Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye - Jacquelyn Middleton Page 0,143
crowded with fudge of various flavors and homemade cookies from the kitchen. “Their vegan leather is actually made from polyurethane. They said they hope to incorporate mushrooms and other plant-based materials down the road, but they’re not there yet.”
Brows peaked, Tarquin placed the desserts in the middle of the table and sat down. “But that woman at the Institute said…”
Leia shook her head. “She was wrong.”
“And polyurethane leather is…bad?”
“It isn’t as harmful to the environment as animal leathers, but it’s still problematic. It’s plastic-based and doesn’t degrade as easily as true vegan leather,” Leia explained as Bert laid his floofy body by her feet. “I know it’s considered the lesser of two evils, but I can’t incorporate it into my designs with a clear conscience.”
Tarquin rubbed Leia’s back. “So, what will you—”
“Uncle Talk!” Ava barreled into the dining room, giggling loudly and waving an accusatory spoon. “You ate allll the ’nilla fudge!”
“Peedie, that was our secret!” Tarquin’s naughty chuckle sparked a howl of laughter from his niece.
Honestly, she’s the cutest little thing. Leia smiled despite her news.
Fiona followed with five ice cream-filled bowls on a tray. “Ava, shhh! Inside voice.”
“Sorry, Mummy.” Her large blue eyes followed the ice cream coming in for a landing.
Tarquin muted his grin. “Leia, what does this mean for your dresses?”
“Well”—she sighed—“it’s too late to find another supplier. I was at my wit’s end when I stumbled across this one. I’ll have to start from scratch, do something different with those dresses.” A smile broke through her frown. “On the upside, I won’t be flying to New York on December 1st.”
“But don’t you have to sort a few things?” asked Tarquin, helping Fiona hand out the dessert bowls.
“It’s nothing that can’t wait until I’m back in February for Fashion Week. So, it looks like you’ll be stuck with me until then.”
“Brilliant!” Tarquin beamed, kissing her quick on the lips as Ava giggled.
Rupert glanced above his spoonful of toffee ice cream. “Any chance you’ll up sticks and move to the UK full-time?”
“Maybe.” Leia nodded, ogling her boyfriend. “I’m warming to the idea.”
The next day
Leia threaded her fingers through Tarquin’s as they strolled into the Storehouse for the private baptismal lunch. Dating back to 1880, the iconic B-listed stone building had been completely restored into an airy restaurant and small hotel. Many of the structure’s original characteristics—its stone arches, rustic wood doors, and timber beams salvaged from tall ships—remained, earning a smile of approval from Tarquin. He squeezed Leia’s hand. “We’ll just get something to eat, say hi to a few people, then do a runner, okay?”
He’s sweet—and worried this is all too much. But I’m fine. She flashed an encouraging smile. “Or we can hang out, catch up with your friends? I love hearing all the teenage Tarquin stories. You were one popular dude.”
“Hey, what can I say? Everyone loved my raves. Well, except Grandma, bless her. And her cows—hated the strobes.”
“I still can’t get over that street rugby game you guys play.” Her hand swooped down her vintage coat, unfastening buttons at lightning speed. “No rules, no field, just hundreds of guys in a scrum, battling through the streets.”
“You mean the Ba’?” He grinned with pure joy. “That’s a highlight of the holidays!”
“It’s bonkers!” Leia giggled, feeling the weight of curious eyes heeding her every move. But like at the baptism at St. Magnus Cathedral, the whispers in the restaurant were good-natured and nonjudgmental. Several faces were familiar, including Tarquin’s rock climbing buddies, the Balfour cousins who had welcomed her before the service, and his auntie, an eighty-year-old firecracker from the island of South Ronaldsay. She had shuffled down their pew with her walker, chastising Tarquin for keeping his new “wife” a secret. All three laughed it off with the pink-cheeked aunt blaming her dodgy hearing aid for misunderstanding the latest island gossip. Everyone Leia encountered proved friendly and warm, and she loved seeing how Tarquin’s friends and family adored him. With each interaction, her initial fears of feeling like a gatecrashing outsider had been swept out to sea on the morning’s salty gales.
But Leia still had to meet Kiki, Tarquin’s TV star mother.
Is she here? Curiosity wrestled with nervousness in Leia’s belly, but she refused to surrender. Nope, her trepidation wouldn’t spoil Tarquin’s time with his loved ones or send her fleeing for the exit. The sooner we meet, the better. I hate being on pins and needles, waiting…
She let out a shaky breath and chased it with another grin, letting go of Tarquin’s hand.