Secret Wish

by Victoria Pinder

  "They were not dating my only daughter."

  "If his siblings had good in them, then Luke has too. You promised to give him a chance."

  Her mother gave her the raised eyebrow that used to scare her a child.

  Caro's jaw went slack. Caro's mind raced as she tried to figure out how to make her mother believe that Luke was a good guy.

  She swallowed. "Christmas is about miracles. And, Mom, Luke and I finding each other again...it's another miracle. This holiday is amazing."

  Her mother stopped in her tracks and closed her eyes as if saying a prayer. "I am happy Isabelle lived and found her children. I just don't know if I call a relationship a miracle."

  The crack in her mother's rant was a good sign too and another miracle.

  Another knock rang in the air. Caro needed to take a fast shower. She inhaled and then said, "And Isabelle raised Luke, Matthew and Elizabeth and told them their name was Marshall to protect them."

  "The Marshalls are also out of our league, Caro. That family is also old money."

  No, she'd not be sidetracked with her mother's litany of the wealthy who acted like lords of the manor in Miami affairs. She pressed her lips together. "Mom, Luke didn't know his father. Don't be judgmental. It's Christmas."

  Her eyebrow arched. "Are you sure?"

  "Mom. Yes." Her spine went straight. "Can you answer the door?"

  A few minutes later, Caro sprinted from her bathroom, hoping everyone in the living room was having a good time. She saw her mother had spread out crackers and cheese on the table as the water boiled on the stove.

  She walked past and automatically turned off the stove as she said, "Merry Christmas, family. I have the presents, and I'll bring the hot chocolate into the living room."

  As she turned into the living room, her gaze locked with Luke's blue eyes. It felt like a bubble swallowed her, and she felt safe and warm. She lowered her gaze as she went to stand beside him. The moment their hands touched, her heartbeat skipped. He was here. It was all that mattered.

  Caro directed Luke quietly to another seat beside her. She had learned as a child that when Mom went into dramatics, it was best to be sitting. Today her mother would give them her blessing.

  Once she was sure that Luke was comfortable beside her on the opposite couch, she said, "Mother will lead us in prayer, and then we'll open the presents."

  Her mother fell into a seat beside Rafe and then took his hand, like she needed support. "This year I've heard a lot about miracles. My daughter spent years wishing for her college crush, Luke Marshall, to return.”

  "You did?"

  Caro's eyes widened. "I told you."

  With her hands folded in prayer, her mother continued, "Now you have returned her Luke Marshall as Luke Morgan, and she's grateful, oh Lord. Please help me give my blessing to this couple. My daughter is a good girl, and she deserves love."

  "Thank you, Momma."

  Luke tugged at his collar, but squeezed her hand.

  The Christmas present her mother picked up was in an ordinary box wrapped with a simple red bow. She handed it to Rafe as she said, "In here, I have a small trust fund I set up years ago for you and Caro. I was waiting until you married or had children, but if the money helps you with your business or for my son to quit the police force, then I want you to have it now."

  "Thank you." Caro nodded at her mom.

  "Mom, I'm not quitting the force,” Rafe said. "It's a good job."

  Luke whispered beside her, "I love you, Caro." His voice was so low, she wasn't sure whether or not she had actually heard the whisper. Then Luke said to everyone, "I bought these for you both. I would have bought more, but I didn't know until yesterday I would spend the morning with all of you."

  He stood and passed small boxes to Rafe and her mother. As he sat beside her again, he placed his hand near hers. Her fingers ached to touch him. "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Soliz."

  Her mother opened the small box and then displayed a solitaire diamond pendant, chain and stud earrings. The set was classic and could be worn with everything.

  Her mother wiped her eyes and smiled. "They are lovely Mr. Morgan. My daughter speaks highly of you."

  Luke traced her arm, but kept Caro close. "I hope you can call me Luke in the future, Mrs. Soliz."

  "Luke," her mother repeated. "Your mother is a good woman. Please tell her I said hello."

  "She's hoping you will come visit her soon."

