A Rainbow in Paradise Read Free

says he likes me, too. At least that's what he tells me all
the time—that I'm not bad for a belagaana , that is—and I
don't think Logan's the kind to say he likes someone if he
doesn't."
    "No, I don't think so," Eden answered. "He
looks like the honest type." Even as she spoke the words, she was
struck by the irony that she had just been thinking about an
impossible fantasy man who would always treat her with respect and
honesty. With the moment of deja vu came the otherworldly
sense that more was happening here than met the eye.
    "So, do you want an introduction?" Sarah
asked.
    "Not today. You have enough on your
mind."
    "Not too much to help my best friend meet Mr.
Right."
    "Mister Maybe Later," Eden shivered, unable
to say more. Then she heard Sarah saying, "Mrs. Snow, you remember
my friend, Eden."
    Eden was determined to remember her purpose.
"Hello, Mrs. Snow."
    "Why hello, Ed..." The older woman furrowed
her brow. "Are you well, dear? You're looking a bit pale."
    Eden mustered a smile. "Yes, of course. I'm
fine. I think it's just the heat."
    "True, the heat is wilting everyone," Mrs.
Snow answered, but as she turned away, apparently reassured, Eden
thought, This is weird. This is much too weird.
    The reception line had broken up and the
d.j., a family friend who had given his services as a wedding gift,
announced the cake-cutting ceremony as "an ancient gesture
symbolizing the couple's desire to nurture and provide for each
other."
    What a sweet thought , Eden
pondered , though I suspect it's really just an excuse to
see which of them will try to embarrass the other more in
public . She shook her head, wondering when she'd become so
cynical.
    Chris delicately cut a small piece of
wedding-frosted carrot cake, and navigated it with precision,
carefully avoiding mussing Sarah's makeup. Sarah responded with
equal care through most of Chris's bite, and then stuffed the last
bit into his mouth while their well-wishers applauded. The
"Anniversary Waltz" began as both bride and groom attempted to
swallow their bites or cake.
    "Let's invite the bridal couple to start the
first dance," the d.j. announced.
    Eden applauded with the rest of the crowd as
Chris led Sarah to the middle of the front lawn. He took his bride
in his arms, and then said, "Just a minute, sweetheart," and
stepped up to the d.j.'s podium. The wedding guests waited in
suspense while Chris took the microphone. "We'll be happy to start
this dance," he announced with a gleam, "but we'd like our maid of
honor and best man to join us, please. Eden and Logan, come on up.
Mom and Wiley, will you come up, too?"
    Everyone applauded again and Eden cheered
right along with them until she realized the crowd was opening
around her, making an aisle between her and Logan Redhorse. That's
when it hit her who the maid of honor and best man were, and what
Chris had just asked them to do. Feeling more than a little like
the proverbial deer caught in the headlights, Eden watched the same
realization cross Logan's face. Then she waited, stock-still, while
he crossed the lawn toward her.
    Dance with her , Logan thought as he
moved across the grassy lawn, oblivious to the cheers of the
watching crowd. Touch her, hold her. At least it will be a
chance to find out if she's really just a flesh-and-blood woman and
not some sort of apparition . He stopped in front of her and
held out his hand. "Dance?" he asked, barely able to choke out that
much.
    The woman seemed to be having trouble with
words as well. Instead of speaking, she nodded her head and put her
hand in his.
    Warm! So warm ! The energy that surged
between them reminded Logan of the time he'd once grabbed an
electric fence and taken the shock in his hands, only this time,
instead of dropping the live wire, he longed to hold it closer.
    She feels it, too ! He heard her sharp
intake of breath as she looked down at their clasped hands, her
eyes wide with wonder, and then into his face again. Unable to
answer the unspoken