by Jamie Beck
Cat laughed, unable to envision a more mismatched pair. Hank rooted in sincerity, and her flying around untethered to anything. She could only imagine what he must think of her and her way of life. “You’ve always had a vivid imagination.”
“I guess we’ll find out soon enough which one of us is right. See you shortly.” Vivi hung up before Cat could respond.
Even if some part of Cat still harbored a little crush on Hank, it didn’t matter. She’d chosen to walk away from the chemistry and easy bond they’d discovered that long-ago night at her brother’s. She winced, deeply regretting the cowardly way she’d snubbed him afterward to run back to Justin.
Vivi may have hoped Cat and Hank had unfinished business, but if last summer’s week on the island proved anything, it was that Hank had had enough self-respect not to chase after Cat. Danced around each other, my ass. They’d avoided each other—her from embarrassment, him out of pride.
Surely, in addition to her many other shortcomings, all of Cat’s prior behavior made her the absolute last woman Hank would ever consider dating now.
Mom,
You’ve been in my thoughts all morning, and I’m sure David is wishing you were here to witness this occasion.
I’m now dressed and ready to help Vivi prepare to walk down the aisle. She’s so good for David—quite the opposite of Justin’s effect on me. You loved me because I’m your daughter. But the fact I chose Justin for so long pretty much proves I don’t deserve someone who’s good for me, doesn’t it?
Too bad, because I saw Hank checking in this morning . . .
CHAPTER TWO
The violinist’s sharp note sliced through the air with the crisp breeze that caused Cat to shiver. Huddled near the corner of the seaside veranda, apart from the crowd, she was sipping her champagne cocktail when she felt Hank approach her from behind.
“They look happy.” The timbre of his masculine voice held an appealing soft note. Like everything else about him, his voice soothed.
Across the hotel’s expansive lawn that dipped toward the ocean, Cat watched David posing for photos with Vivi, her brother’s tender feelings evident in every gentle touch and kiss.
“They are.” Cat smiled, her gaze fixed on the newlyweds.
“Proof love exists,” he said, leaning in close to her ear.
“For some, anyway,” she muttered into her champagne flute, trying to ignore the way Hank’s body heat warmed her more effectively than a bonfire. Even as she willed herself to resist, her body swayed closer to his.
A faint puff of air brushed her hair when he chuckled. “For those willing to try.”
As she turned to meet Hank’s provoking gaze, her breath hitched at the memory of his blistering kiss—a memory that reawakened dormant parts of her anatomy.
“You mean those willing to play a game they’ve little chance of winning?”
“Not shocked you consider it a game.” He peered into his glass of whiskey, temporarily hiding his green-and-gold-flecked irises. She’d always thought those green eyes reflected his serenity, but tonight their sunny flecks blazed like tiny flames, hinting at a deep well of passion.
“Aren’t most things?” she replied, keeping a measured tone to cover even a hint of vulnerability.
A shadow of disappointment crossed Hank’s face. “That’s pretty jaded, even for you.”
She shrugged. Her adult life had been an unending chess match, one in which she’d learned to dodge the threat of checkmate.
Averting her eyes so he couldn’t read her thoughts, she glanced over Hank’s shoulder and noticed Vivi’s alcoholic father—a man who managed to spoil most of Vivi’s happy moments—stumble headlong into a cocktail table. “Oh, no. He’s going to embarrass her again.”
Hank turned toward the commotion. “I’m on it.”
Within seconds, he’d gripped Mr. LeBrun’s elbow and begun leading him away from the reception. Cat’s gaze followed the unlikely pair of men as they trudged across the porch.
Once they vanished from her sight, she looked once more toward the glittering sea. The timelessness of the tides lapping against the shore provided the perfect complement to David and Vivi’s abiding love.
Steady. Constant. And while she’d never admit it to Hank, inspiring.
David and Vivi were now making their way up the lawn toward the hotel. At Cat’s insistence, Vivi had surrendered to wearing high heels tonight—cute silk ones with a rhinestone strap around the ankle. When those heels sank into the damp ground, she began walking on her toes, making her look like a little fairy flittering about at dusk.
