“Good to see you out of the hospital,” Lori said. “Your dad’s doing okay, then?”
“They’re discharging him on Monday. I have strict orders to stay away until then.”
“Good thing, since Frankie’s shower is tomorrow,” Monty said as he joined her. “Sorry I’m late. Finishing up the last of the plans for Roman’s bachelor party cruise.”
“Kyle’s so upset he can’t go.” Lori handed them each a menu. “He was really looking forward to it. But at least he’s home now. Leo’s keeping him entertained with video games. And now he has a lot of time to study for his contractor’s exam.”
“What is going on with the sanctuary project?” Sienna asked. “I’ve been so preoccupied with Dad and the shower plans I keep forgetting to ask.”
“Investigation is wrapping up,” Lori said. “It’s looking like there was something shady going on with one of the suppliers. The good news is the town council stepped in and hired a new head of construction, who will be here in a few weeks. The site should be cleared by then and ready for a clean start, so to speak. Anyway, you two enjoy your dinner. Wine’s on the house.”
“Thanks, Lori.” Sienna waited until the hotel manager left before she leaned over the table. “Fair warning, if I drink wine tonight, I’ll be asleep in twenty seconds.”
“Coffee it is.” He glanced around the room, his gaze hesitating on a couple of other customers for a second before he smiled.
“What?” Sienna noticed the young couple at a table in the corner. They were holding hands and whispering, and completely wrapped up in each other.
“That’s Willa O’Neill and Kevin Pine.”
Willa, she knew from the inn, but Kevin was a new face.
“Willa is one of the shyest people you will ever meet. Kevin’s had a crush on her for years.”
“Obviously one of them made a move,” Sienna said with a smile.
“At Brooke and Sebastian’s wedding, it was Willa who asked Kevin to dance. They’ve been inseparable ever since. It’s nice to see.” He shifted his attention back to her. “You’re nice to see, too.”
She smiled, felt her cheeks flush. “Thanks. Um, how’s Duchess?”
“Duchess has declared Dream her new home. At least for the time being.”
At her raised eyebrows, he chuckled. “Like I’m going to chuck her overboard after what she did to Richard. That bird deserves a reward.”
“I guess she does. Speaking of rewards.” Sienna pulled the check out of her purse and set it on the table. “I was finally able to get back into my account. I know checks are old-fashioned, but...” The relief she felt at finally being able to repay him surged through her.
He looked down at it, the smile fading from his face. “You’re kidding, right? I told you I don’t want your money.”
“Sure you do.” She rolled her eyes. “And all that was back when I couldn’t get to my money. Now I can. And I want to show my appreciation. Put it toward Dream’s refurbishment.”
“I don’t know why I have to keep saying it.” He pushed the check back to her. “I’ll find the means to pay for Dream’s upgrades myself. In my own time.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Don’t be condescending.” He kept his voice low and aimed a look at their server that had the young man detouring from their table.
“What on earth is wrong with you? Bring him back here, I’m starving, Monty.” She waved her menu only to have Monty’s hand lock around her wrist. She looked down to where his fingers tightened. “Ow.”
He eased up immediately and sat back with a sigh. “I’m sorry, but I need to make something very clear to you, Sienna. I’m not now, nor have I ever been, interested in you because of your money.”
“Even if that were true, it just makes things easier for both of us. Think of all the upgrades you can do with Nana’s Dream with that money.”
“Even if that were true?”
Realizing what she’d said, she tried to backpedal even as she shivered against a sudden chill. “You know what I mean. It’s okay if you like the fact I have money. Everyone always does. It’s just part of my life.”
“So even though I’m sitting here saying I don’t care about your money, you don’t believe me.”
“It’s not a matter of...” Why was this such an issue? “Monty, why are we having this conversation? If you don’t want to take the check, fine. I can have my attorney deposit it into your business account.”
