Bride on the Run--A Clean Romance

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Bride on the Run--A Clean Romance Page 16

by Anna J. Stewart


  “If I got married because of a dress I really would be an idiot,” Sienna said and took a step back as Frankie joined her. “Is something wrong?”

  “My brother’s being stupid, so nothing new.” Frankie sat on the edge of the bed. “You good with all these decisions being made for you? Going back with me and Mandy at Monty’s behest, I mean?”

  “You need my help with the wedding and the sooner I get to Butterfly Harbor, the better.” Sienna combined bags and did a final check to make sure she hadn’t missed anything. There wasn’t much to miss. Clothes and books mostly, along with her bathroom stuff, which was already packed. “I just didn’t expect to leave Dream so soon.” It felt as if she was saying goodbye to a friend.

  “Or Monty?”

  Sienna shrugged. “I’m not exactly in the right frame of mind to be able to say one way or the other.” When Frankie didn’t respond, Sienna asked, “What?”

  Frankie shook her head. “Nothing.”

  “I’ve known you for less than an hour, but that expression is something.” Sienna took a steeling breath. “We’ve got a long ride ahead of us so maybe it’s best to get it out of your system now.”

  “Does what I think matter?” Frankie tilted her head. “Does it matter what anyone thinks?”

  Had Monty been sharing their conversations? “It shouldn’t.” But after a lifetime of trying to please the unpleasable, the habit was difficult to break. “I suppose if I still cared about what people thought I wouldn’t have run out on my wedding, would I?”

  “No,” Frankie responded. “I don’t suppose you would have.”

  Which meant Monty was wrong. While she might not know who she was, she was definitely on her way to finding out. And Butterfly Harbor sounded like the perfect place to do that.

  * * *

  “YOU HAVE EVERYTHING?” Monty wiped his hands on a rag and followed Frankie, Mandy and Sienna over to where Frankie had tied Phoenix to the side of Dream. Mandy’s arms were full. A large plastic bag that no doubt contained Sienna’s wedding dress. And Frankie carried the books.

  “I left you the book you started. And a few others.” Sienna shrugged. “If I missed anything else I guess I’ll see you in a couple days.” He didn’t miss the detached tone in her voice. “I appreciate you taking me this far.”

  “We’ll go wait on the boat.” Frankie gave Mandy a substantial push to wipe the curious expression off the teenager’s face. “Move it, Man.”

  “No fair. It was just getting good.”

  Sienna tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked at Monty. “This is because I asked you where we go from here, isn’t it?”

  “Me sending you off with Frankie?” He could lie to her. He probably should, if for no other reason than he didn’t want to think about her leaving with that sad and disappointed look in her beautiful eyes. “Partially. You need to get unstuck, Sienna.”

  “Who determines when that’s happened?” she challenged. “Me? Or you?”

  “I’ll be back in Butterfly Harbor soon. We can talk then.”

  “Right. Okay.”

  She turned to go, and he caught sight of his sister and Mandy suddenly busying themselves with the knot securing the boats together. He shoved his hands in his shorts pockets and glared.

  “Just...one thing,” Sienna said, and swung around.

  “What’s that?”

  “This.” Sienna slipped her arms about his neck and brought his head down to hers. The kiss she gave him made his brain smoke hotter than Dream’s engine had a day earlier. Before he could think, he pulled his hands free and clasped her hips. In his heart, he knew he wasn’t going to have any peace of mind once she was gone. When she pulled away, she waited, forehead pressed against his, as their breathing returned to normal. “Figured I’d give you something to think about while I’m gone. Duchess?”

  The bird squawked and flapped her wings from her perch on the upper railing.

  “Take care of him, okay, Duchess?”

  “Sailing, sailing...”

  Monty stood there, on his boat, and watched as Sienna Fairchild climbed into the Phoenix with his sister and goddaughter waiting. He was still watching long after the cruiser disappeared into the distance.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  “THERE SHE IS!” Mandy yelled over the roar of Phoenix’s engine.

