Blake’s cue to leave with Vi. Eager to get going—the sooner they left and visited Whitney and James, the sooner they could be alone—he said goodbye to the grandparents and other people. “Whitney asked me to come over and tell her all about the wedding, as soon as possible,” he told them.
“Let her know we missed her and give her a kiss from us,” Caroline said. “Don’t be strangers, now. Malcom and I are spending two weeks in Palm Desert, but promise you’ll have dinner with us when we get back.”
With the second store opening in a mere four days, Blake was disappointed to hear that. “You’re not coming to the grand opening of the new store?”
“When we made our reservations, we weren’t thinking about that,” Grandpop said. “You know how proud I am of you. We’ll come see the store later.”
Vi hugged Rose, Blake shook hands with Peter, and they left.
“That was nice,” she said on the way to the car.
“I especially liked how short it was.”
“Blake!” She elbowed him. “Keep your voice down.”
“Just sayin’ what everyone else was thinking.”
“From what I saw, people enjoyed themselves.”
“The food helped.”
She rolled her eyes, then laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”
“One of the many reasons why you like me. Let’s go see Whitney.”
Then they could be alone.
The rideto Whitney’s house was stress-free, exactly what Vi needed. She and Blake talked about the wedding and the various people who’d come. He teased her about being sad and sentimental. Which she was, but there was more to the story. As emotional and beautiful as it was to witness the love between Gran and Malcom and listen to their deeply-felt vows, the whole thing had made her heart ache. She wanted that kind of love,wanted to make vows with a man who adored her and was committed to a lifetime together.
Unfortunately, Blake was the only man she was interested in. He’d made it more than clear that he wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment and might never be.
She wasn’t about to waste time wishing he’d fall in love with her someday. So no, unless she met someone as right for her as Blake there was no chance of a wedding for her. Imagining herself alone for the rest of her life made her sad all over again.
He glanced at her. “Twenty bucks for your thoughts.”
“Twenty?”
“For inflation.” He grinned.
“Are you upset that Gran and Malcom won’t be at your grand opening?”
“Not really. Grandpop has done so much for me. I know he’s pleased with my success.”
“I was also thinking about Gran and Malcom and how happy they seem.” Afraid she might break into tears again, she lightened up. This wasn’t the time for a self-pity party. “It’s nice they’re taking a honeymoon—as long as I don’t think about what they’ll be doing during it.” She made a face.
As she’d expected, Blake laughed. “We’re almost at Whitney and James’s place. I don’t know about you, but I’m peopled out. Let’s not stay long.”
“But she’s your sister, Blake.”
“And I see her often. Don’t worry, you’ll have time to chat.” He gave her a wicked grin. “I’m more interested in getting you all to myself.”
CHAPTER 26
“Ilike Whitney and James,” Vi commented when Blake ushered her out the couple’s door sometime later. “They seem devoted to each other.”
As Blake had figured, she and his sister had bonded fast. “They’re good people.”
“I enjoyed telling them about the wedding. And those photos. Wow, Blake. Is there anything you’re not good at?”
