by LuAnn McLane
“It’s good to want what you want and go after it but you have to give in sometimes, too.”
“Well, in Zoe’s defense, she was trying to get what Ashley wanted.”
“See, you’re like your mama that way too. Defending everyone. So tell me, are you in love with Sophia?”
“Yes, but she thinks I still have a thing for Ashley.”
“Well, just ignore that silliness.”
Avery chuckled. “Never thought of it that way.”
“Yeah, sometimes women come up with the damnedest, craziest stuff . . . so out there that you just have to turn a deaf ear to it until they forget all about it.”
“So it’s that easy?”
“Sometimes. Just shut that nonsense about Ashley down. Concentrate on telling Sophia how much you love her.”
“How’d you get so smart?”
“Years of bein’ stupid. I got all those years of doin’ things wrong out of the way so much so that I plan on gettin’ it right from now on.”
Avery laughed. “Interesting way of thinking but makes a crazy kind of sense. And by the way, you’re going really fast.”
“Gotta get you home in record time. Gonna use that big rig up there as my front door.” He looked at Avery and laughed.
“I like that.”
“Me speeding?”
“Not so much. But I like hearing you laugh with me.”
“Well, get ready for a whole lot more. We’ve got some making up to do. But first you have to make things right with that sweet girl of yours.”
“Hope it’s not too late.”
“Hey, my new motto is that it’s never too late to make things right.”
“You’re right. Hey, Dad?”
“Yes, son.”
“I love you too.”
23
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Sophia smiled until her cheeks hurt at the steady stream of people walking through the door of the salon. The weather had cooperated, warm but cheerfully breezy. Abundant sunshine spilling through the windows added sparkle to the silver and white decorations placed throughout the salon.
The turnout for the grand opening exceeded her expectations and within the first two hours they’d gone through their entire stash of goodie bags filled with products and wedding-related favors. At first Sophia had panicked but Carrie Ann pressed a cold flute of champagne into her hand and whispered for her to chill out and enjoy the success. Now that the open house was almost over she could breathe a sigh of relief.
“Cheers,” Carrie Ann said with a big smile.
Sophia clicked her glass to Carrie Ann’s. “To White Lace and Promises,” she said but her smile faltered just enough for Carrie Ann to notice.
“Avery wants to be here,” Carrie Ann said, reading Sophia’s mind.
“I know.” Sophia nodded. She’d regretted her request to separate but couldn’t muster up the courage to call him. Plus, she didn’t want to ruin his weekend by sounding needy, especially since she’d insisted that he should go. But damn, she missed Avery more than she thought possible.
“And my goodness, the boy sent that giant bouquet of roses, that edible fruit arrangement, and an entire cake that has already come in handy since we ran out of cookies and cupcakes in a blink of an eye. Even though I hated to give away that Italian cream cake that Reese Marino made. Everyone was raving about it. I’m thinking I’ll have Easton take me to River Row Pizza afterward so I can get a slice.”
“It’s my favorite.”
“Ah, that’s why Avery sent it. He’s a thoughtful boy, always looking out for others. And so sweet of your father to send the big bouquet of flowers too, Sophia.”
“He said that he wanted to be here but he had to fly to Paris for a business meeting.”
“Well, he’s thinking of you so that’s something.”
“He cares in his own way.” Sophia nodded but felt an unexpected urge to cry. She hid her wave of emotion by taking a healthy gulp of champagne and nearly coughed.
Carrie Ann looked at her with concern. “You need to take a break, sweetie? I can hold down the fort for a spell plus we’re nearly finished. I think I’ll actually start cleaning up a bit.”
“I should help.”
“No, Millie is doing a bang-up job greeting people and Haley and Callie are charming everyone who walks in. They can pitch in. Why don’t you get off your feet for a little while?”
Sophia was about to refuse but her feet ached as much as her cheeks and so she nodded. “Thanks. I’ll be in the laundry room if you need me.”
Carrie Ann reached for a bottle of champagne and handed it to her. “Take this with you and drink as needed.”
