Summer's End (Wildflowers #5) - Jill Sanders Page 0,54

dementia,” he suggested. “But from what I’ve heard about her, I wouldn’t put anything past her.”

“But to drug someone. How would she get her hands on something that powerful? What would she use to make him act so… out of character?”

He pulled out his phone. “Let’s see if I can find out. At least until the doctor gets here.”

They stood in the corner, waiting for the guests to be called in for dinner while he searched the internet for possibilities.

When they sat at the massive table, which easily sat all fifty guests, he leaned closer to Aubrey and whispered. “There are lots of things that could cause this. Most likely it’s some form of benzodiazepine. Guess we’ll have to ask the doc when he gets here. Maybe he can do a blood test?”

Suddenly, a bell rang, which immediately got everyone’s attention. Bridgett smiled as every eye turned to her. At this point, Harold looked like he was going to fall out of his chair and slide to the floor. He’d lost most of his coloring, but the odd thing was, he’d heard a few guests joking about how bad he looked. It seemed like no one else cared about Harold Smith.

“Thank you.” Bridgett stood up and then nudged Harold, who immediately jumped up and held his glass, which was filled with a dark liquid. “Harold and I wanted to thank each and every one of you for being here to celebrate this important day with us.” She nudged Harold again, who jumped in.

“Yes.” He cleared his throat and then nodded. “I know it’s not customary for me to have people over, but I couldn’t contain the joy of sharing this news with my friends and family.” Her father’s eyes turned towards Aubrey, who sucked in her breath.

Aiden reached under the table and took her hand.

“It’s my pleasure to announce that I’ve asked…” Her father shook his head as if trying to remember Bridgett’s name. “Bridgett,” he finally said, “to be my wife. She’s said yes.” He promptly sat back down as he finished off his drink.

There were a few claps in the group, but for the most part the table was silent.

“We’ll be married in a week,” Bridgett finished with a smile, ignoring the tension around her. She held her glass higher. “To true love,” she said and drank quickly before sitting down next to Harold.

The fact that not a single person lifted their glass told Aiden that he wasn’t the only one feeling the awkwardness of the situation.

“Is it true?” asked the man sitting on Aubrey’s other side.

She shrugged. “It appears so.” She glanced at Aiden. He could tell she was growing weary of the game.

Guilt hit him full force about the game he was playing with her. It was no wonder she was afraid of making commitments with her heart. The man that had raised her was void of emotion, even in an altered physical state.

Just as the main course was served, an older man stepped into the room, glanced around, and then made a beeline towards Harold. Aiden knew immediately what was about to happen next when Bridgett’s eyes grow huge at the sight of the other man.

“This should be a fun show,” Aubrey said before standing up.

Chapter 17

“What are you doing here?” Bridgett almost squealed the question as Dr. Williams stopped beside Aubrey’s father. “Harold and I don’t want you here.”

“I’m here at the request of a family member,” Dr. Williams responded, dismissing Bridgett altogether. “Harold, why don’t you and I step into your office for a chat?”

“He’ll do no such thing.” Bridgett stood suddenly, knocking over her chair. Immediately, an employee came and righted it.

“John,” Harold said with a slight shake of his head, “I didn’t call you.” Her father glanced in her direction.

“Dad? Let Dr. Williams take a look at you. Something’s not right.”

“He’s perfectly fine. Probably just a little tired from all the preparations for tonight’s party.” Bridgett placed a hand on her father’s shoulder and held him in place.

“You are…?” Dr. Williams turned back to Bridgett.

Bridgett looked a little put out, now that it was official that they were engaged. She probably expected word to go out to the entire world about their engagement.

“Harold and I have just announced our engagement.” She held up her hand and showed the doctor the massive rock on her finger.

Aubrey smiled when the doctor covered his laughter with a cough. “Then I’m sure you want to make sure your soon-to-be husband makes it to the altar.”