Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

Ryan stood, his arms crossed, toes sinking into the cool wet sand while Evelyn searched the waterline for shells. Not that she'd find any. The tiny beach at Fort Adams was far too popular with tourists for anything to wash ashore other than thick red seaweed and the occasional broken bits of sand dollars. That didn't mean he wasn't enjoying himself. Watching Evelyn prowl the shoreline, strands of her hair catching the cool breeze, the wind ruffling her skirt, her long legs in constant motion, it loosed a torrent of unfamiliar emotions in his chest. Much like Evelyn did herself whenever she was near.

He'd meant it when he said she was special. From the time he'd grown old enough to realize girls were cut out of a different, finer cloth than men, he'd known she possessed attributes that set her apart from all the other girls. That they were spending the day on an errand for someone she'd never met, for a bride she'd known less than a week, spoke volumes about her compassion. Her willingness to put in long hours and do hard work showed in her dedication to maintaining the Captain's Cottage as the area's number-one wedding venue. Her outgoing nature and downright friendliness brightened the lives of everyone around her.

"I found one!" Evelyn's shout rose above the sound of the waves that lapped the sand in the protected cove.

"What do you have there?"

She raced toward him, her fingers curled around her find. When she reached him, joy suffused her face as she opened her palm to reveal a shiny orange toenail shell in near-perfect condition.

"That's a nice one," he agreed. Sometimes, it's good to be wrong.

"I'll save it," she said, tucking it deep into the pocket of her sundress. "A reminder of the day we spent here." She peered up at him. "I've had a great time."

"Same here." From the instant he'd pulled to a stop in front of the Captain's Cottage and she'd climbed into his truck, bringing sunshine and the faint blend of vanilla and citrus with her, the day had been nothing less than perfect. Conversation flowed naturally between them during the two-hour ride and later while they browsed Newport's crowded shops and streets. They feasted like royalty on fried clams and scallops at an outdoor café and laughed at the seagulls and pelicans that vied for their scraps. When they made one last stop at the little beach, they both kicked off their shoes and danced along the wet sand, laughing when a rogue wave soaked his jeans and drenched the hem of her dress.

"It doesn't have to end with today," he said, finally speaking the words he'd never thought he'd hear himself say. "I was serious about what we were talking about in the truck. I want to see you again. A lot."

Happiness bloomed within him at her whispered, "I'd like that."

Her hair felt like silk as he threaded a strand between his fingers. "There's just one thing." He searched her face. "I need you to make me a promise."

Her gaze never wavered. "Sure. What is it?"

Her trust turned his insides to jelly. More than ever, he wanted her in his life. However, the very circumstances that'd drawn them together might very well drive them apart. He needed to do whatever he could to prevent that from happening. He let Evelyn's sleek curl slip through his fingers. "I want you to promise that, no matter which venue Brianna and Daniel choose, it won't affect our relationship."

"Ooh!" Mirth danced in her eyes. "Are we in a relationship now?"

He tilted her chin up until she had no choice but to face him squarely. "I'm serious. If Brianna and Daniel choose Harbor View, we can't let it tear us apart." Given proper nurturing, one day their love would be as strong and sturdy as The Ash in its glory. They'd serve as an example to others who were starting out on their own love journey. Right now, though, their bond was only a sapling. A strong wind, a flood, could damage it. They needed to do whatever they could to protect it.

"Not a problem. Because they won't." She shrugged. The motion sent one of the thin straps on her dress sliding off her slim shoulder. "I'm more concerned about how you'll react when they pick the Captain's Cottage." She stared up at him, her certainty showing in the firm set of her jaw.

He nudged the fabric back into place. Just for a moment, he let his hand linger on her shoulder. " I won't lie to you. If they don't pick Harbor View, it's going to hurt. It might take me a minute or two. I just have to keep reminding myself that whichever venue they pick, it's their wedding. First and foremost, their happiness is what matters."

Concern stitched tiny lines across Evelyn's forehead. "Do you really mean that? Or are you saying it for my benefit?"

