Tonight’s the night.” A euphoric laugh rumbled in Sierra’s throat as she sat back in her chair and pulled a barbecue potato chip from the bag on the kitchen island. She plopped it in her mouth, letting the tanginess melt on her tongue before chomping, then swallowing. “Parker’s taking me to dinner at Rossini’s Italian Restaurant in Manhattan, which can only mean one thing—he’s proposing.” She was so deliriously happy that she wanted to throw open the window and proclaim the news to the neighborhood. All these years, she’d planned and prepared, putting herself in the perfect position to find her real-life Mr. Darcy. And now it was finally happening. She waited for her aunt to respond but there was only silence on the other end of the phone. She leaned forward. “Bennie, did I lose you?”

“No, I’m here.”

Bennie’s voice sounded weary and worn like an old shirt that had been run through the wash cycle too many times.

Sierra’s brows knit together, her voice taking on an edge. “Did you hear what I said? Parker’s proposing.”

“I heard you,” Bennie said dryly. “Are you sure?”

She swallowed, not understanding why her aunt Bennie was acting so prickly. “Well, yeah. Of course I’m sure. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be calling you.” This was a great day, a day for celebrating. Why was Bennie raining on her parade? “I thought you’d be happy for me.” Her voice sounded small and wounded in her own ears.

“Your happiness is my primary concern. I just want to make sure you’re making the right decision. You and Parker haven’t been together all that long. Maybe you should give it more time, make sure he’s the one.”

She barked out a laugh. “Seriously? We’ve been together two years. I think that’s plenty long enough for me to know what kind of man Parker is. He’s handsome, kind, charming, successful.” She could’ve gone on and on, listing Parker’s amazing qualities. Bennie just didn’t know him. That’s why she was being cautious about the engagement. Sierra had extended a billion invites for Bennie to come here and get to know Parker, but she was always too busy directing her plays and insisted that it was too long of a trek from South Carolina to New York.

“I know all of Parker’s qualities,” Bennie huffed. “You’ve told me often enough. From the way you keep carrying on about him, I’m surprised New Yorkers haven’t erected a statue in his honor.”

Sierra sucked in a breath. “Why’re you being so rude?”

Bennie sighed. “I’m sorry, honey. I’m just stressed out of my mind. Macbeth’s set to open in a little over two weeks, and we’re running around like blind squirrels after a fistful of nuts, trying to get everything ready. Freddie Allen’s been practicing to play Macbeth for the past three months, and now he’s come down with the croup.” Her voice trembled slightly. “I don’t know what in the heck we’ll do if he doesn’t get better. Doctor Clarke has given him some heavy-duty antibiotics, but I dunno …” Long pause. “I guess we’ll just have to see how it goes. Say a few prayers for us, would ya?”

“I think the Good Lord has more to do than worry about some small-town play,” Sierra quipped.

“I—I’m sorry you see it that way.” The words tumbled out heavily like soup cans falling from a torn grocery bag.

Guilt twisted Sierra’s gut. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I’ll have you know this small-town play is very important to the folks of Sugar Pines. Our plays may seem silly and insignificant to you, but we bring culture and refinement to our town—something this world could use more of.”

Sierra rubbed a hand across her forehead. “I’m sorry.” She needed to learn to think before saying stupid things. The theater was Bennie’s life, and she’d just stomped on it.

A strained silence fell between them.

“I really am sorry,” Sierra said again.

Bennie let out a long sigh. “It’s okay. I accept your apology. Tell me more about tonight.”

The false cheerfulness in Bennie’s voice hung like a dark cloud over Sierra’s head. She no longer wanted to discuss Parker with Bennie. “I’m sure it’ll go well,” she said evasively.

“This is changing the subject, but Dalton Chandler asked about you the other day.”

Sierra jerked, her throat going drier than a week-old biscuit. “What?” she squeaked. “Was Dalton in town, visiting?”

Bennie chuckled lightly. “No, he moved back to Sugar Pines. Bought the Drexel mansion next door.”

Sierra clutched her neck. “W-what happened to Steven and Macey Drexel?”

“They moved to a retirement community in Hilton Head, so they could be closer to their kids in Charleston.”

Her mind scrambled to connect it all. “And Dalton purchased their house? Can he afford it?”

Bennie chuckled dryly. “Evidently, seeing as how he bought it.”

Sierra twisted a lock of hair around her finger, pulling it tight enough to squeeze off her blood supply. “I thought Dalton was still in Seattle. You should’ve told me.” She didn’t try to hide the accusation in her voice.

“I thought we talked about this,” Bennie said, laughing lightly.

“No, we most certainly didn’t.” She would’ve remembered. An image of Dalton with his silver eyes and crooked smile flashed through her mind, unleashing a tumult of conflicting emotions. It was a mistake to call Bennie. Today was supposed to be glorious—the day she would step into her future with Parker. The last thing she wanted was to get dragged back into the past. A past she’d spent the last seven years trying to forget. She balled her fists, her fingernails digging into her palms, replacing the picture of Dalton with Parker.

“I didn’t realize Dalton was still such a big deal to you.”

Her back went ramrod straight. “He’s not!”

“Obviously,” Bennie laughed.

Sierra tightened her hold on the phone. “I’m gonna have to let you go.” She hated how breathy and desperate the words came out. Why was she getting so worked up over Dalton? So what if he was back in Sugar Pines? The two of them were history. “I have to get ready for my dinner tonight.”

Bennie’s voice went an octave higher. “Ready for your dinner? It’s only eleven a.m. Jiminy Cricket. How much time do you need?”

