Bride by Mistake (18 page)

Zach placed a gentle kiss on her lips, then strode to his car and climbed in. Meg watched him drive off into the night.

She went to sit in Liza’s porch swing to bask in the wonder of the latest surprise. Zach wanted to date her. For real, not pretend. And his kisses, on a scale of one to a hundred, ranked right at a million. Some of Zach’s aftershave still clung to Meg, and she delighted in the masculine aroma.

She sighed contentedly. Maybe Liza was right. Maybe she did love Zach. And maybe he loved her too.

Finally her conscience had had enough.
You’re delusional
, it declared.
Zach’s caught up in the pretending. He’s falling in love with the idea of love, not with you.

While that hurt, it held a ring of truth.

Then her conscience dealt the final blow.
Have you forgotten that Zach thinks you’re Liza?

I
’M DATING
L
IZA
. For real.

Those words echoed through Zach’s mind as he shaved and showered the next morning. Before dressing, he slipped on a terry cloth robe, poured himself a cup of strong coffee, and headed for the sunroom. Inkblot tagged along and curled up at his feet.

Zach sipped his coffee, realizing that for once his life felt comfortable. Even happy. Tonight was Gram’s party, when he’d announce his engagement to Liza. Even though Gram’s illness made him sad, at least this birthday, possibly her last, would be a happy one.

The doorbell rang and Zach went to answer it, accompanied by his yipping puppy. When he opened the door, he found Ian on the porch. “Good morning,” Zach said. “What a surprise.”

Ian smiled. “I brought homemade pecan rolls. I know how much you like them.”

“You’re right about that. I could eat my weight in pecan rolls. Thanks a lot.”

Since Ian made no effort to leave, Zach said, “Would you like to come in for some coffee?”

“I’d like that very much. If you have a moment, there’s something I wish to discuss.”

“Sure.”

Zach felt a wave of concern. Was Gram’s health deteriorating? Good thing the party and the announcement would happen this evening.

He led Ian, closely tagged by Inkblot, into the sunroom, poured coffee for his guest, and the two sat down.

“You’ve surprised me twice, Ian. Last night at Liza’s and again this morning.”

“I had a pleasant chat with Miss Liza last night. She’s a remarkable young woman.”

“I agree.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

Zach’s attraction to Liza swept through him like a river surging toward the sea. “Can I tell you something, Ian? In confidence?”

“Of course.”

“For years Liza and I were just friends. She was like a kid sister to me.” Zach leaned across the small table toward Ian, who also leaned forward. “But any brotherly feelings I had for her…”

Gram’s butler’s eyes grew large, and he waited patiently.

“…are gone.”

Ian quirked an eyebrow. “You don’t say? And in their place?”

“To be honest, everything has changed. I’m strongly attracted to Miss O’Malley. In a most unbrotherly way.”

A grin spread across Ian’s face and lit his brown eyes. “I’m so happy for you, Zachary. You struggled after your divorce, and I’d like nothing better than to see you happy again. When the right woman comes along, a man has to act. Often that only happens once in a lifetime.”

The light in Ian’s eyes dimmed and he glanced down at his coffee cup. “May I share a confidence with you?” he asked quietly.

Zach nodded. “Of course.”

Ian took a deep breath then started to speak. “I loved a young woman once many years ago. Her name was Jane. She wanted us to marry, but I hesitated. My work always took priority, and I didn’t want to rush into marriage.” He paused a moment and then continued. “I’m sorry to say that I waited too long, and Jane found someone else. To be honest, I’ve always regretted my choice.”

Zach felt stunned that Ian would share such a personal confidence. “I’m sorry, Ian. Losing Jane really changed your life.”

“Yes, it did. But don’t misunderstand. I’ve always loved working for your grandmother. My life has been full.”

Zach nodded. “I know that.”

Ian’s gaze caught Zach’s and held for a moment. “But don’t make the same mistake I did. If you feel strongly about a young woman, don’t wait too long to act.”

“That’s good advice, Ian. Now, I’ll share a confidence with you. While I’m not ready for marriage yet, I do plan to propose to Liza at Gram’s birthday party. Liza and I discussed the matter and because of Gram’s health, we want to speed things up with a pretend engagement. We think it will make Gram happy.”

Ian’s smile returned and so did the sparkle in his eyes. “That’s a wonderful idea. Nothing could please Mrs. Addison more. And while you’re just proposing for show, do you think you and Miss Liza may have a future together?”

“If I have anything to say about it, yes.”

“That’s marvelous news. Let me be first to extend my congratulations. Now I know you have things to attend to, so I’ll be going.”

“Wait a minute,” Zach said. “I got so caught up in my own concerns that I didn’t give you a chance to talk. You said you had something important to discuss with me.”

“Oh, yes.” Ian bit his lip and a bright flush colored his cheeks. While he’d appeared comfortable throughout their conversation, he suddenly seemed stressed.

“What’s the matter? Is Gram’s condition worsening?”

“Nothing like that. All I wanted…” He paused and cleared his throat.

“Yes?”

He hesitated a moment longer and then said, “I wondered if you thought we should ride to the country club together, or if your grandmother and I should meet you there.”

The important subject didn’t seem terribly important, Zach thought. Not significant enough for Ian to drop by bearing pecan rolls.

“Since Gram thinks it’s just the four of us going to dinner, Liza and I’d better pick you up. Around seven.”

Ian nodded agreeably. “Very good, sir. We’ll be ready and waiting.”

