by Susan Fox
“What’s she look like?” he asked.
“An inch taller than me. Her hair’s auburn but lighter than mine, and she wears it short and simple. Practical, straightforward clothes. No glamour.” I was really looking forward to seeing her—not to mention curious to learn how she’d hooked up with a sexy celebrity.
Scanning people in the station, looking for a no-frills woman standing alone, my gaze skimmed over—“Oh, my God, the entire family’s here!”
I gaped at them. Mom, in one of her stylish navy pantsuits, standing with her arm linked in Dad’s, him in his usual L.L. Bean oxford-cloth shirt and corduroy pants. Merilee in jeans and T-shirt, clinging to Matt’s arm, honey-blond curls bouncing as she said something to him.
And…Theresa? “That can’t be Theresa.”
“Where?”
I pointed.
“Hey, she looks a bit like you. Or maybe it’s just the clothes.”
“Yeah.” I stared at my sister, slim and leggy in a denim miniskirt that was almost identical to the one I wore and a peach-colored tank top that hugged her breasts. Her short hair gleamed in the sunlight, and her lightly tanned skin glowed. Not only did she look vibrant, but she was prettier than I’d ever seen her. Sexier, too.
Or maybe I’d never looked so closely before.
Yeah, I could see a hot celebrity falling for that woman. My sister.
“It’s nice they all came to meet you,” Nav said. “They must have really missed you.”
“Oh, it’s not me.” Anxiety sent a shiver rippling through me. When they’d thought it was just me arriving, they’d delegated Theresa, the person who had no work or school commitments in Vancouver. “Merilee told them I was bringing home a man, and they’ve all come to check you out.”
Fine, so they’d meet Nav a bit earlier than planned. There was no reason to stress out.
I backed away from the window to give him a final appraisal. Jeans were perfectly appropriate for travel, and his were stylish, expensive, and they fit his awesome body as if they’d been made for him. The white shirt with rolled-up sleeves was the right cross between formality and casualness, and looked dramatic with his lovely cinnamon skin.
The Piaget watch—something he’d told me he’d bought to impress me—looked elegant on his wrist. His strong, graceful hands were bare, the engagement ring tucked safely in a zippered pocket of my purse.
His face was striking, handsome, his chocolate eyes full of affection and concern.
My God, this amazing man was actually my fiancé.
“Do I pass?” he asked, kinking a brow.
“You look wonderful.”
He’d pulled his hair back in the black band, taming those glossy curls. The look suited him, but…I reached up, pulled off the band, and ran my fingers through his hair, freeing it to curl the way it wanted to. “I like it like that. Okay, come on and meet your future in-laws.”
“Lead on.” He dropped a kiss on the top of my head.
I straightened my shoulders and took a deep breath. Damn, I wished I had the engagement ring on my finger to reinforce my courage. But at least I was wearing the hummingbird earrings he’d given me.
Lugging our carry-on bags, we made our way to the exit.
I stood on the top step, waved at my family, then took another deep breath and walked down the stairs to meet them as they hurried over. Nav’s solid presence behind me was reassuring.
Mom gave me a warm hug. “So good to have you home, dear.” She pulled back, studied my face, and smiled. “You’re looking well.” Then she passed me into Dad’s arms as she stepped toward Nav.
I watched from the curve of my father’s arm as Mom held out her hand. “Welcome to Vancouver. I’m Rebecca Fallon.”
“Naveen Bharani. I go by Nav.” He took her hand and shook it firmly, meeting her gaze. Calm and confident.
I was proud of him.
Dad moved forward to meet him, and Merilee caught me up in a tight hug. “You’re home! It’s so great to see you.”
As I embraced her, I felt a new, extra warmth in our hug. I’d always thought her so happy and even-tempered, had never recognized her insecurities. And she’d never seen mine.
“You, too, bride-to-be.” I touched her pretty face. She was thinner and tired looking, but her eyes and smile were bright with happiness. “How are you feeling? And did you find a wedding dress?”
She beamed. “I’m great. And yes, an utterly gorgeous, absolutely perfect gown.”
