Falling for the Best Man

by Amanda Ashby

  “Not at all.” She returned the kiss before registering his loaded arms and almost looked relieved at the distraction. “Flowers. Christopher, that’s so sweet. And her alligator. Thank you.”

  “They might be nice for when she wakes up,” he said as Emmy took several bunches of flowers off him. “Of course I didn’t think about where to put them. Should I go find some vases?”

  “Actually, would you mind going to find Coop—I mean Ben Cooper. He and Bec have been friends forever, and I know he’s desperate to see her,” she said.

  “Sure.” He squeezed her hand just as his cell phone rang out. It was his agent and Christopher winced as he ignored the call. Trent had never been known for his timing, but this was almost laughable.

  “What if it’s important,” Emmy said in a soft voice, her dark eyes catching his. Christopher sighed.

  “It’s Trent. He probably just wants to confirm the—”

  “Tickets.” Emmy’s whole face flooded with color, and her hand flew to her mouth. “I completely forgot about the trip. I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t even think about apologizing,” he said, kicking himself for not turning the damn thing off. The last thing Emmy needed right now was stress about Hawaii. “Let’s wait until Bec’s home and we’ll talk. Okay?”

  “Okay.” She nodded, though her eyes were already searching the room. “I’d better go fill Pepper in.”

  “Right,” he said. He was about to reach for her hand and tell her how pleased he was that it had all worked out, but she’d already turned to where her intimidating sister was waiting. Christopher took a deep breath and went in search of Ben Cooper. Never had he felt more useless in his entire life.

  …

  The following morning, Emmy stood outside Bec’s bedroom at home, holding a tray of sandwiches. If she’d had her way, her sister would be eating soup and a cup of tea but Bec had insisted on peanut butter, gherkin, and potato chips on rye, and Emmy didn’t have the heart to refuse her. Even Pepper, who normally took control of everything, hadn’t felt up to arguing with the cravings of a pregnant woman who’d just been released from hospital.

  The main thing was Bec was home and the baby was healthy.

  The baby.

  Emmy was still trying to accept her carefree, twenty-two-year-old sister was going to be a mom. Bec refused to talk about who the father was, apart from saying he was out of the picture and wouldn’t be returning. She also said she hadn’t changed her mind about the farm and the business, then went on to suggest they wait another month or so before telling Pepper their decision. That was one suggestion Emmy could definitely get on board with. There was quite enough drama going on without adding Pepper’s fury into the mix.

  Not that either of them could figure out exactly why Pepper was even there. After all, she’d only turned up twice during Ivy’s cancer treatment, and both trips had been organized down to the most minuscule detail. Still, that was the least of her problems right now, and despite the knowledge Bec was fine, Emmy couldn’t rid herself of just how easily it could’ve been a very different prognosis.

  Like with her parents, and then Ivy. My sister could’ve died. And if that had happened, she never would’ve—

  “Emmy, I know you’re standing out there. Come in already. I’m starving,” Bec called out, proving that her uncanny instincts were as sharp as ever. Emmy reluctantly used her foot to push open the door. Bec greeted her with, “Thank God. You should’ve seen breakfast. It was horrible. Even Coop wouldn’t eat it, and he eats everything.”

  “That’s because he’s an animal,” Pepper said from the window seat where she’d been checking her messages. Not that Emmy or Bec paid much attention. For reasons no one seemed to know, Pepper and Ben Cooper had always hated each other and never missed out on the chance to remind people of the fact. “Are you sure you should be eating that? We should get in a specialist to check your diet.”

  “I’m pregnant, not dying” Bec said as she picked up the sandwich and bit into it. “And more to the point, I’m bored with having to talk about me, so please can we just change the subject?”

  “Fine.” Pepper shrugged as she put away her cell phone and turned her attention to Emmy. “So why don’t you tell me where Christopher fits into the picture?”

  “Oh, yes. Excellent suggestion. That’s exactly the kind of distraction I need.” Bec looked more like her old self as her blue eyes twinkled with excitement. “How is Mr. Beautiful Shoulders going? Are you all packed for your trip tomorrow?”

