by Jenna Mindel
“You’re welcome.” Mary fussed with her dress before buckling up. “You’re going to drive out of town and then head north on Eagle Highway. Marsh Orchards is only a few miles out.”
Nick nodded. He had an idea where they were going. In the month he’d been patrolling the county, he’d come to know the area pretty well. Leelanau County was filled with cherry orchards and vineyards. A safe area, too, all things considered.
Would he ever convince Beth of that?
By the time they pulled into the long driveway that led to Marsh Orchards, Nick was taken by the beauty of the place. A cherry-red farmhouse sat on a hilly mound with good views. Following the signs, Nick parked, got out and stared at the vista before him. Beth had been right. The orchard was something to see. The cherry trees were heavy with white blossoms, and petals fluttered to the ground like falling snow. Fat and soft.
“Come on. We’ll sit on the bride’s side.” Mary bustled forward.
Nick followed with his hand tight around Corey’s. He didn’t need the boy running off somewhere. Especially after they spotted a couple of kids close to Corey’s age darting around the cherry trees. The sun hung in the western sky, but it was a good three hours from setting and still shone with warmth. Another benefit to moving so far north, the days were even longer, especially as summer approached. And this was one beautiful spring day.
They sat down in white folding chairs as a woman with a harp began playing typical wedding music. It was light and airy sounding, and Nick felt as if he’d walked into one of Corey’s books. If a giant white rabbit showed up, he’d worry.
Chuckling at his thoughts, he spotted the tent Beth had mentioned. It was a huge white wedding variety with roll-down walls positioned on high ground beyond a pole barn. Inside he glimpsed tall propane heaters to ward off the night chill. Should be an interesting evening.
A hush settled among the guests and the music changed tempo. Nick felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down. “Yeah, bud?”
“What happens now?”
Nick smiled. “The bride will come out and meet her groom.”
“Who are they?” Corey pointed at the men who had taken their places in front near a flowered arch. Two of them Nick remembered from the pizza shop. Adam and Ryan. The third man standing was older and bald. And the minister looked like a lighter version of Ryan. Brother, maybe?
“That’s the groom and his friends. The groom is the one getting married today.”
Corey nodded.
The music changed again and everyone stood.
Corey, on tiptoe, craned his neck to peer around the adults who watched the bride come down the steps of the house. “There’s Miss Ryken.”
“Doesn’t she look beautiful?” Mary cooed.
“Yeah.” Nick wasn’t sure if she meant the bride or her daughter. Didn’t matter. Beth looked amazing.
Beth and another bridesmaid lifted the back of the bride’s dress, keeping it from snagging on the gravel of the driveway. Once they reached grass, the women fluffed the bride’s dress and then slipped into single file in front of her. A dark-haired woman and then Beth.
The pink dress Beth wore accentuated every fine curve and long length of her. Her hair had been bundled on top of her head, giving her even more height. Walking between the two petite women, Beth stood regal. Gorgeous.
Once the women were standing in place, Beth looked his way.
Nick smiled.
She smiled back.
Nick drank in the sight of her. From a distance it was easy to do without being caught. But then Beth glanced his way a couple times and each time, he smiled instead of looking away. She nearly forgot to take the bride’s bouquet so the couple could exchange rings.
Enough staring. Beth had a job to do.
Thankfully, the ceremony was brief. Corey’s fidgets weren’t too bad. The kid asked only twice what they were doing and why. Finally, the bride and groom kissed to seal the deal as a married couple.
Nick felt another tug on his sleeve. “Yeah, bud?”
“Will you marry Miss Ryken?”
It was a rare occurrence for Nick to be struck speechless. He might not use a whole lot of words, but he’d always found a few when he needed them.
Not now, though. “Uh...”
“She could be my new mom,” Corey added as if trying to convince him to agree.
Nick didn’t need to be convinced. He glanced at Mary, who hid a smirk behind a tissue. He’d get no help there.
He faced his son, who waited for an answer. “I don’t know, bud. We’ll talk about that later.”
“Okay.” Corey shrugged, not realizing the bomb he’d just thrown had confirmed everything the school counselor had said.
Nick felt the shrapnel like pinpricks all over his skin as that question reverberated through his brain. Hadn’t he thought along those same lines? But he couldn’t rush. For Corey’s sake, he had to be sure. And he had to be sure she’d say yes.
* * *
After the ceremony and another round of pictures, Beth slipped into a seat at the table for four with her mom, Corey and Nick. Shame on him for staring during the service. Shame on her for staring back.
“Hey.”
Nick looked surprised. “No wedding-party table?”
“Nope. The bride and groom have their own, so the rest of us can mingle.” She chose a couple hors d’oeuvres offered by a waiter.
“Nice.”
Beth gulped her water. Something about the way Nick looked at her made her feel warm all over. Nervous, even.
“You look pretty,” Corey said around a mouthful of dried cherries and chocolate. Small dishes of the stuff graced every table.
“Thank you, Corey.” She didn’t dare look at Nick. Beth had read the appreciation in his gaze several times. She didn’t need his words, didn’t want them, either. And certainly not in front of her mother.