  "I will."

  Rafe opened his present and then showed the season passes to the Dolphins. Rafe smiled his thanks to Luke. "Thanks and, Luke, for this price, I'll give you my sister. Please take her out of my hair."

  "I thought you loved me, big brother?"

  "Sometimes you are a pain, and these are good seats, but we'll always be family."

  For once her brother didn't act all machismo and defend her. Usually he saved the soft moments for when it was just the three of them.

  Her eyes misted. "Rafe..."

  Her mother turned to Luke and interrupted before Caro might cry. "My earlier objections were about your father, but my daughter told me that your mother raised you without his interference. I can only hope you will be good to her."

  Luke nodded as if giving his solemn vow.

  Then Rafe called out, "Caro, Luke, Mom?"

  Caro's hand went to Luke's knee. Her heart wondered if he had said he loved her or if she just imagined it. Then she scooted closer to his ear and whispered, "I love you too."

  Luke wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her forehead. Luke broke their embrace so he could stare into her eyes. "So does this mean we can go the Venetian Pool soon?"

  They had far more of a chance to be happy than she had believed a month ago. She placed her other hand on top of his that held hers.

  "Yes. Absolutely. And keep your phone on tomorrow when your shift ends. I'll have a meeting with Vicki." She took her hand away and then reached under the tree. A second later, she handed him a box too. "For now, Merry Christmas."

  His lips parted. Clearly he couldn’t believe she had bought him anything. The truth was she bought this for his birthday in college and he never returned to receive it. He unwrapped the small box and took out the watch she had found. Twenty-four hours wasn't a lot of time to buy a last-minute present, but she had noticed he hadn't worn a watch. She stayed silent as he took it out of the box and held it to the light.

  He turned and kissed her cheek. "Thank you. I didn't expect anything."

  "I hope you like it. I bought it for your birthday years ago, when we were in college. Last night, I added a new battery and set the clock."

  Her skin felt flushed as she closed her eyes. If they were alone, she'd kiss him. Right now she just imagined how he tasted.

  He unhooked the wrapping and then slipped the watch on his wrist. "I will wear it and think of you every day."

  With her mother smiling at her, Caro knew she had her approval. Family was important to her, but then so was Luke. Starting now, no one else would interrupt their lives.

  Chapter 13

  Caro's entire body hummed as she clutched her portfolio and waited outside Vicki Morgan's store. The sun shone brightly over her head and the humidity of the day was climbing. Caro stilled and let herself breath in the shade of the store front. Here the sun was blocked, but nothing stopped the stifling summer air. Her heartbeat was wild and fast, but she had to nail this interview. Her life dreams were all invested in this opportunity. Everything had to be perfect.

  Her pulse raced. This was how she became a fashion designer that people took seriously. She pressed her lips together, held her breath, and then opened the front door. No more thinking about what might happen. It was time to go inside and meet her destiny. With all the energy she had, she pushed her way through the door and made her way to the front desk.

  A woman with red streaks in her hair gazed at her and asked, "May I help you?"

  "I'm here to see Victoria Morgan." Her insides quaked, and she cross
ed one leg over the other as she stood in front of the store counter. She held her head high. "I have a ten o'clock appointment with her."

  A huge smile grew on the woman's face. "You must be Caro then."

  Thankfully no one cancelled on her. This must be right. She swallowed. "I am."

  "I'm Josie. I manage the store, but also act at Vicki's assistant when she needs me. Let me tell her you're here."

  Caro's gaze followed Josie as she marched from behind the counter and down an aisle of the wedding dress store. The white dresses everywhere made the place feel magical. Caro hugged her portfolio closer to her waist.

  "Thank you." Caro spoke to her back as she followed her.

  "Please have a seat." Josie pointed to the seats near the dressing rooms as Caro entered the back room.

  In her dream, brides and their families must all come to see dresses here and one of the choices could be her design. If she was alone, she’d laugh.

