∞∞∞
Andy Carter
He came! He came to see me!
I don’t know whether to laugh or to cry but I feel as giddy as a schoolgirl.
“It’s alright, Odette. He’s here for me.” My words don’t seem to reassure the seamstress who’s been adjusting my dress. Nor do they pacify my highly strung wedding planner.
“Darling!” Antoine gasps out. “This is a disaster! A total disaster!” His expression is filled with such horror I almost expect him to fling a hand to his forehead in an impression of a dying swan.
“It’s fine, Antoine.” I pat his shoulder and lift my skirt to step off the footstool. Odette tuts in disapproval, but neither of them object any further. I suppose they’ve decided that the damage has been done. “I’ll be right back,” I say to everyone in the room. Nikki scuttles behind me as I vanish behind the dressing room curtain.
“Shit! He saw you in your wedding dress,” she whispers as she helps me unzip the back and then carefully holds the dress as I shimmy out of what feel like miles of satin and tulle. My heart is still thundering, and I don’t know why. Is it because he’s here? Or because I’m also worried about him seeing me in my dress?
Don’t be ridiculous, Andy!
I’m a doctor, for Pete’s sakes, a woman of science. I’m not affected by silly superstitions.
“It’s no big deal,” I mumble, reaching for the pink sundress I’d been wearing. “It’s not like this is going to be a real marriage, Niks.”
She shakes her head at me but says nothing, carefully hanging the pristine satin on a padded white velvet hanger. She tugs the curtain aside slightly and a hand reaches in. Odette retrieves the dress and I hear her footsteps fading as she quickly leaves the viewing area. The sound is accompanied by her low mutters. Probably still griping about Mateo’s arrival. When I emerge from the dressing room, he’s still standing where I’d left him. I move closer and stop directly in front of him, tipping my head back.
“You’re here.” I smile.
“Yes.” His voice is husky. “You…” He’s staring at me strangely and I feel a swirl of self-consciousness. “You looked great. That dress… It’s…uh…pretty.”
I smile shyly. “Thank you.”
“I…brought you this.” He looks around, then ducks down. When he rises, he’s holding out large, plush teddy bear. I frown at it.
What the hell?
“Um. Thanks.” The longest silence of my life seems to stretch out between us.
God, this is awkward.
“So, you’re done? With your business?” I ask.
Doh, Andy! Why else would he be here?
“Yes.” He shifts his feet, then glances past me.
“Mateo!” Nikki says brightly. “It’s great to have you back.” His smile makes my heart clench.
“It’s good to see you, Nikki. You’re looking well.” He glances at her belly, which is starting to show a gentle swell. She cups a palm over it and grins. “Thank you for taking care of Andy,” he goes on. “I know it’s been stressful, and I appreciate all you’ve done for her.”
“Nah!” Nikki waves a hand dismissively. “It’s been a blast. And hanging out with her has stopped me from eating all the Turkish Delight in the world.”
I sense a presence move to join us and Antoine steps closer, extending a limp hand.
“Antoine Laverne,” he gushes. “It’s a pleasure to meet your, Monsieur Ricci. I am delighted to be your wedding coordinator.”
“Wedding coordinator?” Mateo looks at me.
“Nikki’s idea.” I’m grateful I finally manage to say something that doesn’t come out garbled.
“Ah,” he says, as I’ve just explained everything. “Well…if you’re done for the day, I thought I’d take you out. Early dinner?”
