Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

16 - The gate

Gray stood in his suit waiting for Sofia to come down the stairs. Monty looked at his watch. "You can come home and I'll text you before we're ready to leave."

"Where are you going?"

"Walnut Street on Beacon Hill." Monty smirked.

Walnut Street. He looked at his friend sideways. "What's the event?"

"The Kane's garden party."

Gray scoff. "It must be a small event. How did you get invited?"

"From what I've heard it's the opposite of small. Sinclair is dating the sister, so we received an invitation."

It had been four weeks since K left, and in that time he hadn't forgotten her. He had tried to keep busy, but it didn't work. "Will Oliver be there?"

"I don't think it's his crowd. Why?"

"I want to run something by him."

Monty shrugged. "Next time I meet with him. Austin is stopping by next week."

"Maybe I'll talk to him."

"I'll let you know how she looks."

His heart sped up. "How who looks?"

"Your damsel. I'm sure she'll be there."

Gray shrugged, pretending not to care, and breathed when Sofia appeared. "Camilla is all set with our bebé."

"Ready, beautiful?"

"Si, handsome."

Gray pretended to gag. "Watch it, you're the chauffeur tonight." Monty failed at sounding strict. Ana would walk all over him.

"Yes, boss."

Sofia laughed at their game. Once they settled into the car, it was a short drive. Parked cars lined the street. "There may not be parking."

Gray laughed. "I'll make do."

There was a line of cars moving slowly to let guests out at the door. When it was their turn, Gray didn't have to get out, because a gentleman opened the door and welcomed Monty and Sofia.

Gray drove around the block, and as he came around, the entire side was a iron fence in front of a high hedge with twinkling lights in the trees. He had been wrong about the garden. The Whitby mansion had vast grounds, but it was in the suburbs. He pulled the car up along the side of the road. When he rolled down his window, he heard music and voices. His heart beat faster. She was nearby. The summer evening was a pleasant temperature, neither hot nor cold. As if a force pushed him, Gray stepped out of the car.

At the end of the block, there was a gate. He had sat outside countless parties and had never wanted to peek inside. As he walked towards the gate, taking a peek was his only goal. The ivy growing on the iron hid him, but allowed him to see through the vines. Thankfully, it was taller than him. His eyes searched for a face he had only seen fully on his phone. He heard a familiar laugh, but it came from a dark-haired woman with Sinclair, her sister.

He stood watching for a long time. Monty and Sofia popped into view talking to various people. In the distance near the house, Sofia hugged a woman. He felt sweat under his arms, but was unsure if it was her. Eventually, they crossed the lawn walking closer. After Sofia left her, she looked around. Frozen, she looked at the gate. When she moved again, it was to walk toward him.

As she came into view, her face looked healed and absolutely stunning. She had pinned her thick hair up exposing her long, graceful neck. His breaths were shallow as his gaze took in her pale green dress. She looked like a princess.