Destination Wedding (Crimson Romance)

by Robyn Neeley

  “Me, too.” Miles chirped.

  She chuckled. “You too, Miles.” Janet picked up her drink and waved for both of them to do the same. “I really am very proud of you both and all you accomplished in such a short time. Tomorrow is a big day for Tie Your Knot.”

  She continued, “A toast to you both and to many more weddings just like tomorrow’s.”

  Kate fought back the tears and hoisted her glass. How ironic the best day in Tie Your Knot history would also go down as the worst day of her life.

  • • •

  Two hours later, Kate took the long way around the resort to her room. In doing so, she hoped to avoid anyone with the last name Cannon. She had left Janet and Miles to play hostess to the arriving paparazzi, while she made her way to the private cove.

  The beach had looked simply beautiful. Rows of chairs for now fifty guests were set up leading to a small platform for the minister, bride, and groom. Tomorrow the runner and flowers would be added. The Maui coastline was going to be a magnificent backdrop and tomorrow’s forecast promised a picture perfect day. Lauren would have loved it.

  Speaking of Lauren, she vowed that once she returned to Los Angeles, she would do all that she could to make things right. Miles had spoken to Lauren this morning and assured Kate she was fine and looking forward to starting her new career with JDL toys in New York City. Kate hoped the distance was all Lauren and Drew needed. Perhaps absence would make their hearts grow founder.

  Now that she was back at the resort, she longed for a hot bath and a glass of wine. Reaching her room, she looked down to see a light blue gift bag stuffed with yellow tissue paper laid outside her front door. “What is this?”

  She picked it up and entered. Pulling out the tissue paper, she could see a book wrapped in more tissue. Who would have sent her a book? One of their vendors?

  She pulled the book out. Her hand immediately flew to her lips as her heart pounded. The Secret of the Old Clock. The first Nancy Drew book in the series. She knew immediately where the gift came from.

  Had this been the surprise Luke had wanted to go back to his room to retrieve? He must have remembered their conversation onboard the Kincaid jet on how much she loved these books and that her mother had bought this very book for her in his store.

  Crossing her room, she opened the door to her balcony and sat down on the lounge chair. The sun had already disappeared, leaving a beautiful pink horizon in its wake. Gently opening it, she noticed a note scribbled on the first page.

  “Kate. For your next plane ride. I’m right there with you. Luke”

  Kate clutched the book to her heart, overwhelmed by Luke’s incredibly thoughtful gesture. How was it possible that in less than twenty-four hours he would belong to someone else?

  A knock at her door caused her to jolt. She rose and rushed over to answer it. Could it be Luke? She flung the door open. It wasn’t him.

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Hi, dear. You busy?”

  “No, not really.” She set the book down on the coffee table. “What’s up?”

  “I thought we could have dinner together tonight and maybe watch a movie.”

  “You want to go out?”

  “Or we could order in.”

  Spending some quality time with her mother sounded nice. “Come on in.”

  Forty-five minutes later, two Grand Apolima island specials were delivered to Kate’s room along with a bottle of white wine and two coconut cakes for dessert. Kate asked the room service attendant to set up the dinner on her balcony table so they could enjoy the ocean breeze and the sound of crashing waves.

  “It’s such a gorgeous night.” Her mom took her seat. “I’m really going to miss Maui. We must come back soon.”

  Kate agreed about the gorgeous night but she couldn’t wait to get the hell off the island. She’d probably never return. It would be too painful. “So where’s Jack tonight?”

  “He’s with the boys. Impromptu bachelor party.”

  “Good for them.” Kate held back her tears. She was getting quite good at that.

  “They’re probably at the hotel bar.”

  Kate ate her fish in silence.

  “Everything okay, dear?”

  And that was it. The tears poured out. So much for having control.

  Her mother squeezed her hand. “These three weeks haven’t been easy for you.”

  “No they haven’t.”

  “I know the engagement came out of nowhere.”

