by JoAnn Durgin
“That sounds like something the girl hiding under the bleachers with a boy would do.” They shared a smile. “Not that you need Sam’s permission to take me to Austin, but where would I stay?”
“I’ll take care of all the arrangements. You could stay at my parents’ house, but I’m not sure it’s the wisest idea to subject you to that. Don’t misunderstand. They’re great, but I don’t think you want to listen to my stepdad’s boasts of his fishing conquests or listen to my mom talking about her latest recipe. I’ll figure out something.” His eyes met hers. “Please say you’ll come.”
Chapter 16
Amy swallowed hard, knowing the die was cast. If Kevin—one of the most honest, faithful, upstanding Christian men she knew—trusted Landon, he had to be one of the good guys. The best, actually. That’s all her heart needed to know. “Yes, I’ll come.” Her heart started beating wildly again.
“Great.” His smile stretched across his face. “I’ll talk to Sam before the evening’s over. I suppose we’d better go back in now or there’ll be speculation.”
“I’m sure it’s already too late for that.” Putting her hand in Landon’s as he pulled her to her feet, Amy hooked her arm through his. Let the inquisition begin.
“Okay, bridesmaids, gather round,” Winnie said, waving as she spied her. She made sure she positioned Amy directly behind Rebekah. “Beck’s getting ready to throw her bouquet, so we need all of you over here.” When she tried to dart away, Winnie anchored her to the spot.
Wriggling free of Winnie’s hold, Amy called to Cassie, Marta, Gayle and the other two unmarried bridesmaids. “If I’m doing this, you are, too.”
Beck waited until all the ladies, including Chloe, gathered in a semicircle behind her. Knowing Winnie, she was conveying silent signals of some sort to her sister-in-law, hoping the bride had extraordinary throwing skills, not to mention precise backward aim. Sure enough, Beck turned around and tossed the bouquet straight into her hands. She didn’t have to move an inch, and she certainly didn’t try to catch it.
“Well, if ever I’ve seen a direct sign.” Winnie leaned close. “You’re next, sweetie.”
“And you’re wicked,” Amy said.
Landon talked with some of the men nearby. At least the sight of her holding the bride’s bouquet didn’t send him running from the room.
Soon after, Rebekah and Kevin prepared to leave, still dressed in their wedding finery. She knew they were staying somewhere local and then flying to Hawaii tomorrow, but not too early . . . at Kevin’s insistence. That thought made her smile. Hugging all her attendants in turn, Rebekah gathered Amy close. Flushed with excitement and anticipation, she’d never looked more beautiful, her luminous eyes a sparkling, deep emerald green. “Everyone adores Cooper, Amy. Kevin says he’s a great guy and he thinks you two are a perfect match. I hope we’ll be dancing next at your wedding.”
She smiled and squeezed the bride’s hand. “Be safe, Beck. The ceremony was beautiful, and I’m thrilled for you and Kevin. Have a great honeymoon.”
“Thanks,” Rebekah said. “We’ll talk soon.”
Amy nodded, tears of joy filling her eyes. “Love you both.”
“You, too.” With a quick kiss on her cheek, Rebekah moved on.
Amy’s brow furrowed. Wait a minute. Questions danced in her mind. Beck must not be thinking straight. Considering the woman had just married her dream man, it was understandable. First, Gayle referred to him as Cooper, the globe-trotting journalist, then Winnie called him Cooper when she helped her try on her bridesmaid dress. Good grief, even Natalie referred to him as Cooper the super spy or whatever before the wedding ceremony. Could Cooper be Landon’s real first name? Maybe he used one name for his personal life and another for his professional life? Although an uncommon practice for men, it was still a possibility. Her grandfather’s real name wasn’t Eric Carlisle, but actors adopted stage names all the time.
“Whatever your name is, I like you. A lot,” she said under her breath. Covering her mouth, Amy stifled a yawn. It had been a full, exhilarating day, but it was getting late and she was growing more weary by the second.
Hearing laughter coming from outside the reception hall, Amy lifted the skirt of her gown and started down the front steps, being slow and careful. Just Married was scrawled on the back window of the Bentley and bells and streamers dangled from the back bumper. No doubt Josh, Marc and some of the other groomsmen had been busy while she and Landon shared their private tête-à-tête in the alcove.
