"Have you decided who's going to be your Maid of Honor, Jessica?" Frances Piper asked Laura's sister in law as the Holt-Steele clan gathered in the living room of the Steele house.
"Laura, course," Jessica Beecham answered, smiling at Laura, who managed a smile as she picked up a fresh glass of champagne from the tray Remington was carrying.
Laura met her husband's eye, following that blue gaze he glanced toward the grandfather clock across the room. "Almost show time," he commented in a quiet voice, smiling graciously at Philip Cameron, who was standing across the room in a deep discussion with Donald Piper and Edward Holt.
"How big a wedding are you planning to have?" Mindy Piper, nineteen years old and in awe of her cousins' aunt, asked as Remington moved to join the men.
"I'd prefer a small, family affair," Jessica confided, and Laura saw Abigail and Frances' disappointment. "Philip's been married before, and well, I'm a bit up in years for all the trimmings.
"Oh, nonsense," Mildred commented. "You can never be too old for that route."
"I don't see *you* going that route, Mildred," Abigail noted a bit cattily as she lifted a glass of champagne to her lips. While she and Mildred had managed an uneasy truce over the years, at times Abigail couldn't seem to resist bringing up Mildred's relationship with Abigail's ex-husband Edward.
"Because I don't want to," Mildred said, "And neither does-"
"That's not true, Mildred," Frances said, about to remind her that Frances and Laura's father, Edward, would marry Mildred in a heartbeat. But a glance at her mother returned her to silence.
"I really should think about planning things, I suppose," Jessica said into the awkward silence. "Two months isn't very long, is it? I know I'd like for Megan to be the flower girl," she said.
"Oh, and Patrick will make such an adorable ring-bearer," Abigail sighed. "Don't you agree, Laura, dear?"
Laura pulled her attention from the foyer. "Oh, yes, Mother. Adorable," she agreed.
"What about colors for the wedding, Jessica, dear?" Remington's aunt Katherine asked.
"Oh, dear," Jessica sighed. "I'd never really thought about it. Any ideas, Laura?"
"Don't look at me," she said. "I didn't exactly have a "traditional" wedding, remember? Either time."
"Oh, but you and Mr. Steele more than made up for it on your fifth anniversary, Honey," Mildred pointed out.
At Remington's insistence, they had planned a vow renewal in the garden- with all of the trimmings that they had eschewed during the "wedding" on the tuna boat and the private ceremony in Las Vegas. Laura smiled at the memory. "That was nice, wasn't it?" she said, trying not to jump as the doorbell rang.
"Who could that be, I wonder?" Katherine asked. "We're all here, aren't we?" she questioned, looking around the room to survey Laura and Remington's gathered family.
Laura looked at Remington as he made a quiet apology to Philip and the others to turn toward the foyer as Mrs. Hobbs went to open the door.
"My God," Jessica said as the late arrival stepped into the house. "Tony?"
Laura saw Philip Cameron's eyes narrowed slightly before he moved toward Jessica to stand at her side, as if claiming his territory in the face of a rival. Laura moved forward, aware that the rest of the family were not far behind.
"Antony. This is a surprise," Remington was saying.
"Yeah, well, I thought I'd take a chance and drop in," Tony said. "Didn't realize you were having a family get together." He nodded at Laura.
"Hi," Tony said to Laura.
"Hello, Tony. You're looking well."
"What are you doing in Los Angeles?" Remington asked.
"I had some business to take care of," he responded,
his eyes on Jessica. "Hello, Jess."
"Antony," Jessica said, falling back into the more formal address after her earlier slip.
"I guess I'll go, since I don't want to intrude," Tony began, and Laura opened her mouth to object, only to stop as a dark haired whirlwind appeared on the stairs.
"Uncle Tony?!" Megan called out, running down the stairs and throwing herself at him.
"Hey, Princess," he said after recovering from the impact. "Goodness, you've grown."
"I'm eleven now," she told him, looking up at him as her brothers came down the stairs at a slightly slower pace.