“You’re not hearing me at all, are you?” He shook his head. “I don’t know who you suddenly think I am, but I am not your fiancé. I’m not Richard Somersby.”
She smirked. “I am well aware.”
“Are you? Because he’s the one who wanted you for your money. I fell in love with you, Sienna Fairchild. You. Not your bank account, not your inheritance, but you. The woman who showed up on my boat without a dime in her pocket or a change of clothes.”
“You...what?” She could barely breathe. “Did you say you’re in love with me?”
“The universe seems to have an unlimited sense of humor, yes. That’s exactly what I said.”
“But...”
“But?” he pressed.
“But I don’t know...” Her head spun. The words, the sentiment, the emotions swirling around inside of her—nothing could settle long enough for her to process how she was feeling. “I’ve had a lot happen in the last few weeks, Monty. This is a lot to take in.” Even more than the realization of her own feelings for him.
“Is it?” Monty’s voice went cold. “Are you sure you’re not just scared?”
“Darn right I’m scared.” But how could she be when she knew deep down that she loved him, too? “I heard that part at the hospital, about Richard only marrying me for money. He lied and kept secrets to get it. It’s nothing other people haven’t done to me in the past. Everyone always wants something. Even when they say they don’t.”
“That might be the saddest thing I’ve ever heard about someone.”
“I would really love to stop having this conversation in public if you wouldn’t mind?” She glanced around the room and noticed the other guests had stopped speaking. “I’m sorry I tried to give you a token of my appreciation. If you want, we can forget about the check and move on.”
“That wasn’t a token. It was the annual budget of a small country. And move on to what? To you thinking I love you because you come with a hefty bank account?”
“Some women come with a big house, others a ready-made family.” As quickly as she held a future with him in her grasp, she felt it slipping away. “I don’t see the difference.”
“The difference is I’d love you no matter how much money you have. I don’t want you thinking you have to pay me to stay.”
“Pay you to... That isn’t what I was doing.” Was it?
“You don’t have to buy people things or pay for dinners or throw around bonus checks because you’re afraid someone’s going to leave you, Sienna.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You’ve got people to spare in your life, don’t you? You never have to worry about why they’re spending time with you.”
“No.” A light went out in his eyes. “No, I guess I don’t. But the very idea you can’t accept someone might love you just for you makes me wonder if there’s any kind of future for us.”
She watched, horrified, as he pushed back his chair and stood up.
“I’ve lost my appetite. You enjoy your evening, Sienna. And your money. Since it seems to be what you’re determined to hide behind.” With that, he walked out of the restaurant and didn’t look back.
* * *
“IS THAT STRAIGHT?”
Sienna listened half-heartedly to Stella Costas’s question. “What?”
“The sign? Is it straight?”
Sienna blinked, realized what she wa
s being asked and did a final check of the Congratulations, Frankie sign stretched across Calliope’s back patio. The effort brought a smile to her lips and she nodded. “It’s perfect, Stella. Go ahead and tie it off.”
“Thank goodness.” Charlie Bradley, Paige and Fletcher’s ten-year-old redheaded daughter, sagged against her friend’s legs as she continued to steady her on a step stool. “I can’t feel my arms anymore.”
“All right. The rum punch is definitely punching.” Holly, taking one of her rare days off from the diner, rushed out of the house to check on her twins, Zoe and Jake, who were hanging out with their honorary aunts and godmothers. The group of women who were already in attendance had swooped in like mama birds to help with the shower for one of their own.
Sienna had more than enough assistance to finish the final preparations. Paige, who was expecting her first baby with Fletcher this summer, was arranging the table display for the potluck lunch that would start in less than an hour. Lori, along with Willa O’Neill, Calliope and Abby Corwin, who had been relegated to a very comfortable chair with cushions, were finishing the balloons and streamers.
