by Judith Keim
“What about the bedspreads?” Sheena said. “Are they here?”
“Not yet. You’d think it would be an easy thing, but it’s not. Especially with custom orders.”
“Okay, see you later. We’re meeting at the Don for the rehearsal dinner at six o’clock. Right?”
“That’s what the invitations said. See you then.”
Regan left Sheena’s in a rush. But as she passed the model home at the front of the development, she noticed Taylor’s blue convertible and another car at the model house. She checked her watch. Twenty minutes before ten. No wonder Brian and Tony had decided to keep Taylor. She was a hard worker. The office didn’t officially open until ten.
At the hotel, Regan took time to go to Gracie’s for a hot cup of coffee.
Maggie met her at the door. “You just missed Darcy. She’s so excited about the wedding, and I can’t wait to see her dressed like a bride. It should be a lovely ceremony. Bebe is already at work perfecting a new cake design for her.”
“Yes, it should be a fun wedding. So glad you all are going to be part of it.”
“You here for this?” Sally said, approaching them with a smile and a mug of steaming coffee.
Regan beamed with gratitude. “Thanks. Gotta run. Drapes go in today.”
Sally put a hand on her arm to stop her. “Before you leave, I want to thank you and your sisters. The private pool patio is turning out to be so beautiful. We just love it!”
“I’m glad. Hopefully, it will be done soon,” Regan responded. “When it is, we’ll have to have a grand opening party!”
Maggie, who’d overheard, gave Regan a thumbs-up sign. “Any excuse for some fun.”
Regan left the restaurant pleased by her interaction with them. When Sheena, Darcy, and she had first arrived at the hotel over a year ago, Gavin’s people had been very unsure of them and their motives. Now, it was clear Regan and her sisters wanted to do as their uncle wished.
Carrying her coffee, Regan headed into the Egret Building and up to the second floor. Though the colors in the bedspreads they’d ordered and accent pillows were different from the first-floor rooms, the drapes in all of them would be the same neutral beige compatible with the carpet, allowing for future changes of color schemes.
Working with Mo, Regan had learned to be present for these installations— a quiet observer demanding a good job.
###
It was near closing time in Gracie’s when Regan had a chance to catch some lunch. A half sandwich and a glass of iced tea later, she was back at the Egret Building to oversee the last of the drape installations.
After the workmen had cleaned up and left, Regan left a note for Mo’s cousin, Bernice, to have her staff vacuum the rooms. Then she went to check on her father before going home to change for the rehearsal dinner.
Regan knocked on his door.
“Hold on!” came Patrick’s voice.
A couple of minutes later, Pat came to the door, his hair messed, his eyes still showing signs of sleep.
“How are you doing, Dad?” Regan asked, shocked at his appearance. He looked old, drawn, and unhappy.
“Okay. Just a little tired, that’s all. Come on in.”
Regan stepped into the room and saw the mussed bedding. “You took a nap?”
“Yeah, a longer one than I’d intended. What time are you picking me up for the party tonight?”
“In about an hour. Are you going to be ready?”
“Sure. Thanks for stopping by, Regan.”
“If you need me for anything, I’m here,” she responded, attempting to hide her worry. He looked and acted depressed.
“Thanks, it means a lot. Guess I’m finding it hard to think of being on my own.” He winked at her. “But I’ll make it.”
She gave him a hug. “Sure you will. See you soon.”
As she drove to the cottage, Regan wondered if it was a good idea for their father to move away from his daughters. The Villages wasn’t far, but it wasn’t as close as he could be.
###
At the cottage, she took a shower. Luxuriating in the feel of the warm water on her skin, she closed her eyes.
“I hoped I’d find you here,” said Brian, startling her.
She jumped and turned around to face him.
He laughed and kissed her. “Always love taking a shower with you.” It was late when they finally exited the shower.
Regan hurriedly dried her hair and got dressed.
Brian was knotting his tie when Regan emerged from the bathroom after putting on her makeup.
“Beautiful, honey,” he said, stooping to give her a kiss on her cheek.
