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A moment stretched between us.
“Escort her to the house. Detain her until we find out what’s going on.” My father left the radio on the desk. “Let’s go,” he said to me.
Sandwiched between him and my mother, we went to the foyer. My father swung the door open.
A petite woman, about sixty, barked orders at two younger women with her. “Girls, we’ll need everything in the house.”
She rushed up to the house, her blood red lips smiling, revealing perfectly white teeth. Diamonds dripped from her ears and a string of pearls choked her neck.
“Allegra?”
“Yes,” I said and stepped around my father.
“Oh, it’s lovely to meet you. I’m Erin Delan. Are you ready?”
“For what?”
She blinked in surprise. “To choose a dress. I have thirty dresses with me, but if you don’t find a dress today, we can set up another appointment. Although I didn’t speak directly with Mr. Bruno, his sister was quite specific on his instructions.” She waved her hand as she entered the house. “Where would you like to try on the dresses?”
I glanced at my mom. Her lips pressed together. “I think there was a miscommunication. Allegra already has a dress for the wedding.”
Erin seemed uncomfortable, smoothing her hands over her form fitting skirt. “I am quoting Anna, who quoted Mr. Bruno, ‘tell Allegra to put the gown her mother chose for her with the ring I chose for her. They both belong at the bottom of the lake.’”
I glanced at the ring on my finger—a ring I chose, and now he wanted me to choose a dress.
“What is this?” My mother grabbed my hand.
“My engagement ring.”
“Where is the Bruno diamond?”
Erin raised a severely arched brow. “Apparently in the lake.”
The girls approached with their arms laden with dresses. Erin clapped her hands together. “Lead the way,” she said to me.
I escorted her to the sunroom off the kitchen. Bleached bamboo flooring stretched the length of the windowed room. White plush chairs banked a long, overstuffed sofa. Sunlight bathed the room in natural light. Huge leafy plants, palms and flowering trees filled the corners of the room.
And I could change in the guest bathroom to the left.
As the girls continued to bring dresses, veils, and shoes into the room, I sat on the couch, holding my phone. Emotions I wasn’t ready to feel squeezed my chest.
Four days, but he was still here with me, showing me the depth of his devotion to me. I could text or I could call.
I ached for him and the hurt he’d have to hide. Marco Bruno would never show weakness, not even on the day he buried his father.
My thumb hovered over the phone screen.
Allegra: Thank you.
I hit send. Immediately dots appeared on the screen.
Marco: Did you choose a dress?
Allegra: Not yet. She just arrived.
Marco: If your mother interferes, I’m taking you to Las Vegas to elope.
Allegra: I think she’ll be busy diving for diamonds in the lake.
