Ties That Bind

by Heather Huffman

  “What do you know?” He growled.

  “More than you realize,” she growled right back.

  “Why have you been in my life for this long and not said a word?” He looked at her like she was a parasite to be loathed, not a daughter to be cherished. “You know what? I don’t have time for this today. I’m supposed to be married in an hour.”

  Kate opened her mouth to explain but he’d begun to walk away. She took a step to follow him but was brought up short by his harsh command to leave him be. She stood there alone in the park, her lip trembling ever so slightly, wondering what to do next.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kate allowed herself a few minutes to collect her shattered emotions, letting the sound of water spitting from the mouths of cherubs calm her nerves. Then she began the half-mile walk back to the Ritz. However furious she might be, however heartbroken, she would not let Tara down. Halfway there, she picked up a jog. She still had to get dressed for the ceremony.

  “Where have you been?” Tara demanded cheerfully when Kate burst through the door of the bride’s room.

  “Your silly groom had made a mess of his tux,” Kate smiled as brightly as she could and shook her head.

  “Well get in here and get dressed. We can’t have you looking like that at the ceremony,” Tara smiled in a way that made Kate wonder just what she knew that Kate didn’t.

  “Sure, sure. Just let me step into the washroom to freshen up first. And Tara, you are stunning.” Kate ducked into the other room to wash the sweat of her jog off before shimmying into the most beautiful dress she’d ever owned. Kate almost hated that the color so perfectly matched her eyes, Jack’s eyes. It felt like she’d be shouting, “hey Jack, remember me, your daughter?”

  Still, it clung perfectly to her body. Her honey-gold back was obstructed only by a single strap just under the shoulder blades. The wide neckline stopped just short of being immodest and the halter-style top was fitted perfectly to her curves. The floor-length dress swirled prettily when she walked. If it were any other day, she would feel like a fairy tale princess in this dress.

  She made small talk with Tara and her bridesmaids as she brushed on a hint of makeup and swept her hair into a simple up-do. With one last kiss to Tara’s cheek and a wish for good luck, Kate went back to her duties of event planner. She’d deal with Jack when their paths crossed.

  The longer she went without their paths crossing, the more nervous she became. What if he bailed on Tara because of her? Kate was too busy to do much about it, except hope that he wouldn’t do something that heartless. Well, not to Tara anyway. He’d shown himself quite capable of being heartless where Kate was concerned.

  Kate surveyed the fairy tale she’d helped create. Maybe this was a fitting place for her dress, after all. The building was magnificent, the golden ballroom glowed in the light of the candles and chandeliers, and the white decorations lent the surroundings an angelic quality. Breathtaking bouquets of white orchid sprays graced the center of each table.

  Guests were filling the neatly-lined seats in the terrace courtyard. A massive white tent had been set up to a backdrop of sculpted boxwood hedges and a flawlessly groomed garden of roses, lavender and ivy. White rose petals had been scattered along the brick walkway.

  The music began and Kate noticed with a certain amount of gratitude that Jack was right where he should be, looking as charming as ever. Her eyes misted as she studied her father, so handsome and proud on his wedding day. She allowed herself only the briefest second musing before ducking out of the courtyard undetected. No sense marring the groom’s face with a scowl because he’d spotted his pesky offspring.

  Kate busied herself with the kitchen staff during the ceremony. The reception would be immediately following, so there was no time to be melancholy. Just as the final touches were being put into place, the wedding party was forming a receiving line. Kate knew guests would begin filtering in any moment now, so she quickly issued last reminders to the servers.

  Dinner was soon underway. Tara found her long enough to crush her in yet another hug and to whisper heartfelt thanks. Jack’s parents stopped her to tell her what a bang-up job she’d done on the wedding. She’d resisted the urge to hug them and instead bowed her head and offered a humble “Thank you.” Maybe one day she could meet them as she truly was – their granddaughter. Maybe not, she thought ruefully when she caught Jack’s glare.

