by Tess MacKall
“He sounded really down, hon. And when I couldn’t give him any insight as to you and the possibility that you might not show, well…”
A tight feeling gathered in Eden’s chest. “So he’s thinking about not showing up himself.”
“I’m sorry, but I got that feeling, yes. Why don’t you call him?”
Eden thought about that for a few moments. Faith in each other and trust. They both needed that. He’d said he’d gone the distance, but maybe not. Could he give up on her just because her mother didn’t have a clue as to what Eden was thinking?
“No. I won’t call. He said I had to come to him this time. He was wrong. We need to go to each other.”
“Maybe you’re right,” said her mom. “I guess you do both need to do this together. So you need to try on the dress.”
“I need to shower first.”
“No, what if it needs altering? I can do that while you shower and do your hair and makeup.”
“Good idea. Glad I have you.”
Smiling, her mother replied, “Glad you have me too.”
* * * * *
The dress now hung from the top of Eden’s closet door. Only minutes before, her mother had finished sewing darts into either side of the bodice. Eden’s breasts were a bit too small to have the bodice fit snug enough without.
One by one Eden removed the hot curlers from her hair and fingered her thick locks into an untamed but sophisticated style. She placed a small rhinestone comb into one side, sweeping the hair back behind her ear. Dabbing her nose once more with some powder, she then applied some deep red lipstick.
Not used to wearing so much makeup, she stared at herself in the mirror. Wow! Maybe she should pay more attention to blush and mascara. Even the eye shadow made her eyes look wide open. And the lipstick gave her the appearance of being so elegant.
“A perfect china doll,” her mother said from the doorway.
“Thanks, Mom,” Eden said in a hushed voice.
“Worried he won’t show?”
“A little. And no. I won’t call him.”
“Far be it from me to judge, but I think you and Nick have made things more complicated than they need to be.”
“Probably, but we’re both healing from a lot of hurt too. We have to feel our way through this.”
Her mother looked thoughtful for a moment then smiled. “Ready for the dress?”
“Yeah, let’s do it.” Eden blew out a breath and stood.
Her mother took the dress from the hanger, unzipped the back and the two of them fluffed out the skirt so Eden could step inside. Once her mom had skimmed it up over Eden’s body, she tugged it into place and zipped up the bodice. Next, she lifted the hem so Eden could slip into the matching red satin heels.
Taking a step back, Eden’s mother shook her head, tears shimmering in her eyes. “You’re a beautiful woman, hon, but in that dress, you look so magical! Nick knew it was perfect for you. I just can’t imagine where he’s taking you. This dress is something from a fairy tale.” She moved aside, opening the closet door to reveal a full-length mirror.
Eden’s hands flew to her cheeks. Stunned, she asked, “Is that me?”
“Oh yeah, that’s you. Now maybe you’ll see what Nick and I see.”
“Not only is this dress straight from a fairy tale, Mom, but these past twelve days have seemed like that too. I just pray we’re both doing the right thing.”
“Here, take the stole. You need to get going.”
The lush red wrap settled across her shoulders in a warm caress. All Eden could do was stare at the mirror until her mother gave her a gentle push toward the door, first grabbing perfume from the vanity and spritzing her lightly.
Outside, her mom helped bunch up her skirt so she could get into the SUV. She kissed Eden on the cheek, wished her luck and waved goodbye as Eden backed out of the drive. Twenty minutes away, Eden would find her Prince Charming.
Or more tears.
Chapter Eleven
Seated in the Camaro at the curb in front of the flower shop, Nick gripped the steering wheel. Knots in the pit of his stomach grew tighter with every breath he took. One of the things he loved most about Eden was her stubbornness, but this time, that stubborn streak would probably cost him her love.
He’d told her he wanted her to spend the night thinking about him and what they had together. But he’d done a lot of thinking last night too. All his dreams and plans of the past year had come about as a result of having Eden in his life again. There was something about her that challenged him to be a better man, to look deep inside himself and once and for all believe he could fulfill those dreams.