  “I’ll say.” Kate took a sip of her wine.

  “I want you know that just because I’m marrying Jack, it doesn’t mean things are going to change between us.”

  Kate gulped. Of course, her mom was talking about her engagement, not Luke’s. She didn’t have it in her to correct her. She took a deep breath. “Jack is a nice man. I see how he makes you happy.”

  “But?”

  “I’m just worried. I don’t want him to walk away from you like — ”

  “Like your father did.” Her mother finished her sentence. “Your dad may have left more suddenly than I would have preferred, but we knew for some time that the marriage was over. We were already talking about separating.”

  “You were?”

  “Yeah. We were.” She touched her daughter’s hand. “Jack won’t hurt us.”

  “Us?”

  “He’s very fond of you. I know, in time, you two will be close.”

  Kate smiled. “I’d like that.” She leaned back in her chair. “So he’s the one.”

  Her mom instantly brightened. “I am so in love with this man. He accepts me for who I am, warts and all. We truly enjoy each other’s company.” She laughed. “It only took twenty-some odd years to find my soul mate. I’m never going to let him go.”

  “All right. I think it’s about time you tell me all about this whirlwind courtship.” Kate grabbed the bottle of wine and refilled both glasses. “I want to know what you two have been up to this summer in New York City.” She set the bottle down. “Well, maybe not everything.”

  Kate listened while her mother recounted their first date in Central Park and the many other romantic excursions Jack had planned after that. Maybe she hadn’t wanted to see it at first, but there was no denying that her mother was absolutely in love with this man. She leaned back in her chair. “I guess you’ll be taking up permanent residence in New York City?”

  Her mom had tears in her eyes. “I won’t leave if you aren’t ready.”

  Kate smiled and reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It looks like I’ll be traveling to NYC quite a bit. I guess I’ll have to get used to flying cross country.”

  “Thank you.” Her mother blotted her eyes with her napkin. “I’ll miss you.”

  “Okay, if you start crying, then I’m going to start crying again, and honestly I don’t know how many more tears I have left. Let’s talk about something fun like planning your wedding.”

  Her mother squealed. “Yes! We’ll need to start as soon as we get back. Jack and I want to get married this winter if that works for you kids. Maybe on Christmas or New Year’s.”

  Kate knew what her mother was up to. She had always said to her mom holiday weddings were her favorite to plan. Her mom was about to deliver her one.

  Kate moved their plates to the side and grabbed the two smaller ones with their dessert. She handed her mom a fork. “Better get used to this. We’ll be trying a lot of cake this year.”

  They both dug into the white fluffy mixture. Kate smiled. She finally felt relief, knowing her mother would be just fine.

  They would join Jack Cannon’s family and somehow she would accept Luke as her stepbrother. Maybe Drew could give her some pointers on how to be Luke’s sibling.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Kate stood at the beach access point. Just as she predicted, with the beautiful tropical flowers and ice blue runner, the private cove had transformed into a tropical fairytale wedding. With the sparkling blue ocean as a backdrop, it was by
the far the most romantic wedding she’d ever planned.

  She smoothed her lavender dress and adjusted her headset, pulling the microphone toward her lips. She could do this. She had to do this. One hour and it would be over. Miles and Janet would have to handle the reception. She had a plane to catch.

  At four o’clock, she would be on a direct flight to Los Angeles and this gut-wrenching day would be a distant memory.

  She watched below as Miles talked to the minister and Janet held court with the paparazzi in the front row. Her boss had already appeared on an international entertainment show the night before. A huge endorsement for Tie Your Knot. Since it aired, Janet’s cell phone rang nonstop.

  At least something good had come out of this. Kate wasn’t losing her job anytime soon and would have more than enough work to bury herself in when she returned.

  Most of the guest had arrived by the revolving limo service she had arranged. From what she could tell, they had enjoyed the pineapple champagne concoction available for the car ride over.

  Now the only two limos left to arrive were the groom’s followed by the bride’s.

