Haven Creek (27 page)

“Don’t worry about it,” Nate said. “We’re going to celebrate when I get back. I’ve already sent her something, but I suppose I should buy her something else to make up for not being with her on her special day.”

“Come on, man. You’re in Vegas. Buying something for your lady shouldn’t be a problem.”

Morgan stood up when Samara ushered Virginia Patton-Smith into her office. No one was more surprised than Morgan when Virgie called, asking for a consultation.

She extended her hand to the attractive attorney with flawless sable-brown skin. “Please come in and sit down, Virgie.”

Virgie hesitated, her gaze taking in the furnishings in the office. “Your office is exquisite.” She stared at Morgan. Frosty gray eyes identified her as a direct descendant of Shipley Patton, the original owner of Angels Landing Plantation. There had been a time when the Pattons had regarded themselves as Cavanaugh Island royalty, refusing to mix outside their privileged social circle, but that changed dramatically once Kara inherited the bulk of Taylor Patton’s estate. They’d rejected her claim as Taylor’s secret love child, but Kara stood her ground, refusing to be intimidated. In the end it was the Pattons who’d finally accepted her as their own.

“Thank you, Virgie. Would you like something to drink?”

Virgie shook her softly coiffed head of black hair. “Nothing, please. I hope you don’t think I came by to gloat about taking first place in the one-pot competition.”

Morgan laced her fingers together, staring at her manicured hands. “The thought never crossed my mind.” Her head popped up as she met Virgie’s eyes. “I entered my gumbo recipe on a dare, never believing I would win anything.”

“Well, you did. Congratulations.”

“Same to you, Virgie. Now, how can I help you?”

“I read your interview in the
Chronicle,
where you mentioned something about starting up open house tours once the restoration is completed. I’m familiar with similar tours in Savannah, and after my cousins and I held a family meeting, we all agreed we’d like to add our homes to the list.”

Morgan pressed her palms together. “I don’t have a list, but I’m willing to begin with you and your relatives.”

“There’s a problem.”

“What kind of problem?”

“Our homes need serious makeovers,” she said. “We want to hire your firm to decorate them.”

Morgan felt her pulse quicken. “How many homes are you talking about?”

“It’ll be about five, maybe six, for both interior and the gardens.”

“So you want an interior decorator and a landscape architect?”

Virgie flashed a smile, showing her even white teeth. “Exactly. Do you think your firm can handle it?”

“May I be honest with you, Virgie?” The other woman nodded. “Right now I am the firm, and I have to assess what you want to know if I can take on your project.”

Morgan would have to hire an assistant. There was no way she would be able to decorate the interiors of half a dozen homes by herself within the given time frame of the restoration.

“Kara told me it would be at least a couple of years before the restoration is completed, but we would like to start now. We’re willing to pay whatever you want.”

The Pattons lived in homes that were exact replicas of the mansion, but built to a smaller scale. It wasn’t about money as much as it was about having the time to devote to redesigning and decorating six houses with an average of four bedrooms each. “I’ll let you know after I see what I have to work with. You may have to go to Ellison and Murphy.”

Virgie rose to her feet. “We’re split on whether to hire Ellison and Murphy. I would appreciate it if you’d let me know before the end of the month, so we know how to proceed.”

Morgan also stood up. She knew it was impossible for her to accept Virgie’s offer without an assistant. The fact that the Pattons came to her instead of her former employer served to boost her confidence; however, this wasn’t about being self-satisfied, and Morgan knew when she needed help. She would call a former classmate to see if he’d be willing to relocate to Cavanaugh Island for the duration of the restoration.

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” she said to Virgie. Morgan escorted her to the reception area, waiting until she walked out.

“This was delivered while you were talking to Virgie.” Samara reached down and handed her a box marked
FRAGILE
.

“Thank you.” Morgan took the box, staring at the shipping label. Someone had sent her something from Waterford Crystal.

She would open the box after she called Abram Daniels. Returning to her office, she closed the door, set the box on a chair, and then scrolled through her cell phone directory for Abram’s number. The last time she contacted Abram he’d e-mailed her with the news that he was now living and working in Philadelphia. It took less than ten minutes to outline her proposal to the incredibly talented interior designer.

“It sounds exciting, Morgan. Right now I’m freelancing, but if I can get a few days off, I’ll come down to see you.”

“Do you have an idea of when you’ll be able to come?” she asked him.

“I know it can’t be next week. I may be able to take some time off the following week, but I’ll have to talk to my boss first.”