“You look pretty handsome yourself,” she replied, noting the healthy glow of satisfaction on his face. He was getting stronger each day, more and more like himself as he took on additional physical work on the project.
###
As they pulled into the parking lot close to the garden room Patrick was staying in at the hotel, Regan spied her father on the patio. Looking like an ad for an older version of GQ men, her father was wearing a bright lavender shirt beneath a navy blazer. His gray slacks looked brand new. His shoes were shiny. With his sturdy body and thick gray hair, he looked ... well ... good-looking, and very pleased with himself.
He saw them and came right over to the Jeep. “How do I look? Ready for a classy evening?”
Regan grinned. “You look very handsome. You’re going to have all the waitresses wanting to serve you.”
“Good,” he said, sliding into the back seat of the car. “We’re going to the big, fancy, pink hotel. Right?”
“Yes, Austin’s parents like the place. It should be a very pleasant evening.”
“Let’s hope they aren’t stuffy. I don’t do stuffy very well,” said Patrick, and Regan realized he’d already had a couple of beers.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
DARCY
Darcy waited for her family to show up for dinner. She and Austin had met his parents and grandfather at the hotel ahead of time to share some lovely, quiet moments, and now she was eager to see her sisters. From a special private area that had been blocked off for them in one of the restaurants, she checked the entrance once more.
Sitting beside her, Austin placed an arm around her. “Don’t worry,” he murmured. “They’ll be here soon.”
Sheena and Tony appeared and followed the hostess to the table.
Austin’s father and grandfather stood to greet Sheena and shake hands with Tony.
“So sorry we’re a little late,” Sheena explained to Austin’s mother as she took a seat opposite her. “Life with teenagers isn’t always predictable.”
Belinda smiled. “And now you’re having a baby. I’m so pleased for you.”
Sheena’s cheeks turned a pretty pink. “A bit of a surprise, but we’re happy about it.”
Darcy relaxed. Sheena and Tony were always good company. She looked up as Regan, Brian, and her father entered the room. Noting Regan’s stress and the red-cheeked grin on her father’s face, Darcy tensed. Oh, Gawd! Has my father already had a couple of beers? If so, even though he isn’t drunk, he’ll be loud and talkative.
While the men exchanged greetings, Regan slipped in beside Darcy. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left Dad alone. I’m afraid he’s already had a couple of beers.”
“It’s not your fault,” said Darcy, wishing she could cry. Impressing Austin’s parents was, no doubt, not about to happen.
After everyone had been seated at the table, a waiter came to take their drink orders. Darcy cringed when her father announced, “A beer for me, and none of that fancy, imported stuff. Just good, old-fashioned, horse-drawn American beer, if you get my drift.” He looked at Darcy and winked.
Darcy held her tongue, but she wanted to lash out at him, insist he order black coffee.
The drinks arrived promptly and were quietly served.
Austin’s father, Charles, rose and lifted his glass in a toast. “We’re glad to have you a
ll here to celebrate the upcoming marriage of Darcy and Austin. It’s marvelous when two young people in love choose to live their lives together. I hope you, Darcy and Austin, are as happy as Belinda and I have been. Here’s to both of you!”
“Hear! Hear!” said Tony, and a chorus followed him.
“Austin’s damn lucky to get her,” said Patrick. His eyes filled with tears. “My daughters are all fabulous women.” He signaled the waiter. “How about another beer?”
Darcy stiffened with mortification.
“Okay, then, anybody else want another round of drinks before dinner and wine?” Charles asked.
No one else took him up on the offer.
“Sheesh! I’m sorry. Guess I shouldn’t have ordered for myself, huh?” said Patrick. “Oh, what the hell. This is a big celebration.”
As soon as they’d ordered their meals, Darcy slipped into the ladies’ room. Standing in front of the sink, Darcy dabbed at her eyes, willing herself not to let tears overflow and ruin her makeup.
She heard the sound of someone entering the room and saw Belinda in the mirror heading right for her. Tensing, Darcy turned to her.
