"Thank you." Nora took one, more for something to hold than any desire to drink. Her stomach was twisted in knots, her pulse thrumming with anticipation and dread in equal measure. He was here, somewhere in this crowd, and she was about to face him for the first time in two years.
Nora found her assigned table near the back of the ballroom, appropriate given she was probably the least important person here. She sat down, smoothing her dress, trying to breathe normally. Around her, the room buzzed with conversation and laughter. The band played something smooth and jazzy. People danced, mingled, posed for photos in front of a backdrop adorned with 2026 in glittering numbers.
Then she saw him.
Sebastian stood near the center of the room, commanding attention without seeming to try. He wore a black tuxedo that fit him perfectly, his salt-and-pepper hair swept back, his posture radiating the confidence of a man who owned not just this hotel, but half the world. He was speaking with an older couple, his expression polite but distant—the same look he used to wear at business events when he wanted to be anywhere else.
Nora's breath caught. Two years. It had been two years since she'd seen him in person, and the impact of it hit her like a physical force. He looked exactly the same: those dark eyes, that strong jawline, the way he held himself like he was perpetually aware of being watched. But there was something different, too. Something harder around his edges, a tightness in his shoulders that spoke of burdens carried too long. He looked unhappy. That realization settled into Nora's chest with unexpected weight.
Before she could process it further, a woman appeared at Sebastian's side, sliding her arm through his with practiced ease. Blonde, stunning, dripping in diamonds that caught the chandelier light. She wore a champagne-colored gown that probably cost more than Nora's car, and she fit against Sebastian like she belonged there.
Vanessa, his fiancé.
Nora had seen photos online, of course. Society pages loved the engagement of Sebastian Hale to Vanessa Montgomery. Old money meeting older money, a merger as much as a marriage. But seeing her in person was different. She was beautiful in that intimidating, untouchable way. Not a hair out of place, not a gesture unrefined. Everything Nora wasn't.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the band leader's voice rang out across the ballroom. "In just two hours, we'll be counting down to the new year. But first, our host for the evening, Mr. Sebastian Hale, would like to say a few words."
Polite applause rippled through the crowd as Sebastian moved toward the small stage. He walked with that familiar confidence, but Nora caught something: a hesitation, maybe. A fractional pause before he took the microphone.
"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us at the Ocean View Grand to celebrate the arrival of 2026."
His voice. God, his voice. Nora had forgotten how it could slide under her skin, rich and warm even through the formal words.
"This property has always held a special place in my heart," Sebastian continued, and Nora saw his gaze sweep the room. "It was one of the first hotels I personally renovated, and I spent several months here ensuring every detail was perfect. In that time, I fell in love—"
Nora's heart stopped.
"—with this community, this coastline, and the incredible people who make Crescent Bay what it is."
Of course, the community, not her. Why would it be her?
"So, thank you for being here tonight. I hope you enjoy the evening, and I wish you all happiness and prosperity in the coming year."
More applause. Sebastian handed back the microphone and was immediately swallowed by the crowd—people wanting to shake his hand, congratulate him, angle for his attention.
Nora exhaled slowly, her champagne untouched, her hands trembling slightly. This was a mistake. What had she been thinking? That she'd walk up to him in the middle of his engagement party and what? Announce she'd had his baby? That would go over well. She stood abruptly, ready to leave, to collect Lily and drive home and forget this entire foolish idea.
"Nora."
The voice came from behind her. Female, familiar. Nora turned to find Sarah Chen, Marcus Chen's wife, and one of the few friends she'd made during her time in Crescent Bay. They'd worked together at the cafe, had stayed in touch sporadically after Nora left.
"Sarah, I didn't know you'd be here."
"Marcus is Sebastian's regional manager. We get dragged to all these things." Sarah hugged her warmly, then pulled back with bright eyes. "Oh my god, look at you. You look beautiful. How have you been? How's—" She stopped, clearly catching herself.
"Lily's wonderful," Nora said quietly. "She's 17 months now, growing so fast."
Sarah's expression softened with understanding. She was one of the few people who knew the whole story, had been there when Nora discovered she was pregnant, had listened to her cry about blocked phone numbers and returned letters.
"Does he know you're here?" Sarah whispered.
"Not yet."
"Nora, I know. I know it's crazy, but I can't keep doing this, Sarah. She's getting older. She asks questions. She deserves to know who her father is, and he deserves—" She stopped, emotion threatening to crack her voice. "He deserves the choice, even if he chooses to walk away."
Sarah squeezed her hand. "You're braver than I could ever be."
The band shifted into something slower, couples moving onto the dance floor. Nora watched Sebastian dance with Vanessa, their movements polished but somehow mechanical, like they'd rehearsed it, like everything between them was choreographed.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
Nora turned to find an elderly woman gesturing to the empty chair beside her. It took her a moment to recognize her—the woman from the breakfast buffet that morning. Sebastian's mother.
"Oh, no, please." Nora's heart hammered as the woman sat down.
"We haven't been properly introduced. I'm Katherine Hale." She extended a perfectly manicured hand.
Nora shook it, her throat tight. "Nora Whitman."
"Whitman?" Katherine's eyes narrowed slightly. "That name sounds familiar."
Of course it did. Nora had no doubt Sebastian's mother had thoroughly investigated the inappropriate woman her son had been dating two years ago.
"I used to live in Crescent Bay," Nora said carefully.
"How lovely. Are you visiting for the holidays?"
"Yes, with my daughter."