A Proposal at the Wedding

by Gina Wilkins

“I’m sure you will.”

  “My mother loved koi ponds. When we were growing up in Knoxville, she used to take us to the University of Tennessee to see the water gardens. They were so pretty.”

  She looked down at the shriveled rose in her hand. Paul laid his hand on her shoulder, thinking of his own tired, sweet mother. “I miss mine, too.”

  Shaking off her momentary wistfulness, Bonnie met his eyes again. “You said your mother had a chance to see Cassie before she passed away?”

  “Yes, she died when Cassie was almost two. Needless to say, my mom adored her grandbaby and spent as much time with her as she could.”

  Tilting her head, Bonnie searched his face, looking interested in the turn their conversation had taken. “How did she react when you told her?”

  “That Holly was pregnant?” He grimaced. “She was upset at first, afraid I’d thrown away my future. But when she saw that Holly and I were both determined to finish school and make a good life for our daughter, she decided to be happy about it.”

  “And Holly’s parents?”

  “Yelled at us both, cried a little, then pitched in to help as much as we’d let them. They’re nice people. Probably handled it all much better than I would have if it had been Cassie in our predicament,” he admitted ruefully.

  Bonnie’s phone chirped in her pocket to announce a text and she gave an apologetic murmur as she pulled it out to read the message. Knowing that she was always on call here, he wasn’t bothered by the interruption.

  “Odd,” she murmured. “Kinley asked if I was in the inn or at home. Probably has something to ask me and doesn’t want to interrupt if I’m busy.”

  She typed a couple of words into her phone, then held it loosely in one hand as she turned her attention back to him. “I know how your parents reacted when they found out Cassie was on the way. What about you? How did you feel when you found out?”

  He thought back more than twenty-one years, trying to come up with words to succinctly sum up the emotions he’d felt. “Stupid. Scared. Unprepared. Guilty. I was afraid I’d ruined my life and Holly’s and maybe an innocent child’s. I told her I’d marry her immediately and I meant it, but our parents talked us out of doing anything that rash, thank goodness. So I vowed to stand by her and help her in whatever way she needed, but I was still conflicted about it—until they placed Cassie in my arms. As clichéd as it sounds, I knew right then that my life would never be the same. In a good way.”

  She appeared fascinated by the revelations. “You were so young.”

  “I guess I grew up fast.”

  “You missed out on a lot, I think.”

  “I gained more,” he said with a light shrug. “I can play now that my daughter is grown and out of the nest.”

  Biting her lower lip, Bonnie looked up at him through her lashes, the early evening shadows gathering on her face and masking the expression in her eyes from him. Before she could speak again, they were interrupted by her sister’s voice.

  “Bonnie! There you are.”

  Both Paul and Bonnie turned in response to the hail. Kinley rushed toward them along the garden path. She was followed more sedately by Logan, who led a massive black-and-brown dog on a leash—the notorious Ninja, no doubt—and a taller, dark-haired man Paul assumed to be Kinley’s boyfriend, whom he’d never met.

  Bonnie looked surprised to see the group bearing down on them. “Is something wrong?”

  “No,” Kinley said with a broad smile that could almost light the darkening garden. “Just the opposite.”

  “Don’t look at me for answers,” Logan said with a shrug, his expression quizzical. “Ninja and I were just taking a walk when Kinley ambushed us and insisted we help her find you.”

  Kinley turned her smile to Paul, who was beginning to suspect what was to come. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we—well, I couldn’t wait. Paul Drennan, this is Dan Phelan.”

  Paul reached out to shake the other man’s hand, receiving a rather apologetic smile of greeting. “Nice to meet you, Dan.”

  “You, too, Paul. And, uh, sorry to crash your walk with Bonnie.”

  Kinley shook her head impatiently. “Anyway…”

  She held up her left hand, wiggling the ring finger and confirming Paul’s prediction. “Dan brought me a souvenir from his trip to New York. I thought you all might like to see it.”

