by Jaci Burton
“For today you did. I couldn’t resist the pork chops. This barbecue sauce is ridiculous.”
“You can thank Kal for that,” Josh said. “He made it.”
She looked at him. “Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Spicy,” she said, swiping through a bit of it that remained on her plate. “I like it.”
He reached under the table to squeeze her thigh. “You’re spicy.”
She laughed.
After dinner they wrapped up the leftovers and cleaned the dishes and the kitchen. Hannah made plans to meet up with the women tomorrow morning for brunch, and then, since it was getting late, they said their goodbyes and headed home.
It didn’t take five minutes on the road before Oliver was asleep, his head resting against one of Kal’s rolled-up jackets.
“He had a busy day,” she said. “He’ll be out for the rest of the night.”
Kal grinned. “He had fun today.”
She sighed and leaned back against the seat. “You have such an amazing family, Kal. All of them. Your parents, your brothers, the women. They’re all just . . . perfect.”
“I don’t know about perfect. We have our flaws, Hannah. Just like every other family. But they are pretty awesome.”
“They sure are.”
He turned the corner, his fingers tapping on the steering wheel. “You know, every damn day I wake up I realize how lucky I was to be adopted by the Donovans.”
She looked over at him. “I don’t know. I think they were pretty lucky to find you.”
His fingers stilled. “What?”
“They’re the lucky ones. Look at you, what an amazing man you’ve become. They must be so proud of you. If Oliver could turn out to be even half the man you are, I would consider myself the luckiest woman in the universe. Parents don’t consider themselves to be life givers. We consider ourselves lucky to be given these gifts of children who constantly surprise and challenge us. You were the gift to them, Kal. You and Jackson and Rafe. They were the lucky ones.”
He pulled over, parked and leaned over. He cupped her neck and took her mouth in a deep, soul-shattering kiss. When he pulled back, he said, “No one’s ever said that to me. That my parents were lucky to have me. I mean, my parents have, because of course they would. But no one else. Until you.”
She wound her hand around his wrist. “They should have.”
The way he looked at her, the deep emotion in his eyes, made her want to hold him, made her want to wrap her body around him and never let go. But her son was in the back seat and she couldn’t. And he knew it, too, because he put the truck back in gear and drove her home.
He carried Oliver inside, and Hannah took over from there, getting him ready for bed. Her kid was like a zombie, nearly sleepwalking through brushing his teeth and getting into his bed, where he fell straight back to sleep.
She came back into the living room. “He’s out. Again.”
Kal nodded. “I’m taking off.”
She pressed her body against his. “I wish you could stay here.”
“Me, too.” He kissed her, a long, passionate kiss that left her wanting.
But then he stepped back and opened the door. “Night, Hannah.”
She shuddered out a sigh. “Good night.”
She leaned against the door and watched him walk to his truck. It wasn’t until after he’d pulled down the street and disappeared that she closed and locked the front door.
Things were getting so complicated between them. And at the same time, becoming all too clear.
She had feelings. Deep, genuine feelings for Kal.
That’s what scared her.
CHAPTER 23
There was nothing more fun than a day out with a group of women Hannah really liked. The fact that one of those women was Kal’s mother made it even more interesting to her.
They met for brunch at the Alchemist. Laurel had made reservations, so they didn’t have to wait long, and they were seated at a table with an amazing view of the quirky gardens. It was fun, and they all ordered coffee and the Alchemosa with champagne and passion fruit.
“So, are you ready for the day?” Hannah asked Becks.
Becks nearly vibrated in her chair. “I am beyond ready to get a dress and check another thing off the list.”
Carmen laughed. “You have a book with lists, don’t you?”
“Yes. A ridiculous number of things on said list. Who knew that so much went into getting married? We should have eloped.”
“Bite your tongue,” Laurel said. “I want weddings for each of my boys.”
“Just kidding. Mostly.”
“What was your first wedding like, Hannah?” Carmen asked.
“Very small. We got married in my parents’ backyard. I wore a short white dress I got on sale at the department store, and I think we had maybe twenty people there. We bought the cake at the local grocery store, and my mom fixed lasagna and salad for dinner. It was very bargain-basement. But I was happy it was over, and then my husband and I moved to Georgia the following week.”
Becks blinked. “How romantic.”
“Yeah. Not at all. I was young and eager to get away, but my mom insisted on me having a wedding, so . . .”
“But just think,” Becks said. “Next time you get married, you can have a big fancy blowout.”
Hannah laughed and lifted her glass to take a long swallow. “That is never going to happen.”
“Never say never,” Carmen said. “I swore I’d never get married again. Now look at me. And I had a big ole wedding, too.”
“Okay, fine. I won’t say never again. But I just can’t see the big fancy dress and a reception and all of that. I mean, I have a kid now.”
Three sets of eyes stared at her.
“What?” she asked.
“So because you have a child that precludes you from a celebration of love? A celebration of two people who love each other, that includes your son becoming part of that family?” Laurel pinned her with a look.
