Blurb:
As a clothing-buyer-turned-seamstress with an eye for fashion, Skylar Lannigan’s hands whisper tender ballads over fabric. She fills a sketchbook with flowing and whimsical designs—including versions of a to-die-for wedding dress for her own wedding day—if she’d only find Mr. Right. She’d once imagined a bright future with Adam Caldwell, until he took off with no explanation.
Adam Caldwell’s life has been a series of hairpin curves since the night a tragic accident claimed both his parents and nearly the life of his sister, Faith, as well. When Faith, who's still recovering from her injuries, asks for help selecting a wedding dress, Adam accompanies her to Diamond Knot Dreams. He's soon reunited with beautiful and lively Skylar Lannigan.
Adam would love to rekindle a romance with Skylar, but will events from their past rise up to destroy any hope for a future?
1st
Chapter:
“Skylar,
do you have a minute? I could use some help.”
Skylar Lannigan lifted her gaze from
the sketchbook on her desk to find Claire Kendrick—it had taken some practice
to drop the surname, McLaughlin, since Claire had married architect Ryan
Kendrick last April—standing in the doorway.
“Sure.
What’s up?”
“Faith Caldwell is here for her
fitting, and we’re having a bit of trouble with the dress she ordered.” Claire
strolled into the room. Her deep blue eyes radiated happiness. She splayed one
hand to her growing belly as the life blossoming inside kicked and squirmed.
“The bridal gown that she ordered months ago—that’s what she’s come to try on
again today—is too tapered and snug to conceal her bulky leg brace. And, she’s
a bit self-conscious of the sleeveless bodice, due to scars that are continuing
to heal.”
“She was in that terrible car
accident a few months ago, wasn’t she?”
“Yes…along
with her parents.” Claire paused as she reached Skylar’s desk. “Unfortunately,
her parents didn’t survive.”
“Oh,
how awful. I remember the news report.” Skylar’s heart tugged as the segment
flashed through her mind.
“Two
people are dead, another seriously injured as the driver of an SUV traveling
north along I-75 lost control and breached the median, barreling head-on into
the oncoming lane. All traffic is being rerouted and an investigation is
underway…”
“The wedding was postponed to give
Faith time to recover. She’s still got a way to go, but the nuptials are back
on track again.” Claire reached for the sketchbook, glanced at Skylar’s
detailed drawing, and gasped. “Oh, what a gorgeous dress!”
“Thanks.”
It was an elegant ball gown style that sported a scoop neck adorned with a
delicate mesh overlay, tastefully embroidered with tulle at the bodice and then
tapering along the whimsical sweep train. Skylar melted at the thought of it.
Now, if only the brides she catered to might feel the same. She mentally
crossed her fingers.
“Are
you going to spotlight it on the Diamond Knot Dreams website?”
“Avery already took care of it.”
Avery Lakin—now Ingram, since she’d married Jason Ingram the previous year,
Diamond Knot Dreams’ marketing genius and best friend to Claire and Skylar.
“She’ll have all of the dresses posted to the site within the next few weeks.”
“That’s
fabulous.”
“I
know. June seems like a long way off, but it’s never too early to prepare for
the summer rush.”
A trill of excitement danced along
Skylar’s spine. Her dream of designing bridal gowns for a living was quickly
coming to fruition.
“The skirt on that dress is just
what Faith Caldwell has been looking for.” Claire rounded the desk and eased in
at her side. “And I think the flowing train—”
“Yes,
it’s a sweep train,” Skylar explained.
“Right.
I believe that particular style, coupled with a sheer overlay at her shoulders,
would heighten Faith’s comfort level and make her feel like a princess.”
“Every bride should feel like a
princess.” Skylar believed that with all her heart. She prayed to one day know
first-hand what it felt like to walk down the aisle to a man who would become
her life partner…her husband.
Only
in your dreams, Skylar.
She brushed aside the thought as
Claire continued. “Yes, this design would most definitely afford a
princess-like feel for Faith despite the bulky leg brace she’s required to
use.” She tapped the sketch, nodding emphatically. “The therapist said Faith
will have to continue wearing it for at least another month, past the date of
her wedding, which is merely three weeks away.”
“Three
weeks?” Skylar’s voice squeaked. “Did you say Faith’s wedding is only three
weeks away?”
“I
did. December seventeenth. She’s here today to make a last-minute attempt to
avert wedding day disaster. She held out so long because she hoped…she really,
really hoped she’d be out of the leg brace by now. But she’s not, so that
mermaid-style, strapless number she chose last spring just isn’t going to
work.”
“Yikes.
This is an emergency. We need a miracle.”
“You
can do it, Faith. I have complete confidence in your abilities.”
