Ashley nodded. “Yes, being overprepared is the best bet where Jennifer is concerned.” She smiled. “Otherwise she’ll start trying to take over, and everything goes downhill from there.”
Summer managed a smile. It was silly to be so upset over a date that didn’t mean anything anymore. But telling herself that didn’t take away the sorrow.
“You okay?” Ashley asked. “You look pale. Do you think your blood sugar is low or something?”
Summer shook her head. “I probably just need some sunshine.” She turned her computer on. “I might walk down to Marion Square later on and get a little sun.” The historic square was a gathering spot for college students, tourists, and businesspeople who worked along nearby King Street. She’d spent countless hours there as a teenager, watching college boys play Frisbee or football. Now that her office was within walking distance, it was a favorite place for an outdoor lunch or quick afternoon break.
“Sounds nice. I’d offer to go, too, except that Justin is supposed to drop by around lunchtime. It’s our final meeting about the website.” She sank into her office chair. “But if you happen to stop in at Cupcake, I’d be glad for you to bring me a sample.” The little bakery across from Marion Square was one of their favorite places to go for an afternoon pick-me-up.
“Of course.” Summer glanced up from her computer. “And I hope things go well with Justin.”
A shadow crossed Ashley’s pretty face. “It’s strictly business.” She shrugged. “At least mostly.”
A little before noon, Summer grabbed her purse. “I’ll be out for a little while. But I have my phone if you need me.”
Ashley nodded. “Okay.”
She headed North on King Street, lost in thought. She considered calling Luke but thought better of it. He was at work. Besides, he probably wouldn’t realize today had been her due date anyway.
“Summer,” a voice behind her called.
She turned to see Jefferson hurrying toward her. “Hi.”
He grinned as he reached her. “Sorry to sneak up on you. I went by your office, and your assistant told me where you were headed.” He chuckled. “Of course I had to really turn on the charm to get her to tell me.”
“I’ll bet. I feel certain that once you found yourself in the presence of a beautiful blond, the charm automatically turned on.”
He laughed. “You’ve got me there.”
She rolled her eyes, certain that Jefferson had laid it on thick with Ashley. Thankfully she was too suspicious to fall for any of his lines. “What did you need? You in the market for an event planner?”
“I was going to see if you wanted to grab lunch.”
She furrowed her brow. “I’m not hungry. I’m actually on my way to Blue Bicycle Books.”
“Oh. Well then, will it annoy you if I tag along?”
She wanted to be alone for a while to sort things out in her head. But if she said that, Jefferson wouldn’t leave her alone until she explained why. “I’m going to browse around the bookstore and then maybe pop over to Cupcake for a treat. I doubt that’s the way you want to spend your lunch hour.”
“You underestimate me. I happen to love books and cupcakes. So it’s a win-win.”
They walked in companionable silence the rest of the way.
“I love this place,” she said once they reached the bookstore. “The bicycle outside and the quirky window displays…such a great little store.”
Jefferson nodded. “I’ve only been in it a couple of times, but I’ve been impressed.”
She always tried to support local businesses over chains when she could. Whether it be the farmer’s market or a bookstore, it always made her feel good to do business with local owners.
Jefferson held the door open for her, and they went inside.
She browsed the new release section while Jefferson went to check out the literature room. She picked up the new Mary Higgins Clark and took it to the checkout counter. Once she paid for her purchase, she poked her head into the back room. “I’m going to get a cupcake.”
He followed her outside. “Is everything okay?”
She nodded. “Just having one of those days.”
“Tell you what…why don’t you go find a place to sit in the park. I’ll go grab some cupcakes. There’s probably a line.”
She should say no. The less Jefferson did for her, the better. But for just a moment, it would be nice to let someone take care of her. “Okay. Thanks.”
“Chocolate, right?” he asked with a knowing smirk.
She nodded. “You got it. And get an extra one for Ashley.”
He hurried off.
Summer found an empty bench in Marion Square and sat down. She tilted her face toward the sunshine and closed her eyes, not even caring if she looked silly. The warm rays bathed her face, and she began to relax.
“You know they say that’s bad for you,” Jefferson said.
She jerked her head down. “I need to put a bell on you so you’ll stop sneaking up on me.”
He chuckled. “Sorry.” He held up a bag. “Maybe this will make up for it. Prove my usefulness.” Jefferson sat down next to her. “We were in luck today. I didn’t have to wait in line.”
She reached for the bag. “Thanks.” She pulled out a chocolate cupcake piled high with icing and bit into it. “So good.”
He watched her eat. “How was your dinner the other night?”
She glanced up. “Good. Thanks for asking.”
“I’m concerned, that’s all.”
She took another bite of her cupcake and watched a group of kids toss a football around. On this day in particular, she wished she could be like them. Light and carefree. Lately she’d felt like the weight of all her problems might crush her.
“You sure there’s not anything else going on?” Jefferson asked. “Because you don’t seem like yourself.”
She glanced at him. “You don’t even know me anymore. So maybe this is me being myself.”
“Maybe. But I don’t think so.”
