by JoAnn Durgin
Peering over the counter, Dante spied a middle-aged woman matching Caroline’s description of the librarian. She wore a navy suit jacket, prim white blouse, and straight skirt. Her wavy dark hair was pulled back in a neat bun as she hunched over toward the floor. “Excuse me, Miss Laverne?” At least that question captured the librarian’s attention. He hadn’t a clue what she was doing, but surely she wasn’t hiding from them? “Could you give us a little help, please?”
She looked up and straightened to a sitting position. Her deep brown eyes grew large. “Why, Mr. Dante,” she said, giving him a shy smile. “Hello. I don’t believe we’ve met, but I’ve heard about all the wonderful things you’re doing around town.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” he said, nudging Marv with his elbow.
Her gaze moved to the man beside him. “Hello, Marvin.” Her fingers shook as she picked up a stack of papers.
At least Marv had the presence of mind to remove his hat. As if reading Dante’s mind, he smoothed his hair down with one hand. “Miss Laverne. You’re”—Marv twitched and blinked—“lookin’ real good today. Real pretty, I mean.”
Laverne’s cheeks grew pink, and she lowered her gaze. “Aren’t you kind? Thank you.”
Wanting to put her at ease, Dante smiled. “We’re here to find some books and wondered if you might be able to lend some assistance.”
“Why, certainly.” Laverne cleared her throat and gave them a tremulous smile. Could it be possible she was every bit as timid and shy as the man beside him? As ridiculous as it was that two adults should be so awkward around one another, he found a certain charm in this scenario. It served as a good reminder that social graces don’t come easy for some people. Laverne’s gaze darted here, there, and everywhere except on him or Marv. “What exactly are you looking for today, gentlemen?”
Dante placed his hand on Marv’s back, increasing the pressure. “Tell her what you’re looking for today, Marv.”
Marv swallowed so hard his Adam’s apple slid up and down in his throat. Stepping closer to the desk, he fiddled with his hat and appeared as though he might faint as he shifted from one foot to the other.
Time to jumpstart these two. “Why don’t you tell Miss Laverne the name of that china pattern you like? The one on all those dishes you inherited from your mother?” That sounded pretty dumb, but Caroline had mentioned the collection, and it was the first thing that came to mind.
Marv grunted. “Wedgewood.”
He leaned close to Marv. “Go along with me on this.”
Instead of appearing intimidated or bothered by Marv’s gruff manner, a smile spread across Laverne’s face, transforming the woman. She was actually quite pretty when she smiled, displaying straight, white teeth. “Oh, I love Wedgewood.”
Her eager response appeared to inspire Marv, too. “Yes, ma’am. My mom left me a set, and I’d, uh, like to take a look at some books—if there are any—I mean, you’ve got lots of books here in this library, of course, but maybe some might have china patterns in them. If I can take a look—”
“Of course,” Laverne said, putting them all out of Marv’s misery. At least he’d spewed out honest-to-goodness decipherable words. Words that seemed to thrill Laverne. Why wouldn’t a man want to look at books with china patterns? This was about sharing a common bond and developing that all-important rapport. In that regard, the dishwasher and the librarian seemed headed on the right track to the first blush of love in bloom. “We have a few books that show full-color photos of all kinds of lovely china patterns, Wedgewood prominently among them.” She beckoned for them to follow. “If you’ll come with me, we’ll go find them.”
“I’d like that. Thank you, Miss Laverne.”
Dante didn’t know whether the hope in Marv’s voice or the twinkle in Laverne’s eyes was sweeter. Suddenly, Laverne stopped and her features drained of color. “Marvin, I certainly hope you’re not thinking of selling your mother’s Wedgewood. That would be tragic.”
Marv shot him a frightened glance. Dante nodded with his best you-can-do-this look. “No, ma’am,” Marv said. “I could never do that. I treasure my Mama’s Wedgewood. I might, um, even add to the collection.”