"I mean it. You've helped me see I have options." Things might not go the way he wanted them to. That didn't mean he had to fail. He could approach the bank. They might be willing to renegotiate his mortgage. Or, now that they'd resolved their differences, his dad might cosign a loan to keep him afloat until Harbor View turned a profit. Neither of which would be necessary if Brianna and Daniel opted for a waterfront wedding.

A shift in the wind blew a strand of Evelyn's hair across her face. She pushed it aside. "I know you're counting on the publicity from the Weddings Today article to drum up new business. But what if there was another way?"

"Are you talking about advertising?" He'd looked into placing ads in magazines like Weddings Today . He'd thought the cost of a backup generator was high. He'd been wrong about that. The expense of running a national campaign would leave him up to his eyeballs in debt. And it came with no guarantees.

At least with a generator, he'd get one of those.

"The Captain's Cottage could send you some referrals."

The suggestion stunned him to his core. "That'd be …"

Evelyn grinned up at him. "I think awesome is the word you're looking for."

"Why would you do that?"

She waved a hand, dismissive. "You've taken a derelict structure and turned it into a gorgeous building. I have faith you'll succeed with it as a wedding venue. Maybe with a little help from your friends."

"One particular friend." There'd been a time when he'd been convinced she didn't care about anyone but herself. He'd been so wrong about that. He pulled her to him for a quick embrace. Or he'd planned to make it quick. Once he had her in his arms, though, letting go was harder than he'd ever thought possible. Standing there with his arms wrapped around her, her head on his shoulder, he wanted their time together to go on forever. His heart thrilled when she seemed as reluctant to let go as he was .

"Wow!" Evelyn smiled. "If I'd known my little announcement would get that reaction, I'd have said something sooner."

His fingers itched to draw him to her again, but he resisted. There was one more matter he needed to clear up. "I thought you were worried about the competition."

Evelyn turned serious. "I've been thinking about that a lot lately. You know how everyone in Heart's Landing works together to give each bride their perfect wedding?"

Not sure where she was headed, he nodded.

"That's one of the things I love most about our town. To tell you the truth, it's the main reason I left New York."

"I'm not sure I follow." What did the Big Apple have to do with Heart's Landing?

"When I first got to New York, I was totally focused on my career." A chagrined smile played across Evelyn's lips. "I don't know if you realize it or not, but actors can be pretty self-centered."

"So I've heard." He'd caught a few glimpses of that when Jenny had been planning her movie star cousin's wedding.

"They have to be." Evelyn shrugged. "Competition for roles is fierce, and if you don't put yourself first, you're never going to make it. Maybe once you've made a name for yourself, maybe then you can afford to give another actor a leg up. But it's pretty dog-eat-dog down in the trenches. When Uncle Dave got sick, I think it was easy for me to come home because, deep inside, I'd already decided I didn't like how the constant struggle was changing me. Didn't like the person I was becoming. I'm not proud of it, but finding out about Harbor View stirred some of those old, cutthroat feelings. I had to remind myself people aren't like that in Heart's Landing."

He whistled. "You've changed."

"I didn't have a choice." Her face crinkled. "Someone pointed out that we hadn't fulfilled our promise to deliver a perfect wedding to every bride who wanted a waterfront wedding. From now on, we will … by recommending Harbor View Weddings."

There was one more thing he had to know. "You're certain Jason will be onboard with this?"

"I've already talked it over with him. We both want every bride to have the wedding of her dreams. Most want to walk down the aisle at the Cottage. For those who have something different in mind, Jason agreed it was a great idea to refer them to you."

The news was so astounding and so unexpected, it deserved a celebration. Unfortunately, he didn't have a bottle of champagne handy. Instead, he lifted Evelyn up and swung her around in a circle while she laughed out loud. Once he'd set her down, he rocked back on his heels, stunned.

Minutes passed while they discussed the difference this new opportunity could make. It'd only take a handful of referrals to get the ball rolling. Once Harbor View had hosted two or three successful weddings, he had no doubt that word of the newest venue in Heart's Landing would spread.

