Secret Wish

by Victoria Pinder

  With a glance at the clock, she slipped into her green high heels and ensured her gold necklace was straight. Then she ran to the door. As she locked her house, she sighed and straightened her wreath. She had survived a morning without wondering about her date every five seconds. She'd see Luke today. And once again her heartbeat grew steadily.

  Perhaps the reason she chose this outfit had something to do with seeing him, but a date just meant she'd have to be even more put together.

  She hopped into her car and drove to the Morgan estate. Her lips tingled as she pictured Luke's face.

  The roads were clear until she made it to work. A chill raced down her spine. Camera crews, television reporters, announcers, and every other kind of media vehicle took up all the space on the road. Her heartbeat wasn't warm and excited, but she told herself if Jennifer strolled a red carpet in her dress, then the world would see one of her designs. This was far more press than her boss had anticipated for his wedding day.

  Caro crossed her fingers and drove onto the lot for wedding guests. Goosebumps grew over her arms and her stomach clenched. She wanted to run as her heart beat faster. As she turned the car engine off, she felt all eyes and cameras were pointed at her.

  Something whispered in her ear that she didn't want to be here. With a heave, she hugged her waist and then hopped out of the car.

  The air buzzed with energy, and it wasn't the good feeling kind. This didn't feel like a wedding. Her hands trembled as she walked closer to the path. She saw the faces of the news cameras. Should she stop and talk to reporters? She could mention her dress, but her heart beat so fast that she decided no, she shouldn't. These reporters were not interested in fashion. She licked her lips and rushed faster onto the garden path.

  If something had happened, then she had to be there for Luke. And her job right now meant she'd clean up the mess inside the house even while her heart ached for Luke. Nothing else could go wrong for him or his family. A cold wind rushed against her back as the door opened, and Luke's mother stood in the doorway. She lowered her head, like she should be the one greeting people.

  "Is everything all right?" Caro asked.

  Once again Isabelle's eyes watered as she hugged Caro. "My Peter. My poor family. There is so much wrong. Caro, I'm glad you're here."

  Caro closed her eyes, returned the hug, and wished her well.

  "What happened?"

  As Isabella pulled back, she wiped her eyes. "Find Luke. I can't talk about it."

  More headlines for the Morgan family. That much was obvious. Whatever happened wasn't good. With a fast nod, Caro squeezed her arms and stood taller as she whispered, "Where is he?"

  "In the living room."

  Luke was the best reason to help and stay calm. Caro placed her hands on her hips as she stared around the room filled with a mob of people. Her job was to help the Morgans. Clearly today was not a celebration. With a fast assessment, she realized she should take over greeting people, but she needed to know the situation.

  Her dress dreams were less likely unless Jennifer went outside to address reporters who were here. The atmosphere seemed more appropriate for a funeral than a wedding, and no one typically talked fashion in those moments. Victoria Morgan would be huddled with her handsome husband or her brothers. Today was not Caro's day. She swayed on her feet and then rushed into the living room.

  The room was jammed full of even more people. Somehow her gaze met Luke's as he stood near the window across the crowd. Her pulse quickened. He pushed his way through the throng to get to her. The rest of the world disappeared as she focused on him and made her way through the elbows and shoulders of Miami's elite. Despite how her heart raced, no one's face was happy around her. As she made it halfway across the room, Luke's hand settled on her hip. She lost sight of anyone else in the crowd as her body lightened.

  Luke leaned closer and whispered in her ear, which sent every nerve ending on her face into an anticipatory tingle. "Are you okay?"

  Today wasn't about her. Her heartbeat grew faster. For a second, her body tingled, but she knew better than to hope for a kiss in this crowd.

  She licked her lips and sighed. "I'm fine though confused. What's going on?"

  "Belle."

  Her ears perked. The bride had always been nice to her.

  Luke's face went white and serious as he finished, "Her plane crashed a few hours ago. No one’s heard from her."

  Who flew the day of her wedding anywhere? Her forehead curled as her head spun. "What plane?"

