That Holiday Feeling (Virgin River #8)(23)

“What good is that silly thing if it doesn’t make your friends rich?”

“It serves its purpose,” Philip surprised everyone by responding. He slid his arm around his daughter’s shoulders. “Now, I’d say we’ve had enough excitement for one evening, wouldn’t you?”

Mackenzie nodded. “Night, everyone.”

“Good night,” Arnold called.

“Sleep well,” Madame Frederick sang out.

“Good night, sweetie. You stop by and visit me tomorrow, you hear?” Maria said.

“I will,” Mackenzie promised.

Carrie left with Philip and his daughter. “I’m baking cookies for the party in the morning,” she said when the elevator reached her floor.

“Do you need any help?” Mackenzie asked eagerly. “You won’t have to worry about eggshells getting in the dough this time.”

“I’d love it if you came by.”

Content that all was well, Carrie entered her apartment and got ready for bed. As she slipped on her nightgown, the phone rang. It was Philip.

“I know I was with you less than ten minutes ago, but I wanted to thank you.”

“For what? I didn’t do anything.” She’d shared his helplessness in searching for Mackenzie, his frustration and anger.

“You helped me find my daughter—in more ways than one.”

“No, your love for her did that.”

“I was wrong about your friends.”

She’d wondered how long it would take him to admit that.

“They’re as terrific as you are.” He paused. “Not spending time with her mother was a big blow to Mackenzie. She was devastated when Laura put her off once again. I don’t know what Madame Frederick really said, but it was obviously what Mackenzie needed to hear. For all her strangeness, Madame has good instincts about people.”

“You’re a fast learner.”

Philip’s amusement echoed over the phone line. “Don’t kid yourself. I was with the slow reading group in first grade. I’m not exactly a speed demon when it comes to relationships, either. My marriage is a prime example.”

“You’ll come to the Christmas party?”

“With bells on.” He chuckled. “The thing is, I’ll probably fit right in.”

Epilogue

Six months later

“This is the most exciting day of my life!” Mackenzie declared, waltzing around the small dressing room in her slender full-length pale green dress. A wreath of spring flowers adorned her head. “You’re actually going to be my stepmother, just like Madame Frederick said.”

Only Carrie and Mackenzie were still in the room, as Carrie made her final preparations.

“It’s an exciting day for me, too.” Carrie pressed her hands against her stomach to calm her jittery nerves. The church was full of family and friends, waiting for her to make her appearance. Jason, dressed in a tuxedo, would soon escort her down the aisle. Her step-aunts, Christy and Taylor, were also in her wedding party, and so were her two closest friends from college. Gene was Philip’s best man.

“Dad was so cute this morning,” Mackenzie said, laughing. “I thought he was going to throw up his breakfast. He’s so much in love he can hardly eat.”

Carrie closed her eyes. She hadn’t even attempted breakfast, and applauded Philip for making the effort. As for being in love, she was crazy about him and Mackenzie. This day was a dream come true, worthy of the finest fairy tale.

“Madame Frederick, Maria and Arnold are here, and lots of people from the office,” Mackenzie said, peering out at the church. “I didn’t think that many people knew my dad.” Gracefully she waltzed her way around Carrie. “You’re going to be the most beautiful bride ever. That’s what Dad said, and he’s right.”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

“It’s extra-special that you’re letting me be in the wedding party. Not everyone would do that. My first wedding,” she said, and her eyes held a dreamy, faraway look.

“You’re a good friend, Mackenzie.”

“You probably wouldn’t be marrying my dad if it wasn’t for me,” Mackenzie reminded her in a low voice. “But then, Madame Frederick’s the one who gave me the idea, so I guess I should give her the credit.”

“Remember what I told you about Madame Frederick and her crystal ball.”

“I remember. It’s just that you and Dad really do seem perfect for each other. Madame Frederick couldn’t have known that.”

“I’m pleased you think so.”

“If I were to pick someone to be my mother, I’d choose you.” Her eyes grew dark. “My dad needs you almost as much as I do. You’re perfect for both of us. I’d rather spend time with you than anyone, except for Les Williams.” She sighed deeply. “But then, Les doesn’t know I’m alive.”

“Don’t be so sure of that.”

“Are you two ready?” Jason called from outside the dressing room.

Carrie drew in a breath. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Mackenzie handed her the bouquet and Carrie opened the door. Jason was working his black tie back and forth in an effort to loosen it. He stopped in midaction and his jaw sagged.