Chapter 15

Chapter 15

When his alarm went off, Max woke from a fantastic dream of making love with Phoebe and reluctantly opened his eyes. Phoebe’s side of the bed was empty. He frowned. Had she come to bed at all? His gaze fell on a damp spot on the sheet, and he went still. She’d definitely been there.

“Shit,” Max muttered and got out of bed. He ran to the bathroom, which was empty and smelled of Phoebe’s shampoo. His quick shower gave him more evidence that he hadn’t used a condom and he cursed himself for his stupidity. All his primal instincts were shouting how good it had been and how many times he’d made Phoebe come while his modern-day feelings were way more complicated.

He got dressed fast and hurried into the kitchen. From out the back he heard voices and Anton, Bernie’s patisserie expert, came in carrying about twenty stacked containers.

“Hey, Max. Where’s the refrigerator? Bernie said to stick these in there.”

“It’s here.” Max showed him the right door, grabbed some coffee, and swallowed it down way too hot. “Sorry I can’t hang around. I’ve got to get on with my chores.”

“No problem,” Anton said. “We’re just getting set up ourselves.” He glanced around the kitchen. “I think I can work with this space.”

As he ran down to the barn, Max tried to remember where everyone was supposed to be. Jen had stayed at the new house to prep for the wedding, Phoebe was doing the flowers and he and Luke were in charge of the regular barn duties. Of course, the first person he saw when he went in was Noah.

“You’re late.”

“Why are you even here?” Max asked. “Don’t you have a wedding to go to or something?”

“I can multitask,” Noah said. “All I have to do is shower, put on my new shirt, and I’m good to go.” He paused. “And if I sit around thinking about everything that could go wrong, I’ll drive myself crazy.”

Max nodded. “Understandable. What do you want me to do?”

“Just the usual. Luke’s working his way down the right side so why don’t you take the left?”

By the time he was ready for breakfast, he still hadn’t seen Phoebe. He hoped she was up at the house so that he could have a quiet word. Unfortunately, the kitchen was full of guests having breakfast and Bernie’s café staff borrowing things and taking up space. Maria was also there but she was busy chatting with Sky and Sally. She didn’t seem inclined to come over to him, which was just fine.

“Anyone seen Phoebe?” he asked as loudly as he could.

“She was out attaching flowers and vines to the wedding gazebo about half an hour ago,” Sally said. “I saw her when I was out with the dogs.”

“Thanks, I’ll take a look.”

Max grabbed a breakfast burrito from the tray and one of Bernie’s cinnamon rolls and ate them both in record time. He made some tea in a disposable cup from Bernie’s stash, topped it with milk and snuck two more rolls into his pocket. His stomach wasn’t impressed as he went out through the back door, past Bernie’s temporary kitchen, and into the garden area at the rear of the house. He’d forgotten how different it now looked—what with the dance floor laid out on the left and the wedding tent and gazebo to the right.

He spotted Phoebe up a ladder and went toward her. She had her hands raised above her head and was threading ivy or something clingy through the slats.

“Hey, what’s hanging?”

She jumped and he reached out to steady the ladder and grabbed her ankle.

“Sorry. I’m always scaring you.”

“It’s fine. I was quite safe.” She climbed down, her face flushed, and busied herself looking in her basket of supplies. “What can I do for you?”

Max looked at her averted face and let out a breath.

“Are you mad at me?”

That got her attention.

“No! Why would you think that?”

“Because I—” He made a gesture toward his groin and then at hers. “Didn’t—”

She put her hand on his arm. “Max, I was fully awake, you were half-asleep, and I was okay with it.”

“We should’ve discussed it first.”

She slowly raised her chin. “Hang on, are you cross because I took advantage of you?”

Max frowned “That’s not what I’m saying, Feebs, and you damn well know it.”

“Well, that’s what it sounds like.” Her brown eyes were shooting sparks. “I apologize. I was in the wrong and I promise I will never do it again. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to finish this.”

She stomped up the ladder and started working, leaving him staring up at her like a fool.

“For the record, I am not mad at you. I do not blame you, and I just wanted to make sure you were okay about what happened,” Max said. “I wasn’t even sure whether I’d dreamed the whole thing, until—”

“Fine!” He’d never heard Phoebe raise her voice before. “You were asleep, the fault was mine because I’m a bloody fool, now will you please go away before I forget myself, and drop something heavy on your head?”

He looked up at her. “This is stupid.”

She ignored him and he sighed.

“Feebs, I don’t want to fight with you. Can we start this whole conversation again?”

He waited another couple of seconds, but she wasn’t coming down the ladder, or getting off her high horse any time soon. He set the cup of tea and the cinnamon rolls on the top of her workbasket.

