Her sister-in-law-to-be didn’t smile back. Instead a frown creased the area right above her eyes. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yep.” She bent low to snag a sprig of silk ivy from the box then focused her attention on inserting it in just the right place, forcing away stinging tears. “Are you all ready for the big day tomorrow?” She glanced at Dani.
Joyful light sprang to her friend’s face. “And the day after that, and the day after that. I think I’ve been getting ready to marry Steve my entire life.”
“I’m happy for you both.” Though the words were hard to speak, she meant it. It wasn’t their fault her life was in the toilet right now.
Dani stood back to view the stage. “You have such a gift, Trish. Everything looks absolutely magical.”
Trish gazed at the curly tree branches she’d ordered and spray-painted white, now wrapped with tiny sparks of light. The branches stretched across the expanse of the stage with matching trees at the back of the church for added effect. Once the ivy, ribbons and flowers were in place and candles inserted into the globes that stood among the trees, her vision would be complete. “I’m glad you like it. I hope it’s what you wanted.”
“It’s better than I could’ve ever imagined.” Dani hurried to her side and draped an arm across her shoulder. “You’re going to get loads of business once the people in Miller’s Creek see this.”
A heavy sigh fell from Trish’s throat before she could contain it. “From your lips to my bank account.”
Dani’s sky blue eyes clouded over again. “I don’t know how to say this, so I’m just going to say it and get it over with. Are you doing okay? I mean, do you need to borrow money or something?”
No. Yes. Yes. She wasn’t doing okay. She needed money. She needed…something. “I’m fine.” Trish hurried to a big box perched by the piano to get a couple of the delicate cracked glass globes for the candle stands. The words “I’m fine” seemed to be her constant mantra these days. Who was she kidding? She closed her eyes and reopened them slowly, tired of pretending everything was good. Her eyes flitted to her wristwatch. She still had so much to do to make the decorations perfect. God, please let this bring me some business.
Dani perched on the railing and swung her legs. “Is Little Bo doing better?”
Doing better? How could he be? “Sure, if you don’t count the nightmares and barely letting me out of his sight.” She left out the thumb-sucking and flunking his classes, and tucked more greenery into the arch.
“So the counselor is helping?”
The double white doors at the rear of the church swung open with a bang and Dani let out a squeal. “Andy!”
Trish turned to watch Dani fly down the podium steps and into the arms of a man who looked vaguely familiar. The Dallas attorney had the kind of smile that could instantly brighten any room. “Hey, how’s the bride-to-be?”
Dani pulled back to smile up at him. “Never better.”
“Yeah, I can see that.”
She tugged at his arm. “Come here. I want you to meet my sister-in-law.”
His loose-limbed gait gave off the impression of someone who was always relaxed, like he’d just returned from a vacation at the beach.
“Andy, this is Steve’s sister.”
Sea-green eyes sparkled. “Well, does Steve’s sister have a name?” He extended a hand toward her, his smile still toothpaste-commercial bright.
Trish laughed and shook his hand. “I’m Trish, nice to meet you, Andy.”
Dani’s face took on a crimson hue. “Sorry. Guess my mind is elsewhere.”
A door squeaked behind them, and the woman the entire population of Miller’s Creek, Texas knew as Mama Beth bustled into the room. Trailing her came the smell of fresh baked bread wafting in from the fellowship hall. “My goodness, if this isn’t the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. Trish, this is amazing.” She moved to Andy’s side and gave him a hug. “Hi, Andy.”
He hugged her back and gave her a peck on the cheek. “Hi, sweet lady.” Then he turned his gaze turned to Trish. “Looks awesome. You did all this?”
She ducked her gaze, pushing a strand of hair behind one ear.
“All of it.” Dani practically bubbled. “And wait until you see the fellowship hall.”
“Speaking of fellowship hall, I could sure use your help in the kitchen.” Mama Beth’s voice took on a commanding tone as she bustled toward the door. “We’ve got enough work to do to keep an army busy before the rehearsal dinner tonight.”