  Luke whispered, "She flew to the Bahamas to pick up her wedding jewelry. The plane didn't make it."

  On the private jet that must be lost in the Atlantic now. Many people in Miami went to the islands to pick up a few things, but no one typically died.

  Her breath hitched. Everything was absolutely wrong. There was no wedding. There was no bride. Her entire body went numb as she covered her lips.

  "Oh my God."

  Luke kept his hands on her hips to hold her close. "Search and rescue are on scene."

  Hope had to help. There were too many crisis situations in Luke's family. She closed her eyes and smelled the oak tree. Nothing on earth could force her to leave Luke's side. She prayed Belle was found safe.

  The smell calmed her as she said, "And the reporters are now here for another Morgan tragedy."

  "One after the other, though we've kept Liz's story out of the news." Luke straightened his back, like any of this was his responsibility. "My father's funeral piqued their interest a few months ago."

  Caro's mind ticked off tasks methodically like a clock hand counting the seconds. Isabelle Morgan should not be at the door. She should go do that. She should also ensure her boss had everything he needed. She'd get to work immediately. She pressed her lips together and stared at the horde of people and the huge Christmas tree that could be featured in Rockefeller Center that stood outside the glass doors.

  "I should go tell Peter that I'm so sorry."

  Luke pointed to people's backsides as he motioned further into the crowd. "He's with his sister and Jennifer."

  Her stomach clenched. Jennifer's return to queen of the manor would be a reason to quit her job. Last night Jennifer implied she intended to stop the wedding, though Caro couldn't picture her going as far as killing anyone, but what had she meant about a surprise today? Jennifer was full of her own star power and would believe any man would pick her in the end.

  "Of course she's here." She took Luke's hand as she turned to where he pointed. "Will you go with me?"

  "Yes, let's go." Luke let go of her other hip and directed her through the crowd. "You don't have to be afraid of her."

  "Fear isn't what I feel."

  Her heartbeat stayed steady with Luke at her side. She felt her shoulders stay relaxed as she approached Peter, his sister and Jennifer. Obviously not today and not now, but if, somehow, Vicki was free to have a conversation and the timing felt appropriate, then she'd casually mention that she was a designer. She clearly could not show her sketches and designs today. Without Luke, she'd be too tense and every instinct would tell her to run.

  "Remember I used to say I was always going to be a bookworm?"

  "Yeah?"

  "It was because in high school, Jennifer made my life feel inferior and unimportant. It wasn't anything she said, it was just who she was."

  "Caro?"

  "Yes?"

  "You were always a good woman. It's what I missed about you."

  "Thank you."

  As she joined the small circle, Caro's ears burned when Vicki told Jennifer, "I can't wait for you to come to my office so we can discuss your fashion ideas."

  Without thinking, Caro's eyes widened as she blurted, "Jennifer has fashion ideas?"

  Jennifer's eyebrows arched as she crossed her arms. "Now is not the time to discuss this. I will straighten everything out later, Caro."

  Caro swallowed. Her brother believed in Jennifer, but Caro wasn't stupid. However, Jennifer was right. Now
was not the time. The last thing she intended to do was fight with anyone in front of Vicki. Luke's hand pressed against her lower back and she glanced at her boss.

  "Peter, do you need anything?"

  With his eyes, he scanned his house jam packed with people. "I didn't call enough staff to handle this many people at my house. The wedding was to be on my yacht, so we could avoid anyone without an invitation. My home is now full of people I didn’t invite. Can you make a few calls to make sure everyone is taken care of and get enough staff and caterers here?"

  "Of course."

  A few phone calls was the least she could do. Peter hadn't asked her to serve, though Caro's spine tingled as Luke kept his hand on her. His brother clearly saw the two of them.

  She nodded her head, happy to find a way to help. "I'll get right on it. Do you need anything else?"

  "Not at the moment." Peter leaned closer to his sister. His face seemed gaunt as he finished, "Thank you, Caro, and I hope you and Luke are happy."

