Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Her children all said yes, apart from Nick, who had to get going. They settled themselves on the sofas. Even though everyone but Damien knew the story, they clearly wanted their mother’s take on it.
Betsy took a sip of her coffee and smiled to herself in that mysterious way that her children called her romantic dreamy face. “Tessa was Margaret Percy’s caregiver. Remember we told you she had an accident dancing the tango in Buenos Aires?”
Damien didn’t always remember everything that happened in Carmel, even though he liked to be kept up with local news and gossip. “Sounds like Margaret, all right. Is she okay?”
“She tripped over her high heels and broke her arm. But you know Margaret—she doesn’t let anything slow her down. Not even a broken bone.”
“A bit like Arch,” Erin added.
Betsy nodded. “A lot like Arch. That’s why those two have always gotten along despite their age difference. In any case, Margaret needed a caregiver, and that’s how Tessa came to Carmel-by-the-Sea. And from what Margaret tells me, when she and Tessa bumped into Arch on the beach, there was instant chemistry. I believe Margaret described Arch as having ‘twinkly eyes.’ She claims that he was taken with Tessa as soon as he met her.”
Damien nodded. “But how did she end up being his caregiver?”
“His stubborn streak,” Mila offered.
Damien looked confused.
“He insisted on performing a dangerous stunt in that buddy movie he shot with Smith Sullivan and got himself a broken leg,” Betsy explained. She sighed deeply, still troubled by her actor son’s stubborn streak. “I know he told you it was no big deal and that he’s healing, but the truth is that Archer could have died. He was almost crushed under his horse. He’s lucky he got away with nothing more than a broken tibia.” She cleared her throat as she made an effort to hold back tears. It still upset her that her boy could have been fatally injured.
Erin put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “He’s fine, Mom. And I really think he’s learned his lesson this time.”
Betsy nodded. “He promised me that he’d be more careful in the future. And I think his recovery time and being stuck in a cast have shown him the consequences of listening to the daredevil who lives inside his head. Anyway, Margaret’s arm healed, and Arch was instructed by his agent to get some proper care at home so he could recover in time to begin shooting a new movie. Some big action thing that Arch is desperate to do. And…” She paused meaningfully. “He would only agree to it if Tessa was his caregiver.”
Finn said, “I like her. She seems so normal. Nothing like some of the women Arch has been with over the years.”
“I really like her,” Erin said. “And it’s clear that she’s just as besotted with Arch as he is with her. Her eyes turn dreamy every time she looks at him—when she thinks no one is watching.” Erin looked a little troubled. “But I don’t want Tessa to get hurt. We all know Arch’s track record with women. He seems to lose interest pretty quickly. And he’s never been serious about anyone before.”
“That’s true,” Betsy said, “but maybe it’s because Archer has never been with the right woman. He might not realize it yet, but he’s fallen for Tessa. Hard.”
The Davenports made murmurs of agreement. Tessa was a great match for Archer.
“What’s funny,” Mila said, “is that Arch asked me to go shopping for Tessa, to find a dress for some red-carpet event. The poor sap tried to convince me she was only accompanying him so he didn’t fall over and make an ass of himself.”
The entire family burst out laughing.
Mila scoffed with continued amusement. “I mean, he’s a good actor, I’ll give him that, but he clearly doesn’t want Tessa with him just because she’s his caregiver. You ask me, he wants to let the world know he’s found The One.”
“How will you know her dress and shoe sizes?” Betsy asked.
“Arch is going to get them,” Mila replied, shrugging. “I bet he’s already got a pretty good idea, given the way he’s constantly undressing her with his eyes.”
“Mila,” Finn said with a shake of his head. “I don’t need to envision my brother in bed with someone.”
“I agree,” Damien said. “You’re in too-much-information territory now.”
Then Erin said, “It’s not just about the dress for these kinds of events. What about her makeup and hair? Tessa is so naturally beautiful she never wears more than mascara, from what I can tell. But there will be a certain expectation for Arch’s date to look Hollywood glam. I’d hate for her to feel out of place.”
“You’re right,” Mila said. Frowning slightly, she added, “I’m not sure she knows what she’s let herself in for.”