Wildflower Wedding (5 page)

Gabby chuckled. “Unless I was reading your mind.”

His eyes widened. “Oh God, I hope not!” But then he smiled as he reached over and picked up a lock of hair. “Just as I thought,” he observed in a husky tone that had Gabby all but melting. “Why did you cut it?”

“Locks of Love.” She tried to smile, but all her lips managed was a wobble.

“I've heard of it.”

“Yeah, it's an organization that provides hairpieces for kids who are suffering from hair loss because of illness and can't afford a wig. I donated a twelve-inch ponytail in honor of my mother, who had lost her hair to chemo.” She paused. “And then I shaved the rest off.”

“I bet your mother was so touched by the gesture.”

“At the Locks of Love donation, yes. But when I shaved my head she was so upset. My mother rarely uttered a foul word, but she cussed a blue streak! Said I shouldn't have done that and then we both hugged and cried like crazy.”

“I bet you were beautiful even with a bald head.”

“I have pictures of us.” Her smile trembled again and swiped at a tear and then sniffed. “Ah . . . well,
anyway
, when my hair grew back in I decided that short layers were so much easier and so I've kept it this way.”

“It suits you. Shows off your pretty face and gives you a sassy side. I like it.”

Gabby tilted her head. “Are you flirting with me?”

“Trying my best but I'm not sure I'm all that good at it. Is it working?”

“I think so.”

Reese smiled. “I'd send you flowers, but . . .”

Gabby giggled. “There's always cannoli.”

“Ah, so I had you at the cannoli? I've got several decadent desserts up my sleeve.” He wiggled his fingers.

“You're not wearing sleeves,” Gabby joked, but when she looked at his tanned, muscled arms and the hint of the tattoos peeking out of the short sleeves that were stretched by his biceps, she suddenly wondered what he would look like shirtless. The thought brought warmth into her cheeks and she was glad that he couldn't read her mind either. A hint of what she was feeling must have shown on her face, because his playfulness faded and was replaced with something sultry and . . . hot.

Gabby had dated here and there while in college, but with the death of her mother and starting her business, she'd put any thoughts of romance on hold. Drew was the first guy Gabby had set her sights on and wanted to date. Still, she couldn't recall ever experiencing this kind of longing or desire so potent.

“If you keep looking at me like that, I might get the idea you're going to throw yourself at me again.”

Gabby fisted her hands on her hips and leaned forward. “I did
not
throw myself at you! Would you stop saying that?”

“No,” Reese said, and then grinned.

Gabby found herself smiling back. She remembered that after his father left, Reese rarely smiled. He'd obviously done some healing over the years. She understood. After tragedy strikes, you have to pick up the pieces and keep going.

Reese arched an eyebrow. “Well, let me go on record and say that I wouldn't mind if you did.”

Whoa. Reese really was flirting with her. “I'll make a note of it.”

“Good. Feel free. You know, don't hold back. My arms will be wide open.” When he demonstrated Gabby considered taking him up on his offer. Although his tone remained teasing, Reese dropped his arms to his sides and stepped closer, making her pulse kick into overdrive. He might have matured, but he still had that wicked bad-boy edge that felt like a walk on the wild side. And she would do well to remember that. “And hey, if you'd like to stop by the restaurant sometime this week and check out the color scheme so you can plan the flowers, I'll reward you with lunch.”

“I just might take you up on your offer.”

“Good. The offer includes dessert.”

“You're making your offer hard to resist.”

“That's the plan.” He didn't step closer, but Gabby felt as if he did.

“Oh, but hey, listen, if Saturday night is a problem with work, let me know. I'll understand.”

“It won't be,” Reese answered firmly. His eyes dropped to her mouth and for a second Gabby thought he might kiss her this time. But just when her eyes started to flutter shut, the bell over the front door dinged.

“Hello!”

“Miss Patty!” Gabby stepped away from Reese as if getting her hand caught in the cookie jar. She greeted her friend who lived in the Whisper's Edge retirement community. “What brings you in?”