“I
hope I don’t let you—or Faith—down.” Skylar closed her sketchbook and stood to
stretch a nagging ache that had set up along the base of her spine. “Did you
say she’s waiting by the dressing rooms?”
“Yes.” Claire slung her purse strap
over one shoulder. “I have a doctor’s appointment in half-an-hour, so would you
mind if I bowed out and let you take things from here?”
“Of course not.” Skylar’s gaze
drifted to Claire’s ballooning abdomen, covered in a maternity shirt that was
stretched to the hilt. “How’s little Abby doing today?”
“She’s kicking up a storm.” Claire
patted her mounded belly. “I believe she’s trying to somersault her way out.”
“It won’t be long now until you’re a
mommy in addition to Ryan’s wife and
sister-in-law to Caleb.”
Caleb
was Ryan’s step-brother, about to turn fourteen. He lived with Claire and Ryan
since his mother had taken off to points unknown and his grandmother, who had
been his primary caregiver, had passed away. Both Ryan and Claire had become
Caleb’s legal guardians.
“That’s a lot to take on, but this
little one still has a while to go. Her due date is December
twenty-fourth—Christmas Eve.”
“I
know. Do you think you’ll make it that long?”
“Today, I don’t think so. It’s a
race to see which will happen first—Faith Caldwell’s wedding or Abby’s birth.
I’m hoping Faith wins, because the doctor says every day that passes gives Abby
a chance to grow stronger.”
Claire had endured a few
complications during the course of her pregnancy, so Skylar sent up a quick
prayer that Abby would stay put for the time being.
“Go
on to the doctor and then head home to prop up your feet. I’ll make sure all
your upcoming cake orders are organized and order any supplies you need.”
Claire had jotted a list during lunch. “Lila, Avery and I will make the kitchen
sparkle.”
“Thanks. I left my list for
everything I’ll be needing to finish the holiday orders on the kitchen
countertop, and Mrs. Burchett is supposed to call with last minute details for
her granddaughter’s reception.”
“I’ll
field the call and take notes. No worries.”
“I
owe you, Sky.”
“No, you don’t.” Skylar gently
squeezed Claire’s shoulder. “This is what friends do—we take care of each
other.”
“Thank you.” Claire smiled through a
sudden flurry of tears. “Goodness…oh my…here I go again, spouting waterworks. I
don’t know what’s wrong with me. Lately I get weepy at the drop of a hat. I’m
just so…”
“Happy?” Skylar finished for her.
“Yes, those are happy tears. The joy radiates from your core, Claire.”
As they neared the dressing area,
Claire turned to Skylar. “I’m so glad you decided to come to Diamond Knot
Dreams.” She hugged her hard. “Now we’re all here—you, me, Lila and Avery. It’s
a blessing to work with such good friends.”
“Yes, it is a blessing.” Skylar returned the hug, warmed by the thought
that, despite the detours she’d taken to get here, God had seen her through.
She sniffled and handed Claire a tissue. “Now, go take care of that baby of
yours and then head home for a breather.”
“Ryan’s been a gem. He and Caleb
cooked dinner last night and they even washed all the dishes and tidied the
kitchen. It was sweet to watch them roll up their sleeves and fumble through
the kitchen cabinets, searching for pots and pans and mixing spoons. And, the
spaghetti was delicious.” Claire dabbed at her pretty blue eyes. “Abby is all
Caleb talks about. He’s excited to be an uncle. I’ll have plenty of help when
my sweet little baby finally makes her grand entrance into the world.”
“You’re a lucky woman, Claire, to
have found a man who loves you so unconditionally. I hope I’ll be as fortunate
one of these days.”
“Oh…never fear, my friend.” Claire
patted Skylar’s cheek. “God has a plan for you.”
“Hopefully, He’ll reveal that plan
before I turn eighty.” Skylar rolled her eyes. “These days, I’m not so sure.”
“Never fear. Great things are in
store for you.” Claire balled the tissue and stuffed it into her purse. “Now,
enough of this babbling. I’m off to the doctor. I’ll call you later with a full
report.”
“You’d
better.”
“In
the meantime, good luck helping Faith. I know you’ll find a way to please both
her and her brother.”
“Her brother?”
“Yes,
Adam.”
Skylar’s
throat went dry as a vision of Adam Caldwell’s light brown hair and denim-blue
eyes leapt to mind. Though it had been more than eight months since they’d last
seen one another, the vision was crystal clear. “I didn’t know he was in town.”
“Sure
he’s in town. I thought you knew…he’s rented a place on Bradford Street and has
been commuting from Clover Cove to Knoxville for work since Faith came home
from the rehab center. I heard through the grapevine that he’s considering
relocating to Clover Cove permanently.”
“Really?”
“Yes,
really. It all hinges on a surgical position at the hospital. He’s been
consulting there.” Claire’s lips curved in a knowing smile. “You mentioned the
two of you met a while back?”
