Wedding Date in Hot Springs, Arkansas Read online

  Who would Jackson have?

  The answer wasn’t a pretty one.

  Chapter 4

  Amber Matthews: VI, PLEASE DON’T BE LATE FOR LANDRY’S PARTY. AND ALSO, DON’T WEAR ANYTHING GREEN. LANDRY AND I ARE BOTH WEARING GREEN, AND I DON’T WANT ANYONE ELSE TO WEAR IT BECAUSE IT WILL SPOIL THE PICTURES. THANKS. (Text message sent August 20, 4:59 p.m.)

  Violet pulled into her parents’ driveway and turned off the engine. At least the day couldn’t get worse.

  An older model Buick pulled in behind her. Mom hadn’t mentioned her grandparents would be at the party.

  Violet climbed out of her SUV and smoothed her skirt. She’d run home after work to let her dog go outside and to change into something besides her new green dress. She had a feeling if she’d been wearing blue today when Amber had seen her, it would’ve been blue that had been prohibited tonight. It was too much trouble to fight her sister though.

  “Hey, Grandma.” Violet hugged her grandmother as soon as the elderly woman got out of the car.

  Rose Wallingford smiled at her oldest grandchild. “I’m so glad to see you, Violet. I wasn’t sure if you’d be here or not.”

  “If Mom had told me you were coming, I would’ve been a lot happier about being here.”

  Grandma laughed and patted Violet’s arm. “Oh, honey. Julia told me that Sampson made Landry partner in the firm.” She leaned closer to Violet. “Might be the best thing that ever happened to you,” she whispered. “I have an idea we need to discuss.”

  Before Violet could find out what her grandmother was talking about, a sullen teenage girl climbed out of the backseat. Her Goth style startled Violet. What was this girl doing with Grandma?

  “Violet, I’d like you to meet Shadow Simmons. You might remember her grandmother, Betty Kemp from next door,” Grandma said.

  Violet watched as Betty climbed out of the passenger side. “Nice to meet you, Shadow.” She could see the teenager was pretty underneath the dark hair, dark eyeliner, and black clothes. “Hi, Mrs. Kemp,” she said as the older woman came to stand next to Grandma.

  “Hello, dear.” Mrs. Kemp smiled. “I guess you’ve met my girl.” She put an arm around Shadow, but the girl shrugged her away. “She’s living with me and Oliver for the school year. It’s so nice to have a young person in the house again.”

  Violet vaguely remembered that the Kemps’ only daughter had been killed in an accident a few years ago. Shadow must be her daughter. “I’m sure it is.” She smiled at Shadow. “How do you like living in Hot Springs?”

  Shadow stared at her with dark-rimmed eyes. “You’ve been there. It’s boring. My dad sent me to live with them so he can focus on his new family.” She frowned.

  Mrs. Kemp didn’t miss a beat. “That’s why we’re here tonight. To break up the boring week.”

  Grandma smiled at Violet. “Your grandfather couldn’t make it tonight, so I was glad for the company.” She motioned toward the house. “We’d better get inside. Julia and Amber will be wondering what’s keeping us.”

  Violet followed them up the path. She couldn’t wait to see Amber’s face when an angry Goth teenager walked in to Landry’s celebratory dinner.

  It more than made up for not being able to wear her new dress.

  And then some.

  Jackson stood outside of Main Street Bakery and waited for Lauren. He’d called her soon after Jeff left, and she’d asked him to meet her here on the way home from work.

  “There you are, the second most handsome man to ever grace the halls of Brookwood Christian.” Lauren grinned. “Actually, scratch that and make it the third. Bennett started kindergarten last week.” She gave Jackson a hug. “Can you believe my baby is old enough to be in school?”

  Jackson shook his head. “I sure can’t. It seems like just yesterday we were there, doesn’t it?” Jackson had known Lauren even longer than he’d known Jeff. She’d been in his class from the very start, way back when he’d worn Garanimals and carried a Dukes of Hazzard lunch box. Aside from his dad, Bo Duke had been his hero. Every now and then he still had the urge to slide into a car through the open window.

