Moonlight Kiss

by LuAnn McLane

  “Just give me a few more minutes of being in your arms.”

  “No problem.”

  She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. “This is so relaxing.”

  “Mmmm, I totally agree.” Rick kissed the top of her head and smiled. The heat of the fireplace warmed their bodies, and a sense of peace like he’d not known in forever washed over him. In that moment he knew without a shadow of a doubt that he wanted Maggie McMillan in his future. Now all he had to do was find the right time to tell her about his past.

  23

  That’s the Good Stuff

  “THIS UP-AT-THE-ASS-CRACK-OF-DAWN STUFF IS FOR THE birds,” Reid grumbled as he slapped his baseball cap on his head. “And so is leaving you.”

  Addison turned from filling his coffee mug and wrapped her arms around him. “I totally agree with you.”

  “You’ve been doing a lot of that lately.”

  Addison tilted her head up. “Agreeing with you?”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty cool. Does that mean you kinda like me?”

  Addison lifted one shoulder. “Eh, maybe a teeny little bit.” She measured an inch with her thumb and index finger. “You might cross my mind like once or twice … or maybe a hundred times a day.”

  Reid tucked a lock of her damp hair behind her ear. “Only a couple hundred? Well, then, I do believe I’ll have to leave you with something to think about.” He flipped his cap around, dipped his head, and gave her a deep, lingering kiss that held a promise of things to come. Pulling back, he pressed his forehead to hers and said, “God, I don’t want to go … This sucks so bad.”

  “Well, then, I think I have to give you something to think about while you’re riding around on that big green tractor.” She took a step back and reached for the knot on her robe. With a slow smile, Addison parted the terry cloth, giving him an eyeful.

  Reid groaned. “You’re not making this any easier, you know.”

  “Just get your chores done and get your cute butt back here.” She handed him the coffee.

  “So, you think my butt is cute?” Reid turned around and pointed to it.

  “Your butt is awesome, just like the rest of you,” Addison assured him, and then gave him a quick, light kiss. “Call me when you take a break.”

  “I will,” Reid promised, and then headed out the back door. Addison watched him walk to his truck, thinking he looked so sexy in his Wranglers and boots. He looked up and waved just before he opened his door. Addison raised her hand and smiled. Right timing or not, she was falling in love with Reid and she was powerless to stop her feelings from growing. It was hard for Addison to believe that just a couple of months ago her life had been pulled apart at the seams, but day by day, stitch by stitch, everything was coming together. Happiness surrounded her like a warm blanket and she hugged it close to her heart.

  After pouring a cup of coffee she sat down at the breakfast bar and looked over some notes. Since the open house a few of weeks ago, business had been brisk, leaving her little time to head out to the Greenfield farm, but Sara kept her informed on the progress of the barn renovations. So far they were on schedule, with Sara having an autumn wedding. Mia and Cam had decided to get married at Wine and Diner but were going to wait until the barn was ready and baseball season over to have their reception there as well. Later that week Addison had a meeting with Tristan and Savannah, who were thinking about having a winter wedding with a holiday theme. Addison smiled at her notes by Savannah’s wedding. Three of her bridesmaids were residents of Whisper’s Edge, the retirement community where Savannah served as the social director, and Addison thought it was just the sweetest thing.

  While Addison acknowledged that she dearly missed her parents, life in Cricket Creek was so much more to her liking than living in LA. She enjoyed the slower pace in the tight-knit community and simply loved running her own shop. Ideas never stopped coming. She planned to add prom dresses next year. Reid’s mother ran a quilting bee and they were working hard to make wedding quilts for her to sell. Her only challenge was running out of shelf space!

