Dad for Charlie & the Sergeant's Temptation & the Alaskan Catch & New Year's Wedding (9781488015687)

by Stewart, Anna J. ; Sasson, Sophia; Carpenter, Beth; Jensen, Muriel

  “They’re on the mantel in the guest house Jack and Ben’s parents rent out to Helen’s writing friends.” She showed the photo around the table. There were oohs and aahs of approval. Cassie smiled across the table at Sarah. “Well, how brilliant of you to have done that. Did you have some prophetic knowledge that Corie was going to need them?”

  Sarah laughed lightly. “At the time, I thought I was the one who needed them because I thought they’d be beautiful in the room Jack had just remodeled. Just proof, I guess, how closely connected we all are.” She turned to Helen. “Is it all right with you if we take that arrangement apart for Corie’s flowers? I’ll buy another bouquet for you.”

  “Of course you can take it. We’ll find something else to put there.”

  “Then, if we’re in agreement,” Cassie said, “I’ll call the florist right now to make sure it’ll work.”

  They nodded. Sarah shooed her away. “Go make the call. We’re going to split your piece of the coffee cake while you’re gone.”

  A very helpful woman named Denise at Beggar’s Bouquets assured her that she could have Gerbera daisies and pink roses in abundance.

  Cassie held the phone to her chest and turned back to the table. “Three bouquets for us, a little basket for Rosie, a corsage for Helen, and four boutonnieres for the guys and Soren. Then loose flowers to string into the bunting, and bouquets for the tables?”

  They all turned to Corie, who raised her hands in surrender. “I leave it to you. It sounds wonderful.”

  Cassie held the phone to her ear and repeated all that, then asked, “For the bridal bouquet, can you do that swirling silver wire around the flowers that’s so popular now? Maybe with a few pearls in it?” She listened for a moment. “Wonderful. I think wrapping the boutonnieres in wire would be great, too. I’m expecting the ribbon to arrive tomorrow. Can I bring that to you? Perfect. Thank you, Denise.”

  With a smile of victory, she carried the phone with her to the table. “That’s taken care of. I ordered the standing chandeliers and the tulle to make a sort of bunting to go around the loft railing and maybe a few of the columns. What else do we need to do? Some kind of favor for the guests?”

  “There’s no time for that, sweetheart,” Helen said. “Otherwise we’ll all be going crazy rather than being able to focus on the next few days.”

  “I have to go shopping in the morning for a dress,” Sarah said. She turned to Cassie. “What are you going to wear, and try not to look too spectacular?”

  “I told you to wear something you already have,” Corie reminded Sarah. “Don’t go buy anything.”

  “I never had much in the way of dressy clothes when I did home health care,” Sarah said. “It’ll be fun to have something that makes me feel glamorous.”

  “I hadn’t packed that much to go to Ireland, and I left in a rush.” Cassie looked around the table, wondering if her family was expecting her to explain. They didn’t seem embarrassed or in any way upset, so rather than skating past an explanation, she brought it on. “Do you want to know what happened?”

  Corie said gently, “Only if you want to tell us.”

  “’Cause we really don’t care,” Sarah added. “We don’t know you all that well yet, but we’re sure there had to be some kind of misunderstanding.”

  Cassie told them what she had told Grady, how the entire incident had come about, without explaining that the invasion of her personal space had to do with her claustrophobia. She explained what she’d done later to apologize, and how the makeup artist had forgiven her.

  They were comfortingly indignant that the news story hadn’t shared her side or that she’d done her best to make amends and been forgiven.

  “My point is,” she said, “that I don’t have anything to wear, either. I picked up some things yesterday at the little Beggar’s Bay Boutique, but I wasn’t looking for more formal things, so I didn’t notice if they had anything.”

  “They do,” Sarah said. “That’s where I’m going. Why don’t you come with me?”

  “We’ll come, too.” Corie smoothed Rosie’s rich, dark braid. “I have to find something for Rosie. Helen, want to make it a crowd?”

