“I can see it.”

“That’s how she and the FOB met. He was a backer, came in to watch a rehearsal, and—he says—fell for her on the spot. She danced until after their second child was born, and a few years later started giving private lessons.”

“Sweet. But seriously, how do you remember all that?” Parker continued to scan the room, eagle-eyed, for any problem. “The same way you remember all the ingredients in that cake over there. The B and G requested an extra hour.”

“Ouch.”

“I know, but everyone’s having a great time. The band’s okay with it.We’ll transfer the gifts as scheduled, so that’ll be done. Then, hell, let them dance.”

“It’s going to be a long night.” She reassessed the desserts. “I’ll go get some more pastries.”

“Need help?”

“Probably.”

“I’ll beep Emma. She and Carter should be free. I’ll send them down.”

AT NEARLY ONE IN THE MORNING, WHILE THE CLEANING CREW massed over the Ballroom, Laurel completed her check of the Bride’s Suite. She gathered forgotten hair clips, a stray shoe, a pink leather makeup bag, and a lacy bra. The bra might be evidence of a quickie during the reception, or an attendant’s need to free her girls.

The items would go into Parker’s Lost and Found bin until claimed—with no questions asked.

As she carried them out, Parker swung by. “Looks like we’re clear. I’ll take those. Quick staff meeting.”

Every muscle in Laurel’s body whined in protest. “Tonight?”

“Quick one—I’ve got most of an open bottle of champagne to kill the pain.”

“Fine, fine.”

“Our parlor. Couple minutes.”

No use complaining, Laurel thought, and made her way down to the parlor to claim the sofa.

She stretched out. Groaned.

“I knew you’d get here first.” Since she couldn’t claim the sofa, Mac lay down on the floor. “The BM hit on me. Carter thought it was funny.”

“The sign of a confident man.”

“I guess. But the thing is, I hardly ever got hit on at events before Carter. It doesn’t seem right. I’m not available.”

“Hence the hitting on.” With a sigh instead of a groan, Laurel toed off her shoes. “I think men have built-in radar for that. Unavailable is sexier.”

“Because they’re dogs.”

“Yes, of course.”

“I heard that,” Emma said as she came in. “And I think that’s cynical and untrue. You got hit on because you’re gorgeous—and because now that you have Carter, you’re happier and more open—therefore only more appealing.” She dropped into a chair, curled up her legs. “I want to go to bed.”

“Join the crowd. We have to meet tomorrow for the Sunday run-through. Why can’t whatever it is wait?”

“Because.” Parker stepped in, pointed at Laurel. “I have something that’ll make everyone go to sleep just a little happier.” She took an envelope out of her pocket. “The FOB gave us a bonus. Though, I, of course, politely and delicately demurred, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Ahh,” she added when she stepped out of her shoes. “We gave his little girl the wedding of her dreams, gave him and his wife an extraordinary night, and he wanted to show his appreciation over and above.”

“Nice.” Mac yawned. “Really.”

“It’s five thousand dollars.” Parker smiled as Laurel reared up on the sofa. “Cash,” she added, pulling out the bills to fan them.

“That’s really nice appreciation. So very, very green,” Laurel commented.

“Can I touch it before you put it away?” Mac asked. “Before you roll it back into the business?”

“My vote is take the money. Maybe I’m just really tired, but that’s my vote. A thousand for each of us, and a thousand for Carter and Jack to split.” Parker waved the bills. “Up to you.”

“Aye.” Emma shot up a hand. “Wedding fund for me!”

“Seconded. Or thirded. Hand it over,” Mac ordered.

“No argument from me.” Laurel wagged her fingers. “I can use a grand.”

“Okay then.” Parker handed Laurel the open champagne. “Pour and I’ll count it out.” She knelt on the floor.

“This is very, very sweet. Champagne and cash money at the end of a really long day.” Mac took a flute, passed it to Emma. “Remember our first official event? After, we popped a bottle, ate leftover cake, and danced. The four of us and Del.”

“I kissed Del.”

“We all kissed Del,” Emma pointed out and tapped her glass to Mac’s.

“No, I mean the other day I did.” Laurel heard herself say it with some shock, then considerable relief. “I’m incredibly stupid.”

“Why? It’s just ...” Mac blinked, clued in. “Oh. Kissed Del. Well. Huh.”

“I was mad, and out of sorts, and he came for the cake. He was just so Del,” she said with rancor she thought she’d walked off.

“I’ve been mad at Del,” Emma commented. “It didn’t lead me to kissing him.”

“It’s not a big deal. Not to him. He didn’t even bother to tell Jack. Which means it didn’t mean anything. Don’t tell Jack,” she ordered Emma. “Because he should have, and he didn’t, so it meant nothing. Less than.”

“You didn’t tell us until now.”

Laurel frowned at Mac. “Because I ... had to think about it.”

“But it meant something to you,” Parker murmured.

“I don’t know. It was an impulse, a moment of insanity. I was pissed off. It’s not like I have a thing for him, really. Oh shit,” she muttered and dropped her head in her hands.

“Did he kiss you back? Well?” Mac demanded when Emma kicked her. “It’s a question.”

“He didn’t not. But he wasn’t expecting it. I wasn’t expecting it. It was mostly temper.”

“What did he say? Don’t kick me again,” Mac warned Emma.

“Nothing. I didn’t give him a chance. I’m going to fix it,” she promised Parker. “It was my fault, even though he was being irritating and patronizing. Don’t be upset.”