“I know what time it is,” Sierra countered, “but I have things to do.” She didn’t dare mention that those things included shopping for a new dress and getting her hair and nails done. Sierra wanted tonight to be perfect, one she’d always remember, but there was no sense in wasting words trying to explain because Bennie wouldn’t understand. She thought Sierra’s search to find her own Mr. Darcy was foolish. As if Bennie had room to talk. Bennie was the looney one, parading around town in elaborate costumes to get into whichever character she was playing. Sierra had felt like her growing up years were one big freak show. But that was behind her now. She was starting a new life—sane and orthodox.

“I’ve gotta let you go,” Sierra said, looking up as her roommate Juliette burst through the door, her hands loaded with shopping bags.

“Clarissa’s Closet is having their semi-annual sale,” Juliette exclaimed, dropping the bags in front of the couch as she plopped down and kicked off her stilettos. She sprawled over the couch, sighing loudly. “My feet are killing me,” she moaned, sitting up and massaging her toes.

Sierra smiled, shaking her head. Juliette was a hoot—all passion and drama. A rich girl who loved spending as much of her daddy’s money as she could. She turned her attention back to Bennie. “Juliette just got home. I need to talk to her before I head out.” She was glad to have a pressing excuse to end the call. “I love you.” A flood of emotion went through Sierra. Even though Bennie frustrated the heck out of her, Sierra loved her like a mother. She’d raised Sierra from the time she was eleven years old.

“I love you too. I hope all goes well tonight.” Bennie paused. “And that you find what you’re looking for.”

An unexpected pang welted through Sierra as she caught the melancholy note in Bennie’s voice and knew she was referring to Dalton Chandler. Bennie considered Sierra’s breakup with her ex-boyfriend a tragedy that ranked right up there with King Lear. A trickle of anxiety iced down Sierra’s spine. Was it a mistake to marry Parker, when she’d had such all-consuming feelings for Dalton? She shook off the misgivings. No, it wasn’t a mistake. Parker was perfect for her—the guy she’d always wanted to marry. Sierra couldn’t allow herself to be swayed by Bennie’s antics. She’d fought so hard to be where she was now, had to keep her eyes fixed on the future. “Thank you,” she said, forcing her voice to sound cheery. “Gotta go,” she chirped, ending the call.

Juliette eyed her. “Are you okay?”

A smile shrink-wrapped Sierra’s lips. “Yeah. I’m great, actually.” She felt a wisp of her former excitement returning. “Parker’s taking me to Rossini’s tonight.”

Juliette’s eyes bulged. “Seriously?” Her eyes sparkled as she studied Sierra. “Is it happening?”

A real smile broke over Sierra’s lips. “I think so.”

Juliette jumped up, squealing. “Ohmygosh!” She rushed to Sierra’s side and threw her arms around her shoulders.

Moisture gathered in Sierra’s eyes. “Thank you.” This is what she’d hoped to get from Bennie—reassurance that all would be well.

Juliette drew back, a mischievous smile tipping her lips. “Have you told your Jane Austen pals yet?”

“No, I tried to call Harley, but couldn’t reach her.”

“You should post it on the wall of your Facebook group.” Juliette’s eyes danced. “They’ll freak when they hear the news.” Her eyes went dreamy. “Jane Austen couldn’t have written this any better herself. First, you land that kick-butt account that’ll put you on the map in the advertising world, and now you’re marrying Parker Henley.” She pumped her eyebrows. “The Parker Henley, one of New York’s most eligible bachelors.” She paused. “To think, all those years ago when you went to that girls’ camp and made a pact to settle for nothing less than a Jane Austen hero, everything was set in motion.” Her lips formed a mock pout as she sniffed. “If I didn’t love you so much, I’d be out of my mind with envy.”

Excitement bubbled in Sierra’s chest. “It is wonderful, isn’t it?” she breathed.

“Heck, yeah, it’s wonderful.” Juliette cocked her head, her hand going to her hip as she gave Sierra the once-over. “Now for the most important question of all … what are you wearing?”

“Well, I thought I’d go shopping and find something.”

Juliette brought her hands together. “Fabulous! I’ll go with you.”

“But you just got back.” Sierra’s eyes trailed over the mountain of bags on the floor.

“Exactly. Which is why I need to go with you. I know where all the good sales are.”

A laugh bubbled in Sierra’s throat. “Thank you. You really are a wonderful friend.”

Juliette’s eyes grew soft and for a second Sierra caught a smidgen of real tenderness before Juliette made a show of dabbing her eyes. “Oh, stop.”

She touched Juliette’s arm. “Seriously, I appreciate you so much.”

A small smile curved Juliette’s lips. “You’re welcome.” She put a finger to her mouth. “Hmm … I’m thinking that with your hair, a green dress might be the ticket. Or blue, to match your eyes.”

Sierra thought for a minute. “Definitely green.”

“Green it is. What time is your dinner tonight?”

“Parker’s picking me up at seven.”

A mortified look came over Juliette. “Yikes! We don’t have much time. We’d better get cracking.”

Sierra smiled at the contrast between Juliette’s reaction and Bennie’s, feeling vindicated. It took time to put a stylish ensemble together. “I know, I wanna get my hair and nails done if we have time.”

Juliette’s eyes widened as she hurried over and grabbed her shoes. “Then let’s get out of here, pronto!”

As they rushed out the door, Juliette talking a mile a minute about the places they’d go, the last of Sierra’s misgivings fell away.

This was right.

Parker was a great catch.

Any girl would be lucky to have him.

And for some strange reason, he’d picked her.

That, alone, was reason enough to celebrate.