Standing on the stairs and watching as the newlyweds climbed into the Bentley, she smiled and waved as the elegant, silver car pulled out of the parking lot. The group was more subdued as the limousine transported the remaining members of the wedding party back to the church a short time later. Standing in groups in the parking lot, they said their quiet good nights and good-byes.
Try as she might, Amy couldn’t get a decent tidbit out of Marta as to what was going on between her and Eliot. Although she didn’t deny the attraction, Marta only gave her a cagey smile and then changed the subject.
Landon strolled over where she talked with Cassie and Marta. After greeting the other ladies, he grinned. “May I drive you back to the inn?”
Ignoring the stares of the other ladies, Amy smiled. “That would be lovely. Give me a few minutes to gather my things inside.”
“Take as long as you need.”
Motioning to get Winnie’s attention, she signaled her friend to meet her on the church steps.
“Amy Jacobsen, I never would have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes,” Winnie said, shaking her head as they walked into the dark church together. Pulling a key from the pocket of her lightweight coat, she unlocked a side door and flipped a switch, illuminating the vestibule. “Macking with that man in the alcove.”
Here it comes. “I wondered how long it would take you. Down, Mother Hen. I’m a grown woman, perfectly capable of taking care of myself. And really, Winnie, who under the age of eighty says ‘macking’ anymore?”
“Well, you know what it means.” Winnie’s giggle escaped as they entered the small room where the ladies had stored their personal belongings. “Then again, you’re all about the words, aren’t you? Except for when you’re macking with a handsome man, of course.”
Hearing the other attendants coming into the church, Amy lowered her voice. “So, I suppose everyone knows I was kissing my handsome groomsman tonight? Kissing him good,” she added for Winnie’s benefit.
“If we didn’t before, we sure did when the two of you walked back into the reception hall. You’ve got the man’s attention, that much is obvious, but I need to ask you about Landon.”
“What about him?” Amy concentrated on folding the top and jeans she’d worn to the church earlier, and placed them in her overnight bag with her boots.
“Meet me back outside in a few minutes,” Winnie said.
Amy knew it was a lost cause to try and put off the questions, so she might as well address them now. Retrieving her cosmetic items from the vanity area, she tucked them in the top compartment of her case before zipping it closed. Gathering the rest of her things, she draped her garment bag over one arm. Slipping out of the church with Winnie close behind, she carefully started down the steps.
“When you arrived on Thursday night, you were positively glowing after meeting Landon in New York,” Winnie said, putting one hand on her arm, stopping her. “Then you meet a handsome man at the wedding—one who lives here in Texas—and suddenly you’re infatuated with him? It’s unusual for you to find one man you’re interested in, and now all of a sudden, you have two?” She shook her head. “Forgive me, but it seems so . . . well, out-of-character for you.”
Amy paused on the steps, scanning the parking lot. Landon waited beside what she assumed was his rental car, talking with Chase the A&M guy, and Travis the church guy, for lack of knowing what else to call them. “It’s getting colder out here by the minute, Winnie. Are you sure you want to ge
t into this now? I’m coming to Houston soon enough. We can talk then.”
“Talk to me now. We all noticed your preoccupation with Cooper tonight,” Winnie said. “And vice versa. I can see you really like him, but I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I appreciate that more than you know, but maybe for once in my life I don’t want to do what’s safe or right, proper or whatever.” Noting Winnie’s wary look, Amy plowed on. “What everyone doesn’t seem to get is that Cooper is Landon. He’s the same guy I shared a date with in New York, the carriage ride, the odd but wonderful conversation . . .” She blew out a breath. “Sure, Cooper might have been his nickname in college, but trust me, the man is Landon Warnick.”
Confusion clouded Winnie’s eyes and she frowned. “But . . . wait a minute. For one thing, Cooper’s last name is Warren and he lives in Austin. Josh told me, and he got it from Beck, who obviously knows from Kevin’s association with him. This makes no sense. I mean,” she said, rubbing her fingers over her forehead, “sure, he looks a lot like the guy in the photo you showed me, but he’s also different somehow.” She put one hand on her hip. “For one thing, does Landon have a drawl? Because Cooper sure does.”
