The Wedding March

by Tara Randel

  “With all the excitement of the concert, I guess someone forgot to go shopping.”

  “Wouldn’t that be your job?”

  “I do a lot around here, but Mr. Hastings usually sends one of the adults to the store.”

  Erin leaned against the counter, arms crossed over her chest, shoulders slumped. “Maybe there’s some money around here we can borrow. Blow this place and go get breakfast alone.”

  Wait for it... And there it was. Denny’s frown. The one he gave her when she suggested doing something dumb. If only he knew.

  “You know I can’t take any money.”

  She shrugged. Yeah, she knew that. “Just testing you. I’ve got a couple bucks.”

  He closed the cabinet door and tossed her a bar. “Did you go home last night?”

  Why couldn’t he be clueless like the rest of her guy friends?

  “I, um, kinda got locked out.”

  “Really? Did you lose your keys?”

  More like her parents had changed the locks last time she’d been late and hadn’t given her a new key. But Denny didn’t need the details.

  “Something like that.”

  His brown eyes, always so perceptive and appearing much older than his sixteen years, seemed to figure out the situation.

  “Missed your curfew?”

  “Only this time I had a good reason.” She ran the toe of her scuffed boot over the tile floor, keeping her gaze averted.

  “Don’t your parents know you were working with us?”

  “They don’t care.”

  Especially about her.

  “C’mon, they must be worried.”

  If by worried he meant what the neighbors might think, then yeah, they were worried.

  “I’ll call ’em later.”

  Denny crossed the room to lean against the counter next to her. His shoulder brushed hers and a funny flutter kicked up in her belly. Why did he have to be so close? And why did he confuse her? The strong urge to confide in him overwhelmed her, yet she never did. It was a line she never wanted to cross.

  She’d met Denny in middle school, before “the incident.” They’d kinda been friends, until she started hanging out with a bunch of cooler kids. She knew he didn’t approve, no surprise there, but he never judged her, either.

  “I can give you a ride home if you need. Tell your folks you were working here last night.”

  Would it matter? If Denny told them, probably. But after he left, the lecture would start and once again she’d be the worst daughter on the planet.

  “I don’t need your help,” she said, lifting her chin as she tossed her hair over her shoulder.

  Oh, how she wanted him to save her, be the knight in shining armor she read about in the romance novels her mother disapproved of. But then he’d see how things were at home. See her for the thief she’d become. She couldn’t face the embarrassment.

  Denny pushed away from the counter. “Whatever. I’ve got stuff to do.”

  As he left the kitchen, tears welled in Erin’s eyes. He was always so nice to her and in return she lashed out at him. She swiped at her cheeks, not willing to let Denny, or anyone, see her weak side. Even though her chest burned with wanting a real friend she could count on.

  * * *

  “SO, WHAT DID you think?” Cassie asked Luke. They’d been passing out breakfast for thirty minutes now. The bright morning sun with the temperature hovering in the seventies drew people here this Saturday morning to eat and visit, all at Cassie’s invitation.

  The idea had come to her about five days before the concert when she’d seen how the community pitched in to support the Kids’ Klub fundraiser. She’d wanted to thank everyone involved in making the concert a success, so she’d called an old friend from high school to set up this last-minute breakfast on the grounds of Kids’ Klub. Teens, adults and even little ones chatted and laughed, enjoying the food compliments of Pointe Cafe, a mainstay in Cypress Pointe.

  The line finally dwindled, giving her time to consider the question that’d kept her awake all night. The scent of rich coffee and freshly blooming flowers vied for her attention until she spoke to Luke.

  “So, how do you think it went last night?” she ventured.

  “The crowd loved you.”

  “And?”

  “And what? You rocked the place.”

  The pressure in her chest eased.

  She couldn’t read his eyes, hidden as they were behind dark sunglasses, but his smile assured her last night had been a big success. At least in making Luke realize she really was doing this to benefit Kids’ Klub, not just for the writing sessions that would come later.

  Any minute now, Lauren would be joining them to announce the final tally from the concert. She’d been crunching numbers when Cassie left the house, assuring her she’d be there for breakfast.

  “The kids from the Klub stayed busy yesterday,” she went on to say. “Do they always work together so well?”

  Luke laughed. “Not usually. They were a little in awe of you.”

  She waved away the compliment. “Please. It was a great time for a good cause.”

  Luke removed his sunglasses and sipped his coffee, peering at her over the rim of his cup. Yes, he made her nervous. His blond hair seemed lighter in the daylight, strands lifting in the gentle breeze. It looked like he hadn’t shaved this morning, which only made him more handsome. His long fingers held the cup with ease, the same fingers that played the heck out of his guitar last night. She’d hoped working together would break the ice, since he was always reserved around her, and, as evidenced by his good mood this morning, her strategy must have worked.

  He smiled at her and her stomach dipped. How did she explain the sparks whenever they were together? She’d noticed him sneaking glances at her last night, or at least she’d hoped he was. Her heart had danced, just like right now. Probably the attraction was one-sided, but she wanted to explore the heat between them.

