Expecting a fortune, p.4
Expecting a Fortune, page 4
The trio began playing Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.”
“That’s our cue,” Lily said.
After a quick glance down at Chase, Bea went down the aisle, and then Lily followed with Noah.
As planned, they handed off the babies to Freya and the nanny, then took their places. Seconds later, the familiar strains of Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” floated in the air.
Tall, dark-haired Asa, handsome in a suit, walked Esme down the aisle. As she came closer to the front, Esme’s gaze locked with Ryder’s, and their faces grew luminous as they smiled.
Bea’s heart swelled with joy as she held back tears.
The couple shared special passages from books they loved as part of their vows. As they exchanged rings, Chase released a short squeal as if voicing his approval, and everyone laughed.
Their first kiss as husband and wife inspired applause from the guests. On impulse, they scooped up their sons from their strollers. Smiling happily, they walked back down the aisle along with the bridal party to Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March.”
Following the ceremony, the bridal party greeted the guests on the lawn.
After what seemed like endless hugs and kisses, the line dwindled to the final few.
Devin Street was the last person to congratulate the happy couple. Dressed in a gray suit with a blue tie, he looked scrumptious as usual.
As he chatted with Ryder and Esme, his gaze briefly connected with Bea’s. Just like the day of the grand opening, he caught her staring at him and a puzzled look briefly crossed his face. He smiled at her.
Bea glanced down at the bouquet in her hands. She could only imagine what he thought. Either her attraction to him was that obvious or he was thinking about the critic’s review of the Cowgirl Café. He was probably trying to figure out how her answer of Absolutely when he’d asked if she was ready had been so horribly off the mark.
Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Bea’s palms started to sweat. She couldn’t face him. Slipping out of line, she spoke to Lily as she handed over her bouquet. “I should go check on the food.”
Bea headed for the lodge, certain the tingling along her spine was from Devin watching her as she hurried away.
Chapter Four
Conversation and laughter reverberated in the lodge, and Devin made mental notes of all that was happening from his perspective, seated at a round table for eight in the center of the room.
Luckily he didn’t have to remember all the details. The wedding photographer was also freelancing for the Chatelaine Daily News. Esme and Ryder had agreed to allow some of the photos to be published along with a brief article he was writing about the wedding.
The lodge was nothing less than impressive. The oak-floored, white-walled space with multiple windows and wood-beam accents had been totally transformed into the perfect venue for the reception.
Guests were seated at tables covered in cream linen and low centerpieces with greenery and white roses. Small trees strung with white lights were nestled near lattice dividers artfully placed in the corners and framing the cake table featuring a three-tiered confection.
One end of the lodge had been delineated as the dance floor, and a DJ played a seamless mix of instrumentals from country to oldies to pop ballads at a low volume.
Esme and Ryder relaxed at a sweetheart table for two, and the bridal party as well as family members sat at nearby tables around them. But Bea wasn’t there.
After the ceremony as he’d spoken to the bridal party in the receiving line, their gazes had locked. She’d looked so gorgeous. He hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her and had lost his train of thought while chatting with Ryder. But before he’d gotten a chance to talk to Bea, she’d run off.
Lily had explained that Bea had gone to check on the food for the reception, but a part of him wondered if she might be upset about the review of the Cowgirl Café published in the paper. He’d written the damn thing three times, striving for honesty but not wanting to come across as harsh. That exercise in near futility only proved what he’d tried to deny for a long time. He had a thing for Bea.
He’d wanted to ask her out more than a few times, but he’d hesitated. He was a journalist, after all, and she might think the only reason he was trying to get to know her was because of a potentially big story related to her uncle, Wendell Fortune.
Back in 1965, members of the Fortune family had owned a silver mine near Chatelaine that had collapsed, killing all of the workers. Speculation had always existed about the involvement of Wendell’s brothers, Elias and Edgar, in the incident. And recently a question had been raised about the actual number of miners who’d perished. Fifty had been the documented number, but mysterious notes had been found claiming fifty-one lives had been lost.
The arrival of Freya Fortune in Chatelaine with Elias’s will—and the claim of him wanting to make amends with his family—had also reinvigorated local interest in the topic.
Who was the fifty-first person, and why point to an additional death now? A couple of months ago, Devin had asked Wendell those questions.
He glanced over at the lean eighty-something older man with a grizzled beard sitting a few tables away with his sister-in-law, Freya. Wendell had said he had nothing to add to the record about the mining disaster, but Devin couldn’t shake the feeling that the man was hiding something. And possibly Freya, too.
Mrs. Cofield, an older woman with a silver streak in her dark hair who was seated across from Devin, paused in eating her chicken entrée. She and her husband lived on one of the larger ranches in the area.
She addressed the middle-aged couple next to her. “Wendell Fortune doesn’t look well at all. I hardly recognized him when he sat up front before the ceremony.”
“You’re right—he doesn’t look good,” the blonde with high-arched brows responded. “I haven’t seen him in a while. From what I understand, he’s been hiding out in that monstrosity he owns...”
