The New Guy in Town

by Teresa Southwick

  “She certainly shared a lot of information.”

  “True, but the best man selection was something she kept to herself.”

  When she started to stand, he held out his hand. “Allow me.”

  She hesitated a fraction of a second, then accepted his assistance. The feel of those graceful fingers in his palm was like sparks on dry grass, threatening to consume him. Suddenly his starched white collar was too tight and he couldn’t breathe.

  “Thanks.” Her voice was a little strained and she snatched her hand away as if it burned. “Now I have to do the chairs on the other side.”

  “Do you mind if I keep you company?”

  “No.” She moved toward the end chair in the front row. “But you’re sure your brother doesn’t need you?”

  “If he does, it’s only because he’s stuck with his two dads.”

  “At the same time?” Her eyes widened before crouching down to work. “Awkward?”

  “I would think so.”

  “Me, too.”

  Sam stood by the chair she’d finished and watched her move efficiently down the row. “But I guess the three of them are okay.”

  “How can you tell?”

  “Because I haven’t heard anything. They never call. Never text.”

  “You’re making fun,” she said, “but I think it’s wonderful that everyone has put aside their differences and are getting along. For Linc and Rose.”

  “We’re a regular modern family,” he said wryly.

  “That’s what she said. I don’t know about modern.” Faith was working on the last chair. “But you’re all here.”

  This time when Sam helped her to her feet he saw shadows in her eyes. “It’s understood that we show up. We’re related.”

  “It’s more than that, Sam. You all care enough about each other to be present for the happy stuff. And even when things aren’t so happy.”

  What was going on in that head of hers? he wondered. He remembered Mayor Loretta telling him at the fire victims benefit that her aunt Cathy had practically raised her and she came back here to live with her aunt when she was alone and pregnant with Phoebe. Faith had never mentioned her parents. Hmm. He was curious about Miss Connelly and that was different for him. He didn’t ever work up much interest in a woman’s life. Faith would tell him that’s what a third date was for but that he sent a breakup bouquet instead.

  She looked around at her finished work. “What do you think?”

  There were flowers everywhere—arrangements of roses—on tables, chairs and the fireplace. The floral scent filled the room and transformed it from an elegant, English-manor ambience to intimate, romantic mountain chateau.

  “It looks perfect. You really outdid yourself.”

  “This is nothing. Wait until you see the room where the reception will be.” She smiled up at him. “Let me know what you think when you get home later.”

  “Wait.” He frowned. “Do you have to hurry back for Phoebe?”

  “No. She’s at a friend’s house. Having a sleepover.”

  “So you’ll be here to hear my in-person critique.”

  She shook her head. “I’m a contractor hired for the job, not a guest at the wedding.”

  “That’s just an oversight.” He took out his cell phone and hit speed dial, waiting until it was picked up. “Linc, this is Sam.”

  “What’s up?” His brother sounded in good spirits.

  “There’s going to be one more at the reception. Is that a problem?”

  “No. We planned on that. Why?” There was a slight pause. “You found a plus-one here at the hotel. A snow bunny.”

  “I hate to break it to you, but it’s the end of summer,” Sam said wryly. “And no, that’s not it. I’m inviting the plant lady. Faith is going to stay.”

  “I’m sure Rose meant for her to have an invitation. She’s had a lot on her mind,” Linc said. “But she would love for Faith to be there.”

  “Okay, it’s settled then.”

  “Good.”

  “So have you changed your mind about this?” Sam asked, grinning.

  “Not a chance. It was my idea and I can’t wait.” There were voices in the background then Linc said, “I have to go.”

  The line went dead and Sam grinned. “Can’t wait to see how that went.”

  “I can’t stay, Sam. I’m not dressed for it and don’t tell me to go change because I don’t have any good clothes. They all smell like smoke or are water damaged.”

  Sam studied her black slacks, cream silk shirt and matching sweater. “You look fine.”

  “I had to buy a couple of things to get by for working events, but this isn’t appropriate for a wedding.”

  “You look beautiful. And even if you didn’t, Linc says you’re staying because Rose would love it. And she’s the bride. It’s her day and she would be disappointed.”

  Faith pressed her full lips together as she thought about it. “If you’re sure.”

  “I am.”

  The truth was, he’d be disappointed if she wasn’t there. For sure he wouldn’t be bored now.

  * * *

  A few minutes before five that evening, Faith stood with Sam right outside the banquet room where the wedding ceremony would take place. The double doors were open and guests were arriving.

  “I’ll just go in by myself and sit in the back,” she told him.

  “You won’t be able to see anything. Trust me, Faith.”

  “If you say have faith in me, I swear... Everyone else is all dressed up. This is not appropriate.”

  He grinned and the effect was nuclear. The tuxedo was hard enough for her to deal with. He looked so handsome even she wanted to throw her underwear at him. If it was more feminine than the serviceable white cotton she’d bought in desperation from the drug store, she might have considered doing just that. And then he’d smiled and if she’d had the bad judgment to try to speak, gibberish would have been the result.