Sophia gave her a small grin. “Does it say that on the bottle?”
“No, it’s my personal suggestion. This is my third glass and it’s just what the doctor ordered.”
“Okay, Dr. Spencer, I’ll be in the back if you need me.” Sophia chuckled as she walked away thinking that she was so lucky to have met Carrie Ann and she was abundantly glad she’d made the decision to move to Cricket Creek. Living in the same town as her family was such a blessing and, if today was any indication, White Lace and Promises was going to thrive even beyond her expectations. Her mother and Grace had come in early to help with the last-minute setup and had gushed over how lovely the salon looked, filling Sophia with pride. The fact that they’d all ended up in this quaint Kentucky town still blew her mind but she loved it here.
And she loved Avery.
Sophia sat down in a chair near the washer and dryer, toed off her heels, and propped her aching feet up on the seat of another chair. While sipping the champagne, she wondered if she’d messed things up by asking for the separation, and then chastised herself for allowing the worry gene to kick in. She raised the flute to her lips and realized that it was empty. “Hmmm . . .” She eyed the bottle of champagne thinking she shouldn’t have another glass, but then again the open house was nearly over. “Oh one more won’t hurt,” she said.
“That’s always been my motto.”
Sophia looked up to find Avery standing in the doorway. He held up a flute of champagne in salute. His curly hair was tousled and dark stubble shaded his jaws. He wore a Kentucky Wildcats T-shirt, cargo shorts, and flip-flops making it seem as though he’d somehow morphed his way from the lake to her salon.
“You’re here,” she said and blushed at her silly statement. “Unless you’re a figment of my active imagination.”
“No, I’m real.”
“Makes sense because I wouldn’t have imagined you in shorts and flip-flops.”
Avery chuckled. “Well, I would have been here late last night but my dad’s old truck broke down in Tennessee.” He shook his head. “We had to spend the night at a creepy hotel that looked haunted and get the truck fixed this morning.” He pointed to his flip-flops. “I didn’t have time to go home and change.”
“Oh, Avery, you didn’t have to come back from the party!”
“Yes, I did.” He walked over, picked up the bottle of champagne, and filled her glass. “I wanted to be here all along and should never have gone away. Flowers and edible arrangements are no substitutes for being here. A bachelor party isn’t a reason not to be here for your grand opening.”
“But you’re the best man.”
He gave her a slight grin and shook his head. “I wasn’t the best man. I was the miserable man.”
“Oh, Avery . . .” She felt emotion well up in her throat.
“All I could think about was you. I should never have left.”
“You needed the break to sort everything out.” Her heart thumped hard while she waited for his response.
“Everything is sorted out.” Avery took a step closer. “You come first in my life, Sophia. Not because you demand it, but because you deserve it. You’re a beautiful person inside a
nd out, and I’ll be a lucky man if you’ll have me back in your life.”
Sophia smiled and her heart filled with joy. “Of course I will.”
Avery sat down and tapped his glass to hers. “To no more breaks and no more should nevers.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Sophia said and couldn’t quite keep a tremor of emotion from her voice. After taking a sip she asked, “So you called your father to come and get you?”
Avery shook his head. “No, this is where the story gets kinda crazy. I was trying to put on a party face but Max finally took pity upon me and told me I should find a way to get back here to you.” He leaned over and gave her a lingering kiss. “And then out of nowhere my dad shows up and tells me to get my tail into the truck.”
“Wow . . .”
“Yeah, we had a great talk. When his eyes misted over, she took his hand. “But then the serpentine belt snapped and the truck broke down.” Avery shook his head. “Dad felt terrible. I felt so bad for him.”
“Aw . . .”
“Yeah well, now maybe he’ll buy a new truck.”
“Think so?”
Avery chuckled. “No. Oh, Sophia, I’m sorry I missed the grand opening.”
“You’re here now.” She smiled. “And I’m so glad.”
“I love you, Sophia. I wish I had told you sooner. I should never—”
Sophia leaned over and put a fingertip to his lips. “No more ‘should nevers’, remember?”
