Wedding Date in Hot Springs, Arkansas Read online

  She’d hoped Chad would take some time off work to take care of it or at least hire someone to handle it. But no.

  Violet had been the one to get Simon’s crib bedding, and she’d chosen an adorable blue-and-green frog-themed set. It might clash terribly in the bubble-gum room, but Reagan loved it.

  She reached down and smoothed her son’s wispy hair. He didn’t stir. If only she could sleep like that.

  She crossed to Scarlett’s crib and picked her up before she started crying again. Scarlett was a beautiful baby, with rosy cheeks and bright blue eyes. “Let’s go downstairs and let your brother sleep.” Reagan snuggled the baby to her chest and inhaled the sweet smell of her daughter. These would be her last babies, and she knew how fast they grew. They’d be little people before she knew it. It seemed like only yesterday they’d brought Izzy home from the hospital, and now she was in kindergarten.

  Where had the time gone?

  She nestled Scarlett against her and carefully maneuvered the stairs. It was her constant fear—that she’d trip while holding one of the kids.

  “Are you finished with your Goldfish?” she asked Ava Grace once she reached the kitchen.

  “Uh-huh.” Ava Grace grinned. “All done.”

  “Good girl. Do you want to watch Dora for a few minutes?” She’d hoped to never be the kind of mom who encouraged TV, but some days it was a lifesaver.

  She settled Ava Grace in the living room. “Just one show, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  The phone buzzed against the coffee table. “Hello.”

  “Hey, babe.” Chad’s voice sounded muffled. “Just wanted to see how everyone was doing today.”

  “Izzy was well enough to go to school. She took the bus this morning, and Katie’s mom is going to bring her home this afternoon so I don’t have to get the other three out.” It would be an absolute nightmare to load three sick children in the van.

  “That’s nice.”

  The distinct sound of water in the background caught Reagan’s attention. “Where are you?”

  “I’m at the hotel.”

  “Where at the hotel?”

  Silence on the other end confirmed her suspicions. “Chad Michael McClure. Are you at the pool? Tell me that you are not at the pool in Vegas while I am at home with your sick children. And a busted baby monitor.” May as well let him know that he’d be going out to buy a new one as soon as he got home.

  “Don’t middle name me like I’m one of the kids. My flight was delayed for a few hours, and I’ve already checked out of the room. What else am I supposed to do?”

  She couldn’t even form words.

  “Babe. Come on. Don’t be like this. I’ve worked long hours for the past month. If I get the chance to relax at the pool for a few hours before my flight, you should be happy for me.”

  “Yeah.” She fought to keep her voice pleasant in front of the kids. “I’ve barely had a shower in four days. I haven’t been out of the house except for Wednesday when I had to take the kids to the doctor. By myself. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to take four sick children to the doctor?”

  “I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

  She’d heard that before.

  The other line beeped, and she held it out to check the caller ID. “I’ve got to go. Izzy’s school is on the other line.” She hit the button. “Hello?”

  “Mrs. McClure? I hate to call you so close to the end of the day, but we’re going to need you to come pick up Izzy. I guess she isn’t over that virus after all.”

  Reagan took a deep breath. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  She glanced down at her old T-shirt and maternity yoga pants. They’d never actually seen a yoga class, but they sure were comfortable. It would have to do. No way did she have time to change clothes and load three kids into the van.

  All while her husband sat at a pool in Vegas and basked in the sunshine.

  Her life certainly hadn’t turned out the way she’d planned.

  Violet paused outside of the boardroom and smoothed the skirt of her dress. She pasted on a smile and opened the heavy doors.

  “Good of you to make it, Violet.” Mom tapped her watch. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t be here.”

  Violet looked up in surprise. She’d had no idea her mother would be at the meeting. The totally unprecedented nature of her attendance confirmed her suspicions of the meeting’s topic. “I’m not even late. It’s not noon yet.” She gave her mother a quick hug.

  Julia Matthews waved a manicured hand around the boardroom. “But almost everyone else is here. It doesn’t look good, dear, for the boss’s daughter to be so lax about things.”

