He was as good as his word. Which she had learned Ryan always was. He pulled up in front of her house at three o’clock.
She stepped out onto the veranda when she saw a sports car followed by a red truck she recognized pull to the curb. Ryan stepped out of the car and waved. She strolled down the path toward him. A man almost as tall as Ryan climbed out of the truck.
“Phoebe, this is Mike. He came along to help me move the chest in.”
“Hi, Mike, thanks for going out of your way to do this.”
“Nice to meet you. No worries. Ryan has given me a hand a few times.”
She looked at Ryan but he gave no explanation. Knowing him, he’d gone out of his way more than once to help people, yet he had no one special in his life. It was as if he was all about deeds but not about becoming emotionally involved. Did he feel the same way about her?
“Let’s get these in. Phoebe and I have a wedding to attend,” he said to Mike.
The two men undid the straps securing the chest and rocker in the truck bed. They carried the chest into the house.
“Show us where you want it,” Ryan said to her. She followed them down the hall and into the baby’s room.
She had them place it against the wall opposite the bed. “Perfect.”
Ryan grinned. “I’ll get the rocker.”
“Thank you for your help,” Phoebe told Ryan’s friend as he followed Ryan out the door.
He waved an arm. “No problem, mate.”
She waited there for Ryan to return.
Doing a back-and-forth maneuver, he brought the rocker through the doorway. “Where do you want it?”
“Next to the bed, I think.”
He placed it where she’d suggested.
She gave the top of the chair a nudge and watched it rock.
“Aren’t you going to try it?”
“Yes, I am.” She promptly took a seat, placing her hands on the ends of the arms. Moving back and forth a couple of times, she looked up at him and said in a reverent tone, “It’s wonderful. Just wonderful.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I do.” She continued to rock and rub the arms with her hands.
“I hate to mention this but we need to get a move on or we’ll be late to Sophia’s wedding.”
“I know. All I need to do is slip on my dress. It shouldn’t take long.” She pushed out of the chair with obvious reluctance.
“My suit is in the car. Mind if I change in the other bedroom?”
“Make yourself at home,” Phoebe said, as she walked out of the room. She stopped and faced him. “Ryan, it’s really nice to have you around. You have been a good friend the last few weeks. I really needed one.”
A lump came to Ryan’s throat he couldn’t clear. His heart thumped in his chest. All he could do was look at her. Before he could speak she was gone. With those few words from her he received the same high he did when he delivered a baby. That the world could be a good and kind place. Her happiness was starting to matter too much.
What had he gotten himself into? As hard as he’d worked to keep their relationship centered on helping her get ready for the baby, he’d still grown to care for the fascinating and fabulous woman that was the mother. If he wasn’t careful he could become far too involved with Phoebe. Start to care too much. Did he have that in him?
He’d dressed and was waiting in the living room for Phoebe when she entered, carrying her shoes. She wore a modest sleeveless pale blue dress that had pleats in front. Her hair was down but she had pulled one side of it away from her face. It was held in place with a sparkling clasp. She was beautiful in her simplicity.
“I hate to ask this but could you help me buckle my shoes? I’ve been working for five minutes to figure out how to do it around this baby and it’s just not working.”
Ryan smiled. “Have a seat and I’ll give it a try.”
She sat on the sofa and Ryan went down on one knee.
“You look like Prince Charming, dressed in your suit.”
“More like a shoe salesman.”
They both laughed.
She handed him a shoe and he lifted her foot and put it on.
Working with the small buckle, he said, “No wonder you were having such a hard time. This would be difficult for an aerospace engineer.”
“Yes, but they look good.”
Ryan rolled his eyes.
“Let’s get the other one on. Man went to the moon with less effort than I’m putting into this.”
She gave his shoulder a playful slap. “Remind me not to ask you for help again.”
He gave her a pointed look. “And your plan for getting these off is?”
She smiled. “You are now acting like a shoe salesman and not Prince Charming.”
He finished the task and stood. “Just so you’ll recognize it, this is the part where I am Prince Charming.” He reached out both hands.
Phoebe put hers in his and he pulled her up until she stood. Ryan continued to hold her hands as he stepped back and studied her. “You look beautiful.”
She blinked and a dreamy smile spread across her face. “Thank you. That was very Prince Charming-ish. You look very dashing yourself.”
He chuckled. A ripple of pride went through him at her praise. “I do try.”
She removed her hands from his and went across the room to where a shawl and purse lay in the chair nearest the front door. “We should go.”
“Yes, we should. It’s an hour’s drive and I’ve not been there before.”
“I know how to get there. I’ve been by Overnewton Castle many times. I’ve always wanted to go there for afternoon tea but never have been in.”
“Well, princess, this is your chance.” Ryan opened the door.
As she went out onto the veranda she said, “Yeah, like I look like a princess. More like a duck.”
Not to me.
