by Tina Beckett
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. I thought maybe we could walk a little more and see if something strikes our fancy.”
He glanced at Maddy. “How long do you need to dress, so we can plan when to arrive at the hotel?”
“Judging from our shopping times, I’m going to guess not as much time as you need.”
“Do you compete at everything?” An image flashed through his head, making him shift. He was not going there.
“I like to win.”
“That’s obvious.”
They bundled back up in their coats.
“I think I have an idea about a present that might work.” She ducked out onto the street and was almost lost from sight. The shoppers had increased in number and it took a little bit of maneuvering to reach her. He reached for one of her mittened hands, smiling when she curled her fingers around his. “I thought I was going to be swept downriver for a second. This is fun. You were right. I did need to get away from the hospital for a while.”
“I think we both did.”
Maddy stayed close to his side as they wandered down the road and turned into another alley. “I can’t seem to find what I want.”
When she adjusted her purchases for the third time, he took the bag from her and added it to his own. “What were you thinking of?”
“A set of bright matching luggage tags. It was something I wished I’d had when I came, since it’s hard to pick out your luggage sometimes on the carousels.”
“I like it.”
“I hope they do too. I’m just not sure where to...”
He tugged her hand and started back the way they had come. “Actually, the shop you went in at first has all kinds of unique items. I think they carry handmade luggage as well. And it’s on the way back to the hotel.”
“Perfect.”
Arriving back at the shop a few minutes later, they found a set of eight luggage tags in the shape of shoes. High heels. Trainers. Men’s sandals. All in light tan. “The color might not stand out, but the shapes will. Silly and classy all in one package.”
“I think you found a winner.” And Theo thought he had too. Her no-nonsense determination and quick way of making decisions was just what they’d needed on Ivy’s case. Something inside him relaxed just a bit, a feeling of hope growing instead. A hope he hadn’t allowed to surface in a long time.
They had the package gift-wrapped and found a gift card that they each signed. Only afterwards did he wonder if they should have purchased separate presents, but time was growing short and he didn’t want to have to explain to Maddy why it might look funny. Especially since she obviously hadn’t thought so.
Taking her hand again, they headed in the direction of the hotel, a massive cream-colored building with arched entryways and a covered portico.
“Wow, this is it?”
“Yes.” He had eaten here a time or two for business meetings and the inside of the hotel was just as impressive as the exterior. “They may have wanted a small wedding, but they went all out on the venue.”
“I don’t blame them. It’s not every day you marry the love of your life.” There was a wistfulness to her voice that made him pause for a second, her hand still in his.
Theo had married the love of his life once, but he wondered if that was all there was. Was one chance at love all you got? Or was there the possibility that love could reset itself with someone new?
Not something he wanted to be thinking of right now. Especially after the way he had enjoyed Maddy’s company this afternoon. The way he liked the feel of her hand in his, the way her laughter trickled over him like a warm breeze sweeping through icy corridors.
They made their way up the steps with an hour to spare. They checked in at the reception desk and found a note from Marco telling them which floor they were on. Maddy was supposed to go straight to Alice’s room to help her dress, while Theo was going to hole up with Marco. Knowing his friend, he would be champing at the bit to get the ceremony underway. They were a great pair, and Theo was glad they’d found happiness together. Although he’d heard rumors of the pair butting heads in the beginning, they had obviously worked out their differences.
“You go on ahead,” he told Maddy, forcing himself to finally release her hand and handing her the shopping bag containing her purchases. “I want to call the hospital and check on Ivy before I go up.”
“Okay, let me know if there’s a problem.”
He assured her he would, even though in his heart of hearts he knew there was already a problem. A big one. And it had nothing to do with Ivy and everything to do with him. And a certain diagnostician who was rapidly capturing his daughter’s heart. And, worse, she was starting to worm her way into his as well.
* * *
Oh, Lord, she wasn’t sure she could do this. After helping Alice get into her dress, which was a gorgeous cream sheath dress with tiny matching flowers embroidered into the bodice and hemline, she donned her own dress, which was a lot more form-fitting than she remembered in the dressing room.
They stood there, putting the finishing touches to their make-up.
Alice put her hands on her cheeks and drew in a deep breath. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
Wrapping an arm around the other woman’s shoulders, Madison smiled. Maybe she wasn’t the only one feeling jittery, although Alice had a lot more reason than she did to be nervous. “You look gorgeous. And happy.”
“I am. Marco wants to have a big ceremony with his family once we get to Italy, which is why we’re opting for a small civil service here at the hotel. It doesn’t matter to me where it’s held, though, as long as we do it before this little one busts free.” Her hand slid over her belly, which showed evidence of the life within her.
“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem at this point.” She dropped her tube of mascara onto the countertop. “You look so beautiful, Alice.”
“He makes me feel beautiful.” She smoothed her dress over her hips. “I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
Madison scooped up the bride’s bouquet and handed it to her, picking up the smaller matching one for herself. “Let’s go find your groom.”
