Page 102 of The Oscar Escape
“Landon, Harper, I’m sorry I didn’t speak with you first and ask for Aria’s hand.”
“Um, Oscar,” Aria said with a distinct eat-worms bend to her words.
“Yeah,” he answered, preparing for the onslaught.
Harper wiped away a cascade of tears. “You hear that tone, don’t you, Oscar?”
“I do.”
“You know you’re in for it, right?” the woman blubbered.
“Yup.”
Aria lifted her chin. “My aunt Harper understands that my hand is my hand, and I alone decide who gets it.”
“I meant it as a kind gesture—a courtesy,” he tried to explain, but it was useless.
“How about we say that regardless of how it happened,” Aria’s uncle Landon said gently, like a man who’d lived in a house with two strong women and had mastered the subtle art of treading lightly, “that your aunt and I couldn’t imagine a better match for you.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Kids, this is wonderful news,” Charlotte gushed, entering the frame. She glanced off-camera. “Mitch, sweetheart, are you crying?”
“Daddy’s crying,” Ivy reported.
“Your father is delighted and touched,” Charlotte reported, then looked beyond the camera. “Actually, every man here is crying.”
“We hope you aren’t disappointed that we did this without you,” Aria said, dialing down the sass a few notches.
“Not at all,” his stepmother reassured them. “We love you both so much, and if there was ever a crew who understands that love often leads you down a path you weren’t expecting, it’s us. We’ll have all the time in the world to celebrate when you’re both back in Denver.”
Denver. Usually, the name of their hometown brought him comfort, but not tonight. It was as if the syllables threatened to pierce their Havenmatch Island happiness.
Aria’s body tensed—or perhaps it was him.
They’d be fine when they left the island. No, better than fine. They were married and loved each other. This place wasn’t the force holding them together. Their bond was forged from their love and commitment to each other.
“So, can I come and see you, Ozzy Bear?” Ivy asked as she reclaimed the phone. “Mommy and Daddy said it was okay, and Ms. Madelyn said I can pick whatever treat I want, and they’ll have it on her plane.” She skipped to where Madelyn was seated on the couch and nestled in beside the matchmaker. “Can they do caramel apples, Ms. Madelyn?”
Caramel apples.
The muscles in his chest tightened as he pictured the scene that had haunted him for years. He exhaled a slow breath and tucked away the memories.
“They can make whatever you like, dear,” the woman answered, then peered into the camera. “Are you all right, Oscar?”
“Yeah, yes.” He drank in Aria. Just seeing her centered him. “I’ve never been better.”
“Congratulations to you both,” the matchmaker continued. “Your sweet escape seems to agree with you.”
“It does. We’re quite fond of this island.” Aria replied, then chewed her lip. “Madelyn, have you spoken to Inez or Dominic?”
Oscar’s heart nearly stopped. Denver. Caramel apples. The words hit like pebbles striking glass, threatening to crack the smooth surface. And now Aria was about to ask about her tour.
Madelyn raised an eyebrow. “I visited with them a few days ago. We’re having lunch tomorrow. Why, dear?”
“Did Dom mention anything about . . .”
The breath caught in Oscar’s throat.Crack!It was like the stones were striking his heart.
“No, never mind,” Aria said with a shake of her head. “When you see them, will you tell them how well Oscar and I are doing?”