“Thank you, Abram. As long as you can get here before the end of the month.”

“Not a problem.”

Morgan ended the call. She sat staring at the box. Someone had probably sent her something for her birthday. She’d followed through with her plan to celebrate with David and Francine, even though Nate wasn’t scheduled to return home until Sunday afternoon. This week there wouldn’t be a Dane Sunday dinner. Irene and Anthony were taking their sons and Amanda to Orlando for a week of baseball camp.

She glanced at the clock on her desk when it chimed the hour. It was eleven, and that meant it was eight o’clock in Vegas. Nate had called to say his friend’s wedding was scheduled for eleven, followed by a sit-down luncheon for the guests, and then later that night there would be a buffet dinner with dancing and live entertainment.

He said he missed her and wished her happy birthday. Morgan’s heart felt like a stone in her chest when he ended the call. There was no declaration of love, and again she wondered if she wanted more from Nate than he was able to give. He’d talked about marriage and children, but that meant nothing without love. Now she knew how David’s girlfriend felt. Petra had given David five years of her life without even a hint that he wanted her to share his future.

Was that what she had to look forward to from Nate?

M
organ found an empty parking space a few doors away from David’s three-story home in historic downtown Charleston. Those with residences along the Battery had magnificent views of the harbor and Cooper River. She would’ve shared a ride to the mainland with Francine, but her friend said David had asked her to help him host the celebration. She rang the doorbell, and when the door opened she thought she was seeing an apparition.

“Aren’t you going to say hello?” asked the familiar deep voice.

“Hel…lo,” she croaked. “What are you doing here? I…I thought you were still in Vegas.” Morgan couldn’t understand why she was stuttering.

She had to admit Nate looked absolutely yummy in an exquisite tailored dark gray single-button suit, a matching silk tie, and a stark white shirt. Seconds later, she found herself crushed against his chest, his mouth covering hers in an explosive kiss. “Happy birthday, baby.”

Morgan couldn’t stop shaking. It was apparent Francine knew he was coming back earlier than planned but had decided not to tell her. “Thank you.”

“You look gorgeous tonight.”

She thanked Nate again. It had taken her a while to decide what to wear. Most of her evening wear was black, but she felt the color appeared too somber for the occasion. Eventually she chose a red sleeveless silk sheath with an asymmetrical neckline and black patent leather stilettos.

Taking her hand, Nate pulled her into the expansive entryway and into the living room. A chorus of happy birthdays greeted her when she stared numbly at those who’d gathered to celebrate the occasion. Her parents had come, along with Rachel and James, who was in uniform. It was obvious he was scheduled to work the night shift. She smiled at Kara and Jeff, and then at David and Francine.

Morgan shook her head. “I don’t believe you guys. I thought it was just going to be me, David, and Francine.”

Francine came over and kissed her. “Fooled you, didn’t we?”

“I’m going to get you back for this,” she whispered. “Now I know why you didn’t want to cancel it.”

Francine waved to Nate. “Please get your girlfriend something to drink to steady her nerves. Miss Usually Calm and Collected is shaking like a leaf.”

Nate gave Morgan a flute of Champagne, and she took furtive sips until she was able to relax enough to greet everyone individually, thanking them for sharing the momentous occasion with her. David had decided on a catered sit-down dinner, and the caterer’s efficient waitstaff served course after course of delicious Lowcountry and French cuisine. Nate was seated opposite her at the table in the formal dining room, and she stared at him through lowered lashes every chance she could get. She still didn’t want to believe he’d changed his travel schedule so that he could be back in time to celebrate her birthday with her.

The conversation was lively, as Kara kept everyone laughing about how quickly her cravings changed from one month to the next. First it was watermelon, and now it was salmon patties.

Morgan met her father’s eyes, he mouthing that he loved her. Nodding, she blew him a kiss. She knew her parents were concerned that she would never settle down long enough to marry and give them more grandchildren. She wanted to tell them the man sitting across from her was the one she wanted to marry, but she was uncertain whether that would ever become a reality.

After coffee and slices of red velvet cake from the Muffin Corner, Morgan opened her gifts. There were gift cards from her parents, David, Kara and Jeff, and Rachel and James. There was a homemade card from her nephews, along with a gift card from the Snells. Francine had also given her a gift card to her favorite boutique and a gift certificate to the Beauty Box for a full day of spa services. Everyone stared at Nate when he handed Morgan a gaily wrapped flat box.

“I bet it’s a piece of jewelry,” Francine announced.

