“Let’s not have that argument this morning, mama.” When she fell silent, he prompted, “But?”
“I don’t know why you had to turn your back on your family to do it.”
Stung, he burst out, “Turn my back? You all are the ones that took Anna’s side.”
“She came back here, with her tale of woe, and you stayed away, like a hound with your tail tucked between your legs. What were we supposed to think?”
“You could have given me the benefit of the doubt.”
“Let’s not have that argument this morning, Matthew.”
He sighed. “I thought my family’d be here for me when I did come home.”
“Did you think we’d all stay here in Savannah? Stay exactly the same, frozen in time, for when you decided to finally come home again? Maybe things won’t always stay the same.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
She sighed deeply, playing with her teaspoon before looking up at him. She bit her lip and then took his hand, her palm soft in his. He flipped his hand over and laced his fingers with hers. “I have breast cancer.”
Matthew stared at her, unable to comprehend the meaning of the words and their connection to his vibrant, beloved mother. She’d been fifty-six on her last birthday. He knew because he’d sent her fifty-six perfect yellow roses. His pulse thrummed in his neck and wrists, as his vision constricted and grayed on the sides. He couldn’t get his lungs to inflate past the icy shock lodged in his chest.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he managed to get out, in a high, breathy voice he didn’t recognize as his own through the roaring in his ears.
“What was I supposed to do? Call you up and say, ‘Hey, Matthew, I know you’re busy living your life as far from home as possible, avoiding your entire family. Guess what, honey?’”
“What’s being done? Chemo or…?” How could he be sitting here discussing the word chemo with his mama? He felt like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, lost and disoriented, dizzy and unsure, unable to get his bearings. She squeezed his hand, giving him a tight smile.
“I had surgery. The doctors caught it all in time. I’m okay now.” He blew out a breath and fought to drag another into his constricted lungs. He leaned over and pulled her into his arms, resting his head on her shoulder, as she wrapped her arms around him, patting his hair. Matthew inhaled the rose and lavender scent of her, closing his eyes as he recognized the comforting smell of home, as she patted his back. “It’s okay, baby.”
“Why didn’t you tell me, mama? I’d have come right home,” Matthew asked when they broke apart, knuckling at his watering eyes.
“I was going to tell you when I came to see you in Chicago, but you were so brittle, so frozen in your pain, I couldn’t add one more thing.” When his mama came to see him in Chicago, for a long weekend in March, they’d taken a whirlwind tour of the city. The whole time, he’d acted as bright and cheerful as he could, trying to conceal his misery, loneliness, and bewilderment over the end of his marriage. Guess he’d done a great job of it.
“Is this why Alex is rushing to the altar?”
“He doesn’t even know. He was off at school. Marina does because she helped Victor take care of me. She’s had to grow up a lot this past year.” Matthew nodded, and his mother continued, “I hope now you’ve seen Alex and Ashley together you’ll put these notions of stopping the wedding out of your fool head.”
“He’s making a mistake. He’s too young.”
“Alex is not you, Matthew. And you’ve got no right to force your opinions on a family you’re barely a part of anymore.”
“Ouch, mama.”
“You asked me how to fix it. Not hindering your brother’s wedding would be a good start. Spending more time with your brother and your little sister while you’re here would be another good idea. And maybe not make it so long between visits.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Matthew mumbled, but more out of habit than actually agreeing with his mother. “You’re sure you’re fine?”
“I’m sure.” She smiled at him and then patted his cheek. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get dressed and head into town. I’m meeting with that adorable bridesmaid at this afternoon. Speaking of her, you seemed awfully friendly with Ms. Delaney.”
“Erin and I met at the airport.”
“Erin? Just how close did you all get at the airport?”
Matthew smiled, remembering waking up next to her yesterday.
His mama raised a single slim eyebrow. “The one you were snowed in at?”
“The very same,” Matthew smirked at her.