Now that Stella, Calliope’s young sister, and Charlie were done with the sign, they raced off to the gate to wait for their fellow musketeers Marley and Phoebe, who would be arriving with the bride-to-be and her maid of honor, Kendall Davidson. Mandy and her mother, Brooke, Frankie’s maid of honor, who had finally overcome her bout with the flu, would be arriving with the rest of the guests.
With a significant portion of the female population of Butterfly Harbor scheduled to attend, Sienna did a quick check of the picnic tables and made certain there was enough nonpunchy hibiscus lemonade to be served.
“I believe you may stop fussing now, Sienna.” Calliope joined her, juggling an obviously teething Jake Saxon in her arms. “Everything looks beautiful.”
“With this backdrop, that’s not hard to do.” Sienna sighed with approval. “I can see why so many people celebrate the milestones of their lives here, Calliope.”
“I’ve been considering opening it up to events for folks outside Butterfly Harbor. Maybe joining forces with the Flutterby. Destination weddings. That kind of thing. What do you think?”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea. Low-key, intimate gatherings, but also larger events.” Sienna nodded. “You’ll probably want to do a little landscaping. Evening out areas here and there. Maybe designate a space for a dance floor. Something easily removable for the winter. Not that you get snow or anything.”
“I was thinking the exact same thing.” Calliope handed baby Jake to her so she could pour herself a glass of punch. “This is merely to do a little quality control, of course.”
“Um. Hey there, little fella.” Sienna accepted the baby with as much calm as she could muster. She hadn’t been around a lot of infants before and couldn’t remember the last time she’d held one.
“Careful. They sense fear,” Abby said as she waddled by. “Did you ask her yet?” She adjusted Sienna’s hold to support Jake’s butt more securely. Jake responded with a giggle and dropped his head onto Sienna’s shoulder. Sienna’s heart fluttered.
“I was getting to it,” Calliope replied.
“Ask me what?”
“Running the farm is a full-time job, and I’ll be hiring new staff to help with that,” Calliope said. “Abby and I were thinking we could both use an event coordinator. Someone who could organize events at the inn and the farm.”
Sienna looked between the two women. “You want to hire me?”
“We do,” Abby confirmed. “I’ll be pretty busy with the new baby. Lori’s great at the inn, but she’s opening a new flower shop, so I’ll have to hire someone to work with Willa. Taking events off her plate would make her life easier. And you’re a natural at them.” Abby pressed a hand against her back. “We don’t expect an answer right away. We know you have a lot to figure out for yourself.”
“We hoped maybe knowing your options would help with that,” Calliope added.
“Speaking of options, how are things going with Monty?” Abby’s knowing gaze told Sienna she already knew exactly what had happened at dinner at the Flutterby.
Sienna’s face went hot. “Fine.” She shrugged. “Just...yeah. They’re okay.” She distracted herself with Jake’s teeny fingers.
“Sienna.” Abby touched her arm. “Small town, remember? Not to mention I run the place where you and Monty had your argument.”
Sienna swallowed around her too-tight throat. “Let’s just say I pretty much blew things up. I didn’t mean to. It...happened.” Somehow she’d known she would. She always messed up a good thing.
“I’m sorry, honey.” Abby looked to Calliope. “You have any special herbs or life wisdom for a broken heart?”
“Her heart isn’t broken,” Calliope assured them. “Merely misguided. Monty is one of the best men I know, Sienna. You can trust him.”
Sienna couldn’t help it—she laughed. “It’s not that simple.”
“Isn’t it?” Calliope set down her drink and took Jake in her arms. “If you give yourself time, you’ll realize it’s exactly that simple. Whether you want to admit it or not, he passed your test. The test you didn’t even realize you’d given him.”
