Page 46 of The Meaning in Mistletoe
“Hmm. Is it just me, or do they keep getting harder?” Suddenly drained, she sank onto the brocade settee by the window. “Maybe there are easier ways to raise money for Hope Hideaway. Like winning the lottery.” She grinned ruefully.
Penny laughed. “I know I’ve said this before, but I’m glad your visit keeps getting extended. In fact, there’s somewhere I’d like you to go with me tonight.”
“Where?”
“The library.”
“The library?” Kat echoed in confusion. Why would they be going to the library in the evening? Wouldn’t it be closed?
“Yep,” Penny said brightly. “But first, we have to find you something to wear.”
Kat glanced down at her jeans and cable-knit sweater—simple and timeless. Certainly suitable attire for the library.
What exactly did Penny have in mind?
Chapter 21
As they approached the library, Kat’s breath caught in her throat. The historic brick building with its stately white columns would be considered eye-catching on any occasion, but tonight, with votive candles lining the stone steps and greenery arched above the double doors, it looked enchanting.
“Madam,” Colt drawled in a cheesy British accent, offering Kat the crook of his elbow.
Clinging to his other arm, Penny smirked in amusement before mentioning, “The stone steps get a little icy at night.”
Kat gratefully accepted the offer, not wanting to risk breaking an ankle in her three-inch heels.
Not for the first time that evening, she wondered if Jack would be there. Although it seemed silly, she hoped he would get to see her all dressed up. The floor-length vintage gown in the softest red velvet fit her frame as though it had been tailor-made to suit her exact measurements. And Penny had managed to tame her wild mane into silky waves that cascaded around her shoulders.
A rush of warm air collided with the evening chill as they crossed the threshold into the lobby. More votive candles guided them toward the back room, which housed first editions and special hardback collections. It was by far the most impressive space in the entire library, with its ornate marble fireplace, tall bay windows, and crystal chandelier.
Tonight, two people would be joined together in marriage before a few dozen of their closest friends and family. And Kat still couldn’t believe she got to be a part of the magical evening.
As they entered the room, soft, romantic lighting and soothing classical music greeted them.
Wooden folding chairs faced the marble fireplace, arranged to create an aisle down the middle. There were no wedding decorations to speak of, but they were hardly needed. The room itself, composed of polished mahogany shelves filled with the most exquisitely bound books, boasted enough beauty on its own.
Slipping out of her kelly-green coat, she draped it over one arm, sensing all eyes turn on her as they moved down the rows of folding chairs.
She smiled, recognizing the couple from the inn, and returned their friendly wave.
But one gaze in particular made her heart stand still.
The affection and admiration in Jack’s eyes couldn’t be missed, and his glance was at once smoldering and scintillatingly sweet.
Her skin tingled all the way to her toes, and she nearly tripped over the ivory aisle runner.
“We’re in that row, up there,” Penny whispered, pointing to where Jack sat, drinking her in with his gaze.
Her throat went dry. She’d have to sit beside him for the entire ceremony? How would she concentrate?
She curled her fingers into her palm, recalling the sensation of his hand wrapped around hers the night they went caroling. There was something so life-giving in his touch. It made her feel like anything was possible.
Even a miracle.
* * *
If Jack hadn’t already been sitting down, he would have toppled over at the sight of Kat.
Her dress clung to every curve with an effortless ease he found unbelievably distracting. And her fiery red hair shimmered in the subdued lighting, tempting him to run his fingers through the silky waves.
