Perfect Fit (26 page)

After what felt like an endless morning, Cara slid into a black, silky, one-shouldered dress that draped in the right places and that she felt very comfortable in.

“Come out and let me see!” Alexa called from the fitting room next door.

Cara walked into the hall in her bare feet and faced Alexa, who glowed in a short dress covered in gold sequins. “That dress looks fabulous on you!” she told her friend.

“I love it too. I think this is the one. As long as we find shoes and a bag today, I’ll be all set.”

Cara groaned. “I thought we were finished after this.” She looked over her shoulder into the mirror for a full-length glance at her image. Yep, she was happy with this one.

“No. Next we accessorize.” Alexa planted her hands on her hips. “What are you wearing?”

“A dress.” She rolled her eyes at the stupid question.

“Going to a funeral?”

“Hey, that’s not nice. This is a cocktail dress and you know it.”

“It’s a basic black dress, and it does nothing special for you.” After that disheartening pronouncement, Alexa walked around Cara in a circle, and nodded once. “Right. Nothing special. Did you try the red one?”

No, Cara had not tried the red one because she’d stand out at the wedding like a sore thumb. “I could have worn that to Vegas. It’s not appropriate for the wedding. It’s at Joe’s Bar!”

“Yet you love me in this?” Alexa waved her hand up and down the glittering number.

“You’re more outgoing.”

“You’re such a chicken. You want to blend into the woodwork? Why? You’ve got a hot body and a hot guy who’ll want to see it. Go change. I want to see the red dress.”

Cara sighed and headed back into the fitting room. There was no arguing with Alexa when she was in this kind of determined mood. “I’ll never find shoes to match,” Cara called out through the slatted door as she struggled to adjust the tightly fitted dress.

“That’s what silver is for. Now get out here and let me see.”

“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re bossy?” Cara muttered, tugging on the hem.

“Only my interns, my staff, my patients, and my friends.”

Cara opened the door and stepped back into the hall.

“Oh my God. Stunning. Turn.” Alexa made a spinning motion with her hands, and Cara dutifully followed directions. “Perfect!”

“Look at my cleavage!”

Alexa grinned. “Exactly! Stunning. Classy yet bold. Let’s go. We have to find shoes.”

Cara sighed and shut the dressing room door. Before changing, she glanced at her reflection in the small mirror. She did love how the dress hugged her curves. She’d just never picked out such a statement color before.

“You only live once,” Alexa called out from her room next door. “Stop overthinking it and change.”

Cara laughed and decided her friend was right. She’d buy the dress and make a statement. They paid for their dresses and took them downstairs to pick out shoes.

“Do you have a date for the wedding?” Cara asked.

Alexa shook her head. “With who? The same people who come through my office doors? Or the ER?”

“And whose fault is that? You work too hard! There are plenty of single, good-looking guys in Serendipity, and you know it.”

“I really don’t want to talk about it, okay?” Alexa asked, sounding like she meant it.

Cara narrowed her gaze. “One of these days I’m going to figure out why you won’t let me in when it comes to talking about romance. You sure don’t mind digging into mine.”

“You deserve to be happy in a relationship, Cara.”

“So do you,” she reminded her friend.

“We don’t always get what we want,” Alexa said softly.

And Cara merely nodded, knowing truer words had never been spoken.

Cara and Mike were on the way to the movies in a
multiplex about twenty minutes away from Serendipity. They’d just started out when his cell rang and his mother asked if he’d come over.

“I’m with Cara,” he said into the speakerphone.

“Bring her along!” Ella immediately said, no hesitation.

Cara’s chest tightened. She appreciated how the Marsdens always made her feel welcome and not like an outsider. Sometimes she felt more a part of their family than her own.

“Do you mind?” Mike mouthed to her so his mother wouldn’t hear.

“Of course not.” She smiled to reassure him.

About half an hour later, they were gathered in the family room of his parents’ house with Erin and Sam, waiting for Ella and Simon, who were upstairs.

“Any idea why we’re here?” Mike asked his siblings, who sat around his parents’ family room with them on a Friday night.

Erin shook her head. “They just said they wanted to talk, but not to panic, it wasn’t bad news.” Her brows crinkled in confusion.