“We…sort
of met.” Skylar turned away, because she knew Claire had the ability to read
her emotions better than a forensic scientist reads fingerprints. “But you’re
right…it’s been a while ago.”
“And?”
“It
was a disaster, so I never expected to see him again…and especially not like
this.” Skylar fisted her hands as her throat tightened. “Never mind. It’s all
water under the bridge…a lesson learned the hard way. But I suppose I can
understand why Adam might want to join Faith here today, given the fact
that…their parents…oh, my.”
Skylar pressed the fingers of one
clenched hand to her lips, unable to finish. Her heart swelled with sympathy
for the orphaned bride-to-be. With her father gone, who would walk Faith down
the aisle to meet her groom?
Suddenly, the scent of roses flooded
the room. Skylar pivoted, looking for the source. Faith’s voice murmured down
the hall as she spoke with Adam. Perhaps she’d splashed on perfume.
“You’re being very cryptic, Skylar,
but I’ll get to the bottom of things.” Claire nodded to affirm. “I always do.”
“You’d
better get going.” Skylar nudged her toward the door. “The baby…your
appointment…”
“Nice
little two-step, my friend.”
The
floral scent grew even stronger. Skylar lifted her gaze to the second floor
staircase, which seemed to lead to the source. Perhaps Lila had ordered a few
floral arrangements to freshen the upstairs offices, and the scent had found
its way to the first floor.
Claire
continued, “Maybe you and Adam were meant to see each other again…to pick up
wherever the two of you left off.”
“We
left off in disaster, so there’s no point in that.”
“There
is a point in everything—and a future—where God is involved.” Claire patted her
belly as if to emphasize the thought. “But, I suppose there’s nothing more to
Adam’s visit today than the fact that Faith covets his support, seeing as their
mom is…gone.” Claire sniffed the air and suddenly shifted topics. “She’s at it
again…Ellie and her mischievous antics.”
“Ellie?”
“Yes,
our spirited visitor from the past. And if I know anything about her, I know
she’s come for love.” Claire winked conspiratorially. “And, if she has her way,
I’m sure that soon we’ll both have
news to share.”
****
“Don’t
worry, Faith, we’ll find—” Adam paused as a shadow crossed the doorway, casting
a reflection along a three-way mirror that lined one wall of the dressing area.
His gaze swept toward the source, and his breath caught as his pulse
cartwheeled.
“Good morning, Faith.” Skylar
Lannigan strolled toward them, her movements every bit as fluid as Adam
remembered. Her hair was quite a bit longer than the last time he’d seen her,
now a fountain of rich chocolate that tumbled to the middle of her back. A
sweep of bangs framed smoky gray eyes while her lips were washed in a soft pink
color. His heart to stammer through several painful beats as his mind replayed
one thought…
I’d
like to kiss her.
“Skylar.”
Adam rose from his chair and took a step toward her. “I didn’t expect to see
you here. But I had hoped—”
“Hello, Adam.” Her voice clipped
like a honed pair of sewing shears. She nodded curtly as she made a beeline for
Faith, who stood on the circular dress-fitting pedestal, frowning at her
reflection from the three-way mirror.
“This just isn’t going to work at
all,” Faith groaned as she tugged at the skirt of the mermaid-style dress,
trying her best to coax the fitted, narrow skirt over her bulky leg brace. The
fabric refused to cooperate, and Adam grimaced because there was nothing at all
that he could do to fix the problem.
But
Skylar could, he thought with a ray of hope as he settled back into his chair
and ordered his heart to find a respectable cadence. He shifted his attention
to Faith. “It’s going to be OK, sis.”
“No,
it isn’t. I can’t get married looking like this!” Tears filled Faith’s eyes and
Adam’s heart splintered. Hadn’t she been through enough with the accident and
losing their parents, then months of recovery? “Oh, what am I going to do?”
“You’re going to step down and take
a breath.” Skylar rounded the pedestal. She drank in the metal brace that ran
thigh to ankle along Faith’s right leg. Scars, finally beginning to fade to a
pinkish-white sheen, crisscrossed along Faith’s collarbone, now fully revealed
by a sleeveless neckline. “Listen to your brother. What he says is true.
Everything’s going to be OK.”
“Really?” Faith swiped at her eyes.
“Oh, I’m sorry to act like such an ungrateful bridezilla. It’s really not my
nature to stress like this. It’s just—” She smiled weakly as she took the
tissue Skylar offered and mopped her eyes. “Are you a miracle worker?”
“No. I’m Skylar Lannigan…Diamond
Knot Dreams’ dress designer and seamstress. I’m here to customize a new dress
of your dreams. The sky’s the limit.” Skylar placed a notebook in the empty
chair beside Adam and offered Faith a hand. “I won’t quit until you feel every
ounce the beautiful bride.”