Clever. Marv managed to come up with a plausible explanation he hadn’t considered. Dante waited for Laverne’s reaction and sensed Marv stiffen beside them. A slow smile spread across her face, relaxing her features and making her appear at least ten years younger. “What a splendid idea. I’m sure your mother would be happy to know you care about it so much.”
Marv’s broad smile was something to behold. The man had great teeth, too. If nothing else, these two obviously shared an appreciation for regular dental care. Solid marriages had been built on less.
“I need to take off now,” Dante said, patting Marv’s shoulder. Marv appeared less apprehensive than a few minutes ago, so Dante took that as a positive sign. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
Marv nodded. “I’m sure I will. Much obliged, Dante. I’m praying for you and Miss Amanda. Hope it works out. You two make a right good couple.”
With a wave and a half-smile, Dante turned to go. The rest was up to Marv and Laverne. “God, help them,” he said under his breath. “And, God, help Amanda and me. We’re going to need it.”
23
Wedding Countdown: Two Days
Amanda couldn’t help but smile as she watched Julia. Stopping in the middle of the walkway leading to Hannah and Dylan’s house, her future sister-in-law stretched her arms wide and twirled in a slow circle. “I’m getting married to the most awesome man in the entire world!”
Hannah moved up the walkway in front of them. “That was so much fun, ladies. I’m glad we could get together with all the bridesmaids before the rehearsal tomorrow. We’d better keep it down or the guys are going to think we’re drunk.”
“Like they’d ever believe such a thing,” Amanda said. “And nothing wrong with exuberance from the bride-to-be, Julia, but you’re making me kind of dizzy.”
Amanda had put on a brave front tonight and since Christmas night. Just because her heart was sad, she wasn’t going to spoil anything by acting like a whiny, lovesick brat. The saddest thing of all? More times than she could count, she’d wanted to pick up the phone and call Dante. He’d been her confidante, and they’d shared so much the last few weeks. She wasn’t sure what she’d say to him when she saw him again, if she saw even him again. Of course, everyone in town took it upon themselves to clue her in on Dante sightings, and she imagined they told him the same about her. Did he still believe he’d be her escort to the wedding? He could leave town, but would he? Then again, why wouldn’t he? That thought sent a searing pain through her so tangible she almost doubled over.
“I don’t see the babysitter’s car, so I guess the guys are already home from their big night of bowling. Shocker.” Unlocking the front door, Hannah pushed it open and motioned for them to follow her inside.
Amanda stepped across the threshold last and closed the door behind her. She slapped a hand over her mouth, muffling her giggles. Wearing a festive party hat, Dylan lay sprawled in the middle of the couch with Andrew tucked on one side, Tyler on the other, both boys wearing fleece pajamas. Snorting in his sleep, Tyler shifted onto his side and tossed one arm over his father’s chest. Dylan smacked his lips a few times and mumbled under his breath.
“Look how adorable he is even in his slumber.” Hannah removed her wool coat and laid it over a nearby chair.
“Which one?” Amanda took Julia’s jacket and draped both their coats over the rocking chair.
“The big one in the middle,” Hannah said, “but I think they’re all pretty cute. I’ll claim them anytime.”
Amanda picked up a few scattered toys and deposited them in the playpen parked in the corner of the room. Hannah started toward the stairs. “Let me go check on Sophie, and then I’ll fix us all a cup of tea, if you two can stay a few minutes.”
Amanda nodded. “Sounds good. I’ll go put on t
he kettle.”
Julia picked up a few more toys and planted a kiss on Jake’s forehead where he was stretched out across the width of Dylan’s recliner.
Smiling, Amanda headed for the kitchen. She stopped short when she heard a man singing—quietly and off-key. Italian. Dante sat in a chair by the table with Sophie cradled in his arms. She’d had no idea he’d be here tonight and she paused in the doorway, listening to his lullaby. How she’d missed that deep voice, that rugged profile, and everything else about this incredible man. Lord, keep me strong for whatever’s to come.
While not asleep, the child’s eyes were half-closed. One of her little hands rested on his arm. Leaning his head against Sophie’s, Dante pressed his lips on her chubby cheek and murmured something she couldn’t hear.
