Victoria walked back up the aisle so the ceremony could resume, and Pia returned the bouquet to its position on the pedestal. Someone kept a firm hold on Finola.
Everything proceeded without a hitch after that. Much to Hawk’s regret, though, Pia did not retake her seat next to him but chose to remain positioned near the front of the assembled guests. He couldn’t blame her, though, in light of all the recent excitement.
Once the ceremony was over, however, he was able to approach her at the indoor reception, wh
ere he spotted her standing with her back to him near the open bar.
“Drink?” he said as he came up behind her.
She turned around at his query, looking as if she was amused in spite of herself. “For some reason, I’m experiencing a sensation of déjà vu.”
Hawk grinned. “I thought so.” He chucked her under the chin. “You acquitted yourself splendidly today.”
“With your help. Victoria seems to think you went above and beyond the call of duty.”
“It was the least I could do,” he demurred with a touch of self-mockery. “I was the one who got you involved with the crazy bride.”
She smiled. “Only with the best of intentions.”
Hawk felt momentarily dazzled by Pia’s smile. She could light up a room with it, he thought. Give her a wand and she could sprinkle some glittering fairy dust, no problem.
He pushed aside the whimsical thought, and for Pia’s benefit, he shook his head in resigned amusement. “A doggy attendant dressed up to match the bride? Who’d ever have thought it?”
“You’d be surprised,” Pia returned. “I’ve even seen a pet pig march up the aisle.”
“Well, Finola is no match for Mr. Darcy.”
Pia laughed. “Mr. Darcy would agree with you, I’m sure.”
They discussed the wedding at that point, with Pia remarking on how beautiful Victoria had looked, and Hawk commenting on some of the faces he recognized among the guests.
“This is a working party for me,” Pia said eventually, as if to remind herself as much as him.
“I suppose you’ll have to stay until the very end then?” he remarked.
She nodded. “I’ll have to make sure everything is wrapped up.”
Hawk looked through the reception room’s paned windows and noted it was already dark.
“How are you getting back home?” he asked, guessing that she hadn’t come in her own car because she’d had to borrow the services of his earlier.
She lifted a shoulder, and said simply, “I’ll order a car service.”
His eyes met hers. “I’ll stick around then.”
“I…i-it’s not necessary.”
“I know.” He smiled. “Nevertheless, I’m at your disposal.”
It wasn’t until a few hours later that he was able to make good on his offer. He noted that Pia still managed to look as edible as dessert by the end of the evening, even though she also seemed drained.
They drove back to Manhattan mostly in silence, content to observe the darkened world whizzing by after a long day—and comfortable enough in each other’s company not to make forced conversation.
When Hawk pulled up in front of Pia’s building, however, he glanced over, only to notice that she had fallen asleep.
Her head was leaning back against the headrest, her lips parted.
He turned off the ignition and then stopped, taking a moment to study her face. For once, she looked unguarded.