The breeze shifted while they talked. The beach narrowed on an incoming tide. The first gentle waves lapping at their feet told him it was time to go. As much as he wanted to stay right where he was, he and Evelyn needed to head for the jewelry store to pick up Brianna's pearls and hightail it back to Heart's Landing in time for the rehearsal dinner.

They held hands on the walk back to his truck. Halfway there, he realized they'd never finished talking about how Brianna and Daniel's decision might affect them. Hating to put a damper on things, he brought the conversation back to where they'd started. "I know you're positive they'll choose the Captain's Cottage. But let's say, for the sake of argument, they don't. If they choose Harbor View, what then? "

"Then we'll go on with our lives." Evelyn leaned against him, her warmth filling his soul. "The sun will still come up the next day. The stars will come out at night. Heart's Landing will continue to be America's Top Wedding Destination. Life will go on."

"And us? Will we be okay?"

"You and me, we're like this." She wrapped her middle and index fingers around each other. "Nothing can break us apart."

He liked the sound of that and pulled her close for another one of those delicious embraces. He'd been wrong to doubt he'd recognize love when he found it. He knew what it was now. Love was staring into Evelyn's face and seeing his own feelings for her reflected back at him. He'd fallen head over heels for the saucy redhead. He loved her, plain and simple. Without doubt. Without reservation.

He wanted, needed, to tell her. And he would. Soon. Soon, but not today. Confessing his love for the woman of his dreams was a momentous occasion. One that called for candlelight and soft music. He wanted to hold her in his arms when he said those three little words that would change everything. He glanced at Evelyn and knew he had to wait.

Evelyn smiled brightly while Curtis snapped off several pictures of her with Jenny and Brianna. When he finished, the three of them sat together on the small stage that'd been erected in the shady park across from the Union Street Bed-and-Breakfast. Hoping to find Ryan, she scanned the crowd that had gathered for the unveiling of Brianna and Daniel's Wedding-in-a-Week choices. She spotted the man of her dreams guiding Daniel's frail grandmother to one of the folding chairs in the front row, and her insides went all soft and gooey. They positively melted when he kneeled in front of the aged matriarch and laughed softly at something the woman said.

Yep. She was in love—definitely, hopelessly in love. Just thinking about Ryan sent ripples of delight through her. The mere mention of his name could stop her in her tracks and steal her focus. How had that happened? If someone had told her two weeks ago that by today she'd be so in love with Ryan Court, her heart would squeeze every time she thought of him, she'd have told them they needed to have their head examined. But here she was, crushing on him so hard she didn't want to be apart from him for a single moment.

With a final word to the older woman, Ryan stepped into the aisle between the rows of folding chairs. He glanced in her direction, and their eyes locked. The look only lasted an instant, but she felt the connection between them deepen. She crossed her fingers, hoping and praying he wouldn't be too disappointed today. She'd wanted to stand beside him, to lend him her support when Brianna and Daniel announced their Wedding-in-a-Week selections. Only things hadn't gone quite the way she'd planned. The arrival yesterday of Daniel's large, happy family, plus all his groomsmen and their dates, underscored the absence of Brianna's aunt and cousins. The bride smiled bravely through all the hugs and greetings. Still, Evelyn and Jenny promised each other they'd stick close to Brianna's side until she walked down the aisle. Which was why she and her friend stood in front of a very large crowd, flanking the girl who wore a wedding tiara and an I'm-the-bride T-shirt, instead of standing next to the men they loved.

She hummed a few bars of the music from last night's rehearsal dinner. She'd been positively giddy when Ryan had taken her into his arms at the beach yesterday. But that feeling—as good as it had been—didn't begin to compare with how she'd felt as he led her out onto the dance floor last night. She'd never forget the solid feel of his hand at her waist or the steady beat of his heart when she laid her head on his shoulder during the slow waltz. It had been … magical.

Reluctant to let go of the memory, she forced herself to focus as Mayor Thomas stepped to the podium. A few last-minute arrivals hurried to find seats. The mayor tapped the mic, and the crowd quieted.