“Yes, and his hunky cohort.”
“Should you really be noticing the hunk factor in other men?” Madison laughed.
“Are you telling me you haven’t noticed?”
“Well, I... I—”
“Joking. I’m joking, silly.” Alice gave her a quick squeeze.
All of a sudden Madison was a little reluctant to see Theo. The green dress she’d bought gathered in flattering folds that fell from the waist, but it fit her upper body like a glove, thanks to the clever touch of Lycra in the fabric blend. But the saleswoman assured her it was perfect for her body type. Now she was thinking that was probably some sort of sales pitch that she would have given to anyone. Madison should have at least bought a shawl or something to wrap around herself, but as they weren’t leaving the hotel—at least she didn’t think they were—she’d figured she would be fine. And her dress had long sleeves, even though it was off the shoulder.
They were supposed to meet the men in the room the hotel had set up for civil ceremonies. As they entered the lobby, a couple of men turned to look as they walked by. Frowning, Madison wrapped her arms around her waist, a little irritated with herself for being as self-conscious as she was. She was normally able to block out anything and walk with her head held high, no matter how squirmy she might feel inside.
“There.” Alice practically flew down the short set of stairs that led to the lower level of the lobby, forcing Madison to hurry to keep up. Too late, she spotted Marco and Theo waiting at the bottom, both in black suits. Theo’s eyes were glued to her as she slowed her steps, making her even more unsure of her choice in dresses. Marco swept his soon-to-be bride up and twirled her around, while The
o kept his hands behind his back. But his face told another story, a wave of color moving up his neck, a pulse beginning to throb in his right temple.
When she reached the ground level, he moved forward, leaning over to whisper, “That is the dress you got?”
Oh, God, did he think it was unprofessional of her to wear something like this? They were off the clock, so why would he even care? “Is there something wrong?”
“Yes. But not with your dress. Or with you.”
She had no idea what he meant, but he didn’t sound upset. Just surprised, if she had to guess from his voice.
“Your suit looks nice.”
And it did. His black jacket hugged his broad shoulders in a way that made her mouth water, and the crisp white shirt and tie looked like something he’d wear to a swanky restaurant to negotiate deals and conquer competitors. So did his proud bearing.
“Doesn’t Madison look lovely?”
She blinked back to awareness, realizing that Marco and Alice had joined them, arms locked around each other’s waists. Alice stared at Theo expectantly.
“Yes. She looks quite...er...nice.”
Ha! He could have been speaking about his sister. Or an acquaintance, for that matter.
But wasn’t that all they were? Acquaintances?
A thought that sent her stomach spinning to her feet.
“Do you have the little gift we got for them?” Madison asked to cover the awkwardness of the moment.
“Yes.” Theo reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and produced a small gift-wrapped package, which he handed to Alice. “We hope this is something you can use.”
Even though she’d used “we” a second ago, his use of it made her stomach pick itself up off the floor.
“Thank you for everything, especially coming down here on such short notice.” Marco smiled. “You both clean up quite well.”
Thanks to a little last-minute shopping.
The hotel lobby was just as gorgeous as the outside, boasting a huge Christmas tree that rivaled the two at Hope Hospital. Greenery wound down the staircase and dripped from every arched opening. It was a magical atmosphere, even with the tourists that were snapping pictures everywhere.
“You both look stunning as well,” Madison said. “How does it feel to be getting married?”
“Like a dream come true.” Alice looked up at her groom with a smile. “I am so ready to do this. But first open their present, Marco.”
The groom slid the ribbon off the little box and slipped his finger beneath the paper, popping the tape with ease. Alice moved in close to watch as he removed the top. Then he grinned and held up a high-heeled luggage tag. “This is going to look great on the handle of my briefcase.”
“Ha-ha.” Alice grabbed it from him. “This one is mine. It looks like you have plenty of others to choose from.”
She lifted another shoe, a trainer this time. “How about this one?”
“That’s more my style, although I’m sure the first one would be a great ice-breaker at parties. Thank you both. They are obviously going to get a lot of use in the very near future.” He put the top back on, ignoring Alice’s protest to look at the rest of them.
“Getting cold feet?” Marco teased her.
“After it took this long to get you all straightened out? I don’t think so.”
They made their way to the room set aside for the ceremony and, like the rest of the hotel, it was tastefully decorated with flowers and greenery, but this time there was less emphasis on Christmas, since not everyone celebrated that holiday. The official was already there behind a little desk, filling out some forms. He looked up.
“Baxter, Ricci?”
“Yes, that’s us.”
Standing, he said, “Are you ready to get started?”
They exchanged paperwork and the man glanced up at Theo and Madison. “You’re the witnesses?” When Theo nodded, he said, “If you could sign the documents immediately after the ceremony I would appreciate it.”