“When you want to talk, just come and find me, okay?”

He turned away, running the conversation through his head, trying to work out when it had gone so spectacularly off the rails. He was still thinking about it when he arrived back at the house to find Luke looking for him.

“You up for moving some chairs and hay bales?” Luke asked. “Mom wants us to set up the wedding tent and the dining area.”

“Sure.” He went with Luke to where the rented chairs were stacked against the side wall. “Hey, have you ever felt like Bernie was just looking for something to be mad about with you, and that whatever you said to defend yourself or explain just made it worse?”

“Oh, yeah. I’ve been there, bro.” Luke picked up three chairs in each hand.

“I just had the weirdest conversation with Phoebe.” Max took the same number of chairs and followed Luke into the dining area. “It was like she was determined to pick a fight with me.”

Luke set the chairs where Sally had marked the planked floor around the tables.

“Obviously, Phoebe’s not Bernie, but I usually find it’s because they don’t want to get into an argument with you about something else.”

“That makes no sense.”

“It does to them,” Luke said. “And usually, the thing they don’t want to talk about is the important thing.”

“Jeez . . .” Max groaned. “So how do you get them to talk about that?”

Luke shrugged. “You don’t.”

“I’ve got to put up with Phoebe being mad at me for something I don’t know that I’ve done, and she won’t tell me, because we’re fighting about something stupid?”

“That about covers it.” Luke grabbed more chairs. “Let her work it out herself and when she’s ready she’ll talk about it.”

Max studied Luke who appeared to be avoiding his gaze. “Do you know something I don’t?”

“Like what?” Luke had never been a great liar. He was way too nice.

“Something Bernie told you that Phoebe told her maybe?”

Luke’s eyebrows rose. “Even if that were true, I still wouldn’t tell you.”

“So, you do know something,” Max pounced. “How about some solidarity here, boss? Help a guy out.”

“Nah.” Luke grinned at him. “It’s way more fun watching you suffer. Kind of payback on a grand scale.”

Max might have banged the chairs around when he put them out, but Luke appeared oblivious. When they’d finished and were about to move on to the gazebo, Max spoke again.

“Can I summarize here, boss? Phoebe’s mad at me, but not for the thing I think she’s mad about,” Max said. “And according to you, I just have to wait until she wants to tell me what’s really going on.”

Luke winked at him. “Got it in one.”

Max gave him the finger.

* * *

Phoebe hurriedly finished the last flowers in the gazebo as Luke and Max approached with the chairs. She felt a bit guilty about getting cross with Max. She’d lost her nerve when he’d come up behind her and all her carefully thought-out speeches about asking him what their future together might look like had flown out of her head and she’d panicked and picked a fight.

And now she didn’t know how to fix it.

And she was genuinely hurt that what she’d believed was amazing lovemaking had barely registered to Max who’d only noticed something was off in the morning, It was a good reminder that what might be earth-shatteringly new to her was old news to Max. Thank goodness she hadn’t blurted out that she loved him—although whether he would’ve been awake enough to hear her was another matter.

She picked up her ladder and basket and went back to the greenhouse where she’d stored the last of the flowers. There were two women she hadn’t met admiring the blooms who looked up when she came in. Their smiles looked vaguely familiar.

“Hi! You must be Phoebe. We’re Noah’s sisters. We’ve come to help.”

“How lovely,” Phoebe said. “I could do with some help. There are half a dozen table decorations to put together, and I haven’t even started them.”

Two hours later, all the flowers were in place and Jen’s bouquet had been tenderly carried over to the new house where she was getting ready. Phoebe went into the house and straight to the kitchen which was full of people she didn’t know. Bernie came through the back door, took one look at her, and pointed at a chair.

“Sit. When did you last eat?”

“I’m not sure,” Phoebe said. “I’m not terribly—”

A large glass of cold milk, two doughnuts and a cinnamon roll were put in front of her.

“Eat. I’ll get someone to make you a mug of tea.”

Bernie in full boss mode was something to see as she directed her staff in a thousand tasks. Phoebe halfheartedly nibbled the bun and immediately set about tearing it apart and devouring it. A mug of tea made just how she liked it appeared at her elbow and she drank it down like the addict she was.

“That’s better,” Bernie said. “You started work about the same time I did, and it’s almost eleven now.”

“I’m just about done,” Phoebe mumbled through a mouthful of roll. “This is delicious.”

“You wait until you see what we’ve done for the wedding buffet. It will knock your socks off.” Bernie held up her hand and someone put another mug of tea in it, which she handed to Phoebe.

“Why don’t you go and get ready?” Bernie suggested. “Sally said to use her bathroom so the boys can have the other one.”

