“Yes,” Sienna murmured against Monty’s lips and pointed upward.
Luke hesitated. “You pressing charges against Richard this time?”
“Absolutely. Kidnapping works. For now.”
“Got it. Carry on, Monty.” Luke slapped him on the shoulder and headed up to the wheelhouse.
“Sienna?”
“Yes?” She blinked innocent eyes at him, as if she had no idea what he was going to say next.
“You going to marry me or not?”
“Only on one condition.” She looked over her shoulder and smiled at Duchess, who was pecking against a yelling Richard’s arm. “We get to keep the bird.”
He kissed her again. “Deal.”
EPILOGUE
“YOU’RE SURE YOU haven’t seen her?” Sienna asked the three covering firefighters standing frozen in the Butterfly Harbor station.
Two men and a woman, all looking confused, shook their heads.
“Ah, geez.” Sienna’s calm evaporated as she paced.
It was T minus two hours until Frankie and Roman’s wedding. The groom and his groomsmen were at the Flutterby Inn getting ready. The park was in full decor mode. The food tents were gearing up for service and populated with guests. Prewedding snacks were being distributed as music flitted out of speakers all around the area. Even from a distance Sienna could hear the celebration beginning.
And yet the bride was missing.
Sienna stopped when she heard the familiar roar of the fire department’s SUV outside the station. She’d been prepared for anything and everything. Apart from a runaway bride.
“Thank goodness.” Sienna sighed. “I bet that’s her now. Frankie?” Sienna raced for the door. “Is that you?” She skidded to a sharp halt and nearly screamed when she saw the bride. “Oh, Frankie.”
“Where have you been?” Ezzie Salazar shrieked from the doorway as Frankie walked slowly into the firehouse. “What happened? What have you done to yourself?”
Sienna’s heart broke at the sight of her friend’s tearstained face.
“I forgot to pick up a thank-you gift for Sienna.” Frankie looked like a wilted, drowned daisy. Her hair, which had been done to perfection earlier this morning in cascades of curls and loops, hung in limp, damp ropes around her soot-covered face. Beneath her firefighter jacket, her wedding dress was in tatters, singed at the edges and drooping off her body as if it had surrendered in battle. “On the way back, there was a car accident. Not me,” she added in a detached tone. “A family just outside town. There wasn’t time to call 911. I only meant to stop and see if they...needed help. Someone had to get into the car—there was a baby—then it went up in flames and I didn’t get completely out of the way...” She took a wobbling step toward Sienna and her soon-to-be mother-in-law. “I’m ruined.” She flopped her arms up and down, sending droplets of water into the air. “I had to stop. They needed... I’m so sorry.”
“What are you sorry for?” Ezzie demanded, shocking both Sienna and Frankie. She marched up to Frankie and cupped her face in her hands, love and admiration shining in her dark eyes. “Is the family all right? The baby, too?”
Frankie nodded. “They’re fine. But I’m a mess. I can’t get married today. Look at my dress.” She lifted the destroyed satin between two fingers. “It wasn’t all that special. I mean, I found it at a thrift store, but I liked it. And what’s even worse? I sound like such a girl!” Tears pooled in her eyes.
“Now, there’ll be none of that. There’s always another dress. And there’s a shower right here at the station that you can use and we can easily do your hair again.” But even as Ezzie lifted a strand of Frankie’s normally bright red hair, she didn’t look convinced.
“Time to call in reinforcements,” Sienna announced, dialing her cell phone. “Frankie, into the bathroom. Strip and get in the shower. Now. Ezzie, get Sandy in here to do her hair again. Tell her I’ll pay her double.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ezzie was punching buttons on her phone as she pushed Frankie down the hall. A half hour later, the firehouse had been overrun by bridesmaids, a hairdresser, a makeup artist, a photographer and one in-control wedding planner. Kendall, the maid of honor, was keeping the children in the wedding party under control at the park. “I’ve got someone getting you another dress.” Sienna walked up behind Frankie, who was sitting at a makeshift dressing table in the kitchen of the Butterfly Harbor Fire Department.