“I was over at the bakery ordering a big cake for the dance and thought I'd pop in and see your pretty little face.” Miss Patty gave Reese a once-over. “Well, hello there, handsome.”

“Miss Patty, this is Reese Marino. He and his uncle own River Row Pizza and Pasta.”

“Well, bless your heart for bringing some delicious pizza to Cricket Creek.”

“You've had a slice?” Reese asked.

“Sure did at our last craft class. I have to tell you that the crust was to die for. Hand-tossed, I'm guessing?”

“You betcha. I can do some serious flipping-in-the-air action. The sauce is our own too.”

“It's so good.”

“Thank you.” Gabby couldn't help noticing Reese's obvious pride in the restaurant.

Miss Patty gave him a sassy smile. “You didn't deliver it, though, sugar. I would have remembered. Although the man who did was mighty fine too. I'm predicting you'll be getting a lot of business from Whisper's Edge.” She gave him a wink and then turned her attention to Gabby. “I think I might have a date for you for the dance!”

“Too late,” Reese responded in a playful yet decidedly make-no-mistake tone that had Gabby hiding a grin. “Gabby's going with me.”

“Well, now.” Miss Patty arched an eyebrow and then tucked a lock of silver hair behind her ear. “Do tell.”

“Reese offered to take me to the prom.” A giddy little surge of joy at the announcement took her by surprise.

“Yeah, she's making up for turning me down the first time.”

“Are you crazy, child?” Miss Patty gave a low whistle and then winked again at Reese. “Just make sure to save this ol' gal a dance. And make it a slow one.”

Gabby wagged a finger at her friend. “Did you forget that you're taken, Miss Patty? Clovis might not take too kindly if you dance with another man.”

“Humph.” Miss Patty held up her left hand. “Do you see a ring on it?”

Laughter bubbled up in Gabby's throat, but then her eyes widened as a diamond caught her eye. “Yes!” She took Miss Patty's hand. “Oh my goodness, did Clovis ask you to marry him?”

“There's no fool like an old fool,” she answered, but her eyes glistened with tears. “But he sure as shootin' did.”

Gabby grabbed Miss Patty and gave her a huge hug before looking at the ring again. “Congratulations! The ring is lovely.”

“Got it from Nicolina. Clovis told me he wanted a one of a kind just like me.”

“Funny coming from him since he's a twin.”

“I know; I warned those two not to pull any shenanigans with me. They love fooling people, but I can tell the difference. Clovis said he wanted to ask me to marry him at the dance in front of the whole world. Well, our little world, anyway. He also said he was going to put an announcement on the front page of the
Cricket Creek Courier
now that he and Clyde own it. Silly man.”

“Oh, how sweet!”

Miss Patty rolled her eyes. “Ha, because he likes to be the center of attention! But he just couldn't wait to ask.”

Gabby put her palms to her cheeks. “That's so romantic!”

“Oh . . . he's got game, that one. So does his doggone twin brother.” Miss Patty waved a dismissive hand through the air, but a soft glow of happiness seemed to radiate from her.

“Congratulations,” Reese said.

“Thank you, young man. But that doesn't mean I don't get my dance. I'm just sayin'.”

Reese inclined his head. “I'd be honored.”

“Why, thank you.” Miss Patty turned back to Gabby. “The other reason I stopped in was to offer to help make the corsages. Etta Mae and Joy could help out too. Even though Etta Mae can be a pain,” she added behind her hand. “Our fingers aren't as nimble as they used to be, but we're still pretty crafty, thanks to Savannah's craft days. Given instruction we could lend a hand, especially since you're charging so little.”

“I would like that,” Gabby admitted, and felt a wave of relief. She needed help at the shop, but she didn't have the funds to hire anybody just yet, not even a delivery person. At times she felt overwhelmed.

“And, well, I do have a bit of a favor to ask,” Miss Patty continued.

“Shoot,” Gabby urged.