She finished her cupcake and brushed the crumbs from her skirt. She felt his eyes on her but refused to look at him. She wished she were somewhere else. Preferably the kind of place where no one would pry into her life and ask her what was wrong. Except that she’d learned the hard way that no matter how much you closed yourself off, the memories still managed to hitch a ride. They went wherever she did. No matter what.
Jefferson pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. “You’ll feel better if you get it off your chest.”
Summer took a breath. If she were thinking more clearly, she probably could’ve bluffed her way out of the situation. But as it stood, she did want to talk about it. Even if it was to Jefferson.
“This was supposed to be a really special day,” she began.
Luke wasn’t the kind of guy who called in sick to work when he wasn’t actually sick. But this morning, he hadn’t been able to get out of bed. And while he knew that the thing that plagued him wasn’t contagious, he was still thankful for a generous sick leave policy.
Because he couldn’t imagine facing the day as if it were just a normal day.
Today was supposed to have been their baby’s birthday. He’d typed it into the calendar on his phone months ago and hadn’t thought about it again. Until he happened to see it last night.
His fingers had itched to call Summer, but he’d resisted. She had enough grief of her own without dealing with his.
So instead he’d called in sick today and had taken the boat out. It was a beautiful day, but it may as well have been raining to match his mood. Finally, he realized the only thing that might help him was talking to Summer.
He drove by the grocery store and picked up a bouquet of flowers. It had been ages since he’d shown up at her office to surprise her. He smiled to himself as he thought about her reaction.
Traffic snarled as he turned off of Cannon Street to King Street. He should’ve gone a different way. He tapped on the steering wheel as he waited
for the red light to change. Hehated traffic. He rolled down his window and tried to relax, despite the bumper-to-bumper cars.
He finally made it to Marion Square. Not too much farther now. He glanced out at the park. When he was in high school, he and some of his buddies used to play pickup football games there. It looked like not a lot had changed.
A familiar figure sitting on a bench caught his eye. He peered closer. Summer sat with Jefferson, engaged in what looked like an intense conversation.
His heart dropped. So this is what it had come to. Having a rendezvous with Jefferson on her lunch break. He fought the urge to park the truck right there and confront them.
Instead he kept driving.
An hour later, he found himself parked in front of Gram’s house on Isle of Palms. His mind reeled. He trusted Summer. But he didn’t trust Jefferson. And right now he was having a hard time rectifying those things in his mind.
A knock on his window made him jump.
Gram peered at him through her bifocals.
Luke cut the engine off and opened the door. “Hello.” He climbed out of his truck and hugged the elderly woman.
“This is a surprise.” Gram smiled. “And I can’t say it’s a bad one.” She motioned toward the house. “Come inside and let me pour you a glass of fresh lemonade.”
He followed her inside.
Gram’s house was as nice as Summer’s parents’ home but on a much smaller scale. When she’d turned the family home on Legare over to Summer and him, she’d said it was because it was time to downsize.
He walked into the living room where large windows provided a spectacular view of the water. Gram might’ve moved into a smaller space, but the price tag on the property must’ve been enormous.
“Here you go,” she said, handing him a tall glass of lemonade. “Let’s sit out on the deck.” She led the way outside.
He sat down in a comfortable chair on the deck opposite Gram.
“What brings you here?” she asked.
He sighed. “I’m not sure.”
She smiled. “Oh Luke. I know what’s going on. Summer told me you’d moved onto the boat.” She reached across the table and patted his hand. “I know how difficult this year has been for y’all.”
He nodded. He’d assumed Summer had confided in her grandmother. And in a way he was glad, because that made his visit easier. “I need to know how to fix things.”
Gram raised her eyebrows. “I don’t think that’s anything I can tell you. You’ll have to figure it out all by yourself.”
He shook his head. “It’s so messed up. I have no idea how to make things right.” He sighed. “And now she’s spending all this time with Jefferson.”
Gram met his gaze. “I’ve noticed.”
Luke bristled. He’d hoped she would tell him he was crazy. “You have?”
“At the Memorial Day cookout. I noticed that he seemed to have an eye on her.” She shook her head. “I’ve never cared for Jefferson, you know. He’s just like his grandfather. Manipulative and vindictive.”
“That’s not a good combination.” He sighed. “I’m trying hard not to be mad at Summer though. What is she thinking?”
“She’s not thinking. I’ve spoken to her a few times over the past few weeks. You know how she is. Summer likes everything to be on schedule and everything to run smoothly. And when it doesn’t…” She trailed off.
“When it doesn’t, it’s hard for her.” He nodded in agreement. “But still, that’s no excuse.”
“I’m going to be blunt here, Luke.” Gram raised an eyebrow at him.
He took a deep breath. “Please do.”
“I’ve watched you and Summer drift apart this year. It hasn’t been pretty. You went from being the kind of couple who could finish each other’s sentences to the kind of couple who has no idea what the other is thinking.” She shook her head. “I know there’ve been tough times. Your brother’s accident and then Summer’s miscarriage. And I know that sometimes after high stress events like that, relationships can take a hit. But you’ve got to decide if your marriage is worth fighting for. And if it is, then you’re going to have to give it all you’ve got. And that might mean sacrifices and compromises and asking forgiveness.”
