Page 61 of California Dreaming

Betsy nodded. “A lot like Arch. That’s why those two have always gotten along despite their age difference. In any case, Margaret needed a caregiver, and that’s how Tessa came to Carmel-by-the-Sea. And from what Margaret tells me, when she and Tessa bumped into Arch on the beach, there was instant chemistry. I believe Margaret described Arch as having ‘twinkly eyes.’ She claims that he was taken with Tessa as soon as he met her.”

Damien nodded. “But how did she end up being his caregiver?”

“His stubborn streak,” Mila offered.

Damien looked confused.

“He insisted on performing a dangerous stunt in that buddy movie he shot with Smith Sullivan and got himself a broken leg,” Betsy explained. She sighed deeply, still troubled by her actor son’s stubborn streak. “I know he told you it was no big deal and that he’s healing, but the truth is that Archer could have died. He was almost crushed under his horse. He’s lucky he got away with nothing more than a broken tibia.” She cleared her throat as she made an effort to hold back tears. It still upset her that her boy could have been fatally injured.

Erin put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “He’s fine, Mom. And I really think he’s learned his lesson this time.”

Betsy nodded. “He promised me that he’d be more careful in the future. And I think his recovery time and being stuck in a cast have shown him the consequences of listening to the daredevil who lives inside his head. Anyway, Margaret’s arm healed, and Arch was instructed by his agent to get some proper care at home so he could recover in time to begin shooting a new movie. Some big action thing that Arch is desperate to do. And…” She paused meaningfully. “He would only agree to it if Tessa was his caregiver.”

Finn said, “I like her. She seems so normal. Nothing like some of the women Arch has been with over the years.”

“I really like her,” Erin said. “And it’s clear that she’s just as besotted with Arch as he is with her. Her eyes turn dreamy every time she looks at him—when she thinks no one is watching.” Erin looked a little troubled. “But I don’t want Tessa to get hurt. We all know Arch’s track record with women. He seems to lose interest pretty quickly. And he’s never been serious about anyone before.”

“That’s true,” Betsy said, “but maybe it’s because Archer has never been with the right woman. He might not realize it yet, but he’s fallen for Tessa. Hard.”

The Davenports made murmurs of agreement. Tessa was a great match for Archer.

“What’s funny,” Mila said, “is that Arch asked me to go shopping for Tessa, to find a dress for some red-carpet event. The poor sap tried to convince me she was only accompanying him so he didn’t fall over and make an ass of himself.”

The entire family burst out laughing.

Mila scoffed with continued amusement. “I mean, he’s a good actor, I’ll give him that, but he clearly doesn’t want Tessa with him just because she’s his caregiver. You ask me, he wants to let the world know he’s found The One.”

“How will you know her dress and shoe sizes?” Betsy asked.

“Arch is going to get them,” Mila replied, shrugging. “I bet he’s already got a pretty good idea, given the way he’s constantly undressing her with his eyes.”

“Mila,” Finn said with a shake of his head. “I don’t need to envision my brother in bed with someone.”

“I agree,” Damien said. “You’re in too-much-information territory now.”

Then Erin said, “It’s not just about the dress for these kinds of events. What about her makeup and hair? Tessa is so naturally beautiful she never wears more than mascara, from what I can tell. But there will be a certain expectation for Arch’s date to look Hollywood glam. I’d hate for her to feel out of place.”

“You’re right,” Mila said. Frowning slightly, she added, “I’m not sure she knows what she’s let herself in for.”

“Why don’t you two offer to do her hair and makeup?” Betsy suggested. “You both have the know-how, and I’m certain that Tessa will feel more comfortable with you than a professional.”

Erin’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great idea, Mom.”

Mila agreed it sounded fun. “Imagine what we could do with those eyes. She’ll be even more gorgeous when we’re done with her.”

“We’ll make her the belle of the ball,” Erin added. “Arch won’t know what hit him.”

“You guys are such schemers,” Damien told them. “From what I can see, their budding romance doesn’t need any help. Those two have found their way to one another without our interference.”

“But it’s so much more fun to interfere,” Mila argued.

Betsy looked at her husband, who had stayed uncharacteristically quiet during all this chatter. “Honey,” she said, “what are you thinking?”

Howie glanced up with a serious expression. “I’m thinking that if everything goes well, he might marry her. And I for one think Tessa would be a wonderful daughter-in-law.”

Betsy reached over and patted his hand. “You’re even more of a romantic than I am. But don’t get too far ahead of yourself. We aren’t even certain they’re dating yet.”

To everyone’s surprise, Howie replied, “Oh, they’re more than dating. When I see the way he looks at her, it reminds me of the way I’ve always looked at you.”

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