Just as Colton reached the glass doors leading back to the banquet hall, they slid open—and there stood Mrs. Denovan. She had been looking for him. Her eyes flicked from her son’s face to Maya’s distant figure, and she instantly understood. She knew that guarded look in Colton’s eyes—knew he would be questioning Maya’s presence.

“Colton,” she said softly, stepping forward to block his path. Her tone was gentle, but purposeful. “A word, before you go back in.”

He stopped, brows lifting slightly, but said nothing.

With a calm smile, she turned toward Maya and led Colton a few steps aside, slipping effortlessly into the strained silence that clung to...