Joseph walked toward her holding another dress. “I found this on a rack of clothes waiting to go back into the store. What do you think?”
The pale blue dress was super cute. With short, puffy sleeves, a round neckline, and a sash that tied into a bow, it would look lovely on Adele. She checked the price and gulped. “It’s gorgeous, but Adele might only wear it a few times before she outgrows it.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Shona leaned closer to Joseph. “Have you seen the price?” she whispered. “It’s three times what the other dresses cost.”
He looked at the tag and frowned. “It’s not too bad.”
“Are you sure?”
He smiled and kissed her gently on the lips. “Positive.”
“Are you trying to distract me with butterfly kisses?”
“I could be.”
Shona sighed. “You’re a wicked man, Joseph Adams.”
“Only for you.” The seductive note in his voice sent goose bumps tingling along her skin.
She placed her hands on his chest. The steady beat of his heart made her yearn for something that had been missing from her life since Chris died. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Kiss me senseless, then pledge your unwavering love and affection for me.”
“That sounds wonderful, but I’m not sure the staff or customers would agree.” She ran a fingertip along his jaw. “But we could continue our discussion later?”
His eyes turned a deep, slate gray. “How much later are you—”
“I’m ready,” Adele said in an excited voice. “Come and look.”
Joseph sighed and touched his forehead against Shona’s. “One day, I’m taking you on vacation. Just the two of us, alone, with no distractions.”
Shona smiled. “It sounds like bliss. But, until then, your daughter’s waiting for us.”
* * *
From the momentthey arrived at the church, Joseph had felt the weight of the excitement in the room. Paris and Richard's family and friends had gathered to celebrate one of the most important days of their lives.
Even to his jaded heart, the church looked beautiful. With baskets of flowers everywhere, masses of white fabric falling from the ceiling, and a rose-covered arch where the happy couple would exchange their wedding vows, it was perfect.
Shona touched his arm. After they’d left town, she’d gone home and changed into a peach-colored dress. With its soft folds draped around her body, she looked amazing. “There’s a basket of rose petals under each seat on the aisle. When Richard and Paris walk down the aisle after they’re married, Adele can throw the rose petals at them.”
He looked under Adele’s seat. Sure enough, a small basket of flowers was hidden beneath the seat. “I’ll tell her later.”
“Good idea.”
Shona settled back in her seat and Joseph held her hand. With her beside him, the wedding wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Richard stood nervously at the front of the room with his son, Jack. Their dog, Louie, had delighted their guests when he’d arrived wearing a doggy tuxedo. As if sensing the enormity of what was about to happen, the three-legged dog with a shaggy brown coat and pointy ears followed Richard’s every move.
Adele had wanted to pat Louie, but Joseph had convinced her to wait until after the ceremony.
“When will Paris be here?” Adele whispered.
“Soon.”
She stood on tippy-toes. “I can't see anything. Is Louie still sitting beside Jack’s dad?”