“My, my how interesting.” She shooed him out the back door. “Take a walk. And think about what I said, will you?”
Matthew headed back to the B&B the long way, his stomach rumbling for breakfast. Though his mama gave him a good scare this morning, he thanked his lucky stars she’d be fine. He still didn’t know how to heal the breach with his family though. Here he’d been nursing his righteous anger all this time, only to find them just as angry at him.
He headed back past the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, admiring the ornate French gothic architectural details and the stained glass windows, glowing in the early morning sun. As he walked through shady Lafayette Square and passed the splashing central fountain, a swishing blonde ponytail caught his eye. Erin, wearing an eye-catching bright pink windbreaker, walked briskly toward a slim gray townhouse in the corner of the square. She stopped in front of the townhouse Flannery O’Connor grew up in. She read the plaque and snapped a photo. Then attempted a selfie of her with the house. After snapping the shot, she scowled at the phone and held it out to try again. He should find his brother and start trying to talk him out of getting married. He didn’t need to be distracted by the lovely Ms. Delaney.
He had tons of things he should do. Instead, he headed over to her, greeting her with, “Want some help?”
Chapter Ten
At the deep voice behind her, Erin started and turned to find Matthew. He stood, his hands in his pockets, a few feet from her. Dressed casually, in worn jeans, a T-shirt and a forest green hoodie, the cool breeze tossing his dark hair, he looked even better than he did in his bespoke suits. Her heart fluttered in her chest at the sight of him, silhouetted against the lush green backdrop of Lafayette Square across the street. She extended her phone to him and smiled. He snapped the shot before handing the phone back to her.
“Are you a big fan of Ms. O’Connor?”
“I read a story or two in school,” Erin said. “You?”
“Same. Out to see the sights of the city then?”
“Exactly. I mapped out the best route on my phone last night, after checking with social media and—”
“For a really good tour of the city, you need a local. Want me to show you around?” Since they’d been in the city, his accent deepened, honeying his speech. She’d love nothing more than to spend the morning with the intriguing Matthew. His mother had asked her to keep him busy. And he was a local. He’d definitely give her a good tour.
“I’m sure you’ve got a lot planned for today…”
“Nothing past breakfast.”
“What, no nefarious plans to break up your brother’s wedding?”
“I’ll save those for after lunch.” She smiled. He extended his hand to her and slowly, she slipped her hand into his, enjoying the warmth as he wrapped his fingers around hers. “Let’s see what we can find to eat first.”
Hand in hand, they strolled across Lafayette Square. Even in December, the famous squares of the city glowed emerald green and welcoming, like tiny jewel boxes studded throughout the city. The early morning rain still dripped from the trees and occasionally spattered them with droplets when the cool breeze tossed the branches. Mist curled like wraiths from the paved street. Sunshine peeked through the clouds, fighting to warm the day. Occasionally, cars whizzed past, their tires hissing on the rain-slicked streets. Matthew wrapped his hand around hers, warm and comfortable as
they strode along together, in companionable silence.
“I bet the squares are beautiful in the spring. With all the flowers.”
Matthew nodded. “Mama’s garden club hosts part of the Azalea Festival every year. The pink ones in Forsyth Park are pretty.”
“That’s where the big white fountain is?”
“Yeah, I’ll show you later.” Despite herself, she smiled. He wanted to see her later…
Resolutely, she pushed that thought away. His mother was her client. She had a wedding to pull off. Romance was not in the cards, no matter how much she might like it to be.
He steered her to a small cafe and bakery a block from the square. The script lettering emblazoned on the navy and white striped awnings proclaimed it The Pie Plate. “Come on, they make great fresh doughnuts here. Not as good as Aunt Millie’s chocolate blossoms, but good.”
