by Amanda Tru
“Good idea.” She put on headphones and searched for a movie. The preflight safety announcement soon interrupted the search.
He was used to flying, so he knew every word by heart. Unused to air travel, Sierra’s expression became pained.
“They talk about the emergency landing like it definitely might happen. All this mention of oxygen masks and flotation devices makes me nervous. I can just imagine floating somewhere in the ocean with no island in sight. Maybe a few hungry sharks nearby. Because the majority of our flight is going to be above the ocean, right?”
“Right.” He brushed a stray strand of her auburn hair behind her ear. The simple gesture made his heartbeat increase. Spending many hours in her close proximity was going to wreak havoc on his senses.
How, oh how, was he going to keep his attraction to her in check?
She drew a sharp breath, and he wasn’t sure whether it was because of his gesture or because she was scared of the flight. Quite possibly, both.
“This emergency landing thing is a remote possibility, right?” Her eyelashes fluttered.
He could lose himself in her beautiful eyes. In fact, he used to love losing himself in her beautiful eyes.
“Right.” If he leaned a little closer, he could brush his lips against hers. Maybe he should. It would take her mind off the flight. Just the idea roiled the blood in his veins.
Her eyes narrowed. “Are you even listening to me? Right, what?”
“Of course, I’m listening to you. Right, it’s a remote possibility.” He gave her a reassuring smile.
Soon the takeoff was announced, and Sierra visibly tensed.
He tightened his fingers around hers, doing his best to give her some of her strength. “Flying is much safer than driving.”
“Thanks. At least, you didn’t say safer than my driving.” Her smile wobbled.
The plane shook, then moved forward, filling him with excitement. With the way Sierra’s lips pressed together, she didn’t share the latter. The motor’s roar echoed inside him.
He infused his voice with confidence. “It’s going to be great. You’ll see. Would you like to pray?”
“Yes, please.” Her eyes wide, she nodded.
During his life in Houston, he didn’t have time for prayer. Correction, he hadn’t made time for prayer. Coming back to it now wasn’t easy.
Of course, he had to try. For Sierra. And for himself.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please keep us safe on this trip. Please help us find Aunt Willow’s dress. And please help Sierra fulfill her dreams,” he whispered.
“Amen.” Her expression relaxed somewhat.
When they were airborne, he drew close to her. “Do you remember the time we climbed your neighbor’s fence after a stray cat because you were sure it needed immediate help?”
She fluttered her eyelashes innocently, but the corners of her lips tugged upward. “Well, it wasn’t my fault the neighbors weren’t at home, and we couldn’t simply knock on their door and ask to go into their backyard. Sorry, your T-shirt got stuck on a nail.”
“Yeah. I nearly ended up with bruises. But the cat turned out fine after you examined it. Then we spent the evening disinfecting your and my scratches, result of the exam. Fun times.” Despite relatively unpleasant memories, warmth filled him.
Her lips tugged up further. “Still, a week later you climbed a different fence after a different cat with me. And you don’t even like cats!”
“As I said, I just prefer dogs. But I like… you.” He stared in her eyes. The nearly irresistible urge to kiss her made his pulse soar.
Her breathing went shallow. “Edgar, I—”
“What would you like to drink?” the flight attendant interrupted Sierra.
Reluctantly, he shifted against the back of his chair, the moment gone.
Sierra found her voice first. “Orange juice.”
The flight attendant passed a glass filled with yellow liquid to her. “And for you, sir?”
“Tomato juice, please.” A deep longing filled him as he accepted the cold, smooth glass. Cat scratches or not, he missed those times.
Then they talked about all the mischief Sierra had gotten them into when they’d been kids and teenagers, laughed, and caught up on the times apart.
After a few hours, she did something he didn’t expect. She sighed and placed her head on his shoulder. A warm wave spread through him, and he found himself looking forward to all the time in her company.
Just like, once upon a time, he’d looked forward to a lifetime with her. He wanted to make it work.
