by Mia Ross
The bride’s innate sense of understated style came through in the elegant sheath gown and fingertip veil that suited her so perfectly that Gisele had broken down in tears when she saw it. Pausing by her mother, Julia leaned in for a quick hug, murmuring something that made Gisele beam with pride. And with all she must have on her mind today, as she passed the front pew, Julia smiled at Lauren and Ben, reaching in to tap Noah playfully on the nose.
It was a lovely, generous thing to do, and Lauren knew she’d remember it forever.
Now that she felt at home in Holiday Harbor, it was wonderful to sit up front in the Safe Harbor Church, misty-eyed while the smiling couple repeated their vows in front of God and the congregation.
When they were finished, Pastor McHenry embraced them together and looked out into the chapel with a joyful smile. “And now, it’s with great pride that I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Nick McHenry.”
The organist launched into something joyful, and everyone stood up, cheering and applauding. Since the weather had cooperated so nicely, the reception was set up out in the square, so no one had to rush off anywhere. Including the newlyweds, Lauren noted with curiosity.
Instead of hurrying away as people normally did, they stayed in the church, talking with their guests as they made their way toward the doors at a leisurely pace. So rather than running the gauntlet of a receiving line, they casually blended in with the crowd headed outside.
While they waited for things to thin out a little, Ben lifted Noah to his shoulders so he could get a better view. “Great wedding, huh?”
“Just like she wanted,” Lauren agreed. “I’m so happy for them both.”
“Yeah, me, too. They’re quite the pair.”
She caught a hint of sadness in his tone, and knew he was thinking about the end of his parents’ marriage. It was only natural, she supposed, but she didn’t want it to put a blemish on what should be a day filled with happiness. While they merged in with the other retreating guests, she asked, “Do you know what Nick has planned for their honeymoon? It’s been driving Julia bonkers.”
Grinning, Ben shook his head. “Far as I know, he didn’t tell a soul. All I know is he booked it through a travel agent way outta town so no one would get wind of what he did. Said Julia surprises him all the time, and he wanted to do the same for her.”
Although she’d gotten to know him fairly well, it still astonished Lauren that the dark, intense editor had such a soft heart. “That’s really sweet. It’s still making her crazy, though.”
“Not for much longer,” Ben assured her as they went down the steps and headed for the square. “He’s gonna announce it first thing before folks get distracted by the food.”
“Smart man.”
Laughing, they both turned toward the booming sound of Pastor McHenry’s voice calling everyone to the gazebo. Draped in ropes of the gardenias Julia had fought to have delivered in time, it was set up for the wedding party, who filed into their spots. Offering his hand to Julia, Nick escorted her to their seats but motioned for her to remain standing.
Reaching beneath the table, he lifted out a stack of three boxes wrapped in white tulle and topped with bouquets of multicolored roses. The wrapping was so gorgeous that Lauren couldn’t begin to imagine what might be inside.
“I know you’re all dying to dig into the buffet, so I’ll get right to it. Most of you know my wife—” a smile for Julia “—is the owner of Toyland here in town. With that in mind, I borrowed a few things for today.”
“Did you know about that?” Ben whispered.
“No, and by the shocked looks they’re giving me, her assistants didn’t know, either.”
“He’s good.”
He was something, anyway, but Lauren put that aside as Nick handed Julia the top box. Judging by the look on her face when she opened it, she had no idea what to think of the toy train she pulled out. “I’m lost.”
“Try the next one,” he suggested, eyes twinkling in fun.
The next box held a toy boat, which didn’t clear things up at all. The final—and largest—one yielded a stuffed husky dog. All the items were from the shelves at Toyland, and while Lauren recognized them instantly, she had no idea what they had to do with their honeymoon.
“When you marry the daughter of a U.S. Ambassador—” Nick nodded to the Stantons “—it’s tough to book a trip to somewhere she’s never been. Thanks to Julia’s parents, though, I finally came up with a place.”
“Alaska,” she breathed, her eyes shining with excitement. When he nodded, she threw her arms around him in a joyful hug, kissing him soundly while everyone whooped and applauded.
“We take the train across Canada—” Nick set it on the table. “Then board a ship—” he set that beside the train “—for our cruise into Glacier Bay and up the coast, where we’ll meet up with a dogsled team for our trip into Denali.”
Lauren had known Julia for almost ten years and had never seen her at a loss for words. But after that breathless squeak, it seemed all she could do was smile and shake her head in disbelief. She whispered something to Nick, who laughed and put a steadying arm around her waist.
“Okay, that’s it,” he announced. “Let’s eat!”
Somehow, Ben managed to balance a sleeping Noah against his chest with one hand and load up a plate with the other. While watching him deftly juggle the two, Lauren got a glimpse of what he’d be like with his own kids someday. A solid, dependable father, attentive and endlessly patient.
Much like he was with her.
The revelation struck Lauren with a force that almost knocked her back a step. Her powerful reaction was silly, of course, and she brushed it off as she chose her own meal from among the delectable-smelling comfort foods stocking the buffet. While they ate and chatted quietly to avoid waking Noah, that feeling receded but never really went away. Was she starting to fall for Ben? she wondered with real concern. They’d been spending a lot of time together working on the new area for Toyland, so it was a definite possibility. In truth, during their design sessions and not so strictly business dinners, she’d gotten to know him better than a lot of the men she’d actually dated.
