Page 32 of Finding Home

“The bar can go over there.” Elle directed them to set up the bar at the edge of the tent.

“I’ll get Terry and Jasper from the truck. We’ll bring everything over.” Todd nodded and then smirked at Noah. “Don’t worry Prince Charming, your minions got this. You go flirt.”

“He’s either the very best or the very worst employee,”Elle mused as Todd sauntered away.

“He’s actually my business partner.”

Elle barked out a laugh. “Some partner.”

“His constant verbal gut punches keep me from getting too full of myself.” Shrugging, he scanned the space and let out an impressed whistle. “This place looks great.”

“It’s going to look even better tomorrow. So, are you the bartender tomorrow? Should I have complicated drink requests ready to stump you?”

“Nah. It will be Todd and Jasper. This is our first time bartending an event, so I just wanted to make sure setup went okay. We’ll have wine from the Wine Down and some of the beers from the brewery,”he explained, tapping the top of the chair and pulling it out for her to sit. He dropped onto the one across from her. “Not to be too nosey, but I noticed last nightyour family still calls you Eleanor. Have you asked them to call you Elle?”

“No.” She shook her head.

To them, she would always be Eleanor. Asking them to use her preferred name bubbled the worry inside her. Like somehow being Eleanor to them and Elle to everyone outside of Perry kept the two worlds separate. Kept her separate. Even though, she allowed Carmen and Mathew to call her Elle… And asked Noah and Clayton to call her Elle. Somehow that seemed different, less risky.

“So, they don’t know to call you Elle, then.” Knowledge shimmered in his stare, like a secret he held of a truth she didn’t want to yet share.

Noah Wilson was far more perceptive than she and others believed. That charming smile hid a deep well of understanding.

“So, you’ve been running with Clayton I hear.”

“He’s told you about our runs?”Her tone reminiscent of a teen asking a friend if the boy they like talked about them in PE.

“He’s mentioned them.”

Her cheeks heated. “Clayton showed me some safe running trails. Keeps me off the roads.”

“Makes sense. He wouldn’t want you running on the roads.”

The solemn expression on Noah’s face provoked a wave of realization to crash into Elle. “Is that how Evan died?”

Noah nodded. “He was hit by a semi-truck while jogging. When Nat called, I jumped on the first flight. I had just been discharged from the Marines and was living in San Diego. Clayton was working in Ithaca.” He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “I think Clayton blames himself a little for not being here. I know”—he raised a hand to stop her protest—“he shouldn’t, but you know Clayton. He has this drive to take care of the people he loves. He’s like a golden retriever, loyal and protective.”

Words always failed her in moments like this. She had a sprinkling of memories of Clayton from high school. A few of the effervescent Natalie from day camp. But only one of Evan. Two years younger, with an easy smile, swinging Elle across a square-dancing circle in PE. Anyone could see that Evan was a happy kid.

Noah sighed. “It was hard for him, Nat… the whole family.”

The desire to wrap her arms around Clayton filled her. Hugs were a temporary balm, she knew that, but the urge filled her.

“Thank you for being there for him.” She reached across, taking his hand in hers. “I’m glad he has you.”

“I’m glad he has you,” Noah said, his voice hopeful.

Does he have me?The thought stole Elle’s breath.

After rehearsal, the crew headed to the Sea Serpent, a nautical-themed restaurant on the lake. The guys had opted for casual cocktails and small bites served in the lounge on the restaurant’s first floor.

“Lady Eleanor.” Jerome greeted her with a bow, followed by a bear hug.

Despite the strangle hold, she scanned the room. Pure magic, with lit candles and greenery. The burnt orange and purple of the setting sun streamed in through large windows overlooking the lake.

“Lord Jerome.” She backed out of his embrace and dropped into a small curtsy.

“Looking lovely as always, milady.” He affected a British accent. “Let me get a gander at this outfit.” He let his gaze flow over the simple yet sophisticated lavender maxi-dress she’d decided to wear.

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