  Sienna pushed her hair out of her face and looked up to where Mandy pointed and saw the Flutterby Inn standing strong at the top of the cliffs of Butterfly Harbor. The bright yellow structure, with glistening white trim and shutters, looked like something out of a storybook, with its Victorian turrets and gingerbread accents. The line of thick cypress trees and redwoods protected the Flutterby from the elements even as they added to the picturesque quality of the California coastline.

  “That look on her face is all the answer we need, huh, Man?” Frankie called before she slowed down and let the Phoenix idle while Sienna got her fill of the view “Abby keeps a few rooms held back for special guests,” she said. “If that’s where you want—”

  “Oh, I want.” She most definitely wanted. “But I don’t want Monty paying for it,” she added. Now that she’d be back on dry land, she’d be able to straighten things out with her bank. “Our deal was for transportation and basic necessities, not for my housing.” Besides, she already owed him far more than money. Whether he believed it or not, he’d given her the space she’d needed to take those first steps not just of independence, but clear of grief. For that, she’d never be able to repay him.

  The fact that she already missed him—now that could cause a few unexpected problems. Then again, maybe kissing him before she left hadn’t been the best idea. She pressed her lips together as if she could still feel the warmth of his mouth. She’d meant to show him what he’d be missing.

  She hadn’t expected what her own reaction would be. “Is there much more to see?”

  “From out here, not really,” Frankie said. The Phoenix bounced gently against the waves. “Your best views, aside from this, are going to come from town. Don’t worry. We’ll play tour guide and make sure you have the lay of the land before setting you loose.”

  “I told Lori I’d be back at the hospital around three so she could pick Leo up from school.” Mandy tapped her watch. “It’s two now.”

  “All right. You want to stop and get Kyle some lunch before going to the hospital?” Frankie looked to Sienna. “I bet you’re hungry by now, huh?”

  “Lunch would be great. I’d like to be sure to get settled in the hotel in time to call my bank and finally get a cell phone.”

  “No problem. The diner’s pretty quick.” Frankie sped up and angled in closer to shore. “So the marina’s in sections. The main marina is where Monty keeps the boats for Wind Walkers. Tourists hang out there and folks dock in those slips if they go out on the water frequently. Out here—” she pointed to the smaller cove area separated by an outcropping of rocks and trees “—it’s sort of residential. We have people who live on their boats all year round and some who stay for long stretches. A few rentals and houseboats. Good afternoon, Mrs. Yamishimi!” Frankie yelled and she and Mandy waved to the small, dark-haired woman watering a colorful array of flowers in window boxes. “The only person in Butterfly Harbor who can give Lori Knight or Calliope Costas a run for their money where gardening is concerned. Her late husband used to be caretaker for the town’s parks and golf course before he passed away.”

  Mrs. Yamishimi waved back before stepping inside the two-story houseboat. The structure was charming, painted in grays and blues, with lots of windows and stained glass and a back-deck patio filled with greenery and what looked like comfy furniture.

  “We don’t lock off the marina. It’s open twenty-four seven. The sheriff’s station is on the hill there, about halfway between the main thoroughfare and the Flutterby.” A small group had clustered around a shed
like building at the top of the dock. Laminated posters listing the various tours and activities Wind Walkers offered shone against the afternoon sun. “Looks like there’re two boats out now, right, Man?”

  “Star Dancer and Sun Catcher,” Mandy confirmed. “David has a dive group today and Faith was scheduled for a round trip to San Francisco.”

  “Busy season?” Sienna asked.

  “Not by half,” Frankie confirmed as she slid Phoenix effortlessly into the slip and killed the engine. Mandy hopped out and tied them on. “Summer’s the busiest, of course, but we’re pretty steady during the year. Gotta love California weather. Another boat’s going to be great. Especially one with extended overnight potential. It’s what Monty’s been wanting to do for a while. Why don’t you leave your stuff here for now. We’ll get it after lunch.”

  “All right.” Sienna set down the bags she’d been gathering and followed Frankie and Mandy up the gangway and onto dry land. Within minutes she found herself standing behind a waist-high stone wall that divided the street on the other side from the marina and the beach. She shielded her eyes, looked up one way, then down the other, enjoying the beautiful view of ocean mingling with small-town life.