After a brief silence while Nick and Corey pounded down the snacks and cherry mix, Beth breathed a little easier. Nick didn’t say anything about the way she looked.
“Lovely wedding.” Her mother fluffed the brand-new dress she wore.
“It is.”
Her mother had ordered the yellow confection from an online store before Beth could intervene. One more frilly dress headed for the back of her mother’s closet after tonight, never to be worn again. Beth supposed only one extravagant purchase wasn’t too bad considering her mom had a habit of ordering a few to try on and choose from. Her mom was trying to curb her spending habits and making some progress.
“So what’s next?” Nick asked.
“Dinner and then the band will set up and emcee the rest of the usual wedding stuff.” Beth had been given the reception plan by Eva months ago. They’d cut the cake and throw the bouquet and garter all in between an evening of dancing.
“Good. The sound of that harp is getting old.”
“I agree.” Beth laughed.
Being sandwiched between two tiny women in pictures had been bad enough, but tromping around in a short pink sheath of silk with harp music playing in the background made her feel like a giant. An underdressed one, at that.
Dinner was barely served when the tinkling of glasses started. The bride and groom had only just sat down.
“What’s that for?” Corey’s eyes went wide.
The crowd cheered as Adam and Eva shared a quick kiss.
Beth glanced at Nick, and he nodded for her to go ahead and explain. “At weddings people tap their glasses so the bride and groom will kiss.”
Corey made a face. “Why?”
Beth gestured that it was Nick’s turn this time.
“I don’t know, bud. Maybe because kissing is fun.”
“Ewww.”
They all laughed, but Beth caught Nick lo
oking at her again.
“Trust me. You’ll think so one day.”
Corey stuck out his tongue and clutched at his throat, playing dead. “No way.”
Relieved by the arrival of food, Beth heard her stomach growl. She was hungry, all right, having skipped lunch, but anticipation for the evening ahead gnawed at her. She almost couldn’t eat. Almost.
Glancing sideways at Nick, so handsome in his navy suit, Beth could hardly wait to feel his arms around her. Not exactly smart thinking for a woman who didn’t want to date a cop, but tonight she intended to put all that aside and enjoy the dance floor.
A Scripture from First Corinthians flashed through her mind, reminding her that all things were lawful but not all things were profitable. Or wise. Could she dance close to Nick and still stay friends? There was more to lose than friendship if she didn’t keep her mind clear and heart safe tonight.
Glasses were again tapped and Corey made a face.
Beth felt her cheeks heat even though they laughed and cheered with the rest of the guests. She considered Nick’s words to his son, admitting to the fun of kissing. Foolish girl, but Beth wanted to experience some of that fun with a certain redheaded man.
By the time dinner was over, Corey had slid down in his seat, looking bored and tired.
Beth’s mom leaned toward Nick. “Would it be all right if Corey and I left? I can use Beth’s car.”
Nice, Mom. Real nice and obvious.
But part of her wanted to pat her mother on the back for a job well done. “Don’t you want to stay for cake?”
“No.” Her mom gripped her midsection. “I’m way too full. Well, Nick, what do you say?”
Nick cleared his throat. “Yeah, that’s fine. Here, take my car. It has his booster seat. I’ll bring Beth home and pick up Corey.”
She laid her napkin on the table and stood. “No need. I put one in Beth’s car, you know, just in case.” Her mom gave them a wide smile.
Beth wanted to roll her eyes.
“Might be late. Would you like me to pick up the dog?”
Nick nodded and handed over his house key. “Thank you, Mary. That’d be great. Call me if needed. You have my cell.”
“Will do.” She smiled. “You two have fun. Come on, Corey, let’s go and get Peanut.”
“Can she come to your house?”
“Sure, she can.” Her mom took Corey’s hand and looked back. “You two stay as late as you like.”
Beth watched them leave, acutely aware of Nick sitting next to her. In the midst of a tent full of people, she felt as if they were utterly alone. “So.”
He didn’t bother to move over to another seat. He gave her that lopsided grin instead. “So.”
She rolled her eyes.
He leaned close. “Relax. I owe you, remember?”
She hadn’t forgotten. Worse, how could she exact payment without landing herself in dangerous waters?
The band had set up during dinner and the lead member announced that the bride and groom would open the floor with a first dance. Beth smiled as she watched Adam and Eva swirl in each other’s arms. She’d been there when the two met, and they’d overcome so much since then.
Namely Eva’s trust issues and fear.
“You look happy.” Nick’s voice sounded soft.
“I am. For them. Eva’s a good friend.”
“As you are.” Nick stood and offered her his arm. “Come on.”
He led her to the parquet bit of wood that served as a dance floor. A dance floor that had filled up fast. Eva’s brothers were out there with their ladies, as were Eva’s parents and others. Rose Marsh gave her a wave and a curious look toward Nick.
Beth waved back.
She’d introduce Nick later. For now, she wanted to pretend they had no worries. No issues. She wanted to enjoy the night on the arm of one handsome man.
The song was slow and old, but Beth recognized the tune. The lead singer purred lyrics from a Frank Sinatra hit as Nick pulled her close.
