Practically Married

by Karin Beery

  Longing pressed against Ashley. “He’s adorable.”

  “I love him to pieces, but it won’t take him long to get the food out, so I need to go.” Rachel looked over the list one more time, then set it down, flashing the same smile as Russ. “Is there anything else you want? We could see about music for dancing. That’s more for the kids, really. It’s good for burning off as much energy as possible before going home.”

  “Anything you want will be great. It all sounds amazing.”

  “Are you getting excited?”

  Rachel’s energy practically pulsed through the monitor, but Rose’s and John’s voices carried in from the garage. They wouldn’t be happy about this call, but Ashley didn’t want to disappoint Rachel either. She forced her cheeks to cooperate and put on a smile. “I think so.”

  Rachel’s face blanked, but she didn’t look away from the camera. “Aiden, will you take your brothers upstairs and get everyone dressed?”

  “I’m hungry.”

  “Grab a box of cereal and pour a bowl to share. I’ll have breakfast ready when you come down.” Shuffling and banging ensued, then a few loud yells and pounding before silence. “I bought us ten more minutes. What’s going on?” Rachel sucked in a breath. “Are you having second thoughts?”

  “Not really—”

  “Russ’s having second thoughts?”

  “I don’t think so. I haven’t talked with him a lot since I’ve been gone.”

  “I told Russ this was too quick. Mom and Carrie have always supported him no matter how crazy the idea. He could decide to set up a chop shop, and they’d be there for him. I love my brother and everything, but you don’t know him like I do. Why don’t you wait? Everyone would understand.”

  “Jess would love that.”

  “What about Jess?”

  “She and Russ have had dinner a couple of times.”

  Rachel’s face blanked again. “What?”

  “To talk about the farm and the college. I shouldn’t be upset—he says she’s the smartest about these things—but she’s also beautiful, and she knows all about agri-business, and she may have been crazy once, but she seems pretty stable now, so why wouldn’t they want to spend time together while I’m away? Maybe it’s better that—”

  “No.”

  “No, what?”

  “No, it’s not better for Russ and Jess to get together.”

  “But they already know each other.”

  “Yeah, and Russ knows it would never work. Obviously I’m in favor of you two taking your time, but that doesn’t mean I want you to give up on my brother and leave.”

  Confusion and hope whirled through Ashley’s heart. “You don’t? I’m confused.”

  Rachel sighed as her neck and ears turned red. “I want you to slow down so I can get to know you too. That’s selfish, I get it, but you’re clearly good for Russ. He’s more relaxed and smiley since you showed up. Whatever’s going on between you two works. I just wanted some time to experience it myself.”

  Her confession could have knocked Ashley over. Rachel liked her? It shouldn’t have mattered that much, but Ashley couldn’t deny her growing sense of peace. “I’d like that too.”

  “Good, then don’t worry about Jess. I’ll take care of that. What else is bothering you?”

  Ashley tried to smile, but her blossoming peace wilted. “With the reception planning, this whole thing became more real, and my uncle—”

  “How is he? Russ said he’d talk to you about booking their flights. Is that set yet?”

  “I haven’t asked them to come.”

  “Why not? They’re family.”

  She didn’t call them Ashley’s family. Rachel lumped them in with her family. Everything about Russ’ sister—her friendly face, the warmth in her voice, her kind patience—confirmed Ashley’s desire to go back to Michigan, but Rose. “My aunt’s not happy about the engagement.”

  “Add her to the list.”

  “I guess, but she took it hard. She and my uncle started fighting about it, and …”

  “What happened?”

  She slumped against the couch, the webcam showing every unflattering wrinkle and bulge, but she didn’t care. Ashley finally had someone other than Russ and Rose to talk to. “I promised Russ I’d come back, get married, and start a life together, but then my aunt freaked out because she thinks I’m only doing this for my mom, so she and my uncle started arguing about it. I hate when they fight, so I promised her I wouldn’t make a final decision until it was time to go back to Michigan. I promised Russ, and I promised her, and now I’m planning a reception with you, but what if my aunt doesn’t come around? What if I have to call off the wedding?”

