“You’ve lost me.”
“Sorry.” He linked his fingers in his lap. “When I told Devyn about the apartment, she said the house wouldn’t feel like home if I wasn’t there, after all the meals and laughter we’ve shared around the kitchen table. She said the family circle would be missing a link. And she said she—” His voice choked, and he sniffed. “She said she loved me like I was her own grandfather.”
PressurebuiltbehindAaron’seyes.
Thatsoundedlikethewomanwho’dstolenhisheart.
“I’mnotsurprised.”
“She’s a keeper for sure. Elizabeth would have liked her.” Gramp pulled out his handkerchief. Wiped his nose. “I asked her not to tell you about our conversation, and she promised she wouldn’t. I was kind of embarrassed about talking to her on the sly. But after I thought about it, I decided you ought to know.”
“I appreciate you telling me. After all, there shouldn’t be any secrets between a groom and his best man, right?” He gave him a teasing shoulder nudge.
“I’m honored to stand up for you, but you didn’t have to ask me, you know. You could have picked a friend your own age.”
“It was a no-brainer, Gramp. The job is called best man. So I chose the man who fit the description.”
His grandfather sniffed again, then pushed himself to his feet. “I guess we should go find Isabel before I need your handkerchief too.”
“I think she’s found us.” He rose and motioned toward the stage as his daughter broke away from the group of children and made a beeline for them, her multicolored chiffon skirt swirling around her tights-clad legs.
She picked up speed as she approached, face glowing. “Did you like my dancing?”
“It was beautiful.” He leaned down for a hug, taking care not to crush the gauzy fairy wings on her back.
“I second that. And your costume is beautiful too.” Gramp claimed his own hug.
“I know, but it’s not as pretty as the dress I’m going to wear next week for the wedding. I can’t believe Devyn asked me to be a junior bridesmaid. I hope I don’t mess up.” Her forehead pleated.
Gramp took her hand. “Sweetie, if you can swirl around on that stage like you did tonight, a walk down the aisle will be a piece of cake. Besides, you’ll have a chance to practice next week at the rehearsal. Now you and I should hit the road. Your dad and Devyn have a meeting with Reverend Baker ... if she can ever break away from all the overanxious parents.” He waved a hand toward the front, where Devyn was surrounded by costumed children and their parents. “She may need rescuing.”
“Duly noted.” Aaron surveyed the scene. “I’ll see you two at home later.”
“Don’t rush on our account. You want all the details for your big day to be right.” Gramp patted him on the back and shepherded Isabel toward the door.
He watched them go for a moment, then turned back to the front, lips flexing.
While he and Devyn would sort through whatever particulars Reverend Baker wanted to go over tonight, the biggest detail was already right.
In one short week, the beautiful ballerina who’d added light and love and laughter to his days was going to recite vows that would make her his wife.
He started forward, but by the time he reached the cluster of parents and children around Devyn, she’d extricated herself.
As the group dissolved, he grinned. “I was coming to your rescue, but I should have realized after your farewell performance in New York that you know how to handle a crowd. You were gracious to all the fans but managed to keep moving.”
“I did pick up a few survival skills in the big city.” She checked her watch. “Before we leave to meet with Reverend Baker, let me touch base with Lauren. Several girls had a glitch with their headpieces for one of the numbers, and I want to make certain our costumer got it straightened out.”
“No worries. We’re fine on time.” He claimed a seat while the two sisters conversed in low voices off to the side. It was impossible to hear the exchange, but as they wrapped up, Lauren motioned to a man with a little girl sitting in the audience. Whatever Devyn said in response generated a faint blush on her sister’s face.
Hmm.
Must be a story there.
When Devyn rejoined him while Lauren continued toward the duo, he stood and tipped his head her sister’s direction. “What gives?”
“She met the father the day we distributed costumes and talked with him again when he brought his daughter back for some alterations to adjust the fit. He invited her to dinner tonight as a thank-you.”
“I don’t recognize him.”