Hannah opened her mouth to answer, then closed it. “Okay, fine. I can’t speak to the future, because I have no idea what’s in store for me. But no foofy white dresses for me.”
“I definitely cannot see you in a foofy white dress,” Becks said. “For that matter, I can’t see me in a foofy white dress, either.”
Carmen took a notepad out of her bag. “No foofy white dress. See? We’re making progress.”
They all laughed.
The food was amazing. They all got something different and shared bites, which was delicious, tasty fun.
After they sat and had a couple more of those amazing mimosas, they paid their bill and headed to the first bridal salon. When they walked in, Hannah could tell from Becks’s wide-eyed look that she was nervous. Hannah hooked her arm into Becks’s.
“We’re going to conquer the wedding dress demon today. Remember, this time you’re not going into this alone. We’ve got you.”
Becks smiled. “Right.”
The first dress Becks tried on was a strapless silk mermaid style and looked amazing on her, showing off her creamy skin and unique tattoos. When she turned around to face them, they were all grinning at her.
“What?” she asked.
“You look like a bride,” Laurel said.
“You don’t think the tattoos are too much?”
“I think my son loves you and your tattoos. Do you think he’d want you to hide who you are?”
“Good point, Laurel. And thank you.”
“How do you feel in the dress?” Carmen asked.
“Like a summer sausage. How do women dance in these things?”
Hannah snorted. “Okay, so not that one.”
Becks tried on two more at that store, but Hannah could tell they weren’t the right style, color or fit
for her. Her eyes didn’t sparkle when she came out, so they gathered up and left. At the next store, Becks couldn’t even find a dress she was willing to try on, so they headed to the third store.
Outside the shop, Becks took a deep breath and let it out. “This is so discouraging.”
Laurel patted her on the back. “You’ll find the one. If not this store, then we’ll find another.”
Becks nodded, but Hannah felt her tension as they walked inside.
A salesperson named Sally met with Becks and sat down with her, asking her what she was looking for.
“Not too tight, not overdesigned or ball gowns,” Becks said. “Something . . . I don’t know, me.” She sighed. “I’ve tried on a lot of dresses and just haven’t found the right one yet.”
Sally nodded. “Sometimes it takes a while. How about you wander for a few minutes and see if something sparks your interest?”
“That sounds good.”
They all walked the store with Becks. Hannah saw a lot of dresses she liked, but it wasn’t her wedding, and she wasn’t choosing a dress for herself. This was Becks’s day, so she and Carmen stayed a step behind while Laurel talked with her about some of the dresses.
When Becks stopped at one dress, she looked. She felt. She stared. Hannah could tell that particular dress captured her. And why wouldn’t it? It was a porcelain pink, with tulle and just a touch of lace at the waist. It was elegant but not fussy.
Sally came over. “Would you like to try this one on?”
Becks nodded. “Yes, please.”
“Let’s get you into a dressing room, and I’ll go grab one in your size. Ladies, if you’ll follow me to the seating area.”
They all took seats near the dressing area.
“That dress,” Carmen whispered to them, as if afraid to say anything that might jinx it.
“I know,” Hannah said.
“And that color,” Laurel said. “Could it be more perfect for Becks?”
Hannah sighed. And hoped.
About ten minutes later, Becks walked out, and Hannah swore she was floating as she made her way toward them.
As she stepped up to the three-way mirror and turned, the dress flowed.
And they all gasped.
It was stunning. Becks was stunning. Even without alterations, the dress fit her as if it had been made for her body. And the color—that pale pink porcelain with the ivory overlay—was so unusual, so incredibly beautiful. Hannah didn’t know about the rest of them, but she was utterly speechless.
“What?” Becks finally asked.
“Wow,” Carmen said. “You glow in that dress, Becks.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Hannah said, voicing her thoughts. “It’s like it was made for you.”
Becks chewed her bottom lip, then looked over at Jackson’s mom. “Laurel?”
Hannah saw Laurel batting back tears. “It’s so lovely. You are lovely. How do you feel in it?”
Becks sighed. “Like a freakin’ princess. I love it.”
They all cheered.
Hannah got up and went to Becks. “May I?” She reached for Becks’s hair.
“Of course.”
She dug out the jeweled hair clip she’d tossed in her bag this morning, just in case, and wound Becks’s hair up in it, pulling a few tendrils out to frame her face.
“Okay, now look in the mirror,” Hannah said.
Becks turned around, her eyes filled with tears. “I look like a bride.”
Hannah wrapped her hands around Becks’s arms. “A beautiful bride.”
Laurel and Carmen came over.
“Is this the one?” Laurel asked.
Becks nodded. “Yes.”
Sally smiled. “Lovely. We’ll do some measurements, but we won’t have to do much in the way of alterations once your dress comes in. You look incredible.”
“Thank you. I’m so happy. And so relieved.” She looked at all of them. “I found my dress.”
