“How about that country song, something about saying it best when you say nothing at all?” Connor tapped her shoulder.
“When You Say Nothing At All,” Nadine recalled the song her mother used to sing. “It’s how I feel when I’m with you. I wish I had time to write us a song, but that one will do.”
“I’m sure Joey and Jo can sing it then. I’ll text them and let them know,” the minister said. “Any changes to the lyrics?”
“No, it’s perfect the way it is,” Nadine replied. “I’ve nothing to add. However, I’ll paint something around the song when I get back to my studio. It’ll be my wedding gift to you, Connor.”
“You’re an artist?” the minister asked. “You’ll love to meet our artists in residence. Would you like one to sketch your wedding picture? We can have a watercolor done.”
“I’d love that.” Nadine couldn’t imagine anything better than to have a hand drawn picture. “Do a lot of your customers appreciate the artists?”
“Definitely,” the minister said. “We have quite a colony, and they make one-of-a-kind mementos for people to take home. Pottery, stained glass, jewelry, paintings, sketches, all types of media. It makes our weddings different from the modern electronic ones where everything’s digital from the music to the photos to the video.”
“I’m sure Connor’s family will have enough photographers and videos,” Nadine said. “Do you have enough artists, or will you be needing more?”
“We can always use more,” the minister said. “Especially someone who can teach. A lot of our guests love to try their hand at painting or pottery. There’s so much beauty here to get inspired by. We also have galleries where you can sell your work, and of course there’s a vibrant community of artists, poets, and musicians who get together at the coffeehouse.”
“I think I’ll fit right in,” Nadine said. “What does it cost to rent studio space?”
The minister gave her a card for the art director, and Nadine tucked the idea away in her mind. Reno would be less expensive than San Francisco, but then, Connor was tied to the San Francisco Fire Department. She wasn’t going to start her marriage off with a dilemma. Maybe she could do something similar back home and start a class in her own studio—assuming she could find one.
Connor ran his fingers through her hair. “If this is what you want, I can fight fires anywhere. You know that, don’t you?”
“I, but, no, I don’t want to take you away from your family.”
“You are my family.” He slanted his head and kissed her tenderly. “You, Cinder, and Grey. And someday when we’re ready, our children.”
She leaned into him, still holding her kitten, and knowing, beyond all doubt, that she was the luckiest woman in the world. “I love you, Connor Hart. And today is the best day of my life.”
“Best among many wonderful days to come.”
Connor went to the store to buy a cell phone charger for Nadine. He hadn’t mentioned to her what Elaine had accused her of. He didn’t for one minute believe Nadine had stolen her sister’s car, but Nadine wanted to see if she had messages from her mother.
He tried to talk her out of it. After all, no good would come from seeing Elaine’s accusations or listening to her voicemail. But all he got was her wondering what he had to hide.
So, he wandered the aisle of the big box store, bought a collar for Cinder and a rhinestone one for Greyheart.
He thought about not buying the charger, but then, it would be wrong to start his marriage off without complete honesty. He stuck the charger into the cart and went to pay.
After paying, he spotted a pay phone near the exit of the store. Even though Elaine was on her way to the cabin to supposedly catch him and Nadine in the act, he would still do the right thing and call her.
He punched in her number, and waited, his heartbeat thudding and his throat thick. No one answered. If she was closing in on the cabin, she wouldn’t have a signal.
Clearing his throat, he left a message. “Elaine, there’s no easy way to put this, and you can blame me for everything. I’m marrying Nadine today. I wanted to talk to you in person, but I’m running out of time. I hope we can stay friends. I’m really sorry. Bye.”
When he arrived at the motel room, Nadine’s mother was already there. Connor tucked the shopping bags behind him. Talk about awkward.
“You brought my charger?” Nadine called out from the bathroom. She emerged with a towel around her head and a huge grin on her pretty face. “Mom, this is Connor.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Connor shook her hand. “I’m honored.”
“You can call me, Dolly Lee,” Nadine’s mother said. “I’m not a ma’am anywhere and Miss Hunter doesn’t fit.”
