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“Warn me?”
“White Glove is what it is today because we exceed customer expectations and if you, as my client, have a wish, it’s my command to make it happen.”
Maybe it’s the reminder that I’m her client, but I can’t help myself. I’ve seen enough princess movies for a lifetime. “So, you’re like my own personal genie?”
Her eyebrows nearly touch her hairline and I would point out that the daggers her gorgeous eyes are hurling in my direction are probably not appropriate for a client, but I don’t because then she might stop and that would be a million times worse.
“And here I was thinking you were a rare species.”
I nearly choke at her tone as she crosses her arms over her chest. I clear my throat, doing my best to hide my amusement, but can’t resist. “So you admit you were thinking about me?”
The carriage sways as one wheel rolls over a rock on the path and we’re jostled together. Veronica’s hand grips my thigh and I wrap an arm around her shoulder under the pretense of keeping her secure. She doesn’t protest but is tight-lipped, not giving me the satisfaction of an answer because it would be yes. Her eyes tell the truth. The blood runs hot in my veins.
“And what kind of rare species would I be?” I ask, careful to keep my tone neutral.
A pause, and then, “A man who can give complete control to a woman.”
I lean close enough the subtle scent of flowers that clings to her skin floats up to meet my nose and this time I don’t mince words. “Oh, I don’t have a problem ceding control to a woman, but I also know when and how to employ it to yield the best possible…outcome.”
* * *
It’s beena few minutes of agonizing silence as the carriage passed the Great Lawn and the Reservoir heading toward the North Meadow. Veronica’s been noticeably silent since a perfect “O” formed on her lips, followed closely by similarly large round eyes.
Did I go too far? Did I move too fast? Did I cross a line and ruin the progress I’ve made so far? My free hand around her shoulder curls into a fist and I would crush the paper cup in my other hand, but Veronica, with four little words, erases my concern.
“Tell me about Kendall.”
I drag my gaze away from the red lipstick stain on the lid of her hot chocolate and meet her eyes.
“Kendall is…headstrong. A firecracker with a mind of her own but a heart of gold.”
“And recently served in the Peace Corps?”
My lips curl into a wry smile. “Is there anything about the bride and groom you weren’t briefed on?”
It’s hard to tell under all the layers she has on, but I think Veronica shrugs her shoulders. “Don’t tell me you didn’t do your homework. You already gave yourself away earlier.”
“How’s that?”
“You knew exactly how long I’ve been in business and could probably quote my annual revenue right now.”
“My research didn’t provide any of the most important details, though.”
She seems almost afraid to ask, but after another sip of steaming hot chocolate says, “Like what?”
She asked, and I’ve never been one to hold back. “Like how in the world you’re single, what brings you joy, and, most importantly, what you dream about at night.”
A black wool scarf hides her neck, but I can imagine the way the long, creamy expanse works as she swallows hard. Instead of answering, Veronica glances off toward a towering Laurel Oak, its branches weighed down with thousands of shimmering icicles.
“Is he good for her? Justin, I mean? Does he complement Kendall?”
“He completes her.” Before I can stop myself, I continue as the click-clack of the horses’ hooves rap against the sidewalk in a steady rhythm. “I know better than most how hard it is to love someone with every fiber of your being. How life would be so much easier if you didn’t love unconditionally and weren’t so utterly vulnerable. But I also know how sweet the journey is and how every day is a precious gift. And that’s,” I say, with a sigh, “What I wish for the two of them as they take their vows tomorrow.”
Veronica looks up at me through long, dark lashes. “Kendall is lucky to have a father like you. A man who loves so deeply despite the ultimate loss. You almost give me faith in the institution of marriage again.”
The blood in my veins warms. Progress. Marriage is what I want and I’m not sure I’m willing to settle for less. Vows forged for a lifetime mean something, even if they’re just words. “Almost?”
Her hand slips from her cup and her fingers twist the red and green plaid blanket. “Almost.”
