Chance slipped his arm about her waist as they mounted the steps. “How long do you think they’ll wait?”
She laughed and shook her head. “Who knows what the future holds? It’s filled with too many surprises to guess.”
“Or to plan,” he added.
Once inside, champagne glasses were passed around. Toasts were made, some serious, some in jest to the newly wed—or rather re-wed—couple, and to the one-year anniversary of the Pearl Island Inn. The only person who seemed melancholy was Allison, but then, the last year hadn’t been as kind to her. Quiet, sensible Alli had stunned them all by having a flaming affair with one of their guests. An affair that had ended badly, if indeed it really had ended.
Finally the time came for Rory and Chance to leave for the airport. While Rory went to change, Chance saw his father standing out on the veranda with Vivian. He forced himself to wait until the woman went back inside before he joined his father.
“Care to tell me what that was about?” Chance asked.
His father smiled at the accusing tone. “It was about letting go.” Norm turned and leaned a shoulder against one of the stone columns. Even though summer had passed, the ceiling fans offered a cooling relief from the Texas heat. Ferns grew in hanging baskets and in the distance the blue waters of the cove lapped against the white beach. “I have to admit, I was a bit nervous at first when I heard Viv would be here. But now I’m glad she came.”
“Apparently.”
“I’m glad because it confirmed something I’ve been coming to realize during the last year. Now that I’m not working at the bank, your mother and I have a lot of time together. It took a little while for her to get used to having me underfoot. Took me a while to realize she didn’t need me to be president of the household.”
Chance smothered a smile at that, picturing all too well the “conversations” in which his mother informed her husband she’d been running the house for several years now, and didn’t need his “help.”
Norm glanced through a window into the house and a smile settled over his face. He suddenly looked more relaxed than he had in years. “You know, I’m thinking, when you and Aurora get back from your trip, I may take your mother to Europe for a month or so. Sort of an extended second honeymoon.”
Chance relaxed at that. “I think that’s a great idea.”
“Well, I’m ready,” Aurora announced, coming through the front door surrounded by family and friends.
Chance took the small overnight case from her. The rest of their luggage was already in the trunk of the limousine his father had hired. Kissing her cheek, he whispered, “You got anything sexy in here?”
“Maybe.” Her eyes twinkled.
The family lined up along the path with birdseed in hand while he and Aurora fussed over Lauren, saying goodbye and promising to be back soon. Bobby rushed to the lawn with the camera. “Okay, you two, make a run for it.”
“Hang on.” Aurora glanced at her sister, wanting so much to share her own happiness. With a smile, she drew back her bouquet. “Are you ready?”
“Rory, no, don’t!” Allison protested too late. The flowers arched toward her with ribbons fluttering. They landed neatly in her arms as Bobby clicked the camera.
Joining hands, Chance and Aurora dashed toward the limousine, ducking the hail of birdseed. In the safety of the car, they waved out the back window as they drove away.
“Chance, look!” Aurora pointed toward the third-floor balcony. “Do you see that?”
He glanced up, and blinked in surprise. Perhaps it was the angle of the sun, but it looked as if the gargoyles were smiling.
“Do you think she’s happy?” Aurora asked.
“Who?”
“Marguerite.”
“I don’t know, but I am.” He cupped her cheek and smiled into her eyes. He thought of all the careful plans he’d once made, and none of them had included this wonderfully vibrant, unpredictable woman. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For ruining my life.”
“Anytime.” Leaning forward, she touched her lips to his.
* * * * * *
Read more about the St. Claire siblings in the Pearl Island series;
LEAD ME ON (http://www.julieortolon.com/books/pearl-island/lead-me-on/)
DON’T TEMPT ME (http://www.julieortolon.com/books/pearl-island/dont-tempt-me/)
A note from the authors
We hope you enjoyed these four novels and check out our websites for more of our books.
Kathryn: www.kathrynshay.com
Patricia: www.patriciamclinn.com
Judith: www.juditharnold.com
Julie: www.julieortolon.com
Heart Stealers Page 100