After seeing Ian out, Inkblot accompanied Zach to his dressing room. “Unusual visit,” Zach said as he took slacks and a white shirt from his closet. Inkblot picked up the slipper he’d just taken off and started to chew. “I’ll take that, little man,” Zach said, managing to salvage his footwear.

As he dressed, the sense of excitement dimmed. The attraction he felt for Liza could lead to a serious relationship, and he’d even told Ian they might have a future together. That would require a serious commitment. And Zach had avoided commitment like a giant mud puddle ever since Denise had left.

His relationship with Denise had led him down a path of deception and difficulty. Remnants of that journey still lingered.

Would it be different with Liza? Or was he setting himself up for more anger, resentment, and heartache? He’d had enough of that to last a lifetime.

Meg hurried to the door and found Zach on the porch, clutching a florist’s box. In a white dinner jacket and black slacks, he looked like a model for
GQ
. He seemed taller than Meg remembered, and his hair and eyes darker. Tonight Zach Addison looked larger than life.

She took a steadying breath. “Good evening, Zach.”

“Hi there, Liza. You look lovely tonight. I brought a corsage, but I’m not sure where to pin it,” he said, gazing at her strapless gown.

“May I see it?” Meg asked. “If we’re lucky, it will double as a wrist corsage.”

Zach stepped inside and together they managed to secure the flowers on Meg’s left wrist. “It’s beautiful,” she said. “I love the pink rosebuds and miniature white carnations.”

“I’m glad. There were lots of options, but I remembered how you loved Gram’s roses.”

Meg smiled. “You did well.” She expected Zach to mention Ian’s confession and how it would affect their evening. But since he seemed happy at the moment, she’d wait and let him bring it up later.

Zach glanced at his watch. “Are you ready for the big event?” he asked. “We’re due to pick up Gram and Ian shortly.”

“I’m ready. Just let me grab my wrap.”

Meg retrieved the silver shawl from Liza’s bedroom, hoping a few moments away from Zach would calm her nerves. Tonight was their big event, and she hoped all would go smoothly.

Zach didn’t seem angry, so he must have taken Ian’s news in stride. Meg hoped so. She wanted this evening to be perfect, for Eloise’s sake.

Moments later they drove toward the estate to pick up the guest of honor. Ian opened the door looking dapper in a dark suit, crisp white shirt, and maroon tie. And Eloise looked radiant in a soft gray suit accented by pearls.

“Happy birthday, Eloise,” Meg said as she kissed the dear lady’s cheek. “You look lovely tonight.”

“And so do you, my dear. This is such a special evening. And you are the three people I want to celebrate with.”

Meg felt honored to be included. And she hoped Eloise would be equally pleased when fifty additional guests joined them.

When they entered the Oak Hills Country Club, Zach took his grandmother’s arm. “Do you mind if we stop by the Crystal Room for a minute, Gram? I’d like to show it to Liza.”

“Liza, haven’t you seen the Crystal Room before?”

“No,” Meg answered. Truthfully, for a change.

Zach escorted them into the elegant dining room accented by glittering chandeliers. A congregation of Eloise’s friends waited eagerly, and as the birthday girl entered the room, they cried, “Surprise!” Then they broke into a lively chorus of “Happy Birthday.”

Eloise looked momentarily shocked, and then a smile lit her face. “Zach Addison! You’re a scoundrel.”

“So I’m a scoundrel, huh?”

But a moment later she grabbed Zach’s arm and pulled him down for a kiss. Tears sparkled in her gray eyes. “Thank you, dear grandson. This is too wonderful for words.”

The guests assembled at round tables topped with crisp white cloths and vases of yellow roses. Candles floating in crystal bowls added to the ambiance.

Zach escorted Eloise to a table where several of her closest friends—plus Ian—buzzed around her like worker bees. When all were seated, Zach strode toward Meg, and she felt a ripple of apprehension. While they’d carefully planned this special night, Ian’s confession would change those plans. And Meg would never experience the moment when Zach declared he wanted her for his bride.

It’s Liza he’s interested in, not you
, her conscience corrected.
You keep forgetting that.

Zach gripped Meg’s arm, causing her pulse to skitter. “Let’s sit at the table next to Gram’s. Then she can enjoy the company of her friends.”

Meg nodded. “Good idea.”

When they’d taken their places, Zach said, “So far, so good.”

“So far, so good,” Meg parroted.

When Zach reached out and lightly stroked Meg’s hand, his gentle touch made her heart race. “Thanks, Liza,” he said softly.

“For what?”

“For making tonight possible.”

“My pleasure,” she said. And for once she was telling the truth.

Meg tried to ignore the electricity stirred by Zach’s touch, but that proved impossible. “When do we give Eloise the music box?” she asked, forcing her mind to a practical matter.

“It’s buried in the stack. She’ll open it with her other presents.”

Zach kept up the stroking, causing Meg’s pulse to spike out of control. When the waiter brought their meals and Zach pulled his hand away, Meg felt instant relief. But she immediately missed his touch.

The meal went off without a hitch. After dinner, two waiters wheeled in the elaborate cake Gilda had created. It produced
ooh
s and
aah
s from all present.

Eloise beamed as she unwrapped an assortment of gifts from her friends. Then she opened a pair of leather gloves from Ian—soft kid in a taupe color. “Thank you, dear Ian,” she whispered. “They are perfect.”

The butler beamed more brightly than the chandeliers.

The last package Eloise reached for contained the music box. She tore away the silver paper, lifted the lid, and smiled with delight. As she turned to thank them, she said, “I’ve wanted a music box ever since I broke the one your grandfather gave me. How did you know, Zach?”