He bit back a smile as he laced his fingers between hers when she took his hand. After lifting her hand to kiss the back of it, he gazed down at her, tilting his head to the side.

"You give yourself too little credit," he reminded gently. He knew he had helped, but the effort had all been hers. He was proud of her. "This party would not be what it is without your efforts to make people feel welcome. I am glad I was able to help, though."

And to see her so happy.