Tease (Cloverleigh Farms #8)(87)

“Well?” I asked, turning in a circle. “How do I look?”

“Perfect.” Millie’s eyes were shining.

“I love that dress,” Luna gushed.

“Yes, even the hair isn’t bad.” Hallie nodded her approval. “I like it!”

I took one final look in Millie’s full-length mirror and had to admit I’d never felt so pretty. Maybe I didn’t have Winnie’s golden hair or Millie’s curves, but I was me, and I looked good. “Thanks, you guys.”

“I thought the party was a surprise,” said Luna. “How come you know about it?”

“Because Winnie can’t keep secrets,” Hallie reminded her.

“Shhh.” I held a finger to my lips. “We’re going to pretend I didn’t know. You all look wonderful too. I’m so glad you’ll all be there tonight.”

A moment later, there was a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it!” Both younger girls took off running for the stairs. The next thing I heard was loud squealing and clapping.

My sisters raced out of Millie’s room. I took one last look in the mirror, picked up my tiny evening bag, and carefully wobbled out to the top of the stairs. I held onto the banister and started down, but I only got halfway before I saw Hutton standing at the bottom, looking up at me.

My breath caught. He wore a black suit, white shirt, and the blue tie he’d worn to the reunion, the one that matched his eyes. His hair was combed in that movie star way that made my insides dance—although that one contrary piece had sprung loose—and his scruff was trimmed close.

Best of all was the way he looked at me.

“You’re so beautiful,” he said quietly, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Thank you.” I reached the bottom, and he took my hand.

“He rode here in a carriage, Felicity!” Hallie jumped up and down, clapping her hands.

“With two white horses!” Luna added, pushing the door open for us.

I looked at Hutton, my mouth agape. “Is this true?”

He shrugged. “I heard that was how billionaires got around back in the day.”

Laughing, I stepped onto the porch and sucked in my breath, bringing both hands to my cheeks. “Oh my God!”

At the curb was an open white carriage, the kind tourists rent to be driven around town during the summer, harnessed to two beautiful white horses.

“Our driver’s name is Alfred,” said Hutton, offering his arm. “And he did warn me that it will take a little longer to get to Abelard by horse than by car, so we should probably get moving.”

“Wait, let me take a picture!” Millie raced back into the house and came out with her phone.

We posed for a few photos, then Hutton helped me into the carriage. The driver tipped his hat in my direction. “Miss.”

“Hello, Alfred,” I said. “Nice to meet you.”

“We’ll see you there!” Winnie called, while Hallie and Luna looked wistfully at the carriage. “And remember—you never knew about the party!”

I laughed and blew them a kiss. Hutton climbed in next to me and sat down. A moment later, we were on our way.

I took his hand in mine. “I cannot believe you did this. For someone who doesn’t like to be the center of attention, this is insane. Are you really Hutton French, the friend I’ve known for fifteen years?”

He laughed. “Yes and no. I’m really Hutton French, but I don’t want to be just your friend anymore.”

“Good. Because I’m wildly in love with you.”

His eyes traveled over me. “You’re stunning, Felicity. I know I have to share you with a lot of people tonight, but I can’t wait to take you home.”

My face warmed. “I missed you so much while you were gone. I hated sleeping alone.”

“You don’t ever have to sleep alone again, if you don’t want to.” He took my hand. “I meant what I said last night. I want to love you forever.”

“That’s what I want too.” Scooting closer to him, I rested my head on his shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around me. The sun was warm on my face, and I closed my eyes. “So what now? Should we just pretend like we’ve decided to postpone the wedding? We can always say that Millie couldn’t—”

“Hey.” He gave me a squeeze. “How about we just enjoy the ride for now?”

I smiled. “Sounds good to me.”





About thirty minutes later, the carriage turned into the driveway of Abelard Vineyards. I sat up and smoothed the full skirt of my dress.

That’s when Hutton groaned. “Oh, Jesus.”

“What?”

He pointed a little way up the drive. “Looks like our public is here to greet us.”

I looked up and started to laugh. The Prancin’ Grannies, all decked out in their pink bedazzled shirts, lined either side of the gravel road, waving and shouting. “Hello! Congratulations! We’re so happy for you!”

I recognized Gladys as I waved back and smiled, calling out, “Thank you!”

“One of them—Mona—is married to Alfred,” he explained. “That’s how I arranged this so quickly.”

“Wow, you and the Grannies are tight these days,” I teased.