Chapter 72 The Party

Chapter 72 The Party
Sloane POV

—

The hum of the engine filled the car as Dalton drove, the city lights flickering across my face. I fidgeted with my hands in my lap, nerves twisting in my stomach.

“You look… incredible tonight,” Dalton said, glancing at me. His voice was low, warm, carrying that effortless confidence that always made my heart stutter.

My fingers tightened around my dress. “I—thank you,” I murmured, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. “It’s just… a dress.”

Dalton shook his head, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. “Just a dress? Sloane, this emerald green—” he gestured subtly to the way it hugged my curves, “fits you perfectly. Honestly, it’s distracting.”

I blinked, cheeks flushing even deeper. “Distracting… huh?” I whispered, glancing out the window to avoid his eyes.

He chuckled softly, the sound sending a thrill down my spine. “Distracting, yes. In a good way.”

The ride was comfortable, with the usual teasing and quiet glances that made my stomach twist. When Dalton finally pulled up to the house, I let out a long, shaky sigh.

“I’m… nervous,” I admitted as I opened the door.

“You’ll be fine,” Dalton said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze before opening his own door.

Before we could even knock, the door swung open. “Dalton! You made it!” A voice practically sang with excitement.

I blinked, stepping inside. His sister Rhea, I remembered from stories, grinned at us. She looked so young, and vibrant, only seventeen now. “Hi! I’m Rhea,” she said, bouncing on her toes. “I couldn’t wait to meet you, Sloane!”

Dalton winced slightly, remembering. “Yeah… sorry it took me so long to come around Christmas. It’s… hard for me this time of year… it’s been… challenging.” His voice tightened for a moment, but then he forced a small smile. “But I’m here now.”

Rhea’s eyes softened, understanding more than I realized. “I get it. You were only 8 when it happened, but those memories can’t be easy to get rid of… But I’m glad you’re here!” Her mood quickly returned.

The rest of the family greeted us warmly as we stepped inside. Dalton’s mother, Katherine, had a calm, down-to-earth presence that immediately put me at ease. She smiled warmly, pulling me into a quick hug. “I’ve heard so much about you. Welcome, Sloane. You’re just lovely.”

I felt my nerves ease slightly, my blush softening under Katherine’s genuine warmth.

Chris, Katherine’s husband, was equally welcoming. “Dalton,” he said with a grin, “it’s good to see you again. And you must be Sloane. I’ve heard quite a bit. Happy to have you both here.”

Dalton’s ears turned slightly pink at the attention. “Thanks… it’s been a while, but I’m glad to be here,” he said, feeling a little embarrassed about taking so long to return.

As we settled into the living room, Rhea leaned toward me with a teasing grin. “Wow, you’re actually younger than him, huh? I thought someone like Dalton couldn’t do this good.”

I laughed nervously, Dalton groaning playfully beside me. “Thanks… I think?”

“Don’t mind her,” Dalton said, still smirking. “She’s just excited to meet you.”

The conversation flowed easily after that. Laughter echoed through the room, stories swapped and jokes cracked. I found myself relaxing, the earlier tension melting away.

When dinner was announced, the family gathered around the table, the aroma of roasted vegetables and savory meats filling the room. My stomach fluttered, not from nerves this time, but from the warmth of being included, accepted, and seeing this softer side of Dalton.

Dinner was a warm, lively affair. Plates clinked, laughter bubbled, and the soft glow of candlelight made the room feel cozy, almost magical. Dalton and I sat side by side, our hands occasionally brushing under the table, each touch sending sparks through my chest.

Rhea leaned a little too close to me at one point, grinning mischievously. “I still can’t get over how young you are compared to Dalton. I mean… you could probably do better, you are gorgeous,” she teased, nudging me playfully.

My cheeks turned pink, but I laughed, shrugging. “I think I’m doing just fine.”

Dalton gave her a pointed look, but his grin betrayed his amusement. “Hey, I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said smoothly, winking at me.

The conversation flowed naturally, with Chris sharing stories from past holidays and Katherine chiming in with her calm, grounded humor. I found myself laughing freely, relaxing in a way I hadn’t expected.

“You two make a nice pair,” Katherine remarked, giving me a warm smile that made my blush anew.

Dalton squeezed my hand subtly under the table. “We’re trying,” he said, voice low enough for only me to hear.

The main dishes were soon cleared, and dessert was brought to the table. The air was filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon and chocolate. “Who wants dessert?” Katherine asked, her eyes twinkling.

“Yes!” chorused Rhea, me, and even Dalton, though he hid a grin behind his hand.

“Great,” Katherine said, standing. “Sloane, would you help me in the kitchen for a moment?”

My heart skipped. I nodded, standing quickly, curiosity and excitement mixing with a hint of nervousness. Dalton watched me, a soft, almost possessive look in his eyes as I followed Katherine toward the kitchen.

