Cindy's Perfect Dance (The Candy Cane Girls Book 2) Read online

  Cindy’s Perfect Dance

  The Candy Cane Girls

  By Bonnie Engstrom

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  Copyright ©2016 Bonnie Engstrom

  Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications.

  All rights reserved as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. No part of the publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior permission of the publisher.

  All verses from NIV version

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental, except for the instances where they were used in conjunction with a business on purpose.

  All rights reserved.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  First and foremost to my editor and publisher, Cynthia Hickey, at Forget Me Not Romances for patience while I lingered over this manuscript. This is the first one of my books that seemed to take forever to write.

  To my psychologist husband, Dr. David Engstrom, Ph.D., who I interrupted from his online teaching and writing his own book a zillion times to ask questions about his expertise in Multiple Sclerosis.

  To Marg Rodger, award winning florist and proprietor of North Scottsdale Floral, who kept thanking me for allowing her to help me choose flower selections for the bridal bouquet. She patiently pointed out blooms that would enhance it, then made a list and even gave me a stem of each. Those stems are in a pink vase on my kitchen counter for inspiration. I hope readers can visualize the beautiful bridal bouquet they helped to enrich, for it is truly outstanding.

  To Kerrie Benvenuti and Carole Tompkins who helped with research finding me the perfect breakfast restaurant on Balboa Island. Long time Newport Beach friends are the best.

  To Jill Stroope, wedding coordinator extraordinaire, who held my hand during the planning of three of my own children’s weddings, and who held Kerstin Day’s and Lydia Lovejoy’s hands in both Her Candy Cane Christmas and Her Valentine Promise. Unfortunately, she is now retired. Maybe we Engstroms pushed her to her limit. I hope not.

  To Miss Lorrie, preschool Bible teacher, who gave little Shy the pink Bible she sleeps with; to Lorrie’s adorable granddaughter, Swae, who inspired the scene where Teagan plays the piano for the wedding; to Miss Mandy who team teaches with Cindy and graciously takes the three-year-olds potty. To Pastor Steve and Miss Patti who are the inspiration behind the New Covenant Preschool in Scottsdale, Arizona that I used as the model for New Hope Preschool.

  To Charlene Prince, an amazing piano teacher who devotedly encourages children to love music.

  Finally, to my son Brian and my adorable grand boys who hosted me in Costa Rica and helped me appreciate the bungalows and Playa Hermosa Beach. But, he still hasn’t taught his mother how to surf!

  And, to my daughter Dana who really is the director of a Christian preschool, but in Arizona (see above), not California. Thank you, Dana, for agreeing to allow me to feature your children, my beautiful grandchildren, as participants in the wedding party. I hope all my grandchildren will be honored to be part of this story.

  Not last, really first in my heart, is my praise and thankfulness to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who nudged me every day to write this story. If not for Him, I would have given up in frustration.

  PROLOGUE

  “Ouch!”

  “What?”

  “You stepped on my toes.”

  He said it so matter of factly that Cindy wondered if he was kidding. She looked down at his black patent shoes. Aw, oh. A scuff on the right one. Guess Rob was right. Question was … his fault for not being a good leader or hers for being a bad follower?

  “Sorry.”

  “S’okay.” He pulled her closer and she felt her body melt into the warmth of his.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Cindy dug through the cardboard carton. She pulled out fistfuls of old photographs from over twelve years ago. She dug deeper, hoping to find “the one.” Finally, she thought she had it, the black and white one of Rob. How she wished she’d had the money to buy the yearbooks before her own graduation. But, her parents were cash-strapped, and she worked during after school hours as a barista at Starbucks. So, some of those years were lost, at least in photos. It was before everyone had cell phones they could store photos in.

  She held the blurry photo up to the light. Was Rob really that handsome then? He looked goofy in the image. But, so did the other guys hugging each other’s’ shoulders. Must have been taken after a track meet. In those days the date of the photograph was noted on the back. Four years before she had graduated.