What would he do if she didn’t show?
He checked his watch. Eight o’clock on the dot. How long should he wait in case she was running late? Drumming his fingers on the top of his thigh, he looked up through the windshield. Not a single star to be found. Clouds had moved in, banked heavily in the western sky. The weatherman predicted six inches of snow tonight, which was a bit unusual for the area.
Starting the car to warm up the interior, he watched the clock flash the passage of five more minutes. Maybe he should call her mother. Why keep waiting if she truly didn’t plan to come? No, he’d told her he wouldn’t call, that he’d never bother her again. He just had to have faith that he’d said all the right things, done all the right things.
And trust in Eden’s heart.
Headlights flashed in the side-view mirror. Not much traffic flowed in the downtown area after dark. It had to be her. He sat up straight, hope soaring, anticipation swelling. But the driver never slowed.
It wasn’t her.
He palmed his face and raked his hand through his hair. Ten minutes late. She was ten freaking minutes late! Whatever possessed him to think a woman like Eden could want him? To think he’d never look into her big blue eyes again, never hold her, sent a shiver of dread up his spine.
More headlights flashed in the mirror. He clenched his hands into fists and held his breath as the SUV slowed and pulled to the curb behind him. His shoulders sagged with relief. He allowed himself a few seconds to gather his thoughts and still the shakes before he got out.
Nick walked toward the SUV, nervous but excited, and so damn thankful. Unable to see her clearly through the windows, he had no idea what the expression on her face looked like as he neared, but if she was here, that was all that mattered. He reached out and opened the door to see his dream come true.
Without a word, he smiled and extended his hand to help her. Returning his smile, she laced her fingers through his and gathered her skirt. He kept her hand but stretched their arms so he could stand back and enjoy the rapturous vision in front of him. The dress was just as he’d imagined it on her. But there was something else too. A light that shone in her eyes that wasn’t quite there before. She knew she was beautiful—knew what effect she had on him. His Eden had finally become the woman she needed to be.
His gaze touched every part of her, his green eyes glittering their approval. And Eden didn’t mind the scrutiny at all. Nick looked at her with love. Something so incredibly special and out of the realm of possibility had happened in a dozen days and she’d never felt so humbled. Love had finally found her.
The moment he’d exited his car, Eden’s heart rate had stuttered, slamming against her ribs. His black tuxedo fit his tall, lean frame with grace and elegance. He was even more handsome than usual. As he’d neared her door her hands shook, but the moment their fingers connected a slow-moving warmth pervaded her body and quieted her raw nerves.
“You’re late.” His words came out on white puffs of air.
She shivered, the bitter cold seeping through her fairy tale clothing. “Traffic on the Beltline was horrible.”
Coming close, he leaned in and kissed her tenderly, his muscular arms wrapping her in their heat. Her full skirt rustled in the icy breeze. The moment his lips left hers, her teeth began to chatter.
He chuckled. “Let’s get you warm.�
�� Taking his cell from his pocket, he punched in a number. “Bring it around.”
Nick snapped the phone shut, snatched the keys from her SUV and closed the door. The vehicle chirped as he engaged the locks. He strode over to his car, retrieved a long black coat and locked it. Eden wondered what was going on. Maybe he had a limousine coming to pick them up. Her teeth chattered harder. Nick arranged his coat over her shoulders and wound his arms about her center.
“Better now?” he asked.
“Much. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful because this is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever laid my eyes on, much less worn, but where on earth are we going? I can’t imagine where I could wear something like this.”
He touched his finger to her nose. “You’ll see. Now close your eyes.”
“A mystery, huh? All right, I’ll play.”
Closing her eyes only heightened her awareness of being held by him. She felt so safe. The spicy aroma of his cologne enveloped her, its fragrance so intoxicating. In the distance she heard a loud tapping noise and something else. Maybe the sound of wheels turning? What in the world? And then it hit her. It was a horse’s hooves striking the pavement.
“Take a look, honey. Our ride is here.”
