The sleeveless dress had a fitted bodice that hugged her generous curves and provided ample support. Her second favorite element, besides the color, was a mesh triangle cutout between her breasts, giving a shadowy glimpse of cleavage beneath. The flowy skirt was dressed in sparkles along the calf-length hemline, adding to her festive mood.
She’d indulged in a pair of sexy silver heels without once wondering how many other outfits they would match. Practicality had no place tonight. She wore a single piece of jewelry. The necklace had been a gift from her mother on her twenty-first birthday, the length perfect to nestle a teardrop opal encircled in silver wire in the indention at the base of her throat. A silver shawl completed her dream outfit.
She wasn’t sure what had gotten into her, but tonight she would simply go with the flow. Especially since it meant more time with Zachary. A quick look over her shoulder let her watch her prince as he stepped in the door to the restaurant behind her. She’d seen him plenty at the mill in the past few days, but never alone. And there had been no repeat of the night at the B and B.
She wished he had come to get her because he wanted to, not because Christina had asked him to, but the flutters in her stomach were the same, regardless. And the way his dark eyes widened when he saw her in this dress for the first time was very much appreciated.
Zach was a sight to behold himself. The fitted black suit and burgundy tie complemented his dark good looks, making her fingers itch for her camera to record tonight for posterity. She had a small one in her clutch—she was never without one—but wouldn’t intrude on a personal gathering by breaking it out.
As Zach took her arm to lead her in, the look on his face was proud—at least, she liked to think so. Even though it didn’t dim the wariness that would forever linger in his eyes when he looked at her, still, it made her happy.
This, at least, she could have.
“Well, somebody cleans up good,” KC said, giving her brother the once-over before a quick hug.
Zach’s gaze flicked to Sadie when she murmured, “I agree.”
He wiggled his tie a little to adjust it. “You know I hate these things.”
KC shook her head as if she were disappointed in his response. “What’s not to enjoy? Great food, friends—even Mom’s here.” She looked between them, giving Sadie the distinct impression that she was sizing them up together. “Go introduce Sadie, why don’t you?”
That definitely started the butterflies in Sadie’s stomach. When she’d been here five years ago, she hadn’t met any of Zachary’s family, though she’d heard a lot about them.
Luckily she had time to compose herself before doing the family thing. She and Zach couldn’t get more than a few feet across the floor without someone stopping them to chat. The Blackstones had spared no expense in renting out the entire restaurant for this impressive soiree, and they’d invited all of the upper management from the mill and their families, as well as Zach and KC’s family, the mayor and some city officials.
To her surprise, she was almost as much in demand as Zach. The people at the mill and in town had been beyond friendly, and it was no different with tonight’s crowd. Sadie felt more at home here than she ever had in Dallas, where she’d lived her entire life. Mostly because the people of Black Hills actually saw her. The real her...or as close to the real her as she could risk showing them.
Suddenly a man with an authoritative bearing appeared at Zach’s side, reaching to shake his hand. “I told you this would eventually be cleared up,” he said.
“You didn’t say it would take this long,” Zach answered with a knowing look.
“This is true,” the man said with a laugh.
“Sadie,” Zach said, pulling her into reach of the conversation, “this is Officer Stephens, my arresting officer.”
“What?”
To her consternation, both men chuckled. “Sorry, ma’am,” Officer Stephens said. “A little joke. I didn’t actually arrest him... I just brought him in for questioning.” His wink set her at ease.
“And question me he did,” Zach said.
“Just doing my job. But you did good, buddy. Real good.”