Vanessa sighed when Peter kissed his bride. “That’s so sweet.”
“They make a lovely couple,” Andrea said wistfully. She was glad she hadn’t sat with the wedding guests. Standing on the patio gave them a wonderful view of what was happening. And, with help from a friend’s sound system, they could hear everything that was being said.
This morning, a group of event stagers had transformed the area in front of the lake. With a glittering arch covered in silk flowers and thousands of fairy lights, tall vases of colorful roses, and white chairs wrapped in large bows, it was a spectacular setting for a very special wedding.
While Peter and Katie signed their marriage license, Vanessa looked over her shoulder at the inn. “Do you want me to call Megan? At least then we’ll know if David’s collected the cake.”
“Good idea. While you’re doing that, I’ll make sure the servers are ready with the drinks and canapés.” Andrea left the patio and walked toward an enormous tent. From each of the tables, the wedding guests would enjoy a spectacular view of Flathead Lake while sipping cold champagne and eating delicious, locally produced food.
She just hoped David was on his way back to the inn with the cake. Otherwise, they’d have to improvise. She might be a great baker, but cake decorating wasn’t her specialty.
David didn’t stop running until he reached the corner of Main Street and Anchor Lane.
Scotty was looking through the front window of The Starlight Café.
“The café’s closed.”
Andrea’s ex-husband turned around. “You were at the candy store.”
“That’s right. Why are you here?”
“You heard me in the store. I’m searching for someone.” His eyes narrowed. “You know where Andrea is, don’t you?”
David had to stop himself from saying anything that could put her and the boys in danger. “Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.”
Scotty ran his hand around the back of his neck. “She told you about our marriage.”
It wasn’t a question, and David wouldn’t give him the benefit of answering.
“All I want to do is apologize for what I did.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little late for that? You almost destroyed their lives.”
Scotty sighed. “There’s no excuse for what I did. When I found out she was staying with her cousin, I went to see her. To apologize. I scared her, but I didn’t mean to.”
“If you thought she’d welcome you back into her life with open arms, you’re delusional. No one in their right mind would want to have anything to do with someone who’d abused them.”
“I’ve learned to control my anger. I don’t want to hurt Andrea and the boys any more than I have.”
David wasn’t fooled by the sincerity in his eyes. Anyone who could treat another person the way he had didn’t deserve any compassion. “You should go back to where you came from. Andrea doesn’t want to have anything to do with you.”
“I’m not here to be part of her life. I have a new partner and we’re expecting our first baby next year.” He took a deep breath. “I understand if Andrea doesn’t want to see me, but I’d like the boys to know how much I regret what I did. If it makes it easier, I’ll sign away my parental rights. I won’t be able to see the boys or communicate with them after I’ve told them I’m sorry.”
David didn’t know how Andrea would feel about that, so he didn’t say anything.
“Tell Andrea I’m sorry.” Scotty handed him a business card. “I’m staying at the Cozy Inn for the next three days. If Andrea doesn’t want to see me, that’s okay, but I’d really like to see the boys.”
He took the card. “I’ll tell her, but stay away from the café. She doesn’t need the extra stress of knowing you could walk into her business.”
Scotty nodded. “If I don’t hear from her in the next three days, I’ll go home. Tell her I’m living in San Diego now.” With his head bowed, he walked past David. “I hope she’s doing okay.”
“She’s better without you in her life,” he said with a clenched jaw.
With a silent nod, Scotty walked away from the café.
David couldn’t imagine how anyone could live with themselves after abusing the people who loved them. He just hoped Scotty’s new partner understood what she was getting into. He’d violently abused his first family and he could do it again.
Chapter 17