  “Have you ever been here?” she asked, motioning toward the bakery. “It’s one of our favorites. Jeff loves their buttercream frosting, and the kids think no dinner out is complete without dessert from this place.”

  Jackson held the door open for her, and the sweet scent of fresh-baked goods invaded his senses. “Nope. I’ve seen it on my way home but never stopped.”

  “Well you’re in for a treat.”

  They ordered cupcakes and coffee, and Lauren led him to a table in the corner. “So how have you been?” she asked once they were seated.

  He shrugged. “Okay. Busy with work. You know the drill.”

  “I do.” She took a bite of her chocolate cupcake.

  Jackson eyed her suspiciously. “What’s this meeting all about anyway?”

  “Can’t I just get together with an old friend without raising an alarm?” she asked.

  He narrowed his eyes. “No. Your husband comes to my office today to give me good news, news I’m sure you know about. For all I know, you’re the one who nominated me. And he tells me I need to get in touch with you or you’ll relentlessly track me down like you did to some poor girl in Wyoming.” He grinned. “Who was it anyway? That weird girl who ate glue and accidentally got locked in the janitor’s closet?”

  Lauren laughed. “That was Suzy Jenkins. And for your information, I didn’t nominate you. Mrs. Chastain did.”

  “The librarian? I thought she hated me.” Freshman year he’d put a fake mouse in one of the card catalogue drawers. Mrs. Chastain had made him sweep the library every afternoon for three weeks to make up for it.

  “Guess not. Or maybe she’s got a nice granddaughter she wants to fix you up with.” Lauren grinned mischievously.

  Jackson groaned. “Why don’t you have your friend Marie have a talk with her. That’ll nip it in the bud.”

  “I’m impressed that you remember her name.”

  He didn’t have the heart to tell her Jeff had reminded him of it earlier at the office. “What do you think I am? Some kind of Neanderthal?”

  She cocked her head. “Well…”

  Jackson rolled his eyes. “Seriously. What’s the deal here?”

  “You won’t like this much. But hear me out.”

  He already didn’t like the sound of things. “What?”

  “I talked to Kathleen the other night. She and I decided one of us had to have this talk with you.” Lauren grinned. “And I lost.”

  “Great. What kind of scheme have you two cooked up this time?” Lauren and his sister had been inseparable growing up. Even though Kathleen lived in Memphis now, they still saw each other often.

  “It’s about the award. More specifically the dinner.”

  “If you’re worried I’ll say something off-color in my speech, don’t worry. I’ll be on my best behavior. Wouldn’t want to let Mrs. Chastain down, after all.”

  She frowned. “That’s not it. We’re more worried about who you’re going to bring.”

  He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “I won’t embarrass the family, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “Jackson, you’re a grown man. You’ll be thirty-six in a few months.”

  “Easy now. Don’t put me in the ground before it’s my time.” His joke fell flat.

  Lauren took a sip of her coffee. “The last time you double-dated with me and Jeff, do you remember what happened?”

  He might’ve known she’d bring it up. “Do we have to rehash this?”

  “Yes.” She raised an eyebrow and gave him a stern look. “That girl, bless her heart, was sweet. And very pretty. But let me just say that it’s hard to take someone seriously as a real prospect for you when it turns out that I was her babysitter when I was sixteen.”

  It had been a nightmare. “She was only ten years younger.”

  Lauren shook her head. “
It’s not even about age. If you were going out with someone ten years younger than you who was a good match for you—who liked the things you do and could carry on an actual conversation—I’d be all for it.” She shrugged. “But for some reason you choose to go out with girls you know there’s no future with.”

  She had a point, but he wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction. His lunch date with Whitney had really hit home with him today. “What exactly do you want me to do?”

  “Think about the future. As far as I know, you’ve never been serious about anyone. You deserve more than that, Jackson. Jeff thinks so, too, but he’d never be so blunt as to tell you.” She grinned. “He’s lucky to have me, huh?”

  Jackson chuckled. “I guess.”

  “So you promise? No bubble-headed girls at the awards banquet. You’ve got several months to find someone suitable. Someone you can be proud of to have at your table.” She smiled. “Someone who cares about you for who you are, not the car you drive or how much money you make.”

