“Surprise!” everyone shouted.

Liam looked around, and everyone in attendance was older, obviously friends of her parents.

“Darling!” her mother rushed toward them. “We’re so glad you’re here!” She linked arms with Roxanne and Liam and then led them to the center of the ballroom.

“Mother, what are you doing?” Roxanne looked around nervously and then glanced apologetically at Liam.

He put two and two together and walked to her other side. “It’s okay,” he whispered just over her head.

“Ladies and gentlemen, friends and neighbors,” her mother began.

“Mother, no!” Roxanne said, her voice low, but Liam pulled her back.

Her mother ignored her, clearly in her element. “I’d...