Her eyes fluttered open. Blinking, she could hardly believe it. “Oh Nick. How did you know I’d always wanted to ride in a horse-drawn carriage?”
“I didn’t. I just knew I wanted you to remember this night for the rest of our lives.”
He kissed her again as the big black horse came to a stop next to them. Breathless with excitement, Eden stared at the all-white carriage. Boasting a plush red velveteen bench-style seat, its curving frame interwoven with a mixture of red and white roses, the carriage exuded Old World charm. Dressed all in black, the driver doffed his matching top hat and smiled.
With a deep bow, hand across his midsection, arm extended toward the carriage, Nick said in a feigned aristocratic voice, “Shall we, m’lady?”
Eden stifled a giggled, curtseyed and replied in the same style voice, “Yes, I think we shall.”
Taking her hand, he led her closer to the carriage and assisted her up the step and inside. Eden noticed several furry blankets nestled on a shelf in front of the seat, so she slipped Nick’s coat from her shoulders and insisted he put it on. Once he’d donned the coat, he tucked the fur coverlets around Eden, draping a larger one over them both. They sat huddled together, holding hands as the driver flicked the horse’s reins and started them on their journey.
The deserted downtown streets, the echo of the horse’s hooves trotting across the pavement and the infinite blackness of the sky bestowed an intimate feel—a sense there was no one else in the world but the two of them. A few well-placed kisses by Nick to her neck and shoulder, a gentle nose-to-nose rubbing, and Eden’s body already hummed. Her every thought centered on consummating the gift of her heart, mind, body and soul.
“Do you plan on telling me where we’re going?” she asked.
“Just a few more blocks, honey.”
“Here? In the downtown area? But Nick, there’s nothing here.”
“Oh, but there is.”
She giggled. “More mystery, huh?”
“You trust me, don’t you?”
She lightly traced his luscious lips with her fingertip. “With all my heart.”
He sucked in her finger, twirling his tongue around the end. The warmth of his mouth struck a lustful chord deep inside her. If it weren’t so cold and they didn’t have a driver in tow, there was no telling what mischief she could get into right about now. Nick. Melt-in-your-mouth Nick was hers.
Feeling a bit wicked—and possessive—she smoothed her hand down his chest to let it rest on his groin. He was hard, which elicited a smile from her and a throaty moan from him as he popped her finger from his mouth.
“Careful, sweetheart. We have company up front. Besides, you can have all you want real soon.”
“All night?” she asked, looking up at him and batting her eyelashes rapidly.
“Ahh…no rest for the weary,” he teased, wiggling his brows.
“Or the wicked,” she added.
Their collective laughter rebounded through the empty alleys and barren streets. The driver glanced over his shoulder and smiled, giving them a nod of approval. Nick hugged Eden to him and kissed the top of her head.
A brief pause at a red light and a right turn placed them in the heart of old downtown. The main thoroughfare stretched for thirty blocks, at least. The oldest buildings in the city resided within this area. Some of the largest too. Major business had thrived here in the heyday of tobacco and textiles, the buildings they’d once housed now abandoned in preference to malls, the interstate and upper-class suburbia.
Small rip-off loan companies, head shops, hole-in-the wall bars and used clothing stores lined the street, joined by a multitude of empty storefronts, a sad reminder of the lost spirit of yesteryear. At the next corner, a bail bondsman’s neon sign beckoned and across the way, men standing outside the church rescue mission stared as they passed them. The carriage clipped along at a steady pace, making its way—to where, Eden had no clue. Content to allow Nick his mystery, she settled her head against his chest and watched the buildings slowly recede from her line of sight.
About ten minutes later, the carriage came to a gradual halt in front of a sprawling three-story brick structure, its 1940s architecture diminished by the dozens of windows boarded up by sheets of plywood with bright orange and black NO TRESPASSING signs tacked to them. A tall chain-link fence Eden had never noticed before edged the property’s perimeter. She recognized the building as being the old Cardinal Inn, a lavish hotel of the forties, fifties and even into the sixties that had been home to numerous businesses since. Vacant for the past decade, it was rumored to be temporary shelter to the homeless these days. Eden couldn’t imagine why they’d stopped in front.
