Before You Say I Do

by Tina Martin

  She turned around sad-faced to look at Evan. “I don’t want this,” she said. She couldn’t believe those words left her mouth.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I don’t want to marry you, Evan. It’s not right. It doesn’t feel right. I’m supposed to be excited and anxious about getting married, but I’m not excited. I’m terrified that I’m making a mistake. Now that I’ve had time to think about it, this would be a mistake.”

  “Are you…is this a prank of some sort? You spend two days with that Lennox dude and now suddenly we’re a mistake?”

  “It’s not sudden. I was feeling this way before I ever said five words to Kenton. I just didn’t want to face it, Evan, but I’m facing it now. We’re going in different directions. There’s no way I’m moving to Charlotte just like there’s no way you’re going to give up your job to stay here with me. Tell me I’m wrong.”

  That silenced him and thus proved her point.

  Evan dropped his head and flopped down in a chair feeling at a loss. Defeated. “What now?” he asked. “We have all these people coming to town and we’re calling everything off.”

  “Considering how fast news travels around here, we’d only have to tell a few people.”

  He smirked sadly.

  Lauren got off of the bed and as she walked over to him, she removed the ring he’d given her from her finger. She handed it to him, sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re a good man, Evan.”

  “You’re a good woman, Lauren.”

  “I hope we can still be cordial,” she said, blinking back tears.

  “Sure we can,” he said. “I would like that.”

  “Me, too.”

  Evan sighed heavily and held her trembling body in his arms. This breakup hurt him, too, but she was right. They weren’t on the same page and it was best, at this point, to cut ties instead of making things even more complicated.

  Chapter 22

  Kenton walked into the office early Friday morning feeling lower than low. By now, Lauren was probably at the resort making the final touches to the party and preparing for her guests to arrive. When his cell phone rang, he didn’t want to bother looking at it, let alone picking it up. But he decided to anyway.

  “Kenton Lennox here,” he answered.

  “You did it, man. You did it!”

  Kenton frowned and looked at his phone. He didn’t recognize the number. “Who is this?”

  “It’s Harvey Chandler.”

  “Oh. Harvey. Hi. What exactly did I do?”

  “You changed her mind. Lauren is not marrying Evan. The engagement is off!”

  “Oh,” Kenton said feeling relief but sadness at the same time. He could only imagine how Lauren must have been feeling right about now. “How is she doing?” Kenton asked.

  “I haven’t had a chance to talk to her, but I’m sure she’ll be okay. She went back home last night.”

  What was wrong with this man? He was so elated that his daughter wasn’t getting married that he didn’t give any consideration to how she was really feeling.

  “And don’t worry about the resort fees. I don’t want the money back. I consider it as an investment.”

  “An investment?” Kenton asked with a raised brow.

  “Yes, and you should, too. We both know you are the better man for her, anyway.”

  “With all due respect, Sir, I think that would be up to her to decide.”

  “You sound upset, Lennox. I thought you’d be happy about this news. Now you can get her back. You do want to try to salvage whatever there is left between you and my daughter, don’t you?”

  Kenton had heard enough. “Harvey, are you at all worried about how Lauren may be feeling right now?”

  “My daughter is strong. Resilient. She’ll bounce back.”

  “Yes, but this must be difficult for her, and no I’m not celebrating. I’m actually worried about her.”

  “And that’s precisely why you’re the better man. At any rate, thanks again.”

  When Kenton realized Harvey had hung up, he lowered his phone and just sat there in a state of disbelief. At this point, he wasn’t thinking that Lauren was free and now he could pounce on her, or that he’d won and their relationship could resume where it had left off two years ago. All he could think about was if she was okay.

  * * *

  Around noon, Kenton packed up his briefcase and headed out of the office. He saw Giovanni in the parking lot.

  “Done for the day?” Giovanni asked.

  “Yeah. If Rem needs me, tell him to hit me up on my cell.”

  “Will do. Everything cool with you?”

  Kenton looked at his brother. “Yeah...just a lot on my mind right now.”

  “I heard Lauren called off her engagement and all.”

  “Man, I feel bad for her. As much as I thought she was making a mistake, Evan was going to give her everything she wanted, and she walked away from him. I hate to think that I played a role in that.”

  “You better be glad you played a role, especially if you want her. Do you love her?”

  “I do.”

  “Then don’t wait this time. Let her know how you feel.”

  “She already knows how I feel. We’ve talked about it. We’ve had this conversation.”

  “Then what are you waiting for? A sign from heaven that she’s the one? It’s okay to make a commitment to a woman when you know it’s true. When you know she’s the one. Joelle is my one. I didn’t know I had a one out there in this world, but she’s it, and I don’t know what I would do without her. If Lauren is your one, claim her. You may not be so lucky next time.”

  Kenton nodded. “I hear you, bruh.”

  “Alright, Kent. Take it easy.”

  “A’ight, man. See you later.”

  “Yep.”

