Jessica Sharif turned to her fiancé after she’d put the phone on the hook. “Men are idiots, Geoffrey.”
Geoffrey peered at her from the bathroom, toothbrush protruding from his mouth. “And? You tell me this all the time.”
“Present company is the exception.” She smiled at him in his briefs. “Sexy.”
Geoffrey grinned. “Are you really going to come between your dad and his wife?”
“Well, someone has to do it.” She crawled into bed and searched for her address book in an end table drawer. “My father is simply too Old World and too hung up about certain things.” She grew reflective. “My mum really hurt him.”
Geoffrey rinsed his mouth and crawled in bed beside her. “What are you going to do?”
Jessica thumbed through the address book and grinned like a conspirator. She put the telephone receiver to her ear and dialed a number. “Donna, it’s Jessica Sharif. Don’t hang up. I still want Harley to come to the wedding, and I want her to bring a friend. Will you call her first for me so she doesn’t hang up? I’ll call later and do the rest.”
Abisi’s flight had been a long one, and he was exhausted. When the plane touched down at Heathrow, Abisi sighed gratefully when he saw his future son-in-law waiting for him outside of customs. Geoffrey pumped his hand and led him to the car. “Jess is busy. She and the girls are helping her with the final fitting.”
“I understand.” Abisi liked Geoffrey’s ready smile and easy kindness. “I can take care of myself until the rehearsal.”
“Oh, no, she wanted you to see her in the dress.” Geoffrey laughed self-consciously. “I’m supposed to take you to the studio.”
Abisi stared at the busy London streets. He’d last been here with Harley. The lump in his throat grew, almost suffocating him. Geoffrey sped through the streets. They passed Trafalgar Square, and Abisi had to look away. He remembered Harley’s scent as he’d held her by the lions.
When they entered the studio, Jessica’s lovely boss greeted him with a handshake and a hug. She was lovely in her blond ponytail and jeans. “It’s really good to see you again, Dr. Sharif. Jessica’s in the back with the other ladies.” She turned to Geoffrey, admonishing him with mock severity. “This is as far as you go.”
She led Abisi through the bowels of her studio and pointed to a cluster of women. Apparently sensing his discomfort, the blue-eyed designer took his hand and led him to them. Abisi saw her before she even turned around. He recognized the light brown, almost auburn, hair.
Harley turned smiling when she heard them, but her smile slowly faded.
“Hello, my love.” Abisi stared at her, transfixed. She was wearing black jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt reading ‘Vive La Louisiane.’ His heart beat a rapid symphony. She was beautiful.
“Oh, hi.” Harley nodded to him. She looked decidedly uncomfortable, kissed Jessica, and waved to the other girls. “I’d better be going. Pete’s waiting.”
Abisi looked at his daughter. She was lovely. A white lace veil covered her face and a sleek silk dress clung to her body. Forcing his gaze from Harley, Abisi turned to his daughter and kissed her. “My darling, you’re my pride and joy. You look like an angel. You’re ravishing.”
“Yes, she is.” Harley obviously had regained her composure. Experiencing more than a tinge of resentment, Abisi wondered if she missed him at all. He also wondered if Pete was who he thought Pete was. A surge of jealousy as powerful as a bolt of electricity soared through his insides. Harley kissed Jessica and nodded to the designer. “I gave that book to your dad.”
“Oh, yeah, he already read it.” The woman giggled. “He’s going to bore you with questions about Grace O’Malley at the wedding.”
“Glad he liked it.” Harley waved to them all and barely gave him a backward glance.
When everyone else left, Abisi beamed at his daughter with pride and clasped her to him, trying to sound casual. “I didn’t know you’d invited Harley.”
“Why not?” Jessica gave a casual shrug. “I like Harley. She’s a friend.” She cast what looked like a curious glance in his direction.
Abisi wondered how long he could gaze at Harley at the rehearsal party and in church before his heart burst. His chest ached at the mere sight of her.