“That’s wonderful, M.”
“Of course she won’t let me see it.” Her fiancé touched my shoulder. “Hey, Kat. Good to see you.” Matt was dressed for his summer job rather than in his usual jeans. With streaky dirty-blond hair, a firm athletic build, and a touch of tan, he looked fit and attractive.
“Hi, Matt.” I stretched up so we could kiss each other’s cheeks.
Then I turned to Theresa, marveling. “Well, look at you, sis. You look fabulous. I like your skirt. Who knew we had the same taste in clothes?”
We fell into each other’s arms. “I borrowed it from Merilee,” she said. “My Australia clothes are too dull, and I haven’t had a chance to go shopping.”
“Dull?” I pulled back to study her face. “Let me guess, this has something to do with the sexy writer?”
She glowed. “It has everything to do with Damien.”
“So, where is he?”
“Today? In Boston. He’s on a book tour. But he’ll be back for the wedding. And we talk every night.” Her eyes sparkled.
“Talk? You mean, have phone sex,” Merilee said, sounding almost envious.
“We do both,” Theresa said smugly.
My competitiveness surged to the fore, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from blurting out that, while Theresa might be having phone sex with one of the ten sexiest guys in Australia, I was engaged!
But that would have been childish and hurtful to Merilee. Maybe even to Theresa, who’d suffered from a bitter divorce and taken years to get into a new relationship.
I loved my sisters, and if I wanted them to act like grownups, I needed to do the same.
I darted a glance toward Nav, who was talking to my parents.
Theresa’s gaze followed mine. “Speaking of sexy, you sure found a hottie this time.”
Merilee leaned close. “You spent three days on the train and haven’t found his flaw yet?”
“Mmm, let me think.” I paused dramatically. “Nope, he’s perfect.” And I sure hoped they’d all think so, too.
She poked my arm. “That’d be a first.”
I didn’t rise to the bait, just said evenly, “It is. Come meet him.”
After I’d introduced everyone, Mom and Matt walked over to the sky train to ride a stop or two to downtown, and Dad and Merilee left to drive up to the university.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
Theresa waited while Nav and I collected the bag I had checked through to Vancouver. Then she led the way to Merilee’s Toyota, where she and I insisted Nav take the front passenger seat.
While Theresa drove us home, she alternated playing tour guide and peppering Nav with questions.
“Give it a rest,” I complained. “You know Mom and Dad are going to ask him the exact same things at dinner.”
“I’m giving him a chance to rehearse,” she retorted, and carried on with her grilling.
Nav held his own nicely, and I saw a quiet confidence I’d never appreciated before.
Maybe this time my family would actually approve of my choice. Hopefully, they’d see him the way I did and know the two of us belonged together.
When we parked outside the family home, Nav said, “What a great house.”
I always enjoyed the first sight of the rambling home in which I’d grown up. “It’s way too big for Mom and Dad,” I said. “I wonder if they’ll sell it now their last bird is flying the nest.”
“They’d never find the time,” Theresa said, heading toward the front door. “Besides, I think
they want to keep all our bedrooms in hopes we’ll visit more often.”
“That’s silly,” I said. “When we’re here, they’re still so busy with their own lives.”
She shrugged. “Yes, but they like having us, for whatever reason. Maybe just to boss around.” She glanced at Nav. “We’re not the most functional family, but I guess Kat’s told you that.”
He raised his hands. “Hey, you haven’t met my parents.”
I felt a twinge. Would his parents like me? After all, they wanted their only child to marry one of those “prospectives” his mother kept sending him. And to move to India.
Theresa was unlocking the front door. “Nav, we’ll give you the guided tour so you can get your bearings.”
I tried to shove my worries aside and clasped his hand as we went through the spacious downstairs. The house looked so different from when I’d lived there. Then, my sisters’ and my cast-off clothes, school stuff, novels and magazines, and music had littered most of the surfaces. Now, although the furniture was attractive and everything clean and well kept, there was an air of emptiness and formality.