  I will not roll my eyes. I will remain calm. Violet had been coaching herself around her mother for so many years, it was second nature. “Sorry, Mom.”

  “Hey, y’all,” Amber Matthews said, walking into the room. “Sorry I’m late, Mom.” Violet’s younger sister gave their mother a quick peck on the cheek.

  “Oh, that’s okay, honey. We know how busy you are with school.”

  Typical. Mom reamed her out for not being prompt enough but let Amber slide. Her sister was in her final year of graduate school and was dangerously close to becoming what Violet thought of as a professional student. She wouldn’t be at all surprised if Amber announced she was going for a doctorate next. Their parents might be proud, but Violet suspected it was all a ploy to avoid getting a real job. “Glad to see you, Amber.”

  Amber smiled prettily. “You, too.” Her eyes lit up. “Oh, there’s Landry. He looks so handsome. I picked that suit out myself.”

  Violet followed her sister’s gaze to Landry Baxter, Amber’s boyfriend of three years. Violet and Landry had been friends in law school, and she’d been pleased when he’d joined the firm. She’d introduced him to Amber at the company Christmas party, and the rest was history.

  She nodded at her sister and hurried to take an empty seat.

  “Any idea what this is about?” Ryan Harpeth asked from across the table, a worried look on his face. He’d just started with the firm and had done his undergraduate work at Harding University, just like Violet.

  She shook her head. “I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.” She grinned. “So you can relax.”

  “I haven’t been here long enough to know if these meetings are common or not,” he explained. “But Kelsey was making a big deal about it this morning when I came in, asking if I’d heard anything.”

  Violet laughed. “She just likes to stay on top of things.” More likely she’d wanted an excuse to talk to Ryan.

  “Thanks for coming, everyone.” Sampson Matthews always liked to make a grand entrance. Today was no different. He strode into the room and took his place at the head of the table. “I won’t keep you long, but there is a bit of business to discuss.”

  Violet had always admired her father’s ability to command attention. It was part of what made him such a great lawyer. He thrived on cases that went to trial. Violet had always preferred to settle out of court. She’d never been comfortable in her role, never felt as in command as her father always appeared. But she’d worked hard nonetheless and had a lot of success during her years with the firm.

  “Everyone here knows the history of this firm. My daddy founded it right out of law school, and it was an honor to come and work for him once I completed my own law degree.” He shot a smile in Violet’s direction. “And I’m thrilled that a third generation of the Matthews family is part of the firm today.”

  Violet sat up straight. This was it.

  “Legacy and history are important to us here at Matthews Law. So when it came time to add another partner, I didn’t take the decision lightly.”

  Violet grinned.

  “That is why it is with great honor that I announce Landry Baxter as the newest partner in the firm.”

  Applause rang out all over the room. Violet forced her hands to clap, but it was like banging two concrete blocks togethe
r. She couldn’t believe her dad had chosen Landry over her.

  “Thanks, everyone.” Landry stood up, a huge grin on his face. “Of course, I’m thrilled to begin my new role here and am honored that Mr. Matthews is placing such confidence in me.”

  Another round of applause. Violet caught sight of Amber’s gleeful face. She should’ve known her sister wouldn’t be here for her. How could she have been so off the mark?

  Once her father adjourned the meeting, Violet peeled herself off the chair and started toward the door. Maybe she could get out of here without having to speak to anyone, have Kelsey take messages for the rest of the day, and sneak out early.

  “Violet,” Mom called, waving her over. “Be at the house at six sharp tonight, okay? We’re having a little celebration.”

  A celebration for Landry. Of course. “Oh, I don’t know.”

  “Do you want Landry to think you aren’t happy for him?” Mom raised an eyebrow. “You know how much he means to your sister.”

  Violet sighed. “Fine. I’ll see you at six.” She hurried out the door and to her office, wondering why the day had blown up in her face.