  But what if he didn’t return her feelings? She would be sunk, because if he found out, then working together on her songwriting would be so awkward. For now, she’d have to corral these feelings for Luke.

  He rested the cup back on the table. “The guys had a blast playing to the crowd. All in all, a great night.”

  She relaxed, able to enjoy the breakfast event for the first time. The sun warmed her shoulders as a young mother she’d gone to high school with waved at Cassie as she pushed a baby stroller. Cassie waved back. One of her mother’s friends called hello as she passed by, the leash to her golden Lab taut as she reined in the dog exploring the path.

  “You didn’t have to go all out with breakfast, you know,” Luke said, drawing her back to the conversation.

  “I wanted to.”

  “Are you always so generous with your time?” Luke asked, as a young boy ran up for another bagel.

  “I try. Most organizations I help quietly, others I lend my name to if it’s a big cause. My mother always instilled the importance of being considerate to others and I guess her lessons stuck.”

  “Where is she, by the way?”

  “She and my stepdad will be here soon. They were out of town and got back late last night.”

  “Will I get to hear any of her sayings?”

  She chuckled. “If you’re lucky.”

  “Why did she come up with them?” Luke asked as he moved a few leftover pastries from one platter to another.

  “It’s a long story.”

  “And we have time to kill until your sister shows up.”

  True, but how much of her family story did she want to reveal?

  “You’ve met my dad,” she hedged.

  Luke arched a brow.

  “He traveled a lot when we were little. Became successful and found anothe
r woman who recognized his gift. Like my mother didn’t.” She paused, controlling her temper. “So he left. We didn’t understand why at the time, so she tried to cheer us up.”

  “I see.”

  Cassie covered the pastries with clear wrap. “My mother worked long hours to provide for us, but we pitched in. Another reason I volunteer when I can.”

  “I noticed the tension whenever your dad is around.”

  “He’s decided we should bond, which means he wants something.”

  Luke removed the empty platter. “Pretty cynical thinking. Maybe he just wants to spend time with his daughter.”

  “By showing up ten minutes before the concert to insist I let him join the band?”

  Lines bracketed Luke’s mouth as he grimaced. “Point taken.”

  She really didn’t like dredging up old memories, not on a beautiful day like today, working next to a very attractive, very guarded man. She enjoyed the small talk he’d initiated for a change.

  “What about your family?”

  “I’m not any more thrilled talking about mine than you are about yours.”

  “Vague, as usual.”

  “I’m just not comfortable sharing details of my life.”

  “Or you’re stubborn.”

  Surprisingly, he chuckled at her spot-on character trait.

  “I shouldn’t have pushed,” she quickly said. “You’ve made it pretty clear you have no intention of talking about yourself.”

  “I’m beginning to guess pushy is your MO.”

  Her mouth fell open. Had she been pushy? If anything, she’d tried to be cautious.

  She was about to give him an explanation when a dark-haired man approached the table, a large garbage bag in hand.

  “Nick, you don’t have to clean up,” Cassie scolded. “We’ll get it.”

  The cafe owner winked at her. “All part of the service.”

  “C’mon, you catered this breakfast. I don’t want you working so hard. Go sit down.”

  “You make it sound like I’m eighty. Besides, you know me better than that.”

  She did. His parents had owned Pointe Cafe and ever since she’d known Nick, he’d worked there. He ran the cafe now and by the big smile on his face, he loved every minute in the community.

  “Thanks, Nick. Tell your parents I said hello.”

  “You can tell them yourself if you’re in town for a while.”

  She snuck a quick glance at Luke, then smiled. “I’ll do that.”

  Nick went back to weaving through the tables, cleaning up and greeting people along the way.

  She enjoyed the camaraderie of small-town life. Living in LA had its perks, but other than Travis, she hadn’t developed a network of friends. Recording and touring had been her only focus. Her only world. Suddenly, she realized she missed Cypress Pointe. She’d spent so many years away and after last night, she wanted to belong again.

  Kids’ Klub was a perfect place to start.

  “Now that the concert is over, when can I start volunteering?”

  “Are you sure? I mean, since you need to concentrate on—” he glanced around and lowered his voice “—writing?”

  “Being busy would get my mind off my problem and besides, I really would like to give music lessons.”

  Was he rethinking her offer? She’d taken a huge chance by asking him to help her with her songs, but he’d seemed on board. Why the reluctance now?

  After watching a group of teens laughing and clowning around, Luke turned back to her. “I get that you want to help, but what happens when you go back to LA? What happens to the kids whose lives you touch?”

  When she opened her mouth to argue, he held up his hand. “I’m not going back on my word. I just need you to be sure.”

  “Luke, I told you I’d never hurt these kids. I remember how it feels to be confused and out of place at that age. Even as I got older, my father’s leaving left scars. I may not be here full-time, but I will come back when I’m not working.”