  * * *

  GRADY BROUGHT THE guys home with him after their fittings, planning to order a pizza. He had beer in the fridge and milk for Soren. He was surprised and vaguely disappointed to find the house still filled with women. He loved them all but felt a pang of longing for the simplicity of his old bachelor lifestyle before he’d been invited to Texas.

  Now Jack had married, Ben was getting married, and he was sharing space with a woman who completely disrupted everything he knew to be familiar and sound.

  Those thoughts were softened just a little by the fact that Cassie and the Palmer women had apparently expected their return and had raided his fridge to make everyone lunch. Cassie had sliced his stash of sausage and cheese onto crackers, and someone must have run out for vegetables because he didn’t remember having yellow peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes or green onions.

  He went into the kitchen to pour a glass of milk for Soren and found Cassie slicing apples and pears, something else he didn’t remember having.

  She was pink with…well, he wasn’t sure what it was, but it gave a depth to her natural glow. She was happy. Apparently she loved the hubbub of a house filled with people and the low roar of several conversations going on at once. Pitched a little higher was the sound of children laughing on the stairs to the loft as they played with an electronic game.

  “Hi,” she said with a very genuine smile he didn’t want to crush despite his wavering mood. “Sorry there’s so much fuss, but I thought if they stayed until the Castle Props stuff arrives, we’ll have help unpacking it. And I’ll replace all your food. I’m going shopping tomorrow for something to wear to the wedding. You guys are renting suits?”

  “Yes. We’re going to look spectacular.”

  “I have no doubt.” She looked out the kitchen window at the swishing tree limbs. “Wind’s picking up out there.”

  “Yeah, that’s pretty much an all-winter thing around here. Lots of windstorms. I like the sound of it.”

  She looked up, interested. “It sounds a little like the decibel level in here. I’m surprised the noise doesn’t bother you.” Then she nodded as though she suddenly understood. “That’s because it’s natural, isn’t it? Not something man-made in an attempt to be glamorous.”

  “Don’t be smart,” he scolded with a grin. “It is natural. They use the sound in relaxation tapes.”

  “True. And that would work if you don’t think about the destruction wind can bring about. Roofs blown away, buildings toppled, crops destroyed.”

  “Now you’re being deliberately argumentative. I’m talking wind, not hurricanes or tornadoes. Anything under twenty-five miles an hour.”

  She grinned back. “I’m just making the point that even natural things have the potential to do damage. Wind’s ability to destroy can make glamour look pretty good.”

  He wondered how a woman could be exasperating and charming at the same time. “So, when are you leaving, again?” he teased.

  “Not sure. I guess I’ll stay until it ceases being fun harassing you.”

  “Thanks. I have to work the next couple of days, so I’ll have crime and criminals to distract me. You want this on the buffet I noticed you set up on the credenza?”

  “Please.”

  He turned with the plate and stopped in surprise when his mother appeared in his way, a large, square, food storage box balanced on the flat of her hand. Sure, why not? The day was already far beyond his control, anyway.

  “Hey, Mom,” he said. “What’s going on?”

  “I made a chocolate sour cream cake.” She went around him to place it on the table. “I didn’t realize you were having company. I’ll just leave it right he
re and be on my way.”

  “No, Mrs. Nelson.” Cassie hurried from the sink, drying her hands on a towel. “Please stay. Would you like a cup of coffee? This isn’t company, it’s my family. You probably know my sister Corie’s getting married and we’ve gotten together to plan her wedding on New Year’s Day. We’re expecting a heavy package delivery anytime now, so the guys are hanging around to help bring it inside.”

  His mom looked reluctant but Cassie poured a cup of coffee and put it in her hand. “Actually, you’re just in time, if Grady doesn’t mind sharing your cake. We’re having finger food for lunch, but I have nothing for dessert.”

  “I do mind,” he teased, trying to stop his mother from removing the cover.

  “Grady Joshua,” his mother said, pushing his hands away. She turned apologetically to Cassie, a little softening in her manner toward her. “I’ll cut it for you, but I don’t think Grady has enough small plates.”

