Waterfront Weddings (69 page)

His laptop beeped, and she frowned at him. “What are you doing?”

“Shooting out a few e-mails about Trevor’s event and the Morrises’ party.”

“Aren’t you supposed to rest?”

“Sure, but this is resting. Anyway, if I didn’t do it, I’d lay here and worry. That wouldn’t help me heal.” He patted the couch next to him. “Come here.”

She edged toward him but decided the couch was too narrow for two. Especially when one had a wound. She grabbed the kitchen chair and set it next to him. “What can I do?”

“Tell me why you didn’t come see me again at the hospital.”

She looked away. Would he understand? “I wasn’t sure where things stood, so I came back to the island. I knew I’d see you. But I had to figure us out.”

“Did you?” He studied her, his intensity almost knocking her from the chair. “Did you figure us out?”

“Not really.” She sucked in a breath and studied her hands. “That’s not true.” She risked looking in his eyes again. “Jonathan, I can’t imagine my life without you.”

“That’s what I remembered.”

“What?” Did he somehow remember what she’d said? She’d die of embarrassment.

“I heard words I’ve wanted to tell you.” He reached up to stroke her cheek, and she leaned closer, tugged by the electricity of his touch. “I love you, Alanna. I’ve loved you since all those times out there on that dock. I loved you when you disappeared, but this time I won’t let you leave. Not without a promise to come back. Again. And again. And again.”

“Jonathan.”

He pressed a finger against her mouth, stilling further words. “Alanna, I’ve told Jaclyn several times we aren’t going anywhere. I’m sorry she keeps getting in the way, but since you came back, I’ve realized she’s not the woman for me. Not when the only woman I’ve really loved is sitting in front of me.”

Alanna swallowed hard. It felt like a golf ball had lodged in her throat. He’d just said the words she longed to hear. They felt like a balm to her heart and soothed her questions.

“What about Dylan?”

A frown crept across Jonathan’s handsome features. “I’ll miss him. But I couldn’t stay with Jaclyn just for him. It’s not fair to either of them.” He took her hand and tugged her close. “Tell me you feel the same way.”

She braced against the couch, trying not to jar him as he tugged her closer still. She felt his breath against her cheek, closed her eyes, and inhaled.

In that moment, she could imagine a future with him. A future that involved the island and building a life together. Moisture flooded her eyes at the realization that she could give up everything in Grand Rapids without a second thought. Nothing there mattered—not in the light of his love.

“Say something… You’re making me nervous.”

She swiped at her eyes and then laughed, a watery sound. “I love you, too, Jonathan. Always have.”

His face lit from the inside, and he grinned. “Come here, Lanna.”

His lips settled on hers in the perfect kiss.

T
he next Saturday morning, Alanna woke early, started running, and didn’t stop even as people gathered at the Painted Stone. Excitement thrummed through her, though it was lined with an edge of tension. Would people respond to Trevor? Would all the pain be worth the end result?

Jonathan had insisted on coming, but she’d made Mom promise not to collect him until the last possible moment. His shoulder didn’t seem to bother him much. Still she worried even though he deserved to see the fruits of his labor.

She touched her lips, still warm from the kiss they’d shared last night. In the days since Jonathan returned to Mackinac, their relationship had accelerated from a reborn friendship to dreams of what the future held. Tomorrow she could bask in that. Today she would celebrate Trevor and his art.

The studio looked amazing. She’d accented his largest paintings with spotlights and cards explaining the setting and story behind each painting. Jonathan had postcards made of Trevor’s best work and grouped them in packets for the guests who attended. She’d spent two nights at his cabin wrapping the packets in raffia. Now that she’d collected them in baskets, the overall effect made the time worth it.

One of Jonathan’s contacts had made the hors d’oeuvres. A long banquet table stood on each side of the room, sheathed in creamy white tablecloths and loaded with tiers of finger foods. Quiche, cocktail shrimp, and things she couldn’t name filled one table, while the other had all kinds of sweets. She couldn’t wait to try a pint-sized fruit tart, popping one in her mouth as she walked past.