  Not long now. She’d watch the wedding from the hilltop and as soon as it started would take off for the airport.

  Tomorrow would be a new day and a fresh start. She’d throw herself into her work, spend quality time with her cats, and maybe take up a new hobby like golf or tennis. Everyone in Los Angeles played tennis. Time she learned.

  But for now, she’d put on her best smile and congratulate the groom. She watched as the first white limo arrived on schedule, ignoring her sweaty palms and racing heart.

  Within seconds, he stepped out in his beige tux and her heart galloped. He immediately walked over to her. “Relax, Kate. It’s Drew.”

  “I knew that.” She grimaced and readjusted her headset. One day, just one day, she’d like to be able to tell them apart, without having to inspect their backsides.

  He leaned in. “He’s making a big mistake.”

  She choked back tears. “I can’t do this, Drew. Where is he?”

  “He’s in the second limo with Olivia.”

  “What, why?”

  “I asked him to.” He reached down and gently took off her headset.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Getting you out of here.” Drew motioned for Miles. “Here, make yourself useful.” He tossed an approaching Miles her headset. “Look, Kate. There’s someone back at the hotel pool waiting for you.”

  “Now? I can’t leave.”

  “The limo will take you there.”

  She studied Drew. “Why? Who’s there?”

  He grinned. “Your guardian angel. Go see her. You won’t regret it.” He opened the car door. “Go, Miles and I will take care of everything from here.”

  She touched the car door. She could see the second limo pulling up. It contained Luke and Olivia. Maybe it was for the best. “You got this Miles?”

  Miles face lit up. “Oh, do I. You go. I’ll see you soon.”

  She glanced at Drew. “Okay. I guess I’ll see you in Los Angeles.”

  He grinned. “I’ve always wanted a little sister.”

  She laughed bitterly and climbed into the limo. “Oh, and Miles.” She leaned out. “Make sure Luke smiles for the press.”

  • • •

  Kate headed to the hotel pool. What was Drew up to? If guardian angels did exist, did they hang out poolside? Perhaps this one could get her on an earlier flight home.

  “Kate, Doll! Over here.”

  Kate’s mouth dropped. If that was her guardian angel, she was in big trouble.

  Lauren waved from her chaise lounge. Her pretty pale pink bikini perfectly fit her curvy figure. Apparently, she didn’t get the memo to wear her wings or maybe she hadn’t earned them yet. “Great day for a wedding, huh?”

  Kate walked over to her ex-client. “What are you doing here?”

  She motioned for Kate to sit down on the chaise lounge next to her and then flagged a bartender. “Let’s get some drinks, shall we.”

  “I could use one,” Kate admitted.

  “Great, two piña coladas, please.” She studied Kate. “You know what. Let’s get a pitcher and some snacks. We might be here for a while. Crazy day, huh?”

  “You could say that.” She leaned back on the lounge and crossed her legs. “Drew said my guardian angel was here to help me? Are you her?”

  She laughed. “That dummy. I told him fairy godmother. He honestly can’t get anything right.”

  “Fairy godmother?”

  “You got it.” Lauren winked. “First, we need to talk.”

  “Talk?”

  “About the incident. I think you know which one I’m referring to.”

  Kate took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you.”

  “I know. Drew explained everything.”

  “Are you back together?”

  The bartender appeared with a pitcher, two full glasses and a plate of chips with salsa. Lauren picked up her glass and twirled the tiny pink umbrella. “I never get tired of these.” She took a long sip. “To answer your question, no. We’re not back together.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. Hey, I’ve always fantasized about comparing how those two brothers kiss.” She giggled. “You beat me to it.”

  “Lauren!”

  “I’m kidding. You know, I love Drew with all my heart. I know he’s the one, but as I’m sure you’ve discovered, the Cannon men come with a bit of baggage.”

  “Just a bit?” Kate took a long sip of her drink.

  “Suitcases full. Drew needs his space so that’s what I’m giving him. If it’s meant to be, we’ll get back together.”

