Charlene, York, and Gaylord had alle prepared, so their side of the meadow was a feast for the eyes. Several pic nkets wereid out, covered in baskets overflowing with gourmet ingredients.


    Fresh sds, red wine, champagne, pastries, and signature drinks were all arranged artfully, creating a warm, inviting pic spread that put everyone in a cheerful mood.


    After everything was set up, York nced at the steaks,mb chops, and assortment of seafood he''d brought along especially for the asion. He turned to Charlene and asked, "Do you like spicy food? This marbledmb is something I had flown inst night from out of town. I''ve tried it before, and it''s top quality—"


    Before York could finish, Gaylord strolled over and handed Charlene a drink, cutting him off mid-sentence. "This is a special drink I had made just for today," he said, grinning. "It''s really good-want to try it?"


    With the drink already offered, Charlene had no choice but to ept. "Thank you," she replied politely.<fn437e> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find?novel</fn437e>


    Since York had just spoken to her, she couldn''t ignore him either. Turning back, she added, "I can handle spicy food, and I''m not picky."


    York smiled. "Great."


    With that, Charlene took a sip of the drink in her hand. The vor surprised her-it was blueberry, just the way she liked it, with a smooth, bright taste that instantly lifted her spirits. "This is delicious," she said, her eyes lighting up. "I really like it.


    Thank you."


    Having worked by Charlene''s side for a few months, Gaylord naturally understood her tastes better than most. He''d actually had this drink developed especially with her preferences in mind.


    Seeing her enjoy it, his smile grew. "I''m d you like it. I had them mix up a few different vors—there''s raspberry, too. Want to try that er?"


    Charlene nodded, "Sure."


    As she looked up, she caught sight of Connie across the nkets, waggling her eyebrows and making exaggerated faces at her.


    Charlene paused, momentarily speechless.


    Connie tried to stifle herughter, leaning in to whisper to Stewart, "Looks like I picked the perfect night toe along."


    Honestly, this little drama unfolding was even better than a meteor shower.


    When Stewart didn''t respond and only frowned, Connie asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Stewart was staring at Charlene with York and Gaylord, looking genuinely baffled. "So... Gaylord''s interested in Charlene too?"


    "You didn''t know?" Connie said, surprised.


    "No, I just figured it out." The realization had only just dawned on him-so that was why Gaylord suggested this whole orting Clearly his sights were on Charlene as well.  s


    Connie nced toward the trio again, unable to hold back a smile. "I doubt Charlene realized it before. I wonder if she''s picked up on it now..."


    In truth, both York and Gaylord knew how to keep things respectful; thest thing


    they wanted was to make Charlene ufortable.


    Once they''d checked which foods Charlene liked, they wandered over to join Connie and Stewart.


    Seeing them approach, Connie quickly stopped talking.


    York was the first to speak. "Mr. Ferguson, Miss Snyder, would you


    like to


    try some of my grilling


    ater?


    I''m not much of a chef but I can


    handle a barbecue.


    fo s


    Connie grinned. "That sounds great, Mr. Watson. Thank you."


    Stewart nodded as well. "Appreciate it."


    Gaylord chimed in, introducing some of his own culinary contributions.


    The group fell into easy conversation, the atmosphere rxed and lively.


    A littleter, Connie sidled up to Charlene, whispering with a


    mischievous smile, "So? How


    it


    feel to have all the attention from the guys tonight content belongs to s


    Charlene, drink in hand, could onlyugh-momentarily at a loss for words.