Surprisingly, what could have been a dry, cold reciting of vows was anything but. The official had a warm, reassuring voice and a way of moving them along from one thing to the other that was seamless. Madison stood next to Alice and took her bouquet when it was time to exchange the rings.
When she happened to glance up, Theo was watching her, a slight frown on his face that could have meant anything. She lifted her brows in question, only to have him give her a slight smile and an almost imperceptible shake of his head.
She had no idea what that meant either.
And then Alice and Marco were officially married and all the papers signed. “Time to throw the bouquet.”
Madison looked around in horror, but of course there was no one else. “That’s not necessary.”
“Nope, it will be bad luck not to. And I’ve had enough of that to last a lifetime. Time for a brand-new start.”
Marco kissed her cheek. “Absolutely.”
“Please?” Alice asked her. “It’s all in good fun.”
Good fun?
Almost before the words were out of her mouth, something came sailing through the air. Madison’s instincts kicked in and she grabbed at it.
Alice laughed. “See? No harm.”
No harm?
Madison looked anywhere but at Theo. It was just a game, like Alice had said. No need to be embarrassed or act like she was taking this thing seriously.
She pressed the bouquet back into the bride’s hands. “You’ll want to have this preserved.”
They hugged. “I can’t believe how happy I am. Thank you for making this day even more special.”
The air around them seemed to change, negative ions transformed by the power of love. “Do you guys mind if we slide away?” Marco glanced at Alice. “Our flight leaves the day after tomorrow and we have a ton of things to do.”
Sure they did. Madison couldn’t hold back her smile, squeezing Alice’s hand one more time. “Of course we don’t. Have a wonderful trip and we’ll see you when you get back.”
Marco shook Theo’s hand. “Grazie.”
“You’re very welcome. Enjoy married life.”
There was a wistfulness behind the words that made her heart twist. Thinking about Hope and the life they’d shared?
“I intend to cherish every moment with my tesoro.” Marco smiled, then leaned in and said something in a low voice to Theo, pressing something into his hand. Something that made Theo frown.
What was that all about?
There was no time to ask since Alice was already saying her goodbyes. A few seconds later the couple walked away, sharing a kiss or two as they went.
Madison sighed. “That was beautiful. They make a great couple.”
“Yes, they do.” He came to stand beside her. “Would you like to take a walk? We were in such a hurry trying to get things together for the wedding, that I don’t think you really got to enjoy the city. Besides, now that it’s dark, the lights will be on. Do you want to change first?”
“Oh, I forgot, my things are still up in Alice’s room!” She had no idea how she was going to get them, and she didn’t want to burst in on anyone.
“No, they aren’t. Marco is moving them over to the room he used when we were getting dressed. He said it was ours to use.”
Her eyes widened and he must have realized how that sounded because he added gruffly, “To get dressed in, of course.”
Embarrassment zipped up her abdomen at having him read her so well. “Of course.”
“Are you okay with walking through town a bit more?”
She hesitated, not sure at all that that was the smartest thing to do, but knowing she didn’t want tonight to end. It had been the best evening she’d had in Cambridge so far. So with gratitude in her heart for the brief respite from all the crazy hours at the hospital,
she said, “I’d like that very much.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
HE WASN’T SURE what had prompted him to ask Maddy to take a walk. But he wasn’t sorry he had. When she’d glided down those stairs earlier, he had been floored by his reaction. It hadn’t been the dress, although that was something right off the cover of some fashion magazine. With her long limbs and delicate features, she could easily be featured there as well.
Something about that simple wedding and Maddy’s rapt face as she’d watched the bride make her vows had been...magical. A couple of times she’d caught him staring at her and had lifted a brow in a way that had cranked his engine and got his motor running. She knew. Or did she?
No matter how hard he’d tried to fix his attention straight ahead after that, his gaze had kept shifting back millimeter by millimeter until it had been on her again.
His motor was still running, and all he knew was that he wanted to show her off a little—a purely male reaction that was impossible to completely suppress. And right now he didn’t want to even try.
He glanced at her feet. “Are you going to be okay walking in those over the uneven streets?”
“We’re not going to be power walking, are we?”
“No. Strolling. And not terribly far. It just seemed like a festive night to walk under the lights. Besides, it’s a shame to have spent all that time getting ready just to emerge from the hotel in our everyday clothes.”
“Like Cinderella,” she murmured.
“Not planning on running out on me at the stroke of midnight, are you?”
“Nope. No mad dash to a pumpkin carriage for this girl.”
“You’ll need a coat, though. I’ll go up and get them.”
By the time he got back, she was looking out of the hotel window. He dropped her black coat around her shoulders and handed her her hat and gloves.
“Thank you.”
He’d discarded his suit jacket for his thicker wool coat, and couldn’t resist taking her hand like he had earlier. To keep from losing her, he insisted to himself.
They walked along in silence, taking in the sights.
