Loving Kate

by Lara Van Hulzen

  “With her lips?”

  And Maggie could tease back. Yet another reason he liked his brother’s wife. “No. Those got involved later, but I got some cool G.I. Joe Band-Aids out of the deal so it was a win-win.”

  Maggie laughed. “You’re incorrigable. You know that?”

  “So I’ve been told.”

  “Look. I would like nothing more than to see you two together. I think you’d be good for each other. But Kate’s heart is...fragile.”

  “I’ve been told that too, by Josh. I’m starting to wonder how everyone has gotten such a rough opinion of me. I’ve always been great to the women in my life.”

  “That’s true. But you’ve never been with someone like Kate.”

  Jack had been moving things around his work table, avoiding eye contact. He met Maggie’s gaze. “Who have I been with, exactly?”

  “Women who aren’t looking for forever. Ones who like the carefree spirit you have and the motorcycle.”

  “Oh, Kate’s been perfectly clear about her feelings for my motorcycle.”

  Maggie laughed. “I don’t doubt she has.”

  “I don’t get the vibe that Kate is looking for forever. So far, she acts as if she wants to be alone the rest of her life.”

  “You should know that’s a cover. She’s been hurt.”

  “Barry.” Just saying the guy’s name made Jack’s gut churn.

  “She told you about him?” Maggie’s eyes grew wide.

  “A little. Not enough though. I know there’s more.”

  Maggie shook her head.

  Jack held up his hand. “Don’t worry. I wasn’t going to ask you about him. It’s her story to tell and I want to hear it from her anyway, not anyone else. But only when she’s ready.”

  “That could be a while. Are you willing to wait that long?”

  “Yeah, I am,” he said without hesitation. He looked away and back down at his tools laid out on the bench.

  “Wow. You really do care about her.”

  “You sound so surprised.”

  “Hmmph. I am. I always thought you didn’t want the white picket fence and dog in the yard.”

  He wanted to be defensive, but couldn’t. Maggie wasn’t wrong. He’d always flown by the seat of his pants, enjoyed his freedom. But that was changing.

  Maggie put a hand on his arm. “Hey, you know I love you. I didn’t mean anything bad.”

  He nodded and looked at her. “I know. And you’re not far off. But I like being back in Silver Bay. And maybe it’s time for some changes.”

  “Maybe. And believe me; I would love you and Kate together. Just take it slow.”

  “Got it, sis.” He smiled at her. She was right. He did need to go slow. For Kate’s sake as well as his own. Kate wasn’t the kind of woman to take lightly. She had depth and deserved someone who honored that. Who honored her.

  “That’s enough of my advice for one day. Show me what you’ve done so far. I’ve seen Josh’s plans, amazing as always, of course. But I want to see what you are up to as well.”

  He gave her a brotherly kiss on the forehead. “You know I love your advice.”

  “Liar.”

  He laughed, then proceeded to walk her through Josh’s plans in real life. Building was more creative than most people thought. And he loved it. He looked at Maggie as they moved through the room. Both she and Josh had now warned him about getting involved with Kate. And not because they were wrong for one another or it was a bad idea. He understood. He didn’t have the insecurities Kate did. Although they both grew up in loving families, Kate had been burned. Jack hadn’t. But just because he saw life as an adventure didn’t mean he couldn’t love Kate through the valley she’d been through and maybe show her a mountaintop. Or two. He smiled at the thought. Maggie’s advice sank in. Move at a pace that was sensitive. But he had every intention of continuing forward in winning over Kate.

  Chapter Eleven

  Kate blinked and Easter Sunday arrived. It was one of her favorite holidays. The colors were so vibrant all around, but she loved the idea of new beginnings. She always dressed up for church. Easter Sunday was special. A day to truly celebrate Jesus, His love for her, and the new beginning she had in Silver Bay.