"Welcome to Decision Day for our lovely Wedding-in-a-Week couple." Greg's voice boomed out across a sea of eager faces. In the front row, Daniel's family sat in rapt attention. Behind them, his attendants—six young, uniformed Marines—straightened, pulling their usual erect posture even tighter. The townsfolk of Hearts Landing loved nothing more than a good wedding. They, along with shop owners from miles around, had crowded the park. Here and there, families with young children had opted to spread blankets on the grass for the event.

"Let's start by thanking everyone who contributed to this year's Wedding-in-a-Week festivities, beginning with a special round of applause for our sponsors, the good folks at Weddings Today . "

Regina Charm and an associate rose from their chairs on the podium and bowed while hearty applause thundered from the crowd.

When things quieted, the mayor moved to the next item on his list. "How about the shop owners who contributed to the success of this year's event? Let's show them some love."

Greg didn't have to ask twice. Throughout the crowd, people expressed their appreciation with hearty applause.

For the next several minutes, applause came in waves as the mayor thanked everyone for their contributions. Finally, he reached the end of his list. "Last, but not least, let's give a big hand to Brianna and Daniel, who we've all come to love and adore this week."

Chairs creaked and fabric rustled as the crowd surged to their feet to deliver a standing ovation. Brianna, who'd nearly fled at a much more subdued greeting at the train station, beamed. On the other side of the podium, Daniel nodded his thanks.

When everyone had taken their seats again, the mayor pointed to the immense board behind the podium. Images of each vendor's three options lay on a nearby table, he explained. As Brianna or Daniel announced each choice, they'd pick up the corresponding placard and hang it from a hook beneath the store's logo. Eventually, they'd fill the entire board with their choices.

He clapped his hands. "Ready to get started?"

Brianna approached the table. After selecting a placard, she held it up for everyone to see before she carried it to the board and hung it on the hook beneath Eat, Drink and Be Married's logo. The crowd erupted in applause while Vi and Bev jogged up the steps and onto the stage to congratulate the young couple. Meanwhile, the mayor announced, "For their first choice, Brianna and Daniel have chosen to drape their tables in floor-length white tablecloths. Navy table runners, silver flatware tipped with gold fleur-de-lis and gold-rimmed crystal adorn the table. Red napkins complete a look that's sure to make their wedding spectacular."

Concentrating on keeping her smile firmly in place, Evelyn buried clenched fists in the folds of her dress. She'd have sworn Brianna and Daniel would choose the tropical color theme. They'd barely glanced at the red, white and blue option at Be Married. What had changed? And, more important, what other surprises lay ahead? She stopped herself before she went too far down that rabbit hole. As long as they were happy with their selections, it didn't matter what choices Brianna and Daniel made. All of them would look perfectly lovely in the Green Room of the Captain's Cottage.

Next, Daniel approached the table. Tucking a placard under his arm, he approached the podium and stepped to the mic. "I want to give a special Marine thanks to Greg Thomas for going above and beyond this week. See, I surprised the mayor a little when I announced my intention to wear my uniform, rather than a tux, for the wedding. He could've said ‘fine and dandy' and let it go at that. Instead, he insisted on tailoring a suit for me as his gift from Tux or Tails. And here it is." The instant Daniel held up the poster, his six attendants issued a crisp, "Oorah!" which was quickly followed by yet another round of applause.

And so it went, with Brianna and Daniel slowly building their wedding from the ground up while those watching noted their approval with round after round of applause. Evelyn joined in the fun with each choice. As they neared the end, she eyed the board. The couple had tossed a few surprises into the mix, sure enough, but every option they'd chosen would look stunning in the Cottage.

Finally, only one empty peg remained. Brianna and Daniel joined hands at the table, and Evelyn knew the moment she'd been waiting for had arrived. She found Ryan in the crowd. The man she loved wore a confident smile, but she knew his insides were shaking, his palms damp. To be honest, so were hers. Mustering a wide smile, she blew him a kiss for good luck, caught the one he sent her in return, and pressed it to her heart. More than anything, she hoped and prayed he'd been honest when he'd said whichever location Brianna and Daniel chose, he wouldn't let it drive a wedge between them. She clung to that thought when the young couple approached the mic.

