by Tori Scott
She stalked away, slamming the kitchen door behind her. Angel could hear the murmur of voices, then she heard the back door slam. She looked back out the window in time to see Gray and Cara stop in the front yard, where Gray pulled Cara into his arms so she could cry on his shoulder.
What the hell did Cara have to cry about? She'd somehow managed to break the cycle of teenaged pregnancy that had plagued the family for three generations. She had no idea what it was like, not knowing if the child you'd carried was alive or dead, loved or abused, healthy or sick. To hear your child crying for weeks, months, even years after they'd ripped him from your arms because you wouldn't let go. To look at every teenage boy you passed on the street and wonder if one of them was yours.
So maybe she did have PTSD. What the hell was she supposed to do about it?
***
"I swear there's something wrong with that woman, Mitch. Why do you want anything to do with her?" Gray slid one arm, then the other into the tuxedo sleeve while Mitch held the jacket for him. "I think you need to forget about her and find a nice, normal woman."
Mitch ignored Gray's criticism of Angel. He didn't know everything that had happened to her like Mitch did. He settled the jacket on Gray's shoulders then stepped back to see how it looked. "I like the other one better. The tails seem like a bit much for what y'all have planned."
Gray looked in the full length mirror, turning sideways to check out the tails. "Hmm. You may be right."
"Here, try this one." Mitch handed him a conservatively-cut black tuxedo. "It's a little more dignified."
"Hey, I can do dignified." Gray tried the jacket on. "Feels pretty good."
"Looks good too. Now, are you going with a vest or a cummerbund?"
"I have no idea. Which one is better?" After trying the tuxedo both ways, Gray said, "The cumberbund, I think."
"It's actually cummerbund, not cumberbund, but either way, I agree."
"Cummerbund, cumberbund. Whatever. But how do I know what color?"
"You want to match it to the bridesmaids dresses, I think."
Gray turned and gave Mitch an appraising look. "How do you know so much about this wedding stuff, anyway?"
Mitch laughed. "Three sisters and a brother, remember? I've been in every wedding. So, what color?"
"I have no idea." Gray looked at the wide array of choices. "Guess I'd better see if I can find out."
Mitch waved the hovering salesman over. "He'll take the jacket and pants. We'll worry about the cummerbund later. And he needs shoes, a belt, bow tie, etc."
"Very good, sir."
"And I need the same thing, size 42 long for the jacket, pants thirty-two thirty-four."
"Yes, sir."
"What about Sam?" Mitch looked around. "Where did he go?"
Gray pointed toward the front doors. "Outside to talk to Reggie. I swear, if those two aren't together, they're on the phone talking to each other. Never seen anything like it."
"Okay, wait here. I'll go get him."
Mitch pushed the doors open and waved to Sam. "Your turn. And hey, while you have her on the phone, ask Reggie what color the bridesmaids dresses are."
He went back inside, stopping to look at the shoe choices. Five times a groomsman, but never a groom. Not good enough for the one woman he couldn't get out of his head.
Gray wondered why he was so obsessed with Angel, but Gray didn't know he and Angel had a history of sorts. He'd felt responsible for her for years, had tried to help her in a number of different ways. Hell, he'd even proposed to her when he was eighteen. For all the wrong reasons, of course, but she'd turned him down flat and returned every letter he'd written, refused every check and gift he'd sent her, and turned the other way if she saw him walking down the street.
He'd tried his best on the cruise, had even thought he was getting somewhere until the last night when he'd found her leaning against the railing, crying. He'd tried to comfort her, but when he couldn't answer one very important question, she'd nearly pushed him overboard in her hurry to get away from him. How the hell was he supposed to know it was her kid's birthday?
Fine. If she wanted to wallow in her guilt and misery, that was her problem. But he was done with paying for a sin that wasn't even his.
CHAPTER TWO
Angel showed up at Giselle's at fifteen after ten. She hadn't planned to go at all, but she couldn't take her mother's badgering another minute. Anyway, all she had to do was get this part over with and she could avoid contact with Cara and Reggie and the rest of the bunch until time for the wedding. Between now and then she'd find some excuse for not showing up for the wedding week activities and only arrive in time for the rehearsal dinner and wedding.