  She found another photo. Oh, my gosh, almost forgot he was voted class king. He deserved it, but he is so humble now. She rubbed her eyes and sat down. She could hardly believe she was dating a former class king of Vista del Mar High School. He had never mentioned it. But, that was so teenage, so juvenile. He was all grown up now. Really grown up.

  She’d had a huge crush on Rob when she was only starting into her freshman year. He had never seemed to flaunt his kingship, or any of his academic accolades or sports accomplishments. But, she followed them. She knew.

  She threw the photos aside, tossing them haphazardly on her kitchen table. What had happened the other evening at Noelle and Braydon’s wedding? Her Candy Cane best friend had married a florist. The owner of the floral shop that was previously contracted to provide the flowers for Noelle’s original wedding, the one she cancelled because of her former fiancé Clay’s abuse. Last night, almost a year later, was a beautiful event. It was after the ceremony when the couple had been toasted and the small ensemble started to play dance music. That’s when Rob gently grasped her hand and led her to the area by the pond at the entrance of the Sherman Gardens. That’s when she melted in his arms.

  He held her close and started to dance, very slowly. His nose nestled in her ear. The little band was playing that old tune “Someday My Prince Will Come” from Disney’s Snow White. The singer was crooning in an old fashioned way. “Cynthia,” he whispered hoarsely. Cindy thought her heart would leap out of her bridesmaid’s gown as red as the taffeta skirt. She snuggled closer.

  Suddenly, the band switched to “Santa, Baby,” perfect for this Christmas wedding. But, the faster beat seemed to catch Rob off guard. The song was especially perfect since Braydon the groom had proposed to Noelle in a Santa costume at her parents’ Christmas party last year. What a hoot that had been. He had been very authentic, even though everyone knew it was him. Noelle had been so overcome with joy she laughed and cried at the same time. What a memory. She had agreed to be Mrs. Santa supervising elves and answering children’s letters to the jolly red-clad elf. In perfect English, using her skills as an English teacher.

  Cindy shook her head and laughed softly. “What? What did you say, Rob?”

  “I said ‘Let’s go to the parking lot where we can twirl.’” He looked at her quizzically. “You okay being with me?”

  “Oh, yes. Forgive me. I was thinking about how your brother proposed to Noelle last Christmas.” She pressed closer to him. “I’m sorry, but it was such a treat to see. Too bad you weren’t there. You would have loved it.”

  Rob nodded, somewhat unenthusiastically. “Braydon always was the melodramatic one, the clever one, the one who always managed to get into some kind
of trouble or do something dramatic.” He sounded jealous, then clasped her hand again. “So, would you? Like to go to the parking lot where we have more room to dance?”

  Cindy nodded, then asked, “Should we? Aren’t we supposed to stay with the wedding party? And the guests.” She could see he wasn’t convinced. He was the Best Man, so shouldn’t he be available for the rest of the event?

  “I suppose. But, maybe just a few minutes where there is more space, and,” he added with a wink, “where we will be more alone.”

  Cindy wasn’t so sure, but it was hard to deny this man. Like his brother, Braydon the groom, he was handsome, but different. Instead of blue eyes like Braydon’s, his were hazel, the kind that turned subtle colors – pale brown, even green sometimes. Depending on the light. His face wasn’t sculptured like Braydon’s, but it was definitely handsome. Especially graced by that full head of luxurious brown hair. Why was she comparing him? It was hard not to because the brothers were so different in stature and coloring. She had expected Robinson to look like a twin to Braydon. Yet, he never had in high school. Maybe she was having a memory lapse.

  She took his offered hand and held up her red taffeta skirt so she wouldn’t trip. When they reached the parking lot lined with cars, she realized he was right. There was a huge area in the middle. They danced.

  She wasn’t sure what song was playing because the music barely drifted that far. But, he lived up to his promise, and they twirled. And twirled more, until she was almost dizzy. It was almost magical. She had never expected this somewhat humble and sometimes shy man to be such a marvelous dancer. Definitely a hidden talent. Until now.