“Hey, Cat,” Jackson called from across the porch, where he stood with their father and new stepmother, Janet. “You coming?”
Glancing around, she noticed other wedding guests making their way toward the sprawling white reception tent in the side yard. The cocktail hour had ended.
“In a second.” Her family disappeared down the steps before she stole one final look at the magnificent view.
The ocean calmed her. Somehow its endless horizon connected her spirit to something much bigger than her daily life. Oddly freeing, that feeling of relative insignificance.
Tonight the twinkling hurricane lanterns atop the cocktail tables scattered in the grass enhanced the evening’s mingled sense of mystery and possibility.
In Cat’s peripheral vision, she caught Hank returning from delivering Vivi’s father to his room. He looked gorgeous in his gray pinstriped suit and navy tie, a vast improvement over the worn T-shirts and casual shorts he favored. Seeing him this weekend left a bittersweet taste in her mouth.
If she had chosen Hank over Justin, might her life be different now? Maybe she’d already be pregnant instead of facing the possibility of never conceiving. Quite a sobering and unwelcome thought.
“Still enjoying the view?” He stopped beside her, hands in his pockets, and surveyed the gold-and-peach sunset reflected across the sea.
He’d set her up so beautifully, she couldn’t resist teasing him to elicit one of his endearing blushes. After all, she hadn’t sworn off flirting. Her eyes grazed the full length of his six-foot-two-inch, drop-dead body before she cocked a single brow. “It’s not too shabby.”
As she’d intended, streaks of color invaded his cheeks, giving her a little thrill. “More games,” he muttered. Head bowed, he stared at his feet before meeting her gaze. “Have a nice evening, Catalina.” And then, as if resigned to something she couldn’t identify, he simply nodded and walked away.
She continued admiring his backside until he, too, wandered down the steps. A wistful sigh passed through her lips. Good grief. Ruthlessly, she shoved aside her attraction.
Straightening her shoulders, she set her empty champagne flute on an obliging tabletop before striding across the now-deserted porch. When she reached the tent, the din of lively chatter and tinkling stemware greeted her.
A broad smile spread across her face as she surveyed the candlelit party with its abundance of artfully strung lights, tuxedos, and music. The cool ocean breeze swept through the party. Table arrangements overflowed with peonies and tendrils of multicolored flowers and ivy, infusing the salty air with a sweet perfume.
Rustling fabric caught her attention before Vivi’s arms reached around to squeeze her from behind.
“Having fun?” Vivi toyed with her diamond earrings, made more visible once she’d pinned her wild blond locks up into a French twist and tucked tiny flowers into the mass. “Everyone loves my ‘something new’ earrings. Thank you for the extravagant gift. You spoil me, as always.”
“For the sister I’ve always wanted, there will never be too much spoiling!” Cat stepped back to admire the effect of the diamond studs with Vivi’s tea-length gown. Its layered organza skirt flared out from the snugly fitted bodice—the crystal-encrusted sweetheart neckline its only adornment. Flirty, fun, and unexpected, just like her quirky friend. “You look gorgeous. That dress is so perfectly you.”
Vivi stepped back and fin
gered Cat’s organza wrap and moss-green, silk-satin gown. “I’m glad I let you pick your own. Love the way it drapes off your shoulder and around your waist. So sexy!”
“Thanks,” Cat said. She brushed her palm across the fabric, appreciating its sumptuous texture. The material gave a semblance of curve to her bony physique. “The point of this drab color was to keep the spotlight on the bride.”
“Oh, please. I never had any delusions about who would be the prettiest woman walking down the aisle today. I think half of David’s partners came for the chance to meet his sister, the real-life ‘cover girl.’” Vivi grinned and then gave a little wave of her hand. “But I don’t care. There’s only one man whose attention I want. Fortunately, he will never, ever look at you with desire. Our friendship is secure!”
“Always.” Cat hugged her friend.
“Even when I meddle in your love life—and Jackson’s?”