“Joy is a little bit down in the dumps lately. Her cat passed away.”

“Oh, that's so sad.”

“Poor thing was walking around Whisper's Edge sideways. The cat, I mean, not Joy. But anyway, she really is good with crafts. She's had to step in for Savannah once in a while. If you could use a little part-time help, Joy would do a bang-up job. I know she's too prideful to ask, but if we come in and help out would you consider offering her a small job? It's not even about the money—she's set with retirement—but I think just being needed would do her a world of good.”

“Miss Patty, I really can't afford to pay much until business picks up.”

“She wouldn't need much. Just some pocket change. You know, for lunch and a martini at Sully's now and then. Shew, we had a couple the other day and we were walking sideways too. Clint, that handsome son of Sully's, had to drive us home and all but carried Joy into her house.” Miss Patty shook her head. “Poor Joy got the wrong impression and tried to kiss him! Can you imagine her thinking she was going to get lucky with that young hunk of man-cake?”

Reese's eyes widened as if picturing this happening.

“Thank goodness she doesn't remember,” Miss Patty added. “Being that she's already down in the dumps and all. But will you consider giving her a little work now and then?”

“Sure, Miss Patty, I'll consider it. In truth I could use the extra help.”

Miss Patty smiled. “You are such a sweetheart. We'll come by later, if that's okay?”

“I'll provide some pizza,” Reese offered. “And a sampling of my desserts.”

“I won't even touch that line.” Miss Patty winked at Gabby. “But listen, I really want to have some of your pizza at the dance. I'm thinking about ten or so, but we insist upon paying. The food is part of the budget.”

“Just give me a call.”

“Count on it.” Miss Patty gave them a wave and then headed out the door.

“Well, she sure is a character,” Reese commented. “I'm thinking this party is going to be fun.”

“Like I said, beware of the punch.”

“Does she always try to set you up on dates?”

“Once in a while. Now that Savannah is engaged, they seem to have set their matchmaking sights on me.”

“Savannah?”

“The social director at Whisper's Edge. I'll be doing the flowers for her wedding. Miss Patty is one of the bridesmaids.”

Reese chuckled, but he didn't seem to like the matchmaking idea. “Hey, by the way, I want to let you know that I can make some deliveries for you.”

“You're already busy. I can't ask you to do that.”

“You didn't.” Reese gave her shoulder a squeeze. “I offered.”

Gabby nodded and felt a warm rush of emotion. She and her mother had spent so many years sticking together as a team. Having witnessed her mom getting hurt by seemingly well-meaning men had Gabby treading cautiously. This business meant the world to her—she'd invested everything in it, and she couldn't trust it to just anyone.

Reese must have sensed her sudden withdrawal. “It's just an offer, Gabby. Keep it in mind and don't hesitate to ask for help. I know firsthand how difficult it is for an established business to stay afloat. Starting a new one is even harder. Don't be afraid to ask for a hand.”

“I'm not afraid.”

“Yes, I think you are. But I know that where we come from, trust has to be earned.” His dark eyes captured hers. “I plan on earning it from you.” He walked closer, leaned down, and kissed her on the cheek. “Let me know what your lady friends want on their pizza, okay?”

Gabby nodded and watched Reese walk out the door. Closing her eyes, she swallowed the moisture gathering in her throat. She knew that if she didn't want to spend her days—and nights—alone, she had to let down her guard and open her heart.

She only hoped she could dig deep for the courage.

Long As I Got My Suit and Tie

“M
OM, DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO ROLL THE CIGARETTE
pack up into my sleeve?” Reese looked down at his mother's head and sighed. “This is bordering on overkill.”

“Just hold still, I'm almost finished.” She glanced up at him and then went back to her task.

“I don't want Gabby to think I smoke.”

“The pack is obviously candy, Reese.” She angled her head over to a white bag perched on a table. “I have a pack of my own over there. Who knew they still made them? I had a field day in that new candy store up on Main Street. I bought Mary Janes and Bit-O-Honey. They even had Neapolitan coconut squares.”

