Read Online Always & Forever by Chantel Rhondeau - Free Book Online

away without saying a word.
    “So you’re the famous Lilly everyone’s been talking about.” Steven shook Lilly’s free hand in a firm grasp and looked over his shoulder where Lilly watched Patricia walk away. “Don’t worry about her.” He lowered his voice and leaned close to Lilly. “She hated me for a year. But as far as in-laws go, I’ve never hired someone to kill her, and my kneecaps have remained intact.”
    Lilly’s heart pounded, and she stared at Steven for several long moments. Words stuck in her throat as the silence stretched out. Was this his macabre way of telling her he recognized her?
    “Really, Steven, don’t scare Lilly off.” Sarah swatted her husband’s arm. “You know Mom’s always stressed out before a party. The caterer canceled and she had to find someone at the last minute. It’s been a nightmare.”
    “I’m only trying to make Lilly feel better about Patricia snubbing her.” The corners of Steven’s mouth twitched upward. “You know your mother can be difficult.”
    “That’s the truth,” Zach and Sarah said simultaneously, and all three laughed.
    “Hey, I was joking around about the whole year thing,” Steven said. Concern narrowed his eyebrows as Lilly stood in silence. “Patricia really will come around. She’s not the ogre she pretends to be.”
    Lilly forced herself to smile at him. “Think nothing of it. I’m sure things will be fine.”
    Reassured, the three of them moved into a lively discussion, arguing about things that were obviously favorite topics. Lilly only had to murmur something appropriate occasionally.
    Throughout the course of the conversation, Lilly decided Steven really had been joking about hiring someone to kill Patricia. His jest was chillingly close to her life, and she nearly ruined everything with her reaction.
    “It’s so nice to have a woman around,” Sarah said. “Finally, there is someone to share my viewpoints.” She looked across the room at the guests. “We’d better go mingle now or Mother will be upset. I know you aren’t going to date any of these ladies she invited, Zach, but you still have to talk to them.”
    “I know what is expected, Sarah. When have I ever embarrassed Mother by sulking in a corner all night long?”
    Sarah’s expression softened, and she patted his arm. “I know you just needed a few seconds when you found out he was here.” She turned her attention to Lilly. “I’m so happy you came, though. I’ve been dreading this party. Because of you, tonight will be a lot better.”
    Sarah surprised Lilly, putting an arm around her shoulder in a quick hug. Bemused, Lilly watched as she and Steven walked off to another group of people.
    “Guess we should make the rounds, too,” Zach said.
    A cold sweat trickled down her back and Lilly’s mouth went dry, once again recalled to her situation. Any one of these guests might be the person who recognized her. “I haven’t eaten all day. You should mingle while I try out the new caterer’s food.”
    “Too nervous about meeting my family to eat?” Zach steered her toward the buffet tables along the back of the room. “I’ll do the host thing while you get dinner, and then we’ll dance the rest of the night away. Sound good?”
    She nodded in relief. “That sounds perfect, except the dancing part. Maybe we could go out and listen to the band instead? There’s no way I can dance.” She gestured to her injured leg. “I’ll fall again and make fools of both of us.”
    “I won’t let you fall. I’m a terrific dancer. We’ll make do.” Zach walked away, not waiting for a reply.
    She shrugged. They could discuss it when he got back. Lilly grabbed a plate and glanced through the offerings. She tried to keep her face turned away from any nearby guests. Fear formed a tight knot in her stomach anytime someone passed near her.
    The food offerings were substandard, perhaps accounting for Patricia’s bad mood, at least partially. Lilly selected some