  Chapter 3

  Violet Matthews: YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED. DAD MADE LANDRY PARTNER INSTEAD OF ME. I’M SURE MOM AND AMBER PUT HIM UP TO IT. I NEED CHOCOLATE. (Text message sent August 20, 2:46 p.m.)

  Reagan McClure: NO WAY. THAT STINKS. IF IT MAKES YOU FEEL ANY BETTER, MY HUSBAND IS SUNNING HIMSELF AT A VEGAS POOL AND IZZY IS THROWING UP AGAIN. TRADE LIVES? (Text message sent August 20, 3:52 p.m.)

  Reagan put the final load of laundry in the washing machine and started the cycle. Few things satisfied her more than emptying the hamper. And with four small children, it was a rare occurrence.

  “Anybody home?” Chad poked his head into the laundry room.

  She nodded. “I’m always home. Unless I’m picking someone up, dropping someone off, or at the grocery store.” If he hadn’t had a sunburned nose, she probably could’ve kept her cool.

  “Still mad?” He tossed a pile of clothes into the hamper she’d just emptied.

  Reagan stared at her husband. He’d known her for fifteen years, since their freshman year of college. He should know her better. Shouldn’t he? “I had to load the kids up and go pick up Izzy after I talked to you. She still has a touch of the stomach flu. The baby monitor isn’t working. Ava Grace pulled Simon across the nursery by his leg, so someday when he doesn’t walk right, it will be because I had to go to the bathroom and leave them alone for a second.” She ticked off the highlights of her day. “And you hung out at a pool. Tell me what sounds fair about that?”

  At least he had the decency to look sheepish. “Sorry you’ve had a tough time. But I’m here now.” Chad grinned. “Didn’t you miss me a little?” He raised his eyebrows up and down.

  She shrugged. No reason to further emphasize how poorly she’d handled her stint as a single parent. “Did you miss me?”

  “Of course. I wish you’d gone with me.”

  Reagan crossed her arms and leaned against the washing machine. “Easy for you to say, considering we both know that wasn’t possible.” She wouldn’t be going anywhere anytime soon, or at least as long as the twins were still nursing.

  “I can’t win.” Chad raked a hand through his blond hair. “There’s no pleasing you these days.” He jerked his chin toward the doorway. “Are the kids asleep?”

  “Naps for all.” Except me. There were precious few minutes to tackle the never-ending list of chores that needed to be done. Whoever had come up with the adage of sleeping when the baby slept must not have had other children to look after. Or a husband whose idea of helping out meant throwing his clothes in the hamper instead of on the floor.

  Chad tugged on his tie. “I think a nap sounds like a great idea. Wake me before dinner, okay?”

  She watched him go. There’d been a time not that long ago when he’d have suggested she join him, especially if the kids were napping. But not anymore.

  Reagan glanced down at her stained shirt that couldn’t hide the post-pregnancy belly that hadn’t seemed to shrink as much as it did with the last one. Twins were harder on the body than she’d expected. Couple that with no makeup and hair that hadn’t been properly washed and dried in what seemed like forever and it was no wonder Chad was content to nap alone.

  She blinked back the hot tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks.

  How had things gotten to this point? And more importantly, was there any way to keep them from getting worse?

  Jackson poured himself a second cup of coffee and sat back down at his desk to look at the specs for a building he thought might be perfect for one of his projects. He’d been wooing a large appliance company for the better part of six months, trying to get them to open their new warehouse just outside of Little Rock. It would be a huge coup for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to land the company, but Jackson was concerned. During their last meeting, he’d sensed some hesitation from the project manager. But maybe finding this building would satisfy the man. It more than fit their specifications.

  His assistant’s voice crackled over the phone’s intercom. “Mr. Stratford, there’s someone here to see you.”

  He picked up the receiver. “I didn’t know I had anyone scheduled.”

  “He says his name is Ricky Bobby, but that can’t be right,” Sheila whispered. “I think that’s the name of a character from a Will Ferrell movie.”