  Ashley waited for the usual crush of a contrary opinion, but it never came. Instead, Rachel watched her, a sympathetic look on her face. “I’m sorry you’re in this position. I can’t imagine how hard this must be.” With every word Rachel spoke, the peace returned, washing away bits of Ashley’s worry.

  “Thank you.”

  “Have you told Russ any of this yet?”

  Ashley shook her head. “I don’t know how to explain it to him.”

  “Have you changed your mind?”

  “No, but I can’t hurt my aunt. She’s seventy-five years old. She’s basically been my mother for the past seventeen years.” How could Ashley repay that love and devotion with unnecessary worry? “But then there’s Russ, and I don’t want to hurt him either, but I can’t stop wondering if maybe someone like Jess wouldn’t be a better option for him.”

  “You need to tell him this.”

  “I suppose.” But her heart didn’t quite agree with her words.

  Something crashed and the boys yelled. Rachel looked over the top of the webcam, then rolled her eyes. “I need to go. Will you please talk with Russ about this?”

  “I will. I promise.” As soon as she figured out what to say. Now Ashley understood why Tom had never mentioned her to his family. It wasn’t an easy conversation to have.

  Rachel smiled. “Call me if you need to.”

  Her picture disappeared, but Ashley didn’t move from the couch. Muted chatter flowed from the garage. Why had she spilled everything to Russ’ sister? Ashley couldn’t explain her motivation, but her unplanned confession filled a void in her heart she hadn’t realized was there. She’d had a few friends who listened and encouraged well, but she’d never had that familial bond she had with Rachel, even after only a few days. What else could she expect from a sister-in-law?

  *******

  Chad stood in the driveway, shovel in hand. The boys ran around the yard making trails in the accumulating snow as Russ parked his truck behind his brother-in-law’s. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d visited his sister so many times in such a short period.

  “What brings you back to the funny farm?” Chad asked. “I’m going to start charging you for food.”

  Russ shut his door, narrowly missing the top of Phin’s head. “I was actually invited this time. Rachel called me.”

  “She told you, eh? I didn’t realize she wanted to start telling people.”

  “Told me what?”

  Chad swung the shovel over his shoulder. “Come on, kids. We need to clear off the deck.” The boys screamed their way around the side of the house, their dad riding drag.

  Subtle. Russ let himself into the house. Leaving his coat and boots by the front door, he followed his nose into the kitchen. Garlic bread and lasagna. His favorite. Rachel must be desperate if she cooked his favorite Italian food. He found her at the kitchen table with a notepad and a glass of milk.

  “Chad took the boys out back to shovel off the deck. What’s going on?”

  She looked at him and smiled. “It’s nice having you visit so often. Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes.”

  “Perfect.” He pulled out a chair across from her. “What’s up? Chad said he didn’t realize you were telling people. Are you pregnant again?”

  Her smile disappeared
, eyes wide. “He told you?”

  “He thought you told me. Am I right? Aren’t you happy about this?”

  “Yes, of course, but I wasn’t expecting you to know.” The corners of her mouth slowly crept back up. “It was such a surprise, but I can’t wait.”

  “How’s Chad handling it?”

  Rachel rolled her eyes. “He’s hoping for twins.”

  “That much closer to his baseball team.”

  “I’m willing to give him a basketball team, but five might be my limit.”

  “When are you due?” With so many nephews, Russ knew all of the questions his sisters expected from him.

  “April first.” She pointed her pen at his nose. “No stupid comments.”

  “I wouldn’t think of it.” Except he had, and he couldn’t keep the smile off his face. “Congratulations. You didn’t have to make me lasagna for this, though. I’d be happy for you anyway.”

  “That’s not why I made lasagna.”

  Uncertainty pricked at the back of his neck. “What is it?”

  “Are you dating Jess?”

