"Will I do?" The words stuck in her throat and almost sounded scratchy.

His answering nod was absent. "I see you every day in your white uniform. Sometimes, on the weekends, in your cords and jeans. But this is the first time I've ever seen you all dressed up."

"I feel like a fish out of water."

"And you look like a princess. My Anna, you are a beautiful woman." He said it as if it surprised him.

The color invading her face seeped up her neck. "And you, Brian Littrell, bear a striking resemblance to Prince Charming."

"So it's been told," he teased. "Shall we?" He offered his elbow. Anna rested her hand lightly against the crook of it, and inhaled a deep breath, readying herself for the ordeal.

"I'll be the envy of every man there," he whispered reassuringly, and paused in the hallway just out of view from the living room. "Relax. You're as stiff as starched underwear."

Under any other circumstance, Anna would have laughed, but she felt like a coiled spring, her nerves in chaos.

"Anna." Her name was issued on a soft reassuring note. The gentle brush of his lips on her cheek sent a warm glow over her. "Now smile."

She painted one of her lips and prayed would effectively disguise her nervousness.

People had already begun to arrive. Anna didn't know a soul, not even the help who sauntered in and around the guests with trays of drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Filled with her own insecurities, Anna had forgotten what an ordeal this was for Brian. She glanced at him, a protective spark burning in her eyes.

Brian's mother was at their side the minute they stepped into the room. Dressed in a lovely silver creation, she looked years younger. Diamonds graced her arms and neck. The scent of gardenias followed her.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Jackie announced, "the guest of honor, my son, Brian."

Brian tossed his mother a look of severe displeasure, but graciously smiled at the small audience.

A flurry of introductions followed, for Anna's benefit. After five minutes she gave up trying to remember faces and names.

A path was cleared for Brian as he purposefully made his way into the room. He chose a far corner chair and set the crutches at his side.

"Anna," he whispered tightly. "Get me something to drink. I'm going to need it."

Anna felt the exact opposite. More than any time she could remember, she needed her wits about her. But getting something non-alcoholic in this crowd might be impossible.

A waiter was readily available. Anna lifted a long-stemmed wineglass from the silver tray. "Might it be possible to get a Coke or something?"

"Right away, madame."

Anna relaxed somewhat. Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as she had assumed. Brian took the wineglass out of her hand and placed an arm around her waist.

"Sit here." He indicated the padded arm of the chair. When she did as he requested, Brian kept his hand where it was. Anna knew she should object. The reason for this gathering was to bring him back into contact with his friends -- and that included women.

Anna spotted Leigh a few minutes later. Blonde. Beautiful. Perfect. Everything Anna would never be. Leigh laid a cobwebbed lace shawl over Charity's arm and smiled brightly into a tall man's eyes. Obviously her date. Anna relaxed.

"What was that for?" Brian asked, his hand tightening possessively around her.

"What?"

"That sigh?" He returned.

"Leigh's here."

"Anna, whatever you do, don't leave me."

"Brian?" She couldn't understand him.

"Don't 'Brian' me. I want you here as protection."

"I'm your nurse, not your armed guard," she shot back hotly. Silently she gritted her teeth.

"Anna," he whispered, "If someone makes one condescending remark or patronizes me, I won't be responsible for my actions. I need you as a buffer."

"A pillow would have done well. Why drag me into this when you know how much I hate it? Haven't you any consideration for someone other than yourself?"

"Hello Brian." It was the man who had come in with Leigh. He stood directly in front of them.

"Nick." The greeting was sadly lacking in warmth. "Forgive me for not standing up," Brian mocked.

"That I can overlook. It's the constant brush-off you've been giving me these past months I'm having a hard time forgiving."

"I'd think after the first few times you would have gotten the message."

Nick directed his attention to Anna. "Since Brian is delinquent in introducing us, I'll do it myself. I'm Nick Carter, Brian's friend, although that at the moment is questionable."

"How do you do," Anna responded primly. So this was the man Brian had repeatedly sent away.

"I think there's something you should understand right now." Brian's voice was coated in ice. "My tennis days are over, basketball no longer appeals to me, and my golf game is shot."

Nick laughed and loudly slapped his knee. "You mean that's what's been bugging you all these months? Do you think I care if you can do any of that?"

Anna slid off the seat. Brian had released his hold, and didn't seem to notice that she'd moved. "If you'll excuse me a moment."

Brian didn't answer. Anna stepped aside and watched as Nick pulled up the ottoman and sat down. Within seconds the two men were engrossed in conversation.

The waiter delivered her Coke, and Anna stood in the background. Someone she vaguely remembered being introduced to engaged her in a converation, but Anna was only have listening, making monosyllabic responses when required. Apparently the woman was a distant cousin of the Littrells and had heard all kinds of good things about Anna from another cousin.

Nick was joined by Leigh, who proudly held out her left hand. A solitaire diamond sparkled from her finger. Anna felt like jumping up and down and applauding. She watched as the two men shook hands.

