Haven Creek (28 page)

“I’ll drive you home when you’re ready to leave.”

“Are you putting me out?”

Morgan blew out her breath in exasperation. “I’m not putting you out, Nate.”

“So I can stay?”

Slipping off the stool, she curtsied. “Yes, Your Highness. You can stay as long as you’d like.”

“You shouldn’t say that, princess.”

“I don’t…” Her words trailed off when the telephone rang. “Excuse me,” she said, walking over to the wall phone. Rachel’s number came up on the display. “Good morning, Sis.”

“They’re coming home today.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I just got a call from the hospital and we can bring the twins home today. They’re both five pounds.”

Morgan pressed a hand to her throat. Her nephews were medically cleared to leave the hospital. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No. I called Mama and she’s coming with me and James. Come over later this afternoon. By that time I’ll need a break.”

“You can’t continue to breast-feed two babies, Rach, if you’re not eating or resting as much as you should.”

“We’ll talk about that when I see you. Mama just walked in. I’ll see you later.”

Morgan hung up the phone to find Nate staring at her. “Stephen and Dennis are coming home. Would you like to go with me to meet them?”

“Maybe another time, baby. I have to get back and work on the armoire. The Island Fair and going to Vegas kind of screwed up my schedule. And I still want to show you the drawings I made for the slave village.”

“That can wait, Nate.”

He beckoned her. “Come sit down. How do you like your pancakes? Regular or silver-dollar?”

“Silver-dollar, please.”

Nate moved about the kitchen with ease. He’d broiled the bacon to perfection, the pancakes were light and flavorful, and he’d even made freshly squeezed orange juice. They ate while listening to music, and it seemed like the most natural thing in the world for them to be sharing Sunday morning breakfast.

“Leave it,” she told Nate when he picked up a plate. “You cooked, so I’ll clean.”

He set down the plate. “I’d better go and get my things.”

Morgan filled one side of the sink with warm soapy water for the dishes and flatware and the other side with water for the pots and pans. She’d reached for her purse and car keys when Nate returned, carrying his luggage and a garment bag.

She drove the short distance to the barn, staring through the windshield as he got out. He came around to the driver’s side. “What time is the wedding?” she asked.

Nate looked at her mouth. “I’ll pick you up at two. The ceremony is scheduled for three.”

Leaning out the open window, she touched his jaw. “Thank you again for everything.”

Brushing his mouth over hers, Nate whispered, “I’m not letting you go.”

He didn’t give Morgan time to react before he turned on his heels and walked away. She was staring at the space where he’d been after he’d gotten out of the car. His words haunted her until she walked into Rachel’s house so that she could hold her new nephews for the first time.

M
organ watched Stacy Butler gaze into the eyes of her groom. Her voice was clear as she repeated her vows, promising to love Bryce through good and bad times. She wore a simple white strapless A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline. Her ash-blond hair was pulled off her face in an elegant chignon, which was festooned with a jeweled comb and white feathers.

Bryce and Nate wore white dinner jackets, black dress trousers, and deep rose-pink silk bow ties and boutonnieres. Stacy’s sister stood in as her maid of honor, and her deep pink halter-style gown flattered her golden tan and sun-bleached hair. Stacy wanted a small, intimate gathering, and she’d gotten her wish. The wedding party and invited guests numbered an even three dozen.

Her gaze shifted to Bryce’s parents. Odessa dabbed at her eyes while Lucas patted her back in an attempt to comfort her. It was a happy occasion, so Morgan didn’t know why people cried at weddings. She zoned out for a minute, wondering how long it would be before her big day. Would she laugh, smile, or cry when walking down the aisle? What was ironic was that despite how many weddings she’d attended, she hadn’t thought about what she wanted for her own wedding until she became involved with Nate.

Morgan returned her attention to the ceremony as the bride and groom exchanged rings, and then a passionate kiss. The young couple’s smiles were as bright as incandescent bulbs. She laughed with the others in the church when Stacy did a happy dance while Bryce turned to hug Nate.

The bride and groom walked down the white carpet and out of the church, followed by the wedding party and the parents of the couple. Nate had reserved a car to take Morgan to Magnolias while he lingered behind with the wedding party for photographs.

They hadn’t seen each other all week, but managed to communicate by texting. She’d spent every day in Angels Landing, consulting with the Pattons. Virgie had made the right decision by bringing her in as designer, because Morgan would’ve never recommended that the Pattons put their residences on the list of house tours in their current condition.

It’d taken her a while to convince the Pattons that less was more when it came to furnishing the rooms. They only came around to her point of view when she showed them the before-and-after digital photos she’d uploaded to her iPad.

A man in a black suit approached her. “Miss Dane?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“I’ll drive you to the restaurant.”