Monstrosity? That was harsh. Wendell’s home in town, Fortune’s Castle, was elaborate and a little crazy in its medieval design, but Devin didn’t think it was an eyesore. And besides, it wasn’t in a very populated area where people had to look at it every day.
Holding back the comment, Devin focused on his delicious steak instead of the banter taking place.
“Mr. Street,” Mrs. Cofield called out to him, “do you know what’s going on with Wendell Fortune?”
He gave her a polite smile. “I’m sorry. I missed what you were saying...”
“Wendell Fortune—have you heard anything about his health?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know anything about that.” Devin took a sip of iced tea. And even if he did, he’d never reveal that information. He ran a respectable newspaper, not a gossip magazine.
Fortunately, just then, Brandon Hayes tapped his glass diverting attention as he rose from his seat at a table near Esme and Ryder.
He faced the guests. “As part of my speech, I’m supposed to sing my brother’s praises and tell you all about his many good points.” He looked to the couple with a humorous smile. “Or I can dish the dirt so my new sister-in-law has a really clear picture of what she’s gotten herself into...”
He delivered some good-natured teasing, then ended with a heartfelt wish for Ryder and Esme’s long and happy future.
During the applause after the toast, Bea came from the back of the room and joined Brandon and the rest of the bridal party.
Devin took note—everyone at the table had a plus-one seated next to them except for Bea. She was smart and beautiful—how could she not have a date for the wedding? Was she on her own because she was busy supervising the catering for the reception?
As the room grew quieter, she rose from her seat and spoke to the newlyweds. “There’s a saying about love looking outward in the same direction. When I look at you two, that’s what I see...” Bea continued to share a loving, heartfelt recognition of the couple. At the end of her speech, she encouraged everyone to raise their glasses. “To Esme and Ryder.”
After the toast, servers delivered trays with an assortment of fruit tartlets to the table.
Mrs. Cofield put one on her plate. “Aren’t these on the menu at her restaurant?” She pointed to Bea, who was moving from table to table, chatting with guests. “Considering what happened with the Cowgirl Café, I’m not surprised she’s been hiding from everyone. I heard some ridiculous rumor about someone stealing the food.”
The blonde sniffed. “She should just own up to whatever really happened. If the place does finally open, I’m not sure I’ll ever eat there. She ruined my sister’s birthday celebration.” She raised her voice, seemingly wanting others to overhear the conversation. “I’m completely on board with the restaurant review in the Chatelaine Daily News. I’m not convinced her café deserves a second chance.”
That wasn’t what he’d said...exactly. Irritation sparked in Devin. Although the restaurant hadn’t confirmed anything officially, from what he’d pieced together, whatever had happened wasn’t entirely Bea’s fault. But this wasn’t the time or place to mention the review or the failed grand opening...unless the woman intentionally wanted to hurt Bea’s feelings.
The DJ called out, “It’s time to bring Mr. and Mrs. Hayes back to the dance floor...”
Esme and Ryder’s first dance as a couple had been to a slow song at the start of the reception. Now an upbeat country track played through the speakers.
Bea paused at a nearby table and then headed toward his.
The thought of her smiling at Mrs. Cofield and the blonde woman without a clue of what they’d been saying about her, and the café, irked him even more.
Devin rose to his feet and intercepted her. “This is the song you mentioned, isn’t it?” He grasped Bea’s hand. “The one you really wanted to dance to tonight?”
As she glanced up at him, her expression grew perplexed.
He gave her hand a squeeze, willing her to follow along.
To his relief, Bea squeezed back. “You’re right. Let’s go.”
Devin led her to the dance floor. As soon as he took her into his arms, they moved in time to a country two-step.
Bea leaned in, making it easier for him to hear her. “I’m assuming I read the situation right—you needed a save?”
Devin considered his answer. There was no point in telling her the truth and risk ruining her night. “I did. If you hadn’t come along, I would have had to fake an injury so I could leave the table.”
She quirked a brow. “What type of injury were you going to fake?”
“I don’t know. I hadn’t gotten that far yet. Maybe a sudden reoccurrence of an old elbow injury from my college football days.”
“An old elbow injury?” As she leaned back to look up at him, humor filled her blue eyes and a light flush came into her cheeks. “Aggravated by what? Sitting there eating dinner?”
“Hey, it could happen.”
As Bea’s laughter radiated into him, he couldn’t help but chuckle. The happiness on her face caused his heart to jolt with an extra beat. Damn, she was pretty.
Momentarily distracted, he missed a step. If he didn’t keep his mind on what he was doing, he’d stomp on her coral-painted toes peeking out of her strappy sandals.
Unfazed by his clumsiness, Bea synced her steps with his and settled comfortably in his arms.
More couples came onto the dance floor, and they were pushed closer together. Devin fought the urge to confirm his suspicion that she’d fit perfectly against him.
As she leaned near his ear, the alluring perfume wafting from the curve of her neck intoxicated him. “You’re not faking wanting to dance with me, are you?”
Her whispered words, only for him, raised goose bumps on his skin. Devin’s heart thumped harder in his chest. “Not a chance.”
Chapter Five
Bea felt like she was dancing on air. Was she really this close to Devin right now? Wow. He was gorgeous.
