By the time he thought of something to say, it was too late. Sophie was making a beeline across the deck toward Mr. Drury. She coaxed him onto the dance floor.

At least it wasn’t Erik. But that knowledge was small comfort in light of the obvious resentment Sophie still harbored against him.

chapter four

The rest of the evening seemed to pass in fast-forward. Sophie danced with Mr. Drury, effectively confiscating his flask. But he was already wasted, and later he bumped into one of the bridesmaids, knocking her to the sand. Sophie smoothed things over and ushered Mr. Drury back to the dance floor before he could cause any more trouble.

From there she spotted her dad and Seth in a heated discussion down on the beach. She handed Mr. Drury over to his daughter, Grant’s mother, and went to head off the conflict.

Her dad was as desperate for Seth’s forgiveness as Seth was to avoid him, and Craig didn’t know when to quit. Sophie coaxed Seth back to the party while Sheila distracted their dad.

In the middle of it all she received a scolding from Granny May. “Why in heaven’s name were you dancing with that horrible boy?”

“It was just a dance, Granny.”

“What you need is a nice young man—and it so happens my friend Dora has an eligible grandson who—”

“No thank you.” She gave Granny’s arm a gentle squeeze, then excused herself.

She had no delusions that that was the end of it, however.

All through the evening she’d been aware of Aiden’s presence, on the dance floor, mingling with the groomsmen, chatting with the newlyweds. She was having a drink with Erik when she caught Aiden’s eye across the deck. He lifted a hand as he descended the deck stairs, giving her a sad little smile.

Sophie waved good-bye and went back to her conversation, refusing to dwell on the fact that Aiden was leaving and she might never see him again. It was for the best. When Erik asked for her number, she gladly gave it to him. He was nice and fun and easy to talk to, and apparently she needed a distraction.

The party wound down over the next hour, and finally it was time to see the newlyweds off. They were traveling to the Bahamas, which had narrowly escaped damage from the storm now heading their way.

Family and close friends gathered at the limo to see the lovebirds off. As Grant held the door, Sophie gave Jenna a long hug.

“I love you, honey.” The words didn’t do justice to all the emotions bubbling inside. “Have the most wonderful time.”

“Are you sure you don’t want help with the cleanup? Sheila and Granny May offered to stay.”

Sophie was too tired to deal with her father and Sheila or Granny’s aggressive matchmaking. “I’ve got all the time in the world.”