“Yep, I’m guessing it was the same guy. Apparently he’s staying in a cabin down by the river.”
“Oh, okay.” There had been something oddly familiar about him that she couldn’t put her finger on. “Not local, then?”
“No, I think he’s from California. He had a secretary or someone call in the order for him.”
“Oh, hmmm . . . May I ask his name?”
“Richard is all I know. Seems like a real nice guy, though. He sure is sweet on Maggie,” Gabby replied.
“Good for her.”
“Well, I can see why. She’s one of those people who just lights up a room, you know?”
“Kinda like you, Gabby.”
“Oh, go on . . .”
“I’m serious. I’m surprised that some local boy hasn’t snatched you up.”
Gabby dropped her gaze for a minute and then shrugged “Maggie says that my prince will come someday. But, hey, I sure do love having my own shop. Speaking of, I’d better get on back. I’m lookin’ forward to doing weddings with you, Addison!”
“Me too, Gabby.” Addison walked her to the door and gave her a quick hug. She was such a sweet girl with a bubbly personality. Gabby was going to be fun to work with. The warm sunshine on Addison’s face prompted her to prop open the door and let in the fresh air. She waved to Nicolina, who was doing the same thing.
“Gorgeous day!” Nicolina called to her.
“Sure is!”
“Let’s get the girls together for lunch or maybe cocktails soon.”
“I’d like that,” Addison called back. She made a mental note to ask Gabby if she’d like to join them.
Addison went back inside to her task. A shipment of bridesmaid’s sample dresses was due in late that afternoon. Sometime during the week Mia and Savannah were both coming in to try on some wedding gowns. Humming along with the music, Addison bent over to get the last of the headpieces out of the box.
“Would you look at how beautiful this is!” said a female voice that sent excitement rushing through Addison. Mom?
“Did you have any doubt?” answered the unmistakable voice of her father.
“Mom? Dad?” Addison stood up so fast that her head hit the inside of the cardboard box and she fell backward, landing on her butt. The tiara that she was holding slid across the hardwood floor, stopping at her mother’s feet.
“Check this out.” With a laugh her father picked it up and placed it on her mother’s head. “Suits you, my beautiful Indian princess.”
She gave him a shove but looked into a nearby mirror. “Oh, I believe it does.”
Addison watched them for a moment. There was something different in the way they were acting toward each other.
Her mother held out her arms. “Are you going to come over here and give us a hug? We’ve missed our baby girl so much!”
With a little squeal of delight Addison scrambled to her feet and ran over to her parents. “I didn’t know you were coming!”
“We wanted it to be a surprise,” her father explained, and gave her a huge hug, lifting her up and spinning her around like when she was a child.
“Mom!” Addison turned to her mother and hugged her in a dancing circle. “Look at you and Dad—so tan! Did you enjoy Hawaii?”
“Your dad had to drag me from work but I’m so glad he did. We had a wonderful, relaxing time.” She leaned over and snaked her arm around his waist. “Just what we needed.”
“This is awesome that you’re here!” Addison nearly jumped up and down with excitement. “I can’t believe it! What do you think? Do you like it?” Addison grabbed her mother’s hand. “Do you?”
She tilted her head to the side and laughed. “No, I don’t like it, Addison. I love it! Give us a grand tour!”
Her father pointed to his camera. “Do you mind if I take pictures?”
Addison shook her head, bubbling over with excitement. “No, of course not. Just make sure you send them to me.” She led them through the shop, chattering on about every detail. Her parents gushed at everything, making her nearly burst with pride. She stopped at the display of jewelry. “These pieces were made by Nicolina, Uncle Mitch’s wife.”
“Oh, simply beautiful. I’m very impressed. You know how I adore unique jewelry.”
“Her shop is in Wedding Row too. You should go see it. How long are you here for?”
Her mother pulled a face. “Oh, sweetie, just for tonight, I’m afraid. I have to speak at a conference tomorrow in Nashville, so we rented a car and we’re planning on driving there in the morning.”
Addison raised her eyebrows. “We?”
“Yes, I promised your dad that if he would travel with me more often I’d cut back and stay home more often.” She looked up at him. “After Hawaii we decided that we liked traveling and spending time together.”
He chuckled. “Well, now, Mel. Imagine that.”
Her mother smiled up at him. “I do think absence has made my heart grow fonder.”
His answer was to lean down and give her a quick kiss.
“You guys are so cute.” Addison’s heart swelled. Seeing the rekindled love in her parents’ eyes gave her a surge of hope. She’d known that her mother’s busy work schedule was taking a toll on their marriage. “So the Hawaii trip did the trick? At least something good came out of my engagement to Garret.”
“Have you heard from the little twerp?” her mother wanted to know.
“Mel . . .”
“Sorry. I just . . . Oh, never mind.”
“Not a peep,” Addison answered. “I’m not even sure if his reality show is actually going to happen.”
“I sure hope not,” her father grumbled. “People should pick up a good book instead of watching that crap.”
“Dad, I couldn’t agree more. Not only that, but Garret is actually a talented musician. He could do so much more with his life. But that’s no longer my worry,” Addison said, and then changed the subject. “Why don’t you go upstairs and check out my loft apartment? It has a river view.”
“I’d rather see it with you,” her mother answered. “Why don’t we come back later and have appetizers? I’ll bring them. We want to head over and see the stadium and track down Mitch for lunch. How late are you open, sweetie?”
“Only until five tonight. My hours will get longer when business picks up.”
“Well, then, let’s do appetizers and then go out to dinner,” her mother suggested. “Don’t you agree, Paul?”
He nodded. “I’ll call Mitch and see if he and Nicolina can join us. I’m sure Mia will want to come too.”
“Sounds good!” Addison said. “I’m beyond excited to see you both.” She walked them to the door and did another happy dance, but then paused. Should she invite Reid? Would asking him to meet her parents be too forward? And what would her parents think about her already seeing someone new?
Addison walked over and sat down in the big chair where Reid had massaged her feet. She couldn’t walk past it without thinking of him.
“Hey there, Addie. Why are you looking so glum?”
Addison looked up to see Mia walking toward her. “Do I look sad?”
Mia sat down on the ottoman. “Well, more like pensive. Dad just called and said that your parents are in town.”
“You just missed them.”
“Well, then, why the sad puppy-dog face? Aren’t you glad to see them?”
“Yes, I’m super-pumped! Mom always did like surprises. What brings you here?”
“Oh, I have someone interested in a wedding. I could have called but I wanted to get out of the office for a little bit. After losing in extra innings last night both Noah and Ty were grumpy.”
“ I still haven’t used the tickets that Reid and I won. I’ve been meaning to do that.”
Mia reached inside her purse. “Here’s a schedule.”
“Hey, bring me a stack and I’ll put them on the front counter.”