Before she could make up her mind, Todd stopped by their table to get his son.
“Thanks a lot, Ben,” he whispered, settling Noah’s cheek on his shoulder. “I can take it from here.”
“No problem. He’s a real trouper. And drooler,” he added, chuckling as he wiped his damp tie with his napkin.
Todd’s grin clearly said he’d experienced the same thing more than once. “Sorry about that.”
“Not a big deal. Just gives me an excuse to do this.” In one swift motion, Ben unhitched the tie and slung it over the back of his chair. After opening the top button of his shirt, he slumped in his chair and sighed. “Much better.”
Todd thanked him again then left them alone at their table. Leaning back, Ben crossed his long legs in front of him and looked over at her. Crazy as it was, Lauren felt like he was studying her, trying to decide something important.
“What?” she asked.
“Y’know, I think I forgot to tell you how amazing you look. Blue is definitely your color.”
She felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, which was totally unlike her. Staring into her closet that morning, something had prompted her to choose the same dress she’d been wearing when he referred to her as “sunshine.” Now that he’d noticed it—and complimented her so nicely—she wondered if subconsciously she’d picked this one hoping for just that response.
Still, her reaction was absurd. It wasn’t the first time a man had flattered her, after all. There was absolutely no reason to behave like a shy teenager at her first dance. Except that this time, the approval came from Ben, a sweet, simple guy who said what he meant and meant what he said. Unlike Jeremy, he didn’t use flattery to manipulate people, or to twist the truth around in an attempt to convince them he was right and they were wrong.
This man lounging in a chair at a formal e
vent believed she looked amazing, and she rewarded him with her brightest smile. “Thank you. You clean up pretty well, too.”
“Don’t get used to it,” he said with a grin. Standing, he held out a hand. “But since we both look so good, maybe we should go dance.”
He didn’t have to ask her twice. Lauren had been dying to try out some of the ballroom moves she’d watched Nick and Julia practicing the past couple of weeks. “I’d love to.”
Ben rested his hand lightly on her back and led her over to the parquet dance floor the band had laid out. Just as they got there, the upbeat tempo shifted down to something more sedate, and he paused at the edge of the floor.
Raising a questioning eyebrow, he asked, “Are you okay with a slow one?”
Her heart kicked with anticipation, but she covered her bizarre response with a shrug. “Sure, if you are.”
“A waltz with the prettiest lady here?” he teased, his eyes twinkling with male admiration. “Try and stop me.”
As he took her in his arms and started them off, she gazed up at him in total disbelief. When she landed in Holiday Harbor, she was literally running for her life, too frightened to go back and terrified of what the future might hold for her. But now, surrounded by caring people and wrapped up in Ben’s strong, capable arms, she felt completely and utterly safe.
It was a wonderful feeling.
* * *
Holding Lauren in his arms was the most incredible thing Ben had ever done.
She was just the right height for him to rest his cheek in her hair while they danced, and it took everything he had not to do it. But that would be way too intimate a gesture for two people who’d agreed—more than once—to be friends. Unfortunately, the temptation was growing by the second, and he breathed a sigh of relief when the band switched to a quicker song.
Putting an extra step of distance between them, he met those brilliant blue eyes and actually forgot what he was going to say. Deciding it was best to keep things light, he said, “I think I forgot to thank you for being my wedding date. Folks might stare if I was dancing out here all by myself.”
“Like that would ever happen,” she scoffed. “More likely, all the single girls would be lined up, pushing and shoving to see who could get to you first.”
Her comment didn’t sound even remotely romantic, and Ben congratulated himself on avoiding a potentially awkward situation with her. The problem was, he had no trouble imagining it going differently, with her gazing up at him while he leaned in to kiss her.
“Hi, kids,” Amelia greeted them, smiling as she danced over with his father. “Having fun?”
“Absolutely,” Lauren assured her as they sailed off into the crowd. Smiling herself, she added, “Your dad looks like he’s having a good time.”
“He and Amelia have been friends since they were kids,” Ben replied. “She’s been spending a lot of time with him lately, and I think it’s really helping.”
“It can be tough to handle everything on your own.”
Her tone was laced with empathy, and he realized she understood loneliness better than most. Isolated from friends and family by a controlling egomaniac, things must have gotten pretty awful for her. Wanting to reassure her, he tipped her chin up with his finger so she was looking directly at him. “As long as you’re here, you won’t have to manage everything by yourself ever again.”
“I know. Leave the hard stuff up to God.”
That wasn’t exactly what he meant, but he wasn’t sure how to explain himself without giving her the wrong idea about his feelings for her, so he changed the subject. “How’re things at Nick and Julia’s house? I haven’t seen it since I hauled that humongous dollhouse of hers over there for them.”
“It’s a little disorganized, but everything’s there now. Since the sellers agreed to let them rent it until the closing, we’ve been packing up her stuff. The last box went out yesterday, so everything’s set up for when they get back. She’s really excited, and I’m thrilled for them.”