  Kenton continued on to his car. Giovanni was telling him the same thing he heard from the rest of his siblings – if he wanted Lauren, he should go get her. But she’d just ended her engagement. He didn’t want to bombard her with his presence no matter know strongly he felt for her.

  Chapter 23

  Two Weeks Later

  Kenton drove to Cherokee and pulled up at the small brick house admiring the beautiful, lush green grass, trimmed shrubs and bounteous flowers in a medley of colors and types. They were growing everywhere. Some were planted along the sidewalk. Others were in hanging baskets on the porch. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think an old lady lived here, but he knew how much Lauren was into gardening. From the looks of things, it appeared she’d poured all of her time and energy into it. Maybe that’s how she was staying sane, getting over her breakup with Evan.

  He could hear some music playing when he walked up and then she emerged wearing overalls with a white shirt underneath them. She had on a pair of pink garden gloves and a straw hat.

  “Kenton,” she said, surprised to see him at her house. On a Friday afternoon at that. “What are you doing here?”

  He slid his hands into his pockets. “It’s been a minute since we last saw each other. I figured I’d drop by to see how you were since you weren’t answering your phone.”

  “That’s nice of you, but not necessary.”

  “Well, since I’m here, humor me.”

  “I’m doing okay,” she began. “I’m not over here crying my eyes out if that’s what you were thinking.”

  “Nah. I see what you’ve been doing—going nuts growing these flowers,” he said, glancing around the yard.

  Lauren smiled. “I did get a little carried away, huh?”

  “A little? I thought I was at a greenhouse for a minute there.”

  She giggled.

  “Who takes off work on a Friday afternoon to dig in some dirt?” Kenton asked.

  “Actually, I was off all day.”

  Kenton grinned. “You’ve been at this since breakfast?”

  “No,” she said, amused. “Most of these flowers are perennials, meaning they come back every year.”
>
  “I know what perennials are. You must’ve forgotten you used to be my girlfriend. You’ve schooled me on perennials, annuals, fertilizer, indoor plants, outdoor plants, Miracle-Gro—all that.”

  “Right.” She looked at him, studied him in his rugged jeans and button-down, blue chambray shirt. “Looks like you took the day off work, too.”

  “I did. I knew I would be coming to see you today.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. Really.”

  “Why take the day off to see me?” she asked.

  “Because I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you, Lauren, especially since the time we spent at the cabin.”

  “I thought about you once or twice,” she admitted.

  He smiled. “Really?”

  “Yep. You sound surprised.”

  “I am…thought you wouldn’t want anything to do with me after what happened.”

  “You mean since I called off my engagement.”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s not your fault. Why would I take that out on you?”

  He shrugged. “Okay…guess I was wrong.”

  Silence passed between them then he said, “I hope this isn’t out of line, but I would like to start over.”

  “Start over?”

  “With you. Yes.”

  She was already shaking her head.

  Still, Kenton continued saying, “I was thinking a nice, romantic dinner date would do the trick.”

  She looked into his eyes, surprised at how comfortable she felt in his presence now. A month ago, she hated him. Now, she could tolerate him. She could be in his presence without feeling resentment, especially after she knew how he still felt for her. After she understood his point of view when it came to their breakup. They’d come to an understanding on their split – she’d ended it. He never wanted it to end, but what choice did she leave him? None. She understood that now, saw the error of her ways, but that didn’t mean she wanted to get back together with him.

  “I don’t know, Kenton.”

  “We could have dinner here if you like, but you would have to cook.”

  She snickered. “I didn’t mean about where we would have dinner. I’m not certain that I want to open up another can of worms when it comes to, you know, us. My split with Evan and my breakup with you has taught me that I cannot force something that’s not meant to be. Evan and I wanted different things the same way you and I do, and I will no longer be with a man whose vision isn’t aligned with mine. Besides, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of women who are like you—women who’ll be satisfied with just being your girlfriend. I’m not that woman.”

  Lauren took the few steps down from the porch and picked up the water hose spraying the flowers alongside the walkway.

  Kenton stepped down too, boldly walked up behind her and placed his arms around her.

  “Kenton,” she said trying lazily to set herself free of his hold.

  “I know I messed up and I don’t blame you for not wanting to give us another chance—well more like give me another chance—but I’ve learned some things through this process, too, Lauren.” He took the hose from her hand and dropped it to the ground.

  Lauren turned around to look at him, her eyes taking in the shape of his lips before she stared into his mesmerizing eyes. “And what exactly have you learned, Kenton?”

  “I’ve learned that if I love someone, I should be all-in and I shouldn’t let my fears prevent me from making progress in that regard. And I’ve learned that I can’t run from love—that I need to embrace it,” he said stroking the hair along her temple. “And I will embrace it, Lauren. I just need you to give me a chance to prove it.”

  “I gave you a year.”

  “I need you to give me a chance, Lauren,” he repeated.

  Still unsure, she only stared at him while nibbling on her lip. “No,” she said.

  He felt his gut wrench. She’d turned him down. He was out of chances. This was it.