But how?
Hours later, at Warsaw Chopin Airport’s parking lot, Sierra pressed on the fob of her rental sedan and opened the driver’s door. Then she glanced at Edgar, who lingered near the passenger door. “What’s the matter?”
“I think I should be the one to drive.”
It was about time to become the former Sierra and stop second-guessing herself. “Nah. I rented the car. I should drive it. It’s not my fault I knew enough Polish words to do it, and you knew none.” She clicked her belt close.
It probably wasn’t right to feel smug over outsmarting him in something.
He finally took the passenger’s seat, then glanced upward. “It might rain soon.”
She turned on the engine. “Let me sum this up. I’m going to drive a vehicle I’m not used to in an unfamiliar-to-me city. And the weather conditions are going to worsen soon. That probably brings up thoughts about increasing your life insurance and checking your will, doesn’t it?”
He visibly swallowed. “You know me too well.”
“You’ll be fine.” She pulled up the map on her cell phone, grateful for the European SIM card. She didn’t trust those navigators in cars, especially in a foreign language.
Taking a deep breath for courage, she drove out of the parking lot.
Raindrops plopping on the windshield nearly washed away her newfound confidence. Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel as she navigated the capital’s busy streets.
He fiddled with something on his phone. “Let me be your navigator.”
She released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “I’m doing fine. But… okay. Thank you.”
Plenty of times, they disagreed on what direction to take, but finally, they were outside of Warsaw, and she relaxed her grip on the steering wheel. The countryside—emerald-green fields and trees washed in rain—and the occasional homes were marvelous. The sun appeared from behind the clouds, bringing a smile to her lips.
“I’d say, see, I’ve been driving for a while, and it’s okay. But I remember what happened last time I said that.” She sent a glance at his handsome profile.
Edgar winced. “I appreciate you not repeating it.”
“Well, I think we about made it. This is the village where Agnieszka Kowal is supposed to live.” She gestured to a row of lovely one-story homes.
“You did great.” His voice warmed.
She did her best to ignore the pleasant wave his praise sent through her. “Please do me a favor. When you talk to Agnieszka Kowal, don’t pretend we’re here on a honeymoon.”
“Why not?” Teasing notes appeared in his voice. “I was reading up on Poland. It has a lot to offer. Historical castles, interesting museums, unique atmosphere, delicious food… Could be a great honeymoon.”
Well, how about that?
“You know, I just might smack you.”
“Um, haven’t you nearly done it already?”
At his oh-so-innocent query, a chuckle vibrated her chest against her will. She parked at the curb, but before she had a chance to open the door, he rushed around the vehicle and got it for her.
“Thank you.” She did her best to slip out as elegantly as she could. Not that she tried to appeal to him again.
Absolutely not. Sierra Knightley was over Edgar Delaney.
Her increased heartbeat told her how wrong that statement was. Spending so much time with him and remember
ing the wonderful eras of their childhoods and teen years together didn’t help bury her feelings for him. On the contrary, they surfaced full force.
A few moments after Edgar rang the bell, the door opened. A woman with traditional Slavonic beauty of blonde hair and blue eyes sent them an inquiring look. After the countryside’s untouched splendor, Sierra nearly expected an artisan Polish costume and was slightly disappointed by the woman’s white T-shirt and blue jeans.
“Agnieszka Kowal?”
The woman nodded.
“Sierra Knightley and Edgar Delaney.” Sierra did her best to say the words as clearly as she could. “Szukamy sukni ślubnej.” Should be Polish for “We’re looking for the wedding dress.”
Sierra hoped she had said it right.
The woman’s eyes widened.
Maybe not. Sierra and Edgar exchanged glances.
She had to try again. She did look up the phrase for “May we come in?” This wasn’t going to be easy.
“Czy możemy wejść?” Sierra infused her voice with as much politeness and courtesy as she could and widened her lips.