Glancing around, she edged in an extra step that put them much closer than was strictly necessary. While it wasn’t all that comfortable for him, Ben felt honored to be the one she trusted enough to allow him so close. “Can you keep a secret?”
Judging by the delighted sparkle in her eyes, it was something big, and again he was touched by the faith this cynical city girl had in him. “Uh-huh.”
“I’m staying here in Holiday Harbor. Julia said I can live above Toyland and work there while I get my own business started.” Taking a breath, she rushed ahead. “I was looking around during one of my walks, wondering what kind of store I could open. One day, it hit me—there’s no day care in town.”
“There was once, in that closed-down storefront across from the bank. Then the economy took a hit, and they had to close down.”
“That’s what Ann told me, and it got me thinking. I love the kids who come into the store, and a lot of them are either preschoolers or in kindergarten. If parents had an affordable place for them to be, even part-time, that would be good, right?”
“Very good,” he answered without hesitation. “Dependable kid care is tough to find around here.”
“I even came up with a name,” she confided with an adorable giggle. “Jumping Beans.”
“That’s perfect.”
Not girlie or boyish, but an apt description of the kids who’d go there for a fun morning or all day with Lauren. He easily pictured her not only succeeding but loving her job. While she excitedly described how she’d set up her playroom and arts-and-crafts area, Ben did his best to keep a smile plastered on his face. Because as wonderful as it all sounded, for some reason his heart was rapidly sinking in his chest.
He should be psyched for her, he scolded himself. Any other day, he would have been, so what was different today? At the wedding of two of his closest friends, dancing with the prettiest guest there, he should be enjoying it all without a second thought.
Good things were happening with him, too, he realized, and when she was finished, he said, “I’ve got some news myself.”
“Really? What?”
“I officially signed on for that restoration job in Boston. I’m heading down there June 1.”
Gasping, Lauren launched herself at him in an exuberant hug that nearly knocked him over. When she stepped back, he noticed she didn’t even try to slip from his loose embrace. Was she aware of that, or was she just so caught up in the moment she hadn’t noticed?
“That’s awesome!” she approved, eyes shining with delight. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
“Isn’t it great?” she gushed. “Both of us are getting a chance to make our dreams come true.”
It was great, Ben agreed silently. He just couldn’t figure out why she seemed more enthusiastic about his new position than he was. While he was trying to work his way through his suddenly baffling emotions, a white stretch limo floated up the street and parked not far from the dance floor.
When the driver got out and opened one of the rear doors, the band conductor turned to the crowd and held up his hands. “Ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom will be leaving shortly. If you’d like to wish them well, please head over to the far side of the green.”
Laughing and talking all at once, everyone followed his directions, trailing after Nick and Julia like a warmhearted gaggle of geese. After hugs for their families, the couple waved goodbye and settled into the elegant car for their ride to the airport in Rockland.
And just like that, another of Ben’s childhood friends drove off a married man. It hadn’t struck him until just now, but he was the last of the three of them who was still single. Oh, there were still guys in town he’d gone to school with who were bachelors, but Cooper and Nick were the ones who’d always mattered the most to him. Not long ago, Ben would’ve worn his last remaining single status like a badge of honor.
But now, he wasn’t so sure it was a good thing.
With the guests of honor
gone, the reception lost its luster for Ben, and judging by Lauren’s weary expression, she felt the same way.
“I’ve been up with Julia since five,” she confided. “I think I’ll call it a day.”
“Yeah, me too. I mean, the calling-it-a-day thing,” he added, hoping to coax a smile from her. When she grinned, without thinking he said, “Why don’t I walk you home?”
“You mean, across the street?”
“Sure.”
“I think I can find my way.”
Taking that as a hint she wasn’t keen on having him for company, he shrugged. “Okay. Have a nice evening, then.”
Her rejection of his offer meant nothing, he told himself as he strode toward the church parking lot. She’d had a long day, and she wanted to be alone. No big deal. But he’d enjoyed spending so much time with her, and he’d assumed she felt the same. Now that he knew otherwise, maybe he could shake the peculiar fascination he seemed to have developed for her when he wasn’t paying attention.
He was about to climb into his truck when he heard someone calling his name. Instinctively, he looked over at Toyland, where Lauren was standing on the sidewalk, arms folded in obvious irritation. As he trotted over, it became apparent what the problem was.
Holding up a tiny bag hardly big enough for lip gloss, she shook it in disgust. “I forgot my key. Do you still have the spare Julia gave you when you were rehabbing this place?”
“Sorry.” Grimacing, he tried to hold her gaze without flinching, but after several seconds, he couldn’t keep it up and had to laugh. He pulled out his fob and found the door key, unlocking and opening it for her with a bow.
“Oh, you’re hilarious.” Mad as she sounded, her eyes were dancing with humor. “What am I going to do with you?”
Then she laughed, and suddenly Ben wasn’t so anxious to get home. “Since I’m here, could I get a glass of water?”
“Sure, but I’ll warn you, it’s a disaster upstairs. There are flowers and bits of girl stuff everywhere.”
