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After three of the parents were seated, a pretty woman walked in wearing a stunning pink dress and holding a sweet bouquet.She stood by the minister and then the music changed to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.”
Audrey appeared holding onto her father’s arm.The simple white sleeveless dress embraced her torso and then fell in silky folds to her ankles.She wore a tiny tiara of flowers in her hair, and I had the feeling once again of sensing an angelic person.Her blue eyes were lit with excitement and the look of love she sent Nate had his eyes watering along with those of us in the audience.
Pleasantly surprised by the simple elegance of the wedding, I left the room to check in with Lorraine before leaving the hotel to go home,
CHAPTER TWENTY
Vaughn met me at the door when I arrived home, “Good evening, Mrs.Sanders.May I interest you in a dinner date at your favorite French restaurant?”
“That sounds delicious.What about Robbie?”
“He’s already consumed two hamburgers and fries and coleslaw at his favorite place,” said Vaughn chuckling.“Now, he’s next door playing video games with Brett.”
“Perfect,” I said.“I really need a break.It’s been tough having Rhonda gone for a couple of days.”As I said the words, I realized how true it was.She was a business partner in every sense.Being able to talk through situations with her relieved a lot of stress.I was the worrier; she was the comforter.
“Come here.”Vaughn pulled me into his arms and wrapped me in them.“Sounds like this is the right evening to fuss over you.I’m glad I’m here to do it.I heard from my agent, and he wants me to film a commercial in the Rocky Mountains sometime next week.It shouldn’t take long, but I’ll be away for a few days.”
“Then I’m very glad we have this time together.When are our dinner reservations?”
“Any time after I’ve had a chance to have you to myself.Margot atAndré’sis holding a table for us.”
“Oh, perfect,” I said, lifting my face for a much-needed kiss.
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André’s was tucked into a small alleyway downtown.The owners, Margot and André Durand, were friends of Jean-Luc’s and were supporters of ours.
After we were seated, Vaughn and I shared a bottle of wine.
The aroma of butter and garlic filled the air and my nostrils as I gazed at the menu.Making love with Vaughn had helped to settle my nerves, but I still had to get through the wedding breakfast tomorrow before I could relax.
Margot came over to us.“Have you decided what you want?”
“I’m going to have theratatouille,” I said.
“Excellent.We had delivery of some fresh vegetables especially for it.”
“Is yourcoq au vinas delicious as always?”Vaughn said to her, grinning.
“When we heard you were in town, André and I made sure of it,” said Margo, chuckling.It had become a joke that no matter what else was on the menu, Vaughn ordered coq au vin.
Margot left, and Vaughn sat back in his chair and studied me.“It’s nice to see you smile.I wish there was something I could do to help you deal with Jonny Arno.”
“Me, too.But things are bound to settle down,” I said.“Have you heard from Nell lately?I talked to her last week, and they’re still planning on coming for Thanksgiving.”
“I called her this morning,” he said.“She, Clint, and the kids are fine.They aren’t quite ready to move to Florida but someday they will be.”
“I would love it,” I said.
“So, would I,” he said.“It makes me happy that you and she are close.I think you and Ellie would have been friends if you’d ever had the chance to meet.”Vaughn and Ellie had been happily married before she died of cancer.
We discussed his son, Ty, and his family, and then we moved on to Vaughn’s latest project.It was such a relief to talk about anything but the hotel.
Our meal came, and as I tasted my vegetable stew, I couldn’t help emitting a little groan of pleasure.
Vaughn chuckled and took a bit of his chicken dish.“M-m-m, so good.”
The restaurant was emptying of people when André came from the kitchen and pulled up a chair to our table.“Bonsoirto two of my favorite people.Now that you’re about finished with your meal, I wanted to speak to you about some things I’ve been hearing.”
