Page 68 of A Whisper of Summer Magic

She couldn’t trust Jackson’s interest now.

“A toast to magic.” Jackson stood up, smiling widely. “Chloe and Rustin are magic together. They found each other over a shared task, a recipe, a mystery, and a desire to create something delicious for guests, beautiful for the town, melodic for South Point Abbey’s music conservatory. Rustin wanted to feed his community. Chloe wanted to teach and entertain them. And together, kissed by magic, they melded to become not only stronger individuals, but also an unbeatable team.”

People clapped. Chloe rushed forward, spilling her champagne as she hugged Jackson and hopped a little and furiously wiped the tears tracking down her face.

“That was so beautiful,” she said. “Love is magic. There is so much magic in love and in the universe, and I know my sister Jessica has found her own magic, but”—she smiled widely—“I have two single sisters.” She held Jackson’s hand and all but dragged him across the room to where Meghan stood, pouring herself another mimosa, heavy on the orange juice as she intended to clean up after brunch and keep her head enough to confront Jackson.

She did intend to find the deed or information about G. Millie’s intention for Miss June’s property. They’d been life-long friends, and a promise was a promise. G. Millie had trusted her and Sarah.

Jackson regarded her solemnly. She held her breath and tried to order her thoughts.

“And I hope the legacy our Grandma Millie left us continues the magic of love.” She placed Jackson’s hand in Meghan’s and whispered low, “Choose happiness. It’s my wedding, and I am the bride.”

Light blue seared Meghan, flayed her open. She’d never felt more unprepared. More exposed. She wasn’t even aware of Chloe walking back to her seat beside Rustin. The brunch was held out on the riverside deck, and even with the colorful, decorated umbrellas shading the tables, the sparkle from the reflection of the sun on the river dazzled her.

“Shall we sit?” Jackson asked.

Meghan nodded. He handed her the drink she’d abandoned and laced his fingers through hers. She let him.

Sarah spoke softly about her sister and her happiness, and then it was Meghan’s turn before too many people stood up or everyone fainted from hunger. She took a sip from her drink to moisten her dry throat and stood up.

“Chloe and Rustin make it look easy,” Meghan said, hoisting up her glass. “So, here’s to the easy days, the hard days, the dull days, and the ones that sparkle and shine. To the dreams and the hopes and the fear and the whole dang fabulous package of love, and yes, Chloe, you have always been magic. Weird heirloom recipes or not. So, here’s to love and marriage. Choosing happiness andSouthern Love Spells.”

*

She wasn’t surehow she made it through brunch, smiling, acting normal. Jackson had clued in that they were through. Not that they’d been a they. She’d been a tool, a convenience.

How’d that work out for you?

“You going to tell me what happened?” He fell into step with her as she fast walked with Jessica and Storm back to the house to pack up the rented folding chairs.

Jessica’s step faltered and she looked back at Meghan and then Storm.

“We’ll get the chairs,” Jessica said quickly. “You two can catch up later.”

Traitor.

But she needed to get this part over.

She rounded on him. “You should have just told me,” she said. “No games.”

“Told you what?”

Whiskey, wearing a pink bow tie, sat nearly on Jackson’s feet, looked back and forth between them.

“You didn’t have to pretend. I would have…”

“Pretend what?” He raked at his hair, agitated. “You said you’d be honest. No secrets you said.”

“Secrets. Ha. That’s rich coming from you.”

“What’s happened from last night to now?”

“My father came by this morning. I heard him talking to Sarah about the land. You should have trusted me. I would have helped you.”

He stared at her as if she’d started speaking French. “The deed? Sarah said she still hasn’t found it. She said the land wasn’t listed in the will, but there was still a lot of paperwork for her to go through. She said she’d let me know.”

“Well, yeah, she will.” Meghan crossed her arms. “I’ll help too. You didn’t have to fake being my… friend or… whatever.”

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