Valentine's Day was a busy time for her photography business, so it shouldn't be too hard to pretend to have a shoot scheduled. She might even have to turn down a wedding for that day. And Cara didn't have to know how hurt she was that she hadn't been asked to photograph her wedding. It would have done wonders for her portfolio.
She pasted a smile on her face and stepped inside the bridal shop. When she spotted Cara and Reggie in the middle of the dozen or so rows of gowns, she made her way towards them.
"Hey," Reggie said. "Look who's here. Good thing you showed up. I think Cara was planning to put us in organza as punishment if you'd missed this."
"That would have ensured I didn't show up for the wedding," Angel snapped, annoyed at Reggie's tone. She hated to be teased. God knows she'd gotten a belly full of it, no pun intended, at sixteen.
Cara walked around from the other side of the racks and gave Angel a hug. "Don't mind Reggie. She's not happy with my choice of wedding colors. I'm glad you came."
"Why not? What did you choose? Pink?" Angel blanched when Cara smiled. "I am not wearing pink."
"Not pink. But close. Maroon. I want a Valentine's look, but I don't want a full-out red."
Angel shrugged. "That should be okay. Why don't you like that, Reggie?"
Reggie looked embarrassed. "I was going to use it for my wedding."
Cara's eyebrows went up. "Sam proposed and you didn't tell me?"
"No, not yet. I think he's going to propose at Christmas. And I know it doesn't matter. We can use the same colors and no one will care. It's just that the one you picked is exactly A & M's maroon, and it's what I'm planning to use."
"Well, shoot. Okay, then let's start over. I don't have to use that color. Angel, you have a good eye for stuff like this. What color would you choose for a Valentine's wedding?"
"Let's see what they have. I like the maroon idea, but maybe something with a little more red or blue tones to it." Angel glanced around the store and saw a collection of shimmery dark reds toward the back. "Come on."
Cara and Reggie followed her and stood back as she slid hangers across the rack. Then she started pulling dresses out and hanging them face out on the rack. Once the dresses were arranged to Angel's satisfaction, she stepped back. "Which of these are the color you want for your wedding, Reggie?"
Reggie pointed to a deep maroon taffeta.
"Okay." Angel removed that one and set it aside. "Cara, of the ones remaining, which is the closest to what you want?"
"There are so many different shades. When you put them together like this, it's easier to see the differences." She walked back and forth, studying each dress. She stopped in front of a crimson satin. "This one. It's perfect!"
Angel put the rest of the dresses back on the rack except for the two Reggie and Cara had chosen. She hung those side by side. "Now, see? These colors look nothing alike. The crimson is going to work better than the darker maroon in outdoor pictures, and it will be stunning against the snow. And you're going to add white jackets to these, where Reggie probably won't. No one will see any resemblance between the two weddings, believe me."
Cara smiled at Angel. "When did you get so smart? You're right. They aren't even close." She turned to Reggie. "So, are we good?"
"Yeah. Sorry. I didn't mean to panic, but�
��"
"No apology needed. We all have this ideal wedding in our head and want everything to be perfect." Cara hung the maroon dress back on the rack. "Now that we've settled on color, let's look at styles. I want to go with ankle length, something that will look stunning with a white jacket or stole. Beyond that, I'll let you two choose. And while you're doing that, I'm going to try on some wedding gowns."
Angel followed Reggie down the aisle, pulling out different dresses and holding them in front of her to look in the full length mirrors that lined the walls. What was she doing? She had no business in a place like this. Cara was wrong when she said they all had the perfect wedding in mind. Angel didn't. She'd never allowed herself to think about marriage, or love, or weddings. In her mind, she'd given up that chance when she gave up her son.
***
Mitch stopped on the sidewalk in front of Giselle's. What was he doing here? Gray had sent him to scout out the bridesmaid dresses so they could match the color to the cummerbunds, but he could have just as easily sent Sam. He sensed Cara and Gray's matchmaking attempts at work, but this time it was doomed to fail. Even if Angel had any interest in him--which she didn’t--he was no longer interested in her. Or soon wouldn't be. He was determined to shake off this obsession. It was time to move on.
