by Debby Mayne
He felt a warmth travel from his heart to the rest of his body. But he couldn’t dwell on what would have been. “Oh well, that’s history. We need to move forward and try not to make the same mistakes.”
“That’s right,” she agreed. “We have a whole future ahead of us, first with the sale of this business and then who knows what.”
“Would you consider seeing where a relationship between us could go?” He cleared his throat and added, “I mean, if I do things right this time, will you consider. . .uh, going out with me and. . .”
She nodded. “Yes, Jeremy. I will. Just don’t expect too much from me. I’ve been through a lot already, and I want to be cautious.”
As he watched for any signs of remorse, he realized this was the happiest he’d seen her since he’d been back. Joy radiated from every pore.
“But nothing serious too fast,” she added.
His insides fell, but he did his best to maintain his composure. “I’ll take what I can get, just to be around you.”
“So what do we do next?” she asked. “About the business, I mean.”
He looked down so he could gather his thoughts and act like an intelligent businessman. “First of all, I need to get with Fran and sign the papers. There’s the matter of negotiation, but I’ll just pay your asking price, so that shouldn’t be an issue. Since you said you’d run the shop until I know what I’m doing, I’ll have an agreement drawn up.”
“Sounds good.” Her forehead crinkled for a split second, but she quickly recovered as she hopped up off the sofa and looked down at him. “I think we’ve just verbally agreed to a business deal.”
As much as he wanted more from her than a business deal, that other stuff would have to wait. He wanted her to be a customer of her own shop, and he wanted her to stick around and run the place as long as they owned it, but that was something he’d tell her later. In the meantime, he’d have to settle for her willingness to sell him her shop, which was at least a move in the right direction.
Fifteen
“Are you sure you want to go through with this?” Elizabeth asked the next morning after Cindi told her about her agreement with Jeremy.
“Positive.” She felt a tiny tug at her heart, but she knew deep down this was the right thing. “But I’ll still work here, and I’m sure he’ll want you here, too.”
“But when you leave, it won’t be the same.”
“Let’s just take that as it comes,” Cindi said. “I’m tired of worrying about things.”
The next few days were busy with bridal appointments and real estate meetings with Fran. Cindi wanted things to go as smoothly as possible, and apparently, so did Jeremy. There was virtually no negotiation, with the exception of her agreement to run the shop. Cindi wanted a limited time on the agreement. Jeremy insisted on making it open-ended until he was sure he knew all the ins and outs of the business.
“I don’t think he’ll budge on this issue,” Fran said. “But he can’t keep you here against your will if you’ve shown you’ve acted in good faith.”
Cindi finally agreed and signed the paperwork. The day after, she practically skipped into her shop. Elizabeth laughed. “You look like you’ve lost the weight of the world that’s been sitting on your shoulders for months.”
“That’s exactly how I feel,” Cindi replied.
“Oh, before I forget, your mother called right before you arrived. She wants you to call her back.”
“I’ll call later,” Cindi said. “After—”
“She says it’s urgent. Go call her now before our first appointment arrives.”
“Okay,” Cindi said as she lifted the phone and carried it to one of the fitting rooms.
She punched in her mother’s number, and her dad answered. “Dad, what’s going on? Is Mom there?”
“Yes, but I wanted to be the first to tell you we’re getting back together. For good. I’ve moved back home.”
“You have?” Cindi squealed. She forced herself to calm down. “That’s wonderful news. What happened?”
“When your mother came by my office and told me what I did was inexcusable, I had no idea what she was talking about. I’d forgotten an appointment with the counselor, but I figured she could take care of that without me like she’s always done before. Then I saw a side of your mother I’d never seen. She meant business this time.” Cindi heard a little scuffling on the other side of the phone before her dad said, “Here, your mother wants to talk to you.”
“Hey, Cindi, your father finally came to his senses.”
“I’m super happy about this,” Cindi said. “Want me to come over after work tonight?”
“Not tonight, sweetie. Your father’s taking some time off from work, and we’re heading out on a cruise first thing in the morning. He got us a good deal because some people canceled and they needed to fill that cabin.”
“Let me know when you get back, okay?” Cindi said. “Tell Dad this is wonderful news, and y’all made my day.”
“Will do. Love you, sweetie.”
After she hung up, Cindi couldn’t stop smiling. She walked out to the counter to put the phone back on the hook and caught Elizabeth staring at her.
“Why the silly grin?” Elizabeth asked.
“My mom and dad are back together, and it sounds like it might stick this time.”
Elizabeth jumped up and down, clapping like a little girl. “Way cool! That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.”
“It’s only nine thirty in the morning,” Cindi said, “and all is right in my world.”
“I hope this sets the stage for a magnificent day.” Elizabeth nodded toward the door. “Get ready for another round of excitement. Here comes the Pinkney-Armistead bridal party.”