David glared at her. “Fran! You’ll spoil his surprise.”

Morgan tried to steady her fingers when she removed the bow and paper, and then opened the box. A tennis bracelet of princess-cut rubies and diamonds lay on a bed of white satin. Judging from the weight of the bracelet and the size of the stones, she knew that the piece, set in platinum, had set Nate back several thousand dollars. Her birthstone was a ruby. She held it up to stunned silence.

Francine recovered first. “Put it on.”

Morgan extended her arm. Nate placed it on her left wrist, securing it with the double safety catch. “Thank you,” she whispered. “It’s beautiful.”

“As beautiful as you are.” Those close enough to overhear Nate exchanged glances.

Morgan paused, composing her thoughts. “I’m a little tipsy from the Champagne, full as a tick from eating so much, and deliriously happy that I was able to share this very special day with the people I love. Thank you so much.” She turned to David. “You are truly special.”

He nodded. “So are you, Morgan. And I promise not to bill you for the hours it took to put this together.” A groan went up from the assembly. “It’s a lawyer joke, folks,” David called out.

Gussie came over and kissed her daughter. “Are you sure you’re going to be all right driving back to the Creek?”

“I’ll take her home,” Nate volunteered.

Morgan looked at him. “How did you get here?”

“My flight got into Charleston around six thirty, and I took a cab directly here.”

“Please take care of my daughter, Nate,” Gussie said in a quiet voice.

He smiled at her. “I will.”

One by one the guests took their leave, hugging and kissing Morgan and wishing her well. She knew her thirty-third birthday would be one she would remember for a very long time.

Morgan settled back in the passenger seat and closed her eyes. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”

Nate adjusted the driver’s seat and mirrors on the Escalade, then pulled away from the curb. “How so?”

“I had no idea you’d be back tonight, and I didn’t expect you to give me two gifts—which, by the way, are exquisite.”

“So you like the decanter?”

She opened her eyes, staring at his distinctive profile. “‘Like’ doesn’t begin to describe it.” Nate had ordered a cobalt-blue ship’s decanter in Waterford’s signature diamond-and-wedge Lismore pattern. “I put it on the credenza in the dining room.”

“I didn’t know what to get you, but when I described your home to Sharon, she suggested crystal.”

“I must remember to thank her,” Morgan said. “Did she have anything to do with the bracelet?” Light from the streetlights they passed came through the windows and reflected off the precious stones in the bracelet around her wrist.

“No. When I was talking to Dwight about not being with you for your birthday, it hit me that I should get something for you instead of your house. When I saw the bracelet in a jewelry store at the hotel, I took a chance and bought it. A sign in the store window said that rubies are July’s birthstone.”

“You have excellent taste. Thank you for thinking of me.”

“Do you think of me when we’re not together?”

Her expression changed, revealing her uneasiness. “Of course. Why would you ask me that?”

“Just checking.”

“I told you before that if I’m dating you, then I’m totally committed to whatever relationship we have.”

The remainder of the ride to Haven Creek passed in complete silence. Nate parked under the carport at Morgan’s house. “Bryce and Stacy set a date.”

“When is it?”

Nate flashed a wide grin. “I know I’m not giving you much notice, but it’s next Saturday.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I said the same thing to my brother, and he said Stacy doesn’t want to wait, because the school year starts next month and she wants all her legal papers to read ‘Stacy Shaw.’”

“Will the wedding be on the island?”

“No. The Butlers are members of a small Charleston church. The reception dinner will be held at Magnolias.”

Morgan was more than familiar with the upscale Charleston restaurant. The food and service were impeccable. “Very nice. You’re going to have to help me with ideas for a wedding gift.”

“Don’t worry about that, Mo. I’m going to give them a check from both of us.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

Unbuckling his seat belt, he leaned over and kissed her. “Yes, I do. And please don’t argue with me because I’m bigger than you.”

“Bully.”

“I’ll never bully you, baby.”

She gave him a long, penetrating stare. “You look tired.”

“I took a couple of naps on the return flight, but I’m still a little wiped out.”

“Did Dwight have strippers at his bachelor party?” she asked.

“No comment.”

“Nathaniel!” Throwing back her head, she laughed. “Now I know he did, because you don’t want to talk about it.”

He opened his door, came around the truck, and opened hers. He assisted her off the seat. Retrieving his luggage from the second row of seats, Nate closed the door. “Let’s go inside.”

