Page 121 of Hearts Aweigh
“I’m so happy you’ve found Abby,” Daisy said.
“If you’re happy, why are you interrupting our wedding?”
“She’s not ready.” Daisy turned. “And neither are you.” She opened her fist. The miniature clock face glinted in the sunlight. “It’s not too late, Spencer. Your father browbeat every kinder emotion out of you. Or tried to. But I believe my sweet, sensitive little boy is still in there somewhere.”
She spun and pitched the watch. Spencer reached out. Too late. It sailed through the air and disappeared into the wavering deep surrounding the MSBuckingham.
He clapped a hand to his forehead. “That was a family heirloom. Dad stated in his will it should go to Madeleine.”
Her eyebrow lifted. “Doesn’t it strike you as odd that your father bequeathed other people’s possessions in his last will and testament? I suppose he never truly gave the piece to me. Just loaned it awhile for his own convenience. Everyone and everything in Julius Masterson’s family belonged to him. He intended they should adhere to his well-ordered, punctual routine, even beyond the grave.”
The cold sting of fear Spencer used to experience at his father’s censoring glare crept through him. His neck prickled as if a ghostly, disapproving specter stood behind him.
Daisy placed two hands over his. Her skin was cool. Soft as cashmere. With so many more wrinkles than he remembered.
“Sugar, don’t live in the cage your father built.” She caressed his thumbs. “It’s not too late for you. Or Maddie. You can live a happy, disorganized, hectic life if you choose.” She laughed. “Abby will certainly help with that. But you must allow her to do it at her own pace. Time is one of the greatest gifts you can give a person you love.”
She embraced him again. Spencer hesitated. Five seconds. Ten. Then he returned the hug and clung to her. His mother’s words battered his conscience, but he shut his mind.
There must be some other way to give Abby time than canceling the wedding. He’d agree to whatever she wanted to do after their marriage. Even if it required moving to a different city. He’d relinquish his home, his connections, his business. All to be with her.
The door beside them opened, and his bride stepped onto the balcony. There she was in her cream dress, her red hair glinting in the sunlight. Abby. If he loved her this much after three weeks, how would he feel in fifty years?
His mother pulled away and smoothed her hair. “I’ll leave you two alone.” She entered the chapel and closed the door behind her.
Spencer walked the eight paces to the end of the confined space, his back to Abby. “Well? Did they convince you what a bad risk I am?”
Footsteps drew close. Her arms encircled him from behind. Her warmth enveloped him as it always did. He relaxed and laid his hands on top of hers.
Perhaps the wedding would still happen.
Abby spoke. “You’re mighty fine in your fancy suit.”
He swiveled, caught her close in almost desperation, and lowered his head for a kiss.
She tasted sweeter than a cupcake. But no matter how many kisses she gave him, he knew he’d never be full.
He allowed an inch between their lips. “You look even better in that dress than your princess costume.”
She smacked him. “Stop.” A flicker of apprehension entered her gaze. “I’m afraid we’ll have to save these outfits for another day, Spencer.”
His muscles grew taut. So the Shippers had done their worst. The wedding was off.
Abby smoothed her fingers against the lapel of his jacket. “I wanted to ignore Emily’s arguments for postponing, but the more she talked, the more I realized she was right. We need time to get to know one another. Rushing into things might hurt everyone. Especially Maddie.”
The bitter taste of rejection swelled in Spencer’s mouth.
God, I can’t do this. Not again!
He tried to remember the Bible verses he’d read to calm his nerves before the ceremony, but instead his mind recalled the doubts.
Abby didn’t want him. Like every other woman in his life. His mother. His ex-wife. What was it about him that drove people away?
At least Priscilla had the decency to give it a try before she dumped him.
Abby’s voice drifted into his consciousness. “I’m not saying I don’t—”
“I comprehend perfectly.” Spencer nodded once. “You’ve decided you don’t want to marry me. Thank you for coming to the realization before it got messy.”