"Hey, guys," Tony said to them, only to find himself set upon by all three Steele children. "I get the idea you missed me or something," he laughed. The laughter faded slightly as he glanced up at Jessica, looking for some kind of sign that the kids hadn't been the only ones to miss him. He couldn't really tell one way or the other.
"You wanna come see my new video game?" Patrick asked, tugging on Tony's sleeve. "It's really cool-"
"I would, pal, but I have to be going-"
"Nonsense," Katherine said, leaning heavily on her cane as she moved through the knot of people to stand before the younger man. "There's no reason for him to leave, is there, Remington? Laura?"
Laura glanced at Jessica. "Is there?"
Tony saw Philip Cameron move to draw Jessica subtly closer, and she glanced up at him before answering. "No. He's welcome to stay."
"Thanks," Tony said, still looking at Jessica. But he could tell that Cameron wasn't pleased by the turn of events. His dark eyes gave notice to Tony that the battle was joined- and that Philip Cameron wasn't a man who liked to lose.
"I'll go ask Mrs. Hobbs to set another place at the table," Laura announced.
"I'll do it, Mom," Megan offered. "Come on, Daniel, Patrick."
"But-" Daniel objected, frowning as he looked up at Tony. "I wanted to talk to Uncle Tony."
"Go with your sister, Daniel," Remington said gently. "You'll be able to talk to Antony later."
"Go on," Tony said. "I'm not going anywhere for a little while, anyway," he said, giving Cameron another look.
"So, Antony," Katherine said, slipping her arm through Tony's to let him lead her back into the living room, "what have you been doing with yourself since you went to New York?"
"I started my own agency," he informed the elderly woman, giving her a grateful smile for her interest. "Spent a little time with my family."
"I'm surprised you're here at this time of year," Philip said from his place beside Jessica. "Your family must have been upset that you would be away for the holiday."
"Mom and Dad are in Rome on a vacation," Tony said. "My brothers and sisters all had other plans. I figured why freeze to death when I could come out here where it's warm? I'd forgotten how cold winters could be back East."
"I miss the snow," Frances sighed regretfully, recalling Christmases past in Connecticut.
"Sure you do," her son Danny teased, and then explained to everyone. "Mom hated the snow. Whenever it snowed, she complained constantly."
"He's right, Mom," Mindy agreed. "Isn't he, Dad?"
Donald held up his hands. "Leave me out of this, kids," he said, then dropped his hands on his wife's shoulders. Frances smiled, and Tony could tell that she was enjoying the easy banter.
"You mentioned some business, Antony?" Remington questioned. "A case?"
"No. It's-" Tony looked over at Jessica as he finished, "it's personal."
As he watched, Philip reached down and took Jessica's left hand in his, bringing the huge diamond ring on her third finger into view, as Jessica slowly pulled her hand away and gave him a frustrated look. "Guess that explains the family gathering," Tony commented, nodding toward the ring. "When's the big day?"
"Two months," Philip answered. "Jessica's birthday."
Tony managed to smile. "Congratulations," he said, offering Cameron his hand. "You're getting one hell of a lady. I hope you know that."
It seemed that everyone in the room was holding their breath as Philip looked at Tony's hand, halfway expecting him to refuse to shake it. But at last Philip grasped Tony's hand. "Believe me, I know exactly what I'm getting. I should thank you for leaving the field clear, I suppose."
"Oh, don't thank me. It was probably the biggest mistake I ever made," Tony said, with a look at Jessica. "Not a day goes by that I don't regret being so stupid."
Philip pulled his hand away with a deliberate movement that might have been threatening had the two men been alone. But it a room full of people, Tony knew that he was safe. For the moment, anyway.
"Where are you staying, Tony?" Edward asked.
"A motel downtown," he answered, greeting his old friend as Mrs. Hobbs appeared in the doorway to announce dinner.
Remington jumped on the diversion, taking Laura's arm. "Shall we?"
Tony offered an arm to Katherine. "Allow me, Mrs. Morgan?"