She assessed him, looking him in the eye without blinking. “You had better be straight up with my daughter, because if I find any funny business, I’ll …”
“Oh, Mom, stop it,” Nadine said. “Connor’s never hidden a thing from me. I know everything. Besides, today’s my wedding day, and I want everyone to be happy.”
She put her hand out for the shopping bags. “Did you get my charger?”
“Yes, I hope it works for your model.”
“I’m sure it will,” Nadine said, plugging her phone in. “I’ll want to get pictures for myself, too, and Mom, did you leave any messages?”
“I filled up your voicemail.” Her mother sighed. “You don’t need to listen to any of them. I’m just glad I’m here. It’s been a big shock. I couldn’t believe it when your dad walked into the apartment last night. Seems Elaine’s put out an APB for you.”
“Really?” Nadine rubbed the towel over her hair. “I texted her the damage to her car. I mean, it’s not unfixable, and she should know we’re safe. Just a fender bender.”
“I’m supposed to let your father know you’re safe, but you didn’t want him to tell Elaine about this.” Her mother glared at Connor.
“If you want me to get out of here, I’ll take Cinder for a walk,” Connor said. “I’m sure my family’s getting close and we only have another hour before the ceremony starts. You know, bad luck, bride and groom, an hour before?”
“Oh, Connor. I don’t believe in any of that.” Nadine rushed to his side and hugged him tightly. “But if you don’t mind, Mom’s going to help me do my hair.”
“I’m just waiting for my pants, shirt, jacket, boots, and hat.” Connor shrugged. “You ladies go ahead and pretty up. I’ll just try and relax here.”
Cinder stuck her nose into his palm and Greyheart rubbed against his ankle. Connor didn’t have time to take another breath when he heard a gaggle of voices. It was his family, all talking at the same time.
Connor picked up the kitten and opened the door, and a horde of Harts and their significant others charged in.
“We’re here.” Cait jumped up and hugged him. “I can’t believe you’re finally getting married, and it’s not to that creep!”
“Oh, stop it, Cait,” Mother said. She was carrying a crock pot. “I need to get this plugged in. It still needs about another hour. Thank God we have an AC outlet in the van.”
Brian slapped Connor on the back. “Wow, I never thought I’d see the day. Between you and me, I knew Elaine wasn’t a keeper.”
“Can we all stop saying her name?” Connor set the kitten down and shut the door. “At least for today?”
“I’m all for that,” his best friend from childhood, Rob, said, making a zipping motion with his finger across his lips. “Congratulations, man. I’m so happy for you. I’ve always wondered about the sister, kind of knew there was one somewhere, but never met her. I bet she’s a catch.”
“She is. The best.” Connor wedged Rob in the crook of his arm. “Hey, don’t worry about ancient history, okay? We’re buds forever.”
“Best buds.” The two grown men bumped each other’s fists.
Rob affectionately put his arm around Melisa, Connor’s youngest sister, who he’d been dating since Christmas.
&nbs
p; “I’m so happy for you and Nadine.” Melisa tiptoed and kissed Connor on the cheek. “Where’s your bride? We can’t wait to welcome her to the family.”
“She’s in the bathroom with her mother. I’m sure she’s not ready,” Connor said, waving his hand to get them to lower their voices. “Did you bring my stuff?”
“Larry’s pulling the suitcases,” Jenna said. She knelt and picked up Cinder who was busily licking and pawing her for head rubs. “You don’t mind if Harley comes to the wedding, do you? Larry dressed him up in a tux.”
Harley was Larry and Jenna’s basset hound puppy.
“I love Harley,” Connor said. “He’s a real sweetheart.”
Dad stepped up next and gave him a man hug. “Remember, you come from a long line of lovers. We Hart men do right by our women. Don’t forget.”
“I’m doing the right thing, Dad. Don’t worry.” Connor peeked at the bathroom door, sure that Nadine and her mother had heard that.
“Hey, hey, buddy boy!” Larry’s booming voice shouted from outside the door, and someone opened it for him. “I’ve got the rings and your clothes.”
Behind him, Harley waddled in, all flopping ears and loose skin. His doggie tuxedo was already splattered with mud and part of the sleeve was torn. “Aaaarooohh! Woof, woofaarrooh.”