“Hey, sweetie, I just wanted to make sure you’re all right,” said Belinda, giving her a sympathetic smile.
Darcy nodded glumly. “It’s my father ...”
Belinda put her arm around Darcy. “Oh, honey, he’s fine. Don’t worry about him. And if you take over the travel business, you’ll have to deal with lots of people who’ve had too much to drink. Patrick is charming. Besides, we’re not about to judge you for it. We love you, Darcy. We really do.”
This time, Darcy couldn’t hold back tears. And when Belinda’s arms came around her, Darcy nestled into them. She knew as long as she lived, she’d remember this tender moment.
Belinda stepped away. “Okay, now pull yourself together, and let’s celebrate.”
Darcy’s smile came from her heart. “Okay, let’s go!”
Her sisters gave her curious looks when Darcy and Belinda returned to the table together, but Darcy reassured them with a smile.
Charles half-rose from his chair. “Ah, the lovely ladies return.”
“Just in time,” said Patrick. “Chow’s here.”
Austin patted Darcy’s knee. “Everything okay?” he murmured.
“Fine, thanks. Your mother and I got it all straightened out.”
Austin’s eyes lit with pleasure.
Patrick quieted down after eating a lot of good food and switching to coffee, and the rest of the evening passed in pleasant conversation. Now that Darcy realized she didn’t have to be worried about him, she enjoyed the celebration.
She looked around at her family. With the early symptoms of pregnancy over, Sheena had developed a glow about her, making her even more attractive. Tony and Brian had become like brothers, kidding each other, but obviously fond of one another.
Brian caught her eye and winked at her. Darcy smiled back at him.
Beside her, Regan laughed at their interplay.
Darcy wondered if Regan understood how perfect Brian was for her.
At the end of the meal, Darcy thanked Charles and Belinda for a wonderful evening and kissed Austin goodbye.
“I know it seems silly, but I think Sheena’s idea of my spending the night before our wedding with her is sweet. That will give us time to spend together, to get our hair and nails done, and be ready for the ceremony.”
“I’ll miss you,” Austin whispered in her ear, sending a shiver of longing through her.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
SHEENA
In the car on the way home, Sheena stared out the window thinking of her father. The evening had been an emotional seesaw ride with him. He could be irritating at times with his boisterousness, but then say the nicest things. She knew how important it was for Darcy to be accepted by Austin’s family and hoped she’d have the chance to talk privately to Patrick about his drinking before the wedding tomorrow.
“Guess you didn’t realize you’d use your guestroom so quickly,” Darcy said to her from the backseat.
Sheena turned around and grinned at her. “You’re just lucky the bed was delivered this afternoon, and Meaghan and I had a chance to make it.”
“It’s really sweet of you guys to have me for the night. It’s a good idea, sort of builds up the excitement before the actual ceremony, though I’m already dealing with a lot more suspense than you know.”
“Well then, good job in holding it together,” said Sheena. “Austin’s parents seem so pleasant. I’m glad you and Belinda appear to get along nicely.”
“She’s much easier to be with than I’d thought at first. When I get back from my honeymoon, there’s something I want to discuss with you and Regan.”
“Anything we should talk about before you leave?” Sheena said.
Darcy shook her head. “No. I need to go on my honeymoon first.”
“From what Austin said, it sounds as if you have quite a trip coming up,” said Tony.
“Yes,” said Darcy. “That’s what I might need to talk to you about.”
Conversation stopped as Tony pulled into the driveway to their house, though Sheena was left to wonder what exactly was going on with Darcy.
###
In the master bedroom downstairs, Sheena snuggled up to Tony in bed. She’d missed out on a lot of traditional wedding activities for herself, and was pleased Darcy had agreed to spend the night. Her own mother had made sure Sheena did the same thing before her simple marriage to Tony—a short ceremony a priest performed in his office as a favor to her mother.
“What’cha thinkin’?” Tony said.
“Just remembering our wedding. It was so simple.”
