A Fool's Gold Wedding

by Susan Mallery

  This was his life, he told himself. He was content with the choices he’d made. He was all about his work. Let others fall in love, have children, go camping. He lived on a higher plane. He didn’t need ordinary pleasures. They only wasted time.

  Which brought him back to why he was in town. He’d taken a three-week leave of absence from his work and was determined to meet Dr. Bradley and get him to understand that Joaquin needed to be in his program. Davis’s wedding had given him an unexpected opportunity and Joaquin had seized on it, along with the offer that Melissa’s sister would show him around. He planned to be charming—as much as was possible for him, given his lack of ability in that department—and friendly. As they toured the ridiculous town and did whatever it was people like her did, he would divine a way to meet her uncle. He was confident he and Simon Bradley had much in common. Once the two men met, the problem would be resolved and Joaquin could return to his life. Of that he was certain.

  He glanced at his watch, then back out the window. He could see groups of what he assumed were tourists starting to fill the sidewalks. Banners advertised the Dog Days of Summer festival. He wasn’t sure if there were real dogs or not, nor did he care. It was all so tiresome.

  He looked at his watch again. Less than twenty seconds had passed. The next three weeks were going to be long, but worth it. The ends justified the means, he reminded himself. At least they always had for him.

  CHAPTER TWO

  ABBY SHIFTED IN the leather chair in her uncle’s office. The space was nice enough—big, airy, with lots of formal-looking diploma thingies on the wall. There was a big bookcase filled with really thick medical journals, along with citations and awards. One whole shelf had pictures of his wife, her aunt Montana, and their kids, Skye and Henry. She smiled at the familiar faces. Whenever she was home, she was Simon and Montana’s go-to babysitter. Abby loved all kids, but those two in particular.

  Simon ended the call and put the receiver back in place. “Sorry about that,” he said with an easy smile.

  “No problem. I appreciate you meeting with me on such short notice.” She resisted the urge to moan or writhe. “I have a problem and I need your help.”

  “Here I am.”

  Simon Bradley was an interesting guy. From what Abby knew, he’d come to Fool’s Gold on a very short-term basis—to help out in the burn ward of the hospital. He’d met and fallen madly in love with her aunt Montana and had married her and settled here.

  He was a tall, imposing sort of man, with piercing green eyes. But what always caught people’s attention was his face. Half of it was perfect and the other half was terribly scarred from burns he’d endured as a child.

  “You never got surgery,” she said before she could stop herself. Abby instantly slapped her hand across her mouth. “Oh, no. I’m sorry. That was rude. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  Simon smiled at her. “To make the scars less noticeable? You’re right. I never did.”

  “But something could be done.”

  “Yes. For a long time the scars were there to remind me of what was important.”

  “You mean to stay focused on your work?”

  He nodded. “After a while, I realized they were reassuring for my patients. I’d been through what they’re going through. The scars made it easier for my patients to trust me. Now, honestly, I just don’t notice them. Do they bother you?”

  The question was asked gently, as if he was trying not to upset her. “Simon, you know they don’t. I don’t really notice them much at all. Every now and then I see them, but it’s no big deal.”

  “I’m glad. Now how can I help you?”

  “Oh, right. That.” She’d nearly forgotten. “There’s this guy.”

  One eyebrow rose. “You’ve met someone?”

  “What? No. I mean, I’d like to, but no. This isn’t that.” From what she’d heard, dating Joaquin would be a nightmare for sure. “Okay, so Melissa is marrying Davis and Davis has a brother we’ve never met because I don’t know why. I guess he’s too important or something, only he’s coming to Fool’s Gold like now. In fact, I’m supposed to go pick him up in a few minutes and I don’t know what to do with him. He’s in town for three weeks! Can you believe it? The entire three weeks before the wedding and I’m responsible for him. Only I have things to do and a couple of surprises for my sister, but Melissa said she needed my help so here I am.”

  Simon frowned. “How do I fit in?”

  “Oh. Sorry. He’s a gifted surgeon.” She used air quotes and rolled her eyes as she spoke. “I doubt he’s all that, but if he is, I’m not going to be able to talk to him. He’s like supersmart and he went to college even younger than you did. So do you have any ideas on what I should talk about or say?”

  “How old is he?”

  “Um, I’m not sure. Twenty-eight-ish. Maybe thirty.”

  Simon leaned back in his chair. “Now I’m starting to worry about you, Abby. You’re telling me that a single, age-appropriate man who happens to be a doctor needs a little attention from you and you’re not sure what to do?”

  “It’s not romantic,” she grumbled. “He sounds awful.”

  “He sounds lonely.”

  “You’ve never met him. He could be a jerk.”

  “Or he could just be a guy who wants to spend some time in Fool’s Gold.”

  “Really?”

  “You won’t know until you meet him. As for what to talk about? You’re an intelligent woman. You’ll figure it out. Just be yourself. He won’t be able to help being charmed.”

  If only, she thought glumly. “You’re not being very helpful.”

  “Sorry. Tell you what. Montana and I will buy the two of you dinner one night. That will fill some time.”