Abisi found the rehearsal and following dinner almost intolerable. The rehearsal itself wasn’t terrible. Harley wasn’t in evidence, but she drifted into The Piccadilly Italian Restaurant for the dinner with Pete Vaughn at her side. They chatted intimately during the whole meal, and Harley gave a brief but heartfelt toast to the couple. How in God’s name would he get through all of this? He’d known Pete Vaughn had designs on Harley, John’s best man or not. Harley had also revealed during one of their more intimate talks that she’d been very close with Pete once after John’s death. Every time the man placed a hand on Harley’s arm or her leg, Abisi winced and poured himself more wine. He tried to eat his food and not smash in the man’s smug face. How could he endure this torture?
Harley gazed at her husband as he walked his daughter up the aisle. He was handsome in that black tux. No man had a right to look like that. She wasn’t sure why she was here, except that she had felt a real connection with Jessica. Besides, the girl had called, imploring her to come and emphasizing that she should bring a friend. Jessica had sworn to Harley that her father did love her and that he was just an idiot and socially inept. Well, Harley had to agree that he was an idiot. How could he listen to Judy and not talk to her? Pete then called. When he heard Harley was headed to London, Pete volunteered to escort her around London. He argued she shouldn’t be by herself after so traumatic an illness. Of course, when she’d told Pete her sad tale and the behavior of her relatives, Pete stoutly defended Judy and Vera. They were only being good friends, especially Judy. Harley made a mental note to be sure Pete called Judy when they were back in the States. She still smarted at Judy’s interference, but her cousin needed someone. Maybe Pete was the one. The man was handsome and had a winning smile. Besides, Pete also needed someone, but it wasn’t Harley.
Harley noticed Abisi sitting with his former in-laws in the front pew of St. James Church. She wondered if he felt her gaze boring into the back of his head. Idiot. Sometimes, Harley thought Abisi was watching her, too, but whenever she glanced in his direction, he was looking at his daughter and her husband as they exchanged vows.
After the ceremony, the party made its way to the designer’s studio, now decorated in white ribbons, bells and bows. Harley noticed that many men glanced her way with obvious appreciation. She’d selected her dress carefully. The blue silk clung to her slender body, and she balanced gracefully on black sandals. The designer’s handsome father approached her and praised her book. He then led her onto the dance floor and monopolized her for three dances. In the first two dances, he danced around her like an older uncle, telling her jokes and stories with a combination of self-effacing humor and sophisticated charm. She’d giggled like a schoolgirl at his jokes, and Harley later was pleasantly surprised when he took her in his arms and led her in a rather sensuous dance across the floor. The blood rushed to her face when he made eye contact with her. In one quick moment, he ceased to be anyone’s uncle. At the end of the dance, Harley fully understood why he could still make women swoon. Pete then cut in, and they danced throughout the night. At one point, she saw Abisi watching her, and his gaze held both desire and hurt. Her heart contracted with a combination of pity and joy. He loved her. She saw it in his eyes, but she didn’t know how to make this right.
When she returned from the ladies room, Harley came face to face with her husband. His voice was hushed and deadly. “What in hell do you think you’re doing?”
Harley raised her eyebrows. Her heart pounded. He was so close to her that she could smell his cologne. She’d missed him so much that every muscle in her body ached. Harley wanted to touch him but
backed away, making him think she was affronted. “I beg your pardon?”
“You’re still my wife, and you’re dancing like a tramp with other men.” His voice was hoarse. She could almost feel his smoldering anger. “At the very least, you look ridiculous dancing like that.”
“A tramp? You don’t know what trampy looks like. I haven’t started yet, and I don’t mind being ridiculous when a handsome man is at my side. I’m going to find Sir—” She started to walk away, but he clutched her arm. She raised her eyebrows and let her gaze fall on the arm he clasped. Her flesh was turning crimson.
Abisi dropped her arm. “Harley, I’m sorry. I’d never manhandled you or hurt you, but when I see you with another man, I can’t stand it.”
“Well, you left me. What right do you have to say with whom I dance?” Harley was partially enjoying his discomfort, but her blood was racing. The other part of her being wanted to melt into his arms.
“Left you?” His voice was controlled fury. He moved closer to her. “You threw me out of the house.”