***
Dinner went rather well, Remington thought, all things considered. Tony had been seated as far away from Jessica and Philip as he could have been- and had wound up discussing Mindy's decision to follow her father into dentistry, while Danny Piper was going to start as an intern over the next summer with Remington and Laura. Laurie Beth Piper, at sixteen, insisted that *she* was going to be a famous actress someday, which had set Frances off on a litany of her youngest daughter's triumphs on the Tarzana Little Theater stage, joined by Abigail's reminiscing about her own turn on the stage...
As the group began leaving the dining room, Donald pulled Philip to the side with a question about a possible financial investment, leaving Jessica to continue on with Remington.
"I hope you don't mind that Antony's here," he said.
"I'm surprised you agreed," Jessica commented, watching as Tony talked to her niece and nephews. "After what happened-"
"Water under the bridge," Remington assured his sister. "Actually, I was all prepared to welcome Antony back into the fold when he made the decision to leave. The children are certainly glad to see him."
"Tony was always good with them," Jessica pointed out. They were passing the doorway out to the garden, and she stopped. " I think I need a bit fresh air."
"I'll let Philip know," Remington assured her. He watched her out of the door, then continued to where Tony was just finishing telling Patrick about the balloons in the Thanksgiving Day parade.
"They're really that big?" Patrick questioned.
"Even bigger," Tony assured the wide-eyed little boy.
"Wow."
"A moment, Antony, if you please?" Remington asked. The children scampered off, all except for Megan.
"Did I do good, Dad?" she asked.
"You were perfect," Remington told the girl.
"I really am glad you're back, Uncle Tony," she said. "I hope you stay this time."
"Well, that doesn't depend on me, Princess," Tony said.
Megan nodded and moved away to the living room.
"She's growing up," Tony told Remington.
"I know. Too quickly. Jessica just went into the garden."
"Where's Cameron?"
"Talking to Donald."
"I'll go through the study," Tony decided.
"Tony," Remington cautioned, causing the other man to hesitate. "Don't mention-"
"Don't worry. I won't."
***
Jessica wandered through the garden, smelling some of the flowers before stepping up into the gazebo. Remington was right. It was a lovely place for a wedding. His and Laura's renewal had been almost dreamlike- and Jessica had always secretly wanted to be married here, with Remington giving her away, her entire extended family in attendance- but she'd always pictured another groom. Not someone tall and blonde like Philip, but tall, with curly brown hair and an endearing dimple- and regrettable tendency to make wrong choices about his life.
Darn Antony Roselli anyway, she thought with a frustrated sigh. She'd finally managed to put his memory away where it didn't bother her overmuch. She'd begun to think of a future with someone else. Philip was so wonderful. And he loved *her*. There was no question about that. No ambiguity as there had been with Tony.
She heard gravel crunch beneath a shoe and went still, drawing in a deep breath. The light breeze sent the smell of the aftershave he'd always worn. Masculine, woodsy.
"Hi, Jess."
"Tony." She rose from the bench inside the gazebo. "I'd better go inside-"
"Do you have to?" he asked. "I saw you leave- I thought we could- talk. Catch up on old times?"
"I don't know that we should, Antony," she said.
"You called me Tony a minute ago."
"Old habits," she shrugged. "I'm engaged to be married, Tony. I really shouldn't-"
"Talk? To an old friend? I'd like to think we were still friends, at least. Even if I did mess everything up by chasing after Laura the minute she left Steele."
"That wasn't a good move, no," Jessica agreed softly. "Tossing ten years down the drain like yesterday's bathwater-"
"You know why I came back?" he asked, taking a step closer to the gazebo- and her.
"Tony-"
"I wanted to see you again. To see if- maybe you were ready to forgive me."
"I've- forgiven you," Jessica assured him. "But I'm-"
"I know." He reached out to take her left hand in his, holding it up to the light. "Engaged. To Philip Cameron. It's a lot bigger than the one I wanted to give you."