  “Let me tell you something, plant lady, you look beautiful. You’re among friends and the bride and groom want you here. If you’re still not convinced, we can hang a sign around your neck that says you lost all your stuff in the fire.” He took her hand and placed it in the bend of his elbow. “Here we go. I’ll take good care of you.”

  Any further protest flamed out when he touched her. Sam led her to the second row of chairs, directly behind where his family would sit, and directed her to take the seat on the end, to see and hear everything. Since the place was filling up fast and people were looking at her, she did as instructed. Her cheeks felt hot but since everyone was behind her, no one could tell. By the time the row filled in, she was over being embarrassed.

  Things started happening fast after that. Sam seated his mother in the first row. Then a man who looked so much like him it had to be his brother Cal walked a mature woman to the first row across the aisle. That would be Rose’s mom, Janie Tucker. When she was settled, he moved to the Hart family side and sat beside his mother.

  Finally, Sam took a seat in the first row and Linc stood next to the minister, who was in front of the hearth. He looked so happy she swore there was a collective sigh from every female present. Sam turned to smile at her, and his mother glanced over her shoulder. Oh, boy.

  When the traditional wedding march started, the two bridesmaids walked slowly down the aisle. Ellie looked stunning in the off-the-shoulder, lavender-colored dress. The other woman was Ellie’s best friend, Vicki Jeffers. Just before the bride appeared, little Leah McKnight marched between the rows of chairs tossing red rose petals on the white runner.

  She smiled at Faith. “Hi!”

  “Hi,” she whispered back.

  And then came the main event. Because Faith was on the end she could see the bride walking down the ai
sle on the arm of a handsome, distinguished older man who bore a strong resemblance to Cal and Sam. That had to be Hastings Hart. So, he was doing double duty as escort and best man.

  Rose looked radiant. The sides of her dark hair were pulled back from her face and secured at the crown with three white roses and baby’s breath while the rest cascaded down her back. She wore a strapless, floor-length cream silk column dress with a peplum that accentuated her small waist. Her only jewelry was a pair of diamond earrings, stones with some serious carats. She was simple, classic, elegant. A quick glance at the groom’s reaction told Faith everything. The man looked as if he’d swallowed his tongue.

  When Linc took his bride’s hand all he said was, “My beautiful Rose—”

  Faith’s heart melted. It didn’t escape her notice that she wouldn’t have been able to see and hear all this if Sam hadn’t taken care of her. She looked at him and her heart melted again, for a different reason. In her whole life, the only other person who had ever truly taken care of her was Aunt Cathy.

  The wedding party was all in place facing the minister who introduced himself as Reverend Ethan Halstead from the Hart family’s church in Dallas. When he asked who gave this woman to this man, Rose’s mother proudly answered that she did.

  The ceremony wasn’t long, but it was solemn, dignified, beautiful, eloquent. Promises of love and fidelity were offered and received, then rings were produced by Hastings Hart. They were exchanged and Rose looked at her diamonds set in platinum band as if she couldn’t believe this was really happening.

  And then the minister said, “I give you Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Hart. Take two. You may kiss your bride.”

  No one had to tell Linc twice and when he dipped Rose back there was loud applause. Faith saw his mother wipe away tears. Then they were surrounded by family and exchanged hugs and handshakes. An announcement was made about the bridal party taking pictures. The guests were instructed to proceed to the reception in the room next door, where a bar was set up and appetizers were being served before dinner.

  Faith moved with the crowd. A lot of them were strangers, probably friends from Texas. She waited in line at the bar and ordered a glass of cabernet then circulated among the guests. Here and there she heard comments about how beautiful the flowers were. Because she was anonymous it meant the compliments were sincere. Then the crowd parted and Sam stood in front of her.

  “There you are.” He had a drink in his hand.

  “Hi. I thought you moved heaven and earth to get me here, then you abandoned me.” She was only half kidding.

  “Would I do that?” He shook his head. “Don’t answer that. I want everyone to meet you.”

  Sam took her hand and led her through the maze of bodies to the bridal table at the front of the room. Ellie looked stunning in her maid of honor dress. Alex was holding Leah, who wasn’t letting go of her flower girl basket for anything. They excused themselves to find a snack for their hungry daughter.

  A handsome man in his thirties stood a little apart from the tight-knit Harts, looking decidedly ill at ease. And not because of how he was dressed. The dark suit and red silk tie were perfectly tailored to his tall, muscular body.

  Because he wasn’t in his usual jeans, boots and hat it took Faith a couple beats to recognize the cowboy. “Logan Hunt. It’s nice to see you.”

  “Hi, Faith.”

  “Obviously you two know each other.” Sam sounded a little weird.

  “Of course. He has a ranch outside of town.” She smiled. “Are you a friend of the bride or groom?”

  “Neither.” Logan had dark brown hair and intense blue eyes. A lot like all the Harts. “Sam and I are cousins.”

  “He told me.”

  The man frowned. “Really? I’m surprised you claimed me, Sam.”

  Sam met his gaze. “Thanks for coming, Logan. It’s good to see you again. I hope we can reconnect”

  “Hi, Sam.” An older man joined them. “It’s been a while.”

