Chapter 5: Through Her Lawyer

I looked at the ring between his fingers.

In my first life, I'd taken it.

I'd thanked him.

"No," I said.

Easton's hand stayed in the air.

"I'm not apologizing for telling the truth," I said. "And I wouldn't marry you if you came with the port."

Somebody at a back table laughed and turned it into a cough.

"Keep the ring," I said. "She'll be giving it back to you again soon."

Easton's face went from pink to white.

Tinsley pressed her fingers to her mouth.

"Winnie, please. Everyone's watching."

"I know," I said. "That's the first thing today that's been my idea."

Quentin took a step toward me.

Then the ballroom doors opened at the far end.

Simon Clancy walked in with two people in dark suits behind him.

He didn't look at the Lathrops or the flowers or the champagne tower.

He came straight down the middle of the room to me.

The guests moved out of his way without being asked.

Quentin found his manners first.

"Simon. We weren't expecting you. This is a private family event."

Simon didn't answer him.

He stopped at my side, close but not touching, and bent his head a little.

"You don't have to be nervous," he said, low enough that only I could hear. "I'm only doing my job."

His face was the same as it had been behind that potted tree two Christmases ago.

Calm. Hard to read.

The only person in that room who'd brought me something warm.

Then he straightened up and spoke to everyone else.

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