Normally she was tongue-tied around him, but now she couldn’t stop flirting with him. It was probably because of the champagne and that she was deliriously happy for Esme and Ryder. And she might’ve been delirious from hunger, too. She hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast. But Bea’s need for food faded as her and Devin’s hands clasped a bit tighter.
One song moved into the next, and the distance between them started shrinking to mere inches as they moved through the maze of the dance. Devin spun her around, and Bea couldn’t wait for the turn to end, anxious to feel his warmth and the solid strength of his arms around her again.
The DJ cued up a slow song, and they didn’t hesitate in getting close. As she wound her arms around his neck, he slipped his hands around her waist.
Each gentle sway was a tease as they brushed against one another, until finally she was pressed up against him. Desire warmed inside of her like the first sips of champagne. Savoring the heady feeling, she closed her eyes and reminded herself to breathe.
Devin’s shaky exhale feathered along her cheek, and she felt a small shudder move through him.
It was good to know that she wasn’t the only one affected.
The melody ended far too soon, and the DJ picked up the pace with a faster song.
Bea and Devin stopped moving, but she remained in his arms at the edge of the floor, out of the way of enthusiastic dancers.
“I’ll escort you back to your table.” He stepped back and took hold of her hand.
“No...wait. I haven’t eaten yet.”
Concern furrowed his brow. Before she could explain, he led her off to the side of the room. “You should have said something. I wouldn’t have held you up.”
“You didn’t hold me up. I liked dancing with you...a lot,” she confessed. And even though they’d stopped, she wasn’t ready for the moment to end.
Going out on a limb, Bea glanced out the window at the gazebo. “We could sit outside.” She rushed to explain, “It will feel strange if I’m sitting at the table eating when no one else is.” As if it had a mind of its own, her hand tightened a bit more around Devin’s.
He brushed his thumb over the back of it, and her heart skipped a beat. “Fix yourself a plate. I’ll wait for you outside.”
In the lodge’s small kitchen, the area was already cleaned up. Most of the staff had departed except for Tanya, who was making one last check for any of the café’s supplies, and the scaled-down waitstaff crew.
It was hard to believe that just a few hours ago they’d been in the thick of it, preparing plates for the guests.
“Thank you for doing such a great job. And for this.” Bea pointed to the plate in her hand piled high with food.
“I’m so glad we pulled it off.” Tanya smiled. “Now people will know what to expect when the Cowgirl Café opens.”
I’m not sure I’ll ever eat there. She ruined my sister’s birthday celebration...
Bea had overheard the remark from the woman at Devin’s table. She’d just decided to ignore it and greet everyone with a smile. But then Devin had stood up. As soon as he’d taken her hand, she’d forgotten about the woman’s snarky comments. Well...maybe she hadn’t completely forgotten. She just didn’t care. Dance with Devin, or talk with people who thought it was okay to gossip about her at her sister’s wedding? The choice hadn’t been that hard to make.
“Oh, and I can’t take full credit for the plate,” Tanya added. “Make sure you thank Esme for that. She noticed you hadn’t eaten and asked me to set aside some food for you.”
Warmth flooded through her. Even on her own wedding day, her little sister was looking out for her.
As Bea headed toward the door to join Devin, she passed by the dance floor. She spotted Esme and Ryder, holding each other close. They swayed slowly to their own beat, oblivious to the fast timing of the song and the energetic dancers around them.
They were so lucky to have found each other. A longing for something just as wonderful in her own life hit Bea. Maybe someday...
Outside, the chairs were still set up, and Devin stood in front of the stairs leading to the gazebo.
As she walked toward him, a hint of strange, giddy excitement hit her. She hadn’t walked down the aisle at her first wedding. Was this a small glimpse of what that felt like?
He pointed to the structure. “I set up chairs for us. I thought you could use one as a table.”
“That’s perfect—thank you.” She strolled up the stairs, took a seat, and did just as he’d suggested.
Devin put his suit jacket on the back of the chair beside her before taking a seat.
She offered him the extra rolled silverware she’d brought along.
He held up his hand in refusal. “After all the running around you’ve been doing today plus me making you dance, I know you’re starving.”
“There’s way too much here for one person, and you didn’t make me dance with you.”
“I kind of did. I ambushed you.”
“Yeah, you did.” She winked at him. “And the only way I’ll forgive you is if you help me eat some of this.”
A smile tugged at his mouth. “Well, if it’s the only way, I guess I don’t have a choice.” He accepted the silverware. “Actually, you don’t have to twist my arm. The food was excellent. I’m looking forward to eating at your restaurant.”
“Thank you.” The thought emerging in her mind slipped out. “I wish your restaurant critic and your tablemates felt the same way as you do.”
“So you did hear those women talking. I was hoping you hadn’t. You shouldn’t have to engage with negativity about the café, especially at your sister’s wedding.” He paused. “About the restaurant review...”
“No, you’re right. Let’s not spoil this.” On a reflex, she briefly laid her hand on his arm. “I don’t want to talk about the grand opening. I’m having a good time right now. I’d rather find out more about you.”
