Falling for Mr. Right: Still the One ; His Proposal, Their Forever

by Michelle Major

  She just needed to keep reminding herself that.

  And forget about how much she missed having Buddy around, and...

  She blinked until the canvas came into focus, the landscape of her grandmother’s house as clear as the robin sitting on the bird feeder outside the window.

  More vibrating. That one sounded like a text.

  A week ago Bailey might have been flattered. Okay, she would have been. But now Justin’s attempts at contacting her left her aching heart hurting more.

  She hated that, hated...

  No, she didn’t hate Justin.

  But she was angry with him. A part of her felt sorry for him. But she didn’t hate him. She kept trying for indifference, but so far that hadn’t happened.

  Stop thinking about him.

  She needed to finish this commissioned piece if she wanted to pay her mortgage without having to dip into her savings.

  Bailey used her forearm to push stray hairs off her face with her forearm. Paint splatters covered her hands. She didn’t need paint on her face.

  Another text from Justin arrived. She would turn off her phone once she washed her hands.

  She wasn’t interested in anything he had to say. She didn’t need him. Or anyone.

  Bailey had what she needed to be happy—a loving family, her own home, a career that might not make her rich, but one she loved. So why did she feel so miserable?

  She knew the answer, a six-letter word that started with a capital J and ended with a small n.

  Not fair.

  But her brothers, all five of them, would tell her life wasn’t fair. As they’d always done.

  She got back to work. If she concentrated on finishing the painting, then she wouldn’t have to think about anything else. She could put everything into her work, including her heart.

  Time seemed to stop. Minutes...hours...she had no idea how long she’d been working.

  The front door opened. Three of her brothers—Ellis, Declan and Grady—walked in.

  “See?” Grady said. “I told you she would be working and her door wouldn’t be locked.”

  Declan double-checked the lock. “Not broken, which means you didn’t lock the door again.”

  A headache threatened to erupt. “I’m working. Go away.”

  Ellis looked at her painting. “Pretty good, but you haven’t answered your phone for two days.”

  Declan picked up the cell. “Sounds off. Battery’s almost dead.”

  “Go away.” She focused on her painting. “I need to finish this.”

  “Mom sent us over,” Grady said. “Worried you were upset over breaking up with Justin. She wanted to make sure you were eating.”

  “Sleeping,” Ellis added.

  “Not crying nonstop.” Declan studied her. “Your eyes look a little red, but I thought they’d be swollen.”

  “Oh, man,” Ellis said. “Remember the time Bobby Steele dumped you for that hot blonde?”

  “Cecilia Remming.” Declan whistled. “As much as I love you, sis, can’t say I blame the guy.”

  Bailey sighed. “Just because a girl has a D-cup in high school doesn’t make her the be-all, end-all. You do realize Cecilia ended up having breast reduction surgery last year because of back trouble.”

  Declan checked her empty water bottle, then tossed it to Grady. “Don’t ruin the fantasies.”

  “Fine. I take it back.” Bailey wasn’t a dream crusher. That title belonged to Justin. She waved her paintbrush, sending splatters of coral pink onto the tarp beneath their feet and causing her brothers to step back. “As you can see, I’m fine.”

  “You don’t look so good.” Grady raised the water bottle. “I’m going to refill this.”

  Ellis dug through the candy wrappers on the floor. “When did you eat last something that wasn’t all sugar?”

  “Showered?” Declan sniffed. “I’d say at least two, maybe three days, based on the smell.”

  Her shoulders sagged. Bailey straightened. She wasn’t about to answer them. If she did, they would know that she wasn’t exactly fine, but she was doing okay. Surviving. Hoping the emptiness inside would go away sooner rather than later.

  “I’m working.” She motioned to the almost finished canvas. “I’ll do those things as soon as I complete my painting.”

  Ellis studied her. “So the way you look, how messy your place is, has nothing to do with Justin?”

  Bailey fought the urge to say something sarcastic or biting. No fighting with them, either. She counted backward from five. “This is how I work.”

  And it was, except work usually left her feeling refreshed, able to stay up late and wake early. This painting hadn’t done that. If anything, work was draining what energy she had left.

  “It’s okay if you’re upset.” Declan stacked empty cups lying on the floor. “We know you liked Justin.”

  Ellis nodded. “You were different with him.”

  “Yeah, not such a hardnose all the time,” Grady teased.

  Declan glared at their youngest brother. “Shut up, Grady.”

  “We’re not trying to butt in.” Ellis folded the throw she’d used for a nap. “We’re your brothers. It’s our job to take care of you.”

  “No, that’s my job.” Bailey placed her brush on the easel. “I appreciate the concern, but I’m not a kid anymore. My heart’s been battered, but this isn’t the first time I’ve lost in love. This won’t be the last.”

  At least she hoped not.

  “You’ve been hiding out,” Ellis said.

  Her shoulders sagged. “What part of working don’t you understand? I’m not doing a spin-art project. Creating a painting takes time. I lose track of things, including staying in contact and time. Go tell Mom all is well and as soon as this painting is finished, I’ll be over there.”

  Her brothers exchanged glances.