  “You sound so confident.”

  “Our story isn’t over. Not by a long shot. He’ll realize it soon enough.”

  “I really hope you get your happy ending, Lauren.”

  “I hope so, too. And when we do, I want you to plan our wedding.”

  Kate laughed. “You sure about that?”

  Lauren cocked her head. “Actually, maybe Miles should do it.”

  They both laughed. Lauren grabbed her glass. “Let’s toast. To new beginnings and a new friendship.”

  Kate chimed her rim to Lauren’s. “To new beginnings and a better friendship.”

  Lauren smiled. “Okay, so now let’s focus on you.”

  “Me?”

  “What Luke’s doing is insane. He’s being a total bonehead.”

  “I don’t know.” Kate swept the rim of her glass with her finger. “Maybe they’re perfect for each other. As you know, they have history.”

  Lauren through her head back and cackled. “Yeah, but their history is like the Titanic. It’s a sinking ship. You know she cheated on him, right?”

  “Yeah, but I guess he’s ready to forgive her.”

  “He’s being stupid. Once those Cannon boys get an idea stuck in their head … well, you know.”

  Kate shook her head. “So what should I do?”

  “Well, Drew and I have been talking.” Her lips curved in a devilish grin.

  Kate shot her a sideways glance. “You have, have you? What are you two up to?”

  “You need a deliciously happy ending that the paparazzi will eat up.”

  “Yeah, and it’s happening as we speak.”

  “That ending is far from happy. Drew and I have a much better one, but you’ve got to trust me.”

  Kate leaned back and looked up at the sky. In the last three weeks, she had met and lost the man of her dreams. Now, he was exchanging vows on the beach with another woman. What did she have to lose?

  “All will be revealed soon.” Lauren leaned in and touched her arm. “Do you trust me, Kate?”

  Kate tilted her head back and looked up at the blue sky. She closed her eyes. “I do. I do. I do.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Luke threw his carryon in the overhead bin and took his seat. He hated being one of the l
ast passengers on the plane.

  He sat down in his first class seat and buckled up. He was surprised Drew even let him leave. His brother had held him captive in the airport bar and talked his ear off about his fear of commitment. Drew really should have been a girl.

  His brother’s flight wasn’t for another three hours. He had plenty of time to kill at the airport and didn’t seem to mind that Luke would miss his own flight if he didn’t shut up.

  Luke’s companion was even worse. At the last second, she made a mad dash for a book for the flight. She still hadn’t boarded.

  He saw a blonde pass by out of the corner of his eye. It wasn’t her.

  Glancing out the window, he took a deep breath. This was certainly not the ending to his trip that he hoped for, nor was she the woman he had planned to be sitting with. Not by a mile.

  “I’m glad we’re in first class.”

  “I’m glad we didn’t miss our flight,” he shot back, glancing over. “I see you found a book.”

  “Someone’s grumpy.” Lauren slid next to him and buckled her seatbelt. “We can take off now.”

  “I’ll let the pilot know.” Grabbing his black portfolio, he pulled out some papers. He really didn’t mean to be so snarky with her. She was, after all, doing him a favor. They’d arranged to sit next to each other to start working on the marketing campaign for Black Friday. Work was a welcome distraction. They’d have twelve hours to focus on the campaign.

  “There was a long line at the counter.” She took a swig of her bottled water. “You ready to leave?”

  “More than you know. The sooner we get up in the air the better.”

  “Oh my God, what’s out there?” Lauren flung her hand in front of his, pointing to the glass.

  Luke peered out the tiny window. “Um the wing.”

  “You don’t see it?”

  “See what?

  The thing on the wing.”

  Luke brought his face closer in. “I don’t see anything out there.”

  “Never mind.” She sat up straight and buckled her seatbelt. “I could have sworn I saw a … forget it.”

  He handed her a document with their latest sales figures. “Let’s work. Take a look at this.”