“Maybe if you hadn’t startled me, I wouldn’t have fallen!”
“Betta Morgan, you drive me crazy.” And he kissed her, not gently this time. He took possession of her mouth in a way that left no doubt how he felt.
“Wow!” Betta whispered when he finally lifted his mouth from hers and let her slide down his body to her own feet.
“We need to talk, Betta. Come upstairs with me,” he said as he tugged her toward the elevator. Once inside he kissed her again, lifting her in his arms and bracing her against the elevator wall. When they arrived at the loft, he said, “You are so beautiful, Betta. Let me love you.”
“Chris I’ve never…”
“Then we take it slow and if you want me to stop, tell me and I will.” He walked to her and kissed her again. “I’d never hurt you, Betta.”
She nodded shyly then slowly lifted her hands to his shirt and unbuttoned it, running her fingers across his lightly furred chest. He reached down and gripped her slender hips and pulled her against him so she could feel his arousal. Then he unbuttoned the shirt she wore and pushed it gently from her shoulders. The sight of the red lace bra against her faintly olive skin made him catch his breath and he tumbled her on to the futon and patiently made her his own.
* * *
When they were finally sated, they cuddled together and talked about Meg and Jamie, about themselves. “I love you, Betta. I have from that first day. I thought I’d wait until after the opening to make a move but…well, I didn’t.”
“And I’m so glad you didn’t. I was too busy to realize the changes until last night when you held me. It was if the world had opened up to me and I realized I loved you.”
“This isn’t just a casual thing for me, Betta. I love you. And, when we know each other better and are sure, I want to marry you.”
“Is it possible to know each other better than we do now, right at this moment?”
He laughed and pulled her up until the length of her body stretched against his. “Let me show you. But, Betta, if we’re going to continue there’s one thing that’s got to change.”
Her eyes filled with concern as she traced the contours of his face. “What?”
“We have to get rid of this futon and buy a real bed!”
* * *
When Chris left, he headed to Margie’s to hand deliver an invitation to the Grand Opening of Morganna’s and a message from Betta that she would help him see Megan. What happened after that was up to them.
“You couldn’t have brought me better news! I’ll pay you now with a pint, but for the rest of my life with my friendship.”
“Sounds like a deal to me,” Chris answered.”
“If it works out with my Megan, will you stand up with me?”
“I’d be honored, especially since I’m pretty sure who the bridesmaid will be.”
“That’s the way it is then? You and Betta have come to an understanding?”
“Only the beginning of one.”
“Beginnings are good.” And they raised their glasses in a toast to all that was good in their lives.
Chapter 28
The night of the gala arrived. Betta was beside herself with details and the anticipation of Megan’s meeting with Jamie. The dresses she’d designed were ready when Meg, Laura, Annie, and Rosina arrived. Maria had received her gown earlier, since she needed something special for a formal dinner. She was already dressed in the striking scarlet silk that Betta had chosen for her. The dress had a slightly asymmetrical hem with just a hint of ruffle to suggest a flamenco dancer.
She’d asked the rest of them to trust her, so they had not seen the finished gowns yet. And she was wearing a long white lab-type coat over hers so they couldn’t see it either.
“You first, Zia Rosina.”
“All this fuss, Betta. I have clothes.”
“Hush! Tonight you will be wearing Elisabetta!”
The others waited while soft outbursts of Italian came from the dressing room. Finally, Betta came out. “Ladies, our Rosina.”
She swept back the curtain to show a beaming Rosina wearing a soft rose pink dress with a high neckline and long sleeves decorated by tiny embroidered crystal roses. It swept to the floor to allow just a peek at the delicate rose-colored shoes she wore.
“Splendida!” Meg cried.
“Brava, Betta,” Laura said. “Rosina, you are beautiful!”
After a little more fussing, it was Laura’s turn. Rosina sat carefully in a chair, her hands touching the soft silk of the dress in wonder.
There was not as much chatting from the dressing room this time and Betta emerged quickly. “Signora Laura Collins.”
Laura made her entrance in a floor length dress of what looked to be molten copper. It fell in one piece to the floor, sleeveless, undecorated, and incredibly elegant. “I love it, Betta,” she said giving her a kiss. “Brava, once again, darling.”
“Now, my Annie, it’s your turn.” As with the others, Betta helped Annie into her dress then made the grand introduction. “Mademoiselle Annie.”
Annie stepped out wearing a pale blue velvet dress in a regency style. It was embroidered all over with metallic butterflies and a matching headband held back her riot of curls. It was her first “grown-up” dress and she moved very carefully to her mother’s arms. “You are so pretty, Annie! Wait until Daddy sees you.” Annie just smiled and sat carefully on a low stool, lightly touching the butterflies on her dress one at a time.
“My turn?” Meg said. “I love the others but I want to see mine!”
“OK, your turn.”
They heard Megan exclaim, “Oh my God, Betta. Taylor’s going to kill you!”
Mother, Aunt, and Grandmother turned to look at each other. This must be one very interesting dress.
Betta stepped out with a wide grin. “Megan.” As she swept back the curtain, Megan was posing for them. She was wearing a very short black dress with spaghetti straps. It clung to her figure like it…well, like it had been made for her. The only decoration was a black scarf wrapped once around her neck then hanging down her back to show the two white antique lace medallions set into the ends. Stiletto sandals completed the outfit.