  There was an entire side of the family she was meeting today. She wondered what it would be like to have grown up with cousins her own age. For years, she had watched Rachel Cooper on television, admiring the young reporter’s tenacity. It was a little strange seeing her now and realizing they were cousins. Would they have been friends?

  Kate took a moment to sneak a strawberry decorated in a chocolate tuxedo, content to watch the sun sink over the city in solitude.

  “You know, someone as breathtaking as you really shouldn’t be alone.” A voice she’d know anywhere whispered low in her hear. Lightening shot through her veins and she whirled to face him.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Oh please don’t tell me you want me to go. It took me twenty-two hours to get here just to dance with you at this wedding.”

  “You shouldn’t have done that. Oh I’m so happy you’re here,” she threw herself into his arms.

  He chuckled softly, trailing kisses along her ear, her neck, her jaw. She threw caution to the wind and caught his lips with hers, kissing him as if her very soul depended on the connection.

  “I missed you, too.” He whispered, his lips continuing on their journey across her cheeks, her eyelids, her forehead.

  “You have no idea how much I needed to see you today.” She wanted to tell him everything but knew she’d start crying if she did. So she left it at, “It’s not been my best day ever.”

  “You going to tell me why later?” He guessed the reason for her hesitancy had something to do with the current setting.

  “Promise,” she nestled closer to him. “So why are you here?”

  “I’m Tara’s present to you. Her way of saying thank you for all you’ve done.”

  “I knew I liked her.” Kate smiled and took a deep breath. Man he smelled good.

  “You look amazing, you know.”

  “So do you. I like the tux.”

  “I love the dress. I might ask you to wear it again when it’s just the two of us.”

  “I was sad you wouldn’t be able to see it.”

  “So now you can be happy.”

  “You have that effect on me,” she murmured contentedly. His lip curled into a smile.

  “Would you like to dance?”

  “I would love to.” She allowed herself to be led to the dance floor. He pulled her into his embrace, effortlessly leading her in a waltz. Through the fog of joy and desire, Kate was vaguely aware of Jessica and Liz’s smiles and waves. She met Tara’s grin with a mouthed, “Thank you.”

  If there were other details of the wedding to be seen to, Kate missed them. All that mattered for the rest of the night was Gavin and the fact that he was there, in her arms. If only for this one night. She didn’t even want to ask when he was going back or for how long. Those details could wait for reality. This was her fantasy.

  “Do you want a drink?” Gavin grazed her neck with his lips as he asked.

  “A glass of wine would be lovely,” Kate followed him to the bar. “Blue Valley, please. It’s all I drink now. Anything white.”

  “I’m so glad that’s going well,” he tossed his arm over her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. “Hey Jack, congratulations, sir.”

  Gavin’s smile at the sight of the groom quickly faded when he saw the look Jack was giving Kate. He immediately assessed the situation and nodded as if to say, “So that’s how it is.”

  “Thank you,” Jack acknowledged stiffly.

  “You know, it’s probably not as sordid as you think,” Gavin addressed the issue head on. “Why don’t you set it aside fo
r now and the two of you can talk when you get back?”

  “You knew.” It was an accusation. Jack transferred his glower to Gavin.

  “That’s it,” Kate growled low, stepping in between the two men who formed her world. “You have two choices Jack. You can mind your manners or you can see to the clean-up yourself. Or have you forgotten that I am your wedding coordinator?”

  Kate could see Jack mentally tabulating the bill from the Ritz if it wasn’t left in the right shape. Or maybe he was trying to imagine Tara’s reaction if Kate disappeared now. Either way, he gave them a terse nod and walked away.

  “Not your best day?” Gavin arched an eyebrow, his lip twitching. “My dear, I think you understated it.”

  “Yeah, he didn’t take it so well.” Kate gratefully accepted the glass of wine he offered.

  “Why on earth did you tell him today of all days?”

  “The son of a gun figured it out. I think he saw my reflection next to his and it just clicked into place. It was kind of scary actually; I thought he was having a stroke or something.”

