The Perfect Match (Blue Heron #2)(89)

“Tell me again how he tossed you onto shore,” Faith said now.

“He just...did.”

“It’s kind of romantic. He’s really strong, isn’t he? Levi says he’s got a right hook that could stop a tank.”

“Well, he was furious.”

“Sure. Which is pretty romantic, too.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. Trust me. He was worried about you. He saved you. It’s a good sign.”

Honor finished her wine and set the glass on the coffee table, careful not to disturb Spike.

Faith was looking at her thoughtfully. “Honor, you don’t have to marry him, you know. If you’re not sure.”

“Oh, I am. No. It’s just...he’s a little moody.”

“He’s a man. Of course he’s moody.”

“Imagine what they say about us.”

“They don’t talk about us. They’re men.” She paused. “I think you and Tom are really nice together.”

“Do you?”

“Mmm-hmm.”

Honor looked at her pretty sister. Faith had been in love twice, once with Jeremy the Perfect, and then with Levi, whom she’d known forever. Could she tell something was off?

“Hey.” The back door banged open, and Pru came in. “Heard you fell through the ice. That was stupid of you.”

“Thanks for your sympathy, Pru,” Honor said. “Faith brought me dinner, Mrs. J. brought dessert. What did you bring?”

“My good wishes,” she said. “Is Tom in the shower? Can I check on him?”

“He had to run out,” Honor said. Dad had also asked about Tom’s whereabouts, and it was a little embarrassing that Honor didn’t know where he was (and hadn’t wanted to call, either).

“Damn.” Prudence hurled herself into a chair. “Where’s Dad? I thought he and Mrs. J. were here.”

“They were,” Faith answered. “We just got rid of them about half an hour ago. Honor and I were having a heart-to-heart.”

“Cool! This place is cute, Honor. Nice work. It wouldn’t kill you to invite me over, you know.”

“Sorry.” The place was pretty cute, Honor thought. Family pictures were scattered about, and a few prints hung on the wall. Honor had filled a shelf with paperbacks to go along with Tom’s books on airplanes and bridges. Faith was curled in the leather club chair Honor had brought from her suite at the New House.

It was starting to feel like home, in other words.

“So when are you two making things permanent?” Pru asked, taking a piece of garlic naan and folding it into her mouth.

“Pretty soon,” Honor said. Unless Tom came home and broke up with her, that was. “Maybe early June.”

“Speaking of, are we getting matching dresses for Dad’s wedding?” Pru asked. “Because I’d just as soon wear jeans.”

“You’re not wearing jeans,” Honor said. “And don’t wear jeans tomorrow night, either. You have to wear black or white.”

“Don’t get your panties in a twist. Faith made me buy a dress. You guys are so bossy. Okay, I gotta go. Just wanted to check on you, Honor.” She bent down and planted a kiss on Honor’s head. “See you tomorrow. Oh, hey! Guess what Carl and I did last night? Pumpkin pie has never been so sexy. Wanna hear about it?”

“Nope,” said Honor.

“Never,” Faith said at the same time.

“Fine, fine. No one ever wants to hear my stories.” The front door opened, and there stood their brother. “Hey, Useless. What’s up?”

“Hey, guys,” Jack said, leaning down and hacking off a piece of blueberry bread. “Honor, I heard you were an idiot and went onto Ellises’ pond.”

“Yep,” Honor said. “But I rescued your doggy niece, so show a little gratitude.” She pointed to the sleeping Spike.

“You need to get a life.”

Faith, Honor and Prudence all snorted at once. “What?” said Jack.

“Pot,” Honor replied. “Kettle. Black. And I’m living with someone, soon to be married, so shut it.”

“At least I don’t wander out onto partially frozen ponds and then wonder why the ice breaks.”

“Thank you, Jack.”

Tom’s voice made them all jerk around.

He wasn’t smiling, and his eyes bounced off her and went instead to her siblings. “This is very nice, all of you coming over to check on your sister, but I hope you won’t mind if I ask you to leave.”

“I personally wanna stay,” said Pru. “Heard you were very heroic and manly, Tommy boy.”

“Yes.” He allowed a slight smile. “But you still have to go.”

“I will if you’ll take off your shirt,” she said.

“Get out, Pru,” Honor said.

“Oh, come on! I’m married to Carl. Throw me a bone.” She eyed Tom appreciatively. “Faith got to see him when he was boxing with Levi. It’s my turn.”

“Let’s go,” Faith said. “Don’t mind her, Tom, she’s having a hot flash.”

“I have been having a lot of those lately,” Pru said thoughtfully. “I had to lie in a patch of snow today. Felt like simultaneously murdering someone and crying.”