There was a stunned silence until Megan said, “This is the dress I’ve wanted for years. Taylor’s just going to have to live with it.”
“You look stunning, Meg. Simply stunning,” Laura said. “Maybe I’d better go down and warn Taylor.”
“No!” both girls exclaimed at once.
“No,” Betta said. “We are making our entrance together. No argument. Meg, keep an eye on them while I get ready. Don’t let any of them sneak off.” She went into the dressing room and emerged a few minutes later. Her dress was a forest green in a style that suggested the Renaissance. A long satin cape with open sleeves in a slightly darker shade of green was embroidered with tiny white unicorns around the hem.
“I am Elisabetta! Welcome to Morganna’s.”
“Perfection, Betta! You are perfection!”
“Then let’s go make a grand entrance before the other guests get here and Taylor and I have to come hide so I can make another grand entrance!” Betta exclaimed.
As they came out of the upstairs salon, Betta threw a switch that dimmed the lighting in the lower floor showroom except for a blazing light that encompassed the staircase. Soft music began to play and the room below fell silent as the Morgan women made their entrance. Handsome in their tuxes, their men stared at them, entranced. While the others were focused on the staircase, Chris went to the door and let Jamie in.
For a moment, Meg felt close to tears that there was no one waiting for her. She didn’t see Jamie standing in the shadows, his heart in his eyes as he saw the woman he’d been searching for.
Matteo stepped forward as Rosina came to the bottom step and took her hand in his, raising her fingers to his
lips. Then he swept her into his arms and they danced to the quiet music while the others watched with love. Taylor took Annie’s hands and let her step on his shiny shoes as he waltzed her around the room. Chris, his heart in his eyes, led Betta into the impromptu dance and Sean literally swept Maria off her feet then on to the dance floor.
Laura put her arm around Meg and pulled her close. “He just hasn’t noticed yet, darling. When he does, I tell you there are going to be fireworks.” Their laughter was interrupted by a quiet voice with an Irish lilt. “Begging your pardon, Mrs. Morgan, but may I borrow Megan for this dance?”
Meg turned, her face white with shock. “Jamie? Is it really you?”
“’Tis…if you’ll have me.” He held out his hand to Megan who took it and stepped out on the floor with him, dancing inside a dream. The rest of them stopped to watch and Taylor, too surprised to notice the outfit, knew he’d lost this daughter to another man. Turning he looked at Betta who leaned comfortably back into Chris’s arms. Two in one night? That was more than a father should have to bear. He felt Laura’s hand slip into his and turned to see her soft smile and the tears shining in her eyes. He still had Annie, he reminded himself. And a true love of his own. As long as he had Laura, he had all he’d ever need.
Chapter 29
A year later, Taylor won another Tony award and credited the women in his life. The Tony was nice…well, better than nice, but the more important event was taking place the next week as Megan married Jamie.
Taylor hadn’t been allowed to see Megan since the rehearsal dinner last night. It wasn’t until just before the wedding that he was allowed some time with her. The other women waited in the foyer while he entered the bride’s dressing room.
She was standing next to the window. In her white dress, she looked like an angel come down to earth. “You’re so beautiful, Megan,” he said, his voice filled with awe.
“Thank you, Taylor.” Far from being the nervous bride, she was calm and composed as she walked across the room to him. “You look wonderful yourself.”
“I suppose I should have some fatherly advice ready, but I don’t. I’ve watched you and Jamie this last year and there’s no doubt in my mind that the two of you were meant to be together. I’ve had a chat or two with him about what he intends and I can trust him to take care of you out in California.”
“I’m staying here, Taylor, we’re staying here. I’m going to get that psychiatry degree here in New York. Jamie will support me while I go to school and I’ll support him when I’m finished, so he can get his business degree.”
“You both have good heads as well as good hearts, darling. Whatever you set your mind to, you’ll do it.”
There was a knock at the door. “It’s time,” Laura said. She crossed to her daughter and kissed her lightly. “I wish you every happiness, Meg. I wish you and Jamie a love like I share with Taylor.” Then she was gone and they heard the music start.
“You’re sure about this, Meg?” Taylor asked, even though he already knew the answer.
“I’m sure.”
“Just checking,” he said with a grin as he pressed a tiny seashell into her hand. “You once told me love was ‘stupid’ and that you were ‘never going to fall in love with anyone.”
She smiled at the memory. “I guess you and Laura taught me well then.”
* * *
Betta followed as Annie seriously dropped each petal from her flower girl basket. Then the music rose as Taylor escorted Megan down the aisle to be joined with Jamie as his bride.
Betta had designed Meg’s dress. A simple column of white silk, it was bordered with embroidered crystal Claddaghs. Meg’s bouquet was white lilies of the valley with shamrocks peeking through.
Her wedding ring was a Claddagh as well. As Jamie placed it on her finger, he did so with the heart facing inwards as he recited the traditional vow, “For better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.”
From their respective places as best man and maid of honor, Chris and Betta shared a look full of promise as the priest pronounced Megan and Jamie “husband and wife”.
About the Author
Sabra Brown Steinsiek is a native-born New Mexican who lives in Albuquerque with her husband, Will, and their two cats, Elphaba Oz and Glinda the Good. You may contact her at [email protected]
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
About the Author
Time's Secrets (Taylor's Girls Book 3) Page 12