Then he saw her through the shop's front window. She wore a crimson gown in shimmery satin with long white gloves and a white fur. White fur earmuffs set off her long brown hair. She looked like a combination of faerie and snow queen. She seemed fascinated with her reflection in the mirror and a brilliant smile lit her face.
He'd never seen her smile like that. He'd met her during the worst time of her life, and though he was sure she smiled when he wasn't around, like now, she'd never turned one his way. It surprised him how much that hurt.
He had the information he needed, so there was no reason to go inside. He didn't want to watch the smile fade when she saw him, so he shoved his hands into his pockets and returned to the tuxedo store. As he stepped inside, he vowed this was the last time he'd wear a tuxedo for anyone's wedding but his own.
***
"You both look absolutely amazing."
Angel swung away from the mirror, embarrassed at being caught admiring the picture she made in crimson and white. Then she caught sight of Cara. All she could say was, "Oh!"
The gown cascaded in lengthening tiers from a shirred bodice, the bottom of the dress spreading out at her feet and trailing behind into a short train. Thousands of seed pearls and rhinestones sparkled as they caught the light. The veil reached the hem of the dress and Angel could already see it, blowing behind Cara on a breeze, as the photographer captured the moment. The outside photos would be the most high-key work she'd ever done… And then she remembered she wouldn't be the one to take them and her smile faded.
"You don't like it?" Cara bit her bottom lip and ducked her chin.
"No. I love it!" Angel straightened the veil when it threatened to tip to the side. "It's absolutely beautiful."
"Then why the long face?"
Angel shook her head. "Nothing. Nostalgia maybe. You remember when we were little and we used to play Wedding Day? You were always the wedding planner and the bride, and I was always the photographer. You made Gray play the groom, Sam was the preacher and Reggie was your bridesmaid. Funny how so much of that is coming true."
"Yeah. I think I knew even then that Gray was the only one for me." She looked at Reggie. "And you were a beautiful bridesmaid, even with your skinned knees and braces. Both of you look beautiful." Cara blinked back tears. "I almost can't believe this is really happening."
"Believe it," Angel said. "It's that happily ever after you always held out for."
Cara snapped her fingers. "Oh, I almost forgot to ask you. The lodge will have a photographer to photograph the ceremony, but that's it. Would you be able to do the rest? I know it's a lot to ask, with you being in the wedding and everything, but I'd love for you to do our engagement pictures and my bridal portrait. And then there's the group shots and at least the highlights of the reception. I don't want you working the whole time, but…"
Angel interrupted her by throwing her arms around Cara's neck and hugging her tightly. "I thought you'd never ask! Of course I will. I'll make sure they're the best work I've ever done."
"Of course you will. I wouldn't have asked if I thought otherwise." Cara carefully removed the veil and folded it. "All this decision-making has left me starving. Lunch is on me."
Reggie's mouth twitched. "I'd prefer to have mine on a plate, if that's okay with you."
Cara's laugh echoed across the store as she hurried away to change out of the gown.
***
They settled around a large table at the Roadhouse. Angel looked at Cara. "Wouldn't we be more comfortable in a booth?"
Before Cara could reply, the chair next to Angel slid back and Mitch settled into it. "Hello, Angel."
She shot Cara a murderous look. "Is there something you forgot to tell me?"
Cara lifted her face for Gray's kiss, avoiding the question. "Did you guys get everything taken care of this morning?"
Reggie moved over a seat so Sam could sit next to her. "I didn't see anyone checking out the bridesmaid dress colors. I tried to explain it to Sam, but I don't think he quite got what I was telling him. I hope you don't show up wearing purple or something."
Sam grinned. "We have our ways of getting information. I guarantee you won't be disappointed." He gave Angel a sympathetic look. "And to answer the question Cara avoided, we decided since we're on a time constraint here it would be best to meet for lunch to compare notes and see what else we need to accomplish today. Hopefully we won't forget anything if we all put our heads together."
