It was Vondell’s doing, Maddie was certain. But she couldn’t really complain. The romantic inside her wanted the world to see her joy, wanted to marry Boone in a sentimental, old-fashioned ceremony straight out of Maddie’s girlhood dreams.
There would be no one there to be her family, but she’d found replacements. Jim had asked to be allowed to give her away, and Velda and Vondell had been clucking over her for days. For a moment, Maddie wondered if she wanted to ask Boone to postpone the wedding, depending on Dev’s news.
Not really. Anyway, Boone was intent upon marrying her as soon as possible, and Boone Gallagher was not an easy man to stall.
But oh, he was an easy man to love.
“Penny for your thoughts,” said the voice that made Maddie’s heart thump. Boone grabbed her by the waist, waylaying her before she reached the office. He pulled her into the stairwell and proceeded to remind her forcefully of what lay in store tomorrow night.
The man could kiss. Oh, the man could kiss.
Soon Maddie didn’t care who was waiting—or why.
Boone ended the kiss with a sigh of regret. “I can’t wait to make you mine again. Are you sure we have to wait another day?” His eyes held smoldering promise.
“I don’t know,” she sighed. “I’m having trouble remembering why I think it’s important to wait.”
Boone exhaled sorrowfully. “So I have to be noble, is that what you’re telling me?”
Maddie struggled to grin as desire ran like honey through her body. “You’re so good at it.”
“And you, heartless woman, are going to drive me crazy before I get my hands on you again.”
“Boone? Maddie? Devlin is waiting, and I’ve still got to get Maddie in that dress one more time,” Vondell called from the kitchen.
Boone frowned. Maddie smiled. Both of them sighed.
He straightened and tucked her hair behind one ear. “I messed up your hair.”
“I don’t care.”
“I’m not going to live long enough to make love to you,” he muttered. “I’m going to die before tomorrow night.”
Maddie tucked her hand in his elbow and ushered him toward the office, grinning. “Don’t whine, Boone. It’s not heroic.”
“Never wanted to be a damn hero, anyway,” he grumbled.
Maddie stopped and turned. “Too late. You’re already mine.”
Boone shook his head and smiled, opening the door. “After you, heartless wench.”
“Why thank you, sir,” Maddie simpered.
Devlin glanced up at the sound of their laughter, but not before Boone saw his frown.
“What is it?” Boone asked. “Is Mitch—”
“No—nothing’s wrong. I just wish I could give you the wedding present I wanted and tell you I’ve found them both.”
“What have you found?” Maddie spoke up.
Dev looked at Boone first. “I’m close to finding Mitch. I’ve tracked down his whereabouts four months ago. He was in New Mexico.”
Boone’s brow furrowed. “You really think you’re close?”
“Oh, yeah, no question. It won’t be much longer.”
Boone nodded. Maddie could feel the tension in his frame ease.
She spoke up. “What about Dalton and Jenny’s daughter?”
Dev’s look turned unsettled.
Maddie gripped Boone’s hand. “You said nothing was wrong.”
Dev’s green eyes went dark and troubled. “Nothing’s wrong, Maddie, except…” He shook his head as if trying to clear his distraction. “I still can’t believe this, but—” He drew in a deep breath and shot them a glance of disbelief. “I know her.”
“You mean, know her, know her?”
“Yeah. Our paths crossed years ago when we were young.” An odd look skipped over his features. “Her name is Lacey DeMille, and she’s a society girl in Houston.” In his tone, there was another story.
“So what’s the problem? Is she a terrible person?” Maddie felt Boone’s arm slide around her waist.
Dev’s gaze was uneasy. “I don’t think she knows she’s adopted.”
“Oh, my.” Beside her, Maddie heard Boone’s inhalation of surprise. “What do we do?”
Dev recovered. “Don’t worry—I’ll handle it carefully. I just want to check a little more to be sure I’m right before I approach her.”
Maddie’s heart thumped with eagerness. “How soon can we meet her?”
“Very soon. I’m headed back to Houston after the wedding.” He squared a look at Boone. “Thanks for inviting me. I’m sorry that it’s not all the wedding present I’d hoped to give.”