  “Really,” Bailey added for emphasis, then motioned them to the front door. “Go. Risa is expecting you home, Ellis. I’m sure you two single guys have hot dates tonight.”

  Declan winked. “A lukewarm date, but no complaints if the night ends the way I expect.”

  “I’m giving a talk at a Boy Scout meeting, then calling it an early night,” Grady said. “I’m on duty in the morning.”

  Their little brother sure had grown up. All of them had. Bailey gave each one a hug. “I’ll charge my cell phone. But I’m not answering until the work is finished.”

  “Fair enough,” Ellis said.

  “And, sis—” Declan reached out to her “—we give you a hard time, and you can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but McMillian’s an idiot for letting you get away.”

  The tension wrapped around her chest loosened. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

  Her brothers filed out of the house, one by one. She closed the door.

  “Lock it,” the three said in unison.

  Bailey bolted the lock, then leaned against the door. She loved her family, and how her brothers wanted to take care of her was sweet. But she wished someone other than her siblings wanted to watch out for her. She wished she had someone to kiss good-night and wake up to each morning. She wished she had finally found her Mr. Right.

  Being disappointed by Mr. Wrong, time and time again, was getting old.

  Chapter 13

  “I don’t know what I should do next.” Justin sat in his parked truck with the windows rolled down. The temperature in Haley’s Bay had cooled to the sixties as soon as the sun had set. “Probably shouldn’t go back to Bailey’s house again.”

  He’d been twice. No answer when he called her. No replies to his text.

  “She’s shut me out of her life completely. I miss her.”

  He stared at his cell phone charging. Not many options remained except giving up. He wasn’t ready to admit defeat. Not yet.
/>   Buddy sat in the passenger seat. The dog had been the definition of loyal.

  Justin rubbed his dog. “So glad I’ve got you.”

  Buddy placed his head on Justin’s leg.

  He rubbed the dog. “I screwed up. Took me too long to stand up to my family. But I’m the reason I lost her. Can’t blame anyone else.”

  His throat was dry. He’d finished his last bottle of water an hour ago. No wonder he was thirsty. He checked Buddy’s portable water bowl—full. “I’m going to grab a drink. I’ll be right back. Stay.”

  Buddy sat for a moment, then lay down.

  The side and back windows were open. Buddy would be cool enough.

  Justin saw the sign for a place called the Crow’s Nest, what looked to be a dive bar, halfway down the block. One beer; then he’d find a place to stay for the night that allowed dogs. Or he and Buddy could sleep in the back of the truck.

  A night’s sleep would help him regroup. He’d try something else in the morning.

  Inside the place, the smell of beer and grease filled the air. The place was crowded, but a few open spots at the bar remained. The jukebox’s sad country-western song about lost love matched his mood and situation.

  He took a seat at the bar and ordered a beer on tap from a local microbrewery. The bartender set the pint in front of him. “Here you go. Compliments of Declan Cole.”

  Justin looked over his shoulder. Declan sat at a table for two, but only one glass was at the table. Justin picked up his beer and walked over. “Mind if I join you?”

  “Seat’s empty.”

  “No date tonight?” Justin asked.

  “She canceled.”

  “There’s always tomorrow night.”

  “Gonna cut this one loose. She’s got commitment on the brain. All I want to do is have fun.”

  Justin took a sip. The beer felt cool going down his throat. Might as well get the one question he had off his mind. “How’s Bailey?”

  “Working hard on her newest painting and trying to convince everyone she’s fine.”

  “Is she okay?”

  Declan’s jaw tensed. He raised his glass. “Do you care?”

  “More than you know.” Justin stared into his beer. “I want her back.”

  “Tell her.”

  “I’ve tried. She won’t answer my texts or calls. She wouldn’t answer the door tonight. I tried the knob. Locked.”

  Declan laughed.

  Justin took a long drink. He might need two beers. “Go ahead and laugh at some other guy’s pain.”

  “No, it’s Bailey. She finally listened to us about locking her door.”

  “Wish she would listen to me.”

  Declan raised his pint. “What would you say to her?”

  “I messed up. I was wrong to let my family try to take advantage of her offer. That I quit.”

  Declan pinned him with his gaze. “You quit your job?”

  “I don’t approve of the way my family does business.”

  “How’d they take your resignation?”

  “No idea. I didn’t stick around. I drove up here. No one’s called or texted, so I’m guessing they’re still getting used to the idea.”

  Declan stared at two women who’d entered the bar, then looked at Justin. “What are you going to do now?”

  “Figure out how to get Bailey to talk to me. She won today, but I’ll go back for more rejection tomorrow. Maybe try a new tactic.”

  A blonde waved at Declan. He shook his head. “Like what?”

  “No idea. I’m hoping inspiration strikes tonight.” He stared at the white foam in his beer. No answers there. “Got any ideas?”

  “You think I’m going to help you get my sister back after you broke her heart?” Declan sounded incredulous.

  “I didn’t ask for your help, only ideas.”

  “She would never admit it, but she likes fairy tales. And romance. Big into that. But if you say that I told you, I’ll deny it, then beat you up.”

