Page 13 of Hearts Aweigh
Never mind, God. I know you’ve got this. Forget the list. But please make it soon!
At least her greeter duty was finished. She grasped the remaining stack of royal purple invitations and snuck in the back door of the main lounge. The Shippers had entered earlier, and she wanted to see if there were any updates before she changed her clothes.
People lingered in the aisles. Bingo must be over. She saw her matchmakers at a back table but halted at who was sitting with them. The haughty father from the lobby. How could this snob be the son of amiable Daisy? He’d shed his fancy suit coat, but his crisp white shirtsleeves were still buttoned at the wrist and did nothing to soften his demeanor. The man radiated a potent mix of business and charisma. He was gorgeous in an untouchable movie star way.
Althea noticed her and waved. “Come give me a hug right quick.”
Abby hurried over, embraced the loving woman, and greeted the others. “Hi, Shippers.” She looked at the father. “Hello again.”
He stood from the couch with a slight dip of his head. “Good evening.”
His steady dark eyes locked on her ball gown. Was he wondering why she was still dressed like an escapee from an amusement park?
She held out an invitation card. “We’re having a Day-at-Sea Jamboree in the play center tomorrow. I’m sure Madeleine would enjoy it. And it would give you and your wife some time off.”
“My wife?”
“The woman who was with you in the lobby.”
“That’s the governess I mentioned. She’s taking care of Madeleine.” His lip curled. “My ex-wife wouldn’t be caught dead on a cruise ship.”
“I see.” No surprise he was divorced. What woman wanted to live with such a wet blanket?
“And what was your name again?” he asked.
“I’m Abigail O’Brien, a member of the childcare team. It’s nice to meet you, Mister …?”
“Spencer Randolph Masterson.”
“How do you do, Mr. Masterson?” She longed to drop a snarky curtsy.
“Forgive my lack of manners,” Daisy said. “Abby, this is my son.”
“Wonderful!” She extended the purple invitation. “If Madeleine is Daisy’s granddaughter, be assured I’ll treat her like family.”
“I appreciate the offer.” He made no move to take the card. “But my daughter is shy, and I wouldn’t want her to feel uncomfortable. As I mentioned before, I’ve brought adequate childcare.”
Althea elbowed his leg. “You said the nanny was seasick. What if she’s still upchucking in the morning? Will Maddie hang out with you?”
Abby’s lips twitched at his panicked expression. She poked the invitation closer. “I’ll leave this with you, in case of an emergency.”
This time he took it. His long, lean fingers brushed hers as the card transferred hands. He jerked away and smoothed his already impeccable silk tie. “Thank you. I’ll keep the service in mind, should the need arise.”
“Yes, sir.” This time Abby did bob a curtsy. “Good night, ladies.” She fluttered her stack of cards at the Shippers.
Emily folded her bingo card. “Don’t you worry, Abby. I’ll have a list of viable candidates completed soon. We’re studying the options now.” Her gaze turned to Spencer.
“Yes!” Abby twirled. “I can’t wait.”
A bewildered Mr. Masterson contemplated them. “I’m afraid I’m not following.”
“Haven’t you heard?” She grinned. “You’re hanging out with our ship’s most notorious passengers. They orchestrate love matches.”
“Pardon me.” He bent his head. “They orchestrate what kind of matches?”
“Love matches.” Abby’s composure faltered at the handsome face so near her own. It was like staring into the sun. She feared she might go blind from the overpowering glory. An inviting scent filled her senses. Probably an expensive cologne no man she’d ever dated could afford. “They helped my friend Lacey find—”
A condescending snort issued from Mr. Masterson. “Are you telling me mymotheris dispensing advice onlove?”
