loves you. He just thinks I took advantage of you.”
“You didn’t. You were completely honorable.”
“He feels guilty and angry because of how much he pushed us together.” He glanced at her mouth and then dropped his gaze to the wooden hallway floor, but not before Victoria caught sight of the desire in his eyes.
She couldn’t stop from remembering the way James had goaded Tom into kissing her that time at the dining room table. Tom probably wouldn’t have crossed the boundary he’d set for himself if not for all of James’s pressure. “I’ll have to let him know later how grateful I am for all of his pushing.” Her voice came out softer and more seductive than she intended.
Tom’s gaze snapped back to hers, and the anxious slant of his brows lifted. “Are you sure you don’t feel coerced into this?”
“Not in the least. You should know by now I’m not easily persuaded.” Her words were meant to comfort him, but somehow they made the worried crease return to his forehead. “Was your dad reassured when you told him of our plans to have a real wedding?”
“He said he’ll believe it when he sees it.”
“He’ll see it all right,” she said, trying to infuse confidence into her voice. “Let’s have the ceremony as soon as my parents arrive.”
He studied her face for a moment as if he were attempting to see deeper beneath the surface. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.”
Chapter 23
Victoria loved the feel of Tom’s fingers intertwined with hers as they strolled down the street, their shoulder’s brushing, their footsteps slow. She breathed a contented breath.
Ahead, Arch exited the hotel and walked toward them. At the sight of his grim expression, Victoria’s footsteps faltered.
“They’re here,” Arch said. When he exchanged a warning glance with Tom, anxiety wound through Victoria’s stomach.
Tom’s smile fell away. He let go of her arm and tugged on his lapels.
She tried to peer past Arch and through the glass doors to the lobby. She hadn’t expected her parents so soon. Maybe this evening after supper. Maybe tomorrow. But certainly not midday. She’d only had a short time with Tom since he’d ridden out from Race Point, only time for lunch at a restaurant down the street.
“They’re here much sooner than I’d anticipated,” she said, brushing at her skirt, another of the fashionable creations that her mother had sent with Theresa.
Tom’s face was pale and solemn. He squared his shoulders and opened the door.
Victoria had the urge to stop him, but she held herself in check. When Tom waved her to enter before him, she forced her feet forward.
Her father was standing in the middle of the lobby. His familiar face, tender eyes, and warm presence brought a lump to her throat. His expression was fatigued, almost beaten-down, but at the sight of her, his eyes lit and he rushed over to her. “Oh, Victoria.” He drew her into his arms.
Within moments, her mother’s arms were around her too, all three of them wrapped into one embrace. Victoria found her tears mingling with those of her mother.
“We were so worried about you.” Her mother was wearing a new navy and cream striped traveling suit, and her dark hair was formed into a coiffure covered by an elegant bonnet with a veil of lace. She finally released Victoria and pulled back as though to study her.
Victoria knew her mother pretended to see so that onlookers wouldn’t notice her blindness and pity her. Victoria smiled at her mother, also pretending that her mother could see it. She wanted to respect her mother’s wishes for normalcy, but she couldn’t help comparing her mother’s way of handling her impairment to Zelma’s. Zelma’s acceptance of herself seemed freeing somehow.
“The Lady Caroline brought us here without any stops,” her father explained, with his arm still about Victoria’s waist. “Even though Arch’s telegram said you were fine, I couldn’t rest until I saw you for myself.”
“As you can see, he was right. I am fine.” She kissed her father’s cheek, and he placed a kiss against her forehead in return. Over her father’s head she caught Tom’s gaze. She smiled at him, hoping to relieve him of his worry.
Seeing the direction of her attention, her father released her and turned to face Tom squarely. “Mr. Cushman,” he started, his voice tight. “You saved my daughter’s life. I’m in debt to you for your deed, and I shall reward you handsomely for it.”
“No need, sir.”
Her father took a step closer to Tom. “But before I