A Fool's Gold Wedding - Susan Mallery Page 0,26

and that the two of you have potential.”

“Which takes me back to what if he doesn’t want that? I don’t want to get my heart broken.”

“It’s too late for that. Whether or not he says the words, if he’s not interested in you past the wedding, then you’re going to find out one way or the other. You’re already in too deep.”

“You couldn’t just say everything will be fine?”

Liz smiled. “Everything will be fine.”

“Like I believe that now.” She leaned her head against the seat back. “All right. I’ll work on being brave and mature. I won’t like it, but I’ll work on it.”

“That’s my girl.”

* * *

JOAQUIN HURRIED THROUGH Fool’s Gold. He was meeting Abby at the bridal shop for the final fitting of her bridesmaid dress. He wasn’t sure what that meant exactly. Why wouldn’t the dress just fit because they ordered the right size? And how could a store only sell bridal stuff and stay in business? Were that many people getting married?

Not that he cared, he thought as he spotted the storefront for Paper Moon from across the street. He only wanted to spend time with Abby. He didn’t mind if she was getting fitted or they were painting fences or watching cricket on BBC. As long as he was with her, he was happy.

That state of being was new to him. He was more a “content” kind of person. He wasn’t given to emotions like happy or sad. The middle of the road was a much easier place to live.

But around Abby, he couldn’t help himself. Just knowing he was going to see her was enough to make him practically giddy. He thought about her all the time and counted the hours until he could see her again. Looming in the background was the fact that he still had to tell her why he’d originally come to Fool’s Gold, but he had time. The wedding wasn’t until Saturday.

He walked into the store and immediately found himself in a foreign land. It wasn’t just the displays of wedding gowns and accessories—it was the plush carpeting, the ornate furniture and the general air of being part of something he could not understand.

He came to stop just inside the door, not sure what to do. Should he go back outside and text Abby that he would join her later or should he suck it up and try to find her?

An attractive, very pregnant woman walked over to him. She smiled.

“It’s all right,” she said in a soothing voice. “Just breathe. The panic will fade and you’ll feel better.”

Her expression was teasing, her blue eyes bright with amusement. When he managed to keep from bolting, she glanced over her shoulder.

“Abby, I’m guessing your friend is here. You need to come reassure him. The store has a chilling effect on most men and he’s no exception.”

Abby appeared from around a corner. She smiled and hurried toward him.

“Girlie overload?” she asked, linking arms with him. “I should have warned you what to expect.”

“I’m not sure a warning would have helped,” he admitted. “I’ve never been in a store like this before.”

“And you probably never will be again.” She smiled at the other woman. “Madeline, this is Joaquin Kincaid. His brother, Davis, is the groom. Joaquin, this is Madeline Blaze.” She lowered her voice. “Okay, I don’t usually say this, but you’re going to be family, so it’s okay. Madeline’s married to Jonny Blaze.”

Joaquin was far more interested in the feel of Abby snuggling up to him than who Madeline might be married to. He smiled politely.

“Nice to meet you.”

Abby grinned. “I told you.”

Madeline looked surprised. “You don’t like action movies?” she asked, sounding puzzled.

Movies? What did they have to do with anything? “I don’t have much free time, and when I do, I prefer to read.”

Abby sighed. “This is why I’m crazy about him. I can’t help it. He’s perfect.”

He told himself she was teasing. That she was having fun with a friend. Regardless, her words hit him with the subtlety of an eighteen-wheeler, leaving him shattered on the side of the road.

Crazy about him? Did she mean it? Was she really? And could she possibly think he was perfect? He, who was so much more flawed than most with his awkward conversation and inability to function in normal society?

“You were right,” Madeline said, smiling at Joaquin. “My husband is an action movie star. I don’t usually talk about him but Abby insisted you wouldn’t be impressed.”

“I’m sure he’s very good