by Cindy Kirk
Safe meant putting distance emotionally. Walls.
Just in case he had romantic notions toward another after all.
Just in case his care and presence in her life were only meant to last a little while.
Colin wondered what thief-draped thought slithered in to steal her smile.
Lord, that hug was sublime. It was healing to her, I know it. Help her win the backlash battle of her mind trying to rip joy from her soul and steep her in doubt.
He had a fleeting thought of what to tell her. “Meadow, this’ll sound odd, but I feel like I’m supposed to encourage you to leave your walls down, just in case you’re wrong.”
She paled. Blinked wide. Then seemed to compose herself and stood on tiptoes to view her calendar. “Tex-Mex rehearsal dinner tonight, wedding tomorrow. Friday night Valentine wedding rehearsal dinner. Reception Saturday, Valentine’s Day. I have an engagement party to cater the Thursday evening after Valentine’s Day weekend, so that’s February nineteenth. Then Flora and Pete’s rehearsal and wedding reception the weekend after, Friday the twentieth and Saturday the twenty-first.”
Her hands trembled as her words tumbled out on top of each other. It seemed that what he’d said both rattled and revved her.
Interesting.
Not wanting to amplify her stress by delving into it, he craned his neck to study the calendar. “Flora’s wedding is the weekend after Mardi Gras?”
“Yes, that’s the theme actually. Pete is from New Orleans. Attended LSU, played pro basketball there. Injury took him out, but he said it was worth it since he met Flora.”
“Lemme guess, there’ll be lots of royal purple and gold at their gig?”
“Yep. Plus Bengal tiger stuff since they both love Mike, the LSU mascot.”
“Wait, Flora said you’re one of her bridesmaids. How’re you catering too?”
“My helpers will be there, plus Del’s doctor said she’ll be able to work by then.”
“Good.” He pointed at asterisks on days prior to Flora’s wedding. “What’s this?”
“I have to get siblings from the airport over those dates.”
“If I thought they’d get in my truck with me, I’d offer to help chauffeur.”
“Maybe you can help me out. I’ve mentioned you already. They know we’re no longer rivals.”
He grinned. “Say that again.”
“I’ve talked to—”
“No, the part about us not being rivals.”
She smirked. “You seem quite pleased with yourself over that.”
He was sure his smirk eclipsed hers. “Very.” He softened his smile. “You look exhausted.”
“I am. Everything is as ready as possible now, and I probably should catch a nap before putting this food in the SUV and heading over to the venue later.”
“I’ll let you rest.”
He decided to say one more thing before leaving. He had no idea how she’d had time that morning, but she’d begun to decorate for him.
“Thanks, Meadow,” he said as he gestured toward his office. “You didn’t have to do this yet.”
She smiled. “I wanted to.”
“Then I’m glad you did.”
She curtsied and blushed, nibbling her bottom lip as she did so. His gaze dropped there. Walk away. Don’t complicate this.
He opened the door and stepped onto the porch. “Text me when you wake up.”
“Okay,” she said dreamily. No missing the gentle nuances of yearning in her eyes and voice as she held his gaze through the narrowing crack before closing the door softly.
He raised his hand, knowing if he knocked, she’d open the door and he’d kiss her right then and there. Would she let him? Fist in midair, he opened his hand and brushed it down the door. Rather than break it down to go after that kiss, he prayed for her to have a restful nap and serene dreams.
He turned to get his tools from his garage, his heart warming at her special creative touches that lifted his office and would eventually grace his home. He’d never felt like he belonged anywhere growing up, but being around Meadow was beginning to feel like family. He envied her for having so many siblings. He’d longed for that all his life.
Maybe that explained why he’d gone above and beyond to give Meadow her dream kitchen. Because she’d use it not only to prepare catering food but meals for when her siblings got together. Not that she knew about this special surprise yet.
How would she take it?
