not really welcome.” She frowned.
“You are always welcome,” Finn insisted.
Their eyes met for a moment. So many emotions registered on her face—pain, hope, and resolve. He didn’t like the idea of people being rude to her. She deserved a fair chance to carve out her place in the community.
“Thanks, but in some places, I’m not welcome.” She shrugged. “I think after Miller’s full day at the parade, I’ll take him home and hang out. I might be able to see the fireworks from the porch. I heard that it’s supposed to be clear tonight.”
It surprised him how much he hated the idea of Hale spending the evening alone. Giving it no thought, he spoke. “Meet me at the party. I’ll walk in with you and that way the bitches won’t be able to say a word.”
Her voice was slightly above a whisper. “Finn, that’s very kind, but I need to handle this on my own. You being with me would cause too much talk. But thank you, it’s a very kind offer.”
Suddenly, he was mad at himself and his town for hanging onto the past. He liked her, especially when the memories from past didn’t interfere. So far, everything he had seen and heard about Hale painted a picture of a caring and kind woman. Jesus, he was as bad as those asses who were giving her a hard time. Leave it to Hale to turn his world upside down once again.
“I know that many of us would like for you to come tonight. It’d be good to catch up with old friends. Please think about it and try to come.” He made a mental note to talk to the Bentons today to make sure they would offer to meet Hale at the door. The three of them could help shield Hale from any rudeness that might be directed at her.
“I’ll see how tired Miller and I are. How’s that?” Her smile lit up her face.
“Sounds good.” He could hear Lily Rose’s footsteps running down the stairs. Glancing at the clock on the microwave, he did mental math.
Lily Rose raced into the kitchen. “You stayed.” She hugged his thigh.
“I waited to say good-bye. I’ve got to go but I’ll look for you in the parade line up. OK?” He ran his hand through her silky hair.
“OK, Miller and I will look for you, too.” She squeezed his leg tighter.
“Love you, baby.” He dropped a kiss to the top of her head.
“Love you, Uncle Finn.” She let go and skipped to Hale’s side.
“Hope you have a fun day.” Hale dropped her arm around Lily Rose’s shoulders. “Maybe I’ll see you tonight.”
He stopped at the back door and turned to look at the two girls. “I hope you make it.”
The ladies said in unison, “Bye.”
****
“This is gonna suck. I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Hale grumbled as she parked her SUV in the nearly full parking lot behind the repurposed old mansion often used for upscale parties. She took off her sunglasses and looked into the rearview mirror, making sure that her eye makeup had not smeared during the drive. “OK, I can do this,” she chanted as she strode to the front door. The coolness of the air conditioning hit her body, and she rubbed her arms to lessen the goose bumps that immediately appeared.
“There you are, I thought you might chicken out.” Jasmine lightly kissed her cheek then stepped back and eyed her appearance. “Yes, I like the pants, you look dressy, yet comfortable.”
Hale had spent the better part of an hour sending photos to Jasmine’s phone of possible clothing choices. After much consideration, they decided on white pants with wide legs that flowed as she walked and a white sleeveless sweater with gold and silver metallic threading throughout. She wore gold flats to give her feet a break after walking the parade route today. She had let her dark hair dry naturally, so her waves made it both sexy and soft. She added a few gold rings and bangles to complete the look. “Thank God, no heels, my feet and legs are still aching. Standing on pavement is a killer.”
“Suck it up, beauty is painful, or that’s what my mama always says.” Jasmine laughed.
“I think I’m ready, let’s get this over with.” Hale felt the flutter of nervousness, but she was here, so why put off the inevitable?
Jasmine grasped her arm and steered her toward the ballroom and the party. By the time they entered the room, they had