The Wedding Guest (Colorado Billionaires Book 5) (17 page)

Kirby could hardly contain himself. “Remember when you said you liked Pearl but you’d really rather have a different kind of pet?”

Madlyn shot her gaze left, then right. “Have you two been plotting behind my back?”

Kirby took her hand and led her inside.

Mina spotted them right away. “Come on in! They’re in the back.”

Madlyn let herself be escorted through the shop as if she didn’t spend most of her waking hours there. The shop girls were tittering and whispering as she passed. Madlyn felt a glow of pride. She knew they were staring at Kirby. Probably wondering how she’d lucked out.

Mina pulled the curtain aside and waved them into the tailoring shop at the back of the store. “Here they are.”

Madlyn gasped with delight. “Mina!” She shook her head slowly to and fro. “Am I just oblivious or is everyone keeping secrets from me?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

M
ina pressed a hand to her bosom. “Secrets? Me? Nonsense.” She ushered Madlyn closer. “Aren’t they adorable?”

The objects of her adoration were four tiny kittens. Their mother, a regal seal point Siamese, curled herself around them and glared at the humans for daring to approach.

“But…but…” Madlyn glanced around and sagged with relief when she spotted Mina’s Siamese family spread over a tall cat tree in the corner. “I knew yours weren’t pregnant. Where did this little mama come from?”

“Sunny brought them over. You met Sunny, remember? The dog trainer with the cute little papillon? She’s a pet sitter as well,” Mina said, explaining to Kirby now. “I had her over to meet my cats in case I ever need to go out of town. Well, she called me a couple days ago and asked if I could foster a pregnant Siamese.”

Madlyn kept her voice down and stayed a respectful three feet from the mama cat and her babies, but she couldn’t pull her eyes away. “I didn’t know Sunny was doing rescue now.”

“Oh, she’s been getting more and more involved, and when she told me about this sweet cat, I couldn’t say no. After all, it’s not everyone who can understand a Siamese.”

Kirby said softly, “When Mina told me last night she had kittens, I asked if she thought you’d like to adopt a couple.”

“Two?” Madlyn drew back and cast a questioning glance at Kirby.

He nodded. “One for you, and maybe one for me. And they’ll keep each other company.”

Madlyn exchanged a look with Mina. “Just what all did you two talk about last night? And when? You didn’t talk cats at the kitchen table. I saw you get in your car and drive off.”

Mina scrambled for an explanation. “Oh, he followed me to the Cattleman’s Inn, remember? And we might have chatted for a few minutes before I headed home.”

Madz squinted accusingly at Kirby. “No wonder you called me so late. What else did you two talk about?”

Kirby lifted a shoulder in an innocent gesture.

But Mina was rattled. “Oh, nothing much. We just talked about the building, and you know, how the decorations are coming for tonight’s ‘Christmas in Old Town’ festival.”

Kirby broke in, “How long before the kittens are ready for adoption, Mina?”

Madlyn could have sworn there was a warning tone to his words. She turned to look at him and caught him with his hands in the air. Her brow furrowed. She turned back to Mina, who was nodding now, but stopped when she noticed that Madlyn was watching her. Madlyn’s lips curled into a knowing smile. These two were up to something. She pretended not to notice. “Yes, Mina, how long? And will they look like their mother? They’re all white right now.”

“Actually, that’s the best sign that they’re full-blooded Siamese,” Mina chirped, “because Siamese kittens are pure white when they’re born. It takes a few weeks for their color to start changing. In my Siamese cat book, it explains that it’s due to a gene related to albinism. Too much for my brain, but they are certainly little miracles. Also, Sunny and the vet both think they know who the father was. The father’s owner is the one who turned the mama cat over to rescue.”

“Oh, what a shame,” Madlyn cooed. “Well, at least two of them will have forever homes.”

Kirby was all smiles. “We’ll pick them out later, once they’re ready to leave their mom. How’s that sound?”

Madlyn looked from one to the other. Now Mina was all smiles again. Definitely something going on. Could it really be just the kittens? She heard the tinkle of the front door bell. “Looks like you’re going to have a very busy day, Mina. We should get going. We’ve been invited to Vicky’s for lunch today.”

Mina spread her hands. “I told you so.”

Madlyn blinked at her. “Huh?”

Mina’s eyes widened and she searched the ceiling for an explanation. “Um, I mean, didn’t I say that, once you have a boyfriend, you’d be spending more time with Vicky and Jason?”