  “I’ve got a stash of paper plates for poker night.” Grady went to the cupboard to pull them down and placed them on the table near the cake.

  “I’ll get you a knife.” Cassie went to the utensil drawer as Grady delivered the plate of fruit and vegetables.

  When he returned, Diane had taken the cover off to reveal a thickly frosted single-layer cake. Suddenly both children appeared in the doorway. “I smell cake frosting,” Soren said. He looked up at Diane, his manner frank and friendly. “Who are you?”

  Diane laughed and crossed the kitchen to take the knife from Cassie. “I’m Grady’s mother,” she replied, slicing expertly into the cake. “Who are you?”

  The boy pointed to himself. “I’m Soren.” Then to his new sister. “This is Rosie. She’s my sister now. We just came here to live.”

  “Oh?”

  “Corie and Ben are adopting us,” Rosie said. “We don’t have to call them Mom and Dad until it feels right.”

  “Well, that’s very nice.” Diane put two slices of cake on plates as they sat eagerly at the table. “Welcome to Beggar’s Bay.”

  Ben appeared in search of the children. “Ben!” Soren said then amended with “Dad! Look what we’ve got. This is Grady’s mom. She brought cake!”

  Ben smiled and went to Diane, his hand extended. “Yes, I know Grady’s mom. She’s made dinner for Grady and Uncle Jack and me a couple of times. And she makes the best peanut-butter fudge.”

  “Maybe she should make it for the wedding,” Rosie suggested, chocolate already on her upper lip.

  Ben frowned at the children. “Did you have some lunch?”

  Soren made a face. “There’s a lot of vegetables out there, so we came in here and found the cake.” He held his fork poised over the cake, waiting for approval.

  Groaning, Ben said, “Okay, on the principle that life is short so we should eat dessert first, it’s okay.”

  Soren and Rosie cheered.

  “Thank you,” Ben said, accepting a slice of cake from Diane. “Can you come to the wedding? We don’t have time for invitations, so we’re just making phone calls and emailing. I know it’s rude, but time is short. New Year’s Day. Five o’clock. Right here. And you don’t have to make fudge.”

  “Well…yes, if I’m not intruding.”

  “Of course not.” Ben backed as far as the doorway and shouted into the main room, “Guys, Grady’s mom brought cake. Corie, come and meet her.”

  In a moment the kitchen was packed with ten people who clearly subscribed to the “life is short” philosophy, all talking at once.

  Grady was surprised how warm, if a little uncomfortable as the center of attention, his mom seemed.

  He closed his eyes for a minute at the cacophony in the kitchen then opened them again and allowed himself a very small smile.

  Cassie went to him with a piece of cake and a fork. “Here you go. I think this is a matter of, ‘if you can’t lick ’em, join ’em.’”

  “Thank you.” He took it from her. “She does make amazing cakes.”

  Cassie shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. My family has eaten it all. This was the last piece.”

  “Ah.” He forked a piece and held it out to her. “You have to experience this for yourself.”

  * * *

  CASSIE WAS SUDDENLY very aware of his closeness. Her gregarious family in the tight space and Jack gesturing with his fork as he explained to Corie his plan for restoring something. The sounds around her faded as Grady’s eyes focused on her mouth while he guided the fork to her lips. She caught the scent of his aftershave, felt the warmth of his energy and the touch of his little finger as he poked her chin with it.

  “Hey,” he said, puncturing her distraction. “Open before I get chocolate all over you.”

  Still ensnared by his nearness, it took her a moment to part her lips. He put the fork gently inside then withdrew it and she closed her mouth around the bite of cake. On one level, she was aware of the taste of the thick chocolate icing, then the succulent cake, but on another, nothing existed but his eyes looking into hers with a sweetness that had been missing in him since he’d discovered she was all about glamour and fuss.

  She drank it in, unafraid of what he would think because she was staring at him. He darted a quick glance beyond her, probably because of the sudden silence she, too, noticed. Looking behind her, she saw everyone watching them. His mother was the only one who seemed a little concerned about what she saw.