He nodded. “I know it’s worth fighting for. But what if she doesn’t feel the same way?”
Gram furrowed her brow. “She’s crazy about you. When she was here on Memorial Day, she looked so defeated and so lonely.”
Although that sounded an awful lot like him these days, Luke hated to hear Summer described that way. “So what do I do?”
“Prove to her that you’re on her side. What is it that I’ve heard the two of you say so often? That you’re on her team?” Gram smiled. “That’s the answer. Make sure she knows that you still want to be on her team…no matter what.”
He nodded. He could only think of one thing that might prove to Summer that he wanted to stay in it for the long haul.
But he was going to need help to pull it off.
Chapter 31
Justin paused outside of Summer Weddings. Ashley was expecting him, but that didn’t squash his nerves. Their last date had left a lot to be desired, and their last couple of phone calls had been awkward.
He opened the door, and Milo jumped up to greet him. “Hey, boy.” He scratched the dog behind the ears.
“Hi,” Ashley said, coming through the archway that separated the front of the shop from the kitchen. “Perfect timing. I just finished lunch.”
He tried to mask his disappointment. He’d thought he’d ask her to have lunch after their meeting. But it looked like that would have to wait until another day.
She motioned at the chair across from her desk. “Have a seat.”
He sank into the plush chair. “Well, I have great news.”
She raised her eyebrows. “The site is ready?”
“Well that, yes. But I was actually going to tell you that Samantha agreed for Colton to live with me. We’re still working out the details, but I guess I’m going to be his legal guardian.” He grinned. “I’m a little nervous, but I know a lot of people were praying for the outcome. So I feel really good about the situation.”
Ashley smiled. “That’s great news. I’m happy for you.” She turned her attention to the computer. “So about this website…”
He frowned. She wasn’t making any effort to hide that she wanted to keep things professional today. “It’s live. People can log on and create an account then build their ‘dream’ wedding out of the choices you’ve given them. They’ll put all those things into their cart and submit it. The information will come to you, along with their contact information,” he explained. “The cool thing is that since all the components have a price attached to them, it’s possible for them to pay right online.”
“So I’ll get an e-mail?”
He nodded. “Yes. You’ll get an e-mail whenever someone submits an event. It will tell you all of the specifics, and then you can reply either by phone or e-mail and go over everything. But this lets them narrow down and make choices without having to actually come to Charleston and do any legwork.”
“I think this is going to be so cool.”
“Me, too.” He winked. “Whoever thought of it must be a genius.”
She blushed. She’d confided in him that the project had been her brainchild. “There’s also the possibility that no one will use it and it will be a huge waste of money.”
“You might need to work on being a little more optimistic.”
She brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. “I know.”
He cleared his throat. “So what would you think about having dinner this weekend?”
Uncertainty flitted across her face. “I’m not sure. I’ve gota wedding on Saturday, and by the time that’s over, I’ll be exhausted.”
He nodded. It had been his experience that people found time for the things they thought were important. So if she couldn’t carve out any time over the whole wee
kend to see him, that spoke volumes. “Maybe some other time then.” He liked her a lot. He thought they could actually have a future together. But he wasn’t going to beg.
He stood. “If you have any problems or questions with the site, don’t hesitate to call me.”
Ashley nodded. She walked him to the door.
His instinct was to hug her, but he held back. She seemed to be drawing a line that she didn’t want him to cross.
And even though he didn’t like it and didn’t understand it, he would respect it.
Ashley sat back down at her desk after Justin left. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so conflicted. Part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind and see where things with Justin could go. But the more practical part of her knew that wasn’t a good idea.
The front door opened, and Summer walked inside, followed by Jefferson. Ashley hadn’t been especially charmed by the guy when he’d stopped by earlier to see Summer. There was something about him that she didn’t trust. “Hi,” she said.
Summer set a bag from Cupcake on her desk. “For you.” She grinned. “It’s chocolate. I already had mine, and let me tell you, it was worth the calories.”
Jefferson laughed like that was the funniest thing he’d ever heard. “I’d better get back to the office,” he said. He glanced down at Summer. “Chin up, Sunshine. Things will get better.” He turned to Ashley. “And it was nice to meet you.” With a wave over his shoulder, he walked out the door.
Summer sat down at her desk and turned her attention to her computer.
Ashley bit her tongue. It probably wasn’t her place to tell Summer what she thought about Jefferson, but holding it back didn’t feel right either. “So what was that all about?”
Summer looked up with wide eyes. “What was what all about?”
She jerked her head toward the door. “Jefferson. Swooping in and giving you cupcakes and a pep talk.”
Summer made a face. “You make it sound like something inappropriate happened. We’ve been friends since we were in diapers. He moved back at the beginning of the summer. I see him every now and then around town or at my parents’ house.”
A Wedding to Remember in Charleston, South Carolina Page 19