“Those are horrible. So are those wax bottles filled with that nasty syrup.” Reese shuddered. “Why did you buy those?”

“Ol' times' sake, I guess. You'd better be careful or I won't share the Bull's Eyes.”

Reese chuckled. “Now, those I like. And I want the vanilla French Chew and those ice-cream cones with the marshmallows on top.”

“Tony already claimed those. He's such a big kid. I even have one of those candy necklaces.” She paused and gave Reese a meaningful look that he instantly understood. “I'll never forget when you spent half of your candy cash buying one of those for Gabby.”

“What can I say? I'm a nice guy,” Reese responded lightly, but he remembered too. When his father had still been around working as a mechanic at Fred's in town, life had been pretty good at least as far as Reese knew it back then. Gabby, on the other hand, rarely went to the candy store and even as a ten-year-old, Reese realized it was because her mom couldn't afford it. Gabby was so grateful for the small gift that she hugged him. Reese shook his head and smiled. He could still see the happy smile on her sweet face when he handed her the small white bag containing the necklace. . . .

•   •   •

“For me?” Gabby asked. When Reese nodded she put down the watering can that looked too heavy for her to manage but she did somehow.

“Just, you know, a little something.” Reese lifted one shoulder and watched her open the bag.

Her eyes lit up. “Oh, my favorite! Did you know that?”

“No . . . I just kinda guessed,” he scoffed, but he was so glad that he was right.

“Well, you're a good guesser! Thank you, thank you! I don't want to touch the necklace, because my hands are dirty.” She pointed to the tomato plants she'd been watering. “As soon as the tomatoes are ready to pick, I'll give you some. Shouldn't be too much longer.”

Reese smiled even though he wasn't all that fond of tomatoes. “Thanks. That's really cool.” He was trying to think of something else to say when his mother called him for dinner. “Well, I'd better get going.”

Gabby nodded and then stepped forward and gave him a brief hug. “Thank you for the treat. It was supernice of you.”

“Ah, it was nothing,” Reese protested, but he really liked seeing her eyes light up. But just so she didn't think he was wimpy or anything like that when she turned around, he gave her long braid a quick tug before hurrying home for dinner.

•   •   •

“Whatcha thinkin'?” his mother asked, drawing Reese's thoughts back to the present.

“Just that it's pretty great that the old-fashioned candy store reopened after being closed down for so long.” His response wasn't entirely honest, but Reese wasn't ready to explore his feelings about Gabby with his mother just yet.

“Yeah, it closed when Cricket Creek was struggling. It's still called the Sweet Spot, but did you know it was little Ronnie Carlton who reopened the candy shop? She worked at the toy store on Main Street for a few years and since it's right next door I guess it was a smart move. I think you went to school with her?”

“I did,” Reese replied. “Ronnie was on student council and all that stuff. Kinda geeky but cute. I think she and Gabby were friends.” In fact, Reese knew that they were friends. Gabby might have avoided him, but Reese had always tried to look out for her. Even after their friendship faded, a bond remained that couldn't be broken. “I'm sure that store brings back memories for lots of folks around here.”

“It does,” she responded, but her smile appeared a little bit forced. “Funny how something as simple as a piece of candy can take you back, ya know?”

To before Dad left us
hung in the air between them, making Reese fidget once more. This time his mother remained silent as if lost in her own thoughts. His parents had seemed to love each other so much. Why his father emptied the bank account and left remained a mystery. The only reason they knew there wasn't foul play involved was that an occasional envelope with cash would arrive but never with a return address.

“There, I think that about does it.” When Reese saw his mother's fingers tremble slightly, he silently cursed his father. Wanting to bring her good mood back, he said, “Are you really coming over to take pictures of Gabby and me?”

She brightened. “Of course! You might not be in a tuxedo, but I finally get to take prom pictures.” She backed away and gave him a once-over. “You need to slick your hair back.”

Reese put his palms up in protest. “Nope, I'm drawing the line.”