  Cassie was saved embarrassment by the arrival of the delivery truck.

  Grady heard the air brakes and knew it had to be a vehicle from out of town. The driver started toward the side door with a clipboard and stopped in his tracks when eight people and two children swarmed out.

  Cassie approached him. “I’m Cassidy Chapman,” she said. “You’re delivering from Castle Props?”

  He looked relieved. “Yes. Are you staging a revolution or do all these people live here?”

  “They’re my family,” she said, feeling a small thrill at the sound of those words. “We’re having a wedding, and they’re all anxious to see what the standing chandeliers look like.

  “Thank you for being so prompt,” she said, walking with him to the rear of the truck.

  He opened the back, lowered a ramp and disappeared inside to reappear with a tall, wide box on a dolly. He guided it carefully down.

  “Can we help you?” Jack asked.

  He shook his head. “Insurance covers you while I’m delivering, so it’s best to let me do it. If anything happens, it’s my fault.”

  Jack stepped back. “Makes sense to me.”

  After the seven chandeliers had been delivered and the driver sent on his way with a plate from the buffet, the women stood aside. The men gathered around the one box Cassie had asked the driver to place in the middle of the room.

  Jack produced an impressive knife and opened the smaller end of the box.

  “Please be careful,” Cassie said. “Under all that padding is crystal.”

  “Did you buy these?” Soren asked, standing beside her.

  “No, I’m renting them,” she explained. “We’ll use them for the wedding and send them back.”

  “Wow,” Rosie said again. “You’re the coolest aunt to have.”

  “That’s for sure!” Soren agreed.

  She laughed and put an arm around both children. “Thank you, both of you. You’re the coolest niece and nephew. Let’s just hope nothing’s broken.”

  “What happens if it is?” Soren asked worriedly.

  She shrugged. “We fix it. We have all these smart men and women. We can figure it out.”

  “All right!”

  Jack and Ben bore the weight of the chandelier’s wide head still wrapped in cotton batting while Grady held the stand, now horizontal, so that Gary could slide the box away.

  “Looks go
od,” Cassie said, feeling a little breathless. “Let’s stand it up.”

  The brass base was entwisted with copper and had a wide foot plate for stability. Jack held it while Ben carefully pulled off the protective batting.

  Cassie approached it after the last wad of cotton hit the floor. It stood just above her eye level, somehow lighting the darkening room even though it wasn’t turned on. She ran her fingers gently through the strands of crystal droplets that had been bunched together in their packaging. She straightened them so that each hung perfectly on its finding, catching what light there was.

  The women closed in, gasping at the beauty of the chandelier brought down to eye level. “Imagine six of them,” Cassie said, a little breathless over how right she’d been about this, how gorgeous they would be lined up in two rows of three to make a path for the bride.

  “I can’t believe something that delicate came across the ocean unscathed,” Helen said. “I ordered a small chandelier once and you had to attach the crystals when it arrived.”

  “Oh, Cassie!” Corie whispered. “They’re… I don’t have a word.”

  “How are you going to light them?” Ben asked. “With our guests walking around, we can’t let cords stretch across the room to trip people.”

  Cassie pointed to the base. “You’ll notice there are no cords.” She reached up and turned the battery-powered switch in the neck. “We used them on the beach in a shoot for champagne, the principle being that the level of elegance of the beverage required the same level of elegance to light the evening.”

  She saw Grady’s eyebrow go up, but she ignored him. “Obviously there was no place to plug in, so one of the guys modified them to take batteries. Only problem is, they really eat up the power, so I’ll have to be sure to have extras on hand.” She smiled at her family. “So, everyone approves?”

  Helen, Sarah, Corie and even Diane helped her clean up. They talked about Sarah’s new job as administrator at Rose River Assisted Living, about Corie’s plan to design and market a new line of clothes, and Helen and Gary’s upcoming trip to visit friends in San Diego. Diane stayed out of the conversation, listening politely and contributing only when asked.