The Scarlett Legacy (Woodland Creek)(42)

Evie’s smile almost faltered. She blinked. “You remembered that?” She now wished she could remember him from that time that wasn’t that long ago.

Avalon definitely had layers. If the circumstances had been different she might have explored them.

But not today.

“And you look amazing. What are you supposed to be?”

Evie cracked her best smile and accepted the champagne he handed to her.

“A swan,” she lied. Her gaze swept over the room, focusing on the aerial dancers that hung and spun from the ceiling.

“Wow.” She took a sip. “It’s quite a party… and the service here is spot on. And easy on the eyes,” she said with a wink at Avalon.

Avalon chuckled. “Why thank you. I saw you enter and swiped two flutes off the nearest server tray. Did you have fun with Quinn?”

She nodded and scanned the room. Clusters of immaculately dressed guests filled almost every inch of the room. The room was lit with crystal chandeliers that looked as though they were passed down from royalty. Even the servers were remarkable. All dressed in black with white masks that covered their eyes, the servers looked as though they’d each had a cover in Vogue Magazine.

Avalon did appreciate beauty.

“I did. Thank you for letting me see her.”

“You can see anyone you want. Except your family, of course.”

Tensing, Evie avoided letting him see the scowl on her face. She couldn’t even visit her brother to make the curse had been completely broken.

She changed the subject. “What a great turnout. Woodland Creek folk love their costume parties.”

He held out his arm and she accepted. “I’ll take you around to meet a few important people.”

“I thought I was supposed to be the one to show you around?”

“I took it upon myself to get to know the important people in my town. I am a businessman after all.”

Evie flashed a smile. She was going to need more alcohol to keep up such a fake act.

“Well, I hope you know some important people that can help me out.”

“Why? What happened?”

She shrugged. “My car broke down and I really need a tow truck.”

He looked concerned. He covered her hand with his. “How did you get here?”

“I walked.” She drank her champagne and handed the empty flute to a passing server. Picking up another glass she flashed a smile to Avalon. “It’s no big deal really. It’s just annoying.”

“Tell me where your car is and I’ll have it towed to my mechanic. He’ll take good care of it.”

“Thank you. You have your own mechanic already?”

“I do,” he said. “Come, meet Mayor Stone.”

Evie followed along, her mind racing despite her cool expression. Her eyes flickered up to the aerial dancers again. She envied them. Her urge to run outside and fly away nearly overcame her.

She hoped her plan would work.

“Sure. I’d love to meet the mayor,” she said.

“Evie?”

Her smile was wiped from her face when she turned to look at who called her name.

Paling, Evie’s face turned to horror. She let go of Avalon’s arm.

“Parker!”





EVIE’S VOICE CAME OUT in a startled shriek when she called out to Parker.

Avalon’s eyes darkened as he looked at her former fiancé.

Evie didn’t care. She dropped her clutch of Avalon’s arm.

No one else mattered at that moment.

Parker was like a beacon of light and hope. Seeing him stand before her in a black tux surprised her. His blonde hair looked to be professionally styled. Smooth cheeks and chin meant that he’d also shaved; something he normally neglected.

What was up?

Parker’s smile gave her butterflies. That smile was for her. He reached a hand out, beckoning her.

Am I dreaming?

She dared to believe that she was forgiven.

Evie’s lips parted as she stepped to him, her eyes full of so much love that she hoped he could see it.

“Hi, baby,” Parker said, both of them ignoring Avalon.

As if floating on air, Evie took Parker’s hands and allowed herself to be pulled so close to him that their chests pressed together.

Looking into his eyes, Evie felt tears sting hers.

“Parker,” she said in a soft voice. “What are you doing here?”

He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her deeply.

“What is going on here?” Avalon took a step to Evie but was stopped by a perfectly manicured hand.

Evie glanced back, shock filling her eyes as she watched her mother lock arms with Avalon.

“Mother?”

“Evening, dear.” Adelaide gave her a wink and returned her attention to Avalon, who looked furious.

“Listen now, Avalon,” Adelaide whispered. “Let’s not make a scene in front of the entire town of Woodland Creek.”

Avalon’s scowl faded as he looked around to see that everyone in attendance quieted and stared at them.

Evie couldn’t help but smile when Wesley and Olivia entered the room, hand in hand, and dressed in regency era attire.

They smiled at her, giving her a nod.

Avalon noticed them as well.