They left the house, Allison hurrying them toward the rustic chapel at the far end of the garden. Lane had been told the wooden structure was a tiny version of a Norwegian stavkirke. As they approached it, she found herself charmed by the pointed gables, the small belfry, the half-enclosed porch.
The interior, which they reached through a stout oak door, was a delight with its wealth of native carvings on the raised pulpit, baptismal font and high-backed pews. The primitive stained-glass windows and delicate wall frescoes glowed like jewels.
Allison, its marvelous! Lane pronounced. I can see why you want your wedding here. And when the candles are lit tomorrow in all those iron wall holders it will be...well, pure magic.
Her friend had no response. Lane glanced at her where she stood by the door, her hand still on the light switch. Allison was frowning, and for a second Lane feared her mind had returned to Chris Beaver.
Theyre missing, she finally murmured.
What are?
The flowers. There arent any.
Lane had been so busy picturing the beauty of a wedding ceremony in the serene setting that she hadnt noticed. But Allison was right. There wasnt a single ar- rangement in sight.
Maybe Teddy was afraid they would freeze out here and left them somewhere in the house.
Allison, annoyed, shook her head. Nils put the heat on in here for him early yesterday before he went back to the mainland. It was all prearranged.
Then there must be an explanation.
Allison nodded. Ill have to find out.
She started to douse the lights, as if intending to return immediately to the lodge. Lane put a hand on her arm to delay her. They were alone out here, and the thought occurred to her there might not be another
opportunity for privacy.
Could we talk for a minute first?
She could feel Allison stiffening under her hand. She thinks Im going to ask her about Chris.
The tall blonde gazed at her, asking warily, Is this a subject Im going to like?
Probably not. Lanes answer was dry. Its about Jack.
Allison relaxed slightly. Oh. Yes, I expected that to come up. All right, lets sit for a second.
They settled side by side in one of the back pews. Lane turned to her, seeking an explanation. How did Jack wind up as Hales best man? Hale told me he barely knows him.
It just sort of happened, her friend confessed with a note of evasiveness. Jack called me to offer his best wishes. Hed seen the announcement of my engagement in one of the Chicago papers. I got to telling him about my wedding plans and how you were going to be my attendant but that nothing had been settled yet about the best man. We talked for a long while and...well, one thing led to another.
Uh-huh. And just whose idea was it for him to play best man this weekend? Or was it a joint conspiracy?
I dont remember. Jacks, maybe.
Lane might have known. Jack Donovan could charm his way in or out of just about anything he put his considerable talents to, which was exactly why she hadnt trusted herself to go directly to him for this explanation. And this time hed talked himself into a weekend on a secluded island where his ex-wife would be virtually trapped. The question was...
Why? she demanded of Allison. Youve told me how he came to be here. Now tell me why he wants to be here.
I think he just means to She broke off, squirming uncomfortably. No, I cant say. Its for him to tell you.
If its what I think it is... she said warningly.
Lane, I was wrong to agree to this situation. I know I was wrong. And maybe its none of my business to say that your divorce was a mistake, but the two of you...oh, you know what I mean.
Lane avoided looking at her. She stared grimly at a carving of a sleeping angel above the altar rail. A reconciliation. Thats what Allison was driving at. Oh, no! Never! Not in this lifetime! Jack Donovans rarefied world had cost her enough anguish. Oh, shed been vulnerable, all right, was probably still much too vulnerable, but she wasnt suicidal.
Allison laid an imploring hand on her arm, her voice suddenly remorseful. I couldnt get married tomorrow if I thought you were mad at me, though I suppose I deserve it. I dont want to lose your friendship, Lane. God knows, when youre in a position like mineyou know, the money and allthere are few enough people you can really count on or trust, and youve never asked anything of me. Now if Ive gone and
Allison, its all right. Im not happy about the situation, but its too late to change it. All I can do is survive it. Another disturbing possibility occurred to her. Wait a minute. You didnt deliberately put Jack out in the guesthouse because you thought he and I might
No, of course not. Its just the way the arrangements worked out.
But Lane wasnt so sure. Her friends denial had been too quick. Okay, lets forget it. Just promise me one thing.
Anything.
No more playing matchmaker. Because what you want isnt going to happen.
Promise, she agreed reluctantly. But it really was your happiness I was thinking of. I guess I just figured that someone might as well...