  As she pulled into the church parking lot, she thought of the last Easter she’d spent with Barry. He’d gone to church with her in the beginning of their relationship, but that dwindled fast, his only appearance being Easter and Christmas most years and even then it was to keep up appearances. Play the part of dutiful husband who could accompany his wife to church on holidays but was just too busy every other week of the year.

  Kate shook her head as she found a spot and put her car in park. Nope. No more letting Barry have any of her emotional armies. She sat for a moment and watched people file into the church. It was an older building, all stone and stained glass. So beautiful. The front steps now full of parishioners greeting one another as they entered through the large wooden doors that were propped open, inviting in all who wanted to enter.

  Kate grew up in a home full of love and acceptance. She was told daily how special she was and who she was as a child of God. But the years with Barry wore her down. When did she get so insecure? When did she start believing what he said about her rather than what was truth? It had been a slow burn. He was so charming at first. Still was, in some ways. But that was the exterior. The interior was a whole different story. Unfortunately, Kate didn’t get to see that side until after they were married.

  Ugh. Again, he invaded her thoughts. And on one of her favorite days. It was her first Easter in Silver Bay and she was going to enjoy it. She was set to go to Easter brunch at Josh and Maggie’s house after church. Her heart fluttered a bit at the thought of seeing Jack again. Sure, they’d danced around one another at the store while he worked and she helped customers. But they’d both been so busy, there wasn’t time to address the “scene in the kitchen,” as Kate referred to it in her mind. Her evenings that week had been filled with helping the church decorate and basically trying to keep her mind off of one certain, sexy handyman. A feat she was finding more and more difficult.

  She turned to see Jack pull up in his car with the top down and none other than Gwen sitting in the front seat. The woman wore a grin from ear to ear, as bright and cheery as the flowered scarf wrapped around her head to keep her hair in place.

  Jack pulled into an open spot two down from where Kate was parked and hopped out. He came around to Gwen’s door and gave her a hand out of the car.

  Kate got out of her car and walked over to them. “Happy Easter, Gwen.” She hugged her friend but avoided eye contact with Jack. “What a fancy ride to church you have today.”

  The older woman giggled. She giggled. Kate couldn’t fight back a smile.

  “Lady G here likes to take a ride from time to time in my convertible,” Jack said. He looped Gwen’s arm through his and addressed her. “Are you ready to go inside, my lady?”

  “Why, I believe I am, kind sir.” Gwen smiled up at Jack.

  “Would you care to join us?” Jack asked Kate. “I have another arm free that’s all yours if you’d like.”

  The twinkle in his eye was all mischief. And, oh, so tempting. But being seen literally on Jack’s arm going into church would get the gossip mill spinning faster than she could say kissing in the kitchen. The town would have them married by sundown.

  “You two go ahead. I need to grab something out of my car.”

  Jack nodded and he and Gwen were on their way.

  Kate opened her car again but could only stare. She hadn’t lied, per se. She did need something out of her car—a moment to collect herself and get her wits about her. Jack did that to her. Fumbled her mind and messed with her heart. She watched as he helped Gwen up the front stairs. Patient. Kind. Generous. Why again was she fighting her heart against caring for this man?

  Her phone dinged. She pulled it from her purse and looked down at the text.

  “I want to talk to you.”r />
  Ugh. Barry.

  Debating between tossing her phone across the street or answering him and getting it over with, she chose the latter.

  “Barry, really? On Easter Sunday morning? What could possibly be that important?”

  She closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath, let it out slow. Just like her counselor had taught her. Stay calm, focused. Don’t let Barry control the situation.

  “I just wanna know how you’re doing.”

  “I’m doing great, Barry. Have a Happy Easter.”

  She hit send, turned off her phone and stuck it in her purse. Sure, the last time she’d done so a fire happened and she’d missed it. But everyone close to her was here. If there was an emergency, she’d be found. She said a quick prayer for no more emergencies. One was enough.

  In desperate need of some peace and an encouraging word, she locked up her car and headed into church.