“What about shoes?”
“Those, too. Hey.” Sienna moved around to look into her friend’s eyes. “You wouldn’t be Frankie if you hadn’t stopped to help that family. I also have no doubt you could have walked down the aisle looking exactly as you did and Roman would have thought you the most beautiful woman in the world.”
Frankie managed a smile, sniffed at her tears. “Yeah. He probably would have. He’s such a good guy.” She laughed. “This isn’t what a wedding day is supposed to be like.”
“There’s nothing predictable about anyone’s wedding day,” Sienna said. “Trust me on that.”
“Hey, Sienna! Special delivery!”
“My hero,” Sienna whispered at the sound of Monty’s voice. “Don’t worry,” she ordered a panicked-looking Frankie. “He hasn’t said anything to Roman and no one will until you two are successfully married.” Which she’d make happen if it killed her. She backed up to give Sandy the hairstylist some room for final touchups.
Sienna hurried out of the kitchen and snatched the garment bag out of Monty’s hand.
“Hey!” He grabbed her arm when she darted away. “Don’t I even get a thank-you kiss?” He puckered his lips and stretched out his chin.
Sienna rolled her eyes, kissed him quickly, then backed away. Only then did she get a full view of him in his best-man tux. “Hmm-mmm, Monty Bettencourt. You do clean up nicely.”
She patted a hand on his chest and felt his heart flutter to the beat of her own. “How’s Roman?”
“Ready to get this thing started. She okay?” The concern for his sister reminded Sienna of what was really important.
“She’s fine. You want to stick around to see the final product?”
“Nah. I’m good. Do me a favor. Just make sure... She’s probably missing our dad. I offered to give her away, but she belted me for it. Still.” He shrugged.
“I’m already way ahead of you.” Sienna kissed him again. “Go on back and be ready. We’ll be on time. Don’t worry.”
Sienna whipped the garment bag into her arms and propelled herself into the kitchen. “The dress is here. Let’s get you wired in.” She unzipped the bag and pulled out the dress.
“Oh, Sienna.” Frankie rose to her feet as if in slow motion. “Oh, I couldn’t. It’s yours.”
“Like I was going to wear it again,” Sienna said with a grin. “You loved it when you saw it that first day on the boat. All we have to do is make sure it fits.”
It did fit. More perfectly than it ever had on Sienna. Tissues stuffed into the toes of the shoes made those fit, as well. With minutes to spare, Frankie Bettencourt was princess-perfect and ready for her big day. Again.
“You are a picture.” Sienna stepped back to admire the bride. The photographer continued to snap pictures. Pictures that in a few weeks would make Frankie laugh rather than cry. “Now, one more thing.”
“We need to get in the cars,” Ezzie said. “All of you.” She shoed Calliope, Paige and Lori out of the station. “Hurry up, the rest of you!”
Sienna opened the refrigerator and pulled out the bouquet she’d had specially made for Frankie. Her personal gift to the bride. When she handed it to her, she made sure Frankie could see the small silver frame woven into the stems. “I can only imagine how much you’re missing your father today, Frankie.” She opened the hinged clasp to reveal the photograph she’d found in one of Monty’s old photo albums. It was one of Frankie and her father when s
he’d been about five, held in her father’s arm, his firefighter helmet perched on her too-small head. She could almost hear the laughter ringing out from the photo. “I wish he could be here today to walk you down the aisle, but maybe this will help ease the pain a little.”
Frankie’s chin wobbled. “Oh, Sienna.” She reached out and hugged her. “I’ve never received a more perfect gift. And I’m so happy you’re going to be my sister-in-law.”
She stepped back, held out her hand.
“Me, too,” Sienna whispered. “Now let’s get you married.”