They stepped inside the tiny, bustling cafe. Erin inhaled the sweet scent of gooey pastries, the rich scent of coffee, and the mouthwatering scent of bacon frying. Every table in the cafe was taken, crowded with an eclectic mix of patrons from moms with young kids to professionals skimming their news feeds to retirees lingering over their morning meal. Bright murals decorated the walls showing Savannah in full springtime bloom as blue gingham cafe curtains fluttered in the breeze. As they waited in the long line, she examined the offerings in the lighted bakery display case, tempted by everything she saw. Matthew leaned down next to her, their reflection gleaming off the mirrored back of the case. He was the most tempting treat of all.
“It all looks good, but I’ll just have coffee,” Erin finally decided. She’d eaten some oatmeal with Millie before heading out on her sightseeing trip.
“That’s all you want?”
“That’s all I can allow myself to have.” She met his eyes—the color of sunshine though honey this morning. Was she was talking about the treats or the man?
“I can’t tempt you with anything?” Matthew grinned at her, running his thumb over the back of her fingers. Erin tugged her hand out of his and shook her head. He tempted her to throw away her rules and her good sense, far too much.
“Westie!” A booming voice cried from above them. Erin stood up as Matthew greeted the tall, ginger haired man who emerged from behind the counter with a series of handshakes and complicated backslapping maneuvers. “You in town for Alex’s wedding? Can’t believe your little brother is old enough to get married already. I remember him followin’ us around like a lost duckling, always wantin’ to shoot hoops with us or start up a pickup game. Now he’s getting married.”
“Not if I can help it,” Matthew said.
The other man laughed uncertainly and looked at Erin, his blue eyes wide in his freckled face. “And who is this?”
Matthew introduced Erin to Shortie Campbell. As he stood a good foot and a half taller than Erin herself, she assumed the nickname was meant to be ironic.
“Matthew here was the best shot on the whole basketball team in high school. We went all the way to the state championship, thanks to Westie here. Nobody could put up baskets like him.”
“You and the rest of the team mighta had something to do with it, Shortie,” Matthew said modestly, an adorable blush staining his cheekbones.
“Mighta had,” Shortie nodded, laughing. “Then he went off to Georgia Tech and, instead of goin’ pro, I heard he designs big fancy buildings now and I’m running my grandpa’s bakery. What can I get you all?”
“Just coffee for me, thanks.” Erin smiled.
“You don’t want to try our praline doughnut? Best in the south.”
“I already ate, but they look great,” Erin said. Resisting temptation seemed to be the order of the day.
“You’re in the wedding, Westie?”
Matthew nodded. “Erin is a bridesmaid too.”
“We’re making the cake. Should be a beautiful reception, out on Tybee. Your mama’s been worrying herself ragged over all the details.” Matthew’s lips compressed at that but he smiled and gave Shortie his order—two praline doughnuts, and coffees. He ordered hers fixed the way she liked it, again. “You sure I can’t tempt you, Miz Erin? Here, I’ll give Westie an extra, just in case.”
Shortie ushered them out of the shop. Erin strolled along, sipping her coffee, past rows of brick town-homes that most of the time she’d find charming. Instead, she wanted to know more about the charming man beside her. “So, you played basketball in high school then?”
Matthew nodded. “And in college.”
“You didn’t want to go pro, like Shortie said?” Erin asked, sipping her rich coffee as he downed his first doughnut.
“I wasn’t that good,” he said. “And I wanted to be an architect.”
“So you became one.”
He shrugged as they strolled along. She admired his determination and drive to achieve, qualities she also possessed, and part of what made him a formidable opponent with this upcoming wedding. She sipped her coffee and then said, “And Matthew, don’t even think about canceling that cake order.”
He barked out a laugh, offering her a bite of his third doughnut, as they stood on a street corner, waiting for the light to change. Their eyes met and held for a heartbeat and then another. He wiggled the doughnut invitingly and she caught the sweet, rich scent of the pecan-praline glaze. Giving in, she leaned over and took a small bite, her eyes never leaving his, as the sugary treat melted on her tongue. “Wow. Shortie can really bake.”