Madlyn was now sure that whatever was going on, it had nothing to do with kittens.

“We should go,” said Kirby, “before we upset the mama cat. Thank you for everything, Mina.” He reached out with both hands to shake hers.

“Yes,” said Madlyn slyly. “We certainly don’t want to upset the cat, do we?” She couldn’t be sure, but she thought he might have slipped some folded bills into Mina’s hand. That was odd. But maybe he was paying for the kittens. After all, purebred Siamese cats were worth some money.

Once back outside, Madlyn spotted a large truck with more boxes of decorations and lights. Two young men were propping ladders against the building. Another crew was busy hanging tinsel and bunting at intervals over the street. Outside Thor Security, two girls bundled against the chill were busily painting holiday scenes on the Garrisons’ front windows.

Madlyn turned to watch the boys on the sidewalk pass strings of lights up to the men on the ladders. “Gee, Mina must have changed some of the plans we made. I don’t remember—”

Kirby took her arm and gently turned her toward the car. “For dinner tonight, I was thinking you might enjoy a quiet little table at that romantic looking place on the other side of the art gallery.”

“That’s The Muffin Man bakery,” said Madlyn. “They don’t open for dinner.”

“No, not the bakery. See? It’s just this side of the bakery.”

Madlyn squinted. “Oh gosh, that must be brand new. I didn’t even notice, we’ve been so busy at the shop. I’d love to do dinner there.”

Kirby looked pleased. “That way we won’t miss any of the festival tonight.”

“Thank you, Kirby. I haven’t really been looking forward to the holidays at all. You’re really helping me get in the mood.”

“My pleasure.” He opened the car door for her.

Madlyn slid into the car and looked up to see that Kirby was also curious about the guys on the ladder. He checked them out before going round to the driver’s side.

It was a bit early to head for Vicky and Jason’s house, so Madlyn gave Kirby the tour of Eagle’s Toe that she’d promised. She showed him her high school, and directed him to drive by the hospital and through the more modern part of town where construction was underway on new structures.

“The town council wants all the new stuff to look as historical as possible,” she said. “Except for the Cattleman’s new additions and the hospital, that is. Both of those look pretty modern. I think some of the council members are hoping for national historic monument status for part of the town.”

“That’s a good idea. Shall we head for Vicky’s place? I’m hoping if we get there on time, we’ll get to leave right after lunch.”

Madlyn said, “Don’t like my BFF?”

“Oh, she’s marvelous. Brewster likes her, too. But I’m not completely sure why Ray made a point of inviting me over. We’re not close. I guess I’m a little nervous.”

“Yes, I figured that when I realized you weren’t his best man. You were just a guest at the wedding, same as me. But on the other hand, the Darbys believe in family, and now that he’s married to one, she may have insisted. And Vicky would be insisting right along with her.”

“Oh.” Kirby nodded. “That makes sense. But Ray called me himself. Maybe I’m way too suspicious of his motives.”

Madlyn shrugged. “He’s still your stepbrother. Maybe he feels bad because he didn’t go to your uncle’s funeral.”

Kirby’s expression cleared. “My uncle. Yes. That is most definitely the reason. Madz, you’re a genius.”

Madlyn said, “Not really. If I were a genius, I would have figured out what you and Mina were cooking up by now.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

M
adlyn loved the Darby home. It was stately and white and had a portico in front, so visitors could move from their cars to the entrance without being rained or snowed on. She loved the long row of attached garages off to one side, and now she realized that the only thing the place lacked to give the Manse some serious competition was an expensive stable out back.

After the grand old lady, Dolores Darby, lost her son and his wife in a tragic accident, there was never a chance of adding anything that might put another family member in danger. When Madlyn’s mother had worked at ‘the Big House,’ Dolores’s grandson, Jason, had been sent away to live with his mother’s relatives because Dolores had been too grief-stricken to deal with having him around. He was the spitting image of his father, and she couldn’t bear to be reminded of all she’d lost.

Then two years ago, Dolores had manipulated Jason into returning to Eagle’s Toe. The timing was perfect, because Madz had just insisted that her best friend, Vicky Winn, come for a visit after a setback in her music career. Madlyn prided herself on being the catalyst in Vicky and Jason’s relationship. More recently, she’d been kicking herself for the same reason, as Vicky spent more and more time with her husband and less and less time with Madz.