  “So this is Monarch Lane,” Frankie told her as they headed for the street. “It can pretty much get you anywhere you need in town. Up that way is the Flutterby.” She pointed to the right. “A little beyond is Calliope’s farmer’s market and her home, Duskywing Farm.”

  “You have to go there on a Friday or Saturday for the market,” Mandy gushed. “Well, anytime, really, but the market’s amazing. And it’s the best place this time of year to see any butterflies. It’s off-season right now, but Calliope always has some.” She shrugged as if the information was a given. “That’s where I have my birthday party every year.”

  “And if you keep going up that road about another half mile or so, that’s where they’re building the sanctuary.”

  “That’s where the accident happened,” Sienna said.

  “Yeah,” Frankie replied with a quick glance at Mandy. “So you can see here, it’s what we call downtown. Lots of stores and places to eat. Touristy and local businesses. Go down two blocks and turn right and you’ll find the bookstore.”

  “My dad owns that,” Mandy added. “And right nearby is Chrysalis Bakery.”

  “They’re doing your cake,” Sienna remarked.

  “Yep. I’ve left it in Gale’s very capable hands, but she’ll understand if you want to check in. Okay, enough of me playing tour guide.” Frankie clapped her hands together. “Let’s eat.”

  Sienna checked the traffic before they crossed the Lane. A smattering of cars were parked along both sides of the road. She spotted people down at the beach, enjoying the cool but sunny day. There was no missing the Butterfly Diner, with its bright monarch butterfly decorations around the metal and glass doorframe. It looked as if the 1950s had plopped one of its iconic diners right in the middle of town, except the decor was done in white, black and orange. The second Frankie pushed open the door, Sienna took a deep breath and nearly passed out in delight.

  Suddenly she wanted anything and everything on the menu.

  “Take a seat wherever, Frankie!” A tall woman with a long ponytail called as she passed with a pot of coffee in each hand. “Mandy, you staying or going?”

  “Going, please.”

  “See Twyla at the counter with your order.”

  A bell clanged from the kitchen. Sienna liked the crowded diner instantly, seeing faces of all shapes, hues and ages happily engaged in conversation or eating.

  “There’s a booth at the window.” Frankie steered Sienna to the right. Pretty soon Sienna had a mug of steaming hot coffee in one hand and a laminated menu in the other. “I know it sounds typical, but everything’s good. Especially the pies. Holly makes them from scratch every day. Hey, Holl.” She smiled up at the woman who had greeted them upon their arrival.

  “Finally got a day off, huh, Frankie?”

  “Yup. This is Sienna Fairchild. Sienna, Holly Saxon. She’s been running this place for years.”

  “I’m thirtysomething, not eighty.” Holly greeted Sienna warmly. “You’d be Frankie’s wedding planner.”

  “Ah, yes. That’d be me.” She gulped. “How did you know?”

  “Small town,” Holly said, as if that explained everything. “Feel free to meet anyone you need to here. Happy to set you up with a booth if you want them to come to you. Anything we can do to make Frankie and Roman’s wedding easier.”

  “I appreciate that,” Sienna said. “The food smells amazing.” The combination of hot oil, sizzling meat and fresh-baked pies reached out and caught her by the nose.

  “Thanks,” Holly said. “We try. You want a minute with the menu?”

  “Ah, no, actually.” She ordered the chicken-salad sandwich while Frankie got a burger and a side of onion rings.

  “To share,” Frankie said when Holly left with their order. “You’re going to save me from myself, but I can’t resist those rings.”

  “Is everyone so...friendly?” Sienna asked.

  Frankie shrugged, then waved to Mandy, who was looking around for them. She slid over when Mandy joined them. “We try to be. Just a quick rundown that might help. If you want the most reliable information in town—”

  “Gossip,” Mandy corrected.

  “Tomato, to-mah-to,” Frankie said with a grin. “Then you go to the hardware store. Harvey Mills knows everything that goes on with everybody.”

