He deliberately turned his back on the racks with finished glass pieces before sitting at his desk. He pulled out a stack of drawing paper, then hesitated. Maybe he could figure out what the wood wanted to be another way. Maybe it would speak to him indirectly. He reached for a pencil and began to draw.
At first he wasn’t sure where he was going but after a few strokes, everything became more clear. Long stalks of swaying seaweed. They would be easy to carve and be a simple mold. He quickly drew the alien flowers he’d created for Nova’s wedding and rearranged them, placing the stalks of seaweed between groups of flowers. If he did them in blues and greens, he thought to himself, with touches of aqua and maybe a pale orange and yellow, it would be an under-the-sea garden for Taylor and Jake’s wedding.
Pallas had said the bride and groom were on a budget, so he couldn’t charge them for the work, but still, the papier-mâché would add an interesting element to the decorations.
He tossed the paper on the floor and reached for a clean sheet. What about sea horses and starfish? He drew several versions of each. He wondered what Violet could do to the basic creatures with her glitter and buttons. Maybe Silver could use slices of star fruit in the drinks. There were—
An image formed, one that was so clear he could almost touch it. He stood and walked back outside. After putting on protective goggles, a vest and gloves, he picked up the chainsaw. The vision was clear. A take on Neptune or Poseidon—a god filled with energy and determination, ruling the sea.
Later he would have to do research, to get the details right, but for now, there were rough cuts to be made. He worked intently, letting his hands and arms guide the saw. He was merely the bystander, the vessel who provided the means. The wood was in control—the wood and some mysterious part of his brain he didn’t understand but accepted and appreciated.
* * *
“I WAS HOPING you would be an extra,” Pallas said as she sat in Natalie’s office at the gallery. “There’s not much to do—just be there in costume. I know you already made the masks, but still...”
Natalie held up the long-sleeved T-shirt Pallas had brought with her. It was painted, front and back, with swirling designs that matched what Nick had done on Nova’s wedding dress. Violet had produced a half dozen of them to complement the servers’ simple black outfits.
“Sure.” Natalie grinned. “It will be fun. I like meeting new people. Count me in!”
“Yay. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and there will be food.”
“Where’s the food?” Mathias asked as he came into the room. “Hey, Pallas. Cool shirt.”
“It’s for a wedding,” Natalie told him. “I’m an extra.”
Pallas eyed the artist, then pulled another shirt out of her bag. “Want to go? You don’t have to do anything except roam around and provide atmosphere. We’re going to feed everyone who helps.”
Natalie rolled her eyes. “He’ll say yes. Mathias lives for the weekends when he can troll for bridesmaids and have his way with them.”
Mathias pressed a hand to his chest. “You wound me with your sarcasm.”
“I wasn’t being sarcastic. I meant every word. God forbid you should settle down with someone normal.”
Mathias grinned. “You’re implying bridesmaids aren’t normal.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I do and yet I mock you. It’s payback.”
Pallas allowed herself a second to enjoy their banter—it reminded her of when she and Cade hung out together.
“I’m in.” Mathias took the offered T-shirt. “When and where?”
She gave him the details, then turned back to Natalie. “Wynn is going to be there, along with Carol, so you’ll have friends to talk to.”
As she spoke she caught something out of the corner of her eye. A movement—like a flinch. But when she glanced at Mathias, he looked as he always did—slightly amused and far too handsome for his own good.
“I’m a friend,” he protested mildly.
“Not to the unsuspecting bridesmaids.” Natalie shook her head. “I suppose the bright side is I’ll finally get to watch you in action.”
“Take notes and learn, young grasshopper.”
Pallas stood. “I have to get back to wedding prep. Thank you both so much. Be on-site by four tomorrow afternoon.”
She left the office and walked through the gallery to the front door. Once outside, she told herself to go directly to the car and drive back to the chaos that was Weddings Out of the Box today. That was the smart decision—the one that made the most sense. She hesitated, telling herself she didn’t have time for distractions. In a mere twenty-six hours, Nova would be walking down the aisle. But instead of being sensible, she circled around the gallery and walked along the path that led to the large studio off to the side of the property.
As she approached, her stomach tightened and she found it difficult to catch her breath. She could see Nick’s truck parked by the front door so knew he was there. Mathias was in the gallery, so she didn’t have to worry about him. There was no third truck—most likely Ronan was working in his home studio.
She had no idea what she was going to say, but the need to say something, to find verbal closure, wouldn’t go away. She wanted to be brave and strong and proud of herself. So much had changed in the past couple of months. If things were going to end with him, she wanted it to happen right. She didn’t want regrets beyond missing him, very possibly for the rest of her life.
She walked into the studio. Thankfully, Nick seemed to be alone. He was sitting at a drafting table. Large pieces of paper lay scattered on the floor all around him, as if he was searching for the perfect image and had yet to find it.
