A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn(45)

For a few, brief seconds, Tricia contemplated asking him to slow down, thought about reminding him that they had known each other only a short time.

But that moment passed as quickly as it had come. Because one thing was for sure and for certain: Only a fool would have second thoughts about marriage to the very handsome, very wonderful Ben Hilty.

And though Tricia was many things, a fool was certainly not one of them.

“IT WAS SO AWFUL, Eric,” Beverly said into the phone as she watched the sun set over the tops of the citrus trees in the backyard. “It was the craziest, most disastrous meal I’ve attended in years. Years!”

Eric laughed. “I bet it wasn’t all that bad. Matter of fact, I think it sounds like a lot of fun. Especially the part about Frankie virtually collapsing under the table at the end of it. Who knew pickles could cause so much trouble?”

Her lips twitched. “That was pretty funny, actually. He is one naughty dog.”

“It sounds like Emma needs to be firmer with him. That dog needs to learn some manners.”

“If you saw him in person, you wouldn’t be able to be any stricter, either. He is really the sweetest thing. He lets all the children play with him, and his ears are so soft. I don’t think he has a mean bone in his body. He simply likes his food.”

“Well, I imagine we can both think of a person or two who might fit that description.”

She giggled like a schoolgirl. “A sweet person who likes his food?”

“Come on. I dare you not to think of someone who doesn’t fit that bill.”

“I run a B-and-B. Of course I can think of many people who that describes.” She shifted in her chair and watched two birds land on the back fence and then fly off in a panic as Serena, Mrs. Sadler’s cat, hopped up onto one of her tables.

“So, what really happened to upset you? I know it wasn’t cranky children or naughty beagles.”

Beverly was tempted to ignore his invitation. But then she knew he would listen to her and help her decide what to do next. “I . . . well, I said something to Tricia in front of everyone.”

“About?”

“About her and Ben, of course.” Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to continue her confession. “Actually, I think I offended both Tricia and Ben. I pretty much sounded like a grumpy old woman and warned them about rushing into their relationship.”

“How did that go over?”

Though she was embarrassed and upset, she forced herself to continue. “About how you would expect. Tricia started crying and Ben came to her rescue.” She lowered her voice. “Later, I talked to Emma about my feelings and it was pretty obvious that she disagreed with me, too. So, I pretty much hurt my niece’s feelings, offended her boyfriend, and there wasn’t a person there who agreed with me.”

He whistled softly. “I sure am sorry, Bev.”

She blinked. “You’re not going to give me a talking-to like you did when I interfered with Michael Knoxx and Penny?”

“Not this time.”

Beverly heard the smile in his voice, which made her smile, too, and she hadn’t thought that would be possible. “You know what? I’m really beginning to be glad we know each other.”

“That makes two of us.”

“What do you think I should I say to Tricia when she returns?”

“What do you want to say?”

“I want to tell her that I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. I just sometimes say things I shouldn’t because I love her.”

“I think she’ll forgive you if you say that, Bev.” He sighed. “Now, I can’t believe I’m even doing this to myself, but tell me what you made for that shindig.”

“A three-layer chocolate cake.”

He groaned. “I have got to sell this house of mine.”

“Yes, you do, Eric,” she agreed. For many, many reasons, she added privately.





Chapter 16


It was close to eleven at night. Late, even for Ben, to still be out.

Sipping another cup of decaf, Jay tried not to watch the kitchen clock tick but he seemed unable to do anything else. Ben and Tricia had been together for hours now, ever since they’d left Emma’s house after their disastrous lunch—and Beverly’s rather insensitive comments.

Tricia’s reaction had surprised them all. It had been obvious that Beverly had been insensitive but not malicious. However, when the tears came, Jay had felt awful. Young ladies in love had tender hearts and it was a good thing to remember that and tread softly.

When Jay had seen Ben go still and his expression turn hard, he’d known Ben had been just as unhappy about Beverly’s words. Jay knew his eldest well; Ben was used to taking on the needs and worries of his younger brothers. Was he now trying to make Tricia feel better, too?