“Want more?” Matthew drawled, their gazes locking again. She did. She really, really did. She licked her lips and then, slowly, regretfully, Erin shook her head. He finished the treat in two quick bites.
“Now I’m all fueled up, let’s go see the city.” He swiped his hands on his jeans and took her hand again, tugging her toward downtown. They walked for several hours, taking snapshots, chatting, and window-shopping.
“Want your picture in front of the Waving Girl?” They walked over to the riverfront statue together. The statue memorialized Florence Martus and her beloved collie, waving a handkerchief to welcome ships into Savannah’s ports for years.
“What would motivate someone to welcome ships like that for decades?” Erin mused as she positioned herself in front of the statue for a photograph and turned with a smile. “Love?”
Matthew rolled his eyes as he snapped the picture. “Boredom.”
“Cynic,” Erin argued.
“Maybe I am a cynic. But I don’t believe in love like that.”
“Want me to take your picture together?” an older man interrupted. Matthew agreed instantly and handed over her phone, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as they smiled together. The warmth of his touch penetrated through her jacket and shirt, sending awareness sparking over her skin. After the man took a few shots, Erin looked up at Matthew. His gaze met hers and fell to her lips as he inclined his head, pulling her closer to him with the arm still wrapped around her shoulders. Erin tilted toward him, drawn closer as though magnetized.
When their lips were inches apart, the kindly tourist interrupted to hand back her phone. She stepped forward to take it, Matthew’s arm falling away. Erin, still flustered from their near kiss, looked back at Matthew. “I should be getting back. I’m meeting your mama at two.”
He glanced at his watch. “You want to grab lunch first?”
“Sure.” They headed back up the street but he didn’t take her hand again and instead walked with a wide space between them. She snapped a few more photos as they walked, enjoying the quiet charm of the city. A horse drawn carriage clip-clopped past and she stopped to take a photo.
“You love being a tourist, huh?”
“I never understood that hipster, no-touristy-photos thing. If I go to a city, I want to see all the sights and experience it fully. Otherwise, why go?”
“Work, for example,” Matthew answered.
“How long have you lived in Chicago?”
“About a year, I guess. This project is nearly complete though so I�
�ll move again soon.” Matthew shrugged as he led her up the steps of a vibrantly pink mansion that had been converted to a restaurant.
“And I bet you haven’t seen even half the city.”
“I have. When mama came, we did all sorts of touristy things. We even went to see the river dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day.” He trailed off though, biting his lip, as they were shown to seats in an upstairs room, with silvery wallpaper depicting nature scenes. She flipped open her menu before he volunteered, “I went to see mama this morning.”
She put down her menu and watched him tap his long fingers on the table. Finally, when he’d scrutinized the silverware long enough, she prompted him, “And?”
“Mama has—had—breast cancer.” He blew out his breath in a whoosh. She reached across the table to lace her fingers with his. “She’ll be okay. They caught it in time but…I didn’t know. How could I not know something like that about my own mother?”
“She might not have wanted to tell people. Everyone faces challenges like that in their own way,” Erin pointed out, squeezing his hand.
“Yeah, but she’s my mama. After my father left, it was just the two of us against the world, until she met Victor.” Matthew paused and then, quickly, as though he couldn’t keep it contained anymore. “She accused me of turning my back on the family. I didn’t mean to lose my family as well as my wife.”
“They love you, Matthew. Truly. I could see it last night.” Being around Matthew’s family last night reminded her, painfully, of being with her parents before their untimely demise. Back then, it’d just been the four Delaneys against the world. Now down to two, her and Dylan. “They may be hurt at your distance since your divorce but that love is still there.”
“I love them too,” Matthew said, still holding her hand.
“I know. You have to show them that.”
“While you’re meeting with mama, I’ll go see Alex. See if I can talk some sense into him.”
Forever a Bridesmaid (Always a Bridesmaid Book 1) Page 6