Page 110 of Hearts Aweigh
Daisy spoke first. “You asked to see us, Spencer.”
“Yes, ma’am.” In his current euphoric state, he could even imagine healing the breach with his mother. “Please stop throwing men at Abby.”
His beloved scurried to him with a scowl. “Try to put that nicer.”
“What? I said please.”
Emily crossed her arms in front of her floral shirt. “It’s none of your business who Abby chooses to date.”
“Actually”—Abby twisted her gold sandal in the rug—“it is. Spencer and I admitted our feelings for each other last night. I mean, we decided—”
“We’ve decided to enter into a romantic relationship,” Spencer said.
The Shippers wore identical expressions again—this time of confusion.
Emily uncrossed her arms. “I’m not sure what to say.”
“Oh, Abby, are you sure?” Daisy tugged her watch necklace. “My son can be quite ill-tempered.”
“Thanks a lot, Mom,” he said.
“You know it’s true. I’m thrilled for you and Madeleine, but I wouldn’t want Abby to draw the short stick.”
Hidden doubts dimmed his rosy-hued outlook. Who knew him better than his mother? Was she right? He didn’t deserve someone as pure as Abby. She was summer sunshine to his winter storm. What if he froze her solid?
Abby slipped an arm around his waist. Leaning her head against him, she laughed. “Don’t worry, ladies. The only short thing we’ll deal with is my height. Otherwise, we’ll do fine.”
“Glory be.” Althea launched forward and drew them both into a hug. “I’m relieved the match worked out. For y’all but also for Maddie.”
“Yes”—Spencer smiled down at the older woman’s beaming face—“that’s one of the best parts.”
“For me too,” said Abby.
She released him and hugged the other Shippers. They softened in an instant from the sheer force of her exhilaration. Gerry and Emily chided Abby for not informing them right away, while Daisy dabbed her ring finger at the corner of her eye.
A pat on his back drew Spencer’s attention. Althea glowed with tenderness. “You’re so much like your momma.”
He drew away. “I beg to differ. I’m the inverse of Daisy Randolph Masterson.”
“See there. You even talk like her. Some people might be put off by the hoity-toity manners, but not me.” She elbowedhim in the side. “You’re a beignet. Once a person gets past the crusty cover, there’s nothing but sweet, squishy goodness on the inside.”
His gaze returned to Abby. He hoped for her sake Althea was right. There’d been a time not long ago when darkness filled him in his never-ending search for perfection and status. But God had shone a light on his soul. Highlighted the things that truly mattered.
Lord, help me not to let her down. Help me not to hurt her again.
Emily clapped with glee as another happy match was made. Granted, the Shippers hadn’t been keen on Spencer in recent days, but she was willing to let bygones be bygones. After all, men struggled when it came to love. That’s why so many needed the ladies’ matchmaking expertise.
She tapped her cane against the suite’s floor in a loud cadence. “Come on, girls. Let’s leave these lovebirds to themselves. I’m sure they’d appreciate time alone.”
“Good idea.” Gerry shoved the sleeves of her cardigan to her elbows. “I’d like to check my room for any new blackmail notes.”
“Blackmail!” Abby grabbed her sleeve. “What do you mean?”
“Yes,” Spencer said. “This is the second instance I’m hearing of blackmail on the MSBuckingham.” He approached his mother. “Yesterday, you told me someone was blackmailing you. What’s going on?”
“Nothing we can’t handle.” Daisy waved him away.
“Don’t worry, baby,” Althea said. “We’ve got a plan in place.”