  “What?” The idea curdled in his stomach. “Of course not. Why would you think that?”

  “Because Ashley told me you’ve been having dinner with her. Like people do when they’re dating.”

  “They’re business dinners.” But if Rachel and Ashley weren’t convinced of that, what were the chances Jess was? Oh no. “I swear, I’m not interested in her. I never should have agreed to any of this. What do I do now?”

  “Talk to Ashley.”

  “I’ve tried. We keep missing each other.”

  “Then try harder. She’s not doing well with all of this. She needs you.”

  “I can’t make her answer the phone. What am I supposed to do?”

  “Get creative. Think of another way to reach her.”

  “How do you know all of this?”

  Rachel waved her notepad. “I talked with her today to get more details for the reception.”

  “What’d she say?”

  “It’s not my place to tell.”

  “Then why bring it up?”

  “Because she needs you.” Instead of giving an explanation, Rachel drank her milk.

  A hundred different scenarios raced through Russ’ head, none of them encouraging. “Is she at least safe?”

  “Yes. I promise I’d tell you if she wasn’t.”

  He believed his sister, but her reassurance didn’t help. He needed to hear it from Ashley, but what else could he do? Whenever he didn’t answer the phone, his sisters hunted him down, like the day they found out about the wedding. Maybe it was time to let them teach him something.

  Russ pulled the wallet out of his back pocket. “I need to borrow your computer.”

  CHAPTER 32

  “Where do you want these?” Ashley pulled another pair of beige pumps out of a cardboard box. She held up the shoes from where she sat on the cool garage floor surrounded by boxes, bags, and piles of her aunt and uncle’s belongings. Meanwhile, the car sat outside so they could sort items for the church’s rummage sale.

  Rose wrinkled her nose. “Donate.”

  “How many pairs of shoes do you own, Rosie?” John motioned around the garage from his spot on a folding chair. The bright Florida sun shone through the open windows, spotlighting the boxes that still needed to be searched. “Didn’t you already throw out a pair like that?”

  “Don’t you worry about my shoes. These are the old ones. The church can have them. Why don’t you sort through your tools and see what you can donate?”

  “I shouldn’t be on my feet. Doctor’s orders.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Convenient.”

  Ashley chuckled as she dug into the box again. When her phone rang, she picked it up off the shelf beside her. Her throat constricted. Russ. She hadn’t figured out what to say yet, so she silenced the ringer and set the phone back down. She had no desire to discuss the wedding or his dinners with Jess, especially in front of her aunt and uncle.

  “John”—Rose shifted boxes on a shelf—“where did you put that box of old golf stuff? We could donate that.”

  “I forget.”

  She punched her little fists on her narrow hips. “I didn’t realize your ankle was connected to your memory.”

  “I’m an old man. What do I know about these things?”

  Ashley chuckled, but she knew enough to stay out of it.

  The house phone rang, interrupting the mock argument. When Rose walked inside, Ashley tossed a pair of wood-soled flip-flops into the donate box. Her aunt would never miss them.

  “Get rid of those rain boots too.” John pointed at the pair by the garage door.

  “She still wears those.”

  “Yeah, but they squeak when she walks.”

  “Aren’t you both supposed to be donating things?”

  “Sweetheart?” Rose stepped into the doorway, the cordless phone in hand. “It’s for you.”

  “Me?” Her curiosity piqued, Ashley brushed off her pants and stood. No one called her on the house phone. “Who is it?”

  “Edgar Russell.”

  Her steps faltered. What could be so urgent that he would call her on the house phone? As images of the boys flashed through Ashley’s mind, she rushed to the door, tripping over boxes and shoes. Steadying herself, she avoided her aunt’s gaze as she tore the receiver from her grasp. “I’ll take this inside, thanks.” Once she cleared the garage, Ashley ran to her bedroom and shut the door. “Russ? Are you okay? What’s wrong? How did you get this number?”

  “I’m fine. Nothing. It’s in the phone book.”