“One more thing to check off your list,” Hannah said.
“You’re gonna knock Jackson over when he sees you in that dress,” Carmen said.
Becks smiled. “I hope so.”
They took photos, then Becks changed out of the dress and filled out paperwork. They left the store, hugged and everyone said goodbye. Becks had some errands to do for her tattoo shop, and Carmen was going grocery shopping.
“Where are you headed?” Laurel asked Hannah.
“No plans today,” she said.
“Do you have some time to stop for something cold to drink? I’d love an iced tea.”
“Sure.”
They chose a spot, and Hannah followed her to the sandwich shop.
They went inside, ordered two large raspberry iced teas and grabbed a seat.
“That was so fun today,” Laurel said.
“It was. I’m relieved on Becks’s behalf that she found a dress. And such a gorgeous one, too.”
“It was so pretty. I can’t wait for their wedding.”
“I can imagine. Two of your sons getting married so close together. That must be a lot for you.”
“It’s a blessing, really. To see these boys grow up, become such amazing men. Josh and I are so happy.”
“I’m sure you are.”
“And Kal and you reconnecting. That was unexpected.”
She knew this was going to come up. “Yes, it was. I was happy he came to the reunion.”
“I know you two didn’t have a good parting when he left for college. He was so upset about that.”
She took a sip of her tea. “Was he?”
“Yes. He carried a lot of guilt over the breakup.”
She shrugged. “We both knew it was the right thing. It just wasn’t easy. But we were both so young. Trying to stay together would have been harder.”
Laurel’s lips curved. “That’s the adult in you, looking back on it now. Ten years ago it wasn’t so clear.”
“No, it wasn’t. I cried a lot over him. And then I made a series of really dumb decisions. Like impulsively deciding to get married and moving out of state.”
Laurel cast a surprised look. “So you’re saying your marriage was a rebound thing?”
She played with the straw. “I don’t know. I’d like to think it was more a case of me wanting to get out of Ft. Lauderdale, away from everyone and everything I knew. Carve out a life on my own, you know? My mom was making all these plans for my future, pushing me to go to college when all I ever wanted to do was become a hair stylist. I was desperate to be free to make my own choices and thought if I could just get away, I could breathe, see clearly, do whatever I wanted. The naivete of youth, you know?”
Laurel nodded. “I can understand that. But you did become a hair stylist.”
“I did. And I love it. And I had Oliver, and I have zero regrets about him.”
“Children are an amazing gift.”
“They sure are.”
Laurel took another sip of her tea. “So now you’re back home. And seeing Kal again.”
“Yes.” She couldn’t help the smile, as if every time she heard his name or thought about him, it made her happy.
And then Laurel sprouted a grin. “My boy put that smile on your face?”
“I can’t help it. He makes me giddy. I think about him all the time.”
“You used to always smile like that around him.”
She sighed. “I know. Some things never change, I guess.”
This was so embarrassing. She really had to learn to control her emotions.
“Hey, when you feel it, you feel it. I have to tell you, it makes me happy knowing the two of you are together again. He seems more settled.”
“Really?” Hearing that from his mother made her feel even happier.
“Yes.
He’s been . . . I don’t know the right word to describe it . . . searching? Tense?” She waved her hand back and forth. “Whatever it was that’s made him feel so unsettled the past couple of years has disappeared. I’m guessing that has a lot to do with you.”
She felt her face warm. “Thank you. We’re having a good time together.” She needed to let Laurel know that it wasn’t serious between them. Change tracks in this conversation, because it was heading down a road she didn’t want to go. Not with his mother, anyway. “And Kal has matured so much since we were last together. He has an incredible career and seems to know exactly what he wants out of his life. I admire that about him.”
“As do you. You already know what you want.”
“I guess. Sometimes I feel as if I’ve taken so many steps backward. I’m not exactly where I want to be. Not yet.”
“Where do you want to be?”
“Independent. To know that I can carve out a future for my son and myself—by myself.”
Laurel nodded. “I understand. It’s important for a woman to know she can do it all on her own. To know she doesn’t need anyone’s help. Especially not a man’s help.”
Laurel understood, and Hannah appreciated that.
“Exactly.”
“You’ll get there. I believe in you, Hannah.”
Hannah smiled. “Thank you. Oh, there is one important thing I’d like to discuss with you, if you don’t mind.”
Laurel tilted her head to the side. “Of course.”
“It’s about Kal.”
“I’m listening.”
“You know how he’s always doing things for other people, for the community, but he rarely does anything for himself?”
Laurel’s lips lifted. “Yes.”
“I’d like to do something special for him. You know his birthday is coming up.”
“Yes.”
“I have an idea.”
Laurel smiled. “I’m listening.”
Hannah laid out her thoughts, and between her and Laurel, they came up with a very solid plan. A good plan.
Now all they had to do was set said plan in motion.
This was going to be very good. And so much fun.
CHAPTER 24