I got the feeling that Mom and Dad mostly spent time in their offices, and Merilee hung out in her room or at Matt’s. The kitchen was the only room with a lived-in clutter.
We took the stairs to the second floor, tour-guide Theresa saying, “All us girls have bedrooms here, and there are two baths. Mom and Dad’s bedroom and offices are on the third floor.”
“Did they have any problem with Nav sharing my room?” I asked her.
“They gave each other the Look.” She made a face. “They did the same thing when Damien was here. But Matt’s been staying over with Merilee for years now, so we deserve equal treatment.”
The three of us stood in the hall by the door to my room. “I’ll give you half an hour,” Theresa said in her professorial voice. “You can unpack, get organized. Then, Nav, I’m afraid I need Kat. We have to discuss wedding plans, and this afternoon we’re trying on dresses. Make yourself at home. There’s food in the kitchen, books in the study, I showed you the patio, and—”
He held up a hand. “I get the picture. Thanks, Theresa. I’m going to go for a run, then I’ll head out with my camera.”
I hugged his arm proudly. “He needs more shots for his big exhibit.”
The exhibit was something he’d mentioned—with appropriate humility—when Theresa had been questioning him.
He smiled at my sister. “Just tell me when to be back. Oh, and slot me in if there’s any way I can help with the wedding preparations.”
An idea struck me. “Theresa, have you lined up a photographer yet?”
“No, I have some names to call, but—” She broke off, frowning at me as she realized what I was getting at. Then she turned to Nav. “We couldn’t ask you. You’re attending as a guest. Besides, er, have you done wedding photography?”
She was thinking she wanted the best for Merilee’s wedding, and Nav was an unknown quantity.
Before I could get my back up, Nav said calmly, “A fair bit. Check my website and see what you think. If you want, I’d be happy to do it. As my gift to Merilee and Matt.”
“Thanks, Nav,” she said, and I saw respect in her eyes. “I’ll take a look at your website.”
“Is there anything I can pick up while I’m out?” he asked. “I imagine a couple bottles of bubbly to toast the happy couple wouldn’t go amiss?” He turned an inquiring look in my direction, so that only I saw the twinkle in his eyes.
“The happy couple definitely deserves a champagne toast,” I told him, knowing we’d be drinking to ourselves as much as to M&M. “Nav has excellent taste in champagne,” I told Theresa.
“Just all-round perfect,” she said dryly. Then she grinned. “Hey, if he’s as good as he looks, that means you, Merilee, and I have all found our luck this summer.”
“And Jenna doesn’t want a steady guy,” I said, “so she won’t be envious.”
I wasn’t looking forward to dinner. Theresa seemed to have given Nav a tentative stamp of approval, Merilee was so happy she’d probably be easygoing, and Matt was more likely to be supportive than critical. But I knew how rough Mom and Dad could be on boyfriends.
Because the weather was nice, we had set the table on the patio. It was pleasant out there, with the bright planters of geraniums, impatiens, and lobelia. The yard was, as always, well maintained by the garden service, and would make a great setting for M&M’s reception.
“In your honor, sweetheart,” Dad said as he transferred salmon fillets with maple syrup glaze from the grill to the platter I held out. “Hope it’s still one of your favorites, though I guess you’ve got used to fancy food at that hotel of yours.”
“I still love your salmon, Dad,” I assured him, pleased my parents had planned something special to welcome me home.
When we were all seated around the patio table, Nav handed Dad one of the two bottles of Dom Pérignon he’d bought. “Perhaps you’d like to do the honors?”
Dad raised his eyebrows, then handed the bottle back. “You go ahead. If you’re trying to impress us, this isn’t a bad start.”
As Nav opened the bottle with his usual deftness, he said, “How often does one of your daughters get engaged? I figure that’s worth toasting with good champagne.” He gave me a wink, and I grinned back at him.
When we all had glasses in our hands, Mom said, “Nav, you brought the wine; you make the toast.”
I knew it was a test.
He raised his glass. “To Merilee and Matt. And to love, marriage, and happy endings.”
