Page 64 of Love Me Sweet

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

Sylvie lost track of Andrew half-way through the party. After dining on pork and an assortment of fancy salads, they’d dug into the cake. Then it was time to do some serious mingling.

While the term “pig roast” might have conjured up a more casual image, this prenuptial dinner was no more a backyard barbecue than Sylvie was a blueblood.

The large open area behind the John and Dori Campbell’s massive ranch home opened onto federal land and provided a stunning view of the mountains. The rich green of the perfectly manicured lawn was interrupted at strategic locations by bright patches of colors, the fall flowers adding their fragrance to the scent of pine.

As the nights were turning dark earlier, the backyard had been draped in hundreds—probably thousands—of lights strung from large poles wrapped in silver and gold ribbon, interspersed with flowers.

Linen tablecloths in a rich platinum shade covered the long tables where the guest dined off fine china with sterling silver utensils and sipped the finest wine out of crystal glasses.

Sylvie had expected the wedding party and their ‘plus-ones’ to be in attendance, as well as Josie and Noah’s family. She hadn’t expected half the population of Jackson Hole. Even the mayor, Tripp Randall, was there with his wife, as well as his parents who were friends of John and Dori.

Kathy Randall cornered her when she was getting a ‘Crazy Coyote’ Margarita. “Have you thought any more about joining us?”

“I’ve thought about it.” Sylvie took the frosty drink that reminded her of a morning sunrise and considered. She could continue as she had been, focusing primarily on her business. Or she could continue her recent forays into becoming part of the fabric of Jackson Hole. “I’d love to be part of your group.”

“That’s wonderful news.” Kathy turned to the young man in the black pants and white shirt working the drink machine and smiled brightly. “I’ll take one of those, too, please.”

She slid a companionable arm around Sylvie’s shoulders. “I’m so glad you moved here.”

* * *

“That was nice of her to say,” Andrew commented when Sylvie told him of her conversation with Kathy.

“She meant it, too.” Sylvie expelled a satisfied sigh.

He was glad she was enjoying herself. They’d become separated after eating. Once Andrew had found her again, he’d taken her hand and guided her to the far end of the yard where a weathered fence separated the lawn from the wildlife area.

He knew this was her friend’s party, but Josie was busy with her groom-to-be and Andrew wanted some alone time with her. Probably because of their earlier conversation, he felt unsure and apprehensive.

The knowledge that October 1 was only a week away had blown him away. He’d begun to feel as if he’d been in Jackson Hole forever and having the real world intrude had been a rude awakening.

“Are you having fun?”

He hooked his boot on the bottom rail and slanted a glance in her direction. She sounded worried. She looked worried. He thought about teasing her but decided to be honest. “These are nice people.”

“I saw you speaking with Tripp. He’s Kathy Randall’s son.”

“He’s an interesting guy. Did you know he used to manage a large health system back east before he moved back to Jackson Hole?”

“I didn’t know that.”

“He’s very progressive when it comes to the health needs of those who live in Jackson Hole.” Andrew turned to face Sylvie. “Talking to Tripp made me realize how isolated I’d become from the medical community in Boston.”

“Well, that won’t be a problem for much longer.” Though her tone was light, something in her eyes warned of an approaching storm.

He inclined his head. “What do you mean?”

“When you return you won’t be practicing medicine anymore, will you?”

He reached out for her, intending to what? Reassure her that he wouldn’t be leaving? As much as he wished that didn’t have to happen, he knew he’d be returning to Boston. But if he had his way, she’d be coming with him.

It was odd how it had all worked out. He’d come to Wyoming in order to get to know her better so that he could move on emotionally. Instead, he was more deeply in love with her than ever.

The thought of spending the rest of his life without her was intolerable. He’d convince her to come with, there was no alternative.

Now, however, wasn’t the time to push that request. Tonight, they would enjoy the evening. Then they would go back to Boston, together.

---