  Happiness seemed illusory without a miracle. Belle was nice to her and Elizabeth deserved her son. Her own romance shouldn’t make her heart soar, and besides Luke might not want to go this fast. She couldn't lose her job without having somewhere to land first, despite Jennifer. Goose bumps grew on her arms as she turned to head toward the kitchen. Luke stayed right on her heels. The moment the door closed, and there were less people around her, she closed her eyes and swayed on her feet.

  "Luke?"

  His eyes widened as he reached out to hold her. "Yes?"

  This was nice. His arms were warm and inviting. She wished she could stay forever with him, but she couldn't just expect to live her dreams of long ago. First they had to find a way to simply spend time together. Luke and her were not guaranteed. She sucked on her bottom lip and then stood stronger.

  "While I make these calls, can you find out what Victoria and Jennifer are discussing?"

  His eyes narrowed. "Why?"

  For the first time she felt like she had a true ally. It was nice. Luke was so good and perfect.

  She swallowed her gut reaction to close off and instead whispered her fear, "She's wearing my dress, and now she's talking to Victoria about a meeting on fashion design? Victoria owns a wedding fashion store and intends to build an empire."

  "So you think she's going to claim she created the dress?"

  "Rafe would tell me that I was being paranoid, but I've cleaned up her red wine stains on rugs, more than once. I don't want to think this, but I can't help myself."

  "Got it. I'll help."

  Like they were about to embark on a mission together, he nodded his head. He must know his sister had a fashion empire plans, though she didn't have a designer.

  "Why have you not spoken to Vicki yourself about your fashion designs?" Luke asked.

  Fear kept her silent and wistful. Working at the House of Morgan did not guarantee her one-on-one time with her boss’s sister. Her heart raced.

  "I've never had the opportunity."

  He put his hand on the small of her back. No problem. "I'll find out what they are talking about and meet you in twenty minutes."

  A huge sigh came out of her lips as she leaned forward and kissed him. His warm skin sent heat through her as well. As she pulled away, she picked up the phone. "Thank you."

  A huge smile grew on his face as he stood taller. "Anything you need."

  "More men should be like you."

  She winked and then dialed the first number. She'd get her boss the staff he needed and then Luke would tell her if Jennifer was up to anything.

  Chapter 10

  Caro hung up her phone and opened the door to let one of the hired people inside. In a few minutes, Peter Morgan would have the staff to handle this event like it was a state Christmas dinner for the president of the United States. The House of Morgan commanded everything be the best, even at a time of crisis. How well her boss held together right now was a testament to his family breeding. She'd be a disaster.

  She had lost Luke once from her own stupidity, but a plane crash was unthinkable. Belle Jordan’s years in the Marines had to help her survive a crash. Caro couldn’t wrap her mind around anything else. She had always been a kind woman.

  With one last call to the caterers she was now done. The food would arrive in batches, and the first of it should be here in twenty minutes.

  She swayed on her feet. The House of Morgan had so many rules that an outsider would need a guidebook on behavior. She curled her hands under her arms as she recalled her mother's opinion of the Morgan family and how her job was to ensure that whatever their wishes were happened.

  As the door behind her opened, a huge surge of light filled her heart as she glanced at a Christmas angel decoration. She turned and stared into the eyes of the man who was with her. Her lips parted as they tingled for another kiss. Luke was perfect for her. His eyes met hers, and she felt peace. Her mother would see that they had a chance at happiness together.

  He came closer to her, and placed his hand on hers. "They were talking about your red dress."

  No. This wasn't good. Her mind was numb for a moment. Rafe said she had to have faith that Jennifer wouldn't ruin everything, and she prayed in this moment her brother was right. She breathed in the smell of oak trees, which calmed her nerves as Luke came closer.

  "Did my name come up?"

  His hand traveled up her arm, and her body swayed to let him closer. "Yes and no. I think it did, but I didn't hear it. Jennifer had to leave in a hurry."