He didn’t notice her at first. She watched his sure hand glide over the paper. In a few strokes a man took shape, complete with trident and crown. Neptune, she thought, then caught her breath at the realization that he’d been inspired by the under-the-sea wedding. What would he create? Something out of wood or glass? Regardless, it would be amazing.
And she would never see it.
Pain pricked every nerve until she trembled from the ache filling her. She felt herself start to lose her breath and her self-control, then dug deep for the strength to finish this in a way that would tell Nick exactly who she’d become.
“Pallas?”
The sound of him speaking her name drew her gaze to him. She took a couple of steps toward his desk, then stopped.
He looked good. Tired, but still very much him. She knew him intimately—from the shape and feel of his body, to the sound of his laugh. She knew what moved him and, unfortunately, she knew what terrified him. She also knew that he was wrong to not trust in them, and in that moment, she knew exactly what she was going to say.
“I’m not here to change your mind,” she began, her voice firm and strong. “You have to do what you have to do. I accept that. I don’t like it and I think you’re making a mistake, but I’m not going to try to talk you into believing me.”
He watched her without speaking. She drew in a deep breath.
“You think passion consumes,” she continued. “Well, it does. It’s supposed to. Passion should consume, but that doesn’t mean it’s dangerous or bad. It’s like when you put clay in a kiln.” At least she hoped it was a kiln. Whatever—he would get what she meant.
“The fire and heat either make it stronger or the piece breaks. That’s what passion does. It takes us to the breaking point and we either make it or we don’t. I thought we were going to make it. I thought you were the one.”
A muscle tightened in his jaw, but he didn’t speak.
She took a step toward him. “I love you, Nick. I have for a while. I wasn’t sure what to do. Should I tell you, not tell you? Because you’re not the only one messed up. I’m dealing with my own demons. I believed love has to
be earned, but here’s the thing. You didn’t earn my love. I chose to give it to you. I give it freely and I expect nothing in return.”
She managed a slight smile. “Probably a good thing considering you’ve already broken up with me, huh?” She waited but he didn’t speak, so she finished what she’d come to say.
“I love you. You don’t have to love me back. I wish you would but if you don’t, I’m going to be okay. I get it now. I get what loving someone is supposed to mean. It’s a gift. You can accept it or not. That’s up to you. It doesn’t have to be earned and there’s no time restriction. It just is. Whatever happens, whatever you decide to do, I hope you’re happy. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
I hope it’s with me. But she didn’t say that because what was the point? They both already knew that.
She turned and left. The tears waited until she was in her car. She accepted them, along with the sense of emptiness in her heart. Both would pass. She was stronger than she’d ever been. She was proud of herself in so many ways. As for Nick, he would either get it or he wouldn’t. She loved him, she wanted him, but she didn’t need him to be happy. She’d found that strength within herself, and no matter what, she was going to be okay.
* * *
SATURDAY MORNING PALLAS was up at five. She’d slept surprisingly well and woke with a sense of happy expectation. Everything was going to go smoothly today, she thought as she showered and dressed. The preparation and hard work would pay off in the form of a beautiful, memorable wedding. Tim would get to walk his daughter down the aisle, Nova and Joel would be married, and all the guests would leave with a sense of having been a part of something wonderful.
By six, she was on her way to Weddings Out of the Box. There was no traffic and she arrived in less than ten minutes. She’d barely gotten to her office when Nova texted her, saying they were all awake and so excited.
Me, too. Try to eat and drink lots of water this morning. See you at one.
Not that brides listened, she thought humorously as she tucked her phone in her back pocket and ran down the stairs to double-check the ballroom.
By nine she’d been over every square inch of the building. The caterer had arrived to start setting up the outdoor tables, while the florist was busy unloading centerpieces, decorative sprays and bouquets. The ceremony was at five, the dinner at six thirty, with dancing and the zip line to follow. Sunset was just before eight, which meant there would be lots of romantic time in the dark. The colored twinkle lights would have their chance to add Concord Awaken ambience.
She was heading back to her office when she saw a familiar yet unexpected car pull up in the parking lot. She jogged toward it as Alan stepped out and held open his arms.
“You came!” She hugged him tight. “Thank you, thank you.”
“I couldn’t let down my favorite girl. Plus there was no way I could miss this wedding. It’s going to be your best one yet.”
A tall, redheaded man who looked to be about forty stepped out of the passenger side. Alan beamed. “This is Bryant. Bryant, this is Pallas.”
“Hi.” Pallas leaned close to Alan and lowered her voice. “He’s very handsome.”
“I know. Aren’t I lucky?” Alan linked arms with her. “Come on, Bryant. The gang’s all here. Let’s put on a show!”
* * *
NICK PARKED HIS truck next to several cars, then walked around back and pulled off the tarp. He’d spent most of the night making a long papier-mâché vine to wrap around the gazebo being used in the ceremony. He would get it in place, then touch up the paint. The backdrop would continue the theme and make Nova’s dress even more eye-catching for the pictures.
He carried in the first section of the vine. Workers were everywhere. Silver had set up her trailer and was putting out chairs covered in black cloth. The tables were set, and purple, teal and yellow flowers were everywhere.