Amanda sensed Julia and Hannah standing behind her. Their sighs matched her own. “Isn’t that the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen?” Hannah whispered. “Nothing like a big strong man with a baby.” She squeezed her shoulder. “Looks like my daughter’s in great hands…arms. We’ll wait out in the living room. Go talk to him, sweetie.”
Amanda moved across the room and slipped into the chair next to Dante. “You’re a natural with her.”
Dante’s smile was wistful, so endearing in such a confident man. “Sophie is a beauty, such a precious bambina. I hope one day I’ll know this joy. Dylan’s a blessed man.”
“I’m sure you will, Dante.”
Sophie curled her fingers around his much larger one. “And how do you know this?”
“Because you’re too good a man not to be a father.”
A slow smile lifted his lips. “And you, Amanda?”
“No, I don’t hope to become a father.” She blew out a sigh. “Yes, I’d love to know the joy of children. Someday. Long time in the future. Long, long time.” She closed her mouth. Babbling when she was nervous was one of her more regrettable quirks.
“How many would you like?”
She shrugged. “A nice even dozen might be nice.”
“So,” he said as he nuzzled Sophie’s cheek, “enough children for a soccer team?” His deep blue gaze intoxicated her.
She shifted in the chair. “Perhaps. Now, my turn with Sophie. Your arms must be asleep.”
“Si.” He transferred the child to her. “But it was worth every moment. I’m glad to see you’re not ignoring me.”
“That’s because you’re impossible to ignore. I’m generally a nice person when I’m not confused and don’t know how to handle my emotions. I’m really sorry about the timing, though. It just hit me all at once.” She lifted her eyes to his. “I still don’t have any answers, and I didn’t mean to hurt you, Dante.”
“I know. I didn’t mean to hurt you, either, bella. I know one thing.”
“What’s that?” She held her breath.
“I’ve been miserable without you. Like a part of me was missing, as corny as that sounds. I’ve spent a lot of time on my knees in prayer since Christmas.”
She squeezed her eyes against the tears. “I understand because I feel the same way.”
His gaze softened. “Above all, I have faith something will work out. I’m trusting Him to work out the details. I’ll see you at the wedding, bella.”
She raised her head. “So, you’re staying? For the wedding?”
His gaze seared through her. “Si, of course. I said I would. Did your parents make it here safely?”
“Yes.” Her heart swelled. “It’s very kind of you to ask. I know they’re looking forward to meeting you, Dante. They’ve, um, heard a lot about you.” That was putting it mildly. Her mother had gotten an earful but helped put it all in perspective with her wise, godly counsel, and they’d knelt by the side of her bed and prayed together.
Dante leaned toward her and planted a soft kiss on her cheek. “I can’t wait to meet them. I’ll see you on New Year’s Eve. Until then, Amanda.” Dante stood, grabbed his Stetson from the counter, ran his fingers around its rim, and departed.
“Well, isn’t that something?” Amanda said to the sleeping Sophie.
24
The Wedding Day, New Year’s Eve
From her position at the front of the sanctuary, Amanda smiled at her brother, so tall and handsome in his black tux. With the elegant white rose in his lapel, he waited at the front of the church for his bride.
Amanda moved her gaze to Dylan, her brother’s best man, and then to her dad on the other side of Dylan. All three were part of the firefighter brotherhood as well as brothers in Christ, the bonds that could never be broken. This was one of those moments Amanda knew she’d always remember, forever ingrained in her mind as a time of great joy and celebration.
To distract herself so she didn’t burst out in tears, Amanda winked at Tyler, the eight-year-old miniature version of Dylan and the junior groomsman, standing straight and proud in front of his father. Hearing soft murmurs among the congregation, she focused on Andrew coming down the aisle, his cute face scrunched into a frown as he carried a white satin pillow with the wedding rings. Trailing slightly behind him, pretty little Sammie dropped red rose petals, giggled, and waved. Amanda’s smile misted when she spied Marv sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Laverne. She’d heard how Dante played matchmaker at the library. Yet another miracle the Italian Cowboy managed in his short time in Starlight.