A few hours later, at noon, Jeremy walked in. “Wanna go for a walk in the park?”
Cindi snickered. “It’s the middle of a workday.”
Elizabeth nudged her. “Go ahead for a little while. We don’t have another appointment until two. I can handle walk-ins.”
“Why do I feel like I’ve been set up?” Cindi asked as she grabbed her purse from behind the counter.
Jeremy grinned at her. “Maybe because you have. I called Elizabeth and asked if you had any time available this week, and she said you weren’t too busy today.”
“That rascal. I’ll have to talk to her.”
To Cindi’s surprise, Jeremy had a picnic basket packed. They went to a small park near the shop. “I didn’t want to keep you away too long.”
“This is really nice,” Cindi said as she helped him spread the red-and-white-checkered cloth on the ground beneath an oak tree.
As they nibbled on sandwiches, Cindi felt herself relax. Jeremy talked about some of the houses he’d been looking at with Fran. “I’m just a little confused about what I’m looking for,” he admitted.
“When you see the right house, you’ll know it,” Cindi said.
“Kind of like when a bride finds the right dress?” He looked her in the eye.
Slowly, she nodded. “Sort of like that, yes.”
Jeremy put down his sandwich and reached for Cindi’s hand. As he gently held it between both of his hands, he licked his lips then said, “You already know I’ve never stopped loving you, Cindi. And I just want to keep saying it over and over until you believe me.”
Her heart hammered as she tried to think of a way to avoid admitting her feelings. But with him looking at her like that and the feelings washing through her, she knew she couldn’t continue to run from him. Finally, she inhaled deeply, blinked, and smiled. “In spite of trying hard not to, I love you, too.”
His smile brightened the day even more. Next thing she knew, she was in his arms, and his lips were softly on hers. “You couldn’t have made me any happier than you just did,” he whispered.
When they got back to the shop, Jeremy walked her to the door. “Thanks for the picnic,” she said.
“It was all my pleasure,” he replied. Cindi stood on the sidew
alk and watched him walk to his car with a spring in his step before she turned around and went inside the shop.
“Well, you look like you’ve been up to something special,” Elizabeth said. “What happened?”
Cindi briefly contemplated not saying anything and relishing her experience privately. But after all she’d been through with her best friend, she couldn’t deny her the pleasure of this major turning point.
“Jeremy and I are in love,” Cindi said with a sigh.
Elizabeth snickered. “I could’ve told you that. So what else is new?”
The next several days went by in a whirlwind of activity—both in the shop and after work. Jeremy was pulling out all the stops, not letting an opportunity go by without letting Cindi know how he felt. She loved every minute of it, too.
On the morning before they were supposed to transfer ownership of the business, Cindi arrived early to look over the books one more time. Elizabeth was already there, putting some finishing touches on a gown she was personalizing for a bride. After their first appointment left, they went to the front of the showroom, where they heard commotion from outside.
Elizabeth frowned. “What’s going on?”
A couple of men had set up some ladders and were now dropping some canvas on the sidewalk. “I have no idea. Let me go check.” She went to the door and opened it just enough so they could hear her. “What’s going on? What are y’all doing?”
“New owner just ordered a transitional sign until the new one he ordered can be made. He wanted us to come the day after tomorrow, but we had a cancellation today. We thought we’d go ahead and do it now.” He stopped. “That is, if it’s okay with you.”
“I don’t mind.”
Cindi turned and told Elizabeth, who nodded. “Just tell them they need to move over when customers come in.”
The guys said they were used to working around customers and they’d be happy to get out of the way. After she went back to the counter, Cindi didn’t feel so carefree.
“What’s the matter?” Elizabeth asked. “Seller’s remorse?”
Cindi shrugged. “I have to admit I feel a little strange. I knew he was changing the name since I won’t be the owner anymore. But this makes everything seem so final.”
“Trust me, you’ll be okay. It’ll take some getting used to.” She glanced over toward the men. “Do you think we should answer the phone with the new name?”
“Not until after the sale is final,” Cindi said. “We’re supposed to close on it tomorrow, but those guys weren’t supposed to be here until the day after, so it’s not really Jeremy’s fault.”
“Never said it was,” Elizabeth said softly. “You’re overthinking things again.”
“Yeah, you’re right. It’s just that so much has happened lately, I’m not sure whether I’m coming or going.”
“Do you regret selling this place?” Elizabeth asked. “I mean, now that your folks have gotten back together, maybe you see things differently.”
Deep down, she did sort of regret it, but it was too late now. “I can’t allow myself to regret anything,” Cindi admitted. “I just need to focus on what’s ahead.”
“Good attitude.”
They had a couple of morning appointments. Then they had several walk-ins that afternoon, but they didn’t have another set appointment until late afternoon. The guys hanging the sign finished midafternoon. Finally, after the last appointment left, Elizabeth gathered her belongings to leave. Her eyes darted, and she seemed a little nervous as she moved toward the door.