“If you loved me, you would have stayed and fought.” Harley narrowed her eyes and thrust out her chin. Hurt was washing over her like waves on a beach. “How could you have listened to Judy and Vera? Why didn’t you talk to me?”
“It wasn’t only your friends. I thought the same thing.” His voice cracked, and she wanted to gather him in his arms. Instead, she just stared, not willing to let him know how much she loved him yet. He swallowed visibly. “I’d brought you a lot of grief.”
Anger bubbled in Harley’s chest. She jabbed a finger at him. “Who are you to decide what’s best for me? Don’t I have a say? I love you. I wanted you. No, you wanted out. Don’t try to hide it in some noble terms. You only married me because of the baby.”
“I’m sorry.” He swallowed and moved even closer to her. His breath feathered the light hair along her neck. “I’ve been a fool. I don’t want to see you in the arms of some other man. I’ve wanted to throttle every man who has looked at you. You look gorgeous standing there. I don’t want Pete Vaughn putting his paws on you.”
Harley’s skin turned to gooseflesh. She took his hand, and an electric jolt made her weak. She said softly. “You haven’t asked me to dance yet.”
Abisi clasped her to his chest. She sobbed against him, melting into him. He encircled her in his arms, tilted back her head, and planted a lingering kiss on her lips. “I love you, Harley. I don’t care if we never have children. I’ll never disrespect you again or treat you like you are anything less than my full partner.” His voice smoldered as he planted another lingering kiss on her lips.
Harley fought for breath under the sheer force of his passion. She swept her arms around his neck. “Don’t leave me tonight.”
“What about Pete?” He kissed her neck, her eyes, her cheeks, and then settled on her lips.
“Pete isn’t staying in my room, my darling. He’s only a friend.” Harley drew him even closer and let her own lips linger along his face. “I’m still very much a married woman.”
“Hey, mate, you’d better ask your wife to dance. You don’t want someone to spirit her off.” The designer’s father winked at Harley and then headed to the men’s room.
Harley and Abisi collapsed laughing in each other’s arms. He led her onto the dance floor. “Did my daughter plan all of this?”
Harley waved at Jessica when the bride whirled past them with her groom on the floor. “Yeah, she did, and I’m starting to think she had all of London in on it.”
Abisi gathered her close, and Harley felt the electric charge she had earlier. “None of those men danced with you like I will.”
Harley pressed her leg against him and let her lips caress his chin. “Are you ready for great make-up sex?”
“Yes, for the rest of our lives.” Abisi whirled her around in his arms.
Epilogue
January, 2010
“Don’t look so shocked. You know this is good for me. I had nightmares in this house after Kimberly—” Harley broke off. She was sitting at Juan’s Flying Burrito with Donna, Judy, and Vera. She forced herself to smile. Sometimes, Kimberly’s face flashed before her when she slept, but now, Abisi held her in his arms. The nightmares stopped, but she nonetheless needed a change of pace.
“London, Harley?” Donna laughed but shook her head. “You hate cold weather.”
“I also hate hot weather. I just like to complain.” Harley grinned and shrugged. “Besides, I can write anywhere. London will offer me new research opportunities, and I might even work with refugee kids over there.”
Judy stared at her and bit into a chip. “Wouldn’t you need to learn about their schools?”
“Of course.” Harley nodded to the waiter as he deposited their food in front of them. “I’ll work on that when I’m there. Abisi wants to work with refugees. Many people from Middle Eastern countries aren’t really represented.”
Donna sucked on her straw. “You always were a good teacher. Maybe you’ll like it again.”
Harley nodded. Her soul was as light as a feather. “That’s what I’m hoping. I also want to write even more. When we first arrive in the fall of next year, I’ll do only that. I may write a war novel set in WWII.” She munched on her black beans. “There’s plenty of history in Europe.”
“I’ll miss you.” Judy stuck out her lip in a pout.
“So will I.” Donna clasped Harley’s hand.
“Don’t get maudlin. We’ll be back in summer.” Harley clasped each of their hands. “You won’t get rid of me that easily, but Jessica and her husband will start a family soon. I know Abisi wants to be around his daughter more. He missed a lot when his kids were little.”
