by Rachel Hauck
Gomez’s dark broad form appeared in the doorway. “No fooling. Look at this place. What is all this?”
“A time capsule. Inventory from Cora’s day.” Haley jumped up. “We have a letter.”
Cole reached for it. “And a safe. Cora said she left money in a safe.”
“Safe? We didn’t find no safe during the demo.” Gomez wrinkled his expression, leaning to inspect the shelves of shoes. “My daughter’s into this old stuff.”
Cole paced along the wall. “The safe must be in here.”
Gomez started searching opposite Cole, tapping the floor boards with his heel, grinning when he found a loose one in the back right corner.
Cole dropped to one knee as Gomez removed the board. Haley bent forward to see an old, gray steel safe, face up, hidden under the floor.
Cole passed her the letter. “Read me the combination?”
“24–82–16.”
The tumblers clicked and Cole snapped open the safe, reaching inside, taking out a money bag, handing it to Haley.
“Is that all?”
He aimed his flashlight over the dark open safe. “That’s it.”
Haley set the letter on the workspace next to Cora’s picture, then unzipped the bag. Peering inside, she laughed, glancing up at Cole. “Money. Cash.”
“You’re kidding.”
Haley held up the bills, hundreds and a few thousands, her heart running. This was unbelievable. “There’s a note. It says, ‘Twenty thousand. The amount of Aunt Jane’s money lost when Daddy’s bank closed.’ ”
She peered at Cole, then Gomez, the three of them staring in stunned silence.
Then Cole wrapped her up with a shout, swinging her around. “You got your money.”
His arm felt right around her. Like she fit with him. She could breathe in his embrace. “Wait, wait,” she said, pressing down to the floor. “Technically, this is Mom’s. I need to show it to her.”
“She’ll give it to you, Haley,” Cole said. “I know she will.”
Gomez stared at the hole in the floor, tapping more floor boards. “I never saw anything like this. Thirty years I been in this business.”
“Cole?” A male voice called from the stairs. “It’s me, Mark Blanton. I’ve come to inspect the third floor.” His footsteps echoed up to the mezzanine. “You said someone wanted to move in?”
“In here, Mark.” Cole kissed Haley’s forehead, backing toward the door. “Get ready to move in upstairs.”
Gomez moved to the door after Cole, chuckling, scratching his head. “That boy’s enamorado. Ain’t seen him like this in long time. What’d you do to him, Haley?”
She tried to hide her grin, tried to cap the bubbling emotions in her own heart. “Nothing. And don’t go telling people we’re in love.”
Gomez held up his hands. “Folks are already figuring it out. Especially after he sold that guitar of his.”
“W-what? The Stratocaster?”
“Didn’t he tell you? Linus held up the permits to pressure Cole into selling his guitar.” Gomez shook his head. “I’d have told him to go jump in the river. That man? Que sinvergüenza. But Cole, he didn’t want to waste no more time.”
Cole appeared in the door. “G, Mark has a question for you, but so far so good.” He pushed past Haley to the boxes of photos. “I was thinking we could frame these, well, select some, hang them around the shop. A pictorial history. I can make frames—”
She jumped into him, flinging her arms about his neck, raising up on tiptoe, her lips finding the soft, wet feel of his lips on hers, watering her desert heart.
Falling against the wall, Cole brought her with him, sliding down to the floor, cradling her in his lap, slipping his hands about her back, drawing her to him, his kiss, his passion taking over hers.
When he pulled away, he shook his head. “Girl . . . I’m afraid to ask what that was about.”
“You sold your guitar for the permits.”
A dark glint shadowed his eyes as he turned for the door. “G, you big mouth.”
“No, no, Cole, I’m glad he told me. I can’t believe you did that for me. Do you really love me that much?”
“I didn’t know I did until the guitar was on the line, but yeah, I love you that much.”
“You’re pulling me in, Danner. It’s hard to resist someone who loves you like you’re loving me.”
Gently, he held her face in his hands, kissing her, his sweetness filling every empty crack Dax left in her soul.