  “Let’s not do dinner and pretend we don’t know each other,” she interrupted his thoughts to say. “I know you and your family.”

  A smile came to his face. Hope wasn’t lost after all. “In that case, what do you suggest?”

  “Does your family still get together for football on Saturday mornings?”

  “Yes, and Remington still has dinner catered afterward.”

  “Good, then I suggest you invite me over for football and dinner,” she said, tightening her arms around him.

  Kenton’s firm lips formed a smile. “You’re just going to jump right back in, huh?”

  “Yes, but only if you’re ready this time.”

  “Yes. I’m ready,” Kenton said, then pressed his lips needfully to hers before indulging in an all out assault on her tongue and her senses.

  Lauren whimpered in his arms and at some point in their wild, untamed kissing, her hat fell off, but their mouths had merged and locked together. No one had time to think about a hat or anything else besides satisfying the burning desire they both still possessed for each other and marking the beginning of a new relationship.

  Chapter 24

  Lauren got up early, applied a little makeup and dressed cute even though she knew she was going to play football with a bunch of rowdy guys. Her man was going to be there, so she couldn’t roll up looking like she was about to do some gardening. She wore a pair of black skinny jeans, a black T-shirt with a white heart on it and her best pair of running shoes. Anxious, she was the first to arrive at the field where they met to play football. But her wait wasn’t a long one. Shortly after she arrived, cars began rolling up one-by-one.

  First came Giovanni and Joelle, followed by Remington and Emory. Jessalyn and Spencer. When they emerged from their vehicles, they spoke to her, but she could also see the strange looks on their faces – probably wondering what she was doing there. Or how she was doing after her broken engagement to Evan. Or if she and Kenton had somehow pieced things back together.

  She felt relieved when she finally saw Kenton’s car pull up. A smile instantly came to her face.

  He got out and began walking over to her. Embracing her, he said, “I’m so glad to see you.”

  “I’m glad to see you, too, Kenton.”

  “Mmm…” he said, breathing in her sweet perfume. “This feels so good.”

  She blushed. After he released his firm hold on her, she asked, “Did you not tell anyone I was coming today?”

  “Nope,” he said. He took a kiss – a long, lip-sucking one. His family should’ve gotten the picture by now. He and Lauren were back together, and this time, they would stay together. “It’s girls against guys today. Get ready for a butt whippin’,” he teased.

  She smiled big and rolled her eyes. “Here we go.”

  As soon as Kenton walked away from her, Jessalyn and Davina approached her both smiling.

  “Does this mean what I think it means?” Jessalyn asked.

  “That I’m playing football with you guys?” Lauren asked. “Yes. That’s what it means.” Lauren giggled. “I’m kidding. Yes, me and Kenton are slowly working our way back together.”

  “Yay!” Davina said. “This is so awesome.”

  “Yeah. He’s pretty awesome guy,” Lauren said looking over at him. When their eyes connected, he winked at her, then mouthed, “You’re going down,” while pointing to the ground. She couldn’t help but laugh at his competitiveness.

  “If he messes up this time, I’ll slap him in the back of the head myself,” Jessalyn said.

  “I appreciate you having my back, Jessalyn, but I have a feeling that this time will be different.”

  Kenton walked over to where his brothers had gathered with Spencer, Drake, Joelle and Emory.

  “What’s up, Kent?” Giovanni asked. “I see you brought some company.”

  Kenton glanced up at Lauren while she was still talking to his sisters. “Yeah, I did.”

  “Are you two back together?” Remington asked, not wanting to make assumptions, e
ven though he just watched Kenton nearly kiss the woman’s lips off.

  “We’re slowly putting the pieces back together,” Kenton replied. “Today is the start of that. Oh, and by the way, she’s coming to dinner, too.”

  “Sounds like you’re serious this time, man,” Spencer said.

  “I am,” Kenton replied, looking at Lauren. She was smiling and her smile made him smile automatically. “I can’t believe I ever let her go. She’s the whole package.”

  “Looks like another Lennox is about to bite the dust,” Drake commented.

  “Looks that way doesn’t it, Drake,” Giovanni said.

  “Yeah. You sound like a Lennox in love, Kent,” Remington said. “And if you are, remember the deal – no long engagements. Whenever a Lennox gets engaged—”

  “I know,” Kenton said cutting him off. “Whenever a Lennox gets engaged, they have to marry at your house the following Saturday.”

  “You hear that, Rem?” Giovanni asked. “He wasn’t frowning when he said it either, almost like he’s cool with the idea.”

  “I am cool with it,” Kenton told them to dispel all suspicions.

  “Well, I’m happy for you,” Remington said. “And I’m glad Lauren’s here today to take Emmie’s place.”

  “You’re not playing, Emmie?” Joelle asked.

  “No,” Emory responded. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to the baby.” She placed a hand on her stomach.

  “Baby!” Jessalyn shouted, mid conversation with Lauren. She walked over to Emory and asked, “Are you pregnant, Emmie?”