Tony rose up on his elbow and studied her. “Some couples get married for the second time. Is that what you want, Sheena?”
“No, once was enough. We don’t need to make our vows again. But I do want to make it a memorable time for Darcy and Regan, too. That’s why I’m treating all the women to the pre-wedding preparations. Meaghan, as well.”
He smiled. “Did anyone ever tell you what a nice person you are, Sheena?” He caressed her stomach. “And you’re a great mom.”
She cupped his cheek with her hand and gazed into his expressive brown eyes. “I love you, Tony.”
His lips met hers. As their kiss deepened, Sheena knew exactly why she’d fallen for him.
###
Sheena awoke to the sounds of Tony in the shower and rolled over. On this Saturday morning, she didn’t need to get the kids up and off to school.
Tony came into their bedroom in his undershorts and stood by the bed. “Hey, Valentine. Time to get up. Your sister is getting married today, I have to leave for work, and you asked me to make sure you were awake.”
Sheena gave him a stink-eye and got to her feet. She’d secretly planned a pre-wedding breakfast for Darcy, Regan, and Meaghan, and needed to get to work. From the time Darcy was a little girl, she’d loved blueberry muffins.
Later, Sheena was taking the muffins out of the oven when Regan arrived. She kissed Sheena and asked, “Where’s the bride?”
“Out for a walk. She said she’s too wired to sit still.”
“I’m happy she’s so excited about everything. It makes it fun,” said Regan.
Sheena looked at her. “What about you? When are we going to do this for you and Brian?”
Regan shook her head. “Who knows? I don’t want anything fancy.” She sat in a chair at the kitchen table. “But it does bother me to be living with Brian. You know how Mom felt about such things. She made it seem as if it was a horrible sin ...” Regan’s voice trailed off.
Sheena waved her hand in dismissal. “Don’t worry about it. You and Brian are engaged, making it clear to everyone you’re committed to one another.”
Darcy walked into the room wearing shorts, a T-shirt, and sneakers. She beamed at them. “It’s a beautiful day! I think I’ll get married.”
Regan and Sheena laug
hed.
“Too late to back out now,” said Regan.
“For you too,” Darcy said.
Sheena gave her a sharp look.
“I mean, you both are part of my wedding. You can’t back out now.”
Sheena smiled. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Let’s get Meaghan up and start the day with a special breakfast. I even have the fixings for mimosas, though Meaghan and I have to take ours plain.”
“Let me wake her up,” said Regan. She left the room.
Darcy gave her a worried look. “Sheena, I hope at the end of the day you’re not going to be upset with me.”
“What? Why would I be upset with you? What’s going on?”
Darcy shrugged. “I guess I’m just worried it won’t be perfect.”
Sheena put her arm around Darcy. “Let’s not let anything ruin your wedding day, okay?”
“Okay. Thanks.”
Sheena didn’t have any more time to think about Darcy’s worries. With the appearance of Meaghan, their day began in earnest. Excited about each little thing, Meaghan exclaimed over the mani-pedis they each got and was ecstatic with the work of the hair stylist who worked on them all. Observing her, Sheena could well imagine the day when Meaghan would be the bride and not a bridesmaid. And when she saw Meaghan’s auburn hair styled in curls at the back of her head, and observed her hazel eyes, the Sullivan features, and her father’s darker skin tone, Sheena realized that time would come all too soon.
Sheena helped Darcy pack her dress and personal belongings for the trip to the private room upstairs at Gavin’s, where the women would change into their wedding clothes. Regan had gone home to get her dress and would meet them there. Sheena and Meaghan would come later after Sheena made sure Tony, Michael, and her father were ready. Tony had agreed to meet Patrick for lunch.
Driving to the hotel with Darcy, Sheena couldn’t help thinking of all that had happened to them in a little over a year. Darcy’s marrying Austin was one of the best things. And, in time, Regan would marry Brian, adding to their family.
Sheena parked the car at Gavin’s, and following Darcy inside, stopped to talk to Nicole. “Is everything all set for the reception?” Sheena asked her.