Page 102 of Full Mountie

“Oh my.”

“It’s none of our business,” he says.

“Right.”

A beat of hesitation, then he lowers his voice. “You’ll ask her about it and report back?”

“Oh, heck yeah. She’s been totally nosy about you and me. I get to turn some of that around as soon as we get back to Ottawa.”

“But don’t push. She’s prickly.”

I shake my head. “Not really. She’s more misunderstood than anything, and besides, girl talk is different. Plus it doesn’t look like Tate minds a bit. Maybe he’s into the chase.”

“They’ll sort it out.” He does a slow circle as he looks around the room. Ever vigilant. “Time to dance soon.”

“That’s what I just said to Hugh.”

“We’ll trade you back and forth all afternoon.”

And all night. I shiver in anticipation. “I’m going to get a new glass of bubbly before the official first dance. I guess you can’t have any?”

He shakes his head. “But I’ll come find you as soon as the dance floor opens up to everyone.”

We share a quick smile, then I make my way to the bar, where the bartender is filling an entire tray of champagne flutes. I snag one, then find a good spot on the edge of the dance floor.

A DJ has taken over from the classical musicians, and the speakers crackle as he begins to play Blue Rodeo, “Lost Together.”

The bride and groom keep it simple, stepping and turning a bit, but just as often simply swaying in each other’s arms.

For the next song, the DJ invites their parents to join them on the dance floor, but Gavin doesn’t switch off partners. He shakes hands briefly with her father, than sweeps Ellie back into his arms, and their parents dance coupled up. I’m not sure he’s going to let her go all night.

The couple next to me move, and the gap they leave is quickly filled by a lumberjack who sat on the other side of the room from me during lunch.

“Mr. Benton,” I say.

“Ms. Evans.”

“Are you enjoying yourself?”

“As much as anyone can in a suit.” He’s got a glass of something that looks like serious alcohol in his hand. “Would you like to dance?”

I glance across the room and catch Lachlan’s eye. He was talking to someone, but he’s cut that conversation off now and is striding toward us.

“My first dance is already spoken for,” I murmur. This is a bit reckless, really, but it’s not like people don’t wonder about us. And it’s just a dance.

“Ah.” Jack takes a sip of his drink, unperturbed. “I’ll watch, then.”

I laugh, and hold out my hand as Lachlan stops next to me. I brush my fingers against the back of his upper arm, just a glance, but it’s enough to ground me. “Lachlan Ross, you remember Jack Benton.”

“I do indeed. Good to see you again, sir.”

“I’ll be in Ottawa next week. Beth’s got me on the schedule to see your boss. Maybe you’ll join us for a drink.”

“Absolutely.”

“Well…” Jack nods. “Enjoy your dance with the lady.”

And with that, he’s gone.

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