Jessica pulled her hand away. "It's not the size," she told him. "It's the sentiment. Philip loves me. And can trust him. I couldn't trust you. Not after-"
"Dammit, Jess, I didn't come here to argue with you."
"No. You came to turn my entire world on its ear," Jessica pointed out. "I've moved on, Tony. I got tired of waiting."
"Waiting?"
"For you to decide whether it was me or Laura that you loved. Right or wrong, you made your decision. You'll just have to live with it, won't you?" she asked, moving past him to leave the gazebo.
"I love you, Jess," Tony said. His words brought Jessica up short. "I'm sorry for hurting you. For taking so long to finally see what I had right in front of me." He placed a hand on her shoulder, and felt her shiver.
"Tony, please," she begged softly. "Don't do this."
"Look at me, Jess," he told her, turning her to face him. When she didn't move, he placed a hand under her chin to lift it. "If you can look at me, and tell me that you don't love me anymore - I'll walk out of your life and never bother you again."
"I-" She stopped, looking at him. "I- I can't." But when Tony would have pulled her into his arms, she pulled away, shaking her head. "God help me, I do still love you, Tony Roselli. But I can't trust you. I can't live waking up every morning, wondering if you're going to change your mind again and decide that it's Laura you love and not me. I was a fool to ever get involved with you. I knew how you felt about her-"
"Felt. It's in the past, Jess. I know I made a mistake. But if you could just give me one more chance-"
"I gave you chance after chance after chance, Tony," she sighed. "I'd almost convinced myself that you were over her when-"
"I'm not going to give up, Jess," Tony warned her, and pulled her close. "It's too important. I've got two months to convince you that you're the only one I love." He lowered his lips to hers, and wasn't surprised when she returned his kiss.
***
Remington saw Philip and Donald enter the living room, watched as his sister's fiancée looked around the room. "Philip, old man," he said, "I was beginning to think that Donald was going monopolize you for the entire evening."
"He just needed some investment advice," Philip explained. "Where is Jessica?"
"Jessica?" Remington asked, looking around the room himself.
"She went out into the garden, I think," Laura Beth informed them. "I saw her go out as we were leaving the dining room.
"Ahh, that's right," Remington suddenly 'remembered'. "Said something about needing some air." As Philip moved away, he accompanied the other man. "I could use some air myself," he explained. "Bit warm in here, don't you think?" he asked, pulling out his handkerchief to mope his brow.
"Not really," Philip said. "You know, I was surprised that you allowed Tony Roselli to stay, Remington. After what happened-"
"Antony was just a bit confused," Remington explained. "I don't think he was still in love with Laura at all."
"Really?"
"No. He was just using her as an excuse," Remington continued as they left the house.
"And excuse for what? Putting Jessica through hell?"
"I think that's a bit over an exaggeration, Philip. Jessica was upset, yes, but-"
***
Jessica drew back from Tony, shaking her head. "No. Please, Tony. I can't do this again."
"Tell Cameron you need more time," Tony begged. "All I'm asking is one more chance, Jess." He pulled her close once more, having seen the door open from the house. "Please?"
"Are we interrupting something?" Philip asked as he and Remington came upon the two former lovers in each other's arms.
Jessica stepped away from Tony's embrace, leaving him no choice but to release her. "Philip."
"Really, Antony. I invite you into my home and this is how you repay me?"
"I told your aunt that I came here on personal business, Steele. That business just happens to be Jess."
"Jessica isn't your business anymore, Mr. Roselli," Philip said. "She's mine. I suggest, if you know what's good for you, that return to New York and get on your life."
Tony squared his shoulders. "That sounded like a threat, Cameron."
Philip's smile reminded Tony of a cat enjoying playing with the mouse. "Not at all, Roselli. Just a friendly word of advice. Shall we go back inside, Jessica?"
She moved to Philip's side and let him turn her toward the house.
"Jess-"
Remington grabbed Tony's shoulder. "Back off, mate," he said, only half in jest. "I thought you were just going to *talk* to her?"
