My Poppy

Dinner Discussions

"Trevor and Tyler stood at a distance from the bustling crowd, observing the scene. Tyler's gaze was fixed on his nephew and soon-to-be sister-in-law. Marcus wore a wide grin, occasionally laughing at something Miss Thorne said. They had sampled several cakes, mostly indulging in the icing. Tyler couldn't help but notice her hearty appetite, confirming Theo's earlier remarks.

As a passing waiter carried a tray, Miss Thorne swiftly selected a flute of champagne and a glass of water. She offered the water to Marcus while she herself sipped the champagne.

"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Tyler whispered, both brothers watching her intently.

"She's quite adept at it," Trevor replied, impressed.

Their attention was soon diverted as Marcus pointed in their direction, pulling Miss Thorne along with him. As she drew closer, her features became clearer, and Trevor couldn't help but be struck by her beauty. Theo was indeed a lucky man.

"Hey, you must be Trevor," she said, reaching out to plant a kiss on his cheek, causing Trevor's eyebrows to shoot up in surprise. He knew Theo wouldn't be thrilled about that.

"Yeah, um... Theo's been searching everywhere for you," Trevor replied awkwardly.

"Has he now?" Miss Thorne scanned the room, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. Unaware that her tiara shimmered each time she moved, Trevor couldn't help but wonder if she would be able to handle Theo's quirks.

"Well, you guys are opening the dance," Tyler interjected, changing the subject.

Her head snapped towards him, eyebrows arching, while he scrutinized her every move. She nervously smoothed her hands over her dress.

"Lead the way," she said, reaching for Marcus's hand. As they walked, the crowd parted for them, revealing a scowling Theo. His attention was fixed on how tightly his son clutched Adeline's fingers. When his gaze shifted to Adeline herself, he noticed the faint blush on her cheeks, making her look charming.

"Will I see you again?" Marcus asked, looking up at her.

"Of course," she replied with a wide grin, pinching his cheeks playfully. "I won't rest until I see your cute face again."

The two brothers exchanged glances before Theo cleared his throat, and Marcus went over to Trevor.

"Shall we?" Theo asked, extending his hand towards Adeline.

"It's just a dance, nothing more," Adeline repeated to herself as she placed her small fingers in his large hand. "Loosen up, I don't bite," he reassured her as they took their place at the center of the dance floor.

A shiver ran down her spine as she looked past him, focusing on a point over his shoulder. The spotlight focused on them, the music began, and they swayed slowly to its rhythm. His arm was firm around her waist, his touch gentle. Despite his gaze fixed on her, she tried to maintain her composure.

He swallowed nervously, his hand moving further around her waist. He watched as she sucked in a breath and held it, her lips slightly parted. His smile hinted at a desire to kiss her, but he restrained himself for the moment, wondering how he could hold such a thought.

He may have done some research on her, surprised by how such a stunning woman had managed to avoid any gossip about her romantic life. Adeline was a mystery, shielded by her protective brother and friends. Theo was the first to break through that barrier, thanks to circumstances orchestrated by forces beyond his control.

"Do we really have to go through with all of this?" she asked, her voice quivering slightly. She quickly cleared her throat, attempting to mask her nerves.