Page 49 of The Maine Event

As we pull into the driveway, I notice Dan waiting for us on the front porch, a concerned expression on his face. He rushes over to the car, pulling Chloe into a tight hug as soon as she steps out.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” he asks, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

Chloe beams up at him, her earlier worries now a distant memory. “I’m great, Dad! Really.”

Dan’s eyes meet mine over Chloe’s head, and I see a mixture of gratitude and surprise there. “Thank you. I was worried we’d have to cancel.”

I shrug. “It was my pleasure. She’s a great kid.”

As we head inside, Chloe chatters excitedly about the party, her enthusiasm levels back up topsyched. “I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces when they find out about your big announcement, Dad!”

Dan freezes, his eyes widening in panic. “Announcement? What announcement?”

I quickly jump in, hoping to smooth over the moment. “Oh, just a little surprise we have planned for later. Nothing to worry about.”

Dan looks at me skeptically, but Chloe’s excitement is impossible to ignore. “Come on, Dad, it’s going to be amazing! Rachel’s been working so hard to make this party perfect.”

As Dan takes in the genuine joy on his daughter’s face, I see his resistance start to crumble. He nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Alright, if you’re both so excited about it, I guess I can’t say no. Let’s do this.”

I leave them to it in the living room and head out to the backyard. The place has transformed. The tables have all been laid out and dressed, and the catering team has nearly finished constructing the bottle bar—I included it as a reluctant nod to Dan’s wish for what essentially was a frat party. Now that it’s there, it actually makes complete sense.

“No, no, the ice sculpture needs to go over there, by the punch bowl.” I gesture to the corner of the table as I hurryover to the caterer. “And make sure we have enough champagne flutes on every table. I don’t want to run out halfway through the toast.”

The caterer nods and scurries off to follow my instructions. Dan’s yard looks incredible. It’s unrecognizable. The fairy lights, strung in a crisscross, from the house all the way down to the boathouse twinkle overhead, casting a warm, magical, glow over the nautical-themed décor, which is going to look even more amazing once the afternoon turns to night. Driftwood centerpieces adorn the tables, accented with seashells and tea light candles. It looks like something straight out of Coastal Living magazine. It’s going to be amazing.

The doorbell rings, signaling the arrival of our first guests. I take one last look around the yard, making sure everything is perfect. The decorations, the catering—it’s all exactly as I envisioned it.

“I’ll get it,” Dan calls out, heading towards the front door. I follow close behind, my heart racing with a mixture of nerves and excitement.

As Dan opens the door, we’re greeted by a small group of his friends and colleagues, all dressed to the nines. I recognize a few faces from when I delivered the initiations, but most of them are new to me.

“Dan, my man!” One of them exclaims, pulling him into a bear hug. “It’s been too long. And who’s this?”

I step forward, extending my hand with a confident smile. “Hi, I’m Rachel.”

The distant hum of chatter and car doors slamming alerts me that more guests are arriving. I smooth my dress and run a hand through my hair.

Showtime.

“Rachel!” A woman with short silver hair approaches, arms outstretched. “It’s so wonderful to finally meet you. I’m Marge, Dan’s aunt.”

“Marge, hello! I’m so glad you could make it.” I return her warm hug, catching a whiff of lavender perfume. “I know Dan will be thrilled to see you.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. When I heard Danny was finally coming out of hiding and hosting a party, I booked my train ticket right away. Even with all those problems with flights, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” She winks conspiratorially. “You know, it’s been years since he’s let anyone into his life like this. Whatever you’re doing, keep it up.”

I blush, unsure how to respond. “Oh. We’re not actually?—”

Luckily, more guests begin filtering in, saving me from having to explain the real nature of my relationship with Dan—which I’m still trying to figure out myself. I greet each one with a smile and a handshake, directing them to the buffet and seating areas.

As the house and yard fill with the buzz of excited chatter, I can’t help but marvel at the turnout. People really showed up for Dan. Some drove for hours, probably spent more than they should on gas, and rearranged plans just to be here. That kind of loyalty isn’t something you can fake.

I scan the crowd, watching as old friends clap Dan on the back, neighbors bring over freshly baked pies like they’ve stepped out of a Norman Rockwell painting, and even his brother James looks like he’s having a good time.

But what really makes me smile is Chloe’s little corner of the party.

The kids have claimed the dock as their own. Chloe stands at the center of it all, the undisputed leader of her mini kingdom, her arms crossed as she issues orders to her assembled friends.

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