  She inhaled a deep breath, crossing her fingers that her ended engagement with Garret was now old news and remained that way. Addison didn’t want anything to intrude on the peace she’d found in Cricket Creek. Apparently she was a small-town girl at heart but just never knew it. Thankfully, she hadn’t heard any more about Garret’s reality show, giving her hope that the idea never really got off the ground. Maybe Rick Ruleman had had the clout to squash the show, but, come to think of it, Addison hadn’t seen him in the pop news lately either. She’d never know which one of the Ruleman men had started the rumor of her having an affair with Rick, but since it had seemed to die down, Addison wasn’t about to stir that pot. She found it in really poor taste that neither of them had bothered to call her with an apology but, then again, she supposed she wasn’t surprised. It was sad, though, because Addison really did believe that Garret was a much better person than he allowed himself to be, and she hoped someday he figured that out.

  Since she’d already shared a steamy shower with Reid, all Addison had to do was put on makeup and get dressed before heading down to the bridal shop. Because she still had more inventory to unpack, Addison opted for leggings and a loose-fitting floral blouse belted at the waist and comfortable ballet flats.

  “Gotta love this commute,” she said as she bounded down the stairs. Her seamstress was on an as-needed basis and Cassie, the college student she’d hired as a sales clerk, worked limited hours. Most days it was still just her in the shop, but the press release she’d sent out had resulted in interviews for the local paper and in Kentucky Monthly, so she anticipated that business was going to pick up even more in the near future.

  After unlocking the front door Addison turned on some soft music and then starting arranging some lovely headpieces she’d received yesterday. Mia had informed her that Southern ladies loved bling and she should stock a full line of tiaras. Addison had to admit that they were pretty cool.

  A few minutes later Gabby from Flower Power walked into the shop, carrying a vase packed full of wildflowers. “Hey there, Addison. I’ve got a little somethin’ for you,” she said in her cute Southern singsong voice.

  “They’re lovely!” Addison said as she walked across the floor. “Oh, I just love the mason jar as the vase and the raffia bow! This would make a wonderful table arrangement for rustic barn weddings.”

  Gabby nodded. “Funny, but this was all I had to use as a vase when I picked flowers as a kid. Now it’s super-popular.” She shrugged. “I guess I was just ahead of my time,” she added with a laugh.

  Addison smiled when she silently read the note that said: Thinking about you one hundred times already. Reid. “Aw …” Addison smiled and didn’t realize she had brought the note up to her chest.

  “There must be somethin’ special about you ladies here in Wedding Row. I just delivered flowers to Maggie, the real estate lady, the other day. What’s up with you girls, anyway? And would you please send some of it my way?”

  Addison grinned. “Oh yeah. I saw Maggie walking past my shop with some good-looking guy last week.”

  “Yep, I’m guessing it was the same guy. Apparently he’s staying in a cabin down by the river.”

  “Oh, okay.” There had been something oddly familiar about him that she couldn’t put her finger on. “Not local, then?”

  “No, I think he’s from California. He had a secretary or someone call in the order for him.”

  “Oh, hmmm … May I ask his name?”

  “Richard is all I know. Seems like a real nice guy, though. He sure is sweet on Maggie,” Gabby replied.

  “Good for her.”

  “Well, I can see why. She’s one of those people who just lights up a room, you know?”

  “Kinda like you, Gabby.”

  “Oh, go on …”

  “I’m serious. I’m surprised that some local boy hasn’t snatched you up.”

  Gabby dropped her gaze for
a minute and then shrugged “Maggie says that my prince will come someday. But, hey, I sure do love having my own shop. Speaking of, I’d better get on back. I’m lookin’ forward to doing weddings with you, Addison!”

  “Me too, Gabby.” Addison walked her to the door and gave her a quick hug. She was such a sweet girl with a bubbly personality. Gabby was going to be fun to work with. The warm sunshine on Addison’s face prompted her to prop open the door and let in the fresh air. She waved to Nicolina, who was doing the same thing.

  “Gorgeous day!” Nicolina called to her.

  “Sure is!”

  “Let’s get the girls together for lunch or maybe cocktails soon.”

  “I’d like that,” Addison called back. She made a mental note to ask Gabby if she’d like to join them.