“I still have to go through my checklist and make sure everything has been done,” Phoebe said. “I’m not sure if the sound system has been tested yet.”

“Noah’s dealing with that.” Bernie grinned. “We had to give him something to do before he went mad. But Luke’s keeping an eye on him and will get him to the altar on time.”

“Luke strikes me as a remarkably efficient man.” Phoebe finished the second mug of tea and finally felt human again.

Bernie looked over Phoebe’s shoulder and rattled off about ten different orders which were instantly obeyed by her staff.

“I’m keeping you from your work and you need time to get changed, too.” Phoebe started to get up.

“Nah, I’ve got plenty of time,” Bernie said. “The secret to being the boss is employing incredibly talented staff who make you look good.”

“You got that right, boss,” Anton said as he walked past them.

Bernie grinned at him and then looked back at Phoebe. “Check your list and then go off and get changed, okay?”

“Yes, boss.” Phoebe smiled back. “I’ll do that.”

After another quick tour of the wedding venues where there was no sign of Max, Phoebe went back into the house and into the bedroom. Her new dress was hanging on the back of the door. It was a classic tea dress made with chiffon over satin and had puffed sleeves and skirt that reminded her of her grandmother’s rose garden. Despite knowing that any hat that wasn’t a cowboy hat probably wasn’t essential at this particular wedding, she’d bought a floppy straw hat and intended to tie the sash from the dress around the crown.

She gathered up her clothing and makeup bag and skedaddled down the hall into Sally’s bedroom suite where she discovered her host stuck halfway into her dress.

“Thank goodness you’re here!” Sally said, her voice muffled by the linen. “I didn’t undo enough buttons!”

Phoebe rushed over to help, and Sally soon emerged looking rather pink, but still laughing. “I thought I’d have to stagger into the kitchen and get one of Bernie’s staff to release me.”

“Then I’m glad I turned up just in time!” Phoebe couldn’t help smiling. “That color looks amazing on you.”

Sally shrugged as she smoothed out the creases in the mirror. “Oh, this old thing. It’s one of my favorites from the ’80s when I used to attend a lot of medical conferences and had to look smart. I decided to recycle my wardrobe about ten years ago and rarely bother to buy anything new.”

Phoebe set her things out on the bed.

“Why don’t you go and use the shower, Phoebe?” Sally suggested. “I’ve finished in there, and we might as well keep things moving along so that it’s all freed up for Bernie.”

* * *

“Phoebe?”

Max knocked before he went into his own bedroom, but he might not have bothered because she wasn’t there. Her dress was also missing as was her cute hat and makeup bag.

“Where’d you go?” Max muttered. “It’s like you’re avoiding me or something.”

He didn’t have time to worry about that right now. Luke had asked him to make sure Fred and their other two Marine buddies were in their positions under the wedding gazebo before the ceremony started. He also had to make sure Bernie hadn’t forgotten to get dressed, and to remind her, if necessary, because Luke had his hands full with Noah who was fretting.

And a fretting Noah was never good news.

Max got changed and shot off a quick text to Luke to reassure him that everything was going to plan. He had no idea if that was true, but he sensed the best man and groom needed the encouragement. He grabbed his best white Stetson and headed out, almost knocking Phoebe down as he came through the door.

“Sorry!’ He grabbed her forearms to steady her. “You okay?”

From the way she was wincing, he guessed the answer was no.

“I’m fine.” She took a tentative step forward. “Good thing you didn’t have your boots on.”

“Shame you didn’t wear yours.” He gently released her arm. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you.” She finally met his gaze. “So do you.”

“Feebs . . . can we talk after this? Like really talk?” Max asked quietly.

She nodded. “I think that would be a very good idea.”

“Thank you.” He leaned in and kissed her nose. “I’ll see you at the ceremony.”

Max rushed off, collected Fred and the Marines, and got them settled in their seats. The sun had come out and it was warming up, which was a bonus. He took a moment to glance around the assembled congregation and almost everyone was in place. There was no sign of Luke or Noah. He suspected his former boss would be keeping Noah out of the way until the last possible second to stop him from losing his shit about everything that might go wrong.

The scent of lilacs wafted around him, and Max looked up at the pergola. Phoebe had done a brilliant job on the flowers, transforming a utilitarian space into a thing of beauty. He’d have to remember to tell her when they finally got a chance to talk. The fact that she’d agreed to a discussion was making him feel so much better about everything. His gaze fixed on an empty space on the groom’s side, and he frowned. Where was Maria?

He excused himself from the guys and headed over toward the cabins. Maria’s window was open, and she was talking away in Spanish, presumably to someone on her phone. Max knocked on the door and waited for the conversation to end. When she didn’t emerge, he knocked again and cautiously tried the door, which was locked.