  She followed Josie’s directions and sat as Josie disappeared through a doorway. Caro reached into her pocketbook and squeezed her phone as she tapped her feet on the white marble floor. Soon she'd talk to Luke and thank him for setting up this chance. They'd also set up their date to the Venetian Pool at a time perhaps when there were slightly less children running around the park.

  She sighed as she imagined Luke in his bathing suit.

  High heels clinked on the floor and Caro's gaze returned to the door. A moment later, Josie stood with her arms open. "Vicki's ready for you. Please go in."

  The smile on the woman's face helped Caro’s heart stay calm. As Caro passed, she squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Josie."

  To the right side, the open office was twice the size of the store out front, which she guessed from the size of the building outside. As Caro walked into the white marble floor office with black leather furniture that screamed postmodern, her stomach knotted.

  Vicki stood from behind her black shiny desk and held out her hand to shake. "It's good you remembered her name. I like everyone on my team to work together."

  Caro shuffled her portfolio into her other hand and then slightly shook. "I've seen my mother be called 'the maid' so often as she grimaced that I cannot imagine belittling anyone else. Ms. Morgan."

  She sat down in her high-backed, black, wheeled chair made for a Morgan to feel like royalty in an office. "Vicki, and the last name these days is Collins, though in business no one will call me that."

  Caro pushed her hair out of her eyes. She had worked the wedding and knew that Vicki had married the high school quarterback. "Of course, Miss Vicki."

  She stretched her arms over the glass and laminate desk. "We'll work on my name with you. Let me see your designs. I've been dying to get my hand on your portfolio."

  Caro handed her the designs. "You have?"

  Vicki opened the book and stretched her hand forward to turn the pages. "You kept this hidden away most of our lives, at least from me."

  She flipped through the pages and no expression came to her face. Caro chewed her lip as Vicki flipped to the next and the one after that. Caro's back stiffened. If Victoria didn't like these, her life was fine. Luke didn't judge her for being his brother's maid. She could handle rejection.

  She pressed her toes into the polished floor as she waited. Finally Vicki smiled and stopped perusing the pages so fast. Caro's heart felt like it was in her stomach until Vicki said, "I love these."

  Finally. She had a chance to let her work be seen. Her eyes widened. "You do?"

  Vicki sat in her seat and stared at Caro like she was sizing her up for a dress. "You have an eye that the House of Morgan could use, perhaps in a better way than we currently do."

  No. If this was a test, she'd not fail now. Caro lowered her gaze. "My current job is fine. I have no complaints."

  Vicki scooted forward and closed the portfolio. "But my brother doesn't use your talents. Would you rather stay working for him than being on my fashion design team for the House of Morgan?"

  The air around her stilled as the words echoed in her ear. This was her chance. She could make her clothes. She inhaled, but she couldn't quite exhale, not yet. Then in a rush like a volcano erupting, Caro said, "No. I mean, yes. I would love to work here."

  Vicki sat again like she was the reigning monarch as she picked up a pen. "Great. I will have Josie get you the human resources forms, and you'll meet the rest of the design team starting Monday morning, after New Year’s."

  Her entire body shook with energy. She'd explode from happiness soon as she babbled. "Thank you, Vicki."

  Vicki picked up a printed paper from her printer to read with the pen in her hand. She stood without saying anything and then pointed to the door. "Now go home and have a great afternoon."

  "Bye."

  She'd not ruin her moment now. This was the end. She took her portfolio, shook Vicki’s hand and rushed to the door.

  Today was perfect. All that was left was seeing her Luke.

  Caro tried not to stare at her clock that blinked eight o'clock. Luke needed time to walk out the door of the hospital for his shift, and if there was some emergency, he might be there for hours. Honestly, she had no idea when he'd call. She paced her kitchen and refused to stare at her oven clock or her phone that she clutched in her hands. Luke might not even call at all. She pressed her lips together and decided to plug her phone into the charger.

  As she stepped to turn away, her phone rang. Her heart pounded as she read Luke's name on the screen and bounced to answer.

  She picked it up and said, "Hello?"