  Addison went back inside to her task. A shipment of bridesmaid’s sample dresses was due in late that afternoon. Sometime during the week Mia and Savannah were both coming in to try on some wedding gowns. Humming along with the music, Addison bent over to get the last of the headpieces out of the box.

  “Would you look at how beautiful this is!” said a female voice that sent excitement rushing through Addison. Mom?

  “Did you have any doubt?” answered the unmistakable voice of her father.

  “Mom? Dad?” Addison stood up so fast that her head hit the inside of the cardboard box and she fell backward, landing on her butt. The tiara that she was holding slid across the hardwood floor, stopping at her mother’s feet.

  “Check this out.” With a laugh her father picked it up and placed it on her mother’s head. “Suits you, my beautiful Indian princess.”

  She gave him a shove but looked into a nearby mirror. “Oh, I believe it does.”

  Addison watched them for a moment. There was something different in the way they were acting toward each other.

  Her mother held out her arms. “Are you going to come over here and give us a hug? We’ve missed our baby girl so much!”

  With a little squeal of delight Addison scrambled to her feet and ran over to her parents. “I didn’t know you were coming!”

  “We wanted it to be a surprise,” her father explained, and gave her a huge hug, lifting her up and spinning her around like when she was a child.

  “Mom!” Addison turned to her mother and hugged her in a dancing circle. “Look at you and Dad—so tan! Did you enjoy Hawaii?”

  “Your dad had to drag me from work but I’m so glad he did. We had a wonderful, relaxing time.” She leaned over and snaked her arm around his waist. “Just what we needed.”

  “This is awesome that you’re here!” Addison nearly jumped up and down with excitement. “I can’t believe it! What do you think? Do you like it?” Addison grabbed her mother’s hand. “Do you?”

  She tilted her head to the side and laughed. “No, I don’t like it, Addison. I love it! Give us a grand tour!”

  Her father pointed to his camera. “Do you mind if I take pictures?”

  Addison shook her head, bubbling over with excitement. “No, of course not. Just make sure you send them to me.” She led them through the shop, chattering on about every detail. Her parents gushed at everything, making her nearly burst with pride. She stopped at the display of jewelry. “These pieces were made by Nicolina, Uncle Mitch’s wife.”

  “Oh, simply beautiful. I’m very impressed. You know how I adore unique jewelry.”

  “Her shop is in Wedding Row too. You should go see it. How long are you here for?”

  Her mother pulled a face. “Oh, sweetie, just for tonight, I’m afraid. I have to speak at a conference tomorrow in Nashville, so we rented a car and we’re planning on driving there in the morning.”

  Addison raised her eyebrows. “We?”

  “Yes, I promised your dad that if he would travel with me more often I’d cut back and stay home more often.” She looked up at him. “After Hawaii we decided that we liked traveling and spending time together.”

  He chuckled. “Well, now, Mel. Imagine that.”

  Her mother smiled up at him. “I do think absence has made my heart grow fonder.”

  His answer was to lean down and give her a quick kiss.

  “You guys are so cute.” Addison’s heart swelled. Seeing the rekindled love in her parents’ eyes gave her a surge of hope. She’d known that her mother’s busy work schedule was taking a toll on their marriage. “So the Hawaii trip did the trick? At least something good came out of my engagement to Garret.”

  “Have you heard from the little twerp?” her mother wanted to know.

  “Mel …”

  “Sorry. I just … Oh, never mind.”

  “Not a peep,” Addison answered. “I’m not even sure if his reality show is actually going to happen.”

  “I sure hope not,” her father grumbled. “People should pick up a good book instead of watching that crap.”

  “Dad, I couldn’t agree more. Not only that, but Garret is actually a talented musician. He could do so much more with his life. But that’s no longer my worry,” Addison said, and then changed the subject. “Why don’t you go upstairs and check out my loft apartment? It has a river view.”