Cinder scrambled out of Jenna’s arms and jumped over to the basset hound, wagging her tail in an invitation to play chase.
“Where’s the blushing bride?” Larry asked after setting the luggage down.
“I’m sure she’s cowering in the bathroom with all of us around,” Cait answered. “Come on, Brian, let’s give these guys some space.”
“Never stopped you before,” Brian muttered, but he sported a reluctant grin as he let his wife parade him out of the room.
“Larry?” Jenna took her fiancé’s hand. “Let’s check out the art gallery.”
“But I haven’t met the bride,” Larry said. “I didn’t even know Elaine had a sister.”
“Out, out.” Jenna dragged Connor’s buddy, who had survived a year in the burn ward, out the door. The left side of Larry’s face was scarred and pitted, and he’d been self-conscious enough to quit dating until Jenna convinced him his scars were badges of courage.
“Wait,” Connor called to Larry. “I want you to stand by me as best man. I think it’s only right, because we two used to stand by each other when we went into burning buildings.”
Larry’s big hand immediately went to his scarred face and he hesitated, before a slow grin emerged. He swaggered back and enveloped Connor in a bear hug. “Brother, I’ve always got your back. Thanks. This is the happiest day of my life.”
“Thanks, bro. I’ll be happy too when you finally marry my sister.”
“Oh, you two guys,” Jenna said, laughing. “Come, come, before we have to break out the tissues.”
His fashion designer sister strolled away, wearing a slim fitting fringe dress decorated with silver and turquoise jewelry. It was more muted than her usual fashion pieces, and Connor appreciated how she didn’t want to upstage the bride, who wouldn’t show him the tie-dyed dress she was going to wear.
Melisa patted Connor’s biceps and gave him a squeeze. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll meet you out at the creek side.”
“I’ve got my camera ready for this,” Rob said. His eyes were happy slits as he took Melisa’s hand and whispered something in her ear.
She gave Connor a finger wave and departed down the walkway.
“Connor, your hair’s a mess,” his mother said from behind him. “You have any gel? Oh my, this suit’s wrinkled. I told Larry not to stuff your suitcase like this. Is there an iron in this motel? We’ll need to starch your shirt. Connor, have you showered? Or is that your dog? Oh, no! Where are the dogs?”
“The dogs?” Connor dashed to the door. Little Harley couldn’t have gone far, being a basset hound wearing a tuxedo, but Cinder could be across town by now.
“You lost your dogs?” Dad grabbed his arm. “I’ll look for them while you get dressed.”
“The dogs?” The bathroom door burst open, and Nadine came streaking out. “Where’s Greyheart?”
“Who’s Greyheart?” Connor’s mother said, bumping into Nadine’s mother who was holding a can of hairspray.
“My kitten. Oh, Connor, you guys left the door open.” She ran out the door without any shoes on. “Greyheart. Grey. Here kitty, kitty, Grey!”
“Everyone, calm.” Connor’s father, former fire chief Pete Hart, commanded. “They couldn’t have gone far. I’ll text everyone and we’ll search the entire property.”
Nadine fell into Connor’s arms. “We have to find them. I can’t think of losing them.”
“Okay, let me call the front desk and delay the wedding by an hour.” Connor kissed his bride on her forehead. “It’ll be okay. I promise. You have the best team of search and rescue operators east of San Francisco.”
Chapter Thirty
Nadine’s hair was a mess, but she didn’t care. She scrambled over a log fence and crawled through bushes, looking for Greyheart. Her jeans ripped, and she had brambles and twigs embedded in her flannel shirt.
“Grey, Grey,” she called, alone and away from Connor and his crowd. “Greyheart!”
She was too pissed at Connor’s family for leaving the door open. Even worse, Connor had forgotten about the kitten completely. He and his father were only talking about the dogs. How could Connor be a responsible father if he couldn’t even keep track of his pets?
“Greyheart, sweetie, where are you?” Nadine wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “Mom, I don’t know what I’ll do if we can’t find him.”