CHAPTER SEVEN
PHOEBE HAD HEARD that Overnewton Castle was gorgeous but she’d never imagined it was anything like this magnificent. As Ryan drove up the tree-lined drive, the Victorian Tudor-style house came into view. It resembled a castle with its textured masonry, steep roofs and turrets. The multiple stories of corners and angles covered in ivy made it look even more impressive. The expanse of rolling hills and river below created a view that was breathtaking. It was a fairy-tale spot to hold a wedding or a princess for the evening.
“Wow, what a place,” Ryan said, as he pulled into the car park that was secluded by trees. “After getting engaged in a hot-air balloon, I shouldn’t be surprised that Sophia and Aiden would pick a place like this to marry.”
“You don’t like it?”
“Sure. It’s just a little over the top for me.”
“I love it.” She did rather feel like a princess, being out with Ryan with the beautiful house as a backdrop.
He came around and helped her out. “I’m more like a beside-the-creek kind of guy but I have to admit this is a nice place.”
“Getting married beside a creek, with the water washing over the rock, does sound nice.” She pulled the shawl closer around her. When she had trouble adjusting it Ryan removed it, untwisted it and placed it across her shoulders once more. His hands lingered warm and heavy on her shoulders for a second. She missed his touch the instant it was gone.
“I think it’s more about making a commitment and less about having a wedding.”
Worry entered her voice. “You don’t think Sophia and Aiden will last?”
“I’m not saying that. I think they’ll do fine. It’s just that I was in the service with too many guys whose wives had to have these big weddings and the marriages didn’t last two years.” He took her arm and placed it through his, putting his other hand over hers. She felt protected. Something that had been missing in her life for too long. They walked in the direction of the house.
“I had no idea you were such a cynic.”
Ryan shrugged. “Maybe I am, but I just know what I’ve seen.”
“This must be the place.” Ryan led her through the hedge opening.
Men and women stood in small groups between the house and the ceremony area. Phoebe recognized a few staff members from the hospital. An unsure feeling washed over her. Should she be here?
“Something wrong?” Ryan asked, as they made their way across the garden.
He always seemed to know when she was disturbed. She pulled away from him. “Are you sure you should have brought me? These are the people you work with and I’m not one of them.”
“Look at me, Phoebe.” She did. His gaze was intense. “I wanted you here with me.” He took her hand. “I want to introduce you to some people I work with.”
With Ryan beside her she was capable of facing anything. Phoebe had no doubt that he would remain beside her. She could rely on him. What it all came back to was that she could trust him. He would be there for her. This was the kind of relationship she’d been looking for, dreamed of. A man who would stand beside her. She glanced at his profile, and smiled.
Phoebe recognized a number of the guests from their pictures on the wall of the clinic but there was no reason that they would know her. She had only been a patient of Sophia, and now Ryan. Still, were they surprised to see him show up with a pregnant date?
She pulled on Ryan’s hand, bringing him to a stop. “In that case, we both need to look our best. Let me straighten your tie.”
“What’s wrong with my tie?”
“It just needs an adjustment.” Phoebe stepped so close that the baby brushed against him as she reached up to move his tie a centimeter to the left. “Now it’s perfect.” Their gazes met.
“No, you’re perfect.” She blinked. His low raspy voice sent a ripple of awareness through her.
“Thank you,” she said softly, “and thanks for this evening. It’s already been wonderful.” She meant that with all her heart.
His brow arched. “We haven’t done anything yet.”
“I know, but it was nice just to be invited out.” And to be treated as someone special.
The group opened up as they approached to include them. Ryan went around the circle, introducing everyone. His hand came to rest on the curve of her back. “And this is my friend, Phoebe Taylor.”
She noticed that Ryan had presented her as a friend when he’d only introduced the people he worked with as his colleagues. It seemed as if he didn’t have many people he considered friends. Yet he and she had formed what she would call a friendship. Why didn’t he have more of them?
Ryan was acting nothing like he had the day she had met him. Was he hiding from the world for some reason? What had happened?
She smiled and listened to the conversation and banter between the members of the group. Ryan wasn’t left out. He was obviously liked so why didn’t he consider any of them his friends?
A few minutes later the notes from a harp sounded to announce it was time for the ceremony to begin. People started taking their seats.
“Sophia has pulled out all the stops for this wedding. I don’t believe I’ve ever been to one with someone playing the harp,” Ryan whispered. His breath brushed her neck as they stood in line, waiting for the usher to seat them.
Shivers ran down her spine. Thankfully her reaction went unnoticed because a tuxedo-wearing groomsman approached. He offered his arm and escorted her down the aisle, with Ryan following.
As they took their seats Ryan spoke to a couple of women sitting behind them. One he introduced as Isla, the head midwife in the maternity unit, and her husband, Dr. Alessandro Manos, who was one of the doctors there. Phoebe recognized Isla from visits to the clinic. A number of times Phoebe had seen her in the hallway. She was also very familiar with the prominent Delamere name. It appeared often in the society pages. She and Isla had something in common. Isla was pregnant as well but not as far along as she was. The other woman was Dr. Darcie Green. Phoebe was told she was a visiting obstetrician from London but she didn’t catch her date’s name.