Today, however, she took great pleasure in arriving at the Darby home. She didn’t come as the third wheel or the old friend likely to become an old maid. Instead she was on the arm of a strikingly handsome man who, if not in the same financial category as the Darbys, was at least accustomed to hanging out with the wealthy set. She bounced up the steps and rang the doorbell.

Alistair Mays, the butler, opened the door. “Ah, Miss Lake. What a pleasure to see you again. Won’t you come in.”

“Hi, Al. This is my…my friend, Kirby Banks.”

“Yes, indeed. Mr. Forbes’ stepbrother. Welcome.” Alistair stepped back and ushered them inside.

The soaring entryway, white walls, and cold white marble floor with gray veins snaking through it used to intimidate Madlyn before Vicky and Jason were married. Now, however, family photos and portraits adorned the walls, and charming tables were set here and there, with no purpose other than supporting vases of colorful blooms. Madlyn marveled at the luxury of fresh flowers in the middle of December. The double staircase swept upward to the landing, where a still regal Dolores Darby peered down at them. At her side was a middle-aged version of Vicky.

Madlyn called up to them. “Hello, Mrs. Darby. Hello, Mrs. Winn. It’s great to see you again.”

Vicky’s mother, Elsa Winn, leaned toward Dolores and spoke softly in her ear. A moment later, Dolores raised a hand in greeting. “Madlyn, darling, you look as perky as ever. How is your dear mother? Still traveling?”

Madlyn was impressed. Elsa’s presence was definitely helping Dolores’s mental state. “Yes, ma’am. Mom and Dad are still in Europe. Italy this time.”

“Do go on inside. Vicky and Jason are entertaining in the dining room. Oh, is that your young man?”

Madlyn blushed. Kirby gave a half-bow and responded, “Yes, ma’am. Kirby Banks. Your home is quite lovely, Mrs. Darby.”

Dolores tilted her head in acknowledgment. “Hang on to this one, Madlyn. Good manners are hard to find.” She turned, took Elsa’s offered arm, and they proceeded along the landing and disappeared down a hallway.

Kirby murmured, “What a stately lady.”

Alistair had paused at the double doors beneath the landing. “If you’ll come this way, please. Lunch is about to be served.”

As Madlyn and Kirby moved toward the double doors, Alistair remarked somberly, “Mr. Banks. I’m so sorry to hear of your uncle’s passing. Please accept my condolences.”

Kirby nodded grimly. “Thanks.”

Alistair said, “Madlyn, I’ll let you show Mr. Banks the rest of the way.” He added for Kirby’s benefit, “She’s practically family.”

Madlyn beamed, and Alistair gave her a wink, then departed.

Kirby’s brows rose. “Well, Ray must have told them about Uncle.”

“See? He feels bad that he wasn’t at the funeral.”

“In a way, I’m sure he does.”

Before Madlyn could ask him to clarify, Vicky appeared at the dining room door.

“Madz! Kirby! I’m so glad you could come on such short notice. When Maria heard you were here, she and Ray couldn’t wait to invite you. And I’m always glad to have a reason to visit with my best friend.” She hugged Madlyn. “Kirby, you look so handsome. I think the Colorado air makes your hair even blonder.”

Kirby grinned. “It seems to work on yours.”

Vicky laughed, then said, “Brewster called. He just landed in Denver and wanted to thank me for sending a town car to bring him down.”

“That was very thoughtful of you.”

Madlyn asked, “How did you know?”

Vicky said, “Ray called Kirby earlier, and the first thing he said when he hung up was that Kirby never goes anywhere without Brewster, so when is Brewster arriving? It wasn’t hard to find out.” She moved smoothly into the dining room.

Madlyn was relieved to see that Jason and Vicky were casually dressed. But then, she was home in Colorado, so she didn’t have to worry about that anymore.

She felt Kirby stiffen as Ray Forbes approached with a look of studied compassion on his face.

“Kirby, such devastating news about your uncle. I’m so sorry the timing kept us away.”

“No problem, Ray. Sorry I had to leave the Manse so abruptly.”

Ray waved the apology away. “No need to explain.”

Maria approached. She was stunning and elegant in creamy palazzo pants and a flowing blouse. Her dark hair was swept up in a French roll in the back. “Kirby, it is such a sad time for you. How lovely that you have made new friends just when you need them the most.” She leaned in and touched his cheek with hers. “I could not be so close by without asking to see you. Are you well?”