9. Harrison

9

HARRISON

Bergan’s a vision in green and she’s dolled up to the nines and when I watch her walk down the stairs, my tongue rolls out of my mouth. I’m the epitome of a cartoon character with hearts in my eyes, my heart beating out of my chest, and everything.

She remains cold and distant as we walk into the event and won’t even accept my arm to be escorted in. It hurts as I try to figure out what I did, but it doesn’t stop me from being a gentleman.

“Bergan, you are so beautiful tonight.”

A soft smile finally appears, even though when I first told her she had her shoulders set and her back straight, but the way everybody has eyed us coming in, she’s a little nervous and has let her armor down a little. I’m going to take what I can.

“Thank you. Aria did my makeup. It was fun. Like having a sister, something I’ve never had.” Her voice drops into a wistful tone, and she blushes as she realizes she lets something slip.

I’m happy though. I want that for her. I want my family to be her family. I can tell she likes them and they like her.

It’ll be easier when I introduce her to the whole family to have Aria as a good friend because not too long ago, Aria was in the same position and now she’s a full-blown Briggs. Just like I hope Bergan will be soon.

“Oh, shit. Don’t leave me.” I place my hand on Bergan’s back.

“What?” Bergan looks around and spots three little old ladies heading over, beginning to swarm me.

Aria whispers to Bergan. “That’s Viola, Violet, and Vivian. The Teagarten sisters.” She chuckles as she leads Bergan away. “You look like you can use a drink.”

I give Bergan panic eyes, and she chuckles as she continues to leave with Aria, who snickers. “Oh yes, I would love a drink.”

Colt has a big grin as he follows the ladies and gives me a two-finger salute while holding back a chuckle. I glare at all of them.

“Ladies, look at him. You could bounce a nickel off his butt,” Violet says.

“I’m only worth a nickel?” My complaint falls on deaf ears.

“You’re not getting him. I’ve got money to burn.” Vivian pats at her hair and smiles. For an older lady, you would think it would be sweet, but no, there’s something carnal there and I swallow hard trying to figure out how to get out of this situation.

“So does he,” Viola laughs. “Rich, Briggs.” She swats my butt.

“Hey there, ladies!” I scold as my cheeks get a little pink, and I look for Bergan, who’s laughing at the bar with Aria. “Excuse me.” I don’t wait for them to say anything, and I don’t care if I’m being rude. I rush over to Bergan, almost running in my need to get away.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you will please make your way to your seats. The auction is about to begin.” The announcement sounds over the PA system.

Bergan laughs as she hands me a drink. “Ah, you’re a devil and an angel. But I’ll forgive you for leaving me, since you are providing alcohol.”

Bergan smirks, but this time she takes my arm as we follow Colt and Aria to our seats.

“You have quiet the fan-club, Mr. Briggs.” She smiles and waves at the Teagarten sisters who smile, wave, and wink back.

I’m happy she’s lightening up and wish I’m not an auction item tonight so I can spend every second with her.

The first half hour of the auction is going well as trips, art, and bottles of wine are being auctioned along with local town services. I’m happy about all the donations and all the bidders who are trying to make things better for all the children. It’s a long hard battle, but whatever a person can contribute fills my heart with love for them.

“Now, for our last auction item. The one I know all you ladies, and some men even, have been waiting patiently for. An evening with pro-hockey player Harrison Briggs. Harrison, if you will please come up here.”

Now the moment is here. I’m nervous, and don’t want to spend an evening with anybody but Bergan. More importantly, I don’t want to spend an evening with one of the Teagartens.

I lean over and whisper in Bergan’s ear. “Please don’t let one of those little old ladies take me. Whatever it takes, I will pay you back. It’s for a good cause. Please, Bergan.”

She smiles and wipes her hands over my tux jacket as if I have lint there. “We’ll see.”

I narrow my gaze at her and stand while I mouth out “please, bid.”

When it comes to her, I’m not above begging.