Page 86 of Nothing to Fear

“Tripp!” the maître d called the moment they crossed the threshold.

“Julian,” Tripp reciprocated and did the double cheek kiss thing. “You know Darroch and his beautiful beau—”

“Savanna, our chef has created a dish just for you.”

“You’ve made an impression already,” Tripp said, strolling along like they had all the time in the world.

Whether it was deliberate or not, the Breckenridges, and their associates, were the most welcoming people. Fundamentally good, so pure of deed, it was difficult to believe people like them existed.

TWENTY-SIX

“IF YOU’D RATHER NOT—”

“We are honored to join you,” Alice said. In the back of the car again, they’d just stopped outside the community center. “Our eyes are willing to be opened to every cause.”

Darroch’s hand slid down her thigh as he leaned in to kiss her ear and murmur, “You want me to get them out of here?”

She tipped her head to push her hair against his mouth. That physical support held up her inner self too.

The lights at the community center may not be as delicate as those outside the Breckenridge home, but they were just as welcoming.

Though when the four of them hit the sidewalk, butterflies danced in her belly. What was she scared of? That her guests would be unwelcome or that her cause would embarrass her guests?

Darroch locked his fingers tight between hers.

He squeezed and kissed her head. “Get your checkbooks ready.”

“After you,” Benedict said, sweeping an arm toward the door.

It most likely wasn’t normal for the Breckenridge patriarch to defer, yet he didn’t hesitate. He was a man confident in himself and his masculinity, and he’d taught his boys well.

A sign indicated they should proceed to the main hall at the other end of the corridor.

Thankfully, the hall, much like a high school auditorium, buzzed. Maybe not full to the rafters, but the kids running around and music brought the place to life. Wooden tables linedthe room with games and knickknacks. Some of the art against the walls was interesting. Everything had a price tag.

“Savanna Mayden, you’ve gone down in the world.”

The familiar voice brought her around, smile wide on her face matched by his.

“Quade,” she said and accepted his kiss on her cheek before they hugged. “I brought along some friends.”

“I see that,” he said, and continued without introductions. “Darroch Breckenridge.”

“Quade.” The two shook hands. “Been a while.”

“You know each other?”

“Wonderful Quade,” Alice said, taking his hand and accepting a kiss. “It’s been too long. Why don’t you come and visit anymore?”

“I’m not in the neighborhood much anymore, Mrs. B.”

“We had no idea you were a part of this. What a wonderful venture!”

“It’s not something my mother likes to advertise.”

Absorbing the scene, Alice glittered. “It’s magnificent.”

Quade and Benedict shook hands too. “Your brother was in my boardroom last week.”

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