Behind them, there for Bennett as he always was, James stood still and silent staring at a point across the room.
Tears glistened on his cheeks.
Seeing them caused a shiver of terror down Rowan’s spine. She held her husband harder and whispered, “Stay with me. Stay with me, Bennett.”
“My remarkable, fearless Rowan. How I love you.”
She cried softly against his neck because it was the first time he didn’t promise to stay as long as he could.
* * *
The night of the gala held in honor of Bennett’s birthday, the guests consisted of the men and women who’d known him best and longest.
She was happy when Miss Jeffries arrived with Gage and Nina. The elderly woman smiled up at her and said, “You gave him a new lease on life, Rowan.”
“I need four more decades to show him how much I love him.” Looking around, she spotted Mary-Margaret and waved her over. “The three of you are my only personal guests so I put you at the table closest to the stage.”
Miss Jeffries’ eyes widened. “Rowan? We’re the only people you invited for yourself?”
Pausing in her internal list of things to do, she shrugged. “I’m close to James and Mary-Margaret. The entire extended staff is wonderful. I-I don’t form attachments easily.”
She looked out at the guests laughing and talking. “Bennett caused so many positive ripples. Mary-Margaret said she arranged for you to stay in the guest houses. If you need anything at all, let me know. I need to check with the caterer but I’ll be back in just a bit.” She quickly kissed Miss Jeffries and smiled at the others.
She was headed inside to check on Bennett when a man called, “Mrs. Jefferson?” She paused with a fixed smile on her face. “I’m Harper Delkin. I came in my father’s place.”
He extended his hand and she took it with a genuine grin. “How wonderful! Hunter’s assistant wasn’t certain you’d make it back from overseas.”
“We flew into Austin an hour ago and drove directly here. My mother is feeling strangely off the last couple of days and Dad didn’t want to leave her.”
“Please send your mother my regards. She walked me through several odd little projects. She’slovely.”
“She feels the same about you, Mrs. Jefferson.”
“Rowan.” Beaming a bright smile on the lean blonde standing behind Harper, she asked, “Are you like our James?”
The man nodded. “Elijah Eklund, Mrs. Jefferson.”
“Rowan. I insist.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I need to get inside but I’d love to talk more later.” She winked. “You know I’m going to coax a big check from you in the next two weeks so giving it to me while you’re here just makes sense.”
Harper laughed. “Every bit as focused as Bennett told us. You shall have your check, Rowan.”
They shook hands again and she practically ran into the house. Not bothering to wait for the elevator, she took the stairs to the master suite on the third floor.
Bennett was leaving their suite with James behind him as she approached the door.
She leaned up to kiss him. “I started to worry.”
“You look spectacular, Rowan. Sorry I’m late. There were a couple of little things I wanted to take care of before the party and they ran longer than I expected.”
Smoothing the lapel of his tuxedo, she said cheerfully, “Now you can make a grand entrance. The best man in the place.”
Trailing a fingertip from her temple to her jaw, he replied, “With the most fascinating woman on my arm.” His eyes flicked down and back to her face. “That gown is even more gorgeous on you than I thought it would be.”
Bennett rarely commented on her body so the words made her blush as she ran her hand over the delicate skirt of a gown fit for a princess. It showed more cleavage than usual and bared most of her back.
“Thank you, Bennett. I love it but...it’s different from what you usually like me to wear.”
Stepping closer, he put his arm around her and trailed his fingers from the nape of her neck to the small of her back. Rowan’s instant visceral reaction to his touch on her bare skin made her press against the front of his body.