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He cocked his head. “I do recall that you once promised to kiss my face off the next time we saw each other, even if it was twenty years later.” He paused. “How odd, it’s been almost exactly that long.”
Yeah, that was weird. It was like I had predicted our future. I wouldn’t mention that to Charlotte. She would run to the moon with that tidbit.
“Anyway, I’m ready for you to make good on that promise.”
I stepped closer to him, so badly wanting to do just that, but ... “Well, you weren’t exactly happy to see me, and I didn’t think your kids would appreciate it. I should have made a clause for children.”
“I’m happy now, and my kids aren’t here.” He inched closer.
I stared at his supple lips, parted, waiting for me to taste them. I wanted to, more than anything. But I knew he wasn’t really happy. Something was missing. “Patrick, as much as I would love to kiss your face off right now, I think we should talk first. Likereallytalk.”
His shoulders lifted and fell, and he sighed along with them. “Fair enough.”
I knew I had disappointed him. Believe me, I shared his disappointment. But I wasn’t twenty-one anymore. I knew the hard road that lay ahead of us, and I was smart enough to know what our kiss would lead to. We didn’t need to throw that in the mix to complicate the situation further. I stood on my tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to his stubbled cheek. I lingered, soaking him in with thoughts of what could be. I ached to kiss my way over to his lips, but I resisted. “Good night, Patrick.”
He placed a hand over the kiss I had left him, wanting to capture it and keep it. “Good night, Isabelle. I will see you in the morning.” He spoke like that pleased him more than anything.
“I look forward to it.”
He went back down the steps, never taking his eyes off me, fearing I might vanish.
Little did he know, I had no intention of doing a disappearing act again.
“MOM,” I WHISPERED INTO THEphone, “you don’t need to bring your wedding dress for me.” I was in the ballroom. I was sure I would be living there for the next few weeks, making it as enchanting as possible.
“Honey, I really think it will add to the charade. Besides, I always wanted one of you girls to wear it on your wedding day.”
I knew I had disappointed her when I didn’t want to wear her gown. I wasn’t sure why I didn’t, as the dress was lovely and fit me perfectly. It was a simple chiffon A-line dress with an empire waist. Very reminiscent of the 1970s—classic and elegant. I remember, as a little girl, trying it on and twirling in front of the mirror, dreaming of my wedding day. Perhaps I knew deep down it wouldn’t last with Jared, so that’s why I chose not to wear the dress. I wanted the dress to be an heirloom legacy that would be passed down. Except, I had no daughter to pass it on to. The thought was a stab to my heart and soul.
“I know, but Charlotte already has her dress, and, well ... you know.” I wasn’t really getting married.
“I do know. I’m going to bring the dress.”
I rolled my eyes. “Okay.” I knew there was no point in arguing with her. “Well, I should probably go. I have a lot of work to do.”
“I can’t wait to get there to help.”
That would be nice. Maybe having my parents come early wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Mom was the ultimate party planner. And Dad was handy. Charlotte and our night manager, Kristi, had taken over most of the inn duties so I could focus on the enchanted winter wonderland. It was too risky to bring in outside help. Well, maybe not now, but I didn’t want to take chances. I was sure Dave wasn’t done with his degeneracy, as Patrick had said. Patrick was off dealing with house things today. I hadn’t seen him since this morning when we shared a quick cup of coffee.
“It will be good to see you. When are you coming?” I asked—you know, so I could mentally prepare.
“This weekend.”
Yikes. That was soon. “Great. Send us the details.”
“I do hope you and Patrick can pick us up. Drake was such a dear to change our reservations. Now we’re flying first class.”
Yeah, Drake was a freaking saint. I was beginning to blame him for my dilemma. Stupid famous man. Without him, I wouldn’t have a Dave in my life. “I don’t know. I’ll have to see what his plans are with his children.” And I hated driving over that pass in the winter. It honestly freaked me out in the summer. I was hoping Charlotte could do it, or saintly Drake could have a car and driver pick them up.
“Do try. I’m anxious to meet this man.”
“I’ll see what we can do.” I made no promises.
“You should know ...” Mom was obviously not ready to get off the phone, which was no surprise. She lived for talking. “I’m in prison again.”
“You mean Instagram prison?” I snorted.
“Yes!” She was obviously put out by it.