  Kate entered the church not long after Jack got Gwen settled with her posse then sat next to Maggie who waved Kate over to the one remaining seat in the pew, which happened to be next to him, God bless his sister-in-law. Music began to play as Kate took the seat next to him.

  Her outfit had not gone unnoticed by him when he’d seen her outside, but now he had a chance to look more up close and personal. The light green dress brought out the hazel in her eyes and her tan sweater, with roses along the lapels, screamed Kate. Her matching shoes, heels that made his mind go stupid even with the girly bows on top – especially with the girly bows on top – matched her purse, of course, while a large pearl bracelet and tiny pearl earrings were the only jewelry she wore. The artist in Jack did tend to notice women’s clothes. It fascinated him how an outfit could be pieced together, not unlike a work of art. But Kate was downright stellar at it. A gift, really. Even her nails were the same green as her dress. Her hair, sat on its normal perch in a perfect, high ponytail on her head. He’d get her to let it down more often, for sure. In due time.

  “You can stop staring now,” Kate whispered and they stood to sing along with the worship band. Although the church building itself was older, the order of service had moved along with the times. Jack enjoyed a good hymn now and then though. He was old school that way.

  “Sorry.” Sure, he could say he wasn’t staring but why fight it?

  How could he not stare at beautiful woman like Kate? He wasn’t the only one either. When she’d entered the church, more than one warm-blooded male turned his head to watch her come in. Jack prayed that jealousy and the desire to punch them all in the face while in church would be forgiven. Surely God understood wanting to protect a woman like Kate. He held back a laugh. She wasn’t his to protect. Well, not yet. Again, in due time.

  “What’s that goofy grin all about?” She whispered again.

  Oops. Busted.

  “Just that I’d like to punch every guy who checked you out when you came in here.” Why lie? It was church. Best place for the truth, right?

  Kate looked down but couldn’t hide the blush that rose in her cheeks. Man, she was beautiful.

  “You’re beautiful. You know that. Don’t be so surprised.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled but still looked at her shoes.

  Did she really not see how gorgeous she was? How could she not know she radiated warmth and light? Jack noticed a hitch in her breath. She blinked a few times then lifted her head to look straight towards the front of the church. The band was switching to a slower song.

  Something was wrong. Her demeanor had changed between seeing her outside and now. She was fighting back tears. Why? What, or who, Jack had a feeling, made her feel bad?

  The song ended and the pastor asked for everyone to be seated. As they settled in, Jack appreciated Kate’s leg up against his. Her warmth up next to him, it...well, it felt right. Like he was right where he belonged. Beside her.

  He half listened as announcements were made about the sock hop coming up to help raise funds for the fire department and that the bake sale last weekend helped pay for two teens to go to camp in the summer. Man, he missed a small town. The stereotype was true. People looked out for one another. Cared about each other, as well as the place they lived.

  He stole a glance at Kate. Her legs were crossed, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She sat tall, listening with intent as Pastor Jake moved from announcements into the sermon. Her mannerisms said confident, sure of herself. But he knew better. She was putting on a façade, building up a wall to protect herself, but why?

  You know what? It didn’t matter. Not today. Today was a day of celebration and new beginnings. And with each passing day, he wanted nothing more than a beginning with Kate.

  He unclasped her hands with one of his and intertwined their fingers. A risk, yes, but one he was willing to take. A bit to his surprise, not only did she let him hold her hand, but her shoulders sank a bit and she leaned in to him ever so slightly.

  Yep. Lean on in, princess.

  He rubbed his thumb across her hand as the pastor talked of redemption, forgiveness, salvation. He soaked in the words and prayed Kate did, too. Whatever was in her past was going to stay there. If she’d let him, he would be her future.

  Maggie’s house was hopping. A line of cars had caravanned over after church. Josh and Maggie led the way in his Jeep, followed by Jack and Gwen, then Kate, then Paul and Hannah in their mini-van with little Abby in the backseat. Rose was meeting them after stopping at her house to get the homemade dessert she’d made. A huge cake in the shape of a bunny. She’d made it every year since Kate could remember, the recipe having been passed down for generations in her family.

