Page 104 of Getting Lucky

“That’s because they’re at the spa, dear.”

“I know, but Finn thought they’d be done by four.”

She shook her head. “No, the issue with the ostrich and the marbles put them behind schedule. The girls will be here shortly before six.”

Ostrich and marbles? Jack knew there was a story there, but now didn’t seem like the time to ask. “And Prescott?”

Her lips pressed together. “I would hope the man would have the decency to stay away, but no one ever accused him of possessing decency, so I suppose he’ll show up around six-ten.”

That sounded about right.

“If you need help, River should be here shortly. Since Georgie is running late, Adalia said she would bring her and Iris.”

River was the second to the last person he wanted to see, Prescott being the first.

“Where’s Maisie?” Dottie asked, glancing around.

“Good question,” Jack said, walking over to the table that would hold the appetizers. He straightened the perfectly aligned chafing dishes.

“Isn’t she coming?”

The thought of seeing her unleashed butterflies of anticipation in his stomach, but their wings were quickly crushed. “I’m sure she is, considering she’s River’sbest woman.”

“Oh dear,” Dottie said, disappointment and then acceptance filling her eyes. “You know.”

He turned around to face her. “That Maisie’s been in love with River for half her life? Yeah, I got that bit of news this morning.”

Dottie grabbed his arm and pulled him over to one of the few tables with chairs. “Sit.”

“Dottie, I don’t really have—”

“Sit.”

Since Dottie rarely gave orders, let alone in a stern voice, Jack knew better than to refuse.

She lowered into the chair next to him and held his gaze.

“Our Maisie likes to put on a tough front, but she’s more vulnerable than most people realize.”

“I know all about the situation with her parents, Dottie.”

She gave him a look of reprimand, and he regretted interrupting.

“Maisie was there for River when his mother dropped him off in Asheville. She was his friend and defended him when some of the children made fun of him for being behind in school. She helped him catch up too. They were best friends all through school and then past graduation. River struggled to find his way, and she stood by him when others didn’t. In turn, he was there for her after her parents died.”

“I know most of this, Dottie.”

“Maybe so, but I’m not sure you understand it all. Maisie lost her way after her parents died, and it was River who helped keep her afloat.”

He closed his eyes. He really didn’t want to hear how much River meant to her.

“Jack.”

He gave her his attention.

“River and Maisie will always share a special bond. If you can’t accept that, then you’re not the man I thought you were. Georgie knew if she wanted her relationship with River to work, she’d have to accept it.”

“She knew how Maisie felt from the beginning?”

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