Page 167 of The Duke Who Saved Christmas
Apparently, Aunt Hilda wasquitethe dancer.
“The bride and groom will now retire while we set up for the evening, so don’t go thinking they’ve ditched us. They’ve still got a very long night ahead of them dancing with you miserable lot.” Steve grinned. “Just before they go, I’d like to express my most heartfelt thanks to a very special lady, without whom, this wedding would not be happening right now.” He looked over at me and smiled warmly. “Sylvie Harding, my wonderful daughter-in-law’s older sister, maid of honour, and wedding planner. It’s no secret that the last few weeks have been disaster after disaster, and I know I speak for us all today when I assure you everything would have fallen apart without her. From minor crises to major disasters, she’s navigated them all without complaint and with true professionalism. That is to say, if you’re getting married, you should absolutely hire her.”
My cheeks flamed, and I touched my hand to one side of my face as everyone laughed, and a few cheers were sent in my direction.
Steve smiled, raising his glass. “Thank you for making their dreams come true, Sylvie.”
Ahh.
I was never very good at this part.
Still, I stood and accepted the toast, tilting my own glass in the direction of the top table. Taking credit for it all seemed wrong—it wasn’t as if I’d pulled miracles out of my arse, nor was I solely responsible for making sure today was as successful as it had been so far.
I’d had help.
A lot of it.
Especially from the one man who would never, ever admit he was behind it all.
Hazel appeared at my side and kissed my cheek. “He’s in the corner. Staring at you. Like he has been all night.”
My breath caught, and I snapped my gaze towards her. “What are you—”
She squeezed my hand. “You’ve given me everything I ever wanted, Syl. Now chooseyou.”
“But, I—”
“You’re off-duty, sis.” Julian grinned, wrapping his arm around Hazel’s waist. “Everything is done, and Heath can more than handle all this. Enjoy yourself for once.”
“After the first dance,” I said quickly. “Then, I promise I’ll put down my clipboard and have fun.”
“You better.” He glanced across the room. “Because I know there’s someone hoping to dance with you tonight.”
My cheeks flushed with heat once again, and I turned my face away from them. “Aren’t you two supposed to be resting? Stop teasing me, or I’ll have the DJ play Ms Carey’s greatest hits.”
Hazel gasped. “Don’t you dare!”
“Then take yourhusbandbefore he makes me do it.”
“We’re leaving!” She grabbed Julian’s tie and yanked.
He coughed, making her loosen her hold. “She wouldn’t do it.”
“She would!” Hazel grabbed his sleeve instead. “Shesowould!”
***
“You did good, birdie,” Gramps whispered, leaning into me and wrapping his arm around my shoulders as we watched Hazel and Julian laugh their way through their first dance together.
“Thanks, Gramps.” I smiled, settling into his gentle embrace. “Bloody glad it’s over, though.”
He chuckled. “You and me both.”
Cassandra and Dad took to the floor as the song ended, and the music instantly changed to the one Hazel and Julian had chosen for the respective dance. Thirty seconds or so passed before Mum and Steve joined them, followed by Julian’s brother and his girlfriend.
Gramps nudged me and winked as I felt someone step up beside me.
“Would you mind if I stole her for a few, Gramps?” Thomas asked.