  He’d never thought of himself as the kind of guy who had bad luck with women. In fact, he’d rather enjoyed himself over the years. He dated whenever he wanted, never got serious, and walked away unscathed. Not a bad way to live. “Fine. I promise to bring a suitable woman to the dinner. I’ll leave the—what did you call them?” He grinned. “The bubble-headed girls behind for one night.”

  She sighed. “One night is a start.”

  It would have to be. Because while he might be able to admit that he was a little behind the curve on the “happily ever after” life that so many of his friends had found, that his dad had possessed when he was thirty-five, Jackson wasn’t convinced it was the life for him.

  Chapter 5

  Reagan McClure: CHAD MADE IT HOME WITH A NICE SUNBURN FROM THE POOL. NOW HE’S NAPPING WHILE I COOK. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? (Text message sent August 20, 5:28 p.m.)

  Violet Matthews: SORRY. HANG IN THERE. I HAVE A GREAT STORY TO TELL YOU LATER THAT INCLUDES A TEENAGE GOTH, AMBER, AND SOME STINKY CHEESE. YOU’LL LOVE IT. (Text message sent August 20, 7:02 p.m.)

  Violet took a seat at the table between Grandma and Shadow. “Looks good, doesn’t it?” she asked. From the fresh flowers in the center to the fancy china, it looked like Martha Stewart herself had planned the party.

  “It sure does.” Grandma placed her napkin in her lap. “It isn’t every day I have such a fancy dinner.” She took a sip of sweet tea. “Your grandpa and I hardly ever sit at the dining table anymore.” She grinned. “Most of the time we eat on TV trays and watch Wheel of Fortune. I guess we’ve turned uncouth in our old age.”

  Violet laughed. “I don’t know about that.”

  “Are those…lobster?” Shadow asked in a disgusted tone when Amber placed a heaping platter in the center of the table. “Because I don’t eat that.”

  Betty frowned at her granddaughter. “No need to broadcast it, dear.” She lowered her voice to a still-audible whisper. “I don’t either. We’ll drive through McDonald’s on our way back to Hot Springs.”

  “What’s with the weird food they have?” Shadow whispered back. “Haven’t they heard of normal stuff like chicken or pizza?”

  Violet fought back a smile. Shadow had started out trying to be a good sport until Amber had insisted everyone taste the cheese she’d gotten at a gourmet food store. It stunk to high heaven. Amber had looked positively murderous when Shadow had declared it tasted like feet. “I promise you that I didn’t grow up eating stinky cheese and lobster on a regular basis,” Violet explained. “I’m guessing my sister planned the menu.”

  “Yes she did.” Mom walked into the dining room in time to hear the end of Violet’s statement. “And she’s done an excellent job.”

  Once everyone was seated and Dad had offered thanks, Landry stood up. “Thanks so much for coming tonight to celebrate the second best day of my life.”

  Second best? If he said meeting Amber was the best, she might just gag.

  Amber jumped up and grabbed his arm, a giant grin on her face. Her green sundress exactly matched his polo shirt.

  “In fact, we have a little announcement to make,” Landry said.

  Amber thrust her left hand out and revealed a huge diamond. “We’re engaged!” she squealed.

  Everyone around the table offered their congratulations, but Violet froze. She’d always assumed that as the oldest she’d be the first to marry. Of course she’d also assumed Dad would make her partner in the firm. Lesson learned: don’t assume, even if it seems logical.

  Grandma nudged her.

  All eyes were on Violet, waiting for her response. She blushed. “Wonderful news!” She mustered up all the enthusiasm she possibly could. “I’m so happy for you both.”

  Amber smiled, appeased. “Thanks.” She and Landry sat back down. “The wedding will be in December. I know it’s quick, but we hate to spend another day apart. Right before Christmas will be perfect.”

  Of course. Violet had always hoped to have her own wedding around Christmas. Amber had always said she wanted a traditional June wedding. “Really?”

  Amber’s blue eyes flashed. “Really.”

  Violet turned her attention to the lobster. She really was happy for her sister. But seeing Amber’s happiness and security with Landry only reminded Violet of what was missing in her own life.

