She lifted a red negligee with black trim made of lace and inspected it more closely. The fabric was soft, yet the lace felt rough and she wondered if it would feel comfortable on Holly’s skin. Sabrina brought the lace to her cheek and rubbed it against her skin. And indeed it felt scratchy. Maybe she should get a negligee made entirely of silk instead.
She turned toward another display, when she nearly bumped into the owner of the store.
Jolting backwards, Sabrina gasped and pressed a hand against her chest. “Excuse me. I didn’t see you.”
The owner, Lisette, addressed her in a low voice. “I would like you to leave. Now. Without making a scene.”
Shocked by her words, Sabrina’s heart began to pound. Her eyes darted back to the negligees. Had she done anything wrong? “But I only touched the negligees.”
“We don’t want people like you here.”
The hostility in the woman’s words, made tears shoot into Sabrina’s eyes. Why was this woman so nasty to her? She hadn’t dirtied the negligee when pressing it to her cheek. Sabrina wasn’t even wearing makeup that could have rubbed off on the garment.
“But—”
“Leave!”
This time the woman’s voice was louder, and from the corner of her eye, Sabrina saw that the other sales woman and her customer had taken notice and were casting curious looks in her direction. The doorbell chimed again, and Sabrina didn’t dare look in the direction of the door, not wanting for even more people to watch the embarrassing scene.
“What is going on here?” a familiar voice suddenly asked, making Sabrina look up.
Paul Gilbert walked toward them with long, determined steps, tossing the owner of the store a displeased look.
“Paul,” she murmured, relieved to see a friendly face. “I think there’s been some sort of misunderstanding. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Paul nodded and placed a hand on her elbow, pulling her away. “We’re leaving, Sabrina.”
As he guided her toward the exit, Sabrina felt her control crumble and sensed tears running down her cheeks. When she was finally outside and Paul led her away from the store, her next breath left her chest as a sob.
Moments later, she felt Paul’s arms around her, comforting her as she sobbed against his polo shirt.
“I only put the negligee against my cheek,” she pressed out between sobs. “Just to see if the lace was scratchy.”
“It’s okay now.” He patted her back as if she were a child.
“I’m not even wearing makeup. I didn’t make it dirty.” She pulled free of him and caught his confused look. “I mean no makeup could have rubbed onto the negligee,” she explained.
Understanding shone from his eyes. “Forget about it. How about I buy you a nice cup of coffee?”
She sniffed and accepted the handkerchief he handed her. “Thank you.” She lifted her head. “I’m not normally so emotional.”
“That’s quite all right. You have every right to be emotional. It’s a lot to deal with.”
She nodded. Weddings were stressful.
“Come, I know a great coffee shop.”
Sabrina turned in the direction Paul indicated and froze. A few yards away, Linda Boyd stood watching them, her lips twisted into a sneer. That was all Sabrina needed now! Linda had seen her emotional outburst, and for all she knew she’d also watched the embarrassing scene in the shop. Knowing Linda, she’d probably stared through the shop’s window.
Sabrina averted her gaze and forced a smile onto her face. “Yes, some coffee would be nice now.”
9
“Well . . . ” Father Vincent clapped his hands. “I think you two are ready for the big day.” He smiled. “It will be a beautiful ceremony.”
“Yes, it will be,” Daniel agreed with a smile as he put his arm around Sabrina’s waist and pulled her to him. “And we have you to thank for that.”
“Oh, most definitely.” Sabrina nodded. “Your introduction is lovely, Father.”
“I’m glad you think so.” He turned to Holly and Tim, shaking Holly’s hand. “Well, it was nice meeting you both, too.” He shook Tim’s hand then looked back at Daniel and Sabrina. “If you two don’t have any more questions or concerns, I’ll be heading for my counseling session.”
Daniel glanced at Sabrina, his heart swelling with love, and shook his head. “No, I think we’re all set. Thank you again, Father, and we’ll see you soon.”
“Bless you.” Father Vincent bowed slightly then left them standing in the aisle of the small church.