“No, but you have a drawl—as do Lexa, Sam, Josh, Beck and Kevin—and I don’t hold it against any of you.” Amy started back down the stairs.
Winnie sighed and hurried to keep up. “Hear me out on this, Amy. Please.”
Stopping again, she flashed Winnie a bright smile. “No, Landon doesn’t have a drawl, but his voice sounds pretty much the same—deep and sexy as all get out, if you want the absolute, God-honest truth. It makes me positively shiver. Look, Landon told me he’s originally from Austin and the drawl comes back when he’s home in Texas.” Darting a glance at him, she was grateful he was engaged in conversation. “He mentioned his parents still live in Austin, and maybe he has a place there, too.” She shrugged. “Makes sense. As far as the last name, I have no clue except that Warren is awfully close to Warnick. My best guess is Warren’s his real last name but he uses Warnick professionally since it’s not as common.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?”
“Why should it? My grandfather used another name professionally.”
“But Landon’s not—”
“Need I remind you that your business is called Doyle-Clarke Catering? It’s not Grant-Lewis Catering, and you’re not changing it because you’re married now, are you?”
Winnie snorted. “Not the same thing and you know it.”
Amy curled one arm around Winnie’s slender shoulders. “I like Landon. He’s a very nice man in spite of his boldness.” Some would call it cockiness. “And in spite of the fact that it seems like he’s a fast worker.” Some would say he has hidden motives. “I appreciate your protectiveness and your love and concern, but it’s okay. Promise.”
“Didn’t he know about your involvement with TeamWork and know you might be here?” Winnie asked.
That question stopped her. “We had one date—less than three hours together. I mentioned I had friends in Texas, but other than a brief mention of TeamWork, we didn’t discuss it, shocking as that might be to you. Look,” she said, as they walked together down a few more steps, “it’s not like we’ve had time to share each other’s darkest secrets, spill our guts or otherwise compare notes about every organization we’re both involved with . . .” Her voice trailed as she glimpsed Winnie’s expression. “Short answer? He’s probably as surprised as I am to find out we have mutual friends in common. As a matter of fact, I’m thrilled about it.”
“I’m not accusing him of anything, but I can see the wheels turning in your brain, trying to rationalize this guy.”
Amy felt like a child being chastised and almost stomped her foot. If she did, it would only reinforce Winnie’s point and further encourage the interrogation. She stilled her foot and along with it, the inclination to act out her feelings of aggravation. Taking a deep breath, she kept her voice steady. “Why are you so suspicious of this guy all of a sudden? You’re the one who said I have great instincts and am level-headed. Trust me on this one. You can get to know Landon better when we come to Houston.”
Winnie’s eyes widened, bright in the reflected moonlight. “You’re still coming to Houston with Sam and Lexa, right?”
Amy shifted from one foot to the other and stared at the pavement. “Um, not exactly. Landon offered to drive me there by way of . . . well, Austin.”
“He what? Now you’re taking a road trip with him?”
Amy wanted to sink into the steps, and she dared not look Landon’s way. Surely he and everyone else in the church parking lot heard her friend’s outburst.
“I have half a mind to call your mother or Mitch, young lady.” Winnie massaged her forehead again. “Remember the Alamo,” she muttered.
Amy stifled her gasp. Now she really wanted to go with him, to prove a point if nothing else. “What on earth does that mean?” When Winnie stopped and gave her a penetrating look, Amy narrowed her eyes. “We’re talking about a completely different set of circumstances from you and Josh in San Antonio. Besides, I trust Cooper . . . Landon, whatever.”
“Don’t you see?” Winnie asked. “You don’t even know what to call him. Use a little discernment here. If you’re not completely clear on the man’s identity, do you think it’s wise to go on a trip with him?”
Amy forced her hands to her sides, resisting the urge to cross her arms. “So, what you’re really saying is you don’t trust me.”
“Of course, I do, but I also noticed the way you two looked at each other in there tonight, the dancing and the macking in that cozy alcove . . .”