“I think she prefers us to stay out of it, muñequita.” David suddenly appeared and handed Vivi a glass of champagne. Like all of the St. James siblings, David had inherited their Hispanic mother’s dark hair, eyes, and coloring, and looked even more dashing than usual in his tuxedo. He kissed Vivi’s cheek and wrapped his free arm around her waist, fastening her tightly to his side. “That goes for Jackson, too.”
Vivi scowled, forcing an exaggerated pout. Staring at her lips, David murmured, “Don’t tempt me in the middle of the party.” He leaned down and kissed his wife.
“Ahem. Still here.” Cat cleared her throat, feeling a tad awkward watching their simmering passion. “Anyway, I’m too busy to deal with any man.”
“Not even a really good man?” Vivi asked as she stared across the crowd.
Cat followed Vivi’s gaze, which landed squarely on Hank, who was now listening with rapt attention to Vivi’s cute schoolteacher friend. Perfect. That woman was probably patient and sweet and genuine . . . and fertile. Apparently Hank wasn’t blind to the woman’s curvy figure and flirty blond hair, either.
“A really good man deserves an equally good woman. Given how I treated Hank last year, we both know that’s not me.” She tore her eyes away from him, ignoring the faint pinch in her stomach. She’d chosen flash over substance and paid the price in more ways than one. The possibility of infertility drifted through her thoughts again. Lifting her chin slightly, she said, “Honestly, Vivi, I’m not searching for someone right now.”
Especially not a man like Hank, who’d never settle for anything less than total honesty. Cat wouldn’t lie, but neither would she spill all her secrets. Rather than give him the long-overdue apology he deserved, she’d rather push him even further away . . . for his own good, of course.
“I hope you don’t regret it later,” Vivi said with a sigh. “Come on, let’s go sit so dinner can be served.” She tucked one arm in David’s and let her other hand play with the flouncy fabric of her wedding dress.
Cat joined her father and her stepmother at the family table with the bride and groom. A year ago, this seating arrangement wouldn’t have been possible. She suspected Vivi deserved credit for the fact that David invited their father despite their tenuous reconciliation. She’d long ago given up wondering about the source of the rift. Neither David nor her father would discuss it with her or Jackson, so for now she settled for being grateful that it might be mending. Someday, though, she’d demand answers.
“You look beautiful, honey.” Her dad kissed her cheek.
“Thanks, Dad.” Unsatisfied with his standard praise, she attempted a grown-up conversation. “What’s new with work?”
He patted her shoulder. “Nothing that would interest you.”
Before she could protest, another guest came over to shake his hand. Sighing, she glanced at Janet, who still lingered at the fringe of the family despite being married to their father for nearly a year.
Tonight, however, David remained polite and conversant in her presence—a first. Cat had no doubt he did this for Vivi’s sake. Vivi hated conflict, and David hated anything that hurt Vivi.
“Sit next to me, Janet,” Cat suggested, hoping to assuage the woman’s discomfort.
“Thank you.” Her appreciative smile warmed Cat, who’d always had a soft spot for underdogs. “Such a beautiful ceremony. Your father’s already dreaming about a grandson. But he’ll be even more pleased when you settle down and start a family. I take it you haven’t met anyone special lately?”
Attending a wedding alone in her late twenties, Cat had expected questions. Still, love-life questions sucked, especially when she doubted single men had to endure the same torture.
“Not even looking.” Cat lifted another glass of champagne to her lips. “I’m fine on my own. Better than fine, actually. I prefer my independence.” Especially after freeing herself from Justin’s control.
Janet politely smiled, but Cat sensed her doubt. Doubt likely planted by her father. Heaven knew he’d always assumed Cat would end up as the wife of someone important rather than becoming someone important.
When Jackson arrived, she pulled him onto the seat to her right. David was the responsible one, but Jackson, the middle child, had always been her playmate. Partners in crime since childhood, they’d pranked David and their parents, helped each other break curfew and, as adults, regularly vacationed and socialized together. Since their mother died, he’d become her favorite person in the world.
