r phone buzzed on the counter. She wiped her hands on her apron

t my family's church tomorrow night? It's f

and the thought of being surrounded by his world made her nervous. But the excitemen

love to go

onded almost

p at six. Looki

er phone down and went back to her work, though her

*

smoothing the fabric of her simple but elegant dress. Kimb

teased. "Are you sure thi

r cheeks flushed. "It's nothing like

happens to be picking you up himself?

the flutter in her chest. "It doesn't mat

. "Stop overthinking.

rly rushed to answer it, letting out a low whistle when she saw Brandon stan

," Kimberly said, stepp

finding Catherine. "You look amazing,

ne said, her cheeks

early enjoying herself. "Well, don't

ed for a moment before taking it. They walked out tog

*

rt hall than a place of worship. Catherine felt out of place as soon as th

in her ear. "Don't let the grandeur i

nodded. He led her to a table near the fron

tall, imposing man approaching. His features were strikingly similar

efferson Hartman," Brandon s

but calculating. "It's a pleasure to meet

r palms slightly sweaty. "It

ecessary before he turned his attention back to Brandon. "W

breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

rong. But don't let him intimid

e wasn't

*

Speeches were made, donations were pledged, and the choir perfo

e, shaking hands and offering kind words, but there was something about him that felt off.

t too. She was placing a tray of hors d'oeuvres on a nearby table when she

ng star in the church, who had swept through their small community with charm and cha

ories surfaced. She had hoped she would ne

*

the room and quickly excused herself from the tabl

Are yo

er daze. "I'm fine," she said qui

ou don't look fine. D

st... thought I saw someone

r but decided not to press

toward Jefferson again. "Go ba

her seat, though her mother's str

*

s distraction and leaned c

ing. "Yeah, I think so. My mom

nding, now busy arranging another tray. "Maybe sh

e said, though sh

blur, and by the time Brandon drov

on said as he walked her to her door.

said with a small smile

t's one way to put it.

d, watching as he wa

orine was waiting for he

atherine asked, her ea

herine, I need you to be careful. That

do you

ps pressed into a thin line.

n her mother's eyes stopped her. Whatever Do

fear was