  “Uncle Foster.”

  Uncle?

  The man gave her an appraising look. “Foster Hart. And you are?”

  “Faith Connelly.” She shook his hand and it wasn’t her imagination that he held it longer than necessary. She noticed he also had the Hart eyes, Logan’s eyes. This was his father. But something about the man made her uncomfortable.

  “Hello, son,” Foster said. “Been a long time. How are you?”

  “I didn’t know he would be here. If someone had clued me in, I wouldn’t have come.” Logan glared at Sam as if it was his fault.

  “Look, Logan, we’re family. It’s time to put the past behind us and—”

  “No.” The other man set his untouched drink on the table beside him and walked away.

  “All these years and my son hasn’t mellowed. He’s still as stubborn as when he was a boy.” Foster seemed unconcerned. “I think I’ll go mingle.”

  “Well,” Faith said, watching until the crowd swallowed him up. “So that’s probably a story.”

  “Yeah. I’ll tell you some other time.” Sam sighed then slid his arm around her waist. “Come meet the rest of the family.”

  Walking with him was like being wrapped in a protective shield, a sensation she could get used to if she wasn’t careful. For tonight she wasn’t going to worry about it. There was a line of Harts and they stopped in front of the tall man at the end of it.

  “This is my brother. Cal, meet Faith Connelly.”

  “Hi.” She took the big hand he held out, which was a lot like Sam’s, but without the sparks. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” His smile was friendly. “In case Sam didn’t tell you, I’m the dashing one.”

  “Says who?” Sam scoffed.

  “Me. I pulled out all the stops to get here and rolled in with seconds to spare.”

  “Don’t believe anything he says, Faith. He just likes to make an entrance. Your schedule could benefit from better time management. Just saying...”

  “I’m at the whim of renewable energy.” Cal shrugged his broad shoulders, perfectly showcased in the expertly tailored tux.

  “Where did you fly in from?” she asked.

  “Las Vegas. There’s a solar energy plant there and I needed to check it out.”

  “That’s exciting.” She smiled up at him.

  “Yeah, yeah.” Sam put his hand to her lower back and urged her forward. “Later, little brother.”

  “Technically I’m taller, which makes you the little brother,” Cal said behind her.

  “Don’t pay any attention to him. Faith, this is my mother, Katherine Hart, and my father, Hastings.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” What a striking, attractive couple, she thought. The man was tall, like his sons, with a full head of silver hair. His mother’s was stylishly cut into a bob and probably colored. As beautiful as she still was, this woman had probably been stunning when she was younger. Faith had a sudden case of nerves. “I’m so sorry I’m not dressed appropriately—”

  “You look beautiful,” Katherine said. “You’re the young woman Sam took in because of the fire.”

  “Yes. Me and my daughter.”

  “She lost a lot of personal belongings,” Sam explained. “And Faith is the plant lady.”

  “Hastings, she did these exquisite flowers. And the beautiful arrangement Sam had sent for my birthday.”

  “You’re very talented.” Hastings looked impressed.

  “I learned from the best. My aunt Cathy taught me everything. When she passed away, she left me the business she’d built. Every Bloomin’ Thing.”

  “Clever name,” Katherine said approvingly.

  “She was a clever lady.” As well as kind and patient. More than just arranging flowers, her aunt had taught her about maternal love.

/>   “And Rose’s bouquet,” the woman said. “It’s so lovely. Those roses are simply stunning.”

  “The color symbolizes everlasting love,” Sam said. “And the lavender bridesmaids’ flowers signify love at first sight.”

  “And how do you know that?” his father asked.

  “Faith told me.”

  There was so much she could say now about his flower choices, but Faith had just met his parents. When she kept her mouth shut, he gave her a grateful look.

  Katherine pointed to the activity in the center of the room where the crowd was backing up. “I think Rose is getting ready to toss that stunning bouquet. She said she wanted to get this done before dinner so she could relax.”

  Hastings nodded. “They’re calling for all the single women. Faith, you’re not married, are you?”

  “No, but—”

  “Then you best get out there, young lady.”

  Hastings Hart wasn’t the sort of man one said no to. The only thing that made her feel better was that right after the bouquet, it was time to throw the garter. Faith joined the group and stood close to the front, guessing Rose would give it a pretty solid over-the-shoulder throw to someone near the back. That’s exactly what happened and when she met Sam’s gaze, she shrugged.

  Then it was time for the guys and there were a lot of whistles and good-natured teasing when they gathered. Sam neatly avoided the lacy thing Linc shot over his shoulder like a rubber band. And he shrugged at her.

  He moved to her side and looked down. “I guess you’re empty-handed and will be a spinster forever.”

  “Back at you. Say what you want, but I’m relieved. There’s no pressure to be the next one to get married.”

  “Hail to the bachelor,” he said in solidarity.

  “I’m glad that’s over.”

  “Amen.”

  “Now we can enjoy the festivities,” she said. “And by that I mean food. I worked through lunch to get the flowers done. I’m starving.”

  “Yeah, me too—Damn it.” He was looking over her shoulder at someone.