“What about Nico?” Donna shot Harley a horrified glance.
“Nico will have to be checked out, but have no fear, Nico is coming with me. That dog saved my life. He stays with me in a place of honor.” Harley smiled at them. She brushed away a stray tear as a lump formed in her throat. “The phone bill will be unbelievable, you know, but Abisi says he doesn’t care. He loves me. Besides, I’ll see you during the summer. We’re only renting the house, not selling, and we’ll come back every summer to visit.” She then turned to her mother-in-law. “You haven’t said anything.”
Vera sat stock still with a glass of rum and coke in her hand. She swallowed hard. Tears glistened in her eyes when she turned to Harley. She clasped Harley’s hand tightly. “I’ll miss you, but you do need a change. I haven’t flown in years, but I’ll come see you.”
“The door will always be open.” Harley pressed Vera’s hand to her cheek.
Judy looked down and then turned to Harley. “Look, I have to say this. I’m sorry I talked that way to your husband. I shouldn’t have said those things.”
“It’s okay. He forgave you before I did.” Harley grinned at her. “Did Pete call you?”
“Yeah, we’re going to a movie Friday night.” Judy blushed, laughed, and looked down.
Harley and Donna exchanged glances. “Well, I may be coming back for a wedding, too.”
“It’s just a movie, for God’s sakes. Besides, I’ve known Pete for years. I don’t know if any sparks will fly.” Judy waved a dismissive hand but looked pleased.
Harley and Donna exchanged grins. Harley shook a finger at Judy. “Hey, you never know. Don’t discount old Pete yet. The boy’s a looker.”
Judy shook her head but laughed, obviously thrilled. “Oh, where are the men in your lives?”
“Coming. Both hard at work.” Harley smiled and waved when she saw her husband walk in with Mike. “We ordered for you two. The waiter was going to bring it when you came.”
Abisi kissed her as he pulled up a chair beside her. She nestled against him. His mere presence made her day. After leaving their friends, Harley walked with her hus
band to their car. She grasped his hand when he opened her car door. “I love you, you know.”
“How do you feel about being uprooted? Do you resent it?” He looked at her with an earnest gaze.
“Look, my love, home is where you are. It doesn’t have to be on any particular side of the ocean.” Harley let him settle her in the car. She stared at him a long time before he leaned into the car and kissed her with smoldering passion.
The next day, Harley stood with Jerry, her electrician and with Stan, her plumber. The two men had examined the house and were now giving her their individual assessments of the property’s needs. Harley wanted the house in good condition before Carville moved into it with his new bride. The couple would be married before Harley and Abisi departed for England, and Carville was thrilled to find a home near his aging grandmother.
Jerry gave her and broad smile and indicated figures on a clipboard. He was a tall man with graying hair, a beer gut, and an ebony moustache. “Well, you see, Ms. Harley, the old house is pretty damned sound.” He handed her the clipboard. “You just need to sign there.”
“Of course. I don’t want the old homestead burning down.” Harley quickly signed the papers and turned to Stan. She cast an expectant glance at him and smiled.
Stan was a head shorter than Jerry, wiry and wizened. His skin was as brown as a nut’s, and he reminded her of an acorn that had been too long in the sun. He ran a hair through his hair and cleared his throat. “Your pipes need flushing. I can have a crew out here tomorrow, ma’am.”
“So the house will be shipshape for my tenants, right?” Harley smiled, her gaze moving between the men.
Jerry and Stan said, “Yes, ma’am” at the same time. Harley completed the paperwork, wondering why she felt sad and strangely alone. The house was her link to her parents, and she was leaving it.
Harley waved at the men as they made their way to their individual trucks and departed. She strode onto the porch and swung open the screen door. Nico barked happily and sniffed the boxes Harley and Abisi had filled with their possessions. Amazing what people collected in a lifetime, Harley mused. She’d grown up in the house and had fond memories of it. Well, a newly married couple would begin their new lives together in it, and she, though not as young as they, was starting a new life with a man she loved. Still . . .
The Doctor and the War Widow Page 22