Chapter 101

A grand entrance was an understatement. It was even more overwhelming than she could have prepared for. The halls and grounds were already heaving with people when they finally emerged, early arrivals and local reporters milling around inside with glasses of free champagne being sipped down.

The mood was already electric with excitement and happy anticipation as they descended arm in arm. Flashes were already starting to go off by the edge of the stair and shouts of turn this way, and people shouting out both of their names in a flurry of activity. Rose was overwhelmed but followed Rob’s lead, letting him guide and shield her and tried not to look like a petrified bunny in the headlights.

They obliged, smiling and murmuring to one another about ‘goldfish in a bowl’ and ‘don’t forget to give them your best side’ amid giggles and secret hand squeezes. There was a lot of back-slapping and congratulations as they reached floor level from people they both knew and didn’t. Sw