A crystal punch bowl sat on a round table in one corner, rows of punch cups surrounding the bowl. The peach liquid looked great and smelled even better.

Everything looked ready. She just needed the guest of honor.

Trevor had assured her he’d arrive at least an hour early. Alanna glanced at her watch again. If he walked through the door that instant, he’d only arrive ten minutes early. She pulled out her phone and dialed his number. It went straight to voice mail. It would take all her restraint not to throttle him the moment she saw him.

She fought the urge to chew her fingernails for the first time since middle school.

Patience sailed toward her, an elegant dress sheathing her body. “Where’s your mom?”

“Collecting Jonathan.”

“And Trevor?” Patience looked around. “I haven’t missed him, have I?”

“No. My brother is delinquent.”

Patience clucked. “He can’t control everything.”

“He can be on time.” Alanna glanced toward the door as another group entered. Jonathan brought up the rear. He looked so good in khakis and a button-down shirt, his left arm resting in a sling. She didn’t fight the smile as he worked toward her.

“Quite a crowd you’ve got here, young lady.”

She nodded. “Someone amazing organized this event.”

Patience chuckled. “You two act like you’re back in school. I’ll leave you to make eyes at each other.”

Jonathan grinned then leaned down to brush her lips with a kiss. She leaned gently into him, thanking God for bringing them together. Even the frustrating moments didn’t seem so daunting with Jonathan next to her.

Reluctantly, Alanna stepped back. “I’ve got a chair tucked behind the counter for you.”

“Putting me to work?”

“Of course.” She grinned up at him then sobered. “Thank you, Jonathan. This could be an amazing event—especially if Trevor graces us with his presence.”

“He will.” Mom slid an arm around Alanna’s shoulder. “He called an hour ago to say he was on his way but running late.” Mom straightened the pink silk scarf at her throat. “You kids have done quite a job. Thank you.”

Alanna cleared her throat, trying to push words around the sudden lump. “You’re welcome.”

“And if you ever try something as stupid as chasing down a murderer again, I may kill you myself. The gray hairs I have thanks to you.”

Alanna rolled her eyes then caught Jonathan’s gaze. His snicker pulled an answering one from her. She raised her hand as if on the stand. “I swear I will never do anything like that again. Once was more than enough.”

“I would certainly hope so.” Mom turned to Jonathan. “Jonathan?”

“I can’t promise I’ll never do it. If anything similar happens, I won’t back down.”

It was Mom’s turn to roll her eyes. And she wondered why Alanna did it. “Well, I’m going to check on my painting then mingle with all these people you’ve drawn. Maybe even sell some art.”

Alanna smiled as another group came in. Even if Trevor bailed, she could sell his art. Only the island’s long-term residents cared, and now they knew the truth. Truth had come at a cost, and she prayed Trevor would accept his freedom and steward it.

An arm slipped around her waist, and she startled and spun around. “Trevor Stone!”

“Hey, sis. So all of this is for little ole me?”

“Yes, though I’m ready to strangle you. Where have you been?”

“Getting Dad.” Trevor pointed toward the hall where a wheelchair sat. “It took longer to check him out of the rehabilitation hospital than I planned.”

“Dad.” The word whispered from her.

“Go tell him hi.” Trevor glanced around the room. “Guess I’d better say hello to everyone.”

“Yep. And sell lots of paintings. We need to sell another three or four this month.”

He saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”

Alanna watched Trevor as he moved around the room, stopping to say a word to each group. He could make this work. He seemed to have found a natural ease as he talked to everybody.

Jonathan nodded toward the hall. “I know your dad is eager to make sure you’re okay.”

Alanna eased down the hallway then knelt beside the wheelchair. “Hi, Daddy.”

“Lanna.” A slow grin spread across his face. “You’re okay.”

“Yes, sir. God kept me safe through everything.”