  His voice was gravely, like he had been talking too much. Then he coughed. "Did I wake you?"

  She twirled a piece of her hair and prayed she sounded normal despite how warm her body grew from the sound of his voice. "No. I was waiting for you."

  "Perfect. I'm sending a car to pick you up."

  Her eyes widened as she glanced toward her living room. She'd have to change fast. She was wearing an unflattering tee shirt and old beaten shorts meant for lounging in her house.

  She inhaled. "Where am I going? It's late."

  "I want to hear about your meeting with Vicki in person, so I planned a date."

  The image of her closet and all the clothes she had there rolled through her mind. She had a royal blue dress she could throw on that she'd been working on.

  "You did?"

  "Pack a bathing suit."

  Christmas in Miami wasn't as hot or as humid as the summer time. It would never snow here, but at night there was a chill in the air.

  She shook her head. "It's eight-two degrees out right now."

  "That's plenty warm."

  The Florida sun hadn't broken him yet. She swallowed. She had a one piece bathing suit and a cover-up that she could pack. Seeing Luke would make today perfect.

  She swallowed. "Okay when will the car be here?"

  "He should be outside your door in five minutes."

  Her hand went to her chest as she heaved. Then she realized she was acting like Jennifer and refused. She clutched the phone and walked up the stairs.

  "You don't give a lot of prep time."

  "Did you need it? You're naturally beautiful."

  Natural was a gorgeous word for her. Her heart soared as she licked her lips. "Luke, I can't wait to see you."

  "I'll meet you there."

  She narrowed her eyes though she had a suspicion now that he mentioned bathing suits. "Where's there?"

  "It's a surprise. Hurry."

  She'd throw off her lounge wear and throw on her royal blue cotton dress. She made it to the top step as she said, "Talk to you soon."

  The moment she hung up the phone and tossed it on the bed, she stripped and changed. Then she rushed to the bathroom to brush her hair, teeth and at least powder her face. She heard the car pull into her driveway, and the tension in her body mounted. She'd not be late.

  With one more pass at herself in the mirror, she grabbed her sandals and bathing suit bag on her dash down
the stairs. Her heart pumped as she jumped into the backseat.

  Luke wasn't here. As the driver began his drive, she fixed her silver shoes and rechecked her makeup with her lighted pocketbook mirror.

  Soon enough she was in front of the Venetian Pool private entrance. She sucked in her lip as the driver stopped the car and slid out to open her door. She blinked and at first didn't see Luke.

  She stepped further out and saw Luke dressed in a white button-down shirt and slacks, carrying a red rose. He was hers, and it felt like fireworks exploded inside her that screamed out she had won.

  As she approached him, she placed her hand on his that held the flower and peeked over his shoulder. The pool was luminescent in the moon, and the lights that shone reflected the waters to make the entire place seem magical. She sucked in her breath. On all the tables and the ground were flower petals where the aisle was lined with candles.

  She turned toward him. "Luke, this is gorgeous. How did you do all this?"

  He laughed and placed his hand on her lower spine to guide her inside and close the door. The moment they entered, she realized how private this normally public venue now was. She swallowed. Tonight, she was with her Luke.

  Then he traced her spine and she turned into him. "I kept saying I wanted to take you to the Venetian Pool, and I thought it best we go after hours."

  A huge smile grew on her face. He had made this the perfect post-Christmas miracle, and the best part was that they were finally alone. She placed her hand on her hip as she tilted her head. "And the candles and flowers? You were working."

  His fingers traced her neck as he closed the space between them. "I know people who could make this happen."

  "Wow. This truly has been an amazing Christmas. My wish came true. I just hope Belle is found too."

  “Me too, but we can be there for my family, together, and tonight, I want to be with you.”

  She wrapped her hands around his waist and let him hold her. She honestly felt she might float away on her cloud of happiness, so it was best to have him anchor her.

  “Me too.” His hands went further up her neck and into her hair. Her eyes fluttered as she awaited his kiss, but then he said, "So tell me about your meeting."