Brian turned and started to say something, unaware that she'd left. His eyes briefly scanned hte room, until they fell on her. They narrowed slightly before indicating he wanted her.

"Excuse me, please," Anna told the friendly cousin. The Coke glass in her hand, she sauntered back to Brian's side.

"You rang, Master?" She teased.

His arm came around her waist. "The funny-girl is Anna."

"We've met," both Leigh and Nick said at the same time, and laughed. The two were so obviously in love that Anna instantly shared in their happiness.

"From what I understand, you're the one responsible for the minor miracle."

"No, the credit goes to Brian. The only praise I can accept is being tenacious enough to stick it out with him."

"This little lady pinched, poked, prodded, and punished me."

"All in the line of duty," Anna joked.

"Sometimes above-and-beyond duties call," Brian inserted.

Another couple joined them. Again Anna was introduced, his hand at her waist keeping her possessively at his side. When he handed her his empty glass, Anna stood to go refill it for him.

Nick had broken through the brick wall that Brian had created, and now the sound of his laughter could be heard above all others. A crowd had gathered around him so large, Anna didn't bother pushing her way through.

"Didn't I tell you what a good idea this was?" Jackie brushed past her. "Harold and I couldn't be more pleased with what you've done."

She held the wineglass at the stem. "Thank you," she smiled.

"We'd like to give you a generous bonus." Her husband had mentioned the bonus before. Anna didn't want a reward. It was enough that she accomplished what she set out to do.

"Really, Mrs. Littrell, that won't be necessary."

"Of course, it's necessary. Now don't argue."

Anna was quickly learning the Littrells were accustomed to having things their own way. It would no good to disagree.

Harold joined his wife, his hand cupping her shoulder. "Good evening, Miss Watson."

"Hello, Mr. Littrell."

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Very much," she lied.

"Samantha's here." The words were directed to his wife.

Jackie looked at her husband. "Do you think inviting her was wise?" She looked at Anna. "She and Brian were quite serious at one time."

"Oh," Anna struggled to sound natural.

"I'm so hoping they get back together again."

Anna suddenly felt nauseous.

"They were always perfect for one another."

"What happened?" Anna wanted a reason to hate the mysterious Samantha. Had the woman walked out on him after the accident?

"All Brian's doing, I'm afraid. He didn't want anyone around. I'm afraid he hurt her terribly."

"Don't worry, dear," Harold commented, "I'm sure now that Brian's walking they'll patch things up."

"What has been your experience in things like this?" Jackie asked, both parents looking at Anna.

She forced a reassuring smile. "I really couldn't say."

A middle-aged woman came up and whispered something in Harold's ear. He nodded.

"Miss Watson, would you mind checking with Charity in the kitchen? It seems we've run out of hors d'oeuvres."

"Of course not."

Her nerves felt raw as she sauntered into the kitchen. Charity was busy working, placing large shrimp onto a platter.

"How's it going in here?"

Charity looked up. "My goodness, what are you doing in here?"

"Mr. Littrell sent me to see how the goodies are holding out."

"What he really wants to know is if the little pink fellows have made their debut yet." She held up a shrimp.

"I guess you could say that." A smiled tugged at her mouth.

"Tell him to hold his horses. There's only so much I can do at one time."

"All right, I'll tell him. But if you don't mind, I'll use more delicate terms."

"Now go back in there, before something spills on that dress."

Brian's wineglass was still in her hand as she returned ot the party. The Littrells were out of sight, and Anna suspected Harold had purposely sent her away in order to bring Samantha to Brian's attention. Anna didn't want to meet someone who was perfect for him.

"There you are." Leigh stepped to her side. "Brian sent me to find you."

Anna took in a breath to make her voice sound calm. "I suppose he's ready for his drink. I got occupied."

"His drink? No, Nick got him a refill earlier. He wants you."

What lovely words, Anna mused, as she followed Leigh through the crowd.

Several people were standing in front of Brian, some leaning on furniture, drinks in hand, a friendly crowd that responded with laughing eagerness to his wittiness. The attention didn't bother him, but unnerved her.

Their eyes met and Anna stopped midstep. She didn't want to be thrust into the middle of this, and silently she relayed as much. Her hands balled into tight fists as she stood outside the circle of friends. She didn't belong there and he knew it.

Someone whispered Samantha's name, and Anna's attention was diverted to another female who moved gracefully across the room toward Brian.

A hush fell over the crowd.

"Hello Brian," the husky pitched voice said seductively.

Anna couldn't listen, couldn't watch. Abruptly she turned away and for a timeless second was frozen into immobility as the warm sound of Brian's welcome reached her.

Somehow she made it back to her room, which felt stifling and hot. The sliding-glass door made a grating noise as she opened it and stepped onto the verandah. Arms hugging her waist, she raised her face to the heavens, blinking back the ready tears. Almost from the time she'd arrived, she'd known this would happen. There was no one to blame but herself. She was the foolish one to have given her heart to Brian Littrell.