He escorted her to a Lincoln Town Car, held the door while she got in, and then closed it behind her. Relaxing against the leather seat, Morgan thought about her relationship with Nate. He was mature, considerate, and giving. She just wondered where their relationship was headed. She’d accused Nate of sending her mixed signals, but Morgan realized that she, too, was equally guilty.
I wouldn’t be able to balance marriage, motherhood, and a career at this time in my life.
Her words to Nate had come back to haunt her, because she loved him enough to want to become his wife and the mother of his children. Staring out the window as the Town Car motored through the Charleston neighborhoods, Morgan took in the sights: barefoot children playing on manicured lawns; sprawling homes set several hundred feet back from the road; streets void of litter or debris. The familiar landmarks of downtown Charleston came into view, and the ride ended as the driver maneuvered up to the popular restaurant overlooking Charleston’s historic district.

The chauffeur came around to assist her. She walked to the Magnolias entrance, where she was greeted by the maître d’. He gave her a too-bright grin. “Welcome to Magnolias.”

She returned his smile. “Thank you. I’m here for the Butler-Shaw reception dinner.”

The impeccably dressed man signaled a young woman. “Please escort her to the Wine Room.”

The young woman flashed a practiced smile. She took a listing of names from her blouse pocket. “Please follow me, Miss…”

“Dane,” Morgan said.

“Miss Dane, you’ll be seated at table three.”

She followed the hostess into a room that had a beautiful bay window overlooking the historic district. Countless bottles of wine were stored in built-in mahogany shelves. Six round tables, each with seating for six, were set with pristine tablecloths, silver, damask napkins, and bouquets of white and deep pink roses as centerpieces.

“Please help yourself to our cocktail buffet, Miss Dane.”

Morgan went over to the bar. “I’d like a ginger ale.”

“Are you certain you don’t want something stronger?” asked a sonorous male voice.

She turned to find a man staring boldly at her. His deeply tanned skin, straight salt-and-pepper hair, which he had brushed off his forehead, and refined features were mesmerizing. His eyes were a mixture of brown and green. She towered over him by several inches in her heels, but that didn’t seem to bother him as he continued to leer at her.

She smiled and heard him suck in his breath. “I’m very sure.”

He extended his hand. “Ian Rush.”

Morgan took his hand. His palm was smooth, just the opposite of Nate’s. “Morgan Dane.” Ian smiled, exhibiting a mouth filled with a set of natural white teeth that would’ve pleased both of her dentist parents.

“A beautiful name for a very exotic and exquisite woman.”

She avoided rolling her eyes. If Ian was flirting with her, then it was all for naught. Morgan wasn’t looking for a man, because she already had one. “Thank you. But as to something stronger, ginger ale will do.” She accepted the glass of pop from the bartender.

“Is it because you’re driving?” Ian asked.

Morgan took a sip of the cold beverage, staring at him over the rim. “No, I’m not driving.”

He cocked his head. “Are you here with someone?”

She gave him a mischievous grin. “I will be when the best man arrives.”

Ian’s expression did not change. “So you’re dating Bryce’s brother.” The query was a statement. Morgan nodded. “I’m the principal at Stacy’s school. She’s a dynamic teacher, and all the children love her.”

Nate had mentioned Stacy’s plans to have her baby, take a six-week maternity leave, and then return to the classroom for the remainder of the school year. Odessa had offered to babysit her grandson or granddaughter, obviating the need for the young couple to pay for child care.

Morgan was introduced to Bryce’s fiancée the second night of the Island Fair, and found her warm and bubbly. She had the perfect personality for interacting with young children. “After meeting her, I know why they would.”

Ian glanced over Morgan’s shoulder. “Please excuse me. I see another one of my teachers.”

She breathed a sigh of relief when Ian walked away. For all his attractiveness, she still wasn’t interested, and he was trying too hard.

As more people filled the Wine Room, the noise level escalated. More than half the guests were on staff at the school where Stacy taught. A few had come with their husbands, wives, and partners, and Morgan found herself at the singles table seated between Ian and his assistant principal, who had indulged too much during the cocktail hour. The wedding party and their parents finally arrived amid applause and cheers.

Sommeliers circulated with bottles of wine, and Morgan opted for rosé. Waiters hovered over guests, jotting down their dining selections. Meanwhile, the appetizers—fried green tomatoes; salt-and-pepper fried shrimp; southern-style egg rolls filled with collard greens, chicken, tasso ham, and red pepper purée and served with spicy mustard and peach chutney dipping sauces; and pickled shrimp served on house-made benne-seed crackers—were set out on each table.

She ordered the maple-glazed salmon. The entrée came with a warm spinach salad, which included goat cheese, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms, all dressed with a dill-shallot vinaigrette. Ian ordered a New York strip steak, and his assistant principal ordered the bourbon-glazed porterhouse pork chop. Conversations floating around the table were lively as waiters efficiently refilled cocktail orders.

Morgan’s eyes met Nate’s when she glanced in his direction. Stacy’s sister, Amber, leaned against him as if her spine wouldn’t allow her to sit upright. She wondered if the woman had had too much to drink or was desperately seeking Nate’s attention. From his expression he appeared to be totally immune to her overt attempt at seduction. Amber, like Ian, was trying too hard.

Nate narrowed his eyes when he saw his sister-in-law’s boss taking furtive glances at Morgan’s décolletage. She’d worn a black tank dress with a scooped neckline, and the pervert couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“What on earth did that napkin do to you?” Odessa asked sotto voce. “You’re strangling it to death.”

