I enjoy listening to you. I remember Jeanette talking about starting a bridal shop ten years ago.
I didnt think shed ever actually own one. She hit a few roadblocks.
Thats normal. The important thing is she didnt give up.
Mmm. She glanced at him. Is that what you wanted to talk to me about? Jeanettes shop?
His mouth quirked. You always were direct, Sam. To tell you the truth, I came here for another reason. Theres something I want to ask you.
She stiffened, unable to prevent herself. Oh?
His gaze traveled over her face. Yes, he said gently. I want to apologize for my behavior over the last several months. I wasdisturbed about a certain situation and I allowed that to affect my friendships.
Oh, Brad! The tension flowed out of her. She touched his arm lightly. Have you been able to fix the situation?
No, but Im working on it. He smiled down at her. In the meantime, I wanted to ask if we could be friends again.
That would be wonderful. She smiled back at him, absently noticing that the angle of his chin seemed more pronounced than she remembered, the texture of skin at his jaw a little rougher. A few lines in his forehead were now permanent. Ive missed you.
Have you? He reached out and brushed a curl off her forehead, his fingers lingering on her skin. I thought youd forgotten about me completely.
I could never do that. His touch was friendly, the warmth from his fingers penetrating her skin and deep inside her. Youre the nicest guy Ive ever known. Ive always thought of you as my best friend.
Abruptly, his hand dropped to his side. For an instant, she saw something in his eyes, a spark of emotion she couldnt identify. He grinned. Im glad to hear itit will make my next question a lot easier.
Her tension returned. Had she relaxed too soon?
He laughed, but his eyes still had that spark. Dont look like that, Sammy. Its nothing terrible. At least, I hope you wont think its terrible.
Oh, dear heaven. Brad, I dont think
Please, Sammy. Just listen. Ive wanted to get married for a long time
Her fingernails bit into the palms of her hands. She couldnt believe it. He really was going to propose. Her stomach churned. Oh, Brad.
And Ive finally found someone who will have me.
Im afraid She stopped, blinking in confusion. What did you say?
He smiled broadly. Congratulate me, Sammy. I met the girl of my dreams and she has agreed to marry me. Her name is Heather Lovelace. And shes the sweetest, kindest, most beautiful woman in the world.
Samantha couldnt speak. She felt dizzy for a second. Brad was getting married? She had never
thoughtthat is, she couldnt quite imagine
And we want you to design the dress. And Jeanette to arrange the wedding. Will you do it? Sammy? Sammy? Are you all right?
Im fine. She shook her head, trying to clear away the unaccountable vertigo that had made everything in the shop tilt sideways. She forced herself to smile and say, Of course Ill do it. And Im sure Jeanette can handle the wedding. If she cant, Ill do it myself, she promised recklessly.
His eyes crinkled at the corners. Thank you, Sammy. Heathers waiting out in the car right now. She wants to meet you. Will you come to dinner with us?
Oh, no, I couldnt. Her refusal was automatic and instinctive. She didnt feel very well. Maybe she had a summer cold coming on.
Why not?
II couldnt go to dinner dressed like this.
Come on, Sammy. You look great.
Youre wearing a suit
There has to be a dress you could wear somewhere in this place.
There was, of course. She bit her lip. What was wrong with her? Shed just been thinking how much she wanted to be friends with Brad again, and now here he was, wanting to renew their old relationship and share his happy news.
And it was happy news. She couldnt quite figure out why it was affecting her so strangely. She was happy for Brad. Wasnt she? Of course she was. He was going to get married and live happily ever after.
If that was possible.
Shed seen married people in action. Shed seen how couples could fight and tear each other apart. That was why Brads news unsettled hershe was worried about him. She didnt want him to have to experience that unpleasantness.
I really cant. Im expecting a client. She glanced at her watch. It was almost seven-thirty. Apparently Mrs. Blogden wasnt going to show.
Cant you call and cancel? Please, Sammy.
Well She wavered. She did want to meet Brads fiance´e. Heather Lovelace. The most beautiful woman in the world, Brad had called her. But Sam took that with a grain of salt. Brad was in love with Heather after all. Hed also described her as sweet and kind. That sounded like Blanche Milken, the girl hed had a crush on in high school. Blanche had been a straight-A student with mousy, colorless clothes to go along with her mousy, colorless personality.
Okay, Samantha said, making up her mind. Let me change and call Mrs. Blogden to make sure she isnt coming. Itll only take me a few minutes.
Great. Ill go tell Heather. Come outside when youre ready.
He left, and Sam went into the office to call Mrs. Blogden. The housekeeper answered and informed Sam that Mrs. Blogden was at a party and wouldnt be home until late. Sam wasnt too surprised. Mrs. Blogden frequently didnt show up for her appointments and rarely called to cancel.