He nodded.
“I love you too, Avery. With all my heart.” She put her glass on the table. “Now are you going to kiss me again or what?”
“Yes.” Avery put his glass down, stood up, and pulled her into his arms. “I want to kiss you today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.”
EPILOGUE
A Wish Come True
Avery stood with the wedding party at the steps of the gazebo and watched Zoe and Max exchange their vows. Zoe looked so radiant, happy, and absolutely beautiful. Avery was already having trouble keeping his emotions in check, hanging on by a thread, and then he made the mistake of seeking out his parents. They held hands, smiling, and then his father reached up and swiped at tears. Ah, damn . . . Avery swallowed hard and nearly lost it. He inhaled a deep breath and then glanced over and saw that Ashley was also crying. She caught his eye, and then mouthed, “I’m sorry.”
Avery’s heart thudded. He swallowed the hot moisture in his throat, held her gaze briefly, and then nodded. He’d wished for so long that she hadn’t broken his heart but, in truth, he’d wished for something that hadn’t really existed between them. He knew that now because he’d found it with Sophia. Unconditional love. Avery had thought that love meant giving in when it simply meant giving.
Avery gazed over at Sophia who looked so pretty in a soft pink off-the-shoulder dress. He thought back to when he’d first met her at Walking on Sunshine Bistro and she’d served him the rock-hard biscuit covered with the gravel gravy. He’d crunched through it just to keep the sweet smile on her face.
As if feeling his gaze upon her, Sophia looked at him and his heart filled with joy. She shyly mouthed I love you and he knew that his days of wishing and hoping were over. When he mouthed back, Me too, Sophia smiled and dabbed at the corners of her eyes. Avery felt a warm rush of happiness. While this may be his sister’s wedding, in that moment Avery knew this was also the beginning of his future with Sophia and he would continue to do anything at all just to see her smile.
Sophia Gordon was the love of his life and he was one lucky man. She was and always would be his wish come true.
Don’t miss the next charming Cricket Creek Novel by LuAnn McLane,
MARRY ME ON MAIN STREET
Available from Berkley Sensation in December 2016.
Instant regret washed over Susan when she realized she’d underestimated the weight of the box of mason jars clutched in her arms. The thick glass clanked together as she stepped over the curb and onto the sidewalk. She eyed the front door of her shop, praying she’d make it before dropping her precious cargo to the ground. Setting the box down wasn’t an option because she feared she’d tip forward too fast, break the jars, and face-plant onto the concrete.
“Oh, boy . . .” Panting, she continued what was supposed to be forward motion, but when she took another careful step, her hefty purse slipped down her puffy coat sleeve, sending her off-balance, causing a staggering dance sideways. A brisk breeze whipped her long dark hair across her face, making her progress even more difficult. Slightly disoriented, she tried to right herself, but the box started to slip down her arms. Panic welled up in her throat, halting just behind her gritted teeth. Blinded by her curtain of hair, she backpedaled and came up against a big wall of something solid.
“Whoa there!” said a deep voice next to her ear. Long arms wrapped around her from behind, keeping her from falling and the box from sliding to the sidewalk.
“Oh my goodness! Sorry!”
“It’s okay. I’ve got you,” he assured her.
“No . . . really . . . I’m okay now.” Well she hoped so, anyway. Blowing at her hair, she tried to look over her shoulder, but she was trapped between him and the box. “You can let go.”
“Can you hold the box? Sounds like something breakable.”
“Yes,” she said, although she had serious doubts. “Maybe . . .” She squirmed a little bit and the mason jars clanged together. “The weight of my purse threw me off-balance.”
“Susan, please stand still and let me help. I’m guessing you’re heading into the shop?” he asked, and his voice seemed to vibrate through her body.
She nodded. “That’s the plan.”
“Let’s get you in there.” The smooth Southern drawl sounded familiar but, then again, most of the men in Cricket Creek had a bit of an accent, so he could be anyone, most likely someone she knew. Oh wait—he knew her name. So many people knew her from her shop, and she hated when she couldn’t place a name to a face.