After they were settled in their chairs she glanced at Ryan. He wore a stoic look. She leaned toward him. “This really isn’t your favorite thing to do, is it?”
His shoulder touched hers. They must have looked like two lovers whispering. What would it be like to be loved by Ryan? Amazing would be her guess. She’d sworn to herself she wouldn’t cross the line, had made Ryan pledge the same, but she wasn’t sure she wanted it that way any longer.
“Do you know a man that enjoys this?”
She paused. “No, I guess not. We don’t have to stay.”
“I promised dinner and dancing and I don’t plan to disappoint you.” Ryan moved closer, putting his mouth to her ear. The intimacy made her grow warm. “Men do like food and holding women.”
Was he looking forward to dancing with her as much as she was look forward to spending time in his arms? Thankfully, a woman stood in front and began to sing a hymn, leaving Phoebe no more time to contemplate the anticipation of having Ryan hold her. She wasn’t sure she could have commented if she’d had a chance. Minutes later the parents of the bride and groom were seated. The harpist played again. The groom and groomsmen stepped to the altar, which was defined by a white metal arch.
Phoebe straightened her back as far as she could to see over the heads of those sitting in front of them. The men wore black tuxedos, making them look not only dashing but sophisticated. She glanced at Ryan and imagined what he would look like in a tux. Very handsome, no doubt. She could only see the top of the best man’s head. He was in a wheelchair.
Ryan put his arm across the back of her chair and whispered, “That’s Aiden’s brother, Nathan, in the chair.”
Phoebe nodded.
The harpist continued to play as the bridesmaids came down the aisle. They were dressed in bright yellow knee-length dresses of various styles. Each carried a bouquet of white daisies. As they joined the men, they made a striking combination against the backdrop of trees and plants.
A breeze picked up and Phoebe pulled her wrap closer. She felt Ryan adjusting the wrap to cover her right arm completely. His hand rested on her shoulder. There was something reassuring about the possessive way he touched her.
She looked at him and smiled.
It was time for Sophia to come down the aisle. At the first note of the traditional wedding march everyone stood. Phoebe went up on her toes to catch a glimpse of the bride going by.
“Move so I can see.” She nudged Ryan back a step so she could peer around him.
He gave her an indulgent smile and complied.
What little she could observe of Sophia looked beautiful. When she reached Aiden all the guests sat.
Ryan’s hand came to rest on her shoulder again. He nudged her close. “You really do like this stuff.”
“Shush,” Phoebe hissed.
He chuckled softly.
It wasn’t long until Sophia and Aiden were coming back down the aisle as man and wife.
Ryan took Phoebe’s hand as they filed out of their row. He continued to hold it while they walked across the garden toward the house where the reception would be held. They entered the main hall through glass doors. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were being served there. Phoebe gasped at the beauty of the majestic circular staircase before them. It and the dark wood paneling were all the decoration required.
“Come over here,” Ryan said, placing his hand on her waist. “If you plan to dance the night away, I think you need to get off your feet and rest while you can.”
For once she accepted his concern and consideration. She’d gone so many years doing everything for herself that having someone think of her was fabulous. This evening she was going to enjoy being pampered. Having it d
one by Ryan would be even nicer.
There were high-backed chairs sitting along the wall and she took one of them. Ryan stood beside her. When the waiter carrying drinks came by they both requested something nonalcoholic, she because she was pregnant and he because he said he would be driving. She liked it that he was acting responsibly. Now that she was having a baby it seemed she thought about that more.
A number of people stopped and spoke to Ryan. While he talked to them, his fingers lightly rested against the top of her shoulder. It would be clear to everyone that she was with him. He never failed to introduce her. A few people gave her belly a searching look and then grinned at them. They must have thought they were a couple.
“Why, hello, Ryan. I never took you for a wedding kind of guy. I’ve never even seen you at a Christmas party.” The words were delivered in a teasing tone by a woman who joined them.
Phoebe looked up at Ryan and he seemed to take the comment in stride.
“Hello, Vera. It’s nice to see you, too. Sophia twisted my arm on this one. Couldn’t get out of it. I’d like you to meet Phoebe Taylor.” He directed the next statement to Phoebe. “Vera is the hospital’s chief anesthetist.”
“Hi.” Phoebe smiled at Vera.
“Nice to meet you.” Vera’s attention went back to Ryan. “I had no idea you were expecting a baby.”
“It’s not mine.”
“Oh.” She made the word carry a mountain of suggestions and questions.
“Phoebe was a wife of a friend of mine in the service. He was killed eight months ago.”
Vera looked down at Phoebe. “I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.” Somehow the pain of Joshua not being there had eased over the last few weeks.
“So when’s the baby due?”
“In just a few weeks,” Phoebe said.
“You’re being followed at Victoria antenatal?” Vera showed true interest.
“You mean prenatal,” Ryan quipped.
She glared at him. “I wished you’d get away from calling it that. I have to think twice when you do.”
“And I have to think when you called it antenatal. Old habits die hard.”
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