Reaching into her small handbag, Morgan took out her house keys. No wonder he was exhausted. She’d thought it was jet lag, not strippers, that had left him with a slight puffiness under his luminous eyes. Rasputin was there to meet her when she opened the door, winding himself around her legs. He rubbed his head against Nate’s trousers, and then trotted off to the cat playhouse. The big shoe had become her pet’s favorite spot to hide.

Turning, she smiled at Nate. “Why don’t you go and turn in? I have a few things to do before I come to bed.”

She had some reading to do and e-mails to respond to. Going into her home office, she turned on the computer. There was the message she’d been waiting for. Abram had confirmed a date for his trip to Cavanaugh Island. She quickly replied that she would make his travel arrangements. She would also put him up in her home, because the
NO VACANCY
sign at the Cove Inn remained permanently in view during the summer season. There were a few other messages, but she decided not to reply to them until the following day.

Going into the half bath off the pantry, she cleansed her face of makeup, brushed her teeth, and then walked on bare feet to her bedroom. Nate was in bed, asleep. She noticed his suit was thrown carelessly over a chair. Picking up the jacket, she read the label:
H. HUNTSMAN & SONS.
He owned a handmade suit from the world-renowned tailors on London’s Savile Row. Smiling, she hung up his suit and tie.

Morgan turned over, encountering empty space. She raised her head, sniffed the air, and smelled bacon. Throwing back the sheet, she scrambled out of bed, brushed her teeth, showered, and was dressed in under fifteen minutes. She walked into the kitchen to find Nate in a white T-shirt, ripped jeans, and bare feet, putting out place settings at the cooking island.

“Something smells wonderful.” Nate’s head popped up and she felt her stomach muscles contract when she stared at his stubble.

He pulled out a chair. “Come sit down. You’re just in time. I was going to bring you breakfast in bed.”

Morgan raised her head, moaning softly when Nate kissed her. “I’ve never had breakfast in bed.”

“We’ll try it another time.” He kissed her forehead. “Thanks for hanging up my suit.”

She met his eyes. “It’s a very nice suit.”

Nate smiled. “It wears nicely.”

“It costs enough to wear nicely.”

“So you recognize the cut?”

Resting her elbows on the countertop, Morgan shook her head. “No. I recognize the label.” She watched as Nate cracked eggs, then added distilled white vinegar to milk, causing it to curdle. She realized he was making buttermilk pancakes.

“I was in London for an extended period of time, and one day when I was window-shopping on Savile Row I saw H. Huntsman & Sons. They usually don’t accept blokes who walk in off the street, but after I dropped a few names, they told me to come back later that day. I did, and the rest is history.”

“You only have the one suit?”

“No. I have a tuxedo, a white dinner jacket and dress trousers, and a blue pinstripe.”

Morgan pointed to his jeans. “Yet you prefer wearing ripped jeans.”

“They’re comfortable. Do you want juice and coffee?”

“Yes, please.”

“Sit,” he ordered when she made the motion to slip off the stool. “I’m waiting on you this morning, birthday girl.”

She flashed a dimpled smile. “And I’ll do the same for you when it’s your birthday. By the way, when is your birthday?”

“I’m not telling.”

“Hey! That’s not fair.”

“Haven’t you heard that all’s fair in love and war?”

“That doesn’t apply to us, Nate. We’re not in love and we’re not at war with each other.”

“Have you ever read Eric Hoffer?”

“No.”

“He wrote in
Working and Thinking on the Waterfront
that fair play is not blaming others for our problems. Therefore, don’t tell me I’m not fair.”

Morgan sat up straight. “Are you saying I’m wrong because you won’t tell me your birth date?”

“I’m not saying that. At least not directly.”

“Then what are you saying, Nate? That it’s wrong for us to be together? That we’ll never love each other?”

“You’re twisting my words, Morgan.”

She shook her head. “No, I’m not. What’s the big deal about asking when your birthday is?”

Resting his palms on the countertop, he stared at her. “This is about more than my birthday, Morgan. What is it you want from me?”

She took a deep breath. “I want to know where I stand with you.” She waved her hand. “We act like a couple and you refer to me as your girlfriend, but when I ask where things are going you don’t see a future for us.”

He leaned closer. “Do you want me to tell you that I love you?”

“No! I don’t want you to say things you don’t mean. And no more talk about marriage and babies.”
Because it’s never going to happen
, she added silently.

Nate stood up straight. “Okay.”

Morgan knew her frustration had come from loving Nate so much that her heart hurt. She loved him, but he didn’t love her. And she wondered how long she would be able to stay in a one-sided relationship.