* * *
MONTY STOOD BACK and watched as his family and friends celebrated into the late hours. Hundreds of strings of lights brought Skipper Park into full view, casting shadows against the growing darkness as guests danced and laughed and toasted the happy couple and their new life together.
The entire town had shown up; or at least it seemed that way. Sebastian and Brooke Evans mingled around the dessert bar that featured a chocolate fountain and an endless supply of marshmallows and strawberries. Their daughter, Mandy, spun a still wheelchair-bound Kyle around the edge of the dance floor, while his parents, Matt and Lori, took turns dancing with their son Leo. Paige and Fletcher mingled with the guests, as Charlie Bradley and her troupe of friends spun in dizzying circles to the beat of the band.
The bride and groom glowed, as did his sister’s fairy-tale wedding gown, which he’d first seen not too long ago stuffed into the closet of Dream. And there, in the middle of the dance floor, Sienna and her father shared a slow, careful dance.
The smile of contentment on Sienna’s face sank into him, leaving him with a feeling of contentment he couldn’t describe. Her grandmother’s estate was finally settled. After much deliberation, Sienna had donated more than half of the money to various charities, including a wild-parrot sanctuary in Southern California. And the beach house? Sienna had decided to give that to Tabitha. It had, after all, been something Nana would have approved of.
Kidnapping was the least of Richard Somersby’s worries. The FBI had recently opened an investigation into his business dealings and chances were he’d end up serving enough time Sienna would never have to give him another thought. As for Vincent, Sienna’s father had decided to take early retirement and was in the process of ending his tenure at his company. He was, finally, in his own words, putting Sienna first. He was already looking at property in Butterfly Harbor for the many visits he planned to make in order for them to spend more time together.
“It’s been a good day.” Mrs. Yamishimi slid her arm into Monty’s and offered him an understanding smile. “It’s been a good week.”
“It’s been a busy one, that’s for sure. How’s your daughter-in-law doing?”
“Better, thank you.” She offered a sad smile. “They’ve asked me to move in with them. To be part of their family.”
“You’re leaving Butterfly Harbor?” He couldn’t imagine this town without her.
“I told myself I’d know when the time was right.” She patted Monty’s hand, then slipped something out of her pocket. “I hope to come back for the wedding, but in case I’m not able.” She pushed the envelope into his pocket. “My gift to both of you. May you have more happy years than I had with my Henry.”
Monty felt himself tear up as she moved off to find a glass of champagne. When he caught Sienna’s curious gaze on him, he smiled. And joined her on the dance floor. “May I cut in?”
“You may indeed.” Vincent handed off his daughter. “You did a wonderful job, Sienna.” He stepped in and kissed her cheek. “Your mother would be so proud of you. As proud as I am.”
“Thank you, Dad.” Sienna’s face turned pink with happiness. When she stepped into Monty’s arms, she sighed and sagged against him. “I’m going to sleep for a week after this.”
“He’s right. Everything went off perfectly.”
Sienna giggled. “With only a few detours.”
“I like detours in weddings.” He pressed his lips to the top of her head. “They can provide some very entertaining results.”
“What did Mrs. Yamishimi give you?”
“Saw that, did you?” He chuckled and wasn’t surprised when she slipped the envelope out of his pocket. “Go ahead. Open it. She said it was an early wedding present.”
Sienna pulled out a folded document, shock blanketing her face. “I don’t believe it.”
“What? What is it?” He took the papers and scanned them.
“She’s given us her house. The houseboat in the marina. She’s transferred the deed and everything. But why...?” She searched the crowd for the old woman and when she found her, she sent her a smile of thanks.
Mrs. Yamishimi closed her eyes in acknowledgment.
“I have everything I’ve ever wanted. Ever dreamed of,” she whispered. “And all because of Nana’s Dream.” She looked up as a wide-winged parrot soared overhead, demanding guacamole. “I’m home.”
“And you’re loved.”