Angel scooted her chair back and stood. "I think y'all can handle things from here without me. I have things to do."
"Sit down, Angel," Mitch said quietly but firmly. "You have nothing to worry about from me. I'm done. So enjoy the free steak instead of making a fool of yourself ."
Angel was so shocked to hear him talk to her like that, she sat without thinking.
He leaned close so only she could hear what he said next. "If you ever need me, you know where to find me. But I'm not going to put myself in the position of being slapped down, by you or any other woman, ever again."
Then he turned back to the group as though he hadn't just rudely put her in her place and said, "Drinks are on me. Who wants a beer?"
The steak looked and smelled amazing, but it might as well have been cardboard as far as Angel was concerned. She'd lost her appetite and barely picked at her food. She shook her head when Cara asked if she wanted a doggy bag. She didn't have a dog and she'd never touch that steak.
Gray relieved her of the unmangled portion of meat and divided it between Sam, Mitch, and himself. They laughed and talked and teased until Angel wanted to scream. "Can we get on with whatever you wanted to discuss? I have things to do."
Everyone sobered and fell silent. Damn, she hadn't meant to draw all their attention to her. She wanted to crawl under the table.
Reggie forced a smile. "Angel's right. She told Cara in the beginning that she had plans for the day, so let's get to it."
"O-kaaay," Cara drawled. She pulled a notebook from her purse, then a pen. "I've reserved a large section of the resort for February tenth through February fifteenth. The wedding will be outside in the winter garden, weather permitting. But if the forecast looks ugly, we'll do it inside instead. Most everyone I've talked to so far agrees that it will make an ideal winter vacation, so we'll have plenty of company for the whole week."
Cara checked off a line in her notebook. "Angel, you and Mom will share a room, Sam and Reggie have their own room, and of course Gray and I have one. Mitch, you can either have a room to yourself, or you can share with one of the single guys. We'll leave that up to you."
"I'd rather have the room to myself," he said. "I'm a light sleeper, and I'm sometimes up until the wee hours."
> "Okay." Cara marked that down. "Now, the resort provides the minister, a violinist, the photographer, the food and cakes, flowers, chairs, etc. Pretty much anything we'll need for the ceremony. We'll need to provide the bubbles, the bridal bouquets will be ordered from a florist in the nearby town, the DJ is covered…anything I missed?"
"What about the ring bearer and flower girl? Who is going to take that role?" Angel didn't really care, but kids made good photography subjects and the parents would probably buy tons.
"Mitch's niece and nephew. Shane is five and Melinda is seven, so they'll be perfect."
Angel felt sick. "But, but that means…" She didn't wait to hear any more. She grabbed her purse off the floor and fled the restaurant.
***
Reggie dropped her keys on the entry table, then winced and grabbed them up again when George raised an eyebrow. "Sorry. Old habit."
"Would it help if I had a key rack installed, Miss Reggie?"
She glanced at the immaculate wallpaper. "I'd hate to put a hole in that paper. Maybe we could put a carved wooden bowl on the table that I could put them in so I don't scratch the finish?"
George's lips twitched, something she'd seen a lot of lately. Reggie wondered if he had a nervous condition.
"I think that could be arranged, Miss." He bowed slightly, then opened the front door for Sam.
Reggie started to kick off her shoes, then remembered where she was. "I'm going to run upstairs and change. Any plans for tonight?" She'd never realized how busy Sam's schedule was. Something different every night and she was pretty sure tonight would be no different.
Sam nodded. "The ballet, eight o'clock. Dinner and drinks after with the Harrisons."
She stifled a groan and started up the stairs. She stopped and turned around. "Please tell me when the time comes that we're eloping to Paris."
Sam grinned. "And break George's heart? He's already working on the back gardens in anticipation."
"Great," Reggie muttered under her breath. She didn't want a dog and pony show. Just a small, intimate group of their closest friends and family, her best friends as attendants, and a hell of a party afterwards. But if she wanted Sam, she had to take him with all his baggage in tow.
