Page 119 of Wilde Flame

“Can I draw up something I was thinking about for the nursery?”

Surprised, I asked, “You can draw?”

He laughed. “Not great, but I think I can get the idea across to you.”

“I’d love to see your thoughts.”

We turned on Main, and I stared out the window as we drove along. Most of the stores would be closing soon. We drove past Wonderland Whimsy, and I smiled. I’d worked my ass off to build that store, and it would never not be thrilling each time I saw it.

“Moreen closing up today?” Caden asked.

“No, two girls I hired part time are working this afternoon. Moreen opened this morning. I think her plan tonight was to work in her kitchen on some recipes.”

Caden nodded. “For the bakery or café she would like to open someday I’m guessing.”

Caden pulled up and parked outside the town’s small theater. I glanced up to see if anything was playing, but the marquee just read “private event.”

“Are we going to the theater?”

“We are,” Caden replied with a half-smile.

He got out, left his jacket, and jogged around to help me out of the truck. Once we got inside, I came to an abrupt halt.

Standing before me, dressed all in back, was Caden’s mother.

Lilibeth

“Hey, Vivianne. What are you doing here?”

She grinned. “I’m serving as your hostess this evening. Let me take you to your table.”

Confused, I looked at Caden. “Table?”

He simply shrugged, then put his hand on my lower back and prompted me to follow his mother. We walked into the small theater, and I drew in a sharp breath. I hadn’t been to this place since moving to River Falls. It was one of the town’s historic buildings, and I’d heard it was beautiful inside.

We walked into the auditorium, and I stopped so I could take it all in. It was stunning, and something I wouldn’t have expected to see here in River Falls. I looked up, in awe of the ornate and elegant touches throughout the space. The detailed plasterwork looked like something you’d see in an older European country. Murals were painted on the ceiling in the most beautiful and vibrant colors. Chandeliers cast the perfect amount of light and gave the room a romantic ambience.

As we walked farther, we passed red velvet stadium chairs that heightened the room’s elegance.

“This is stunning. I can’t believe I’ve never been here.”

“When I was a kid, we’d beg my parents to sit in the opera boxes so we could feel important. I remember sitting up there watching Elf feeling like I was king of the world.”

I laughed. “Elf?”

Caden had laced his fingers with mine as we made our way to the stage. A table was set up with two chairs. A beautiful arrangement of flowers sat in the middle, with two equally stunning place settings.

“This is…it’s…it’s so beautiful,” I said, as Vivianne stood there with a huge smile on her face. It was in that moment that I saw so much of Vivianne in Caden. The only difference was that she had light-colored hair, while Caden’s was brown.

“Let me get your coat,” he said, helping me out of it and then handing it to his mother, who quickly rushed off. My shawl was tucked through my purse which Caden had set to the side.

“Your seat,” Caden said, as he pulled the chair out for me to slide onto.

“I didn’t trust anyone else to make sure this was the perfect evening, hence why I’m here,” Vivianne said, taking my napkin, opening it, and placing it on my lap.

I looked up at her, positive I still wore a stunned expression.

“I used to be a waitress, and this is bringing back so many memories!” she laughed.