“Okay, so we’re all in the dark.”

“At least it smells like we’re getting dessert,” Sam said with a grin.

Erin rolled her eyes. “Can you think about something other than your always empty stomach?”

Personally, Cara agreed with him. The delicious aroma of coffee brewing scented through the house, making her hope there was some kind of cake to go along with it. But she didn’t say anything, merely glanced at Sam, and they both laughed knowingly.

Mike, whose arm was around her shoulder, tightened his hold. Cara tried not to be too pleased by the unnecessary proprietary display. Instead, she focused on Kojak. The little dog had made himself at home in her lap, and she petted the fluffy white head, wishing she were able to get a dog of her own.

“What’s with that look?” Mike asked.

Cara couldn’t help but smile at how well he read her. “Kojak’s cute. I wouldn’t mind a pet, but my shifts are too long. It wouldn’t be fair for an animal to be alone all the time.”

He eyed her with a funny expression on his face, but before she could question him, Ella and Simon walked into the room, their arms linked together. Their show of unity wasn’t just an act. Anyone who’d grown up in Serendipity, who’d been to town events Simon had presided over as chief, who’d attended gatherings with this family, knew that Simon and Ella’s love was steady and real. Illness had only strengthened the bond, and Cara envied them the life they shared—sickness and all, she’d give anything for a love that enduring and real.

“What’s up?” Sam asked, leaning forward in his seat.

Erin stared at her parents, her eyes wide and her expression curious.

Mike feigned relaxation, but Cara felt the stiffness in his arms and knew whatever their pronouncement, it was as important to him as to his siblings.

Whether they were being deliberately dramatic or not, the next few moments of silence dragged on endlessly.

Simon and Ella smiled at one another with love, then turned that gaze on each of their children, causing Cara a moment of discomfort. “I should go and let you all talk,” she said, suddenly feeling like an outsider who didn’t belong.

She started to rise, but Mike held on tight while Simon stepped forward. “Nonsense. If anyone has a right to hear this news along with the family, it’s you.” He smiled warmly at Cara and she drank in his words, relaxing back beside Mike on the sofa.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“My pleasure.” He grinned, and Cara realized Simon looked happier than she’d seen him in a while; though he was still frail as a result of his treatments, there was a definite glint in his eye that she hadn’t noticed the last time she’d been here for dinner.

“Well, stop keeping us in suspense,” Sam said.

“He’s in remission!” Ella said, obviously unable to keep the news in any longer.

The next few minutes were a blur of happy hugs, kisses, and tears of joy as they celebrated the news. Cara gladly participated, knowing the family’s relief as well as her own. Simon was a wonderful man, dedicated not just to the family who adored him but to the town he loved. He’d been police chief of Serendipity for as long as Cara could remember, and before his illness, he’d been a great boss…

Her thoughts trailed off as the reality of the good news set in. Simon’s remission meant he’d be ready to resume the reins at the station again soon. Simon would come back to work, and Mike would step down. He’d be out of a job in Serendipity. Nothing compelling would keep him here, and he’d return to his solitary apartment in Manhattan, his undercover work, and his women. Like Lauren.

The ache in her chest hurt so badly she couldn’t breathe, making her wonder if this was what a heart attack felt like.
While the family talked, Cara picked up Kojak again, finding comfort in the dog’s soft fur, and she buried her face in his fluffy body. If she were going to survive Mike’s leaving, maybe she’d have to get a dog after all.

What kind of person was she that she’d turn a wonderful celebration of life into a memorial? She ought to be ashamed, Cara thought. She swallowed the pain in her throat and promised that she’d pull herself together. As long as she was in this house, she’d smile and be happy. She’d save the wallowing for when she was alone.

A status that was coming soon enough.

“Hey,” Mike said, sitting back down beside her, concerned by the pained, fragile look on her face. “You okay?” First Cara had tried to bolt before his parents’ news, and now she’d all but withdrawn into herself.

She nodded, her eyes watery. “It’s such great news. Overwhelming, actually.”

“Unexpected, too. I had no idea he was going for a scan or anything.”

“I’m sure they didn’t want to either worry you unnecessarily or get your hopes up just in case things were status quo.”