“Are you going to call off the wedding?” Her mother took her arm. “I think it might be wise to wait. We just met their family, sort of. Well, actually, Mrs. Hart almost knocked me to the ground, and they are a noisy bunch.”
“It’s not their fault, but maybe this is a bad omen. Greyheart brought me to Connor, and now he’s missing. He’s going to leave my heart all gray and heavy.”
“We’re not giving up. Come on, let’s keep looking. I’m sure Connor feels bad about this.”
“It’s not going to bring them back.” Nadine pulled her sleeves down where her arms had gotten scratched from the bushes. “I’ll forgive Connor, of course, but I just hope we can find Greyheart, Cinder, and that other dog before it’s too late.”
In the distance, a rumble signaled an impending thunderstorm.
“It’s looking like rain,” her mother said. “Let’s pray we can find the pets. By the way, you left your phone charging in the motel. Maybe they’ve found them already and texted you.”
“Did they text you?” Nadine asked, but her mother shook her head.
“No one introduced us. I have a text from your dad saying you’re still missing. Do you want me to respond?”
“Sure. Tell him I’m safe, but don’t tell him more.”
“Deeny.” Her mother draped her arm over her shoulder. “I know it’s hard for you to accept, but your father loves you. Don’t you think it’ll be harsh for him to miss your wedding?”
“We all might miss it if we don’t find Greyheart and the dogs,” Nadine lamented.
“I’ll let him know you’re safe, then.”
“Sure, Mom. Tell him I love him too. I hope he’ll understand someday.” Nadine buried her face on her mother’s shoulder. “I wish you wouldn’t move to Tennessee.”
“I have to,” her mother replied. “I’m suffering from a broken heart. It’s easier for me to go somewhere that doesn’t remind me of every promise your father has broken. We don’t need his apartment, you and I, and if you marry Connor, you and he will have a place to live. Where will that leave me?”
“You can stay with me, always.” Nadine shuddered in her mother’s embrace. “It’s always been the two of us together, against the world.”
“But sweetheart, you now have someone else. I would be a third wheel.” Her mother’s br
eath hitched. “I’ll miss you.”
“Don’t go, Mom. Please, don’t go.”
“They’re found? All of them?” Connor ran toward Larry who let out a loud whoop. He was talking on the phone and gesturing wildly for Connor to come near.
“Rob and Melisa found all three of them along the creek. They went to go check out the wedding site, and there they were. Let’s go get them.”
“Great,” Jenna said. “Let me find Nadine and her mother and tell them the good news.”
Cait came up behind him and poked his butt. “Okay, brother dear, time to get a move on. Sun’s going down soon and the minister says there might be a storm coming.”
Connor ran back to the motel where his mother was waiting. She’d found an ironing board and had his clothes pressed and starched.
“Quick, quick, get in the shower before they get back,” Connor’s mother said. “You’re a mess. Your girlfriend’s phone keeps ringing. Were you guys trying to call her?”
“No, it’s fine.” Connor retreated to the bathroom. “I’m sure it’s nobody important.”
Yeah, right. It was probably Elaine on the warpath after getting his message. He had no time to deal with her. Not until after he and Nadine were married.
Five minutes later, everything turned into a whirlwind.
Nadine was back and needed the bathroom. Connor was being dressed and primped by his mother and sisters, tucking his shirt in, smoothing his hair back, even plucking the stray hairs from his nose. His father and future brothers-in-law stood aside, almost as if they were waiting to smoke a cigar. From inside the bathroom came sounds of a blow dryer and other hurried movements.
With about fifteen minutes to go, the front desk called. “Time to get your party over to the grove. The weather’s still holding up, but it’s raining over the Sierras.”
“Who’s got the cat?” Jenna asked.
“Leave him in the carrier for Nadine,” Connor said. “She wants to hold him in lieu of a bridal bouquet.”
The two dogs were securely tied to their leashes, although Harley was soaked and dirty, and his tuxedo was history. Cinder, however, looked spry with her turquoise collar and she sat up expectantly, looking for the doggy treats that his father tossed at her every so often.
Spring Fling Kitty: The Hart Family (Have A Hart Book 3) Page 17