  Emmy’s throat went dry.

  She wanted to say she hadn’t given Hawaii any thought at all since they’d found Bec crumpled on the wishing bridge yesterday, but the truth was she’d hardly been able to think about anything else. Christopher had been true to his word, and last night when they’d arrived home from the hospital, they’d undressed and fallen into each other’s arms without mentioning it. But today was a different story. They were due to leave tomorrow, and he’d be waiting for her answer.

  Problem is he isn’t going to like the answer I have.

  I don’t like it, either.

  Deserting him once might be seen as an accident, but twice—regardless of the circumstances—was pushing her luck. But it had to be done. Bec needed her more than ever. No way she could run off now. And it wasn’t an excuse—her baby sister was having a child of her own. Emmy needed to be there, to help and support them. No matter how much she wanted to be with Christopher, it couldn’t be at the expense of her family.

  Yesterday was a reminder of that.

  After all, what kind of life would she have had if Ivy hadn’t opened the doors of Wishing Bridge Farm all those years ago? If she hadn’t been there to help them grow up?

  Emmy swallowed hard. She knew what she had to. Besides, how would she cope if she went to Hawaii and something happened to Bec or the baby? It was Ivy all over again.

  The thought caught in her throat like an ache.

  Plus, there was the darker truth.

  The one she didn’t want to think about. The one where she admitted that they still didn’t know how their relationship would work. Or, even if it could work. I’ve been just crossing my fingers and hoping it would all turn out. But, seeing Bec’s pale face and crumpled body at the bridge had shown how wishful thinking was far from a guarantee. It just wasn’t enough to go on, not when it meant deserting her sister and her baby for a relationship that may or may not last.

  “What trip? And how does Bec know what his shoulders are like?” Pepper looked like she always did when she didn’t have complete disclosure: pissed off. “Can you please catch me up here? Who’s Christopher?”

  Bec leaned forward, her blue eyes still twinkling. “Okay, so remember two years ago when Emmy went to New York for that christening?”

  Pepper nodded. “Sure. Lucy Tucker named her kid Rudolph. It’s not the kind of thing you forget.” Emmy sighed as she sat down in the spare chair. Bec and Pepper might claim they weren’t alike, but as she listened to her sisters discuss her love life as if she wasn’t even there, it was difficult to take their claims seriously. Ten minutes later they were done, and Bec turned to Emmy.

  “So, now Pepper’s all caught up. Back to Hawaii. What’s the latest news?” Her sister narrowed her eyes. “And do not even thinking of trying to cancel because of what happened yesterday. Do you hear me, Emmy Watson?”

  “I think the whole valley can hear you,” Pepper said before she turned to Emmy. “But Bec’s right—well, I’m not quite sure he can really walk on water like she seems to think—but he does sound perfect for you. So why risk losing him because you’re afraid to leave the farm?”

  Emmy’s jaw stiffened. “How many times do I have to tell you both I’m not scared of leaving the farm? The only thing I’m guilty of is loving the place where I grew up, and caring about my family. Bec’s just been released from the hospital and told us she’s pregnant, so I don’t think it’s unreasonable for me to stay and make sure she’s okay.”
>
  “Except I’m right here, and I can tell you I’m fine.” Bec waved her arms, almost sending the discarded sandwich flying across the room.

  “No, you’re not.” Emmy shook her head. “You can only use one hand, and according to yesterday’s test, you’re six weeks pregnant, which means you might get morning sickness. You need someone here.”

  “No, I don’t.” Bec poked her bottom lip out, looking mulish, but before Emmy could reply, Pepper spoke up.

  “Actually, Emmy’s right. You do need someone with you. However, I’m happy to do it.”

  “What?” Emmy and Bec both stared at their sister. But, as always, it was impossible to read Pepper’s mask. If she ever wanted to give up law, Emmy figured she could always become a card shark, because her poker face was exceptional.

  “Please. You don’t need to act quite so surprised. I’m not the unfeeling robot you two like to think I am. Besides, since I’m guessing Bec no longer wants to sell this place, I suppose I’d better get reacquainted with my inheritance.”

