“You both look beautiful,” Lara said.
“Diva went to the spa yesterday.”
Of course the dog had been to a spa, rather than the groomer.
“Come in, come in.”
Connor closed the door behind them, and Lara kissed her mother’s cheek.Diva moved in to add her own kiss.“See?She’s sweet,” Lara said to Connor.
“I assume you’re Connor Donovan,” Helene said, rather than waiting for an introduction.
“Pleasure to meet you, Ms.Bertrand.”He extended his hand.
Not to be ignored, Diva put out her paw.
Lara was surprised to notice that he didn’t hesitate.Instead, he stroked behind the dog’s ears.
“What a good girl!”Helene approved.
Diva turned her head toward his hand.Lara sympathized with the pooch.She was afraid her response was much the same when he dug his hands into her hair.
“Since it’s cool enough and not too windy, let’s sit outside.”Helene led the way through the house and out onto her porch.
A pitcher of lemonade sat in the middle of a table, along with three glasses.
“Fresh squeezed?”
“Your favorite,” Helene replied.
Once Helene set Diva on the slate, the animal wound herself in and out of their legs, yipping and all but dancing in circles.
“Oh, Diva, darling.You’ll wear yourself out.”Obviously not having any of that, Helene picked up the pooch and held her close.
Lara poured everyone a glass of lemonade, and her mother wasted no time with pleasantries.
“So what’s this about a wedding?”
Suddenly Lara wished she’d smuggled in one of the mimosas.
“I spoke with Angela Donovan yesterday,” Helene continued.“She said the two of you are getting married.One might have thought my daughter would have mentioned it herself.At least in passing.”
Before she could answer, Connor touched her leg.
“My fault entirely,” he said.“I wanted to tell you in person.It’s been everything Lara could do to keep it secret.”
“How about we skip the bullshit, shall we?”
Lara’s mouth fell open.
“This is a scheme you two concocted to get Connor a seat on BHI’s board, isn’t it?”
“Actually—”
“You’re not a good fibber, Lara, so don’t even try.”
“Mother!”
“Well, that solves one of our three sticking points,” Connor said.“Lara said she’d never be able to keep it from you.Something about DNA.We’re hoping you’ll be agreeable and work as an ally on the board.”