When he rested an arm along the back of her chair, Cat sensed the sideways glances of the male guests. Being on display to strangers was nothing new but, surrounded by family, she resented the invasive curiosity.
Of course, it bothered her that one particularly handsome blond carpenter paid no attention to her. But the fact that she detected Hank’s indifference bothered her most of all.
Puzzling, then, that she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. She watched him pull out a chair for the woman with whom he’d been chatting earlier.
She drained the contents of her water glass, letting one small ice cube flow into her mouth. When Hank’s face lit with laughter from something that other woman said, Cat ground the ice cube to bits. Stop staring!
As the waiters began serving the first course—a spicy gazpacho soup—her father adjusted his tie, stood up, and tapped his butter knife against the rim of his wineglass. On cue, the guests quieted down.
“I know the best man traditionally toasts the bride and groom, but I’ve asked Jackson to allow me the honor this evening.” His deep voice resonated throughout the tent. Cat’s father smiled at the wedding guests before settling a soft gaze on David. “No father has ever been prouder of a son than I have always been of you. You’ve lived your life with purpose, integrity, and principle, and you’ve been rewarded with the love of a woman who has always had the rare courage to be herself.”
Despite their troubles, David remained their father’s golden child, and now Vivi would enjoy some of that favor. Cat couldn’t deny any of the things her father said about the couple, but it stung to never be on the receiving end of such high praise.
“Vivi, you’ve been part of this family since childhood,” her father continued. “If David’s mother could be here with us tonight, her eyes would be shining to see you two as husband and wife. She predicted it long before anyone other than you thought it possible. On her behalf, I’d like to present you with this gift.”
He removed a small ring box from his jacket pocket. Inside sat Cat’s mother’s simple diamond-and-emerald band. Cat could barely believe two and a half years had passed since her death.
Recollections of her mother’s face and voice saturated her consciousness, drowning her in a sea of nostalgia and longing. When the fine hairs on her arms rose, she glanced around the party hoping to catch a glimpse of her mom’s loving eyes, but then tucked her chin for being so foolish.
Her father plucked the ring from the box and took Vivi’s trembling hand in his own. “I bought this ring for Graciela to commemorate David’s birth. She wore it every day until she died. She�
�d planned to give it to his wife one day, and I’m certain she couldn’t be more pleased than to see it find a home on your finger. Welcome to our family, officially this time.” He kissed Vivi’s hand. She surprised him by springing from her chair and embracing him. Tears streamed down her cheeks, leaving streaks of mascara in their wake.
Cat squirmed with empathy at her undemonstrative father’s awkward attempt to hug his sobbing daughter-in-law. She glanced at David as he tried to hide his flushed cheeks and watery eyes. The sight of her stoic brother coming undone formed another lump in her throat.
Like him, Cat shunned overly sentimental spectacles, especially in public. She sucked down another glass of champagne and blinked until the stinging behind her eyes subsided.
Some of the guests seemed to be searching the family table, probably expecting to hear Vivi’s dad’s father-of-the-bride speech. Oh, shoot. The drunkard was passed out in his room.
Cat toyed with the pearl necklace lying on her collarbone, mild perspiration dotting her forehead, as she considered how to spare Vivi discomfort. Before she could formulate a plan, Hank stood at his table with a glass in hand.
Surely all the other women in the room were now taking stock of his perfectly symmetrical features—the horizontal brows, straight nose, square jawline, and sinfully formed lips.
“Unfortunately, Mr. LeBrun wasn’t feeling well this evening, so he retired early. Before he left, he told me David had been watching out for Vivi for most of her life, so he knew she was in good hands now, and would be in the future. I’m pretty sure he’d appreciate my sharing his thoughts with all of you, and welcoming David to his family. I’ve had the privilege to get to know Vivi this past year, and it’s fair to say David is a lucky and wise man.”
When Hank’s clear green eyes lingered on Cat, she tensed with awareness. He paused, as if he wanted to say more, but then he didn’t. Instead, he raised his glass. “To David and Vivi.”