  “You know?” Emmy gulped. She might’ve been surprised at Pepper’s offer to move back to the farm for a week, but she wasn’t quite so shocked that Pepper had guessed Bec’s change of heart. Her sister might not be big on tact, but she was a mastermind at everything else.

  “You two aren’t exactly good at keeping secrets.” Pepper softened her fierce expression and reached out to pat Emmy’s hand. “And Bec’s right, you should go to Hawaii.”

  Emmy was silent. While she was touched (and slightly confused) by her sister’s offer, it didn’t really change anything. All it would do was put off the inevitable.

  “I’m sorry, but I’ve made up my mind. I know you think I’m this bird stuck in a cage, and you might be right. But it’s a nice cage. It’s full of pretty things and people I love, and more importantly, the door’s open. It always has been, so the idea I’m stuck here is wrong. Plus, there’s the business. We’ve already had ten new enquires for weddings, plus one booking. Now that it’s taking off, I need to stay focused.”

  “But why can’t you have all of that and still spend time with Christopher?” Pepper demanded, like she was cross-examining a witness. “I saw him at the hospital yesterday, and he was running around after you, making sure you were okay. I think he’d understand.”

  “Actually…” Bec sniffed. “I think that’s what Emmy’s problem is. Christopher would understand. He might even try and stay here. But then he’d be giving up his dream just to help hers. Is that right?”

  “Something like that.” Emmy rubbed her face, her lack of sleep catching up with her. The fact Bec understood didn’t make it any easier.

  “What does Christopher think about this?” Pepper narrowed her gaze as Emmy slowly got to her feet.

  “I don’t know, but I guess now is as good a time as any to find out.”

  Then without another word, she walked out of the bedroom. She was making the right decision. Now someone just had to tell her heart.

  …

  Christopher put down his camera and ran his hands through his hair. It was no good. The shot he wanted wasn’t working. He wasn’t surprised. He still didn’t want to write an article on the local area, but Trent had been so furious that Emmy might not being able to make the trip that he’d promised to get something together. Unfortunately, he’d written more inspiring articles about how to open a tin of beans using only a spoon.

  He swallowed his churning frustration as he reached the wishing bridge. The ladder was no longer lying on the ground, and the last signs of the wedding were gone. Charlie must’ve been there earlier in the day clearing them away, and once again a tug of guilt raced through him.

  From what Emmy had told him, Charlie had faithfully helped the women of Wishing Bridge Farm for most of his life. Yet after one week I want to run away. A jagged laugh ripped from his throat. He’d been crazy to believe he could come back between trips. That he and Emmy could create some kind of life together.

  His life was going forward, and when he stopped, things got messy. I might get messy. And what if they’d gone to Hawaii before Bec’s accident? How would Emmy have felt knowing her sister was injured while she was sunning herself on a beach? She’d been away from home when Ivy had been diagnosed with cancer. It would’ve destroyed her to be away when her sister was injured. And I would’ve been the one she resented.

  Emmy Watson deserved better. She deserved someone who could be there for her no matter what. Another Charlie, or Bec’s friend, Coop. Someone who loved the area as much as she did. Someone who didn’t mind the entire town of Sunshine as an extended family.

  Someone who isn’t me.

  From behind him came footsteps, softly crunching through the gravel and leaves. The faint scent of Emmy’s perfume floated on the breeze, and his throat contracted.

  “Hey. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” She was wearing old jeans and a faded gray T-shirt, her dark hair pulled back into a messy ponytail.

  She’d never looked more beautiful.

  God, this is going to suck.

  “I was just trying to get some photos for the article Trent wants me to write,” he said, in what he hoped was a casual voice. “The light isn’t great.”

  “Right. The thing is, I’ve got something I need to tell you.” She played with her fingers, a sure sign she was nervous. Guilt flooded him. He’d once accused her of being too scared to leave, and it looked like his comments had caused her to distrust her own feelings.

  Because I’m a jerk. Just like my dad.

