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“That’s the silliest thing I ever heard,” she rallied, rubbing her eyes with one hand.
“I wish I was there.”
“Sorry,” she said, laughing and crying at once, “you’re flat out of wishes.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
“More wine?” Charles asked, reaching for the bottle of Chablis in its silver bucket.
“No, thanks,” Steffie said, smiling her appreciation. Their dinner had been delectable. It was one meal she wouldn’t soon forget, although it was Charles’s company that would linger in her mind more than the excellent halibut topped with bay shrimp.
“How about dessert?”
Steffie pressed her hands to her stomach and slowly shook her head. “I couldn’t.”
“Me neither.” He leaned against the back of his chair and gazed out the window to the Columbia River below. The gorge was in one of the most scenic parts of Oregon. Steffie had always loved this view of the mighty river coursing through a rock-bound corridor.
“I’ve looked forward to this evening for a long time,” Charles said, turning back to her.
“I have, too.” Until tonight, Steffie had only dreamed of being with Charles like this. As his equal, an adult…a woman in love.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look more beautiful, Stephanie.”
His words brought a flush of color to her cheeks. Steffie had dressed carefully, choosing an elegant Italian knit dress in a subdued shade of turquoise. Valerie had lent Steffie her pearl necklace and earrings, and Norah had contributed a splash of her most expensive perfume.
Her sisters and her father, too, had put a good deal of stock in this evening’s date. Steffie wasn’t sure what her family was expecting. No doubt some miracle. For herself, she was content just to spend the evening with Charles.
“You look wonderful yourself.” She wasn’t echoing his compliment, but was stating a fact. He’d worn a dark suit with a silk tie of swirling colors against a pale blue shirt.
“Then we must make an attractive couple tonight,” Charles commented, rotating the wine goblet between his fingers.
“We must,” Steffie agreed.
Charles finished off the last of his wine and set the glass aside. “You were generous enough to grant me three wishes the other night, remember?”
Steffie wasn’t likely to forget. She felt warm and shivery inside whenever she thought about their late-night telephone conversation.
“Being the honorable gentleman I am, not to mention talented and handsome, as you so aptly pointed out, it seems only fair that I return the favor. You, my lady, are hereby granted three wishes.”
“Anything I want?” Steffie cocked her head.
“Within reason. I’d be willing to drive you to Multnomah Falls to watch the water by moonlight, but I might have a bit of trouble if you decide you want world peace.”
“The Falls by moonlight?”
“I was hoping you’d ask for that one.”
She blinked at the way he’d turned her question into a pre-approved wish. “Charles,” she said, “you’re a romantic.”
“Don’t sound so shocked.”
“But I am. I’d never have guessed it.”
She was teasing him, and enjoying it and was surprised when he frowned briefly. “That’s because we’ve never discussed what happened—”
“Not tonight,” she said, holding a finger to his lips. “It’s one of my wishes. We’ll discuss nothing unpleasant.”
His frown deepened. “I think we should. There’s a lot we—”