  “Everything?” Suddenly Sienna wasn’t so sure about how she was going to fit in, what with her recently hightailing it out of a yacht club wedding.

  “It’ll be a good few days before people know about...well.” Mandy leaned across the table. “How you ended up on Monty’s boat.”

  “As far as anyone knows, you’re a friend who’s come to give me a hand with my wedding,” Frankie said. “That won’t last, of course, so just be prepared. Especially once...wow.” Frankie sank back in her seat and stared over Sienna’s head as the door chimed. “I swear that woman’s got radar. She knows when I’m even thinking about her.”

  “Who?” Sienna turned as Mandy leaped out of her seat to hug the woman who approached. Given the age and description she’d heard from Monty, along with the slightly sucker-punched expression on Frankie’s face, there was only one person this could be. Frankie’s future mother-in-law, Ezzie Salazar. Ezzie wasn’t that much taller than Mandy, but her teased black hair added a good few inches in height. With an oversized handbag that could probably supply an army infantry division, this was a woman who looked like she could take on any situation and win.

  “Oh, my girl.” Ezzie rocked Mandy back and forth until Mandy laughed. “How are you doing? I heard Kyle’s doing better. How about you?” She released Mandy but clasped her face between her hands. “You hanging in there?”

  “I’m good, thanks. I’m going to the hospital now and taking him one of Holly’s mocha shakes. Ezzie, this is Sienna.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Sienna held out a hand that was promptly ignored as Ezzie dropped into the seat beside her. The next thing Sienna knew, she was wrapped in a hug so tight she couldn’t breathe.

  “You are going to make my boy’s wedding come off without a hitch.” Ezzie patted her on the back. “Thank you so much. Frankie’s told me everything. I don’t want you to worry about a thing.” It was Sienna’s turn to have her face caught as Ezzie looked at her as if assessing her. “I am here to assist in any way you may need.”

  “Ah, Ezzie?” Frankie reached across the table to grab the older woman’s arm. “Please don’t scare Sienna off her first day on the job.”

  Sienna found herself laughing and waving off Frankie’s concern. “It’s fine, Frankie, don’t worry.” It wasn’t the caterer or the cake or the wedding arrangements Frankie needed the most help with. It was Ezzie.
“I’m so glad I met you first. I’m sure I’ll have to have help getting acclimated and figuring out the logistics and details. I bet you’re the perfect person to help with that.”

  “Oh, I am, I am. What can I do?”

  “Let’s talk first and go over the list Frankie sent me. How’s your schedule tomorrow morning?”

  “I’m with the Cocoon Club in the morning. At their place. Would you mind coming there?”

  “I’ll probably need a few hours with you. How’s eight?”

  “Eight is perfect. I’ll fix breakfast. Oh, this is perfect, isn’t it, Frankie?”

  “So far,” Frankie agreed, looking a bit shell-shocked. When Ezzie focused again on Mandy, Frankie leaned closer to Sienna. “I can give you a white flag when you’re ready to surrender.”

  Sienna shook her head and smiled. Granted, she hadn’t worked with Roman’s mother yet, but she loved the enthusiasm. Not to mention the open affection Ezzie Salazar had for her future daughter-in-law. She’d worked on enough charity committees with her grandmother that she knew how to manage even the most demanding and difficult personalities. At least Ezzie led with a smile.

  “We’ll do fine, don’t worry. Oh, wow. Is that my lunch?” She watched Holly set down the plate filled to brimming with her sandwich and fries, and then Frankie’s burger. The onion-ring tower practically reached Sienna’s shoulder. She plucked one of the small rings free and popped it into her mouth, earning a smile of approval from Ezzie. “If the town is in need of a new fitness instructor, have I got a bird for you.”

  * * *

  FRANKIE HAD SPOKEN the truth. Monty had overestimated how long the repairs to the boat were going to take. He tended to overestimate how long anything was going to take so as not to disappoint anyone, just in case.

  The fact that he had the engine humming better than ever a few short hours after Sienna had left on Phoenix did seem a little like the universe was giving him a solid kick.

 

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