  Thank heavens. She sank onto the bed, relieving her weak knees. “I’m sorry I didn’t answer your call earlier. We’ve been working in the garage this morning, and—”

  “I’m on the front porch.”

  The phone slipped through her fingers and thudded against the thick carpet. This wasn’t happening. Her worlds weren’t really colliding in Lakeland, Florida.

  Someone knocked on the front door.

  Ashley ended the call, then raced through the living room, tossing the phone on the couch as she passed. When she opened the front door, her heart stopped. “Russ.”

  He smiled. “Hi.” The warm breeze stirred his curling hair, picking up his woodsy scent. How had he gotten more handsome in two weeks?

  She leaned against the door frame, trying to look casual but desperately needing the support. “What are you doing here?”

  “We keep missing each other’s phone calls, so I came to see you.”

  “You flew all the way down here to talk to me?” Warmth flooded her veins. “How long are you staying?”

  “A few days. I booked a room in town. I thought maybe I could help chauffeur your uncle around and get to know your family.”

  Her family. The warmth and strength drained from her.

  “You’re white as a ghost.” He took her arm, pulling her onto the porch and closing the door behind them. “Should I not be here?” he asked as he led her to the rocking chairs at the end of the porch.

  Should he? How would Rose react when she saw him? Probably not with the tingles and excitement that raced through Ashley’s body.

  They sat beside each other on the smooth, wooden seats “They still don’t like the situation, do they?” he asked.

  “We haven’t talked about it since I told them.” Ashley slid all the way back on the chair, pulling her knees up and tucking her feet under her legs.

  Russ, on the other hand, sat on the edge of his seat, elbows on his knees and fingers entwined. He blew out a slow breath. “I didn’t think about how your aunt and uncle would react to seeing me. All I could think about was getting here to see you.”

  “Really?” She held her breath.

  Russ grinned. “Really.”

  A thousand miles to see her? So much for practicality. No matter how much she denied it, she cared. She cared deeply for Russ. How could she walk away from that? “I want you to meet
my aunt and uncle. I’ll tell them you’re here.”

  As she hopped out of the chair, one foot caught in the arm rail, tossing her forward. Russ caught her shoulders, then stood in front of her, holding her as she adjusted her feet. Her chair rocked, pitching her forward again, and she crashed into his chest as she struggled to balance herself.

  Russ laughed. “Stop moving before you hurt yourself.”

  Warmth flooded her cheeks. “This is embarrassing.”

  “Hold still.”

  She clung to his shoulders, bracing herself. A tangled mess of extremities and wood slats, she tried not to move herself or the chair. Russ wrapped an arm around her waist, then secured her ankle. He shifted. The chair moved. Her foot popped free. Russ held her against his chest, anchoring her to his strength and stability.

  “Sorry about that,” she said, unable to look away from his too-close face.

  “I don’t mind.” Instead of releasing her, he settled her against him. “I missed you.”

  Every insecurity melted away. How could she have doubted this? “I’m glad you came. I’m sorry I’ve been avoiding you.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “I didn’t realize it was deliberate.”

  “I wasn’t sure what to say.”

  “I honestly don’t know what’s going on, but Rachel said you needed to talk to me, so here I am.”

  Ashley’s body tensed. “What did she say?”

  “That it’s not her story to tell. I hoped we could talk about it. I also wanted to meet your aunt and uncle, help them see that I’m not a bad guy. Give your aunt some peace of mind.”

  If only he knew how badly Ashley needed that peace of mind too. Everything might work out if she didn’t mention her promise to get married, coupled with her promise to not get married. She hadn’t meant to lie, but how could contradicting promises not be lies? She played with the hair on the back of his neck, loving the thick, silky texture. When had he slipped so completely into her life? She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed him until she opened the front door. Smelled him. Touched him. Ashley needed him. She wanted him with her. Refocusing on his mesmerizing eyes, she smiled. “I’d like to introduce you.”