Page 66 of Love Me Sweet

Sylvie wasn’t a crier. She didn’t shed tears over sentimental cards or the commercials aired at holiday times. But seeing the promise in Josie and Noah’s eyes and knowing they meant every word brought tears to her eyes.

She blinked them back before anyone could notice, or she embarrassed herself by letting them fall. They hit again when she was walking down the aisle at the end of the ceremony and her gaze locked with Andrew’s.

The sight of him with that smile meant only for her had Sylvie’s heart turning into a sweet, heavy mass in her chest. Was it her curse in life to want what she couldn’t have?

A father. A mother. A home and a family. And now, the man she loved.

For a second, as she returned to the front of the church to pose for pictures, she found herself wondering if it would have been better if Andrew had never come to Jackson Hole. Perhaps agreeing to spend the past few weeks with him had been a mistake, too.

He’d come to get her out of his system and she’d agreed to spend time with him. She’d owed him. Now that debt had been paid.

But she’d paid a high price, because now she knew what she hadn’t known then. Without him her heart would never be whole again.

* * *

The reception at the Spring Gulch Country Club lasted until one a.m. There was a sit-down dinner featuring steak and lobster followed by dancing to a live band.

From the number of flowers, it appeared the family had bought out every florist shop in the state of Wyoming. Andrew sat beside her at the head table.

By the time he’d reached the age of thirty, Andrew had been in his share of weddings. He had to admit this had been one of the most enjoyable. Sylvie was in high spirits and had even allowed him to escort her out on the dance floor.

What she lacked in basic skills, she made up in natural rhythm. The truth was, he didn’t care if she could dance a single step. He simply wanted her in his arms.

“You smell terrific.” It was a different scent, light and floral with a hint of sultry.

“French perfume,” Sylvie confided. “My bridesmaid’s gift from Josie.”

“It’s sexy as hell.” He twirled her around then dipped her low. “But your other fragrance is still my favorite.”

Laughing and breathless, she clung to him as they straightened then began to move to the lilting melody. “I don’t usually wear perfume.”

“You do.” He leaned close, brushing his lips across her ear. “It smells a little like cinnamon and vanilla with a touch of yeasty earthiness.”

She titled back her head and gazed into his eyes. “Are you saying I smell like a bakery?”

God, she was lovely.

“If the apron fits, wear it.”

She laughed again. “That is so lame.”

“I’m having difficulty concentrating.” He lowered his voice so his next words were for her ears only. “I keep wondering what you’re wearing under that dress.”

“Why don’t we go home and you can find out?”

Andrew’s body reacted to the words. He could see her lying stretched out on the bed wearing only those high heels and silk stockings.

He was ready to walk out the door but as he glanced around the room, his enthusiasm was tempered by reality. It wasn’t even midnight and the reception was in full swing. Still, he was ready to carry this party on home. Not that he wasn’t having fun. The dinner, the champagne and Sylvie’s amazing cake had made for an enjoyable evening so far.

Being seated at the head table had given him a chance to get acquainted with Benedict’s brothers--also physicians--as well as spend time with his beautiful date who sparkled tonight like the brightest gem in a showcase.

Yet, it had been a long day. The knowledge that they didn’t have to get up at three to bake—someone named Lexi Delacourt was filling in--meant he and Sylvie could enjoy themselves for as long as they wanted once they got home.

“How long do you have to stay?” He kept his tone nonchalant. She was a bridesmaid. This was her friend’s reception. If Sylvie felt she needed to close down the party, she’d hear no complaints from him.

“I don’t believe it matters,” she said. “We’ll just need to say our good-byes and then we should be able to slip away.”

Saying their good-byes took a little longer than Andrew had hoped, but within forty-five minutes they were home.

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