Edgar flashed his famous grin. “Proszę?”
Agnieszka Kowal returned his smile and waved for them to enter. Sierra sent him a surprised glance as she stepped inside.
Edgar shrugged. “I learned a few words in Polish, too. Well, three words to be precise.”
The word please was one of the three. Sierra hid a grin.
Then she studied her surroundings. She didn’t exactly expect a rustic artisan home of the eighteenth century, but still, her eyes widened at the big-screen TV and modern furniture.
The woman gestured for them to sit on a beige sofa.
Sierra took a seat and whispered to Edgar, “I hope you’re good with the charades.”
He shot her a grin. “Likewise.”
Kowal sat and faced them expectantly.
First, Sierra drew on her limited Polish knowledge, which earned her the same dumbfounded look. Apparently, that knowledge was more limited than Sierra had realized, and she sighed. Then, for about a quarter of an hour, she and Edgar tried to explain it all with gestures. Sierra smiled at him trying to mime the fluffy dress, then the role of the happy bridegroom waiting for the bride.
She had to play along and pretend walking down the aisle. Once, she’d badly wanted to walk down the aisle toward Edgar and their happily ever after. Oh, how much she’d wanted it!
Judging by the way her heart squeezed, that dream never went away.
The woman blinked at them.
Sierra leaned to Edgar and whispered, “We’re not getting far, are we?”
“Well, at least she didn’t think we were crazy and throw us out.” He seemed to find the bright side in everything. “We should look up online translations. Why didn’t I think of it?”
“That’s what I did before coming here. I guess she didn’t understand the way I pronounced words.” Sierra thought of something.
She pulled her phone from her purse and found a map of the US on the internet, then zoomed in to Crossroads. She gestured to Agnieszka Kowal, then glanced pointedly at Edgar.
On the cue, he drew in the air the fluffy wedding dress with his hands again.
Sierra made a gesture as if she were paying with cash. Finally, she pointed at the word on the map.
Kowal’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you’re talking about the wedding dress I bought in the American town of Crossroads, right?”
Sierra’s jaw slackened, and Edgar’s eyes widened.
Edgar slapped himself on the forehead. “Pani Kowal, you speak English!”
“Of course.” She shrugged. “That was helpful to get around in the US. Oh, and by the way, call me Agnieszka.”
“Sorry for all this spectacle.” Sierra grimaced.
“On the contrary, I enjoyed it a lot.” The woman smiled.
“Well, that makes things much easier,” Edgar claimed a seat near Sierra. “There was an error. The dress you bought wasn’t meant for sale. That dress was sent for alterations by Sierra’s aunt.”
Sierra nodded, hoping Agnieszka would see their reasoning. “It’s a family heirloom. My aunt refuses to get married without it.”
“Sierra has been taking care of her aunt for so long it would be great to get Ms. Willow off her hands and married off to my uncle.”
“I don’t mind taking care of my aunt.” Sierra exhaled. “Okay, I admit it would be nice to get some help here. But the main thing is I want my aunt to be happy.”
Edgar leaned forward. “I’m willing to pay double—no, triple price—for that dress.”
“Oh.” Agnieszka’s lips wobbled downward. “I’d give you the dress for free because I didn’t need it anymore—”
“What happened?” Sierra started to have a bad feeling about this.
“The classic story.” Agnieszka Kowal visibly swallowed. “I caught my husband-to-be kissing one of my bridesmaids and called the wedding off.”
Compassion constricted Sierra’s rib cage. “I’m so sorry. How horrible.”
“I’ll get over it. Eventually.” A deep sigh left the woman’s lungs. “I don’t have the dress anymore. I gave it to my maid of honor who is my younger sister. While preparing my wedding, she and one of the best men fell in love, and he proposed. At least, something good came out of all this mess.”
“Congratulations to your sister.” Edgar’s voice was even. “Um, would it be possible for us to have her address?”
