Star of His Heart - Brenda Jackson [45]
“I’m going to check on things in the back,” Syneda said. “Ashton probably has arrived by now. The guys were instructed to come in through the kitchen so they wouldn’t be seen. Do you want to go back there with me to see if he’s there?”
Netherland shook her head. What she wanted to say to Ashton could hold till later when they were alone. “No, I’ll stay out here and make sure things are running smoothly.”
Syneda nodded before walking off.
More toasts were made to congratulate Brenna and Trent on their recent marriage as well as Nicholas and Shayla on theirs. Most people at the table already knew Nicholas Chenault as Sterling’s half brother.
Everyone nervously shifted in their seats when Trevor and Corinthians Grant arrived. It looked as though she was going to have her baby any second.
“I’m a week late,” she said to everyone after sensing their nervousness. She ran a hand across her overly large stomach. “But I doubt anything will happen tonight so all of you can relax.”
Everyone’s expressions indicated they were doubtful that nothing would happen that night.
“Her bags are in the car, packed and ready to go, just in case,” Trevor said, grinning. “I tried talking her into staying home tonight but she wouldn’t listen.”
Corinthians smiled. “I couldn’t miss out on seeing who’s the lucky woman who’ll get Ashton tonight. This is history in the making. From what I’ve heard, he’s never let any woman choose him before for anything. Ashton prefers doing his own choosing.”
Trevor started to tell his wife that tonight would be no different, then thought better of it. She would see soon enough. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked her in a low, loving voice, leaning his head over close to hers.
She smiled up at him wondering how at one time she thought she couldn’t stand the very ground he walked on. “Yes, sweetheart, I’m fine. It seems that Baby Grant has settled down for the night and isn’t playing marines inside my tummy. Boy or girl, this has been one overactive child.”
Trevor’s smile widened. “Baby Grant takes after its parents. You and I are overactive in a number of things.” His eyes darkened. “One in particular readily comes to mind.”
The look Corinthians gave her husband was one of love and desire. “Yeah, I know just what you’re talking about, and I can’t wait for our baby to be born so I can get back into the swing of things.”
Trevor gave his wife a sexy grin. “Neither can I, sweetheart. Neither can I.”
Netherland and Rainey were standing at the door greeting the guests when Rainey leaned in close and whispered, “Ashton’s here. I saw him a few minutes ago, and boy, does he look good. You’ll be a fool to let Angela walk away with him tonight.”
Netherland chuckled. “She won’t.”
Rainey raised a dark brow. After she studied Netherland for a few moments, a smile tilted the corners of her lips. “It’s about time you come to your senses. I thought I was going to—”
“Excuse me. I’m to join the Chenault and Jordache party.”
The deep, husky voice cut into Rainey’s words, and she turned around, blinking once. Then twice. Whoa! Standing before them was what had to be at least six-foot-four inches of solid muscle. His dark eyes were sharp, assessing, and after a few seconds it occurred to Rainey that he’d been checking her out in her evening gown as she’d been checking him out in his tux. She cleared her throat. “Your name, sir?”
“Howard Reeves. And yours?”
Rainey blinked a third time before answering. “I’m Rainey Gilford, head hostess of Sisters, and this is Netherland Brooms, the owner.”
Howard Reeves presented his hand to both women in a warm handshake. “Nice meeting the both of you.”
Rainey let out a deep breath before lowering her head to look at the list in her hand, a hand still tingling from his touch. “The Chenaults and Jordaches are sitting at the head table, Mr. Reeves. If you would follow me I’ll gladly escort you over.