“Come on. Just a little bit of gel?” When Reese answered with a sigh, she smiled. “Do you have any upstairs in your apartment?”

“Mom, I don't put that goop in my hair.”

“You used to.”

“I used to do a lot of things.”

“I'll have to make a superquick trip to my house. Man the phones for Tony. I'll be right back.”

A moment later Tony pushed his way through the double doors from the kitchen, but he stopped in his tracks when he spotted Reese. He put the tray of salt and pepper shakers down and folded his arms across his chest, giving Reese an accusing glare. “Are those cigarettes?”

“Yeah, you got a problem with that?” Reese couldn't help asking him. “Want one?”

“Well, hell yeah, I've got a problem with it! And no, I don't want one.”

“Suit yourself.” Uncle Tony never did intimidate him with the glare even though Reese let him believe it. In truth, Reese had complied with his uncle's rules out of respect rather than fear. It had been tough watching his uncle's marriage crumble. It remained another example of someone not keeping her promise to a person she supposedly loved. Gold-digging Gloria he could understand but not his father's desertion. Reese pushed that thought from his mind. Thinking about his father still put him on edge, and he wanted to enjoy his date with Gabby.

“Reese, are you shittin' me, man?”

“Don't get your panties in a wad. If I did smoke I wouldn't put the pack in my sleeve. It's just candy. I'd show you but it took fifteen minutes for Mom to get them to stay rolled up like this. Apparently, this was considered cool back in the fifties.”

Relief softened Tony's expression and he grinned. “Oh, so who are you? Lenny or Squiggy?”

“I was going for James Dean. Who the hell are Lenny and Squiggy?”

“Never mind. I'm old.”

“No, you're not. Well, not
that
old, anyway.”

Tony pulled a face. “I sure as hell feel like it.” He rolled his shoulders. “Sorry I got so wound up. I'm kind of stressed. I'll be so damned glad when the grand opening is over.”

“You want me to stay tonight? Gabby will understand.” Reese didn't want to give up his date with Gabby, but his family meant the world to him. And he owed Uncle Tony big-time for being there for him when he was going down the wrong path very quickly.

“No! Hell no. I've got everything in the kitchen under control. Tessa and I can hold down the fort. You need to have some fun, Reese. Oh, and I put an ad in the paper for a delivery guy.”

“I don't mind doin' it.”

“No way. We need your expertise more in the kitchen and doin' other business-related things. I did hire a few more servers today too. We'll train them this week.”

“I know the drill.” Reese nodded, hating the fatigue etched on his uncle's face. “Uncle Tony, you need to take some time off too.”

“I will once things are up and running smoothly.”

“I'll hold you to that. Digger's gonna forget what you look like.”

“Tell me about it. I did take him for a run the other day,” he said, and then chuckled.

“What's so funny?”

“Nothin', I just finally met my neighbor. Well, actually she's my landlord.”

“And?”

He answered with a bemused expression followed by a shrug.

That was a strange reaction. “Wait. Is she hot?”

“I dunno.”

“Come on, Uncle Tony.”

“Yeah . . . yeah, she's hot. I guess. Whatever.”

“You should, you know, hang out with her or somethin',” Reese said casually but watched his uncle's reaction closely. Since the divorce two years ago, his uncle had yet to venture out on even one date. It was about damned time.

“Like I got time for that,” Uncle Tony scoffed, but there was something in his eyes that said he wished he did. Reese inhaled a deep breath and was about to encourage the idea, but his uncle's expression suddenly darkened and so Reese left it alone, for now, anyway.

“But hey, look, all the prep work is done for tonight. I just got the order for ten pizzas for the dance. I'll have Tessa deliver them. I think she wants to take some pictures.”

Yep, both Uncle Tony and his mother needed to have more of a social life. “I'll put some flyers and coupons next to them. Apparently, our reputation is already good at Whisper's Edge.”

“Whoa, yeah!” Tony lifted his palms in the air. “I delivered a couple of pizzas last week. Got my ass pinched! What was up with that?”

