When We Met (Fool's Gold #13)(71)

She drew in a breath and smiled at him. “I’m okay. Just a little light-headed. I didn’t eat this morning.”

He tossed the hat lady the money for the hat, then put his arm around Taryn’s waist and led her toward the food booths. “We’ll get something into you right now.”

His touch was sure, she thought. She knew he would take care of her. It wasn’t love—he’d already given his heart and couldn’t do it again. She understood that. Later, she would deal with that pain, but for now it was enough to know that she wasn’t as freakish as she’d feared. She was almost like everyone else.

Angel got her a wrap and a soda for each of them, then made sure she ate all of hers. They were still discussing what to do that afternoon when Consuelo walked up and handed them each a piece of paper. There was an address on it.

“Five o’clock this afternoon,” she said, glaring at them. “It’s Kent’s mother’s house. There’ll be food. Don’t be late and don’t tell me you can’t make it. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Angel said.

Taryn smiled. “I’m not frightened by you, and yes, I’ll be there, too. What’s going on?”

“Nothing I want to talk about,” Consuelo grumbled, and walked away.

* * *

TARYN HADN’T BEEN sure what to wear to Consuelo’s undefined event. She figured it was something like a barbecue so chose a simple summer dress with a sweater to ward off any chill. As walking on grass might be required, she chose a platform sandal.

Angel picked her up at a quarter to five and they drove the few blocks to Denise’s house. There were already a few cars parked in front and several people walking up the front walk.

“Big party,” he said, then went around to the passenger side of his SUV and helped her out. As she slid to the ground, he leaned close. “Let’s not stay too late.”

The combination of his breath and his voice made her shiver. She looked into his eyes. “An early night sounds nice.”

He brushed his lips against her cheek before they headed toward the front door.

Nevada Hendrix Janack, one of the Hendrix triplet sisters, met them in the foyer. “Everyone’s out back,” she said. “Just go through the house. There’s plenty of seating.” She paused. “Angel, right?”

He nodded.

“My brother needs to speak to you.” She pointed to a hallway. “Down there. Taryn, can you find your own way to the backyard?”

Ford appeared and grabbed Angel’s arm. “You made it. Good. Hey, Taryn.” With that, both of them were gone.

Taryn wondered what on earth was happening. She followed the directions to the rear of the house and entered a large kitchen. From there she could see out big windows. A huge tent had been set up outside. The sides were rolled up so she could see the twinkle lights decorating the poles. Chairs had been set up in rows, with a center aisle. There was a beautiful cake on a small table at the far end of the garden, a dance floor to the left and flowers everywhere. If she didn’t know better, she would swear they’d been invited to a wedding.

Dellina came in from the backyard, saw Taryn and grinned. “Can’t talk. Way too busy. Who plans a wedding with twenty-four hours’ notice? It’s not possible, but here we are.”

Taryn didn’t have to ask the name of the bride. There was only one couple who would get married in Denise’s yard like this.

She walked outside. The guests were talking and obviously excited about what was happening. Servers circulated with glasses of champagne and trays of appetizers.

“My lady.”

She turned and saw Jack holding out a glass to her. She took it and smiled at him. “You’re here.”

“We were summoned,” he said, motioning to where Sam and Kenny were talking to some people she didn’t know.

“Larissa is going to be sorry to miss the wedding,” Taryn said. Larissa had gone back to L.A. to visit one of her sisters for the weekend.

“I’ll save her a piece of cake. Where’s your date?”

“I don’t know. He was whisked away. He might be part of the wedding party.” Angel had known Consuelo a long time. She would guess the other woman wanted him involved.

“They pulled this together fast,” Jack said. Despite the afternoon sun, he looked comfortable in his suit and tie. Of course Jack was comfortable everywhere.

“You have no idea.” Taryn told him about her recent lunch with friends and Consuelo’s meltdown. “Maybe this is how she could get it done.”

Jack put his arm around her. “Marriage wasn’t so bad.”

“All six weeks of it?” she asked lightly.

He smiled at her.

Mayor Marsha moved to the front of the tent and asked everyone to find a seat. Taryn and Jack sat together. She saved a seat for Angel in case he joined them later. Music started. Kent, Reese and Ford appeared up by the mayor.

Felicia started up the aisle. The maid of honor, Taryn would guess. The wedding march began and the guests rose. She turned to see Consuelo in a full-on wedding gown, complete with veil, being escorted by Angel and Justice. She looked beautiful and fierce. Taryn had a feeling she was fighting serious nerves.

When she reached the end of the aisle, Justice and Angel lifted her veil and kissed her cheek. Then they stepped to the left, to stand by Felicia.