Page 40 of A Crane Family New Year

“If she doesn’t succeed, I have a feeling Zander will finish what she started. I’m man enough to admit that I don’t know what he’s feeling. I think you owe him that courtesy as well.”

“But Jaylyn said?—”

“Jaylyn is not Zander. You’ve been a great friend to Isabella over the years. You’ve run her business and given her good advice. You’re there for her. Always.”

A tear trickled out of her eye, and she swiped it with the pocket square.

“She’d return the favor if she knew what you were wrestling with tonight. As it is, you’re stuck with me.” He squeezed her shoulder gently. “You are never, ever in the way, do you hear me? And if my cousin says you are, tell me so that I can set him straight.”

She felt her bottom lip tremble. Not only was what Eli was saying sincere, it was also the best advice she’d received tonight.

“Now pull yourself together. You can’t greet the new year in tears.” He hugged her around the shoulders with one strong arm and then pressed a kiss to her temple. “I won’t allow it.”

“I guess I can stay another ten minutes.”

“Lucky for you.” He walked with her down the hallway toward the party. “That’s all we’ve got.”

Chapter Twelve

10 minutes ’til midnight

Zander slipped his cell phone into his inside jacket pocket as he stepped into the party. He did a quick search for Chloe but came up empty. The room was choked with guests either leaning on high-top tables or dancing—but he didn’t see her sparkling silver dress among them.

He spotted Jaylyn first, or rather she spotted him. She was sharing the bench with the keyboardist. She shot her arm into the air for an exuberant wave, and he instantly forgave her for not coming to check on him as promised. He’d meant it when he said he didn’t want her worrying about him.

“Zander!” He turned to find Isa rushing over to him. “Have you seen Eli?”

“No. Have you seen Chloe?”

“No.” Her forehead scrunched as she scanned the room. Suddenly a slow smile pulled her full lips. “Yes.”

He turned and spotted Chloe arm in arm with Eli, who was tucking a pocket square into his jacket. She smiled up at Eli, but Zander could see that she was nervous. Her hands were clenched together tightly, her purse wedged under one arm.

“Why don’t we say hello?” Before he could answer, Isa had grabbed his hand and was dragging him toward the doorway. Eli and Chloe met them halfway.

“Hello,” Zander said to Chloe. Her cheeks were pink. Her eyes were sad. What had happened during the time he’d spotted her in the hallway until now?

“Hi.” The brief smile she offered was insincere.

“Sable.” Eli slipped one arm around his wife’s waist. “Look who I found wandering around the mansion.”

A loud male laugh lifted on the air, and they all turned toward the dance floor. Eli was the first to speak. “Is that Dad?”

Zander looked over to where Uncle Alex was indeed dancing with his wife, Rhona. Cheek to cheek, the two looked cozy.

“They sneaked in about twenty minutes ago. They came from another party,” Isa said. “Wild kids.”

“Well. We can’t let them show us up.” Eli turned to Zander and Chloe. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to dance with my wife.”

“And then he’s going to kiss me at midnight,” Isa said. “We won’t be leaving right away. Take all the time you need.”

“Thank you,” Zander said, even though he assumed Isa wasn’t talking to him. He might need more time.

Eli and Isa joined Merina and Reese, Rachel and Tag, and other couples on the dance floor. They crushed in with Alex and Rhona, all laughing and smiling.

“The perfect way to end the year,” Zander said to himself. Happy—the way every year should end…and begin.

“I was on my way out,” Chloe admitted. “Eli encouraged me to stay.”

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