Dani looked torn. “But I can’t leave Trish down here to do this by herself.”
Andy placed his hands on his hips in mock protest, his tan corduroy jacket pulled back at the bottom. “What am I? Chopped liver? I’ll help Trish. You go help Mama Beth.” He held up a hand. “Trust me when I say I’ll be more help here than in the kitchen.”
“Good point. I’ve had your cooking.” Dani gave him a triumphant gloat and hooked elbows with Mama Beth. “Y’all know where to find us if you need help.”
The two women hurried from the room chattering like two sparrows fussing at one another.
Andy chuckled then turned his friendly Florida ocean-colored eyes her way. “So, Steve’s sister, what can I do to help?”
Trish laughed. “I was actually waiting for a man to come around. I have a box full of candles I need brought in from my Suburban.” She pointed toward the side exit door. “It’s right out there and it’s unlocked.”
He gave a cocky mock salute that bounced his sandy curls. “Yes ma’am. Your wish is my command.” Andy trotted down the steps, his stocky frame disappearing through the door.
She watched him go, then raised her eyebrows and stepped down the stairs toward the box of greenery on the front pew. Dani’s friend was more handsome than she remembered. How had he managed to evade walking the aisle? She burrowed through the box looking for more sprigs of ivy for the arch and remembered the promise she’d made Dani yesterday to entertain Andy and make him feel welcome. She heaved a heavy sigh. The last thing she needed in addition to her other responsibilities was a man to take care of.
The exit door squeaked and Andy entered, the only portion of him showing above the bulky box was his eyes and forehead. She hurried over to him. “Can I help? I know that box is heavy. I loaded it this morning.”
“Nah, I got it.” The words wheezed out. “You loaded this by yourself?”
She ignored the question and pointed to the stage. “Can you bring it up the podium steps?”
He shot her a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding look then labored up the steps, his face red and his breath coming in agonized spurts. As he reached the last step the toe of his shoe caught against the extension cord that ran along the edge of the stage. Trish saw what was about to happen but the words congregated behind her clamped lips. He stumbled, the box flying from his arms, candles launching through the air like small missiles. Andy hit the floor, the box landing at the base of the first tree.
In slow motion, like carefully-placed dominos, one by one the trees rippled to the floor in a staccato of crashes and crunches. Then, as if to punctuate the effect, the white metal archway in the center teetered, then toppled forward, landing with a bang.
Her mouth hinged open as her hands made their way to her cheeks. All her hard work. Ruined. Trish stood dazed, until she realized that Andy was still flat on his back. She hurried over to him. “Are you all right?”
He pushed himself up on all fours and surveyed the devastation around them.
Once she assured herself he was okay, she plopped down on the top step. The scene replayed itself in her mind and a giggle gurgled out of her, bursting forth in an almost-maniacal laugh.
Andy’s laughter joined hers and he crawled over to sit beside her.
Without warning her laughter turned to sobs and she covered her face with her hands. Now she’d never be ready on time. No one would be impressed. No one would want her services. No business, no money.
“I’m sorry. I’m s
o sorry.” Andy slid a hand down her arm. “I’ll fix it, Trish. I promise. I’m so sorry—”
Trish came to her senses and swatted at the tears on her cheek. “Will you stop apologizing?” Her voice sounded snappish. “It was an accident, for Pete’s sake. I promise not to press charges.” She clamped her lips together, rose to her feet and moved up the steps to stand among the ruins. Blinking back tears, she knelt down to retrieve shattered slivers of glass from the broken globes. These weren’t even paid for.
Andy knelt beside her, his focused attention boring a hole through her skin. “Here, let me get that. You start putting things back where you want them.”
Trish could only nod at his softly-spoken words, a knot of tears wedged in her windpipe. She moved to the white trees and started the tedious process of lifting them back into place, the strings of lights now dripping from the branches like a child had thrown them in place.
~~o~~
Texas Roads (A Miller's Creek Novel) Page 28