So this is why she came home. For the shop. For Cole. For love.
Chapter Thirty
June 10
Three days from the grand opening
From the time Haley opened the storeroom, a river of favor rolled over her.
She’d moved into the third-floor apartment in March, setting up house, keeping company with Cole most evenings, her heart falling into him more and more.
He was everything Dax wasn’t. Everything she needed. When she was with him, all was right in the world.
The wedding shop remodel concluded on time, including the new roof, new sidewalks and landscaping, on budget, and had passed inspection without a hitch.
The miracles just kept on coming.
More alumni brides appeared, regaling Haley with their stories as they shifted through the photos.
She’d painted the walls a soft, dove gray and the trim in white. On weekend antique hunts, she discovered a gorgeous, multitiered crystal chandelier and hung it in the grand salon. Cole found a second one to hang in the foyer.
She also hunted down and landed a battered, long, curved divan, perfect for the era, perfect for the Hollywood retro theme. Cole connected her with a craftsman to restore it to its former glory.
Display cases, area carpets over the gleaming hardwood for a cozy feel. The downstairs pantry was set for serving tea, coffee, and pastries. Haley had on good authority that’s how things worked at The Wedding Shop.
Cole framed more than a hundred of the photos with his handcrafted, amazing frames. He and Haley had hung them in the shop all day yesterday.
“I can’t believe I’m sharing the same space with these women. They feel like family already.”
Cole slipped his arm around her, studying the smiling faces behind the sparkling glass. “They are family. Part of why you’re building this business, keeping the heritage alive.”
His kiss was sweeter than the last.
She needed one more miracle. Inventory. For some strange and frustrating reason, she could not land the dresses and accessories she wanted. She was desperate.
Three days. That’s all until the grand opening. So many miracles until now.
Sitting at her desk on the mezzanine, phone to one ear, finger to the other, she listened to the excuses of some Melinda House lackey.
“Yes, I know it’s too late for this summer, but I talked to your designer personally. She promised to send me whatever you had in stock. It’s been three months. Yes, whatever. I’m not picky . . . Yeah, well, it’s the way I’m running my shop right now.”
She dropped her head to the desk, the accent of the man trying to help her all the way from the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg parading through her head.
“But we have no order on file.”
“Then look again, please.” Haley rocked back in her chair, a wicked headache threatening. She’d met her town council requirements except opening the shop by June.
Cole and his amazing crew finished the remodel on time. People gave her things, money, labor for free. The parents kicked in for the website and advertising. Even paid Cole for a custom, vintage sign: The Wedding Shop.
She had Cora’s twenty grand in the bank.
But less than three days away from opening and her mannequins were naked.
Opening the shop had grown way beyond her childhood dream. She was moved by the women who sat with her for hours sharing their stories, looking through the photographs with their eyes misting.
They told her stories of love and loss, of happy
marriages, of sad ones. Of giving birth and raising children. Of losing them to sickness or war. Of success and failure. Of being rich and poor.
Of grandchildren. European vacations. Weekends at the shore. Retracing their honeymoon steps. Of aging. Of life’s window closing. Of becoming widows.
Haley could not, would not, let them down now by missing her grand opening date. She’d not trip on the next-to-last hurdle to winning the shop’s deed. And she’d keep the shop open for a year, God help her.
“I’m sorry,” the lackey said one last time. “But I have nothing with your name nor your shop’s name.”
“I’ve been checking with you for three months. Every time I was told, ‘The order is on its way.’ ”
“I don’t know what to tell you.”
“Tell me you have something to send. Anything. Whatever’s in stock. You don’t have to make or customize anything. I’m a dream customer.”
Haley glanced toward the collection of boxes stacked in the alcove. She must have thirty vintage gowns and a few going-away suits. She could open as a vintage store at least, for a few weeks. But if a bride wasn’t the right size, she had no process in place for altering or remaking the gown.
