Second Chance Girl (Happily Inc. #2)

She forced herself to go through everything before she started on her research. She’d just begun her first internet search when Atsuko walked into her shop.

“I’m looking for giraffe inspired buttons,” the gallery owner said. “I’m going all out for the event. If you have actual giraffe buttons, that would be perfect. I have a couple of jackets in mind.”

While Violet offered to change out buttons for local customers, some people preferred to do the sewing themselves. Atsuko had a flair for the dramatic, a stunning wardrobe and mad sewing skills.

“I think I might have some giraffe shapes,” Violet said, thinking about her inventory. “I know I have some buttons that could be considered giraffe inspired.”

She pulled up her inventory program and searched the database. Three different buttons popped up, along with their location in her storage closet. She quickly found the boxes and set them on the counter.

The first had three giraffe-head-shaped buttons. They were carved ebony and from the mid-eighteen hundreds.

“The work is beautiful,” Violet said, as she pulled on white cotton gloves, then pulled the buttons out of the box. “But they’re so dark, it’s difficult to see the detail.”

Atsuko put on gloves as well, then picked up a button. “I don’t think I have a jacket with only three buttons. And you’re right about them being dark. I do have a gold jacket that might work. I’m not sure.”

The second box held painted buttons. The brown and tan pattern was very giraffe-like but the buttons themselves weren’t overly inspired. The third box held six amber-and-onyx buttons.

“From the seventeen hundreds,” Violet said, placing one button on her palm. “Italian. They’re edged in gold, so not cheap, but they’re beautiful.”

The work was exquisite and detailed, and the pattern matched Millie. These buttons had been a find from one of her buyers in India. The woman had sent a huge jar filled with dozens of buttons. Most had been cheap or broken, but there had been a few treasures—these six among them.

“I want them,” Atsuko said firmly. “While I’m not taking a commission on Ronan’s piece, it won’t be the only thing sold. I plan to have a good night.” She smiled. “These will bring me luck.”

“They’re going to look lovely,” Violet told her as she put the buttons back in their box.

A happy sale, she thought as she wrote up the receipt. Her mortgage was paid for the next two months and she had money left over to buy more buttons.

Atsuko took the receipt and the box, then put both in her Prada handbag. She started for the door, only to turn back. “By the way, your English gentleman friend got in touch with me this morning. Apparently he’s sending over a little something for the auction, as well. Something from his estate back home.”

Ulrich hadn’t mentioned anything to her. “Did he say what it was?”

“No. I was hoping you’d know.”

“Sorry. I don’t have a clue.”

“Then we’ll find out next Thursday.”

Atsuko waved and left. Violet thought about asking Ulrich when she saw him, then decided she preferred to be surprised. For a second she fantasized that he’d asked his grandmother to ship over one of the family’s fabulous diamond rings. He would drop to one knee and...

“You’re being ridiculous,” she told herself out loud. “It’s something giraffe-like. Nothing more.”

Oh but how she wanted it to be more. Much more.





CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CAROL HAD ALWAYS thought of herself as the more sensible of the sisters. While Violet always looked so pretty and put together with her accessorized outfits, Carol was more concerned if she could get grass stains and grazing animal poop out of her clothes.

She’d been fine with that. She loved her work and never in a million years could imagine herself happily sorting through huge jars of buttons or tying the perfect scarf for the right outfit. But surrounded by lace, tulle and a very stunning wedding gown, not to mention gorgeous shoes, she found herself wondering if she was just a tiny bit too utilitarian. Even more troubling, she felt the first ping of wistfulness. Until this very moment she’d never thought about being a bride.

Oh, sure, she’d thought about getting married, but that was different. That was about being in a relationship, about finding someone to love who would love her back. That was about family and future and having babies and all that kind of stuff. She was talking wedding.

Cakes and invitations and showers and receptions and rings and yes, an amazing lace-covered, fitted wedding gown that made Maya look like the most beautiful woman in the world.

“There aren’t enough words,” Carol admitted, walking around the bride-to-be. She took a couple more pictures before carefully setting the veil in place and adjusting it. “You’re stunning. Del is going to faint when he sees you.”

“I hope not.” Maya bit her lower lip. “I wouldn’t mind him being blown away, but I’m not that excited about him fainting.”

“Good point. He’ll have trouble catching his breath. How about that?”

“Perfect.”

They were at Mathias’s house. One of the smaller spare rooms had been converted to wedding central. Maya had asked Carol to come by and help her with a few last-minute details. One of them was to take some pictures of her in the dress so she could send them to their friends in China.

Carol passed over the phone. Maya scrolled through the photographs and nodded happily. “Exactly what I wanted. Thank you so much for helping me this morning.”

“Happy to do it. This is fun.”

Later, when she was alone, Carol would allow herself a few minutes of wedding fantasy. Nothing overly detailed—just her in a dress and the man of her dreams waiting at the other end of the aisle. Mathias would look so—

Her brain slammed on the brakes and then quickly backed up. Mathias wasn’t the man of her dreams. He couldn’t be. They were friends and that was it. He wasn’t a man who had romantic relationships and she wouldn’t settle for anything less. As for how she felt about him...best not to go there.

Carol unfastened the long line of buttons so Maya could step out of her dress. Together they put it back on the oversize hanger, then fluffed and straightened so it hung perfectly. A sheet was draped over the dress to protect it from accidents and prying eyes.

They went into the kitchen where Maya fixed tea, then they sat on the sofa by the window. Sophie joined them, obviously hoping for some kind of cookie. She settled next to Carol, leaning on her heavily before finally slumping down with her head on Carol’s lap.

“I think I’m ready,” Maya said as she passed over a cup to Carol. “Can I say that? Do I jinx myself if I do?”

“You seem really prepared. I think you’re safe.”