Page 57 of California Waves

Tessa lifted her hair to reveal the stunning diamond earrings Archer had bought her for a wedding present. They shone like perfect stars. “I have to wear the earrings Arch gave me.”

“I have an idea,” Mila said. “Give me one minute.” She raced to her old bedroom. And, as she’d imagined would happen, Erin followed her.

Her sister was out of breath as she shut the door of the bedroom. “You don’t have any ideas, do you?”

Mila shook her head. “Between us, we must have left something behind she could borrow.”

Erin opened the closet doors while Mila went to her old desk and started opening drawers.

“Cowboy boots?” Erin murmured from inside the closet. “They’d make a strong statement.”

“Cherry-flavored lip gloss?” Mila suggested as she pulled out her top drawer.

“But would you really want it back?” Erin asked.

Obviously not.

And then she found it and cried out with triumph. “Look. This is it.”

Erin came over and gazed at the object in Mila’s hand. “I gave that to you.”

“I know. That’s what makes it so special.” To her surprise, Mila felt tears gather as she touched the silver bracelet with the secret message Erin had had engraved on the inside. You’re stronger than you know. She’d given it to her after the accident, when she’d struggled so hard to get her life back. “I wore that every single day while I healed. And then, one day, I didn’t need it anymore.”

“And as Tessa starts her life married to a movie star and with a fledgling painting career, it’s perfect for her.”

The sisters hugged and then ran back to Tessa. As they told the story of the bracelet, every one of them got a bit teary. Tessa held out her wrist, and Mila slid the bracelet in place.

With the bride ready, it was time for her bridesmaids to get dressed.

Tessa had been the easiest bride as far as choosing bridesmaids’ outfits went. Mila and Erin were the only attendants, and they’d each chosen a dress in a turquoise color that reminded them of the ocean on a sunny day. Erin’s dress had a flared skirt and a full bodice that really suited her petite frame, while Mila, more on the statuesque side, had gone with a silk sheath with a deep V-neck. She wasn’t one to hide her assets. She couldn’t wait for Herschel to see her in it.

She heard a commotion outside and glanced out the window to see Howie and his sons, save for Archer, putting up the awning in the backyard. The awning was for two reasons. One, it would shield the guests from any strong sun, but two, it would keep prying eyes and drones from seeing what was going on. Mila was glad she wasn’t a big enough celebrity that she had to worry about reporters buzzing her in helicopters on her wedding day. However, Crystal and her team were doing an excellent job of throwing everyone off the scent.

She’d seen the reports on TV and online about Archer Davenport’s big wedding in Scotland and had watched Tessa become more and more comfortable under public scrutiny and the glare of the spotlight. She was impressed at how Tessa managed to keep her dignity intact, even when she was asked the most intrusive questions. When she thought of some of the women Archer could have ended up with, she was so glad he’d chosen someone so sensible and down-to-earth. And, even better, somebody who fit in with their family so well.

As she had the thought, she noticed there seemed to be an extra brother down there in the garden. It was Hersch. Without even turning her head, she said, “Mom, what’s Herschel doing down there? Has Dad put him to work?”

Betsy joined her at the window. “I think since Archer wasn’t available and Herschel already knew about the ceremony today, your dad decided he could use the extra pair of hands.”

She did not believe that for a second. It was her dad’s way of bringing Hersch into the fold. She couldn’t deny the fact that he was pretty handy with a hammer as he banged in tent pegs to secure the awning. As she watched the way his muscles bunched and flexed, her mouth went dry.

She made sure her hair and makeup were perfect and then slipped out to the garden. Herschel had a rivulet of sweat running down one side of his face as he straightened to face her. A slow grin transformed him from tired laborer to sexy date.

He took a moment to really study her. “I have never seen you look so beautiful. I thought you were pretty damn hot when you were covered in chocolate icing. But I had no idea.”

Delighted by his compliment, she gave him a quick kiss. “I’m sorry my dad’s put you to work already. I should have warned you, if he sees a strong pair of arms, he tends to find a job for them.”

He chuckled. “I don’t mind at all. I like your dad. I like your family.”

Her voice caught a little bit as she said, “And they like you too.”

He said, “This is such a high-tech security operation that I had to bring my suit disguised in a gym bag. It’s hanging inside somewhere, and I’d really like a shower before the festivities begin.”

“I think I can help you with that,” she said.

She waited until he’d secured the last peg and tested his work thoroughly. That tent wouldn’t come down in a hurricane. He put away the tools, and then she led him inside to the bathroom that she’d always shared with Erin. Fortunately, Erin was busy with the wedding party. She stepped in with him and, shutting the door behind them, locked it.

His eyebrows went up, and another slow grin spread across his face. “Are you planning what I think you’re planning?”

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