Sadly, Becky shook her head. “I wish it was easy to fix, but it isn’t. The best thing I can do is look after Mary and keep busy. Otherwise, I’ll spend too much time crying.”
Sean placed his arms on her shoulders. “If you need anything, let me know. Okay?”
“I will.” Becky hugged him tight. “Thank you for caring.”
With Becky wrapped in his arms, Sean felt the pull of more than friendship. He was falling in love with her, but he didn’t know what to do about it.
Chapter8
After a long day at work, Becky stepped into her friend Emily’s fashion boutique. Along with Happy Petals, it was her favorite store in Bozeman. With its pretty pastel exterior and French bohemian interior, it was as unexpected as it was delightful.
“Good grief. What have you done?” Emily asked. “You look exhausted.”
Her friend was also one of the most honest people she knew. “Top of the day to you, too.”
Emily waved away her Irish blarney. “Don’t distract me with your gorgeous accent. What’s happened?”
“Nothing the perfect wedding dress won’t cure. Please tell me your business card in the back of Ashley Fisher’s scrapbook means something.”
“Ashley came to see me a few months ago.”
Becky studied Emily’s face. The sweet, innocent expression she usually wore gave nothing away. “And?”
Instead of answering, Emily walked to the front door and turned the sign to “Closed”. “That’s better. At least no one will overhear us. When you told me you’re helping to organize a surprise wedding for Ashley and Matthew, I couldn’t believe it.”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision that could get me into trouble.”
“I think it’s romantic. What did you want to know about Ashley’s visit?”
“Everything. I have no idea what type of gown she favors apart from what I’ve seen in her scrapbook.”
“She showed me those pictures. They were all lovely. We had a very productive discussion.”
The silence stretched between them. “You’re a cruel and heartless woman to keep me in this much suspense. Did Ashley like any of your bridal gowns?”
Emily grinned. “You know I don’t have many in the boutique, but I had some in my workroom. They weren’t finished, but she tried them on and I took her measurements.”
Becky’s legs almost gave way. “You don’t know how glad I am to hear that. I’ve had too many sleepless nights worrying about what Ashley will wear. Was there a design she liked the best?”
Emily crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I’ll tell you after I know why you’re so tired. And don’t tell me it’s because of the dress. Is Molly all right?”
“She’s in Boston, preparing for her next exhibition. Her photographs are some of the best I’ve ever seen.”
“She has a way of waving a magic wand over the images she captures.” The dreamy expression on Emily’s face sharpened into concern. “If Molly’s happy, it must be Mary. Is she having problems at school?”
“Not in the last few weeks. Tommy has stopped being mean and she’s made some new friends.”
“That’s great, but it doesn’t help me work out what’s wrong.” Emily tapped her foot against the wooden floors. “You’re busy at the flower shop and everyone loves your arrangements, so it must be something else.”
Becky forced a smile. “I’m trying to fit a month’s worth of work into a couple of weeks. Once Matthew’s wedding is over, it will be better.”
“I don’t believe you. You’re always juggling your workload and it’s never been too much. Does it have anything to do with Mary’s grandma? I hope she isn’t taking advantage of you. There aren’t many people who would welcome her into Mary’s life with all the issues she’s had.”
The smile fell from Becky’s face. In a moment of reckless honesty, she’d told Emily about her ex-fiancé and the terrible life he’d had with his mother. “It does involve her, but I can’t talk about it now. I’ll tell you another day when I have more news to share.”
“Will you and Mary be okay?”
“I hope so.”
