David and Vivi were now making their way up the lawn toward the hotel. At Cat’s insistence, Vivi had surrendered to wearing high heels tonight—cute silk ones with a rhinestone strap around the ankle. When those heels sank into the damp ground, she began walking on her toes, making her look like a little fairy flittering about at dusk.
“Hey, Cat,” Jackson called from across the porch, where he stood with their father and new stepmother, Janet. “You coming?”
Glancing around, she noticed other wedding guests making their way toward the sprawling white reception tent in the side yard. The cocktail hour had ended.
“In a second.” Her family disappeared down the steps before she stole one final look at the magnificent view.
The ocean calmed her. Somehow its endless horizon connected her spirit to something much bigger than her daily life. Oddly freeing, that feeling of relative insignificance.
Tonight the twinkling hurricane lanterns atop the cocktail tables scattered in the grass enhanced the evening’s mingled sense of mystery and possibility.
In Cat’s peripheral vision, she caught Hank returning from delivering Vivi’s father to his room. He looked gorgeous in his gray pinstriped suit and navy tie, a vast improvement over the worn T-shirts and casual shorts he favored. Seeing him this weekend left a bittersweet taste in her mouth.
If she had chosen Hank over Justin, might her life be different now? Maybe she’d already be pregnant instead of facing the possibility of never conceiving. Quite a sobering and unwelcome thought.
“Still enjoying the view?” He stopped beside her, hands in his pockets, and surveyed the gold-and-peach sunset reflected across the sea.
He’d set her up so beautifully, she couldn’t resist teasing him to elicit one of his endearing blushes. After all, she hadn’t sworn off flirting. Her eyes grazed the full length of his six-foot-two-inch, drop-dead body before she cocked a single brow. “It’s not too shabby.”
As she’d intended, streaks of color invaded his cheeks, giving her a little thrill. “More games,” he muttered. Head bowed, he stared at his feet before meeting her gaze. “Have a nice evening, Catalina.” And then, as if resigned to something she couldn’t identify, he simply nodded and walked away.
She continued admiring his backside until he, too, wandered down the steps. A wistful sigh passed through her lips. Good grief. Ruthlessly, she shoved aside her attraction.
Straightening her shoulders, she set her empty champagne flute on an obliging tabletop before striding across the now-deserted porch. When she reached the tent, the din of lively chatter and tinkling stemware greeted her.
A broad smile spread across her face as she surveyed the candlelit party with its abundance of artfully strung lights, tuxedos, and music. The cool ocean breeze swept through the party. Table arrangements overflowed with peonies and tendrils of multicolored flowers and ivy, infusing the salty air with a sweet perfume.
Rustling fabric caught her attention before Vivi’s arms reached around to squeeze her from behind.
“Having fun?” Vivi toyed with her diamond earrings, made more visible once she’d pinned her wild blond locks up into a French twist and tucked tiny flowers into the mass. “Everyone loves my ‘something new’ earrings. Thank you for the extravagant gift. You spoil me, as always.”
“For the sister I’ve always wanted, there will never be too much spoiling!” Cat stepped back to admire the effect of the diamond studs with Vivi’s tea-length gown. Its layered organza skirt flared out from the snugly fitted bodice—the crystal-encrusted sweetheart neckline its only adornment. Flirty, fun, and unexpected, just like her quirky friend. “You look gorgeous. That dress is so perfectly you.”
Vivi stepped back and fingered Cat’s organza wrap and moss-green, silk-satin gown. “I’m glad I let you pick your own. Love the way it drapes off your shoulder and around your waist. So sexy!”
“Thanks,” Cat said. She brushed her palm across the fabric, appreciating its sumptuous texture. The material gave a semblance of curve to her bony physique. “The point of this drab color was to keep the spotlight on the bride.”
“Oh, please. I never had any delusions about who would be the prettiest woman walking down the aisle today. I think half of David’s partners came for the chance to meet his sister, the real-life ‘cover girl.’” Vivi grinned and then gave a little wave of her hand. “But I don’t care. There’s only one man whose attention I want. Fortunately, he will never, ever look at you with desire. Our friendship is secure!”
“Always.” Cat hugged her friend.