She’d instructed him to order the cheapest pro-grade kitchen appliances, countertops, and flooring he could find. Instead, he’d picked Del and Flora’s brains. They’d shared every detail of Meadow’s dream kitchen, a luxury she didn’t feel she could afford, even with an insurance check on its way. Colin was making it happen. He smiled, remembering Flora and Del both stressing how much Meadow despised stainless steel, an endearing quirk considering she was in food service.
Her fancy dream kitchen consisted of elegant Tuscan style, warm tones, custom-carved cabinetry, rich red accents, black quartz countertops, scroll designs, textured walls, recessed lighting, top-of-the-line wall ovens, marble flooring, and stunning copper trim.
Not a speck of stainless steel in sight. Not an easy feat. Even her fridge and freezer had wood accent doors. He was building a customized food warming room onto the kitchen, too, at the back of the house where she couldn’t see it from his place. Plus a butler’s pantry for storage so she didn’t have to keep extra catering supplies in her yard shed. Sure, it was a lot of extra work for Colin, but her happiness was worth it. The hard part was keeping her out until he finished.
He’d done so by changing all of her locks and not giving her new keys. He told her he didn’t want her inside yet, that it was too dangerous. She’d been too tired, busy, and stressed to argue. But that she’d given him nearly free rein in her kitchen renovation said a ton about the level of trust she’d extended. Trust he’d never take for granted as he built on it tile by tile, brick by brick.
Colin went back to work on Meadow’s kitchen, and after an hour or so, he finished for the day and gathered his tools. As he passed her living room in transit to the front door, he was drawn to cross its threshold to the fireplace, emotions unraveling at every step.
He peered at photos lining her mantel, images of the Larson children, starting on the left with Meadow, the oldest. Then Lake and River—the boy and girl twins. On the right of an intricate vase sat frames bearing Flora’s face, then Skye and Rayne, then a baby dressed in pink. Meadow had six siblings. Sage, he remembered now, had died in infancy.
His heart ached for the family. He brushed fingers along the photos, praying blessings over each member before heading home to shower. He’d just dressed when Meadow texted she was awake. He headed to the barn to help her.
Later he stood in a crisp white shirt and black suit jacket alongside the line of smiling teens in Havenbrook’s community building kitchen for the Garcia-Salazar Tex-Mex rehearsal dinner.
“You guys all look so professional,” he encouraged the spiffy bunch.
The girls blushed and giggled behind their hands, but true to form, Chris covertly elbowed him. “For a sawdust-saturated construction guy, you clean up pretty well too.”
Colin grinned at Chris, loving that he was true to himself. He’d tell him so later.
Meadow whispered, “Remember, Colin. Keep thumbs out of the food when carrying plates. Serve carefully. Last thing we need is a green chili groom or Spanish flan bride.”
He whispered back, “Got it.”
“Questions?”
“Nope. Let’s do this.” They dispersed dinner to the wedding party and guests. Thankfully, it was a smaller occasion, enabling the crew to manage fine without Del.
Meadow had placed colorfully patterned cowboy boots as vases to hold bouquets of sable brown, burnt umber, turquoise, and shimmery gold flowers, the bride’s colors.
Over each table hung sombreros, which he’d helped wire into Tex-Mex chandeliers. Upside-down co
wboy hats held southwestern bowls of chips and salsa. The bride had gushed pleasure upon seeing the special creative touches, especially since the hats had been donated by relatives who hadn’t been able to make the cross-country trip.
“I love how you incorporated their careers and love of horses,” Colin said.
“Fascinating couple, aren’t they?”
“Yeah. Glad I got to spend a few minutes with them before guests arrived. I loved hearing about their humanitarian efforts for horses.” Even more fascinated was he when the couple disclosed that Meadow’s invoice reflected a discount. In a note, she’d expressed wanting to bless them and their efforts to help the Spanish horses they loved so much.
