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Judy would do her part to add another perspective. But with Ellen’s recent divorce making her wary about relationships, it was likely that by the time she remarried—if she did remarry—she would be past childbearing years. Asher and Elsa might yet have children and therefore carry on the name. But Brennan… Yes, Malcolm had high hopes that his grandson would bring a new generation of Henrys into the beautiful, mysterious city he loved.
“The Henry Christmas party is this week, and I’ve decided to change the venue. This year I’m hosting it on the top floor of the Canal Street store.”
Ellen frowned. “That’s a storage area. How are you going to manage that?”
“You’ll see,” Malcolm said, his head spinning with the visions of the party he’d planned with Gigi and her flamboyant designer Max, who had conceived the concept one day when Gigi had shown him the old window stages housed in storage. “Christmas in the Attic” had emerged from that foray and Malcolm was excited about showcasing the flagship store’s past as they contemplated the future of the company. “And I can’t wait for Asher to meet Judy.”
“I’m so thrilled for you, Uncle, and I know Asher will like Judy,” Ellen said, looking happier than she had in months.
Malcolm caught Brennan’s gaze. “Sometimes we overlook what suits us in favor of what wethinkshould. I’m truly blessed by that woman’s love.”
Brennan’s eyes deepened slightly before he shuttered the emotions. “Shall we toast my grandfather and the woman who has captured him?”
“Hear! Hear!” Ellen said, lifting her goblet.
“Hear! Hear!” Ernestine popped her head into the dining room, holding a diet soda.
They laughed and toasted Judy, and all Malcolm could hope was that each Henry at the table would find what he’d found—peace, joy, and love.
Sappy, sentimental, and optimistic, sure, but he wished it all the same.
* * *
MARYPAIGESTRAIGHTENEDthe sheer black maxi dress, wondering for the third time in ten minutes if she were bold enough to pull off this outfit. Beneath the fitted see-through sheath she wore black satin hot pants and a matching bustier. It was the sexiest thing she’d ever put on her body, but the way she’d felt over the past few weeks had emboldened her. Something about spending time with Brennan made her forget she’d beaten Brittany Bolden in the corn-shucking contest at the parish fair when she was fifteen. She felt worldly, sophisticated, and very much Spanx-free.
Mitzi clasped hands to her cheeks when she entered the bedroom. “Holy crap!”
“Oh, God. It’s too much,” Mary Paige said, casting a desperate glance at the mirror. She’d thought the Victorian-style dress covered enough, but Mitzi’s reaction said it all. “I’m taking it off.”
“Don’t you dare,” Mitzi shrieked, tossing the dark tresses of the wig she wore over her shoulder. “You’re smoking hot and sweet at the same time. Don’t know how, but you are. If you take that off, I will hold my breath, fall on the floor, and pitch a fit.”
“Okay. Fine. I’ll go in this even though it’s probably not appropriate. The invite said party attire, and it’s supposed to be a Christmas in the Attic theme. I didn’t really think things out when I bought this dress.”
“Where did you get it?” Mitzi asked, walking around her, plucking at the material.
“I found the maxi at that new vintage shop on Magazine. It’s obviously not true vintage, but it’s not brand-new, either. And then I went to Frederick’s of Hollywood for the bustier and hot pants. I’m no fashion genius, but I knew it would look awesome.” Mary Paige looked at her reflection critically and had to admit her instincts were right. The outfit was fabulous…but was it her? Could she wear this in public?
Mitzi met her gaze in the mirror. “I’m almost speechless.”
“Now IknowI need to take it off.”
At her friend’s narrowed eyes, Mary Paige laughed. “Guess there’s no time to change?”
Mitzi grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. Mary Paige caught the sheen of tears in her friend’s eyes and pulled away fast. “Is everything okay? I know you went to see your doctor today.”
Mitzi shook her head. “No, nothing like that. In fact, the PET scan was good, and I don’t have to do any more treatments this spring.”
“Whee!” Mary Paige embraced her friend. “That’s the best news I’ve had in forever.”
“You won two million dollars less than a month ago. Surely this isn’t better than that.”
Mary Paige released Mitzi and gave her an affectionate shove. “Yes, it is.”
“Well, I’m happy for you,” Mitzi said, an embarrassed flush on her cheeks. “You’ve been glowing for weeks. Being with Brennan has unleashed you. You’re bold and wonderful. You, but like ten times better. It’s really cool to see the power of love right in front of me. Makes me believe it can happen for me one day.”
Love?Mary Paige wasn’t sure she wanted to be that obvious in her feelings for Brennan. It made her feel more naked than this dress. Could everyone see the way she felt? Could Brennan?
“I’m not sure it’s love, Mitzi. I’m just enjoying being with him. It’s been easier between us at all these charity things we’ve gone to. But there has been no talk of anything more once this whole campaign ends.”
