Summer Nights (Fool's Gold #8)(70)

Annabelle found a seat by Charity. The city planner wore her hair in a cut bob with bangs.

“You’ve done a great job,” Charity said as Annabelle sat next to her. “I love that Jo’s opened this banquet room.”

“Party room,” Annabelle corrected. “She’s calling it a party room.”

Charity laughed. “Of course she is. I remember when I first moved here, I was so impressed by the idea of a bar catering to women. I wasn’t sure she could make the concept last, but she’s doing great.”

“I know. The first time Charlie and Heidi suggested we have lunch here, I was shocked. I’m not exactly the bar type. But it’s great.”

Charity’s brown eyes widened. “Not the bar type? Really? Because I heard you were dancing on the bar a few weeks back.”

“I keep telling everyone,” Annabelle said, exasperated. “I wasn’t drunk. I was demonstrating the dance of the happy virgin.”

“I wish I’d seen that. Will you be doing it again at the Máa-zib festival?”

“No. That will be the horse dancing. I’m just along for the ride.”

“Too bad. Because I’m guessing a lot of guys would pay to see the happy virgin dance.”

Maybe, but there was only one she was interested in showing it to, she thought.

Charity picked up her champagne, then paused. “Uh-oh. I know that look. Who’s the guy?”

“What guy?”

“I don’t know. The one making you look…” She paused.

Nevada, sitting across from them, looked up. “Sappy,” she offered. “Trust me. I know the look. I get it every time I think of Tucker. It’s humiliating, but inescapable.”

“There’s no look,” Annabelle said quickly, determined to think of something other than Shane. “No guy.”

“That’s not what I heard,” Pia called from another table. “I heard there was travel and hotel. A night at a hotel.”

Several women hooted.

“Details,” someone called out. “We want details.”

May winced. “Not too many. We’re talking about my son, ladies. There are some things a mother shouldn’t know.”

“Oh, good point,” Pia said. “But you can give us generalities.”

Annabelle sprang to her feet. “Oh, look. Heidi’s done eating. Let’s open presents.”

“I’d try champagne,” Charlie murmured, standing to join her. “You’re more likely to distract them with alcohol.”

Fortunately there was a momentary lull in the music so everyone heard Mayor Marsha say, “…bought the radio station.”

“Who bought the radio station?” Pia asked. “Why don’t I get the good gossip anymore? Is it having the kids? They’re worth it, of course, but I miss gossip.”

Mayor Marsha glanced around the room. “A very interesting man has purchased the radio station on the edge of town. His name is Gideon.”

“Oh, like the angel,” Heidi said, obviously feeling her champagne.

“Ah, no,” the mayor said. “He has an interesting past, though. I’m sure you’ll all get to meet him soon enough.”

Just then Jo arrived with the dessert and questions about the mysterious Gideon went unanswered.

After everyone finished eating, the tables were pushed back and the chairs drawn in a loose circle. Charlie collected the presents for Heidi to open.

The invitations had gone out with “Bring something Heidi will love” as the gift suggestion. Lingerie was a given, and well represented. Mayor Marsha gave Heidi a beautiful set of antique cheese molds, perfect for a woman with goats and a cheese business. May, Heidi’s future mother-in-law, had wrapped two tickets to Paris.

“For your honeymoon,” May said happily.

Heidi stared at the gift, then looked up, obviously stunned. “Paris? For two weeks?”

Charlie sighed. “Yes, and before you ask, Annabelle and I have already volunteered to look after the goats. We’ll be by in a couple of days for our milking lessons.”

Heidi wiped away happy tears as she hugged them all.

Later, while the guests created a wrapping paper wedding gown, Charlie pointed to the collection of empty champagne bottles.

“There are going to be less of those left over than we’d thought.”

Annabelle sighed. “I know, but it’s been fun. What a great shower.”

“Have a little bride envy?”

“Maybe. When I married Lewis, there wasn’t any of this. He thought it was silly and I pretended I agreed with him.”

“Shane wouldn’t mind the party and later he’d want you to try on all the sexy outfits.”

“Who said anything about Shane?” Annabelle asked.

“No one has to. We can all see it. You’re falling for him.”

“I’m not.” She sighed. “Maybe. A little.”

“Heidi swears Stryker brothers are the best,” Charlie told her.

“I don’t question his character. He’s a great guy. But he has baggage and it makes me nervous.”

“Nobody’s perfect.”

“You’re telling me to follow my heart?”