She’d called Charlotte last week, who helped by giving her the name of her main designer, Brey-Lindsey, but she couldn’t take any orders until the fall. Then deliver them next spring.
Ads had been run in the Heart’s Bend Tribune and the Nashville Tennessean. Taylor Gillingham’s husband, Jack, got her a spot on morning drive radio.
The website and Facebook pages were launched. Even getting some activity. And here she was with an empty store. Except for vintage items in need of repairs.
Oh wait, she did have ten pairs of sample shoes, five sets of gloves, and about twenty veils, along with three bridesmaid dresses and four mother-of-the-bride gowns.
Lord, what am I supposed to do?
“Haley?” Gomez’s big voice broke into her prayer as he landed on the mezzanine. “Why are the mannequins naked?”
She stared at him, then laughed. Yeah, this was starting to get funny. “Haven’t you heard, G? It’s all the rage this year. Get married naked.”
He didn’t laugh. “That’s not funny, Haley. My daughter wants to get married next year.”
“Haley?” Cole joined them on the mezzanine. “Still no inventory?”
She shook her head, sparking to life, though, when the voice came back on the line. “Yes, we can ship you some of our stock.”
“Now you’re talking.” Haley was on her feet. “Can you overnight it? I’ll pay whatever.”
“We’ll need a deposit.” She choked when he named the amount. “We can have it to you by the end of the month.”
“But I need it tomorrow.”
She went around with him for another five minutes before hanging up. Giving up. Facing Cole, she confessed, “Nothing. I have no new dresses. How could I get this far, with all the favor and little miracles, and fail?”
“You’re not going to fail.” Cole drew her into a hug, kissing the top of her head. “Don’t give up the faith now. Haley, look at what we accomplished. Time to celebrate.”
“I would love to celebrate. If only I had some inventory.”
Taking her by the hand, he led her down the stairs. “Look at this place. Remember how trashed it was when we first walked in with Keith Niven?” He sat on the rich red s-curved divan. “This place looks like a million bucks.”
“I know. I can’t believe how great everything looks. The brides in white will stand out against the red and gold accents, and the dark wood.” She sat next to Cole, head on his shoulder. “Do you think Cora would like it?”
“I think she would love it. And you.”
His tone, deep and resonating, caused Haley to sit up and peer into his eyes, a shiver running through her bones.
She drew in a brave breath. “I love you, Cole Danner. God help me, I do.”
His smiled popped wide as he hooked his finger under her chin, his kiss proving her confession and feelings.
When the kiss ended, Haley settled down in his arms. “Today I just knew it was true. I love you. Very much.” She laced her fingers through his. “And if I lose the shop, I’ll still have you. Which makes the journey for the last six months well worth it.”
COLE
He woke to the sound of a slamming door, the morning sun beaming bright through his windshield.
Reaching for the seat handle, he popped it upright and sat forward, shaking off the lingering sleep. As much as he paid for this truck, he’d have thought it had one good night’s sleep in it. But oh, his back cramped and his knee ached from cracking it against the steering wheel all night.
Ten o’clock. The sign on the door said Malone & Co. opened at ten. Cole ran his hands through his hair, dug a piece of gum from the pack he stashed in the ash tray, and jogged across the street to the shop.
He’d driven down last night after leaving Haley. After dinner and a movie, curled on the couch with her, their hands and legs intertwined, he knew he had to do something to help her. He was falling deeper and deeper, and marriage was all over his mind.
Then as he was driving home last night, he came up with this idea. Appeal to Charlotte Rose on behalf of Haley.
Help her!
He turned the truck south and headed to Birmingham.
A soft bell rang out as he walked into the old home remodeled into a modern wedding shop. A lean woman with striking features came into the store from the back, stopping when she saw him. “Hello, may I help you?”
Cole ran his hand over his jaw, the thick stubble sharp against his fingers. “Yeah, I’m looking for Charlotte Rose. I’m Cole Danner, Haley Morgan’s friend.”
