“Brian Blackwood.” Her mother’s voice rang out across the office. “How dare you manipulate our daughter over a matter of a hundred thousand dollars? It’s tawdry and beneath you. That money is inconsequential. If this is your way of controlling Victoria, I won’t stand for it. And I won’t let you bar our children from the house any longer. Both of them will be more than welcome this Christmas—or at anytime they choose to visit.”
“What’s gotten into you?” he said. “One trip to New York, and all of a sudden you’re the boss?”
Ignoring him, Victoria’s mother placed her arm around her shoulder. “You can come home whenever you want. Same with you, Connor. Our door is always open.” She glared at her husband. “As for you—if you can’t bear to be around your own children, then I suggest you go stay with one of your women.”
She was bringing up the women? Victoria hadn’t realized she knew about them. Then again, why wouldn’t she? She wasn’t an idiot. She’d probably found it easier to go along with her husband’s behavior than challenge it. Like Victoria. She’d let her father mistreat her for years because she didn’t have the courage to confront him.
Her father threw up his hands. “I can’t deal with all this drama. Connor, Victoria, if you want to come for Christmas, that’s fine. It’s a ridiculous holiday, anyway.” He rolled his eyes. “And I’ll be there. Ilivethere. I’m the head of the household.”
“That’s what you think,” Victoria whispered under her breath.
The grandfather clock struck four, startling all of them. Victoria turned to her brother. “I need to get ready for the rehearsal. Can you and Mom call a ride-share to get home?”
“I’ll take care of it,” her mother said. “Brian, I’ll take your car. You can catch a ride home with someone else. And Connor…”
“I’ll come home with you, Mom,” he said. “I’d love to catch up.”
“Wonderful.” She beamed. “I can’t wait to hear about your winery. And you have to tell me how things are going with you and Jess. I’m so happy you two are finally together.”
As her mother and Connor left the office, Victoria followed them. She glanced back at her father, but he’d already returned to his paperwork.
I never want to end up like him. Or like Mother.
But she didn’t have to because she was already charting her own path.
* * *
Victoria could hardly waitfor the evening to be over. Though the rehearsal dinner had gone smoothly, being around Ben had set her nerves on edge. Not only had he been in a sullen mood, but his drinking had escalated steadily as the night went on. She’d had to make sure the servers accommodated his requests right away. At least by focusing on him, she was able to keep her mind off Rafael.
As the guests left the private dining room, she maintained her gracious, event-planner facade, when all she wanted to do was retreat to Connor’s place, change into her pajamas, and make a huge bowl of popcorn. With extra butter. But her evening wasn’t close to being done. An hour ago, Araceli had texted her, asking if they could meet once the rehearsal dinner ended. Apparently, there was a problem with the two biggest gingerbread houses. She wouldn’t divulge what had happened, only that she planned on bringing them to the ballroom so Victoria could assess them.
Please don’t let them be broken.
At this hour, she couldn’t imagine where they could find a replacement for the Coriander+Clove houses, let alone find the time to decorate them.
Only after the waitstaff had left did she lock up the room. As she was leaving, her phone pinged with a text. She tensed as she checked it, hoping Araceli had fixed the houses.
But it was Connor.Not going back to my place tonight because Mom and I had too much wine. I’m crashing here until tomorrow. Good luck with the wedding.
She replied quickly.So glad things are OK with Mom. I’d kill for wine right now.
While she was relieved Connor was welcome back at home, now she was facing the evening alone in his condo with no one to stop her from drowning her sorrows in booze.
Then again, she might be spending all night trying to repair a couple of fancy gingerbread houses. With a deep sense of foreboding, she walked over to the grand ballroom, where she’d told Araceli to meet her. As she entered the room, the powerful scent of pine washed over her. She flicked a couple of switches, and the room was awash in the glow of twinkling white lights.Magical.
She took a deep breath. Even if her heart was aching, even if she was still dealing with last-minute mishaps, she could take pleasure in the setting she’d created.
But she hadn’t done it alone. This huge enterprise wouldn’t have been possible without Rafael and his family. At least they’d still be around on Saturday to cater the wedding, though she cringed to imagine what they must think of her.
At the sound of footsteps, she turned, expecting to see Araceli. Instead, Rafael strode into the room, clad in jeans and a black Henley. For a moment, she couldn’t speak. Couldn’t move. Could only stare, desperately hoping he wasn’t a figment of her frazzled imagination.
“Victoria?” he said. “Are you all right?”
His soft voice broke through her reserve, leaving her as vulnerable as she’d been when she’d confessed her love to him at Tres Hermanos. She blinked back tears, willing herself not to cry again. Chances were good he was only here on Araceli’s behalf.
“I…I’m fine. But where are the gingerbread houses? Are they in your car?” She gave a painfully fake laugh. “I’m not sure I’m the best person to fix them, given my track record.”
He crossed the room until he was facing her. He gave off the powerful aroma of chilies and garlic, as though he’d just come from the kitchen, but the smell was comfortingly familiar. Even though he’d turned her away earlier, she couldn’t fight the painful longing that consumed her. She wanted to pull him close and feel his arms around her.
