ever.”

“You do a great job,” Noah said. “I love it when you cook.”

She smiled at him, the love in her eyes was evident. Lucy wondered if her feelings for Micah were as obvious.

Noah leaned over and kissed Angie.

“Ech. Get a room,” Flora said.

The dishes were cleared and the DJ geared up for the dance. Micah led Lucy to the floor for the first dance. Their bodies moved in perfect time to the music. Lucy felt as though she was in heaven with his arms wrapped around her.

Rose grabbed her arm when the dance ended. “You look so beautiful. That dress is perfect for you.”

“Thank you. You are gorgeous,” Lucy said. “I know where Micah gets his good looks.”

The older woman grinned at Lucy. She leaned over and whispered, “You two make the perfect couple.”

Lucy wanted to protest that Micah didn’t see her that way, but kept her mouth shut. Now wasn’t the time to talk about Lucy’s heart.

She glanced over to see a man glaring at them with his arms folded across his chest. Rose followed her line of sight.

“That is Gavin, Micah’s father. He is… well. Gavin is a hard man. Don’t let him worry you.”

Rose hugged her again and then rushed off to talk to Angie.

“She is very busy and full of energy,” Lucy said.

“Mom has always been that way. I don’t remember her sitting down much when I was a kid.”

Conner and Zac walked over and, after greeting Lucy, started talking about a fishing trip. Lucy wandered over to the punch bowl and got a glass. She looked at everyone dancing, mingling, talking, and joking. The whole scene was surreal. She felt like she was watching a movie.

Her thoughts were interrupted by obnoxious perfume and an annoying voice.

“What are you doing here?” Caroline asked, snottily.

Lucy briefly closed her eyes and sighed. Her stomach knotted. She hated confrontations. “At the moment, I’m having a glass of punch.”

Caroline made a sound of disgust. “Why are you at this event? Why did you come?”

“I was invited.”

“You aren’t welcome here. You don’t belong. You are making a complete fool of yourself,” Caroline sneered.