Chapter 97: Engagement Banquet Invitation

Cecilia

The afternoon, Arthur was at his desk, working through what looked like an endless stack of contracts, but every few minutes his eyes would drift over to me, and I'd catch him watching with that expression that still made my stomach flip even after everything we'd been through.

"Stop staring at me," I said without looking up from my screen.

"I'm not staring."

"You absolutely are."

"I'm admiring." His voice was warm with amusement. "There's a difference."

I glanced up to find him leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "Don't you have work to do?"

"I do." But he made no move to return to it. "But watching you is much more interesting."

Heat crept up my neck, and I forced my attention back to my laptop, pulling up the digital invitation template the event coordinator had sent over that morning.

The design was elegant and understated—cream cardstock with gold foil lettering, our names intertwined at the top in a script that managed to be both formal and romantic.

Mr. Arthur Winston and Miss Cecilia Locke

request the honor of your presence

at a celebration of their engagement

I read it three times, my heart doing something complicated in my chest each time I saw our names together like that, official and permanent.

"What do you think?" I turned the laptop so Arthur could see.

He stood and crossed the room, coming to lean over the back of my chair, his hands resting on my shoulders as he studied the screen. "It's perfect."

"You haven't even read it properly."

"Don't need to." His lips found the top of my head. "If you like it, I like it."

I laughed despite myself. "You're impossible."

He kissed me, slow and thorough. "Now send the invitations before I decide to keep you all to myself and not have a party at all."

I pulled away with effort, settling back into the chair. "Fine. But you have to help me with the guest list."

"Done." He returned to his desk and pulled up something on his computer. "I've already compiled it. Alice and Max, obviously. Carter. My uncle Richard. My grandmother—though I'm not expecting her to come."

His voice went flat on that last part, and I felt a pang of sympathy. The rift with Margaret Brahmore was still fresh, still painful, even if Arthur tried to pretend otherwise.

"And our mothers," I added quietly.

"And our mothers," he agreed, his tone carefully neutral.

I pulled up my email and started composing, using the template as a base but personalizing each message. Alice's was first—casual and warm, with a note at the end asking if she wanted to bring anyone.

Hey babe,

You're officially invited to celebrate me becoming Mrs. Winston (still getting used to that). One week from Saturday at Black Peak Estate. Bring Max if you want, or come solo and we can drink champagne and judge people together.

Love you,

Ceci

I hit send, then moved on to the others. Max got a more formal version, as did Carter, though I added a personal note to his asking how he was doing, if he needed anything.

Arthur's uncle Richard received the most formal invitation of all—Arthur insisted on it, saying his uncle appreciated traditional courtesy.

Then there was my mother.

I stared at the blank email for a long moment, trying to figure out what to say. How do you invite someone to celebrate your happiness when you're not entirely sure they actually care about it?

Finally, I settled on something simple and polite:

Mother,

Arthur and I are hosting an engagement party at Black Peak Estate one week from Saturday. We'd be honored if you could attend.

The formal invitation is attached.

Cecilia

Short. Professional. Giving nothing away.

I hit send before I could second-guess myself.

Arthur's grandmother was next, and I let Arthur handle that one, watching as he typed out a message that was respectful but distant, making it clear the invitation was extended out of courtesy rather than expectation.

"There," he said finally, hitting send. "Done."

We didn't have to wait long.

My phone buzzed almost immediately, Alice's name flashing on the screen. I opened the message and couldn't help but smile.

OH MY GOD CECI!!!

I'm so excited I could scream

Of course I'm coming

Can I help with anything? Planning? Decorations? Emotional support?

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

I was still laughing when the next messages came through—Max confirming his attendance with characteristic brevity, then Carter with a warm note saying he wouldn't miss it for the world and asking if there was anything he could do to help.

Arthur's uncle Richard sent a formal acceptance, along with a note asking if it would be appropriate to bring his wife.

"Of course it's appropriate," Arthur muttered, already typing a response. "What kind of question is that?"

"He's being polite," I pointed out.

"He's being ridiculous." But there was fondness in Arthur's voice.

Then my mother's response came through, and I felt my stomach tighten as I opened it.

Darling,

I'll be there. Looking forward to it.

See you soon.

Love, Mother

Short. Impersonal. Exactly what I'd expected, and yet somehow still disappointing.

Arthur must have seen something in my expression because he was beside me in an instant, his hand warm on my shoulder.

I set my phone down. "Just... it's fine. She's coming. That's what matters."

He studied me for a moment longer, then nodded and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of planning and preparation. By the time evening rolled around, I was exhausted but satisfied. Everything was coming together perfectly—exactly the kind of intimate, elegant celebration I'd always wanted.

I was just settling onto the couch with a glass of wine when my phone buzzed again. Alice.

So... random question. Are you at Black Peak right now?

I frowned at the screen, typing back quickly.

Yeah, why?

The response came almost immediately.

Just wondering. Max has been weird all day and I think he's planning something.

I smiled despite myself.

What kind of something?

The kind that involves him pacing around the room muttering about "showing Winston he's not the only one who can plan things"

I laughed out loud, which made Arthur look up from where he was reviewing something on his tablet.

"What's funny?" he asked.

"Alice says Max is planning something to compete with you."

Arthur's expression shifted into something amused and slightly competitive. "Is he now?"

"Apparently." I went back to my phone.

Should I be worried?

Probably not. But maybe keep Arthur away from sharp objects just in case.

I was still laughing when another message came through.

Actually, speaking of Black Peak... would it be okay if we came to stay for a few days? Before the party? I miss you and also I want to see this legendary estate everyone keeps talking about.

I didn't even hesitate.

Of course! We have plenty of room. When do you want to come?

There was a longer pause this time.

Finally:

Max wants to come too. Is that okay?

I smiled. This has to be Max’s doing.

Alice, you're both invited. Get your asses up here.

I set my phone down and looked at Arthur, "Alice and Max are coming to stay for a few days," I said.

He set his tablet aside. "I'll let the staff know."

"You don't mind?"

"Why would I mind?" He pulled me against his side. "This is your home, Ceci. You can invite whoever you want."