"Before we announce the venue for our wedding, Daniel and I just want to say how much we appreciate what y'all have done for us this week." Brianna brushed a few wisps of her straight blond hair over her shoulder. "Evelyn and Ryan have been godsends. I seriously don't think I'd have made it through the week without Evelyn's help, especially. She held my hand, lent me her shoulder, and wiped away my tears on more than one occasion this week."

My pleasure, Evelyn mouthed. She pressed one hand to her heart and swallowed past the lump that had formed in her throat. She and Brianna had grown so close, she was going to hate to say goodbye when the time came.

"Ryan lent me his support and offered advice," Daniel said, taking over the mic. " They've become more than mentors to us. They've become good friends. Which makes having to choose between them doubly hard."

Brianna stepped forward again. "We'd be blessed to hold our wedding at either of their gorgeous facilities. Everyone here already knows about the Captain's Cottage—it's a Heart's Landing institution, and rightfully so. You may not know Harbor View Weddings as well yet, but you will. I encourage you to visit there soon. It's a beautiful place to get married."

The lump in Evelyn's throat melted. It was just like Brianna and Daniel to soften the blow for Ryan. She, for one, would forever be grateful to them for singing the praises of Harbor View, something they wouldn't do if they'd chosen it as their venue. She flexed her fingers and straightened, preparing to step forward and deliver hearty handshakes and hugs the moment the couple hung the placard featuring the Captain's Cottage on the board.

His arm around Brianna, Daniel leaned into the mic. "In fact, it's so beautiful, we've chosen to hold our wedding at …" His voice trailed off as he paused for effect. "At Harbor View Weddings," he finished. "We hope you all will join us this Sunday for the first-ever wedding at Heart's Landing's very own waterfront wedding venue. "

Wait. What? She couldn't have heard right, could she? She scoured the crowd for Ryan, finally spotting him moving toward the podium, a beaming smile on his face.

Evidently, she'd heard correctly after all. She slumped against her chair while Daniel crossed to the board. When he hung a picture of Harbor View from the final hook, all the air escaped from her lungs. Almost before she knew it, Ryan had mounted the few steps onto the stage. Brianna enveloped him in a hug. A few seconds later, he shook hands with Regina Charm while the mayor grinned and patted him on the back.

He was standing in her spot. Accepting the congratulations that should've been hers . Ryan had sworn Harbor View would never take the Cottage's place. And yet that was exactly what had happened.

Someone stepped in front of her. She tried to look around them, but they blocked her view.

"You're dangerously close to looking like a sore loser," Jenny whispered. "Stand up right now. Go over there and tell Brianna and Daniel you're happy for them. Give Ryan your best wishes. We'll commiserate over pizza tonight."

It took a good friend to step in at a time like this. Thankfully, Jenny was one of the best. The newlywed was also right—she could do this. She had to. She stood, glad when her legs didn't buckle beneath her. Plastering a smile on her face, she headed first for Brianna and Daniel, who stood chatting with the mayor. Her arms might've felt like lead weights, her mouth stiff and unnatural, but she hugged Brianna and offered her congratulations to Daniel.

That done, she looked around for Ryan. She found him quickly enough. Wearing an all-too-pleased-with himself grin, he stood between Regina Charm and her assistant while Curtis shot pictures that would no doubt be included in the Weddings Today article.

She told herself she couldn't intrude on his moment in the spotlight. In truth, she needed time. A moment. Maybe a week. He glanced toward her, but she turned aside. She couldn't look into his eyes. Her cousin had left the Captain's Cottage in her hands while he was gone. He'd trusted her to preserve its reputation as the top wedding venue in Heart's Landing. Instead, she'd gotten so distracted by Ryan that she'd let Jason down. And not just him. From the Cottage's newest hire to Connie, who'd been there the longest, she'd let them all down.

How had she been so foolish?