  "What?" Jennifer would never leave Peter's side in a crisis. She tapped her nails on the table but then stilled as her gaze shot toward his. "She's gone?"

  He nodded. "Yeah, so then I talked to Vicki."

  His sister was the one that could make her dreams come true. He talked to her about the dress? For weeks she'd practiced what she'd say to Victoria Morgan about her own designs. In all her imagined encounters with Victoria, the introduction of her dress had never come from Luke.

  "What did you say?"

  His eyes narrowed, like his words should be obvious to her. "I told her it was your dress design Jennifer wore."

  Oh my goodness. He mentioned her dreams. Her body chilled as she let questions ratchet up her nerves, though she wanted to cling to Luke like a life raft.

  "You did?"

  His hands massaged her neck, as if he knew how tense she was. "Yes. There was some confusion, but she wants to talk to you immediately. I am to bring you over to her now."

  Her eyes widened. A one-to-one conversation with Vicki hadn't crossed her mind at the non-wedding. She assumed she should help in the kitchen tonight. She sucked in her breath.

  "What? Really?"

  He held her, and her body relaxed in his arms. His warm skin near hers set off tingles that she never imagined as he said, "Are you done with the phone calls?"

  She tugged her green dress to ensure it had a flow to it. "Yes. Do I look okay?"

  He kissed her forehead, and her eyes fluttered closed as he whispered near her ear, "You're beautiful."

  She reached out and took his hand in hers. She needed his strength. "I don't know if I can talk to her."

  A smile grew on his face. "This is for your career, and she's my sister."

  Her lips pursed. He didn't have a clear understanding of the situation. Everything could go wrong for her. She shook her head and imagined how Victoria would believe any lie Jennifer told her. Jennifer and Victoria had been friends for years, and in high school, Caro had been the rebellious outcast. Her entire body felt heavier, like she'd sunk into the ground and could never get up.

  "I'm also your brother's maid. She might not take me seriously."

  "Give her credit. I didn't grow up here or with the others, but she seems the nicest of the new sibling, immediately." He lifted her chin. "Vicki lives on a farm. She's super down to earth and nice."

  The House of Morgan had been around her all her life, but that didn't mean she fit in. Luke was the exception.r />
  Her heartbeat quickened as she whispered, "I'm scared. Don't leave my side."

  "Never." He took her hand and led her out the kitchen door, and into the crowd. "I'll be right behind you."

  The throng of people parted for them without question as he led her across the busy room. She glanced to her side and saw staff taking their places to serve people. She had almost forgotten her day job until Luke stopped short and stared at the front door.

  "Jennifer is here."

  Caro stepped in front of Luke to see what was happening as his shoulder wasn't see-through. She jerked to a stop as she saw Jennifer pushing a baby carriage into the crowd toward Elizabeth.

  Luke's eyes misted, and then he took her hand and guided her closer. "Come with me."

  Elizabeth's eyes watered with tears as she reached into the carriage, hugged the baby and sobbed.

  Caro's gaze went to Isabelle, who was also in tears. Then Elizabeth reached for Jennifer and hugged her while she held the baby near her heart.

  "My Brandon. Thank you! I had lost hope."

  Jennifer closed her eyes and rocked Elizabeth. "My pleasure. Rafe found her. I just went to the station to pick her up."

  Elizabeth went white.

  Caro swallowed. She wished she had her cell phone and pocketbook. Her brother's instinct had saved the baby.

  Luke whispered in her ear, "I owe your brother."

  "He won't expect anything."

  Peter placed his hand on Jennifer's shoulder, and she pulled out of Elizabeth's arms to turn toward Peter. "Why would he call you, Jennifer?"

  Jennifer smiled and glowed like she was happy to be the hero. "I spoke to Rafe less than an hour ago. I had my phone on me and he couldn’t reach anyone else. Rafe didn't want family services holding up Brandon’s return to Elizabeth, but he couldn't leave the station to come deliver the boy himself. He said your family deserves some happiness at Christmas."