Colin’s admiration for the couple had grown when he’d learned they started a local horse therapy ranch here for special groups such as wounded veterans, differently abled children, and at-risk teens. He admired Del and Meadow for doing likewise within their catering partnership.
Joy welled in Colin as he watched the smiling teen waitstaff serve diligently and interact genuinely with guests at tables Meadow had assigned each to watch over. Stronger emotion stirred as he watched Meadow covertly direct and praise them. She was making such a profound, positive difference in their lives. She’d make a great mom someday. After learning some of the teens’ home histories, he realized she was already mothering.
He felt grateful to get to come alongside her and be a part, if even for a day. He couldn’t deny the draw to live a lifetime of impacting teens and their identities for better.
In her element, Meadow beamed as she refilled the taco salad bar. She obviously loved serving people. He smiled when overhearing the praise she so well deserved. He peered around, taking in more of her special touches.
Rather than number the tables, she’d named them after horse breeds. There were Shires, mustangs, Belgians, Arabians, and quarters for the adults. The tweens and kids were all seated together by their request and pleased that Meadow had not only complied but had creatively named their tables Colts and Ponies.
The engaged couple hosted table trivia after dinner to entertain guests and because family game nights were a huge part of their upbringings.
Colin had hired several food service companies for his Chicago construction firm events over the years and couldn’t think of a single other caterer who’d have gone so above and beyond to make important days that much more meaningful for wedding couples.
Remembering his own broken engagement left a sour note in his heart.
He wished he could be certain his growing feelings for Meadow weren’t meshed in wrong motives. Furthermore, just because she echoed his attraction didn’t mean she’d give a future with him a second thought. Nor should he.
The struggle not to consider it became bigger by the day, though.
After rechecking food temps, Colin rejoined Meadow, who grinned at him.
The groom’s father approached. “The party food and setup are outstanding. My compliments to the caterer.”
The bride’s mother joined his praise. “We’re so touched you went to such effort for our beloved daughter and future son-in-law.” She dabbed tears and hugged Meadow.
Meadow blushed. Had she any idea how becoming he found it?
The bride and groom complimented Meadow’s work and expressed how pleased family and friends were over her authentic food and ethnic banquet decor.
Each time she accepted the praise with humble grace and quickly pointed out she couldn’t have accomplished it without her teens and Colin. She bragged on the Tex-Mex wagon wheel dessert bar he’d completed, adorned with sweet flan and Spanish lace. Meadow leaned against the chili bar next to Colin, watching the teens refill glasses and plates as guests celebrated. “I usually have more creative leeway for decorating rehearsal dinners since they tend to be more casual. Weddings are usually far more formal.”
“We have to use an entirely fresh setup for tomorrow?”
“Yes. All this has to be taken down and replaced with more traditional ritz and glitz, plus a few little surprise touches I’ve confirmed with the couple for the wedding reception dinner. That one will be a lot more work—and, of course, at a fancier venue.”
Colin knew this couple and their horse mission were special to Meadow. Yet, knowing her work ethic, he was sure she undoubtedly made every couple’s wedding dinner special. He slid close, bumping her shoulder with his. “Trying to scare me off?”
Her brow arched. “Is it working?”
He smiled slowly. “Never.”
“Good.” Her eyes outshone the vibrant LED lights they’d strung around the room.
Word quickly spread about Havenbrook Creative Catering being responsible for the dinner. By event’s end, nearly every guest requested Meadow’s business cards, both for themselves and referrals.
Colin loved hearing her hard work commended and drew pleasure from observing her mingle and work, maintain correct food temperatures, and teach him the ins and outs of catering in a flash. He’d mastered refills. That was about it. But he admired her. Big-time.
As he eyed the wagon wheel prop and her special touches to the rehearsal dinner, the strangest sensation came over him that they’d work a lot of events together. Was that the intense draw he felt toward her? That God destined their businesses to merge in this manner? Or did it encompass more? He’d be lying to himself not to acknowledge the new seed of hope.
