“Maybe,” Colleen muttered after a moment of silently wearing down his carpet with her treading feet. “But I’m not agreeing to anything malicious. If they’re determined to get married after only knowing each other a few months, there’s absolutely nothing anyone can do to change their minds.”
“I agree one hundred percent,” he said. “It’s not meant to be hurtful. Just…a wake-up call.”
“Other than that, we’ll give them a wonderful party.”
“Are you kidding? We’ll throw them the best engagement party Harbor Town has ever seen. The best wedding and reception, as well.”
She stood directly in front of him, her jean-covered thighs slightly spread. “Do you promise that’s the only thing you’ll do? Try to subtly encourage them to extend their engagement? Because I’m not agreeing to anything dishonest.”
“I promise. I despise dishonesty,” he said truthfully.
He waited while she studied him closely.
“Okay,” she finally conceded. “Mari, Marc, you and I will be responsible for the cost and planning of the engagement party. As for the wedding and reception, can you speak with Natalie and get some of her thoughts on decorations, budget, that sort of thing? I’ll do the same with Liam, just so we’re all operating on a consistent plan.”
He nodded. “I understand the bride’s family is traditionally responsible for the finances. I’m Natalie’s whole family, so I’ll be paying for the wedding.”
She paused, her mouth hanging open.
“That’s very generous of you to offer,” she said slowly after a moment. He couldn’t decide if he should be flattered or insulted by her expression of surprise and grudging respect at his offer. “But couples finance their weddings a lot of different ways these days, and I’m sure Natalie would agree you’re under no obligation. Plus, I doubt Liam would ever expect you to pay for everything, but that’s something we have to clarify.”
“I agree,” Eric said.
She nodded once firmly, despite her doubtful expression. “I’ll see you later then.”
“Let’s have lunch tomorrow,” he declared when she started to walk out of his office.
“Why?” she asked, spinning around.
“To plan the engagement party. And, of course, how we implement our ideas for promoting careful consideration instead of impulsive haste with Natalie and Liam.”
Her eyes flickered over him warily.
“What’s bothering you?” he asked.
“Nothing. It’s just…I had no idea you were such a cynic when it came to the idea of true love, Reyes. I suppose I should have suspected it.”
“I like to think of myself as a realist, not a cynic. Besides, you’ve admitted you agreed about this. Committing to another person for a lifetime requires some serious contemplation. There’s no such thing as love at first sight. Right?”
“Of course not,” she said, bristling.
“So, what’s your excuse?”
“What do you mean?”
“Your excuse for being a cynic when it comes to hasty marriage?”
A shadow fell over her features, and he immediately regretted his words. He’d just been trying to get to know her better. Instead, he’d unintentionally struck a bad chord, Eric realized. Colleen had been burned by romance in the past. Maybe she was still sensitive because her husband, Darin Sinclair, had been killed in action.
“I am not a cynic,” she said stiffly. “I just think Liam and Natalie need more time to make sure this is what they truly want.”
He struggled to get back on the right track again. “So, we’re on for tomorrow at lunch?”
“All right. I guess that’ll work,” she said. He lowered his hands and sat forward in his chair when he noticed her further hesitation.
“What is it, Colleen?”
“It’s nothing. It’s just…are you certain Brendan will be okay?”