“Enough with the macking!” Gathering the skirt of her dress, Amy turned to leave. Irritated as she was, she couldn’t risk another stumbling incident. “I’ll see you in Houston.”
“Sweetheart,” Josh said, walking over to them and slipping his hand around his wife’s waist. “Time to get going. Chloe’s sleeping in the car.”
“Josh, you’ve got to talk some sense into my best friend. Seems she’s temporarily lost her mind.”
“If this is about her groomsman, no need to worry. He’s a solid guy and we all think he and Amy make a great match.” When Josh gave her a wink, she could have kissed him. “You have the TeamWork man stamp of approval, Daydreamer.”
“Well, thanks for that,” she said, turning her head, trying not to laugh. She avoided Winnie’s glare.
“I can see when I’m outnumbered, but I still have my concerns.” Gathering Amy in her arms, hugging her close, Winnie released her a few seconds later and cradled her cheeks between her palms. “I love you and I care. I’m just tired, confused and . . . .” She darted a glance at her husband.
Amy’s eyes widened. “You’re pregnant!” She clamped a hand over her mouth and prayed no one else heard.
“We sure are,” Josh said. She’d seen plenty of smiles from him, but none more infectious than the one creasing his face now. “You’re the first to know, so we’d appreciate it if you’d keep it on the down-low.”
“Of course,” Amy said, finding it difficult to believe Lexa didn’t know. “How far along?”
“Only about a month,” Winnie said, snuggling into the curve of her husband’s arm. “We weren’t planning on another baby this soon, but you and I both know God sometimes has other plans.”
“Well, I’m thrilled for you. Chloe—and everyone else—will be ecstatic. Good thing you’ve hired extra helpers for the catering business. You’re going to need them.” Amy grinned at Josh. “I’m sure you’re relishing hopping onto the whole ‘let’s populate the TeamWork crew’ bandwagon.” Her eyes widened. “Hey, you might have twins, too.”
“Oh, let’s hope not,” Winnie said with a tired smile. “One at a time is all I can handle.”
“Have fun, Amy. We’ll see you in a few days.” Josh tweaked her cheek and led Winnie toward their car.
Winnie blew her a kiss over her shoulder. “Love you, swee
tie. Be careful.”
“Thanks. Love you, too. See you soon.”
~~**~~
Checking her phone for messages as she packed her suitcase the next morning, Amy noticed a call from an unfamiliar number, a Manhattan exchange. She hadn’t taken her phone to the wedding or the reception, not wanting to be bothered. In case of an emergency, she’d given Sam and Lexa’s contact information—as well as Winnie and Josh’s—to her mom and Mitch. Sinking onto the bed with a leftover yawn, she retrieved the message.
“Hi, Amy. I had a great time with you the other night. I’m sorry we can’t get together until after Christmas, but I’ll look forward to seeing you again. Until then, I hope you’re well and having fun wherever you are and whatever you’re doing this weekend. I’ll be thinking of you and I’ll give you a call when I get back to New York.”
An odd feeling washed over her, bathing her in indecision and uncertainty. Her fingers shook as she fumbled with the phone, double-checking the date and time of the voice mail. The message registered during the time she was at The Glades for the wedding reception. Listening to the voice mail a second time, Amy mentally checked her facts, her heart racing. The night before, she’d walked the recessional on Landon’s arm, danced in the man’s arms and kissed him until she was glowing and near-giddy. He’d arranged with Sam to drive her to Houston and then given her a light, sweet kiss in the lobby of the inn before saying good night.
Was this some kind of sick, twisted prank? If so, why would Landon play with her mind? Her mind raced out-of-control, and her head pounded with unanswered questions. So many questions. This was surreal. If Landon was in New York City, then who was the man here in Baton Rouge? A man who looked enough like him to be his twin, or at least a blood brother? Could he really be Cooper Warren and no relation to the publisher of New York Scene? The thought made her cheeks redden as a tumult of emotions rushed through her, filling her with dread to the point where she groaned out loud. Embarrassed and confused didn’t begin to cover it. No wonder Winnie was concerned, as well she should be. As always, her best friend’s instincts were spot-on. Maybe it was true that pregnancy did heighten a woman’s senses while infatuation must have diminished hers.