Reese thought of Miss Patty and laughed. “I think I might know the guilty party.”

A few minutes later his mother raced back through the door. “Got some!”

Reese looked at the purple jar. “Is that gonna make me smell like a girl?”

“Hush, I'm only going to use a little bit.”

“Meaning yes.” He sighed while she played around with his hair. “Uncle Tony, are you gonna help me out here?”

“Tessa, just don't make him look like Squiggy.”

She chuckled. “I won't! Look, I'm going to slick it back so it looks like you have shorter hair.”

Reese didn't even bother to protest this time, deciding to let her have her fun. After finishing up she stood back and admired her work. “How do I look?”

“Perfect! Now, when I show up with the pizza I fully expect to see you and Gabby out there cutting a rug.”

“Mom, I have no idea what that means.”

“It's an old-fashioned term for dancing. Granddad used to say it when he'd jitterbug with Grandma, right, Tony?”

“Somehow I don't think I'll be doing anything called jitterbugging.”

“I can do it. Want a quick lesson?”

“I would but I'm pressed for time!” Reese replied, but grinned.

“Well, at least do the twist,” she said, and demonstrated.

“Just have fun,” Uncle Tony advised. “'Cause next week we'll be like chickens with our heads cut off.”

Reese gave his mother a hug and headed out the door, surprised that he felt a little bit nervous as he walked over toward Flower Power. Since Whisper's Edge wasn't too far away, Reese had suggested walking, especially after Gabby said the punch would be spiked. He wanted his days of getting in trouble in Cricket Creek to remain behind him.

When Reese caught his reflection in a picture window of a vacant shop, he paused and shook his head. He sure looked like a vintage teenage troublemaker. “So much for changing Gabby's opinion of me,” he grumbled. Then he turned the corner and Top Hat, the tuxedo rental shop next to the bridal boutique, caught his eye. This section of the shops had earned the name “Wedding Row” for a reason. He gazed at the mannequins displayed in the window and then on a whim he opened the door and went inside.

“May I help you?” the friendly clerk asked, but then she took off her reading glasses and gave Reese a curious look.

“I'm going to a fifties dance.”

“Ah, that explains a lot. Wait. You're going to the Whisper's Edge prom? Aren't you a little bit young?”

“I'm going there with Gabby, the owner of the floral shop down the street. She was invited because she's providing the flowers.” Reese extended his hand. “I'm Reese Marino. My uncle and I just opened River Row Pizza and Pasta.”

“I'm Marcy Duncan, shop owner. Oh, Gabby is such a sweetheart! I send all of my prom and wedding parties over to her for the flowers. And thanks for bringing pizza to Restaurant Row! I've been meaning to try it.”

“Nice to meet you, Marcy. We're still only doing a soft opening with takeout and delivery, but the actual sit-down restaurant will open next weekend. We'll have a daily selection of an authentic Italian dish and a few staple items on the menu.”

Marcy tapped her temple. “Smart decision.”

“Yeah, hopefully it will all go smoothly.” Reese pointed to his chest. “Gabby wanted me to do the whole James Dean thing, but I'm having second thoughts. I'm a little pressed for time, but you wouldn't happen to have a tux that has a bit of a retro look, would you?”

“Oh, we usually measure and have to order sizes in,” Marcy explained. “The suits we have here are mostly for picking things out.” She nibbled on the inside of her lip for a second and then snapped her fingers. “Wait. Are you about six feet tall, about a thirty-two-inch waist?”

“Close. Six one, but you've got the waist size right. You're good.”

“My shop is fairly new, but I've been doing this for a while. Look, I just got in a
Mad Men
–inspired line. Partly because of the popularity of the show, skinny ties and fitted suits are in vogue,” Marcy explained with a smile. “The lapels are narrow and the suits are tailored. Perfect for your body type. You're going to rock this style.” She whipped out a measuring tape and did a quick once-over. “I think I've got you covered.”