Secrets Of The Heart (Book 1, The Heart Series) by Laurie LeClair

Tears smarted her eyes as she gazed at a picture of Nick and Sydney beaming back at her. “Where? How?”
    She looked to Nick for the answers. He shrugged uncomfortably, dragging a hand over his face. “We planned it right after you and I decided to get married. When I took care of Sydney a few days ago we saw the idea through.”
    His stilted recital only warmed her more. It was obvious to Bree that he’d put great time and thought into arranging this special gift. She traced the script engraving on the inside of the lid. Nick and Bree, along with their wedding date.
    With trembling hands she closed the locket, and then fumbled with the catch. Finally she secured it around her neck, the pendant nestled between her breasts. Bree snatched up her napkin, blotting the moisture gathering in the corners of her eyes. “I don’t know what to say. It’s such a beautiful present. Thank you, Nick, I’ll always treasure it.”
    “I’m glad you like it.” His voice sounded rough and clouded with emotion.
    “What about me? I helped.” Sydney crossed her arms over her little chest.
    “Oh, sweetpea, thank you so much.” Bree caressed her daughter’s cheek, drawing a wide smile. “It’s the nicest thing anyone has ever given me. Besides you, of course.”
    “Is everything all right, folks?” the older, red-haired waitress asked as she joined them, eyeing Bree closely.
    A tad embarrassed, Bree gave the lady a watery smile. “Oh, yes. I’m fine.” She fingered the locket, cherishing it. The cool gold warmed instantly.
    “It’s nerves,” Sydney said, nodding her head. “That’s what Father Tom said anyway,” she added as Bree turned to her.
    “It must be the wedding day jitters,” Bree fibbed, too overcome to tell anyone how touched she really was. A thick mixture of elation and awe clogged her throat. Optimism blossomed in her heart. There is hope for Nick and me after all. He’d just proved it to her.
    “It’s your wedding day?” A wide smile accompanied the waitress’ question, etching soft, deep wrinkles into the woman’s long face. Her pale green eyes danced in merriment.
    “Yep,” Sydney willing supplied. “And this is our ’ception.”
    “Reception,” Bree corrected.
    “Isn’t this wonderful? Well, congratulations,” the woman said while pumping Nick’s hand. “This calls for a very special treat.” She addressed Sydney now, asking, “Would you like to help me pick out a cake from the dessert cart?”
    Sydney’s eyes widened as she turned to Bree. A hopeful, expectant look cried out to her. “Can I, mommy?”
    Bree nodded. Her reward was the happiness on the little round face beaming up at her.
    “Oh, goodie.” Sydney jumped down from her chair, and then skirted the table. “What kind do you want, Poppa?” she asked over her shoulder as she followed the lady to the three-tier cart, ten feet away.
    “Chocolate,” Bree and Nick said in unison. Bree locked gazes with Nick, exchanging a warm smile filled with loving memories.
    “Nana.”
    Bree echoed that one word. “Nana.” With warmth in her cheeks, she went on, “I can still remember the look on your face when you walked in on us.”
    “It can’t be half as bad as seeing Nana covered from head to toe in flour.”
    Bree joined in his laughter. “You have to admit my first chocolate cake turned out pretty good.”
    “Yeah, it did,” he said wistfully. “But it took Nana a week to get all the ingredients out of her hair. I swear her friends thought she’d dyed her hair all sorts of strange colors.”
    Bree laughed until more tears moistened her eyes. She dabbed at them with the corner of her napkin. “Remember how many precautions she took the next time?”
    “I understood the shower cap, but when she pulled out the umbrella…” Nick chuckled, recalling the hilarious scene in his mind. Watching Bree, observing her unrestricted delight at the wedding gift and happy times, he felt a pool of sweet, shared sentimentality take