  “Would have served him right.”

  “I’m trying to be more gracious than that.”

  “Are you succeeding?”

  “Not really.” Kate quickly changed her frown to a smile at the sight of their friends approaching.

  “Gavin!” Liz stood on tiptoes to kiss Gavin on the cheek. “How long are you gracing us with your presence?”

  “Only a few days, unfortunately.” Gavin answered Liz, but his eyes were on Kate. “But I promise to be back in three weeks, tops.”

  “Gavin! You should sneak Kate up to Napa while you’re here. It’s unbelievable up there.” Jessica also had to stand on tiptoe to wrap her arms around Gavin’s neck.

  “That’s not a bad idea,” Kate agreed. “You would like it.”

  “I’m yours to do with as you will,” he twirled Kate playfully before tucking her back up next to him.

  The rest of the night passed in a blur and Kate soon found herself in the thick of cleanup. Luckily, she had an amazing crew, which included her group of friends. They were cleaned up and out of there in short order. Gavin had rented a car and drove them to go pick up Ty, which he took care of so Kate wouldn’t get caught in a long conversation. She worried a little about him driving, remembering how thoroughly exhausted she’d been after her own flight. He seemed to fare a little better than she had and managed to get them back to her loft safely.

  He walked her to her door. She wearily unlocked the door and kicked her heels off the second she’d crossed the threshold. It took her a second to realize he hadn’t followed her in. She turned to question him with her eyes.

  “Should I go?”

  “I’d like to think we have a certain amount of self-control,” she pulled him through the door by his jacket front. “But either way, there is absolutely no way I’m letting you out of my sight while you’re on this side of the globe.”

  “Fair enough,” he grinned devilishly, kicking the door closed behind him, dipping his head to kiss her. Ty practically quivered with excitement. It was obvious he remembered the one who’d sprung him from doggie jail. Gavin pulled away from Kate long enough to kneel before Ty. He seemed to be asking for something as he caught the dog’s head in his hands, scratching Ty’s face with his thumbs. Ty trembled at his touch. Kate could sympathize. Gavin had that effect on her, too.

  “Now go on, you silly beast. I’m going to ask my girlfriend to dance.” He put on a CD with an ease that made her wonder how he knew his way around her stereo so well. Come to think of it, that wasn’t her CD.

  “Do you keep your own music here?” Kate tried to remember how he’d even gotten a key to her apartment.

  Gavin gave her a devilish grin and merely held his hand out in an unspoken request.

  “But we have danced all evening.”

  “That was one kind of dancing. This is another.” With that, he pulled her into his arms, their bodies melding together as they swayed gently to the slow songs in the background. She realized he was right. A waltz in public was certainly different than this. For instance, she was now free to run her fingers through his hair. Her hands could choose to cling to his shoulders or even rest on his arms, relishing the feel of each muscle in them. There was no pretense of formality now and she could nuzzle his neck without fear of reprimand.

  A part of Kate could have danced with him all night. Another part wasn’t sure she could take much more. Every move was slowly stoking the fire growing in the air between them. A third part was so tired she wasn’t sure she could stand on two feet much longer. She knew if she was tired, he must be even more so.

  “Do you have clothes in your car?” She finally asked.

  “My suitcase is actually in your room,” he admitted sheepishly.

  “Presumptuous much?”

  “Just hopeful. I mean, I still intend to not rush things. I just don’t want to leave you alone for one second.”

  “Good. Because I don’t think I could let you go right now.”

  Kate had meant it. Letting him go long enough to brush her teeth and change into pajamas had felt like too long. When she scurried back into her room, it was to find him stretched out on top of her bed fully dressed and sound asleep. There was such a beauty and peace about him she stood there for a moment just drinking in the sight of his face.

  She gently took his shoes off and found a blanket to cover him, then snuggled under that blanket with him. Ty did his best to wedge himself in between them like a good chaperone should. The angry glare of her father seemed to dissipate in this safe little cocoon and Kate fell asleep very happy.