  Reagan turned on the sound machine in the nursery, and soothing sounds of the ocean filled the room. Scarlett must be the lightest sleeper in the world. Couple that with the world’s loudest older sisters living down the hall, and the machine was a lifesaver.

  “Everybody down?” Chad asked as she walked into the living room.

  She nodded. “Yes. Thank goodness.”

  “Rough few days, huh?” Chad propped his feet up on the coffee table and flipped the channel to ESPN.

  Reagan set the laundry basket on the couch. “Can you fold these towels while I go get the rest of the laundry out of the dryer?”

  Chad didn’t respond.

  “Please?”

  Nothing.

  “I’m going to be out of town next week, and I’ll need you to keep the kids.”

  Chad peeled his eyes away from SportsCenter. “Huh?”

  She frowned. “Fold. The. Laundry.” She enunciated every word and pointed to the basket. “Please.”

  He made a face but picked up a towel. “By the way,” he said as she started toward the laundry room. “I fixed the baby monitor.”

  She stopped. “You did?” She smiled. “I’m surprised you remembered I’d mentioned it wasn’t working.”

  He grinned. “It wasn’t working because it was unplugged. Before you freak out about something being broken, maybe you should check to make sure it’s plugged in.”

  Rookie mothering mistake. She should’ve thought to check that before complaining to Chad. He’d never let her live it down. “I’ll bet Ava Grace is responsible. No matter how many times I tell her to stay away from outlets, she doesn’t always listen.”

  “Great. One of our children is going to get electrocuted someday because they don’t listen to you.”

  Reagan’s eyes filled with tears. Stupid hormones. Why couldn’t she just get angry without also being emotional? “Well I’m sorry you think they’re so unsafe at home with a mother like me. Would you rather put them all in daycare? Because I’d be happy to go back to work.”

  He regarded her for a long moment. “You know that isn’t what I meant.”

  “Sounded like it to me.”

  Chad sighed. “Come on, Reagan. Don’t fight with me. I’m tired, you’re tired. We’ll just say stuff we can’t take back.”

  At least they’d be talking. It had been months since the two of them had engaged in a conversation about anything other than the kids. “Just fold the laundry. I need to get the rest of the clothes out of the dryer and fix Izzy’s lunch box for tomorrow. Hopefully today was the end of the virus.” She watched as Chad haphazardly folded a towel. He didn’t even make the
corners match up. “I’ll do that tomorrow.” She took the basket from the couch. “Just forget it.”

  He shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He clicked the OFF button on the remote. “I’m going to bed.”

  “Can you take Izzy to school in the morning?”

  He stood up and groaned. “You know that puts me to the office later than I like.” Chad worked as an HR manager for Baptist Health, one of the largest employers in the state.

  “I hate to put her on the bus. Besides, I know she’d love the extra time with you on the way to school.”

  He shook his head. “Tomorrow is not a good day. It’s my first day without an assistant, and my day is going to be crazy.”

  “What happened to Barbara?” The older woman had worked closely with Chad since he started the position.

  “She retired. I told you that.”

  Reagan shook her head. “I’d remember that. I would’ve taken the kids to say good-bye. She’s been so nice to us.” When Barbara found out Reagan was carrying twins, she’d brought several days’ worth of frozen casseroles and made Reagan promise to use them on days when she was too exhausted to think about cooking. They’d been gone before she was halfway through her second trimester.

  “I’ll give you her home e-mail address. I’m sure she’d love to hear from you.” He motioned toward their bedroom. “I’m headed to bed now.” Chad disappeared into the bedroom before she had the chance to ask any more questions.

  She tried to ignore the pang of uncertainty. It wasn’t like him to forget to tell her something like that. And she didn’t like the way he’d gone to bed in the middle of their conversation.

  Her buzzing phone put a stop to her pity party.

  “You are not going to believe this,” Violet said.

  Reagan cradled the phone against her ear and carried the basket into the laundry room. “What happened?”

  “They’re engaged. Engaged. Kill. Me. Now.”

  Reagan couldn’t help but laugh. “I didn’t realize it was so serious. I guess Landry being made partner makes more sense now though, huh?”