“I...” Sienna blinked. After a sleepless night and replaying their argument in her mind, until this very moment... Calliope was right. The check had been a test. She hadn’t been able to believe he’d meant it when he’d said he didn’t want her money. “All right. Think on this later, okay?” Abby turned to the front gate, where arriving cars were beginning to pull in to park. “This party’s about to get started. Oh, no games, right? Because Frankie—”
“Frankie hates bridal-party games,” Sienna finished for her. “First thing Frankie told me. And speaking of Frankie, there she is. All right, everyone.” Sienna clapped her hands for attention. “The guest of honor is here! It’s time to celebrate. Charlie? Hit that music.”
“On it!” Charlie tapped the speaker that was set up by the gift table. As the sound of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” drifted through the air at Duskywing Farm, Sienna set aside thoughts of Monty and focused on her new friends.
* * *
“CAN I JUST tell you that your crap-tastic mood today is the one storm cloud hanging over this boat.” Sebastian Evans sidled up to where Monty stood at the bow of Star Dancer. His long-time childhood best friend, business partner and cocaptain for the day cast him an uncharacteristically accusing look. The boat rocked and swayed to its familiar, calming rhythm while the sound of friends—men he considered brothers—cheered and bantered through the end of the celebration. “You look positively miserable, Monty.”
“Sorry.” Monty sipped the bottle of root beer he’d been nursing for the better part of an hour. “Had a really bad evening last night.”
“So we heard. How much was the check for?”
Monty grimaced. “Sometimes I loathe small towns.” He tried to avoid an answer, but Sebastian knocked his shoulder with a fist. “I could have bought three Dreams with change to spare.”
“Well. As your friend, I can absolutely understand why you turned her down.” Sebastian took a long drink. “As your business partner, I’ll say you’re a class-A idiot.”
“Awesome.” Monty leaned his arms on the railing and lowered his head. “Thanks for that.”
“My pleasure. So you want my take?”
“More than I want air to breathe.”
“You’re a reverse snob.”
“I’m a what?”
“You heard me.” Sebastian rested his arms on the railing. “You’re a practical man. Always have been. You’ve worked for every dollar you’ve made and turned it into two. Hard work equals profit. The idea of anything coming easy to you feels like a swipe against your pride. But here’s the thing. The more you cling to your pride, the further away she’s going to b
e. You told me about her, remember? You said she spent a lot of years being the friend everyone wanted because of what she could give or bring them. That’s a lot of emotional baggage for her to be dragging around. Never knowing why anyone is in her life. Waiting for them to approach her with their hand out. Having a fiancé nearly drag her down the aisle for a payout couldn’t have helped the situation or her mindset. It’s what she knows, Monty. It’s up to you to show her there’s another way.”
“She wouldn’t listen to me.”
“And you didn’t hear her. That check was a preemptive strike.”
That check was a slap in his face. “I love her, Sebastian. Not her money.”
“You can’t hate something that is so much a part of her. And you shouldn’t walk away from something you have no understanding of. You want a future with her? Try compromising. Trust me, that’s what’s going to save you in the end.”
“You’ve only been married a month.” Monty drank more of his root beer. “You can’t possibly have gotten this smart about relationships so quick.”
“Sure I can. Because I married the right woman. Albeit almost two decades late. So, had enough fun in the sun for one day?”
“Ready to head back?”
“If it means you’ll go talk to Sienna? You bet.”
Only then did Monty notice the rest of the noise on the boat had stopped. He stood up, turned and found the entire bachelor party standing behind them.
“Tell me we’re going back so he can talk to her?” Roman pleaded. “While I’m grateful for the party and the load of fish I’m taking back to the station house, I am begging you, for all our sakes, please make up with her.”
“We’re going back,” Monty confirmed to cheers and groans. “And strap in, ’cause we’re going fast.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
SIENNA STOOD WITH clipboard in hand, as Frankie opened her bridal gifts. Sienna accepted each gift card as it was presented, wrote down the gift received and any special notations needed for forthcoming thank-you notes Frankie would have to find time to write. Sienna made a note to herself to pre-address envelopes so all Frankie had to do was just fill in the details.
Bride on the Run--A Clean Romance Page 21