  She smiled. “Thanks. That would be nice.” She always enjoyed spending time with her aunt and uncle. And if Joaquin was too stuffy to appreciate the evening, then he was a big ol’ butthead.

  “So no other words of wisdom?” she asked wistfully.

  “Sorry, no. Look, if he’s as smart as you say, and he went to college when he was still a kid, then he’s never had a normal life. Show him what that’s like. Do regular, fun things. Let him into your world. You’ll do fine. If that doesn’t work, flash him a smile and you’ll reduce him to stammering.”

  “Unlikely. Need I remind you that Melissa’s the pretty sister?”

  “Sorry, no, she’s not. And I’m a doctor so my opinion counts more than everyone else’s.”

  She laughed as she stood. “You’re very good to me.”

  Simon rose and held out his arms. She circled the desk and hugged him. He kissed the top of her head.

  “Love you, kid,” he said.

  “I love you, too. Now I’m going to gird my loins and face Joaquin.” She paused. “Why do people gird their loins?”

  “To protect them in battle.” He winked. “It’s a guy thing.”

  “Nearly everything is. I’ll be in touch to set up that dinner.” Her mood brightened. “Unless he gets bored and goes back to whatever hospital he works in.”

  “Your luck’s not that good.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  * * *

  ABBY STOOD IN front of Ronan’s Lodge. The hotel was beautiful—built in the 1800s and, um, there was a lot of carved wood. Sheesh! She’d lived in Fool’s Gold her whole life. She really should learn something about the history of the big hotel in the center of town.

  Of course she knew the basics, but the particulars, like who built what and why, had never seemed overly important. She should get a book or something and brush up on her local history. She could figure out a walking tour of the city with lots of fun facts and then give it to her students to complete over winter or spring break. That would be interesting for them and their families. Plus, it would make sure everyone was outside and doing something physica
l. Sometimes it was too easy to stay indoors on a computer or tablet.

  She sent herself a reminder, then returned her attention to the hotel. There was no escape, she told herself. And the sooner she started, the sooner it would be over. Not that she liked wishing away three weeks of her life—especially when they were three weeks she’d been looking forward to. With Melissa working until the Thursday before her big day, Abby had volunteered to take care of anything that came up. Their mom was around to help, as well, which made it even more fun. Plus, there were the special projects Abby wanted to finish for the wedding. But instead of being excited about that, she had to worry about Joaquin—boy genius and amazing doctor.

  It would have been easier if he weren’t a guy, she thought, forcing herself up the few steps leading to the hotel. Not that she didn’t like men—she did. One day she planned to marry one and everything. It was just sometimes she couldn’t get past her disappointment. She’d had lots of boyfriends, lots of great times, but she’d never been in love. She’d never felt anything close to what people talked about in songs or the movies or even in her family. She’d never wanted anyone desperately. She’d never quivered at the thought of seeing someone. She’d never lost sleep or her appetite or even her train of thought.

  She paused. Fine, she’d lost her train of thought but that happened all the time. She was twenty-two years old—shouldn’t she at least have flirted with love by now? Only she hadn’t and now she was going to spend three weeks with someone she didn’t want to meet and it was going to be terrible.

  She sighed heavily, then went inside and took the elevator to the third floor. After squaring her shoulders and telling herself that by the time the wedding arrived she would have amassed so much good karma that she wouldn’t have to worry about it for decades, she knocked loudly and waited.

  Seconds later the door opened and Abby was staring at a tall man. Okay, not tall-tall, but close to six feet with dark blue eyes that were kind of compelling and floppy blond hair and high cheekbones and why on earth hadn’t Melissa said Joaquin was gorgeous because that would have been important information to have in advance so she could have practiced her talking and breathing.

  “Abby?”

  As he spoke, he smiled. O.M.G.! That smile.

  “Uh-huh.” She mentally slapped herself on the side of the head. “I mean, hi. Yes, I’m Abby. You must be Joaquin.”

  He held out his hand. She took it and she was pretty sure they shook but it was hard to focus on anything but how good-looking he was.

  “Come on in.”

  He stepped back to let her inside. She managed to take the necessary steps without, you know, falling or anything. She had a vague impression of an oversize room with a view of the town before she turned back to holy-cow-Joaquin.

  “You don’t look anything like your brother,” she blurted before she could censor herself. Davis was a cutie for sure, but maybe five-eight with a more muscular build. He had dark hair and eyes and could probably bicep-curl a building, but he looked nothing like lean, dreamy Joaquin. Again—the question of the day—why hadn’t anyone warned her?

  Later she would grill her sister and tell her to never do anything like that again, but until then, she was going to have to get a grip and deal.

  “So,” she said, wishing she’d been born glib or charming. As it was, she was stuck simply being her normal, happy, slightly goofy self. “You’re in Fool’s Gold until the wedding.”

  “Through the wedding actually.”

  Right, because he wouldn’t want to leave before the big event. And sure, brilliant surgeons probably used precise language.