She tried to look over her shoulder again. “Who . . .” she began but the box dipped sideways and she decided right that moment she really needed to make it to the front door without breaking the mason jars needed for her Christmas cookie mix. Casual conversation could wait. “I need to scoot my purse back up on my shoulder.”
“Do you think you can hold the box long enough for me to scoot around in front of you to grab the bottom?”
“Oh . . . I don’t know.” She winced. “My arms are already protesting.” Note to self: Join a gym.
“Well then, just move forward, and I’ll keep holding on from behind.”
“It’s kind of hard because the wind blew my hair in my face and I can’t exactly see where I’m going,” she explained.
“You have a lot of hair,” her hero said with a low chuckle. “I’d brush it from your face, but I’m afraid to let go of the box.”
Susan nodded, thinking she should get the unruly curls cut short. “I should head next door to the salon and get my problem fixed,” she grumbled.
“Your boyfriend might not like that,” he said, carefully moving her forward.
“I don’t have one,” she muttered, wondering why she’d just divulged that embarrassing information, but she wasn’t exactly thinking straight at the moment. Just then, the wind kicked up again and she could smell his spicy aftershave with a hint of outdoorsy pine.
“We’re almost there,” he said near her ear. “Okay, Susan, I’m going to take a lightning-quick step to the right and grab the box.”
“I’m afraid it will fall!”
“Don’t you trust me, Susan Quinn?” he asked, but before she could react he suddenly had the big box in his arms. “See?” he asked.
“Not yet,” she said, getting another chuckle from him. It took another moment to realize that her arms were suddenly free.
“You can brush your hair
back now, Suzy Q.”
Oh no. . . . With a thumping heart, Susan suddenly had a pretty good idea whom the sexy voice belonged to, and she wanted the sidewalk to open up and suck her beneath the concrete like quicksand. Inhaling a deep breath, she brushed the curls from her face and looked into the startling sky blue eyes of Danny Mayfield, the last person in Cricket Creek whom she would want to come to her rescue. “Hello, D-Danny.” Oh great, now I’m going to going to stutter, she thought and nearly groaned. Ain’t life grand?
“Hi, Susan,” Danny said cheerfully and bestowed upon her his killer smile. He nodded down at the box that he easily held in his strong arms. “What’s in here?”
“M-mason. J-jars.” Feeling heat in her cheeks, she lowered her gaze and dug inside her purse for her keys. She rarely stuttered anymore. This is so embarrassing, she thought with another inner groan. Where in the hell are my keys?
“If you open the door, I’ll take them inside for you and anything else you have in your SUV that you want brought in the shop.”
“Oh . . . you don’t have to do . . . that.” So happy to have kept the stutter at bay this time, she looked up from her key search and actually smiled.
“My mother would have my hide for not doing the gentlemanly thing,” Danny said with an easy grin and lowered the box to the tiled floor of the alcove, between two big display windows. “And I value my hide.”
Right. Just like back in high school, she thought and nearly cringed. “It’s okay. I’m used to lugging th-things inside.”
“Well, I’d love to see Rhyme and Reason, if you don’t mind. My mom’s birthday is coming up and she raves about the interesting stuff you have in your shop. You could help me pick something out for her.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, D-Danny. I’m not really open right now. I stay closed on Mondays to restock after the weekend.” Lowering her gaze to her purse, she frantically pushed past a pack of tissues, a tin of mints, a mini flashlight, and hand sanitizer. “My keys are playing hide-and-seek,” she said. “I don’t want to keep you. I can get it from here. Oh, but thank you so m-much.” She glanced at him, not realizing how close they were. At just under six feet tall, Susan was used to towering over women and being eye to eye with men, but she had to look up at Danny. She’d forgotten how tall he was, and it made her feel feminine instead of gangly. “Okay, keys, this isn’t funny anymore. Oh hey, there’s my phone that I couldn’t find.”