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They both turned to see Mae threading her way through the crowd

“Nice turnout,” she exclaimed

“My mom kno to draw them in,” Shelby boasted “Free food and drinks”

“You don’t think your dad has a little so to do with it?” Roxanna teased

“Eh” She shrugged her shoulders with a sassy grin and they all laughed as they reached the private e area Asher and Honor stood just outside the room with Merit and Robert

Roxanna’s pulse sped up as she cast a glance around, but she didn’t spot Loyal’s dark head anywhere Asher pulled her into a side hug as Celia joined the group, and the noise level rose with everyone’s greetings

“I don’t think he’s here yet,” her best friend whispered

“Who’s not here yet?”

He gave a soft snort of disbelief, and she allowed a slight smile He knew her too well Plus, she’d talked to him and Honor the Sunday after Halloween He’d been upset, but it see hurt than her having slept with his older brother It was a relief he wasn’t mad at her, and yet his worry was another reminder that there was no future with Loyal

“You good?” he asked quietly

“I’ood” She shot Honor a quick sroup “How’s everyone holding up here? Exciteh, I see”

“Nu to co data scrolling along the botto despite the exit polls”

“It’s still early,” Asher cautioned

They’d all shifted to form a circle, with Celia and her husband opposite Roxanna; Asher, Honor, and Mae to her left; and Merit and Shelby to her right A little tingle of energy froaze on Mae as Honor formally introduced her workaholic best friend to everyone His aura sparkled bright red, though that was nothing neith the playboy brother A fleeting tinge of pink, however, piqued her interest

“And this is Asher’s youngest brother, Merit,” Honor finished