“It’s beautiful and Ginger deserves the best.”
Madeline stared at him for a second before murmuring, “Okay. I’ll send her the link.”
“We need an answer by Monday. To reserve the big cake.”
“Ginger usually gets back to me really quickly. Once she tells me which one she likes, I’ll get it ordered. Along with the cookies.”
She paused and looked at him. “You know the specialness of the day is about Ginger and Oliver and having the people they love around them when they say their vows. It’s not about the cake.”
He got the message, and while he knew Madeline was right, he didn’t want to scrimp. “I want her to be happy. I want her to know she’s important to me.”
“Don’t you think she already does?”
“The cake will seal the deal.”
“If you say so.”
FIVE
LATE AFTERNOON ON Saturday Jonny was done pretending. He’d spent the day at his house, reading scripts and working out. The usual stuff. But he’d been restless and watching the clock. A little after four he drove to town and found parking, then walked through the growing crowd.
The Christmas tree lighting was at six. Before then there were carolers in the street and a couple of bands. Food carts lined the edge of the park. Lots of local businesses had put up their own trees with different themes. The one by Jo’s Bar had pet ornaments that represented several dog breeds, including a dachshund ornament.
Several people he passed called out greetings. He recognized a lot of couples from the party at Madeline’s house. All the while he chatted and ate a pretzel, he found himself looking for someone.
She had to be here. It was a family tradition. But try as he might, he couldn’t spot Madeline anywhere.
At five-thirty, he’d about given up. Just when he was thinking he might as well head home, a familiar voice called his name. He turned and saw Loretta walking toward him.
“I thought I recognized you,” Madeline’s mother said, surprising him by hugging him. “Are you here to see the tree lighting?”
“Sure.”
She held him close a half second longer than he thought she would. Like a mom. He’d lost his mother when Ginger had been born and his dad hadn’t been one to date so there’d never been a woman around to take care of things. While his dad did his best, some things had been lacking.
Loretta released him and smiled. “Then come watch with us. These kinds of things are better when shared.”
She linked arms with him and led him toward the right side of the square. There were people everywhere, but she wove through them, guiding him to a destination he hoped included her daughter.
“Joseph and I used to bring Robbie here when he was little,” she said. “About the time he turned fourteen, he decided he was too mature to bother with silly traditions. So we left him home. When we got back, we found him crying in his room. It was the last time he missed the tree lighting.” She sighed. “Then we had Maddie and got to start all over with a new little one.”
“You were lucky with both your kids,” he told her.
“We were. Very lucky. Children are a blessing.” She glanced at him. “You don’t have any?”
“No. I’m not married.”
The smile returned. “These days marriage is more of an afterthought. Not always necessary.”
“I’m a traditional guy.” He wanted a wife—someone who was a partner. He wanted to be there for someone and to be able to depend on her in return.
“So what’s the problem?” Loretta asked, her tone light. “From what I can tell, women find you attractive. You have a job and you can carry on a conversation. They could do worse.”
He grinned. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“I like to see the best in people. I’m sure you have your flaws.”
“I do, but let’s not talk about them.”
“Which means I’ll ask the question again. What’s the problem?”
“What I do, who I am, makes it difficult to have a serious relationship. There are outside pressures. The press gets in the way. The fame.”
Loretta stopped walking and studied him for a second before glancing around. “Am I missing them?”
The question was asked in a gentle tone, but the words made him feel foolish. “It’s different here,” he mumbled. “Trust me—it can be intense.”
“I’m sure it can. I just wonder...” She stared into his eyes. “Jonny, have you ever been in love?”