“Are you okay?” Cindi asked.
“Uh, sure, I’m fine. Just eager to get out of here.”
“What’s going on?” Cindi stared hard at her friend, who’d finally made it to the door.
“Nothing. See you in the morning,” she said as she carefully opened the door and quickly stepped onto the sidewalk.
Cindi watched her friend walk toward her car then turn around. Suddenly Elizabeth’s eyebrows shot up, and she started laughing as she pointed to the sign. She spotted Cindi and motioned for her to come outside.
Her behavior is bizarre, Cindi thought as she went to see what Elizabeth was pointing to. When she turned around, she saw the sign. There in big, bold letters was a sign above the door that read Cindi and Jeremy’s Bridal Boutique.
“Wha—?” She looked at Elizabeth, who was still laughing.
“Don’t ask me,” Elizabeth finally said when she calmed down. “Ask him.” She pointed to the door where Jeremy stood.
Cindi glared at Elizabeth. “I’ll discuss this with you later.” Then she marched right up to the shop and went inside. “What is going on?” she demanded. “Why does the sign say. . . Cindi and Jeremy’s Boutique?”
“Correction,” he said. “It’s Cindi and Jeremy’s Bridal Boutique.”
“Okay, whatever. Why does it say that?”
He shrugged. “It’s the transitional sign until—”
“I know. The workers already told me, ‘until the permanent sign is made.’ But what’s going on with this?” She went outside again and looked at it, then walked back in.
“I figured since you were staying on for a while and—”
“How did you get in here? I didn’t see you walk in.”
Jeremy hung his head. “Elizabeth let me in the back door. Don’t be upset with her. I talked her into it.”
“What is going on, Jeremy? I—”
He closed the gap between them and got down on one knee, which silenced her. When he pulled out a little black box and opened it, her breath caught in her throat.
“Well?” he asked. “Will you marry me?”
Cindi started to sway as she felt light-headed. Then she caught sight of the bridal gown behind him—the one she’d tried on and loved. “Stay right where you are,” she ordered. “And whatever you do, don’t turn around.”
“Huh?” He started to turn.
She reached down, turned his face toward her, and repeated, “Don’t turn around. I’ll be right back.”
“Um. . .okay.”
She quickly ran toward the dress, grabbed it off the hook, and carried it into the stock room. When she came back out, she got into position in front of Jeremy. “Now where were we?”
“What was that all about?” he asked.
“I had to hide the dress. You’re not supposed to see it until the wedding day when I walk down the aisle.”
A wide grin spread across his face. “Oh, okay.”
“That doesn’t let you off the hook, though,” she said. “Back to what you were saying.”
Still smiling, he took her hand, kissed the back of it, and said, “Cindi Clark, will you make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife?”
“Of course I will!”
Epilogue
“I still can’t get over how perfect this dress is,” Elizabeth said. “You could have tried wedding gowns on all day and not found one that looked as good as this one.”
Cindi looked at her reflection in the three-way mirror and nodded. “I know. It’s like a fairy tale. Sort of a twist on Cinderella.”
Elizabeth went to the other mirror and refreshed her makeup, leaving Cindi alone. Her parents stood off to the side having their own private moment, which was a wonder in itself.
The usher came and got her mother. Cindi could tell her dad was nervous by the way he played with his tie. This was a day she’d never forget—one of miracles and a joy she never dreamed she’d realize.
When the music changed, Elizabeth jumped. “There’s my cue. See ya at the altar.” She got to the door, paused, and said, “After all this, I hope you never doubt Jeremy’s love for you.”
“Trust me, I won’t,” Cindi replied.
Elizabeth gave their familiar thumbs-up gesture; then she was off and marching down the aisle. Cindi couldn’t help but laugh, because this was a one-eighty for Elizabeth, who’d been the most protective person of all.
Cindi’s dad turned to her and extended his arm. “
Ready, sweetheart?”
She nodded and took his arm. As she took her first steps, she sent up a prayer of thanks to the Lord for softening her heart and bringing her true love back. Then she locked gazes with Jeremy, whose smile warmed her heart and reassured her that she was about to embark on the journey of a lifetime—with the Lord’s blessing.
About the Author
Debby Mayne has been a freelance writer all her adult life, starting with slice-of-life stories in small newspapers and then moving on to parenting articles for regional publications and fiction stories for women and girls. She has been involved in all aspects of publishing, from the creative side to editing a national health magazine to freelance proofreading for several book publishers. Her belief that all blessings come from the Lord has given her great comfort during trying times and gratitude for when she is rewarded for her efforts. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her husband and two daughters.
Dedication
This book is dedicated to Kim Llewellyn, Tara Spicer, and Kathy Carmichael—friends who have stuck with me through everything.
I’m also thankful to my fabulous agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, for her energy and enthusiasm.
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Debby Mayne
Author Relations
PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