  “Fair enough.” Justin took another sip. “I’m sure Bailey would see past any suit of armor or white horse. She prefers wildflowers to cut ones. And she’s been trying to cut back on eating sugar.”

  Declan stared over his beer. “Bailey doesn’t diet.”

  “No, but giving her chocolates would tell her I wasn’t listening. I’ve got enough cons against me. Not going to add any more.”

  Declan studied him.

  “What?” Justin asked.

  “You like my sister.”

  “Yeah, I like her.” Justin downed the rest of his beer. “I’m pretty sure I’m in love with her. Not that I can tell her.”

  “Want another?”

  “Nope. One’s enough. I need to find a motel, then put together my plan for tomorrow.”

  “Your plan?”

  “To get Bailey to listen to me for five minutes so I can tell her how much I love her. I’m assuming that’s as long as she’ll give me. So I need to be prepared.” He removed a diamond engagement ring from his pocket. “I hope this will be enough. Thanks for the beer.”

  “Hey. Skip the motel. I have a spare bedroom.”

  “I’ve got Buddy with me.”

  “He can play with Chinook,” Declan said. “I’ll call my brothers and cousins. Maybe we can give you some ideas.”

  Justin’s heart pounded. “You’d do that?”

  “Hell, yeah. Any guy stupid enough to spend money on a ring for my sister when she won’t text him gets bonus points in my book. But I swear if you hurt her, you’ll—”

  Justin raised his hands. “If I hurt her, you’re free to do whatever you want to me.”

  Declan pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll text the boys to meet at my place. Camden, too.”

  Amazing. Justin had Bailey’s family on his side. Well, at least one of them. All he had to do was get her on his side, too. He wasn’t superstitious, but he crossed his fingers. He was going to need not only help from the Coles, but lots of luck, too.

  * * *

  This had better be good.

  6:00 a.m. was too early to be up on a Saturday. The rising sun provided enough light for Bailey to see the paved walkway at the Broughton Inn. She’d much rather be in bed after another restless night. She doubted she’d slept more than two hours each night this week. But Grady had said meeting him this morning was vital to the future of the inn, so here she was.

  Her steps barely sounded against the stones. Dew clung to the grass and dripped from the lights that normally lit the way. They were off today. Electricity must have been turned off until ownership of the inn and someone’s name went on the account.

  The past few days had crystalized her thoughts about her future. Yes, she wanted to find love, but she also wanted to do something more to help artists in Haley’s Bay. She wanted to open an art center, one that housed a gallery, classrooms, even a retreat. Ideas had been exploding in her mind like fireworks. She would figure out a plan once she knew if this was all a pipe dream. But thinking of something other than Justin helped her broken heart.

  Better not think about him or she might cry. She’d wasted too many tears already.

  Bailey headed toward the gazebo. She loved this place, even if the structure needed repairs and a new coat of...

  She looked up. Froze.

  The gazebo had been painted white and the flower boxes hanging off the sides filled with colorful blossoms. Tule and miniature white lights had been draped around the top and along the rails. Her heart beat in triple time. Exactly the way she imagined her wedding day.

  She blinked. Closed her eyes. Opened them.

  Nothing had changed. The gazebo still looked like a dream come true. “Grady?”

  Justin stepped from behind the gazebo. He wore a tuxedo. Buddy, wearing a black bow tie, was at his side.

>   Her heart slammed against her rib cage. She opened her mouth to speak, but words wouldn’t come.

  He looked handsome, mouthwateringly good, even though she shouldn’t care what he wore or looked like. But she did, and didn’t like that.

  A million questions ran through her head. She went with the most obvious one. “Where’s my brother?”

  “Grady, along with Declan, Ellis, J.T. and Tyler, is standing watch. I don’t want to get arrested for trespassing on private property, even though we both own this place. For now, at least.”

  She glanced around at the decorations gracing the gazebo. “Did you boys decide to play decorator?”

  “Risa was happy to help. She had the supplies in her craft room, and tying bows is beyond these hands of mine. Camden joined in, too. Your sister is amazing with a paint sprayer in the dark.”

  Bailey wanted to believe she was dreaming. That she wasn’t standing in a place set for a wedding with the man she’d dreamed of marrying. This was too...much.

  Tears stung her eyes. She turned away. “I have to go.”

  He touched her shoulder. “Five minutes. That’s all I need.”

  She didn’t have five minutes. Five seconds were going to be difficult enough. She rubbed her eyes, trying not to lose it completely.

  Justin lowered his hand. “Please.”

  She nodded, not trusting her voice. Breathing was automatic, but right now she felt as if she had to remind herself not only to breathe, but to also think and stand. Nothing seemed to be functioning except her tear ducts.

  “I’m sorry.” His voice cracked. “The more times I go over what’s happened, the sorrier I am.”

  The regret in his eyes pushed her back a step until she bumped into the gazebo’s railing.

  “I’ve been focused on work for so long, I couldn’t see what was in front of me.” His gaze met hers. “You.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. “Justin—”

  “Until I met you, I put McMillian Resorts first. That was a mistake. I couldn’t let my family and the inn come between us. I quit.”

  Bailey gasped. “You quit your family’s company?”