From the front row, her mom dabbed at her eyes. On the pew behind her were Ben and Caroline, Harry and Angie, and the Kennedys. Amanda’s breath caught when Dante walked down the side aisle of the church and slid in beside Ben and Caroline. He’d called and offered to bring her to the church, but she’d opted to come early with Julia. Seeing how everyone on the pew scooted over to make room for Dante now made her smile.
Catching her eye, Dante mouthed, Ciao.
“Ciao,” she murmured, hoping that meant hello—or at least I want to see you again when I leave Starlight—instead of good-bye forever. Why did she have the feeling that particular Italian word could be significant in how this relationship with Dante would continue?
Well, she couldn’t think of the alternative without her heart breaking into a thousand tiny pieces.
As if understanding her mental tug-of-war, Matron of Honor Hannah gave her a sweet smile as the organist cued Julia and her father to begin their walk down the aisle. As Amanda watched the bride—as serene as any she’d ever seen—make her way to the front and stand beside her groom, a sense of peace filled her.
Dante was right. This was life. Love, faith, and family. Without them, what an empty life it would be indeed. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Marriage between a man and woman with Christ at the center. Children were a natural outpouring of that love. Family was where the heart lies and what made a soul happy and kept it happy. Amanda’s gaze swept over the congregation, and her heart swelled with emotion. No matter what happened tonight or in the future with Dante, everyone in the world she cared about and truly loved was in this congregation. Including Dante.
The unity candle was lit, the vows were spoken, and the rings exchanged. After a few more verses of Scripture, Pastor Ted said those all-important words, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Citizens of Starlight, would you please join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Marston, Jake and Julia.”
****
After enjoying the buffet dinner that the ladies of the church provided in the fellowship hall, Dante could wait no longer. He needed to talk with Amanda. In private. Now. Therein lay the rub that chafed at his already frayed emotions: everyone wanted to speak with her. Catching her attention in a rare moment when she wasn’t surrounded by friends or admirers, Dante angled his head to the doorway. She headed toward him after her most recent conversation ended.
He held her hand and led her up the stairs to the quiet vestibule outside the doors of the sanctuary. He motioned for her to sit. She arranged the skirt of her pretty green gown and gave him a tentative smile, a rare sign of her vulnerability.
“You are molto bella, Am
anda.” He sat beside her and held back from pulling her into his arms. If he did that, he’d never want to let her go. First, he needed to put his heart on the line. He couldn’t go back to Italy without letting her know the depth of his love for her. “It’s my honor to know you and your family.”
He heard that sweet little hitch in her throat, and it drove him crazy.
“Thank you, Dante.” Her eyes misted, and she lowered her gaze. “I’m glad you stayed, but that sounds like the beginning of a good-bye forever speech.”
Turning to face her, he took both her hands in his, surprised to find her fingers as shaky as her voice and smile. “Nothing could be further from the truth, Amanda. When I leave in a few short days, I’m leaving my heart here in Starlight. With you.”
Her lower lip trembled. “And my heart will be on a plane to Italy.”
“Ever since that night at Caroline and Ben’s house, all I could think of is what you said. Then the solution hit me with shocking clarity. Come with me. To Italy.”
The way her eyes lit struck a chord inside him. Cupping his hand along the lovely, elegant line of her jaw, Dante marveled over her soft skin. He wasn’t sure how she’d react and was thankful she hadn’t withdrawn from his touch.
“What did you say?” She shook her head and stared at him as if in disbelief.
He touched his lips to her soft cheek. “Come with me, bella. I want you beside me in every imaginable way. Always.”
Emotion skittered across her beautiful face. “How could I go with you?”
“Why not? Think about it.” The more the idea imbedded itself in his mind, the more Dante became convinced it was right. Right for his heart, mind, body, and soul. If that’s what she wanted, too, but he wasn’t about to force her. That’d be even worse.
“Let me get this straight.” She stared at him, mouth ajar. “You’re asking me to fly halfway across the world and live with you?”