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“Not unless it looks important.”

“I think it’s mostly junk mail, but there is a fancy invitation that looks like it might need your attention.”

“Do me a favor. Open it, snap a photo with your phone, and send it to me. Then make sure you open everything else. Toss the junk mail, and if anything looks important scan it in and email it to me. Okay?”

“Will do.”

“Call if something should come up.”

“Sure thing.”

A moment later the photo came through. He found Grayson in the great room, a book open in his lap. “I know you can’t be reading for pleasure at a time like this.”

“I keep trying but can’t get my mind off Cate. What’s up?”

Gavin handed him the phone. “What am I looking at? Is this that place you and Samantha think they’re holding Cate?”

“It is.”

“And they invited you to a party there?”

“Looks like it.”

“Wonder if I’m invited. Could this be some kind of strange hostage negotiation?”

“I have no idea, but I’ll be RSVPing yes. Anything to get inside the place.”

Gray left the room to go call his doorman. When he returned a few minutes later, he confirmed that he did indeed receive an invitation and it allowed for a plus one.

Samanthaheldthedoorfor Emily when they arrived at the upscale boutique. The gowns and dresses were displayed under soft lighting. Racks of shoes and purses were interspersed tastefully throughout the space.

Emily moved around some dresses on a rack. “I can’t believe we’re here looking at dresses with everything going on.”

“Your wedding is coming up in less than a month. It’s now or never. If we don’t pick something out soon, there won’t be enough time for any necessary alterations.”

“Right. We can’t let them steal our joy.”

“Spoken like someone who has been through the ringer, yet manages to keep smiling.”

“Only with the good Lord’s help, Sam. I couldn’t do any of it alone. Wade’s nice to have around, too, of course.”

“I’ll bet.”

“So, how are things going with Gavin? Kiss him yet?”

Warmth flooded Sam’s face. She didn’t want to answer the question, but she was pretty sure the blush she knew she was sporting answered it for her.

“You did! And you didn’t tell me?”

“Yes, we kissed, but we both decided it was best that we not let it happen again. His life is in New York. I am not and never will be a city girl.”

“I know, you’ve told me. You want the old farmhouse filled with kids, a few goats, and some chickens of your own.”

“It may be a dream that’ll never come true, but I won’t give up hoping for a man that’ll share my dreams. Even if my biological clock is ticking overtime.”

“Fair enough.”

“Gavin did ask me to go to a fancy party with him though, and this dress could be right for the occasion.” She held up the crimson colored frock for her friend’s inspection.