  Breathless, she laid her hand on his arm. “Rob, I have to stop.” He looked at her with a question in his eyes. “I have to use the bathroom!”

  “Oh.”

  “Sorry. Meet you back at the reception. K?”

  He nodded. She raced up the low steps holding her skirt again. He followed slowly.

  ~

  The reception was winding down. It was almost midnight. A few guests had left, leaving empty spaces at the round tables. Suddenly, the band played a loud drum roll. The leader approached the microphone and laughed. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time. Time for all the fun stuff. The groom will toss the garter, if he can find it, and the bride will toss her bouquet.” He looked around and snickered. “All single men form a circle around Braydon.”

  About twenty men and boys shuffled forward. Cindy pushed Rob who protested. “But, I’m his brother. I shouldn’t be there.”

  “You’re single, right? Or, am I mistaken?” She pushed him again. Reluctantly, he tried to fade into the group.

  The band did a staccato drum beat. Braydon made a big show of trying to find Noelle’s garter. Cindy knew it was below her knee because Noelle was embarrassed even having one. But, being a good sport, she played along. Braydon fumbled and pretended to search for it. Noelle giggled when he lifted the skirt of her gown and stuck his head under. He groped, she kicked. Was she going to kick him in the face, the face under her skirt? Finally, he held a blue garter above his head with an impish grin. He swung it around on a finger. Twenty plus pairs of male hands waved in the air. His eyes locked on one, and he aimed. Right at his brother.

  Rob had no choice but to catch it. It practically flew into his hands. His face burned crimson, but he held it tight against his chest. A few of the men moaned, but many clapped him on the back. “Your time, buddy. Congratulations, guy.” Cindy grinned.

  More drum beats, another announcement. “Now, ladies, form a circle. The bride is going to toss her beautiful bouquet.” The announcer stopped. “Oops, sorry. She wants to preserve her real bouquet. But, the one she is going to toss is special. Reach to catch.”

  Cindy was glad Noelle wouldn’t toss the gorgeous bouquet Braydon had designed just for her. However, she noticed the one in Noelle’s raised hand was also outstanding. That Braydon. He would be sure every floral offering from Love In Bloom Floral would be beautiful.

  Cindy hung back behind the excited group of single girls, mostly teen and college age, and the other four Candy Canes, of course. But, they and she were more mature and didn’t jiggle and giggle and act crazy. She raised her arms and waved her hands, more obligatory than really expecting to catch. She was watching Doreen. What a gift it would be for her to catch the flowers. Or, Natalie, who struggled financially with her small independent health club, or Candy, divorced and job seeking. She sought each one with her eyes, hoping for them. Not that catching the proverbial wedding bouquet really held the promise tradition claimed. But, it would be nice for any of them to have the special moment. Where she wondered was Connie? The designer of Noelle’s gorgeous wedding gown.

  She heard cheers and screams and felt something in her hands. Two girls who she didn’t know hugged her fiercely and jostled her. What! She hadn’t even tried, but the bouquet of red striped Candy Cane roses was in her hands. She felt her face heat up. How did that happen? Noelle’s back was to the group as she flung the bouquet over her head. But, Cindy knew even if she had been facing the group of women, she couldn’t have planned it. She was a great swimmer, but a notoriously bad aim in softball and basketball. What did this mean that she had caught the bouquet and Rob the garter?

  CHAPTER TWO

  Cindy stared at herself in the mirror. She felt different. Did she look different? Not much. Maybe a little flushed. She brushed the sides of her long hair back with her fingers to the top of her head. She did look different that way, maybe more sophisticated? Holding the bulk of hair at her crown she grinned in the glass. After all, that was the way her tresses had been for her bridesmaid attire. And the diamond studs Noelle had lent her for her ears made her look older, more worldly. Was Rob attracted to her because of her appearance? After all, she is at least four years younger than he, maybe close to five. But, didn’t most men like younger women?