Nick tossed back the soft blankets, allowing the frigid air to cover them. A shiver seized Eden. He pulled her up and helped her from the carriage, saying a quick thank-you to the driver as he rushed them to the fence gate. From his pocket he withdrew a set of keys and unlatched a padlock from the heavy chain that wound through the metal mesh.
Eden’s head whipped toward the sound of the carriage leaving them. Nick squeezed her shoulder, bringing her attention back to find him giving her a bright smile. He swung the gate open and they walked through. Releasing her, he reattached the padlock to the chain and locked them inside the grounds. Eden slid her gaze to the huge wooden doors at the hotel’s entrance, a bit apprehensive of what awaited on the other side.
Settling his arm across her shoulder, Nick hurried them up the brick walk and beneath a tattered, faded green awning where he used yet another key to let them in. As Eden stepped across the threshold of the present to the past, the smell of fresh paint assailed her.
Her mouth agape, she stared in wonder at the high ceiling and grand crystal chandelier seemingly suspended in midair of what was once the hotel’s lobby. Hardwood floors gleamed, large plush rugs scattered across them. On the far side of the huge, open space, a fireplace roared, the crackle and snap of logs the only sound.
Rich, dark oak paneling graced the walls. Sconces flickered, mimicking candlelight. Near the fireplace sat a table for two complete with candles at its center and a long white tablecloth pooled to the floor. To the side, a restaurant-style pushcart held an ornate silver chafing dish, and on the shelf below, another smaller one.
Next to her, Nick shrugged out of his coat and laid it across the back of what appeared to be a kitchen chair. “May I take your wrap?”
Eden nodded, still trying to absorb what she was seeing. “It’s warm in here. Surely the fireplace isn’t producing all this heat.”
“No. A new heating and cooling system was installed last month. I had the hardwood in the old lobby redone too. And lots of cleanup, of course.”
“You! This place belongs to you?”
“I bought it no
t long after you came back to town. C’mon, let’s sit down and have some dinner. I’ll tell you all about it.”
His secretary had outdone herself. Well, he’d asked for romantic and that’s what she’d given him. Right down to the rose petals strewn across the stark white tablecloth. Once he’d seated Eden, he lit the long, white, tapered candles sitting in their silver holders.
“How did you manage all this?” asked Eden.
“Confession time. I have a wonderful personal secretary.”
“Oh. That woman.”
Nick laughed. “Yeah, she can be quite formidable when she needs to be. She told me about your little run-in the day you called.”
“Well, I was really pushy, and pretty ticked off too.”
“I remember. She wasn’t all that enthused over doing this once she learned it was for you either.”
“Oh, she wasn’t was she? I swear…”
“Now, now. Calm down. After I explained how important you are to me and about the Twelve Days, she wanted to help.”
“Guess I can forgive her, then.”
“She said the same of you. Something smells good. Let’s eat.”
Before he sat, he served them both. Dinner consisted of a simple green salad, beef tenderloin in a balsamic sauce of shallots and mushrooms with a side of potatoes au gratin accompanied by a rich burgundy wine, and for dessert—chocolate cheesecake drizzled with fudge syrup. Halfway through the meal, Nick jumped from his chair, remembering that he’d forgotten to switch on the portable CD player so all his sexy love ballads from the nineties could help set the mood.
Once he sat again, All I Want Is You by U2 played in the background. He drank his wine, watching the firelight dance in Eden’s eyes. Anxious to have her in his arms, he set the glass on the table and stood.
“Care to dance?”
Without a word, Eden took the napkin from her lap and placed it on the table. Nick rounded her chair and helped her up. Leading her a few feet away, he brought her close and sang along with the music in her ear. Their smooth sway drowned him in such longing for her he could hardly believe it. Even the soft rustle of her dress fed his senses, but more than anything, just knowing she was his set him on fire. How he prayed she was just as consumed—just as happy.