  Bonnie pounced, grabbing her sister’s hand and angling it so that the nearest overhead light made the ring glitter impressively. “You’re engaged?”

  “We’re engaged,” Dan confirmed, putting an arm around Kinley’s shoulders. “I asked her to marry me, and she said yes.”

  “Oh, I’m so happy for you both!” Bonnie threw her arms around the taller couple in an enthusiastic group hug.

  Though he felt a bit awkward at being included in this private family moment, Paul couldn’t help but smile in response to their obvious joy. Even Logan smiled as he kissed Kinley’s cheek and clapped Dan’s shoulder, visibly approving of the union. Oddly enough, though, Logan’s big dog began to make a weird sound that sort of resembled a growl, though his short tail swished the air behind him. Paul took an involuntary step backward, wondering if perhaps the dog was disturbed by the stranger in the midst of the family.

  Bonnie noticed his movement, glanced at Ninja, then smiled in sudden understanding. “He isn’t growling,” she assured him. “That’s the sound he makes when he’s happy.”

  “I told you,” Logan said, reaching down to give his pet a roughly affectionate ear rub. “He’s a weird dog.”

  When Ninja showed interest in him, Paul extended a careful hand to be sniffed and approved, then patted the dog’s back when Ninja wagged and wiggled in an encouraging signal. They took a moment to get to know each other while the Carmichael family continued to celebrate the good news.

  “Okay, this calls for toasts,” Bonnie asserted, wiping her eyes with the back of one hand. “I have an apple crumble and ice cream for anyone who wants dessert. I can probably find a doggie biscuit for Ninja, too.”

  She’d offered dessert to Paul after dinner, but they’d decided to take their walk first. He figured now that the private part of their evening was over. Dan gave Paul another contrite look. “Didn’t mean to crash your date, Paul,” he said quietly as Bonnie herded the others toward her apartment. “We were just excited to share our news.”

  “I don’t blame you at all. Congratulations, Dan, I’m sure you and Kinley will be very happy together.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Paul? Dan? Are you guys coming?” Bonnie called over her shoulder.

  Paul thought maybe he should go and let the family spend this evening together, but he couldn’t leave without saying goodnight to Bonnie and she was already rushing away. He fell into step behind them.

  Bonnie headed straight for the kitchen to pull out the sparkling white wine Paul had brought with him that evening. They’d each had a glass with dinner, but still a little more than half remained in the bottle, enough for everyone to make a toast.

  Paul motioned toward the door, murmuring to Bonnie, “Maybe I should—”

  “Have a toast with us,” she said, pressing a flute into his hand. “Kinley enjoys a large audience.”

  “Why, yes, I do,” her sister agreed with a grin and a toss of her head, making her brown bob swing at her chin. “I’ve never been shy about taking a bow.”

  “She’s not kidding about that,” Logan said, bending to unsnap the leash from Ninja’s collar. “Why do you think we’ve made her the public face of the business? Bonnie and I prefer to do our jobs a bit more…quietly. Kinley likes being out there making presentations and hustling for business and taking credit.”

  Kinley tilted her head and tapped her chin in a thoughtful gesture. “I’d get mad,” she said, then dropped her hand with a smi
le, “but I’m too happy right now. And besides, you’re probably right.”

  Dan laughed and planted a smacking kiss on Kinley’s mouth. “That’s why I love her,” he said. “I’ve always admired her brutal honesty.”

  “Ahem.” Bonnie held up her glass and motioned for the others to take theirs. “Perhaps we can stop sniping at each other long enough to get through this toast? Logan, do you want to make it?”

  Paul was a little surprised when her brother shrugged and nodded. “Sure. I think I remember the words.”

  Turning toward the happy couple, he lifted his glass. “To Kinley and Dan. I won’t try this in Gaelic, but here goes. May the best you’ve ever seen, be the worst you’ll ever see. May the mouse never leave your pantry with a teardrop in his eye. May you always keep healthy and hearty until you’re old enough to die. May you always be just as happy as we wish you now to be.”