A sad smile touched Agnieszka’s lips. “It’s possible, but you won’t be able to get the dress from her.”
“I’m ready to pay quadruple the price. She could not only buy a new dress but also cover many wedding expenses.” Edgar squared his shoulders.
The woman shook her head, sending those blonde strands flying. “Agata doesn’t have the dress anymore.”
Sierra’s heart dipped. Then she cleared her throat. “I hope she didn’t catch her fiancé with one of her bridesmaids, too.”
Agnieszka’s expression tightened into grim lines. “It’s worse. Her house caught on fire.”
Sierra gasped. “Is she… is she okay?”
“Yes, but the wedding dress was one of the things burned. Agata wanted to cancel the wedding, but we’re trying to talk her into still marrying the man of her dreams. Friends and family are doing their best to help with the expenses.”
Guilt squeezed Sierra’s stomach. How selfish to get so upset about the dress when Agnieszka’s sister probably lost all her belongings.
She said a silent prayer for Agata.
The woman seemed to read her mind. “My sister had good insurance, so the house will eventually be rebuilt. Thankfully, no people suffered in the fire.”
“Thank God. I’ll keep praying for her,” Sierra said quietly.
Edgar’s eyes narrowed. “May we have your phone number or email or any other way to get in contact with you, besides the address?”
Agnieszka studied him for a moment, then nodded. She rattled off her phone number, and he punched it into his phone.
“Thank you for your time.” He rose.
Her heart heavy, Sierra followed him.
“Wait a moment.” Agnieszka leaped from her perch. “Let me give you a loaf of bread from the local bakery.” She disappeared in the direction of what Sierra guessed was the kitchen.
Sierra didn’t think a loaf of bread could surprise her much, but when Agnieszka returned from the kitchen carrying a basket covered with a white towel, the scent drifting from it was mouthwatering.
“Dziękuję,” Edgar said as he accepted the basket.
Thank you. Must be the second of the three Polish words he knew.
Hmmm, what was the third one?
As they stopped near the front door, Sierra gave their hostess a compassionate smile. “I’m sorry about your fiancé. I hope you’ll find true love soon.”
Another sigh left Agnieszka’s lungs as she flipped her long blonde hair back. “I don’t know. Though…”
“Though?” Edgar lifted an eyebrow.
“Well, Bartek has been my friend for a long time. We’ve known each other since we were kids. He’s been helping me through my wedding fiasco and assisting Agata in moving after the fire.” She studied the blue-flowered rug on the floor. “But… is it worth it to ruin a long-term friendship? And will he forgive me for letting a player sweep me off my feet?”
“From the sound of it, Bartek already forgave you.” Sierra lingered near the door, choosing her words carefully. After her disastrous personal life, she wasn’t one to give the advice in the romantic department. Still, the sad look on Agnieszka’s pretty face made her want to help. “He’s there for you when you need it the most. He even goes as far as to help your family. Why don’t you give him a chance? Often the person meant for us is right in front of us all along. We just don’t realize it.”
Something flashed in Edgar’s eyes. “You’re right. Often the person meant for us is right in front of us all along.”
The tender way he peered at her when he said it… Did he mean her? That Sierra had been meant for him? Her heart shifted.
“May I ask about you two? Are you going to get married soon?” Agnieszka looked from Sierra to Edgar.
Sierra’s eyes widened. She opened her mouth to answer.
Agnieszka seemed to understand her mistake. “Oh. I just assumed you were a couple by the looks you give each other.”
“I was in love with Sierra once. My feelings never changed, no matter how hard I tried to forget her,” Edgar said while looking in Sierra’s eyes, enunciating every word.
What?
She forgot how to breathe.
Should she say her feelings for him never changed, either?
What for?
After his uncle’s wedding, he’d leave for Houston again. She’d have to go on with her life the same as before.
Alone.
Well, she had her pets and her family. Okay, it should be her family first, though she’d often had the impression her pets loved and appreciated her more than her relatives did.