“The weddings gonna start in ten minutes, Maria. You okay in there?” Max asked.

The door opened and Maria came out, her face flushed, her gaze anywhere but at him. “I’m sorry. I had to take that call.”

“It’s fine,” Max said easily. “I’ll escort you to your seat.”

She fussed around with the shawl draped over her elbows, which had caught on the handle of her purse. Max tried to help untangle the fringe, but she told him to stop.

“I think you’re making it worse. I’ll fix it when I sit down.”

“As long as you can deal with it. Are you sure you don’t need scissors?”

“Goodness, no! That would ruin it. All it requires is a little patience.”

“Not one of my strengths,” Max admitted.

Maria patted his arm. “You’re so like your mother.”

“So, you keep telling me.” Max escorted her to her seat, which was right next to Bernie’s family and introduced her to everyone. “You’ll be in great company, here.”

“We’ll take care of her, Max,” Bernie’s sister Mary said. “And I can practice my Spanish!”

Max was still smiling as he strode down the aisle and met Luke and Noah coming the other way. They’d decided on blue shirts for the wedding and a casual western style because they all felt most comfortable in cowboy hats and boots. Noah was frowning, which wasn’t a surprise at all. He checked his watch and scowled at Max.

“The guests should have been in their seats by now. Where’s Bernie and the rest of her crew?”

“Bernie’s on her way.” Max used his most soothing voice. “Lucy was delayed at the BB by some unexpected guests, but she’ll be here any moment, so we’re all good.”

“Where’s Phoebe?” Noah asked.

“Probably helping Bernie.” Luke patted his arm. “Let’s go say hi to your mom and take our positions at the front, okay?”

Luke rolled his eyes at Max as he persuaded Noah to move off and murmured. “Talk about groomzil-las.”

Max went to the back of the structure to keep an eye out for the latecomers and await the arrival of the bride and the rest of Noah’s family. Bernie rushed past and blew him a kiss as she went to sit with her family. There was no sign of Phoebe and for the first time Max began to worry.

The bridal truck adorned with white ribbons arrived and Max went to open the door. Noah’s sister Bailey, the oldest, got out and grinned at him.

“Max! Phoebe’s awesome!”

“She is.” He kissed her lightly on the cheek. “How’s Jen holding up?”

“Calm as a US hospital ship in the middle of a hurricane.” Bailey winked. “How’s Noah?”

“Guess.”

As he was talking to Bailey, Jen was exiting the vehicle assisted by the twins who wore identical blue dresses.

“Jen said she didn’t need any bridesmaids, but the twins decided they were doing it for her anyway.” Bailey said. “Luckily, Phoebe had enough flowers to make them matching bouquets.”

She turned back to Jen who wore a simple white wedding dress with a single flounce. She looked her usual composed self, but her eyes were bright with emotion.

“You look beautiful, Jen,” Bailey said. “I’m going to sit down before I cry and ruin my makeup before the ceremony even starts.”

“Thanks for everything, Bailey,” Jen said, her voice shaking just a little. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Bailey blew her a kiss and Max swallowed hard.

Sally tapped him on the shoulder, and he almost jumped.

“I’m going to walk Sky up the aisle in front of Jen. He’s going to throw some flower petals. It was the only way we could persuade him to behave.”

“Sounds good.” Max nodded. The wedding procession was getting longer by the minute, “Any idea where Phoebe is?”

“She’s just getting Jen’s flower crown. She wanted it to be as fresh as possible,” Sally said,

He turned and saw Phoebe coming carefully down the steps, her hands full, and had to stop himself from going to her.

“Here it is, Jen.” She hadn’t yet noticed him, her attention on the crown. “I had to make sure it was free of moisture.”

“I have pins,” Jen said.

“Excellent.” Phoebe was tall enough that she didn’t need help to secure the crown on Jen’s head. “You look amazing.”

Jen briefly touched her cheek. “Thank you for everything.”

Max cleared his throat as Phoebe stepped back and put her hat on. “You’re seated next to me in the front row on the left. I’ll join you in a minute.”

She nodded and slipped away up the side aisle while Max assembled his little procession.

“Sally and Sky go first, followed by the twins, and then, Jen.” One of the twins rolled their eyes, but he wasn’t sure which one. “Jen, this is on you. When you’re ready?”

Jen took a deep breath and looked down the aisle where Noah was pacing like a caged lion. “If I don’t get there soon, he’ll come and find me.”

Max walked over and proffered his arm. “I know you don’t need anyone to walk you down the aisle, but I’d be honored if you’d let me.”

She met his gaze. “I can’t think of anything I’d like better. Thank you, Max.”