  “Sláinte,” Paul added, raising his glass at the conclusion of the translated, traditional Scottish toast. He had to admit he’d been startled to hear it coming from the usually stern lips of habitually gruff Logan Carmichael, but apparently when it came to his sisters, Logan had a soft side.

  Kinley beamed at Paul, then hugged her brother. “Thank you, Logan.”

  “I’m not saying it in Gaelic for the wedding,” he warned her brusquely, though he returned the hug warmly enough. “You know my Gaelic sucks.”

  “Uncle Leo tried to teach us all some of the Scottish Gaelic he learned from his parents,” Bonnie explained to Paul with a little laugh. “He told us our Tennessee accents made it difficult.”

  Paul remembered Kinley mentioning to Cassie during one of their early consultations that she and Bonnie had hosted a few Gaelic-themed weddings, with bagpipes and kilts and sashes, not such a surprise in this area settled by so many Scots-Irish immigrants. He, too, came from Scottish stock, though as far as he knew none of his more recent ancestors had spoken the language. He knew only a few words that he’d picked up here and there.

  “I’m going to head home now,” he announced, setting his glass on the counter. “I know you have an early start tomorrow, Bonnie, so thank you for dinner and I’ll see you in class tomorrow night. Kinley, Dan—­congratulations and much happiness to you both. And it was good to see you again, Logan.”

  Ninja bumped his leg, making that quirky sound again, tail still wagging. Paul looked down with a laugh. “Yes, Ninja, it was nice to meet you, too.”

  Bonnie set down her glass hastily. “I’ll walk you to your car. Kinley, the dessert is on the counter if you want to serve. I’m sure Dan wants some,” she added with a teasing nod at her future brother-in-law, who apparently had a sweet tooth. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Take your time,” Kinley replied with a wink.

  Chapter Nine

  A few minutes later, Bonnie looked up at Paul beside the driver’s door of his car. Lights glowed in most of the windows of the inn now, bathing the gardens in amber light, but he didn’t see anyone else out and about at the moment. A breeze ruffled the leaves around them, carrying the faint scent of roses with it.

  “I didn’t expect our evening together to end this way,” she said.

  “It’s a happy occasion for your family. You wouldn’t have wanted them to delay telling you.”

  “Thanks for understanding.” She wrinkled her nose and gave a little laugh. “She knew I was seeing you tonight. I think she might have texted me to make sure I was, um, receiving company.”

  Catching her drift, he chuckled a bit ruefully. “As excited as she was to share her news with you, she must have been relieved to hear we were in the garden and not in your bedroom.”

  “Hmm.” She ran a hand lightly up his arm. “Maybe next time?”

  He swooped down to kiss her, letting her have just a glimpse of the frustration he was feeling at that moment. This wasn’t how he’d anticipated their evening ending, but he understood. Family came first. Always.

  “Will you be at the market in the morning?” she asked with a little sigh that seemed to echo his thoughts.

  “I don’t think so.” As much as he enjoyed spending time with her, he’d rather not have his classmates watch every interaction between them as they were beginning to do. He’d enjoy the final session with the group, but if he had another chance to stroll the market with Bonnie, he’d rather do so without an audience. “I’ll be here in time for class, though.”

  She nodded, and if she was disappointed that he wouldn’t be joining them in the morning she didn’t let it show. “Good night, Paul.”

  He kissed her again, taking advantage of their momentary privacy to press her against his car and give them both a taste of what they were missing. Both of them were gasping for oxygen by the time the kiss ended.

  Paul had a very uncomfortable drive home. The only thought that made him feel a bit better was the memory of Bonnie saying, “Next time.”

  Bonnie told herself it wasn’t unprofessional for her to hope Paul stayed after class Tuesday night, at which time she planned to invite him down to her apartment for a “conference” with the teacher. She gave him no extra perks during class, she’d charged him the same as everyone else and as she’d pointed out several times, she wasn’t giving out grades. Nobody cared if one particular classmate hung around afterward. Even Jennifer had seemed to resignedly accept that for now at least, Paul had eyes only for the teacher.