Mom nodded, and we all clicked glasses and drank.
Damn, it was hard to keep quiet about my engagement. I felt like champagne myself, with fizzy bubbles of excitement rising in me, urging me to pop the cork and spill all. And yet, at the same time, my stomach clenched with anxiety as I waited for my parents to grill Nav.
I took a deep breath and sipped the excellent champagne, hoping to calm my nerves.
Theresa said, “Exciting news. We now have a wedding photographer.” She paused until everyone was looking at her. “Ta da. Nav’s going to do the photos. They’re his gift to M&M.”
Merilee squealed, then got up and ran over to throw her arms around his neck. “You’re so sweet. Thank you so much, Nav.”
Matt grinned. “Yeah, thanks, man. That’s really nice of you.”
The sound of Mom clearing her throat drew our attention. She was frowning. “That’s very kind of you, Nav, but do you have much experience photographing weddings?”
I stifled a groan.
Before Nav could answer, Theresa jumped in. “Mom, he’s brilliant. Take a look at his website. He has a way of…how would I put it? Capturing the essence of each couple.” She glanced at me. “Like Kat did with the M&M wedding e-vites. The photographs will be wonderful.”
I was a little stunned, not only by Theresa’s support of Nav, but also by her compliment about my invitations. We weren’t big on praising each other. “Thanks,” I mouthed, raising my glass to her, and she gave me a quick smile.
It occurred to me that, as Nav had helped me get a fresh perspective on myself and my family, maybe Damien had done the same for Theresa. The starchy prof had certainly softened.
“How long have you been in the photography business?” Dad asked Nav.
“A couple of years, since I graduated from Laval.”
“But you’re…how old?”
“Twenty-eight.”
“Three years younger than Kat,” Mom commented. “And you got a late start on your career.” Her tone was neutral, but I knew she disapproved. She figured everyone should do as she, Dad, and Theresa had: decide on a career early and pursue it full steam ahead.
I opened my mouth to defend Nav, but he got there first. “Before I went to Laval, I got a Masters in Business Administration at Cambridge. My parents hoped I’d go into the family business.” He paused. “An import/export company called Bharani International.” I co
uld hear the words he didn’t speak: Go ahead and Google it.
“Your parents paid for your education?” Mom asked.
“Until I went to Laval, yes.”
“They invested a lot in your schooling.” This time disapproval did color her voice. “Preparing you to go into the business. And you went along with it. Then you changed your mind, rejected their plans, and started again?” In her mind, she was labeling Nav as an immature guy who couldn’t figure out what he wanted to do and took advantage of his parents.
“My passion was for photography, and I knew I had a talent for it.” Nav’s voice remained even as he answered. “And an M.B.A. is useful for someone who runs his own business.”
Mom leaned forward in what we girls thought of as her cross-examination posture. “Don’t you think you owe your parents?”
I broke in. “Don’t you think parents should want their child to build his career on something he’s passionate about?”
Nav shot me a quick glance. He had his fair quota of pride and probably didn’t appreciate my help, but I wasn’t going to sit still while my mom attacked him. I’d done that too often in the past.
“I’ve paid my parents back for the money they spent on my education,” he said quietly.
He had? He’d never mentioned that before, and I knew, given his principles, he’d have done it without touching his trust fund. No wonder he had lived on a shoestring budget.
“And,” he went on, “I owe my parents love and respect. I don’t owe them my life.”
I nodded in agreement.
He took a breath. “None of your daughters chose law.” He gazed at Mom, then over to Dad. “Nor medicine or medical research. I imagine you’d have liked it if they did?”
My parents exchanged one of those wordless communication glances they’d perfected. Dad said, “It would have been nice. But our girls have minds of their own. You may have noticed that with Kat.” The dry humor in his tone lightened the mood.
Nav smiled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“No?” Dad glanced at Mom. “Nor would I. Life would be boring, wouldn’t it?”
Mom gave a snort. “All right, Nav, you’ve made your point. What we want for our daughters is that each finds a career she loves. That she’s happy, challenged, and financially secure.”