Free Wildflower Wedding by Luann McLane Page A

the candy shop? She worked at the toy store on Main Street for a few years and since it’s right next door I guess it was a smart move. I think you went to school with her?”
    â€œI did,” Reese replied. “Ronnie was on student council and all that stuff. Kinda geeky but cute. I think she and Gabby were friends.” In fact, Reese knew that they were friends. Gabby might have avoided him, but Reese had always tried to look out for her. Even after their friendship faded, a bond remained that couldn’t be broken. “I’m sure that store brings back memories for lots of folks around here.”
    â€œIt does,” she responded, but her smile appeared a little bit forced. “Funny how something as simple as a piece of candy can take you back, ya know?”
    To before Dad left us
hung in the air between them, making Reese fidget once more. This time his mother remained silent as if lost in her own thoughts. His parents had seemed to love each other so much. Why his father emptied the bank account and left remained a mystery. The only reason they knew there wasn’t foul play involved was that an occasional envelope with cash would arrive but never with a return address.
    â€œThere, I think that about does it.” When Reese saw his mother’s fingers tremble slightly, he silently cursed his father. Wanting to bring her good mood back, he said, “Are you really coming over to take pictures of Gabby and me?”
    She brightened. “Of course! You might not be in a tuxedo, but I finally get to take prom pictures.” She backed away and gave him a once-over. “You need to slick your hair back.”
    Reese put his palms up in protest. “Nope, I’m drawing the line.”
    â€œCome on. Just a little bit of gel?” When Reese answered with a sigh, she smiled. “Do you have any upstairs in your apartment?”
    â€œMom, I don’t put that goop in my hair.”
    â€œYou used to.”
    â€œI used to do a lot of things.”
    â€œI’ll have to make a superquick trip to my house. Man the phones for Tony. I’ll be right back.”
    A moment later Tony pushed his way through the double doors from the kitchen, but he stopped in his tracks when he spotted Reese. He put the tray of salt and pepper shakers down and folded his arms across his chest, giving Reese an accusing glare. “Are those cigarettes?”
    â€œYeah, you got a problem with that?” Reese couldn’t help asking him. “Want one?”
    â€œWell, hell yeah, I’ve got a problem with it! And no, I don’t want one.”
    â€œSuit yourself.” Uncle Tony never did intimidate him with the glare even though Reese let him believe it. In truth, Reese had complied with his uncle’s rules out of respect rather than fear. It had been tough watching his uncle’s marriage crumble. It remained another example of someone not keeping her promise to a person she supposedly loved. Gold-digging Gloria he could understand but not his father’s desertion. Reese pushed that thought from his mind. Thinking about his father still put him on edge, and he wanted to enjoy his date with Gabby.
    â€œReese, are you shittin’ me, man?”
    â€œDon’t get your panties in a wad. If I did smoke I wouldn’t put the pack in my sleeve. It’s just candy. I’d show you but it took fifteen minutes for Mom to get them to stay rolled up like this. Apparently, this was considered cool back in the fifties.”
    Relief softened Tony’s expression and he grinned. “Oh, so who are you? Lenny or Squiggy?”
    â€œI was going for James Dean. Who the hell are Lenny and Squiggy?”
    â€œNever mind. I’m old.”
    â€œNo, you’re not. Well, not
that
old, anyway.”
    Tony pulled a face. “I sure as hell feel like it.” He rolled his shoulders. “Sorry I got so wound up. I’m kind of stressed. I’ll be so