  Last night’s dinner date had not at all ended the way she’d envisioned, though she couldn’t regret having celebrated with Kinley and Dan and Logan until quite late. Her sister’s joy was palpable, and Dan seemed so happy about the future they would build together. Kinley hadn’t looked nearly that happy when she’d announced her first engagement to a man she’d married not because she’d been madly in love with him, but because they had seemed like a suitable match. Her heart had not been broken by the failure of that marriage, but her confidence had been badly shaken. Falling in love with Dan and knowing he loved her in return had done wonders for her battered ego.

  Bonnie was thrilled for her sister. But tonight, she was glad her family had other things to do, leaving her free to pursue her own pleasures.

  She dismissed the class for the final time with a sense of satisfaction that the lessons had gone well. She wasn’t sure she wanted to do another multisession class again anytime soon, but she’d enjoyed teaching. Maybe she’d set up more single session classes on next year’s calendar. But she would think about that later.

  Nora led her classmates in a round of applause after Bonnie thanked them for their participation. “That was a wonderful class, Bonnie,” she said as they all began to gather their things. “I’m sorry it’s over. I’ve learned so much.”

  A chorus of seconds followed the endorsement. Bonnie thanked them repeatedly, promised to send out email announcements about future classes to anyone who’d signed up for notifications and herded them toward the exit. As she had expected—hoped—Paul remained behind.

  He started automatically helping her clean up, returning the dining room and kitchen to a state of preparation for the next morning’s breakfast service. “It really was a great class, Bonnie.”

  “Thank you. I worried that I wouldn’t be able to hold everyone’s attention for six hours of instruction, but it did seem to work out well. I made a few notes about things I can do better in the future, but all in all, I was satisfied.”

  “You should be.” Without being asked, he opened a high cupboard and stashed away a few items he already knew she kept there. “I’m really glad I ran into you at the market that morning so I was able to participate.”

  Only a month ago, she realized somewhat dazedly. During that time, she’d gotten to see him as so much more than the devoted father of a bride. She knew him now as a teacher, a student, an athlete, a rescuer, a friend and a lover. And there was no aspect o
f him that she didn’t like. Although, like didn’t seem exactly the right word for her feelings for Paul. Not that this was the right time to analyze her emotions.

  “Would you like to come down to my place for coffee or tea?” she asked. “All I have to do first is make a quick check in the parlor to see if anyone needs anything.”

  “I would love a cup of coffee,” he said so quickly that he must have been just waiting for her to ask.

  She smiled. “Okay, give me just a few—”

  Her phone rang in her pocket, making her jump. Laughing a bit sheepishly, she lifted it to her ear, noting the call came from room five upstairs.

  “Bonnie? This is Justine English, in room five. I think you’d better come up here. We have a little problem.”

  Thinking she’d be delivering clean towels or finding batteries for a TV remote, Bonnie asked lightly, “What can I do for you, Mrs. English?”

  “There’s water coming out from under the bathroom sink. My sister and I have been trying to mop it up but it keeps coming out. We think maybe the pipe broke.”

  Bonnie grimaced. “I’m on my way up. Don’t go back in the bathroom, Mrs. English. I don’t want you to slip on a wet floor.”

  “Did someone overflow a bathtub?” Paul asked.

  She shook her head, already hitting Logan’s number on her phone. “She said a pipe broke and water is running out from under the sink. I have to rush up there to try to stop damage. Logan?” she said as soon as she heard her brother’s voice. “Room five. Water leak.”

  “On my way,” her brother said grimly.

  “I’m so sorry, Paul.” Bonnie was already dashing into the laundry room for extra towels as she spoke. “I have to deal with this.”

  “What can I do to help?”

  Moving toward the doorway, she said over her shoulder, “Logan will turn off the water and fix the pipe. I’ll help the two ladies move into a different suite and then clean up the mess. It’s going to take a while. You might as well head home, but thanks for the offer.”