A sparkle flashed in her eyes. “I’m Charlotte Rose.” She offered her hand, giving his a solid shake. “How’s Haley doing? Yesterday she was panicked about inventory.”
“That’s why I’m here. The grand opening is on Monday and she’s got nothing. Well, some vintage gowns, but that’s not going to cut it. Melinda House really cut her legs out from under her. She tried your designer, who was gracious, but not able to send anything to her until spring.”
“Yeah, wedding designers don’t turn on a dime.” Charlotte motioned for him to follow her to the back. “How did the shop turn out? Did she stick with Hollywood regency?”
“Yeah, the place looks amazing. We just need something to sell.”
“Cole, this is my assistant, Dixie.” Another striking woman looked up from her coffee. “Dix, this is Cole. He’s here for Haley. Remember the shop owner from Heart’s Bend I told you about?”
“I do. Nice to meet you, Cole.” Dixie peered at Charlotte. “What’s going on?”
“She needs help. No inventory. Even Brey-Lindsey couldn’t come through for her.”
“She was asking for anything. Whatever they had in stock. She wasn’t picky.”
“Know what I’m wondering, Cole?” Charlotte offered him a cup of coffee, pointing to the cream and sugar. “Why are you here? Why didn’t she call?”
“She’s frustrated. I’m not sure why she didn’t call. Maybe she doesn’t want to bother you. She says you’ve done so much already, but I don’t care. I’m here and I’m begging.” He set his coffee down, his adrenaline fired up enough without caffeine.
“Ah, love, I can’t stand it.” Dixie patted her hand over her heart. “We have to help her, Char.”
“Of course we’re going to help her. Rather, we’re going to help Cole help her.” She started out of the break room, again motioning for Cole to follow. “This is perfect knight in shining armor stuff.” She stopped suddenly, whirling around to face him. “Do you love her? Are you going marry her?”
He balked, making a face. “Yes and yes. Well, I want to marry her. Do I pass the test? Was that a test?”
Charlotte’s smile said something he could not read. “It wasn’t a test, but yes, you passed. Dixie, let’s pull all the summer and fall line we have.
Cole, do you have a truck?”
“Yes.”
“Perfect.” Up the center stairs, Charlotte pulled out her phone and dialed. “Tim, babe, can I borrow you for the day? We have an emergency.” Glancing back at Cole, she made a wry face. “Yes, a real wedding dress emergency. I’ll make it up to you. Thanks, darling.”
He liked this woman. A lot.
“Dix, we have a light day so let’s just close up. Cole, my husband, Tim, will help carry up the stuff we’ll need. Dixie and I will follow you in my car. Now, tell me what Haley does have and we can fill in the rest.”
“You’re a life saver.” He knew it was right to drive down here. “I can pay you for the inventory, and your time.”
“Nothing doing. Look, I’m generous, but I’m also a businesswoman. I’m merely moving inventory to Haley’s shop, letting my dresses be sold in Heart’s Bend. She’ll be working for me, so to speak. I’ll run the sales through my account and split the money with Haley. That’ll keep her going until her real inventory arrives. Dix, pull veils, shoes, gloves, hats, slips, and bras. Cole, come help me with the gowns. When Tim arrives, he can load up racks and mannequins, and oh, the display stands.”
Standing in their midst, Cole barely followed the conversation after the initial plan. Charlotte and Dixie started talking wedding-gown lingo in a language he thought was English but possibly not human.
They finished each other’s sentences. Spoke in code and acronyms with a frightening precision. Like a military strike force.
“What do you think, Cole? Does that sound like what Haley needs? Oh, man, should we call her? No, this should be a surprise. The man who loves her driving up with shiny white dresses.”
“Um, yeah, let’s go for it. But to be honest, I have no idea what you just said other than gowns, shoes, and surprise.”
Charlotte laughed. “Tim is going to love you.”
Dixie started off, hand in the air. “Then let’s get to work.”
Charlotte said, “Cole, follow me. I have a special trunk for you to haul.”
Chapter Thirty-One
HALEY
