The Kane Cross (Cross 1)

54 - Forever

Ivy looked in the mirror. She didn't recognize herself with her hair and her makeup done professionally. "You are ready for your gown."

She smiled at Ritchie, the stylist Elena had recommended. She nodded. "I could kiss you."

He laughed. "Not a chance. You would ruin your lips. Go. Slip into your dress."

She felt nervous. The summer intern was returning on the COO's arm. At least she looked the part. Her emerald empire waist dress was worthy of a princess, like a young Queen Elizabeth or Grace Kelly. It was modest, except for the off the shoulder bodice and showed just enough skin at the neck and shoulders to highlight her diamond necklace.

Ivy was never a girl who dreamed of diamonds and jewels, but the necklace had become her most loved possession. As she walked downstairs, she wished for two things. First, for Baxter to be waiting at the bottom, but he didn't have time to come home between work and the party. The good news was the next day was Christmas Eve and if Kane Properties could survive without him, Baxter was off until the new year.

Second, her wish was silly because Baxter wasn't waiting, but their staircase didn't make a statement. She had to walk down two flights to the front door. Frowning, she wondered how she had become so accustomed to a staircase like at Sinclairs. Maybe having Baxter in the bedroom to pull up her zipper would trump the bottom of the stairs.

With a rap at the front door, she opened it for Mac. "I'm almost ready. The stylist is packing up."

"Cinderella, you've come a long way, and I am thrilled for you."

"Thanks. Between you and me, I think of you as a friend. I might be a part of Baxter's world, but I'll never adapt completely." It scared her just how much she had.

"This is a nice place. More normal than Kane House."

She laughed. "I'm glad about that. It feels like home." Any place with Baxter was her home.

Ritchie came down the stairs. "This isn't? No. I've seen pictures."

Ivy laughed. "No, this is Macintyre, our trusted driver. We were waiting for you. I'm ready now."

Mac nodded. "This way, Miss."

She armed the alarm as she left. Mac pulled the locked door closed. "Thank you, Ritchie."

"My pleasure, Miss. Ivy."

Mac laughed. "What's so funny?" she asked as he was closing her door.

When he reached the driver's seat. He said, "Nobody is as nice to the staff as you."

"Oh, well, that's a good thing. Who in the family treats you the worst?"

"Nope. My loyalty runs deeper than friendship."

"And that's why Baxter trusts you. You could have revealed all our secrets, but you never did."

"I like my job." Ivy smiled. "The hotel is up ahead." Butterflies danced in her belly. She took her phone out of her bag and texted Baxter. She hoped he would meet her at the door.

With no response, she had no choice but to exit the car and walk in alone. Thankfully, there was no press lined up. Just a lobby crawling with Kane employees she didn't know. At the entrance to the ballroom, her eyes darted around before she felt a tug on her hand from her left.

"I'm here." His voice felt like an umbrella in a downpour. She smiled up at him, but his hazel eyes lusted over her dress.

She squeezed his hand. "Behave."

"I'm just looking, but later..." Later, a word full of promise. "Let's get you a drink. Eleanor is hiding trying to blend in I'm sure."

"I'd like to."