He nodded, grasping her free hand that wasn’t holding the dog. “I’m glad you’re here to share the celebration.” He grinned at her, beyond thrilled that his father had beaten the damned disease.

She smiled back. Oddly, it didn’t reach her eyes.

He wanted to pull her out and find out exactly what was wrong, but Ella announced coffee and cake, Sam whooped in happiness, and he knew they couldn’t escape yet.

“I can always count on my youngest boy and his stomach,” his mother said, laughing.

“Even I’m hungry for some of your mom’s chocolate cake,” Simon announced.

Mike slid his hand into Cara’s. She scooted the dog off her lap and they headed for the kitchen, but he had the
distinct sense something was off. He just had no time to ask what was going on in her head. Over dessert, the celebration continued with family jokes and fun toasts to Simon, despite that fact that the only drinks on the table were coffee cups.

Sam cleared his throat and looked at Simon. “Here’s to your shoving my big brother out of your office and reclaiming your rightful place as chief.”

No sooner had Sam raised his glass than Mike realized
exactly
what was bothering Cara. He was startled that he hadn’t thought of it sooner, but his father’s good health news had overshadowed everything else. Suddenly his own stomach cramped as he understood the source of her worry.

He reached beneath the table and squeezed her hand. She didn’t squeeze back. And considering that he didn’t know what the hell to say—or do—he didn’t blame her.

When the doorbell rang, Mike was relieved because it took the pressure off. Pressure he was starting to feel in his chest, and he wasn’t certain whether it was because he could finally think about leaving Serendipity or because he suddenly didn’t want to go.

“I’ve got it,” Simon said, and since this was probably the first time in ages he’d been excited to have company, everyone let him do the honors of answering the door.

“So, Erin, how was—”

“What the hell are you doing here?” Simon’s voice carried into the dining room, interrupting whatever his mother was about to say and scaring even Mike.

“I haven’t heard that tone since I borrowed the car when I was fifteen,” Mike muttered, rising from his seat.

Everyone scrambled to see what had Simon so upset, Mike heading out first.

“You aren’t welcome here,” Simon said, and Mike’s gut twisted into a painful knot as his gut told him exactly who the unexpected visitor was.

Sure enough, Rex stood in the doorway, his gaze running over Simon. “Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

“Rex!” Ella said, her dismay at seeing him as obvious as Simon’s.

“Hey, beautiful! You look even younger in person than you did online.”

Cara sidled up beside Mike and slipped her hand into his, silently offering her support, but Mike had a feeling it was Ella who was going to need it.

“You’ve seen her online?” Simon asked, his suddenly wary gaze shooting between his wife and his former best friend.

Mike drew a steadying breath. “How about we do this inside?” He didn’t need the neighbors witnessing this spectacle.

“You’ve got five minutes,” Simon muttered, and stepped aside so Rex could enter.

Mike felt his brother’s and sister’s gazes darting from Rex to Mike, as if looking for the similarities, and Mike’s skin crawled in fear that they’d find some.

“Could we get some privacy for this meeting?” Rex had the balls to ask of Simon.

“No. This is my home,” Simon said, his voice clear and strong. “My wife and my children. My son,” he said, his gaze falling pointedly to Mike. “You’re interrupting a family dinner, so we’d appreciate it if you had your say and then were gone.”

Rex’s face flushed. “I heard you had cancer. I wanted to come see that you were okay.” He shifted on his feet, obviously surprised he hadn’t been welcomed with open arms.

There was a narcissistic bent to Rex that Mike hadn’t been aware of before now. He’d honestly thought Simon and Ella would be happy to see him after all these years.

“You heard about me how?” Simon asked.

Mike’s heart pounded in his chest. Both he and his mother had avoided telling Simon anything about being in contact with Rex. They’d agreed to wait until Simon didn’t
have so much to worry about, until the cancer was gone. But Rex’s timing took that choice away from them.

Ella placed a hand on Simon’s arm. “He reached out on Facebook a few weeks ago,” she said.

“Then I went to Vegas to run down a lead on that cold case I’d been asking you about,” Mike added, refusing to let his mother take sole responsibility. “I mentioned not wanting to burden you because you had too much going on.”