Trust and integrity were like bombed-out buildings: easy to obliterate, hard to restore. So either way, he needed to add another item to his mental Meadow Agenda: Renovate fully her trust in me and restore my integrity in her eyes.
“Well done, fearless man.” Meadow wondered if Colin felt as fatigued as he looked. She’d sent her teen staff home an hour earlier so they could get a decent night’s sleep.
Colin pulled off his catering cap. “Thanks. You handled my mishaps with grace.”
“My fault. I forgot to explain the special diet placards. No one died of a peanut allergy or got sick from consuming gluten, though, so we’re good.”
Colin leaned on the last table to be taken to the SUV. “Thanks, but that vegetarian was livid over being served chicken in his tacos.”
She shrugged. “Poultry happens.”
He chuckled and turned the table on its side. He’d removed his suit coat and rolled up his sleeves. She enjoyed watching his muscles bunch and flex as he folded the table’s legs.
She supposed since it was her table, she should help instead of gawk.
“I don’t think you picked up on it, Meadow, but that rodeo star was hitting on you.”
Meadow whirled. “I should hope not. He’s the bride-groom!”
“Not him. His best man brother.” His baited grin told her he was teasing.
“Oh.” Cheeks flaming, she quickly turned. She hated to blush in front of Colin. That might give away her feelings. “I didn’t realize he was a rodeo cowboy too. The groom was.”
Why was Colin bringing this up?
How would he react if he knew the guy gave her his number? Furthermore, what would Colin say if he knew she’d fed it to the garbage disposal at first opportunity?
All because she had Colin on the brain. His kindness to her waitstaff had served to soften her heart toward him even more, especially when he bolstered their confidence with kind words. Maybe he really and truly had changed. Still, a small reluctance remained that wouldn’t quite allow her to trust him fully. No question their bond had strengthened, though.
She’d seen Rodeo Guy give other women his number, too, or what she assumed to be. She detested the player type.
It hadn’t escaped her notice that Colin seemed to have eyes and winks only for her.
He’d probably only done so to encourage her at tense moments. Like when the groom’s mother danced her samba hips into the lighted punch fountain and tipped it. Colin had righted it before it crashed.
He’d also ignored the crush of curvy women trying to sidle up to him all evening.
Her insides warmed at what that could mean.
Then she remembered he’d said the only reason he wasn’t dating was because he hadn’t convinced the right one yet.
“What’s that sour look about?” Colin loosened his tie and bent to study her.
Mood dissolving, she shrugged.
“Come on. Tell me.”
“It’s silly.”
“Let me be the judge.”
“No, really. It’s dumb.”
“Try me.”
She deflated the salad bar. “Fine. You confuse me.”
“How so?”
“You send mixed signals.”
“Like what?” He helped her fold the inflatable salad bar.
“You say one thing with your mouth, opposite with your actions.”
“Can you be more specific?”
“Sometimes it seems you flirt with me. But there’s obviously someone else.”
His eyebrows drew down. “Someone else?”
“As in another woman.”
“What woman?” Humor entered his eyes.
He was starting to see she was jealous. Good gravy, she was starting to see she was jealous. Colin was the absolute last man she should like—like this.
Lord, help! I am in serious stew here.
Seeming intent to stir it, Colin arched his brows while awaiting her answer.
“You denying you flirt with me, McGrath?”
He grinned. “Absolutely not.”
“Absolutely not what? You aren’t flirting? Or you aren’t denying it?”
His widening grin frustrated her. Especially since he didn’t appear the least bit inclined to quickly answer. Just studied her. Mutely. Intently. An entirely new level of brightness and mirth danced in his eyes. Why’d they have to be so delicious?
“You know what? Forget it.” She huffed and started to walk off.
His arm swung out like a train crossing guard, halting escape.
She lifted her chin. “What?”
His gaze roved over her face. “What, indeed.”