  “You know as well as I do how time-consuming recording an album can be. And that’s only the beginning. You’ll be doing promo appearances, probably go on tour again.”

  “That’s all very possible, but I’ll need downtime, too. I can come here and continue where I leave off.”

  He still resisted. “I don’t want them to get attached, then be disappointed when you go.”

  She placed a hand on her hip. “How many full-time people do you have on staff right now?”

  “Two.”

  “And the rest? Volunteers, right?”

  “Folks help as needed. Or if we run special classes, I bring in experts.”

  “So consider me one of your experts. If I’m not here all the time, no one gets bored with me.”

  A reluctant smile curved his lips. “Boring is hardly your problem.”

  She didn’t know whether or not to be pleased by his comment so she let it fly.

  “Look, I’m no parental figure since I’ve never had children, but I remember the angst of being a teen. I took those uncertain years and made a career out of them. I’d love a chance to advise teens on how to channel their sometimes negative energy into something good.”

  Luke remained silent. Had she finally come up with a solid reason he couldn’t argue with?

  “I know the Klub means everything to you, Luke.”

  “Do you?”

  His sudden intensity startled her.

  “If I don’t, then fill me in.”

  Running a hand along the back of his neck, he let out a long breath. “Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not trying to run you off. I’ve put my heart and soul into this organization so at times I’m a little overprotective.”

  She got that. Made him an inspiring leader for the kids. “Why don’t we revisit this conversation when you’re less defensive?”

  “Is that what you call it?” He sent her a stomach-whopping smile. “Sounds like a wise idea.”

  Before she could mention an appointment to set up a schedule and finalize duties, a spunky red-haired young woman appeared out of nowhere, a small recorder in her outstretched hand. “Miss Branford? Mandy Rose, Cypress Pointe Weekly.”

  Right. Cassie had forgotten.

  Mandy flashed her thousand-watt smile. “Can I have a few minutes of your time?”

  She looked over at Luke. He nodded in the reporter’s direction. “Go on. I’ll hold down the fort.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  She heard his chuckle as she walked to the shade of a mature oak a few feet away.

  “This is so exciting,” Mandy said, starting the interview. “Having two famous women in town. You know Jenna Monroe lives here.”

  “I do.” Jenna had been a celebrity chef in LA before moving to Cypress Pointe with her twin daughters. Cassie had met her at a function in LA and they’d become friends.

  “Who knew Cypress Pointe had the panache to draw two celebrities?”

  “You do know I used to live here, right?”

  Mandy blinked furiously. “Why, yes.”

  Cassie resisted an eye roll. Most of the time she didn’t mind interviews, but she’d hated being interrupted when Luke was opening up to her.

  “Let me pull up my notes.” Mandy scrolled through her cell phone. “So, tell me, when is your next album due?”

  “I haven’t gone into the studio yet, so it’ll be a while.”

  “I’m sure your fans will be disappointed.”

  Not as much as the label if she didn’t get some inspiration soon.

  “Will the sound be like your first or second album?”

  Bending over to pick up a few leaves from the ground as she decided how to answer the question, Cassie tried for nonchalance. “I’m hoping to get
back to my original style.”

  “Because your second album didn’t do well?”

  She bit her lip. Everyone was a critic. “That would be a good reason, wouldn’t it?”

  “So can you give us a sneak peek of what you have in store?”

  “And ruin the wait? Come on, Mandy, you should know better than to ask.”

  Mandy leaned closer, a speculative gleam in her eyes. “So, what aren’t you telling me?”

  As if Cassie would reveal her deep-seated fears. If the label even suspected her dilemma, her dreams would go up in smoke.

  “Every woman deserves to be a little mysterious, don’t you think?”

  Mandy drew back and Cassie could almost envision her mind rebooting.

  “So why a benefit concert here and now?”

  “Since I spent my formative years in Cypress Pointe, I wanted to help Kids’ Klub.”

  “Were you a troublemaker?”

  Cassie laughed, tossing the leaves in her hand to the shady ground. “Far from it, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate an organization that does good work in the community.”

  “Did you know Luke Hastings prior to his moving here?”

  “No. I was recording when he left the business.”

  “Will you and Luke be collaborating on a song or two?”

  None of your business, Cassie wanted to answer. “Right now Luke and I are focusing on my place at the Klub.”

  “I can’t say I blame him. His divorce was pretty messy before he showed up.”

  “I wouldn’t know.”

  “He also comes from a troubled childhood. Father and brother in jail. Mother’s whereabouts unknown.”

  Yikes. Cringing, she said, “I’m not sure it’s in anyone’s interest to discuss Luke’s private life.”

  “It’s not a secret.”

  Still, Cassie doubted he wanted his family history, or any part of his life, revealed in an article because of her.

  “Can we just spotlight the value Kids’ Klub brings to the community?”

  “Well, you have to know the history before you can understand the value.”

  Mandy had a point, but Cassie refused to engage in what she feared was verging on TMI. Luke made it very clear that he kept his personal life personal.