He stared at the cloth and at the veins protruding in the back of his hand. “I’m okay.”

“Are you really?”

He looked at Odessa, who was sitting on his right. She was stunning. She’d positioned a small pillbox hat covered with pale pink silk rose petals on the back of her head. It matched her silk suit and high-heeled shoes. He met her dark eyes, which glistened like polished coal.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“I don’t think you are,” Odessa said accusingly. “If looks could kill, Stacy’s boss would be facedown in his plate as we speak.”

Nate gritted his teeth. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You think not? I saw you with Morgan at the fair, and it’s as plain as the nose on your face that you’re in love with the girl.” She paused when Nate refused to confirm or deny her claim. “Have you told her?” Odessa continued.

“What goes on between Morgan and me doesn’t concern you, Odessa.”

“Why shouldn’t it? I’m married to your father, and that makes us family.” She leaned closer. “You think I don’t know that you resent me for marrying him.” She had lowered her voice to a whisper. “I love your father and he loves me. What you think or believe will never change that. What I can’t understand is how you can hate me yet love Bryce.”

Nate stared at his plate. “I don’t hate you, Odessa.”

“But you do resent me.”

He shook his head. “Not as much as I used to.”

“What’s changed?”

A hint of a smile touched the corners of his mouth. “I’ve matured enough to accept things as they are. You’re my father’s wife and my brother’s mother. And you’re right about Bryce. I do love him, and I’d do anything to help him.”

“You…you’ve done so much for him already…” Her words stopped with the flow of tears flowing down her face.

Nate sat, stunned, and then pushed back his chair, cupping a hand under her elbow. “Come with me.”

Lucas half rose from his chair. “What’s going on?”

Nate patted his father on the back. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve got this.”

“Why is Odessa crying?”

“I’ll take care of her,” Nate told Lucas.

Wrapping an arm around her waist, he led Odessa out of the private room and to a waiting area in the restaurant. Easing her to a padded bench, he reached into his jacket’s breast pocket and withdrew a handkerchief. Nate hunkered down in front of his stepmother and held her chin, gently blotting her tears.

“Hey, mother of the groom,” he crooned. “You’re ruining your makeup.”

Odessa took the handkerchief, pressing it to the corners of her eyes. “I’m sorry, Nate. I have recurring nightmares of Bryce going to jail.”

“He’s not going to jail. He’s a married man with a baby on the way. There’s no way he’s going to jeopardize that.”

She sniffled. “I took up for him even when he was wrong. Lucas would tell me that I was too soft on Bryce, but he’s my only child and I wanted him to love me.”

Nate sat next to Odessa, stretching out his legs and crossing his feet at the ankles. “You can’t make someone love you if they don’t.”

Odessa held the handkerchief against her nose. She closed her eyes, exhaling an audible breath. “I promised your mother I’d never repeat this, but you have a right to know.”

Nate went still. “What are you talking about?”

“You were still so young when Manda had been diagnosed with cervical cancer. She was pregnant with Sharon. A month after she delivered, she was admitted to the hospital for a total hysterectomy. She underwent chemo and radiation, and for years she was in remission. Then the cancer came back, but in her pancreas.

“We talked at least twice a month, and not once did she tell me she was sick. We grew up a block from each other. Manda told me I was the sister she never had. I used to hang out at her house so I didn’t have to hear Mama and Daddy fighting about his gambling, drinking, and whoring. I wanted what Manda had. Two parents who loved her and each other. And it was no different when she grew up. She married a man who adored her and their children.”

“You wanted to be my mother so much that you took her husband?”

“It’s not like that, Nate.”

He glared at her. “Please tell me how it was.”

“I’m not going to deny I wanted a man like your father, but it was never my intention to marry him.”

“But you did.”

“Because Manda knew I had feelings for Lucas.”

“Do you expect me to believe you?” Nate forced himself not to raise his voice. Not only was Odessa deceptive, she was also a liar.

“What I’d like is for you to hear me out. I had no idea that Manda was sick again until I spoke to her and she broke down crying because of the pain. I left my job and gave up my apartment to come to Cavanaugh Island to take care of her. One look at Manda and I knew the cancer had ravished her body.

“One day she asked me to get Lucas because she wanted to talk to both of us. She made me promise to not only take care of her children but also to take care of her husband.”

Nate looked at Odessa as if she’d taken leave of her senses. “You’re telling me that my mother told you to sleep with her husband?”

“No. She didn’t tell me directly. She knew I loved her and respected her relationship with your father, but she also knew that I wanted what my best friend had, and that included her husband. I’d fallen in love with Lucas, but wallowed in guilt because Manda saw what I’d tried so hard to hide. She said it was okay to act on my feelings. She was dying and wanted her husband to have someone who would love him and her children as much as she did.” Odessa’s voice broke with emotion. “Manda was admitted to hospice care. Lucas was lonely and I was there to comfort him. One thing led to another, and one day we wound up sleeping together. You can’t imagine the guilt I felt, but I loved him too much to stop.