  She awoke to the sensation of being watched. Gavin was stretched out beside her, still in his tux and watching her with a contented smile. She went to snuggle closer to him, but Ty sensed that she was awake and bathed her face in kisses.

  “Alright, alright. Go get your leash.” Kate grumbled and got out of bed to slide on some jeans.

  “Look at that. He actually got his leash.” Gavin marveled.

  “Of course he did.”

  “I get you an unruly mutt to liven things up a bit for you and instead you turn him into a perfect little gentleman.” He shook his head ruefully.

  “That’s not true. He ate my couch. And my rug. And he makes me go out in public before I’ve showered in the morning.”

  “Shocking.” Gavin stood and stretched lazily. “Come on; let’s get this over so I can get out of this monkey suit.”

  “You’re going with me, dressed like that?” She eyed his rumpled suit and wild hair.

  “Sure. I told you, I’m not letting you out of my sight for the next two days.”

  “I’m showering alone.” Kate stated firmly, the thought of not showering alone nearly leaving her in a puddle on the floor.

  “Okay, with few exceptions I’m not letting you out of my sight for the next two days.”

  “Better.”

  They enjoyed a few stares while they walked Ty, her in a pajama top and jeans, him in a rumpled tuxedo, Ty bouncing happily along at his side. It was very clear to Kate that if she and Gavin didn’t make it, Ty would be as devastated as she. Kate was shocked to realize that she didn’t mind the odd looks. In fact, it was kind of liberating.

  When they got back, she let Gavin grab the first shower and tried her best not to think too much about the mental picture of him in the shower while she called her aunt to see if they could make an impromptu visit.

  “You know, Kate, you don’t have to ask permission to visit,” Joan had told her. “This is your home, too.”

  Kate had awkwardly thanked her and set about making a quick breakfast.

  “You’re not going to leave those dishes in the sink, are you?” Gavin feigned shock when he ambled into the kitchen.

  “Only until after my shower, smarty pants.” She stuck her tongue out at him. By the time she’d finished her shower, the dishes were done and Gavin seemed very proud of himself.

&nbs
p; There was a knock at the door that startled them both. Gavin answered and Kate strained to hear the whispered conversation. She couldn’t have been more surprised when it was Tara who shoved her way past a worried-looking Gavin.

  “Kate,” Tara rushed to throw her arms around Kate’s neck. “I’m so sorry Jack is being such a royal jerk about this.”

  “Oh. Thank you,” Kate awkwardly returned the hug. “I’m sorry to throw a wrench into everything.”

  “By what, existing? I totally get why you didn’t tell him. Once you found out about me, I mean. That was it, wasn’t it?”

  Kate nodded. “The timing just seemed wrong. I figured I’d wait until you guys were settled in and then figure out a way to tell him.”

  “I can understand why he’s struggling to adjust and all. I’m not happy about the fact that I could be a grandmother before I’m a mommy, but it is what it is. Being upset won’t change it.”

  “Oh don’t say that,” Kate winced, earning an odd look from Gavin.

  “Still, it’s possible. But it doesn’t matter. Jack should be thrilled you turned out so well and to have you in his life. He’ll come around to that. And don’t worry about your job. He wouldn’t dare chase you off.” Tara promised her with a fierceness that implied the subject had, in fact, come up and she’d won that argument.

  “The thought had occurred to me,” Kate acknowledged. “I’m glad you won that one.”

  “Me too,” Tara flashed her a pretty smile. “Now I’d better get back. We have a flight to catch; I just didn’t want you worrying about this for the next week.”

  “Thank you.” Kate really was grateful to know where Tara stood. “And thank you, for bringing Gavin back for a few days.”

  “Oooh, I almost forgot. Were you surprised?” Tara’s eyes lit up.

  “Yes, it was amazing.”

  “Your flight…” Gavin reminded Tara when she appeared ready to insist on every detail.

  “Oh right. Fill me in when I get back.”