  Jackson burst out laughing. “Send him in. I’ll explain later.” He and Jeff had used the same running joke for years. Always a different movie character name whenever they made restaurant reservations or just to mess with unsuspecting receptionists.

  “Check you out,” Jeff Galloway said from the doorway. “Cute assistant, big fancy office. Not that anyone would’ve expected anything different.”

  Jackson grinned. “Sheila’s married with two kids, so don’t get any ideas. And this office will do for now, but I’m hoping for bigger and better things down the road.” He motioned toward a leather seat that sat opposite his desk. “Sit down and tell me what brings you here.” Jeff and Jackson had been friends since they were assigned to the same little league team in the sixth grade. Even so, Jeff had never made an office visit.

  “I’ve got news.” Jeff leaned back in the chair. “Big news that I think you’re gonna like.”

  Uh-oh. If Jeff’s wife had another fix-up in mind for him, he’d be hard pressed to get out of it. A few years ago she’d insisted he go out with one of her coworkers, and the night had been a disaster. “Should I be nervous? Is Lauren in a matchmaking mood again?”

  Jeff burst out laughing. “Are you kidding? After the way things went with you and Marie, I’m pretty sure she’ll never let you get within ten feet of another of her friends.”

  “Marie. That was her name. I couldn’t remember. She’s a sixth-grade science teacher.”

  Jeff shook his head. “No. She’s a first-grade music teacher. No wonder things didn’t go well if that’s as much attention as you paid her.”

  “We were a total mismatch to begin with. She was not impressed by me at all. Made no effort to hide it.” He sighed. “Didn’t help any when a girl I’d just gone out with ended up being our waitress.”

  “The way Marie told it, you were so busy ogling the waitress that you didn’t even realize she’d left the table and called a cab.”

  “Pretty much sums it up.” Jackson shrugged. He’d told Lauren he wasn’t interested, but she’d insisted. “Left me with two plates of food to eat though.” He grinned. “So what’s the big news?”

  “I’m here in an official capacity as a member of the Brookwood Christian School’s board to let you know that you are going to be named our Alumnus of the Year at this year’s centennial homecoming celebration.”

  Jackson shook his head. “Don’t mess with me.”

  “I’m not. It was unanimous. Your family has such a legacy with the school, and your financial con
tributions mean a lot.” He shrugged. “Plus you’ve volunteered a lot of time over the years, too.”

  A slow grin spread across Jackson’s face. “My dad received that award when I was in junior high. The plaque hung on the wall in his office until last year.” Walter Stratford’s untimely death had been a shock to all, but especially to Jackson. “Now Mom has it hanging in the living room. She says it was one of his proudest achievements.”

  Jeff frowned. “How’s your mom doing?”

  “Still adjusting. We all are, I guess.”

  “That’s to be expected.” Jeff tapped his fingers against the arm of the chair. “I should get going. I just wanted to give you the news in person.” He stood. “I’ll e-mail you more information. The event is in mid-January, so it’s still a few months off. There’ll be a big dinner and silent auction on the Friday night before the homecoming basketball game on Saturday. We’d like for you to give the address that night. Talk about whatever you’d like.” He turned to go, then turned back to face Jackson. “I do have one message for you from Lauren.”

  Jackson groaned.

  Jeff laughed and held up his hands. “She wants you to call her. And if you don’t, she will track you down.” He grinned. “And she’s the queen of tracking people down. If you don’t believe me, ask her kindergarten best friend who she just found on Facebook. The poor girl lives somewhere in Wyoming and barely even remembers living in Arkansas when she was five.”

  Jackson told his friend good-bye and settled back at his desk. Alumnus of the Year. It didn’t seem right that he was even old enough to receive such an award.

  He did some quick math. He’d been fourteen when his dad received the award, and his dad had been…thirty-five. That couldn’t be right. Could it?

  He was thirty-five.

  The same age his dad had been when he’d received the honor. Yet his dad had seemed so…settled. So grown up. He’d had a wife and two kids.

  Jackson couldn’t help but compare.

  His dad had looked out at a table full of loved ones cheering for him when he’d given his speech.