"I know. But being so close to her-" Tony ran his hand through his hair. "I don't know what it is about that woman-"
"Join the club, Antony. The ice apparently thawed some."
"A little. Not much."
"I don't think it's a good idea for you to stay much longer after this little incident."
"I know. How am I supposed to get out of here without Jess finding out I'm staying on the grounds?"
"I think Edward can help. Laura was going to fill him in."
"Is that a good idea? Involving someone else in this?"
"Edward's a professional. He can take care of himself. Let's go in so you can say your good-byes and make a show of it, eh?"
***
Laura met them at the door. "There you two are. What on earth happened? Philip came in looking like he was ready to commit homicide!"
"He probably is," Remington noted. "Where are they?"
"In the living room."
"Did you speak to your father?"
"He and Mildred are going to decide to go when Tony gets ready to leave. They'll take him to the gate and let him out there."
"Excellent. You're on, Antony," Remington said.
Tony entered the living room, feeling Cameron's eyes on him. Jessica wouldn't even look in his direction, though. He managed a tight smile, telling everyone goodnight
"How did you get out here, Tony?" Edward asked as Tony told him good-bye.
"Taxi. I was going to call another one- before I leave."
"Oh, we'll drop you off," Mildred offered.
"You're sure it's no trouble?" Tony asked.
"Don't be ridiculous," Edward insisted. "What are old friends for?" he asked, slapping Tony on the back. "We were going to leave anyway."
The next few minutes were filled with family farewells, and Tony thought he caught a look of regret on Jessica's face just before Remington closed the door behind them.
"Sounds like you've in hot water up to your neck again, Tony," Edward commented, taking Mildred's arm as they moved toward his car.
"Yeah. But I should be used to that by now, right?"
***
Laura pulled Jessica aside. "Are you okay? Remington told me what happened in the garden."
"I'm fine, Laura. How abut you? Tony's coming back hasn't caused a problem, I hope?"
"Problem?" Laura questioned. "Between Remington and me? Not at all. I was never in love with Tony, Jessica. And I don't really think he was in love with me. I was a challenge. That's all. You're the one he's in love with."
"He had a strange way of showing it."
"Are you ready to leave, Jessica?" Philip asked, joining them.
"I think so," Jessica answered. "It's been a long day."
***
As the Mercedes limo pulled away from the gate, Jessica watched Philip in the dim light. "Philip, about Tony-"
He took her hand in his. "You don't have to explain, Jessica. You spent ten years with him. I can understand how his sudden return might engender a little confusion. But I love you. And I would *never* do anything to cause you any pain the way he did. I'm sure he'll be nothing more than a memory before long."
She smiled at him, touching his cheek. "You're a very special man, Philip. I still can't believe that I had the good fortune to meet you just when I needed someone most."
"Kismet," he said, bringing her palm to his lips. "I'd given up on finding anyone. I'll drop you at home and we'll talk tomorrow over lunch, okay?"
Jessica nodded, falling into the companionable silence that the two of them shared for the remainder of the drive back to her loft.
Philip walked Jessica up to the door, and then returned to the limo, instructing his driver to take him home as he pulled his cell phone from the pocket of his tailored dinner jacket.
"It's me . . . I found that loose end that we discussed . . . At the Steeles' this evening. It's more important than ever that the loose end be tied up and disposed of. Discreetly, of course. No more drive by shootings. They're too messy and leave too many questions . . . I don't care . . . I pay you very good money to handle these things. I shouldn't have to pay more for a little- creativity . . . I'm glad we understand each other . . . I want you to send someone to watch Jessica Beecham's loft . . . I would if I were him . . . She's not to know she's under surveillance . . . Very good . . . No, I'll handle the Steeles. For now, anyway. I'm sure Roselli has told them something, since he and Steele were at the bank together this afternoon . . . The next time we speak, I expect you to tell me that Tony Roselli is dead."
Philip turned the telephone off and put it away as he settled back against the leather seats.
To Be Continued ---