Apple Blossom Bride

“Sure.” Ashley walked along beside him. She wasn’t wearing her usual high heels but the cream linen pants and matching silk sweater still screamed money. Even her toes, poking out of woven rope sandals, were perfectly manicured and polished a soft blush pink.

Michael held the door, waited for her to pass in front of him.

“Your hand is shaking,” he said, softly enough that Tati couldn’t hear. “I wish you’d tell me what’s wrong.”

“It’s nothing.” She tipped her head back to stare into his eyes. “Just some bad memories that won’t go away.”

Her hair was bundled onto the top of her head and held there by a silver comb, though wispy ringlets broke free and framed her face. A few longer tendrils caressed the long smooth line of her neck like an expensive pewter frame. She was gorgeous.

“I didn’t realize you’d be going on the houseboat today.”

“Or you would have begged off?” He smiled at her faint blush. “I can cancel if it will bring back that killer smile of yours.”

“Don’t be silly. Tati would be devastated.” She inclined her head toward the little girl peeking over the ice-cream freezer trying to choose her favorite. “You have a beautiful daughter.”

“Yes, I know. I thank God for her every day.” Since they were early Michael insisted on buying them each a cone, then suggested they wander across the street to the park to eat them.

“Color coordination down to a T,” he murmured, watching as she nipped at the top of her ice cream.