Winnie pushed aside the memory, stooped to wipe the dull spot where the gas had splattered the toe of her black-patent high heel. She felt uncomfortable in both dress and heels, but what else was a woman supposed to wear in a church to practice walking on a white linen runner on the arm of a best man?

Back in the vestibule, Winnie felt his eyes following her as she slipped between Sandy's mother and father to greet them warmly, looping a hand through each of their arms.

"Why, Winnie, I didn't see you come in. Did the dress arrive?" Ann Schaeffer inquired.

"All hemmed properly and ready to go. And how about at your house? Any last-minute complications?"

"None. Everything's ready for tomorrow."

"But I'll bet you're both exhausted."

"I confess, we've-"

A shrill whistle cut through the vestibule and echoed in the cavernous nave beyond the open double doors: Mick calling attention to Father Waldron, who began filling everyone in on the opening part of the service. As he talked, he entered the main part of the church, and the wedding party followed.

Winnie moved toward the door, conscious that Joseph Duggan awaited there to escort her inside. She avoided his eyes until the last minute, then lifted her gaze to find him with a scintillating sparkle still in his eyes and the flirtatious expression on his lips. For the first time she realized why his buddies called him Jo-Jo. That name fit. While commandeering the coat from her arm, he gave her hair the once-over.

"I liked it better messy, Winnifred Gardner, and there was something a little offbeat and amusing about a girl wearing gasoline for perfume. But anyway, may I?" He presented his right elbow in courtly fashion, still grinning devilishly as they moved inside.