It was telling, I supposed, that Grayson hadn’t even texted me once, much less tried to call.
What a mess my latest scheme had become. I had to comfort myself with the knowledge that the end goal had actually been accomplished. I was financially independent, in possession of the freedom I’d sought, and as for Grayson, his vineyard was on the way back to being operational and, hopefully, very successful.
And now here I was, putting the finishing touches on my costume for the party tonight. I’d attend as I’d promised, make sure everything went well, and ensure Grayson and I looked like an upstanding married couple, and then I’d immediately leave town. I couldn’t return to the bed-and-breakfast without it looking suspicious. I’d made friends with the owners and they thought I was staying here because of all the work being done at the vineyard. I’d complained the construction dust was stirring up the asthma I didn’t actually have.
So…I wouldn’t be able to stay in or near Napa after all. If anyone in town found out we weren’t in fact a happily married couple, they’d feel duped and the whole point of this party—to improve people’s perception of Grayson—would be for nothing. I’d ask Grayson if I could spend one last night in my little cottage, and then have Walter give me a ride to collect my car and leave in the morning. My heart sank and I swiped at the tear before it fell down my cheek. I’d cried enough this week. And I didn’t have time for tears right now, not to mention that I had spent quite a bit of time on my makeup. And so, I squared my shoulders and slipped on my shoes just as my phone dinged with the text letting me know my ride had arrived.
I took one final look in the mirror, picked up my suitcase, and left my room. I heard staff in the kitchen off to the left of the front entrance preparing dinner, but no one else was around. I’d already paid my bill, and I’d see the owners at the party, since they’d been invited.
The car was waiting in front of the house and the driver looked me over with wide eyes when I descended the stairs. “Wow,” he said, “that is quite the costume.” He took my suitcase and opened the door, offering me his hand, but his eyes moved over me appreciatively.
“Thank you,” I said, climbing inside the car and gathering my long, poufy gown around me and arranging it as best as I could so it didn’t swallow me up. This gown was the main reason I wasn’t driving myself. I would never fit behind a steering wheel. The dress was a confection of black and deep green satin and tulle, the skirt made larger by three hoops. It was strapless and had a built-in corset that made my waist look tiny. I’d accessorized it with long, black, sheer gloves. Black jewels wound around my neck, and a wide-brimmed, sheer witch’s hat completed the look. My hair was left long and made even wilder than it normally was with the help of a curling iron. My eyes were rimmed in black, lipstick bright red, and my mask was black and covered only my eyes, making them look even more catlike.
I had considered a number of costumes, and in the end, this was the only one that felt right. I’d leave Grayson as I had arrived to him: his little witch. No, I thought dejectedly, not his. Never his. Despair swirled inside at the knowledge that this would be the last night I’d spend time at Hawthorn Vineyard. Maybe this costume was really just my pathetic way to privately acknowledge my love for him. I wanted him to accept me as I was. All of me. Instead, Grayson wanted my body and nothing more. I would never be enough in his eyes, just as I’d never been enough in my father’s eyes, or even in Cooper’s. I needed to be enough in my own eyes, and for now, that would have to be okay.
The drive seemed to take only moments, and I forced myself to breathe deeply. Thank goodness I was wearing gloves. I was sure my hands were cold and clammy.
My car pulled to a stop, and when the driver opened the door and I took his hand and stepped out, I sucked in a breath, my heart dipping into my stomach and then rising again.
The fountain was filled with water splashing softly as it cascaded from the top tier down to the shimmering pool below. The pinks and purples of approaching twilight filled the sky and offset the golden lights of the fully lit house. The ivy was trimmed and tended, the window boxes on each balcony filled with lush greenery and white, cascading flowers. The scent of roses and what I now recognized as hawthorn flowers drifted on the breeze rustling the now beautifully landscaped foliage. I turned slowly in a full circle, taking it all in, noticing the twinkle lights that filled the trees leading up the driveway, adding to the magical ambiance. It was gloriously beautiful, captivating—the perfect setting for a fairy tale.
How I wish it were mine.
I took in a deep sustaining breath, pulled my shoulders straight, and nodded once to the driver, who handed me my suitcase and nodded back.
The only vehicles in the driveway were a catering van and two other cars that most likely belonged to the musicians I’d hired, which meant I’d made it in perfect time to greet the first guests. I’d be welcoming them with Grayson by my side. I stumbled as panic threatened to shatter my composure, but collected myself and brought my chin up, whispering a quiet prayer to my gram, asking her to send me strength.
You can do this—one final thing.
I nodded in greeting to the two valets dressed in black pants, white shirts, and red vests, who stood off to the side, waiting for the first cars to arrive. I rang the doorbell even though I had become accustomed to letting myself in since Grayson and I had gotten married. Walter pulled it open, his eyes widening before they crinkled very slightly at the corners. I blinked. Had I just received my first semi-smile from Walter? I grinned at him as he took my hand in his and bowed his head. “Mrs. Hawthorn.”
“Walter…” I said, about to tell him to call me Kira for the hundredth time, when my voice caught in my throat at the sight of the foyer and emptied living room beyond. I set my suitcase down so Walter could store it somewhere, my eyes widening. The wood molding was shined to a high polish, the chandeliers glittered brightly, and the very last vestiges of daylight streamed in through the windows, creating shifting shards of prisms on the walls. Tall vases of roses, lilies, and greenery were on every exposed surface, scenting the rooms with their intoxicating sweetness.
As I wandered into the living room, I saw the small string quartet had set up in one corner, and a fully stocked bar had been installed in the opposite corner. The furniture had been arranged to provide ample seating, but also plenty of room to mingle and even slow dance to the orchestra, should guests desire.
I walked to the window and looked out over the clear, clean aqua water of the swimming pool below, where a small band would begin playing after the cocktail hour concluded. Small, intimate tables dotted the patio, and beautifully positioned votive candles set the whole scene alight with a romantic aura.
I faced the room again and took a moment to stand silently, feeling joy, mingled with sadness, spread through my body. I loved this place deeply. And I was leaving it. This night was a goodbye. But at least in some ways, it was a beautiful one.
I felt the weight of someone’s stare and raised my gaze. Grayson stood across the room. And as that beautifully sensuous mouth curved into a grin, my eyes widened and I sucked in a breath.
His costume. Oh my God. His costume.