Page 76 of Always a Bridesmaid
This one she’d let consume her, though.
All her life, she’d sought this type of unconditional love from men. First her father, then her boyfriends, and particularly with Benjamin—probably because he’d come the closest. Maybe even because she thought he was the closest a person as scattered as herself could get.
With Maisy, Violet wouldn’t ever have to worry their relationship was one-sided, which made it that much easier to say, “No need. I’ll think about it.”
Chapter Sixteen
So far, the table where kids could decorate their own cupcakes had been a smashing success. A messy one, and now several children were sugared up and running around like overgrown hummingbirds, but a win—and a nice moneymaker—nonetheless.
“I still can’t believe you got Lottie to agree to this,” Maisy said, slinging an arm around Violet’s shoulders. “It was such a relief not to have to decorate them all.”
After watching Maisy stress all morning, Violet had suggested that instead of a cakewalk, they should let people frost and decorate themselves. Maisy replied that it was a genius plan, one that would make her life easier, but that Lottie would never go for it.
So Violet had trudged over to the craft store to convince the woman.
“That’s what sisters are for. Scaring old ladies into agreeing with them.”
“It’s like you took on the witch from Hansel and Gretel and won. Seriously, you need to teach me your secrets.”
Funny enough, Violet had learned quite a bit about Lottie. For one, she’d never cared much for Mayor Hurst’s policies or his “holier-than-thou attitude.” This came out after Violet informed her that while the mayor was her father, she was an Abrams. It was the first time she’d felt like not being an official Hurst in Uncertainty had helped instead of weighed her down.
Nevertheless, when she’d told Lottie “We’ve decided to forgo the cakewalk in favor of having kids decorate their own cupcakes,” fire had flared in the depths of the woman’s eyes.
Old Violet might’ve backed down. The new version was working on Ford’s who-cares-what-others-think method.
“We already have the cakewalk circle of chairs set up. Tell Maisy to have the prizes there by five. Doors open at six.”
“Here’s the thing…” Violet worked to remain firm as her insides trembled. “I’m not asking. Having the kids decorate will keep them occupied, and they’ll still walk away with a treat. I’ll drag a table in myself if I have to. Maisy is a new mom, and she’s running a business by herself. I’m not going to add more stress to her plate, and neither will you.”
The way Lottie’s jaw hit the floor made Violet think no one had ever challenged her before. At long last, the woman had nodded and snatched the cup of coffee and bag with the bear claw from Violet’s grasp.
Now, out of the corner of her eye, Violet caught sight of Ford. When she’d texted earlier to ask if she’d see him at the bazaar, he’d claimed it wasn’t really his scene, so she hadn’t expected him to show. Thanks to the arduous day, it seemed like eons instead of hours since she’d seen him last.
He looked damn good, too, all big and burly, and that freaking swagger…
Desire heated her veins, catapulting her pulse to a primitive rhythm, and she barely refrained from sprinting over, throwing her arms around him, and claiming him as hers in front of everyone.
It’s only been one night.
One amazing night.Plus the other times they’d hung out, but she wasn’t sure those counted, since they’d been more friendly with flirting than flirting with intent.
What if he wants to keep us on the down low?Her stomach wrenched at the idea, the assertiveness she’d gleaned earlier today wavering.
His eyes locked onto hers, and time lost all meaning…
A slow smile spread across his face, and he changed directions on a dime, heading her way. Butterflies overtook Violet’s internal organs, their flailing wings stirring up hope and returning her courage.
“Well, what do we have here?” Ford asked once he reached the table.
“We’ve been busy decorating.” Violet gestured to the cupcakes in front of her. “Want one?”
“Does anyone ever actually say no to that?”
“Can’t say I’ve run across anyone yet.”
His gaze remained on hers as he leaned closer. “Gimme some sugar.”
Violet met him halfway, but instead of kissing him, she picked up a chocolate cupcake and jammed it into his mouth. Too late, she realized it was similar to a cake cutting at a wedding.