Something about flying to the moon and dancing in the stars had Beth’s head spinning. She slipped her hand into Nick’s, but when he tightened his hold around her waist, her breath caught.
“Relax—you’re stiff as a board.”
“Sorry.” She settled her other hand on his shoulder, felt the solid man beneath the suit coat and concentrated on moving with Nick. “I don’t dance much. Only at weddings.”
He winked. “Then we’ve got some ground to cover.”
They were at eye level, and Beth wore heels. She smiled.
Suddenly, Nick spun and then twirled her away from him only to pull her back in.
She gripped his shoulder to keep from stumbling. “Warn me next time you do that.”
“Follow my lead and you’ll know.”
Beth furrowed her brow as it dawned on her. “Hey, wait a minute, you’re good at this.”
He smiled and his gray eyes crinkled at the corners.
Her stomach flipped. “Where’d you learn to dance?”
“Had to for my first undercover stint.”
“Why? I don’t get it.”
Nick tipped his head. “Drug sales in the back of a ballroom-dancing studio.”
“Oh.”
A harmless answer said lightly, but it made her shiver all the same. He’d seen and done things she didn’t ever want to know about. She was fooling herself if she thought they could escape what he did for a living. Not tonight. Not ever.
* * *
Nick kept Beth busy on the dance floor. The music was mixed between current and long-ago hits. They laughed with friends of hers during some of the hokier songs and finally took a break for the cutting of the cake and coffee.
Nick wolfed down his slice of marbled wedding confection in seconds flat while Beth picked at hers. Some of her hair had fallen out of its trap and hung down her soft neck past her bare shoulders. He wanted to release the rest of it.
“What?” she asked.
“Aren’t you going to eat that?”
She pushed her plate toward him. “You can have it.”
Nick loosened his tie. Beth fanned her face, so he pushed a glass of water toward her. “You can have my water.”
“Thanks.” She took a long drink. “Do you want to, um, get some fresh air?”
“Absolutely.” He stood after she did, trying not to look eager to get her out of the vinyl walls of the tent.
Outside he breathed deep the chilly but sweet air from the trees in bloom surrounding them.
Beth wobbled and grabbed his arm. She slipped off her heels. “I won’t get far with these things sinking in the grass.”
How far did she plan on walking? “Where are we going?”
“There’s a picnic table around here somewhere. I stayed with Eva for a while and I practically lived here during high school, I came over often enough. Follow me.”
He did. Silently.
They reached a wooden picnic table and Beth sat on the top, her bare feet resting on the bench seat below. She rubbed her arms.
He slipped out of his jacket and handed it to her.
“Thanks.” She shrugged into it.
The air was cold, but it felt good after the heated tent. Their breaths made little white puffs in front of them. He pointed to the table. “You’re going to snag that dress.”
“That’s okay. I’ll never wear it again.”
“Too bad.” Nick stepped closer. “You look amazing.”
“Thanks.” Beth snuggled deeper into his jacket, burying her hands in the pockets. “What’s this?”
She’d found his string-tie restraints and pulled them out of the left side pocket.
He shrugged. “Easier to carry off duty than regular handcuffs.”
/>
“And you thought you’d apprehend someone here, at an outdoor wedding?”
He gave her a wicked grin. “Never know.”
Beth’s eyes widened, and then she gave him a thorough once-over. “You’re carrying, aren’t you?”
“I always do.” Nick patted his lower back where he wore a pancake holder for his SIG Sauer. A smaller gun than his Glock, it fit well under the tuck of his shirt, where he could reach it quick, if needed.
Beth closed her eyes. “At a wedding.”
“At night, in a remote place I’m not familiar with and with people I don’t know. Yeah, Beth, at a wedding.”
She pulled his jacket closer around her shoulders. “Did I ever tell you how my father died?”
“No.” Nick looked up at the night sky filled with shimmering stars and a crescent moon.
Here it comes.
“You might have read the official report, but what really happened is that a guy he’d stopped for speeding was high on something. Instead of obeying my dad’s request for his registration, the guy grabbed my father’s gun and shot him.” Beth talked in her usual calm teacher voice, but her eyes looked glassy.
Nick didn’t know her father had been killed with his own firearm. There hadn’t been a trial since the perp accepted a plea bargain and was sentenced clean as a whistle. The details of the weapon used to commit the crime had been left out. Maybe for the sake of the family or in honor of Ryken’s sterling tenure, Nick didn’t know.
So how did Beth know? “Who told you?”
“I overheard a couple of deputies talking at Dad’s funeral. The ones who’d found him—” her voice broke “—on a dark stretch of road.”
“I’m sorry, Beth.” He took her cold hands in his own and chafed them softly. “Sorry for you and your dad.”
“I never told my mom. She would have freaked. She’d been beside herself with worry that night when my dad didn’t come home. He’d been late before, but for some reason my mom was frantic. She had called the station and I remember her screaming over the phone asking when he’d last checked in, bawling that something wasn’t right. It was late when the sheriff came to our house. My father had been found dead beside his cruiser. He died alone.”