“Thank you.” Faith’s sigh of relief
seemed to release every ounce of tension she’d been harboring. She straightened
her shoulders. “You’re very kind. When I heard you’d come to Diamond Knot
Dreams I knew I had to see you. Channel Ten said you’re the best of the best,
and the Clover Cove Times did that feature on you last week. Finding you here
is fortuitous. By all accounts you’re…amazing.”
And
you’re also positively gorgeous, Adam thought as guilt stabbed him straight
in the heart. He’d hurt Skylar. The evidence resonated in her wideset eyes and
the tiny clench of her jaw that he sensed she was trying very hard to control.
She avoided eye contact. Was her
heart racing as much as his? Did she entertain any warm—he’d even, at this
point, settle for lukewarm—feelings toward him, cloaked by the resentment
clearly evident in her eyes? He could only pray…
“Well, I’ll do my best to live up to
all the pomp and circumstance that’s been built through the media.” Skylar rounded
the pedestal, scrutinizing Faith from all angles. “Let’s see here…I’m imagining
several ideas, but don’t have much time to bring them to fruition. So we’re
going to have to work at lightning speed.”
“I’m ready. Things have been moving
slowly for too long now. This wedding was supposed to happen last August, but…”
Faith sniffled as fresh tears sprouted. “By the way, Adam came with to…help
me.”
“I see.” Skylar refused to look his
way, though she smiled readily at Faith. “I suppose he’s the one who told you
about my designs.”
“Yes,
that’s right.”
“I’ll
have to thank him for that.” She said the words as if they had a sour flavor.
“In the meantime, I’m so sorry about your parents.”
“Thank you.” Faith squeezed Skylar’s
hand. “I wouldn’t have bothered you with my problem. After all, I did buy this dress last spring before
the accident and before I knew I could find you here. I only came here today in
an attempt to have it re-altered, because when I saw you on the news Adam
mentioned that he’d met you in Chicago and that it’s true you are amazing when
it comes to bridal gowns. He positively gushed when he told me about you,
and…and I thought maybe you could help. He insisted you could—and you
would—even though the wedding is only weeks away and it’s hardly your fault
that this dress no longer works for me.”
Faith
rambled on, and Adam figured the verbal flood was better than a waterfall of
tears, so he let it go. Skylar seemed to sense the same as she stepped back,
folded her hands—bare of an engagement ring, he noted with an odd mixture of
relief and anticipation—and waited oh-so-patiently for Faith to talk herself
out.
“I
put off making any changes to the dress because I was hoping…” Faith slapped at
the brace. “I was hoping I’d shed this contraption like a snake shedding old
skin. But it’s not going to happen soon enough, so here I am.” Faith blew out a
breath and her blonde bangs danced above pretty green eyes. “I don’t expect you
to make an exchange, but Adam cajoled me into coming for the fitting anyway,
insisting that perhaps there’s something you can do to the skirt so it will fit
over this.” She patted the bulky brace once more. “And add a shrug of some sort
to conceal these scars.” Again, she motioned to her shoulders with a flourish.
“He said—”
“Adam was right—about you returning
here today, at least. We are going to make this right, Faith, if it takes every
moment right up until the Wedding March begins.”
“But,
as I told you before, my wedding is in less than a month. So how on earth—?”
“Prayer—especially
coupled with faith and hard work—can move mountains. You just leave the
worrying to me.” Skylar nodded curtly as she took Faith’s hand and helped her
from the platform. “So, let’s get started, shall we?”
“Of
course.” Faith’s eyes lit up like a child’s, and Adam could hardly fathom that
in less than a month his younger sister—the only immediate family he had left
in the world—would become a wife. It seemed incomprehensible. He still thought
of her as his baby sister, since at barely twenty-four she stood a full six
years younger than he.
“Come
with me.” Skylar turned toward the doorway. Her hair caught the overhead light,
and for a moment she seemed to be crowned by a shimmering halo. The slight
scent of roses drifted, filling the room with a breath of warm, sweet
anticipation.
As
he had on so many occasions the past eight months, Adam wished he could take
back the hurt he’d caused Skylar. But it was too late to turn back time. He
could only move forward.
As
Skylar and Faith exited the room, Adam knew he had to make things right again,
no matter how long it took. He had never been a quitter. Now, if only he could
prove that to Skylar, they’d have a chance.
A chance for what, Adam wasn’t
quite sure. He simply knew he had to press forward, starting today…starting
now.
Thanks so much for joining me this week. Hope you have enjoyed this peek into my Diamond Knot Dreams series. Please leave a comment to be entered into the drawing. Winner will be announced Monday, September 11. Good luck!