  “You don’t need to say it.” He reached out and laced his fingers through hers, wishing her skin could feel like sandpaper instead of silk. It would certainly make it a lot easier.

  That was a lie. Nothing was going to make it easier.

  “I know you can’t go with me.”

  Her eyes clouded over and her lips parted, showing him a peek of her white teeth. All he wanted to do was bring his mouth crashing down on hers, to push away the confusion and stop this conversation from happening.

  But what would be the point of that?

  “How? I wasn’t even certain until a few minutes ago.”

  “Because you love your family.”

  And I love you. It hit him like a sledgehammer. A sledgehammer with the worst timing in history. This was what happened when he stopped moving forward. Things caught up with him. And that totally sucked.

  “I told you—I get what this place means to you. What your family means to you. And while I think Bec’s amazing, the idea of her raising a baby all on her own is a little bit…well…I think they’ll be lucky to have their Aunty Emmy around.”

  “Thank you for being so understanding.” Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, and she tightened her grip. Her hands were small inside his. Such a perfect fit.

  And now I’ve made her cry. Who the hell am I?

  “People always said I was just like Ivy, and I guess I really will be now.”

  “From what I’ve heard, that’s not a bad thing. Look how you turned out.” He lifted her hand up and pressed his lips to it. Her skin was soft as velvet against his mouth, and it sent a ripple through his body, but he forced himself not to move away.

  I’ll be moving soon enough.

  Emmy sucked in a breath, her gaze never leaving his. “You really are the best man I’ve ever met.”

  “No, I’m not.” He gave an angry shake of his head, as guilt clawed at his chest. “If I was halfway decent I’d be staying here with you, looking for a way to make this work. I thought that’s what I could do. But yesterday at the hospital, seeing everyone around you… You’re all so close. So dependable. And I’m the opposite. My instincts were to get the hell out of there.”

  “But you didn’t. You stayed there until Bec was okay. I told my sisters, and I’m telling you—this cage you all see me in, it isn’t shut. There’s a door there. You could always come and go. I-I wouldn’t keep you trapped.”

  His whole body buzzed wit
h possibility.

  There was nothing he wanted more than to say yes, to spend his time with her.

  But visions of his father’s face, twisted in fury as he lashed out at Christopher and his brother, stopped him. Until the restlessness was gone, Christopher could never trust himself to be the man Emmy needed. And if I hurt her, that would break me more than anything the old man ever did.

  He didn’t return her gaze.

  “I’m sorry, Emmy. I really am…”

  “Shh.” She pressed herself close so that her heartbeat pounded in his ear, her smell caught in his nose, and his sanity just about fled. “We promised we wouldn’t judge each other for the choices we’ve made. Let’s still be those people. Okay?”

  He nodded, not daring to speak as he brought his mouth crashing down on hers one last time. Like always, his whole body sparked to life at the feel of her lips on his and it wasn’t until her fingers inched around his waist that he forced himself to break away.

  “I’d better go,” he said in a gruff voice. “I changed my flight, and Stan should be here to collect me soon.”

  “Stan? No. Christopher, at least let me drive you there.” Her face was dangerously close to crumpling, and it took all of his willpower to shake his head. He prided himself on being able to leave, so the least he could do was leave well.

  Leave fast. Before I manage to screw it up even more.

  “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

  “Oh.” She lowered her gaze as if too scared to look at him. “I’m not sure if this makes it better or worse, but I really did want to come with you, Christopher Henderson.”

  Worse. Christopher forced himself to turn and walk away. Knowing she wanted to be with him definitely made it worse.

  Chapter Twelve

  The wind lashed against the glass doors, and Christopher looked out to where the murky gray Hawaiian waves crashed into the shore while the palm trees bowed down to the ground. Thanks to the storm that had been relentless for two solid days, the beach in front of him was empty, apart from the trail of surfers eager to make the most of the violent conditions. Included in the procession was Christopher’s traveling buddy, Patrick. In the past, Christopher would’ve joined them, but the adrenaline that normally surged through his veins was absent this time.