  She released the clumps of brown hair letting them fall around her neck. Rob didn’t seem the phony type. In fact, he did seem a tad shy. However, he was the one to suggest dancing in the parking lot so they could twirl and be more alone. Go figure. Men will always be a mystery to me.

  She smeared on night cream, pulled on her flannel jammies, said her prayers and flopped into bed. The post wedding brunch started at ten tomorrow. As a bridal attendant, she needed to be on time at the Newport Marriott. Noelle had a thing about punctuality.

  ~

  “Yes. I guess I will help you.” Cindy looked askance at Rob. “What will I have to do?”

  She was flattered Rob asked her to be Mrs. Santa at Love In Bloom Floral Shop since he’d agreed to take over for Braydon while he was on his honeymoon with Noelle. It was out of her league, but he expected her to show up tomorrow at nine. The shop didn’t open until ten, but apparently there was a lot to get ready.

  Cindy was used to tiny children and overly concerned parents. Teaching the three year olds at New Hope Preschool was a gift. She didn’t make a lot in money, but she made a lot in relationships. All the teachers and staff were Christian, so they supported each other in prayer and friendship. Ms. Dana the director was a gift to all of them. Cindy knew she had her own challenges raising four children alone, but she always stepped up to the plate to support her staff. She was also very skilled at comforting parents who had concerns, and especially skilled at dealing with tiny boys and girls crying and wetting pants and acting out physically. (He hit me first!) Yes, being a preschool teacher at New Hope was a challenge, and a gift.

  She thought about how Miss Lorrie, Ms. Dana’s sidekick and alter ego, was a hero to all the little children. She went to every classroom every morning and taught the Bible in a way even the youngest little ones could understand. One of Ms. Dana’s own children, a twin, who had “graduated” two years ago from the preschool Kindergarten class, still went to sleep holding her Bible every night, the one Miss Lorrie had given her. Sometimes, she held her teddy bear, too. Still, it was a testimony to the school and the influence it
had.

  Rob opened the door for her and handed her a Santa hat. Glad she had worn her black tights and new red sweater. She perched the silly hat on her head, shoving curls under it haphazardly and smiled weakly.

  ~

  “Welcome … Mrs. Santa!” His face beamed that engaging grin. Cindy grinned back and fussed with tucking her curls under the red tassel hat. “Put me to work before I change my mind.”

  He showed her how to arrange groups of flowers in the cool case, and she started having fun. They all smelled so wonderful.

  “Do you mind if I get a bit creative?”

  “Help yourself. Go for it.,” he declared.

  She added candy canes and lollipops on sticks to several arrangements. Even a glittery butterfly on a long stick to one. Braydon had a drawer full of fun trimmings. After adding the decorations, she went to the computer and printed out several new descriptions to add. Finally, she made new banners to put in the window.

  She was taping them up, forward facing, so passersby couldn’t miss them, when the door burst open and a strong female voice startled her.

  “What does this mean? What does Buy One get One Half Off and Get a Coupon for Valentine’s Day mean?”

  “Oh, Mrs. Lovejoy, how lovely to see you.” Cindy quivered, realized her knees were knocking. What had she done wrong?

  “Nice to see you, too, Cynthia.” She had used Cindy’s formal name. Indicating what?

  “So kind of you to help Robinson.” Mrs. Lovejoy paused focusing on Rob and Cindy. “Was the idea his, yours, or both of yours? The promotion, I mean.”

  Cindy bumped her two quivering knees together to steady them, then stood up straight. “I guess mine,” she admitted. “But, I did run it past Rob.”

  “I see,” the older woman said in a placating voice. “Still, I wish to be informed when we have specials or sales.” She fumbled in her purse and drew out a tissue. “I guess I’m a bit overwrought. Wedding, you know.” She dabbed at her eyes, finally smiled. “Sorry, Cindy,” she said, finally using the woman’s nickname like everyone else. “Guess I over-reacted.”