She was loved. She knew it. Love was everywhere in Butterfly Harbor. Her eyes met Monty’s and she smiled, touched her hand to his face. She was home. He knew it.
He drew her close and they finished their dance.
* * *
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The Christmas Promise
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CHAPTER ONE
BEN WINTERS OPENED the door to Novel Thinking, his sister’s bookstore, simultaneously cursing and admiring Grace for her skillful manipulation. He was beginning to think he didn’t know his little sister half as well as he thought. Either that, or some parallel-dimension version of Grace Winters had moved into Lighthouse Cove. Certainly, the unnerving events of the past five months were proof of that theory. After the shock of her upending the whole family clan with a revelation about the past, along with the news that she’d fallen in love with a man she’d only recently met, Ben no longer knew what to expect from her.
Yet here he was, waiting on Grace’s behalf to greet a guest author invited for a book talk and signing. And not just any author, but Ella Jacobs. Ben supposed that if he read fiction rather than history, he might have discovered sooner that the girl who’d stolen his heart seventeen years ago was now a published author. A young adult fiction author, Grace clarified. Then she’d given him a definition of that term, which he hadn’t paid the slightest attention to because all he’d heard was the sentence that she’d opened with—Ella’s coming to the Cove!
Since his sister’s announcement, Ben had browsed the internet for all references to Ella Jacobs or E. M. Jacobs, her writing name. Of course, he’d made a few Ella Jacobs internet searches since he’d last seen her, even throughout some of the four years of his marriage, but he hadn’t done so since his return to the Cove, where reminders of Ella Jacobs were everywhere.
He’d already known that she’d graduated with a degree in journalism from NYU and was currently a reporter for the Boston Globe. In his latest search, he’d found a short Wikipedia bio that highlighted her recent debut as a fiction writer and mentioned articles she’d written for journals and magazines. Ben had stared long and hard at the single line referring to her marriage and divorce. She’d gone on with her life, just as he had with his.
He forced himself away from the what-if that instantly arose as it had so many times the past few years. He’d tried—half-heartedly, he had to admit—to persuade Grace to cancel the invite. What can possibly be gained by this imp
ulsive decision? he’d asked her. He’d almost said reckless decision, because that’s what it was. There’s no going back, he’d pointed out. Then she’d gazed up at him with big dark eyes that were identical to his, and he had a flash of a young Gracie begging a favor from her big brother. He’d given in as he once used to, struggling to ignore the echo in his head—this is not a good idea.
He walked the length of the narrow store, flicking on lights as he went. The place could be gloomy, especially now in mid-December. What it needed was a makeover. Get rid of the dark wood paneling, put in a few skylights and ceiling pot lights, enlarge the front windows and substitute the oak door for a glass one. So far in her time as manager, Grace had refused to consider any kind of reno. She’d always been drawn to old things and seemed to like it just the way it was. Besides, the store barely eked out a living and Ben knew the family construction business was in no position to undertake a free renovation. The purchase of the bookstore had been an impulsive act by their father, Charles, who reasoned having some kind of employment would keep Grace in the Cove.
Well, that worked, Pop!
Now that she was engaged to the Coast Guard guy from Portland, Drew Spencer, there was no guarantee Grace would settle permanently in the Cove much less run the bookstore. However, the lighthouse restoration project she’d undertaken with Henry Jenkins and Spencer last summer would assure her presence for a while, at least until the memorial site for their cousin Brandon was completed. The whole family was still recovering from the shock of Grace’s admission months ago about her role in the prank that had led to Brandon’s drowning. Then Grace had dropped another bombshell. She’d invited Ella Jacobs to the Cove.
Why, Grace? What good could possibly come of this? he’d asked when she’d told him.
I have to do this, Ben. I can’t ease my soul by confessing only to the family. What happened to Ella was unfair. She took the blame. I have to make things right between us.
Bride on the Run--A Clean Romance Page 23