He did his best not to look for Pallas. Her words had haunted him all night, and despite thinking about nothing but what she’d said, he was still confused.
He believed her. She loved him. Pallas. He knew he didn’t deserve her or her feelings, but he supposed that was the point. Freely given, she’d told him. With no expectation of anything in return.
He wanted to give back, wanted to tell her he felt the same. Only he couldn’t. Because of what could happen. Passion...
He knew the next line. Passion consumed, destroyed, whatever. He’d believed that most of his life. Yet without passion, what was the point? As she’d pointed out, without love, weren’t they all just going through the motions?
He walked into the ballroom and stopped to let his eyes adjust to the relative dimness of the huge room. Then blinked when he saw glowing glass orbs surrounding all the papier-mâché flowers he’d set out previously.
They were exactly as he’d drawn them. Light seemed to emanate from the very center. They were scattered on the runner in the center aisle and on the steps to the gazebo. Ronan walked in from the far entrance, an orb in each hand, and stopped when he saw Nick.
“You never got around to these,” his brother said with a shrug. “I figured they were important, so I made a few.”
There were more than a few, Nick thought as he glanced around at the glowing objects.
“That took some time,” he said.
Ronan shrugged again. “I didn’t mind. I figured out how to get the glow and the rest was easy. All anyone talks about is this damn wedding. I thought I’d help.”
He set down the two orbs he was carrying and crossed to Nick. After taking one end of the vine, he said, “Before, when we were fighting. I never meant you weren’t my brother. Just that we’re different.”
“Why didn’t you say that?”
“Because I can be a stubborn ass.”
“You got that right.”
Ronan grinned. “Come on. Let’s get this in place. I hear there’s going to be a wedding.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
NICK HONEST TO God didn’t know where to look. Yes, technically Nova was covered, but not in a way that made him comfortable. The thong was way too...thong-y and the corset bra thing wasn’t supposed to be seen by the likes of him. Her silk robe kept sliding off her shoulders and she didn’t seem to notice. Not that he was interested. He was a Pallas guy all the way, but still.
“Get over it,” Violet muttered as she pinned glittering fabric braids into Nova’s avant-garde hairstyle. “You’d see more if she were wearing a swimsuit.”
“She’s in her underwear,” he grumbled. “It’s not right.”
Nova sipped her glass of champagne. “Breathe,” she told him. “Joel knows you’re here and he’s fine with it.”
Words that allowed him to relax. “Okay then.”
Violet rolled her eyes. “Seriously? That’s all you needed to know?”
“Sure. You don’t hit on another guy’s woman and you sure don’t stare at her in her underwear on her wedding day.”
“But the fact that he knows you’re here makes it all right? Unbelievable.” She looked at Nova. “How did you think to say that?”
Nova smiled. “I work with guys all the time. After a while, you pick up a thing or two.”
Nick handed Violet another braid. She started to place it, then glanced at him.
“Over an inch,” he said. Not that he knew anything about hair, but he was pretty good at symmetry, which was why he was in the bride’s room two hours before the ceremony.
Except for long bangs, all of Nova’s hair had been pulled back tight against her head. Individual braids of hair created circles in an almost spiral design. The fabric braids were added, going the opposite direction. Once they were in place, Violet would sew in sparkling teal and yellow buttons, adding
flash while also securing braids in place.
“You’ve all been so amazing,” Nova said. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“It’s been fun,” Nick told her. “We’ve enjoyed the challenge.”
“It’s true.” Violet pinned another braid in place. “Pallas is changing her whole business model. We’re going to do more crazy weddings. I, for one, can’t wait. You inspired us. You and Joel and your dad.”
Nova’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m so happy he can be here.”
“No crying,” Violet told her. “You can’t ruin your makeup until after the ceremony. And the pictures.”
Nick watched as Violet placed yet more braids. He walked around Nova and checked her hair from every angle. When it was time to get her in her dress, he looked away as she was hooked into a complicated hoop slip creation, then carefully held up the dress so Nova could scoot under it.
There was plenty to do. Fastening and adjusting and handing Violet buttons, but all the while he kept thinking about Pallas. How she had made this happen. She’d taken an idea and created magic. No one else was willing to do the work to help Nova and Joel, but Pallas had done it. She put herself out there and this was the result.
He missed her, he admitted to himself. He missed being with her and talking to her. He missed her smile, her laugh, her quick mind. He missed holding her. There was nothing about her he didn’t like. But the damn demons... How was he supposed to forget about them? How could he trust himself, trust them?
If only she hadn’t said she loved him. Then he could have walked away without looking back. But now...that gift was there. Waiting for him to grow a pair and claim it. She loved him. How had he gotten so lucky?
“Nick, I’m going to crawl under her dress and adjust the slip. I need you to hold it up for me.”
“Hell of a way to spend a day,” he said.
They both laughed.
You Say It First--A Small-Town Wedding Romance Page 26