  She smiled as she looked around Maggie’s family room. Gwen bounced Abby on her knee while talking to Hannah on the sofa. Paul and Josh were in a heated discussion on what team they thought would win the World Series that year. Kate left the happy humming of the family room to join her sister in the kitchen, see how she could help.

  “Hey, Mags. What can I do?”

  Maggie was leaning over a pot of mashed potatoes, swirling them with a mixer. Yum. Kate loved mashed potatoes with ham. An enormous one already sat at the center of the dining room table.

  “Nothing really. We did a lot of things yesterday so it’s placing things on the table, which Josh has already done. As soon as these potatoes are finished, we’re good.”

  Kate helped with getting drinks and the finishing touches before everyone sat to eat. Her place setting was not next to Jack, much to her surprise, but rather across from him. Which worked in her favor, really. Getting to look at Jack all through the meal was just as pleasant as being next to him at church. She’d been focusing on holding herself together so much during the church service, determined to not let Barry into her thoughts or her day. Then Jack linked their hands together and all the crud, the stuff that rattled her, melted away. For the first time in a long time, she let go and leaned in to someone else. Relaxed. It was as if they were the only two in the room, the message of hope spoken just for them.

  She eyed Jack across the table. He teased Maggie and doted on Gwen and Rose. The women loved the attention and she couldn’t say she blamed them. He was charm personified.

  Her heart sank a bit. Barry had been charming, too. And look where that had gotten her.

  Jack said something and Rose laughed. Her mother hadn’t seen through Barry either. Maybe they were both being fooled once again.

  The room turned hot. She needed air. “Excuse me for a second.”

  She got up from the table and made her way to the front porch. She breathed in deep. Yes. Fresh air. That was better. The morning had been clear, but puffy, grey clouds rolled in. Rain was in the forecast for the afternoon but it looked like it was moving in a bit sooner than expected.

  “You okay?”

  Lost in thought, she hadn’t heard Jack come outside.

  “Yeah. Sorry. Just needed some air.”

  He came up behind her and put his arms around her. At first she stiffened but then, like every
other time with Jack, gave in. She leaned against him, her head against his chest.

  “What are you running from, princess?”

  “Charm.”

  His “Huh?” rumbled through his chest.

  She laughed. “Nothing. I’m losing my mind. I can’t think straight anymore. Certainly not with you around.”

  “Thinking straight is highly overrated.”

  She laughed. Being in Jack’s arms, listening to drops of rain begin to pelt against the roof of the porch, was the most natural thing she’d ever experienced. If she were honest with herself, it had never been like this with Barry. With Barry, everything was intense. With Jack there was just...peace.

  It was unfair, of course, to compare the two but how could she not? Barry was all she knew and that had been a colossal mistake. As much as she wanted to fight it, Jack didn’t compute as a mistake. He was all the right things in all the right ways. Just maybe not the right time.

  “You’re gonna hurt yourself if you keep thinking so hard.”

  Her response was interrupted by Hannah and Josh coming through the screen door talking at the same time. The others followed, excitement flowing through the group.

  “What in the world is going on?” Kate asked.

  “Mud football,” Paul said as he passed them. “Come on.”

  “Did he just say mud football?”

  “Yup,” Jack whispered in her ear, “and you’re about to get muddy, Princess.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Kate turned and faced Jack, her eyes wide. She was about to get muddy?

  “Yes, I just said you’re going to get muddy.”

  Her brow wrinkled as she whispered, “Damn. I have got to get that saying things out loud issue under control.”

  “I really wish you wouldn’t.” It was becoming one of his favorite things about her.

  She rolled her eyes. Man, she was cute when frustrated.

  “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m in a linen dress with heels.” She looked down at her Easter outfit.