“You shouldn’t tempt Him.”

“I didn’t mean to. Things kind of spiraled.”

“How’s Jonathan?” The change in topic caught her, but one look into her daddy’s eyes confirmed he wanted the honest answer.

“Good, I think.” She sighed. “I’m not sure I can go back to Grand Rapids. The thought of separating kills me.”

“Long distance can work.”

“But I don’t want it to. Not sure I can live here though.”

“You’ll figure it out.” His assurance settled over her, and she breathed it in. “Get me into the studio. I want to see Trevor’s moment.”

“He’s doing well, Daddy.”

“Of course. He’s a Stone, isn’t he?”

Soon the regulars greeted her father like a returning hero. In some ways he was, even as his road to full recovery still had many steps.

Servers in their white shirts and black pants flowed seamlessly among the guests, refilling the hors d’oeuvres and punch. Alanna ended up sitting next to Jonathan at the cash register ringing up sales while Jonathan handed out postcards. Her family members took care of welcoming one and all.

Hours later the last guest left, and she studied Jonathan. He’d held up well, but she didn’t want to push him too much. “Ready to head home?”

“Sure.” He watched the waitstaff tear down the tables. “We did it.”

“Yes we did.” Satisfaction filled her. “Thank you.”

He took her hand, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. “You’re welcome. Now on to the other event that matters.”

Two weeks later, the Morrises’ guests started arriving by ferry and settling into their rooms at a couple of bed-andbreakfasts. Jonathan felt almost completely recovered, and it was a good thing. He’d already made numerous trips between the sites to make sure everything was ready for the guests.

Nothing would mar this event. Not if he had anything to do with it.

Bonnie looked thin but serene as Edward pushed her wheelchair up the hill toward the fort. Edward grunted and pushed harder. “Why did I pick this location? Remind me.”

Jonathan laughed. “Because Bonnie loved the view. Next time let the taxi bring you around the backside of Fort Mackinac. It’s easier from there.”

“Next time.”

A large tent sat in the open field to the side of the fort. Rows of tables and chairs filled the tent, and he’d arranged for a multitude of games to be brought from the fort for the younger guests to play. Already he could see some playing with the wooden hoops and sticks and others with the horseshoes.

The aroma of barbecue filtered from the pit the caterer had installed. The spicy scent made Jonathan’s stomach rumble in anticipation. He couldn’t wait to have a couple of sandwiches once everyone had been served.

This was exactly the type of event Edward had ordered. And based on the delighted grins on his and his wife’s faces, they planned to make wonderful memories with their family and friends as they celebrated a lifetime of love.

Maybe it really was possible to have a love of a lifetime. One laced with both joy and pain. One only had to look at the Morrises to believe it just might happen.

Edward whistled. “Lookie there.”

Jonathan turned to follow his gaze. His heart stuttered in his chest as Alanna approached. She looked amazing in a flowing sundress that revealed narrow ankles and athletic calves. The sweater knotted around her shoulders was the only nod to the bite in the breeze on an end-of-June day on the island. The bright flowers on the gauzy material were perfect against the blue sky. He couldn’t tear his gaze from her as she approached.

She took Bonnie’s hand. “Thanks so much for inviting me.”

Bonnie smiled. “Delighted to have you. The more the merrier in my opinion.”

“That’s my girl.” Edward frowned though his voice was filled with affection. “She always said the only good party is one overflowing with friends and acquaintances.”

“It’s a great way to live.” Alanna turned to Jonathan. “I’m sure you’re busy. . . .”

Bonnie made a shooing motion. “Not at the moment. Edward will call if we need anything. Enjoy all your hard work.”

Jonathan met Edward’s gaze. They paid him too much to have him disappear as the events got under way. Edward shrugged and patted his pocket. “I’ll call.”

“Yes, sir.”

Alanna slipped her hand into his, and they strolled toward the fort. When they reached a bench, he tugged her down. It felt so right to have her hand nestled in his, like an empty piece of him had found its home.