  “That’s a long time,” she murmured, thinking it was actually less long now that she’d seen him. Wait—did that make her shallow? She supposed it did. She’d been all whiny and pouty about spending time with Joaquin until she found out he was hot? That made her an awful person. Well, crap, and here she’d just gotten her karma on track.

  “It is but I, ah, wanted to take a few weeks off. I’ve been working long hours. While I enjoy what I do, it’s better for everyone if I’m rested.”

  His gaze slipped away as he spoke. For a second, she had the weirdest sensation that he wasn’t telling her the truth about something, which was totally not possible. No doubt he was being modest because, you know, godlike creatures did that.

  “I’m also very excited about the wedding.”

  “Really?” she asked before she could stop herself, then held in a groan. “I mean, you haven’t been around much so I wondered if maybe you didn’t approve or something.” As she spoke she realized how ridiculous she sounded. “Not that you wouldn’t approve of Melissa. How could you not? She’s great. Isn’t she great? She’s so smart. Way smarter than me. She’s a lawyer. International law. And Davis is in something with finance. But then you already know that.” Her voice trailed off. Why did she have to sound like an idiot?

  One corner of his mouth turned up. “Yes, I know about Davis’s career in finance.”

  “You probably know the particulars.”

  “I do.”

  “And understand them.”

  “Yes.”

  She sighed and decided to let that topic of conversation go. “You didn’t join us at Christmas. Was it because you were working?”

  “Yes.”

  “Saving lives and stuff?”

  “For the most part.”

  She stared into his dark blue eyes and could almost swear she heard birds singing. “So other people could be with their families?”

  “It’s easier for me to take those shifts.”

  Of course it was. She’d spent the holidays baking cookies and wrapping presents and hanging out with her friends.

  “Maybe I should start volunteering somewhere,” she murmured.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Nothing. Well, you’re here now and it’s nice to meet you. So do you have plans for the time you’re in town?”

  “Not really. I was hoping I could tag along for whatever it is you’re doing. If it’s not too much trouble.”

  And while that sounded yummy, she had to be honest. “You’re more than welcome to hang out, but I have a bunch of wedding things to do. There’s a special project I’m working on that my sister doesn’t know about but is going to love and there are a lot of last-minute details.”

  “Sounds like fun.”

  “Are you sure? Because it’s mostly family stuff. Oh, wow, you have to meet the family. You’ll need to brace yourself. The Hendrix clan is massive. There is no having a small wedding if we’re invited. Just the immediate family is at least forty people. Plus friends from work, college, Fool’s Gold and out of town. The wedding is up to over three hundred people.”

  Joaquin raised his eyebrows. “I can’t imagine Davis knowing that many people. Not well enough to invite to the wedding.”

  “Yeah, a lot of them come from Melissa’s side. It’s not hard. Seriously. My dad is one of six kids and they all have spouses and kids and it goes from there. Although I have to admit, I’m not a big-wedding kind of girl. I’d like something small and intimate. But again, the family kind of makes that impossible.”

  “What does your fiancé think about your wedding plans?”

  Fiancé? She laughed. “No. There’s no guy. It was a mythical, ‘one day’ kind of statement. I don’t have a boyfriend.”

  She pressed her lips together and told herself to stop talking about her single state. Desperation didn’t look pretty on anyone. Not that she was desperate. She wasn’t. In fact, she liked being single. The whole boyfriend thing was overrated, or it had been until about fifteen minutes ago.

  “What about you?” she asked. “Are you bringing someone to the wedding?”

  “No. It will just be me.”

  Yay! She did her best to keep from bouncing in place.

  “Just to dou
ble-check, you’re sure, sure you’re all right with the wedding stuff?”

  “I’m sure-sure.”

  “There will be votive painting and running errands and confirming details. In between I can show you the town and stuff...” Which all sounded really boring.

  But instead of complaining, Joaquin smiled. “I have no idea what a votive is, but I am happy to learn. I will paint with gusto—or not, depending on what is required.”

  “You’re much nicer than I expected,” she said before she could stop herself, then winced. “Not that I didn’t think you’d be, you know, nice. I just thought you’d be stuffier. I guess the doctor thing.” She sighed. “I’m going to stop talking now.”

  Once again Joaquin’s gaze shifted. “I have my moments, Abby. I can be as difficult and deceptive as everyone else. But for you, I will do my best to be charming.”

  Deceptive? That was an interesting word choice.

  “I’m not sure you have to try to be charming,” she murmured. “Okay, if you’re ready, let’s go introduce you to the town.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  THE TOWN WAS just as strange close up as it had been from Joaquin’s hotel window. There were all kinds of small stores lining the main street. Flowers hung from pots, different businesses had set out water bowls for dogs. There were banners and posters and everyone greeted everyone else. To be honest, that much friendliness was his idea of hell, but he would endure for a greater good.

  Abby Hendrix was nothing like he’d imagined. She was bright and lively—radiating enough energy to light up a city block. She was unexpectedly beautiful, in an unconventional way, with freckles on pale skin and big green eyes. She wore her hair in a short, spikey cut that suited her. Her mouth was full, but what surprised him the most was the fact that he’d noticed it—and her. When it came to women, he was rarely a detail kind of man.