As the kitchen door closed behind us, laughter and chatter from the dining room muffled into the background. My pulse quickened. Something told me this Christmas night held more than just family warmth, it held moments that could change everything.

And as the door clicked softly behind me, I couldn’t help but wonder what Katherine had in mind…

—

The kitchen smelled of chocolate and cinnamon, warm and inviting. I leaned over the counter, spreading batter into a pan while Katherine moved with practiced ease beside me, measuring sugar and stirring cream.

“You’ve got a steady hand,” Katherine said, glancing at me with a soft smile. “Not everyone can handle this level of detail without getting flustered.”

My cheeks warmed. “Thanks… I guess I’m just nervous about messing it up.”

Katherine chuckled, the sound gentle. “Well, if anyone could handle Dalton’s moods and quirks, it’s you. Speaking of which… I want to talk to you about him.”

I paused, heart thudding. “Okay…”

Katherine leaned against the counter, her expression serious but kind. “Dalton’s childhood… it wasn’t easy. That accident when he was eight, it changed everything for him. And then dealing with Vanessa, all of it, it left scars. He’s strong, and he’s resilient, but he’s careful with his heart. He’s protective because he’s been hurt badly before.”

I nodded, gripping the edge of the counter. “I know… I’ve seen glimpses.”

Katherine’s eyes softened, but there was steel in her voice. “I like you, Sloane. I like the way you are with him. But I need to be honest... you better be in this for the long run, or get out now. My son… I cannot see him hurt like that again. I love him, and I will always do my best for him. That’s my promise.”

My chest tightened. “I… I am in it for the long run. I swear.”

Katherine’s face relaxed, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Good. Because I can see the way he looks at you. And… you need to know something else.” She paused, picking up a spoon to stir the cream. “I loved Dalton’s father… Losing him was… a tragedy. Chris here,” she gestured to her husband in the other room, who smiled warmly from afar, “he helped me through the grief. True love doesn’t have to be limited to one person. You can love deeply more than once. And I can tell… even though Dalton had feelings for Vanessa, he truly loves you, Sloane. I see it.”

My throat tightened. “Thank you… that means a lot.”

Katherine reached over, touching my hand briefly. “Thank you for being the rock he needs. He’s strong, but he leans on the people he trusts, and I trust you.” She smiled, genuine and steady. “Now, let’s finish this dessert before everyone waits too long.”

We worked side by side, the room filled with warmth and the quiet rhythm of two people who understood the weight of love and loyalty. I felt a sense of purpose I hadn’t expected tonight, a clarity in the role I held in Dalton’s life.

Once the last touches were added, Katherine and I carefully carried the dessert into the dining room, greeted by eager smiles from Rhea, Chris, and Dalton. The table erupted in quiet excitement, and soon laughter and conversation replaced the earlier hush, the night glowing with the comfort of family.

The house had quieted. Plates were cleared, chairs pushed in, and one by one, the family members drifted off to their rooms. I lingered by the window, drawn outside by the crisp night air. I wrapped my arms around myself, staring up at the stars glittering against the black sky.

The air smelled of pine and smoke from the fireplace inside. The calmness of the night wrapped around me, but it wasn’t peace, it was anticipation. My mind replayed Katherine’s words, Dalton’s smile, the warmth of the evening.

“Beautiful night,” a voice said from behind me.

I turned to see Dalton stepping out quietly, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket. He leaned against the railing beside me, his gaze fixed on the sky.

“Yeah,” I murmured. “It… feels like it’s just us out here.”

Dalton shifted closer, not touching but close enough that the warmth from his body brushed against mine. “I like that,” he said softly. “Quiet, just… away from everything.”

I swallowed. “I’m glad we came tonight,” I admitted. “It’s… it’s nice to see this side of your family. And… you.”

Dalton’s lips curved into a gentle smile, the usual teasing replaced with something tender. “I wanted you to see it,” he said. “I wanted you to be part of it… part of my world.”

My heart thudded. “I am… I want to be.”

He looked down at me, eyes searching mine, and for a moment, the night seemed to hold its breath. “Sloane…” he whispered, voice low, almost vulnerable. “I don’t… I don’t usually let anyone in. Not like this.”

“You’re letting me in,” I said softly, a mixture of awe and determination in my voice.

Dalton smiled, but then glanced past me toward the stars. “Look,” he said, pointing, “a shooting star.”

My eyes followed, wide and awed. “Make a wish,” he murmured.

Before I could, a shadow flickered across the yard. Something, or someone, moved silently between the trees. Dalton stiffened, his body tensing, instincts alert.

“What—?” I started, but Dalton’s hand found mine, gripping tightly.

The shadow paused, just at the edge of the yard.

Dalton’s jaw tightened. “We’re not alone,” he said, voice low and tense.

A beat, tight, breathless.

Then a small fawn stepped into the light, blinking up at us with wide, startled eyes.

I exhaled a shaky laugh, pressing a hand to my chest. “You nearly gave me a heart attack,” I murmured.