  “I’d rather see it with you,” her mother answered. “Why don’t we come back later and have appetizers? I’ll bring them. We want to head over and see the stadium and track down Mitch for lunch. How late are you open, sweetie?”

  “Only until five tonight. My hours will get longer when business picks up.”

  “Well, then, let’s do appetizers and then go out to dinner,” her mother suggested. “Don’t you agree, Paul?”

  He nodded. “I’ll call Mitch and see if he and Nicolina can join us. I’m sure Mia will want to come too.”

  “Sounds good!” Addison said. “I’m beyond excited to see you both.” She walked them to the door and did another happy dance, but then paused. Should she invite Reid? Would asking him to meet her parents be too forward? And what would her parents think about her already seeing someone new?

  Addison walked over and sat down in the big chair where Reid had massaged her feet. She couldn’t walk past it without thinking of him.

  “Hey there, Addie. Why are you looking so glum?”

  Addison looked up to see Mia walking toward her. “Do I look sad?”

  Mia sat down on the ottoman. “Well, more like pensive. Dad just called and said that your parents are in town.”

  “You just missed them.”

  “Well, then, why the sad puppy-dog face? Aren’t you glad to see them?”

  “Yes, I’m super-pumped! Mom always did like surprises. What brings you here?”

  “Oh, I have someone interested in a wedding. I could have called but I wanted to get out of the office for a little bit. After losing in extra innings last night both Noah and Ty were grumpy.”

  “ I still haven’t used the tickets that Reid and I won. I’ve been meaning to do that.”

  Mia reached inside her purse. “Here’s a schedule.”

  “Hey, bring me a stack and I’ll put them on the front counter.”

  “Super idea. I’ll do that. Speaking of cutie-pie Reid, how are things going? Does your pensive mood have anything to do with him?”

  Addison shifted in the seat and nodded slowly. “I can’t make up my mind whether to invite him to appetizers and dinner tonight.”

  “Why? Because you think it will freak Reid out?”

  Addison played with the fringe on a throw pillow. “Yes, maybe, and my mom and dad might think I’ve gone off my rocker, already seeing someone.”

  Mia reached over and gave Addison a shove. “Would you just listen to yourself?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Let me ask you something. Do you want Reid there tonight?”

  Addison nodded. “Yes,” she answered softly.

  “Then don’t worry whether Reid will get freaked-out. If he does then you know where you stand with him right now. Knowing is so much better than wondering. And as for your parents? Yo
u need to remember to please yourself, not everyone else.”

  “I know … I know. Habits are hard to break, Mia.” She put her fingertips to her temples. “This is why I should have taken a break from guys, like I told myself.”

  “Life just doesn’t work that way. Look, and remember this: If your parents do voice concern or even disapproval, it’s out of love so don’t get mad at them. But ultimately, it’s your choice.”

  “How’d you get so smart?”

  Mia sighed through her grin. “Made lots of mistakes and cared about all the wrong stuff. Like having a closet full of shoes. Because my dad showed his love for me by buying me gifts I thought that things—possessions—made me happy. In the end, Addison, all we want is each other.” She started fanning her face. “Oh boy, this is going to make me cry!” She swiped at a tear.

  Addison leaned over to give her cousin a hug. “I’ve missed you so much. Thanks for being here for me.”

  “Hey, Reid might not give you the answer you want, and Uncle Paul and Aunt Mel might balk a little bit, but they are two of the most nonjudgmental people I know.”

  “Why is love so scary? It feels like I’m jumping off of a cliff.”

  “Because it means so much to us. But sometimes you just have to go for it. Like Cam says, you have to swing for the fences if you want to hit a homerun, but that also means you’ll strike out.”

  “I’m sooo damn tired of striking out.”

  Mia stood up and acted as if she were holding a baseball bat. “You just have to keep swinging!” She swished her arms through the air and put a hand to her forehead and pretended like she were watching the flight of the ball. “Would you look at that? Homerun!”

  Addison giggled. “You’ve been spending way too much time at the baseball park.”