Caught Between an Oops and a Hard Body (Caught Between series Book 2)

by Seabrook, Sheila

  A small smile escaped Kevin. “Kevin Donahue.”

  “The pest?” she exclaimed and laughed. Her cheeks flushed, vanquishing the wanness from her complexion. “I’m sorry. That was mean. I was mean.”

  He shrugged and the smile changed to self-conscious and unsure. “Yeah, you kinda were.”

  Stone glanced between the two of them, and as the silence stretched, he came to his feet.

  At the same moment, Dora came up the steps, the toddler in one arm, and grabbed Kevin’s hand. “I’m Dora Goodwin.”

  Kevin shook her hand. “Hello, Ma’am.”

  She beamed at Stone. “I was just telling your sister about Morty and Elvira’s wedding.” She turned her attention to the other man. “It’s where Stone met my Stephanie, you know.”

  Stone felt Kevin’s gaze on him and he glanced toward the other man to explain. “Liz’s wedding planner.”

  Jim Junior reached out his chubby arms and when the toddler screamed for his attention, Stone took him from Dora’s arms. “How are you doing, little man?”

  Dora reluctantly released him into Stone’s arms. “Do you like babies, Stone? Stephanie loves children. Someday she’ll be a great mother. All she needs to do is find the right man.”

  He recalled how terrified she’d been when he’d rescued her from Mariam’s baby, and he bit back a smile. “I’m sure she will be.”

  “Why I remember when Stephanie was born. Tom and I were scared we’d break her.” Dora turned her attention to Mariam. “I love babies. As I was telling Stone earlier, I want lots and lots of grand babies. Is Liz planning to start a family right away?”

  Mariam shrugged. “I believe her and Roger have decided to wait a while.”

  “They are young. It’s better to have time alone with your new spouse before the demands of little one’s become priority.” Dora slid her hand over Stone's and gave it a friendly squeeze. “Stephanie is at the prime age for having children.”

  Stone resisted the urge to squirm. “Yes, Ma’am.”

  If Stephanie was pregnant, he only hoped he turned out to be half the father Tom Goodwin appeared to be. He attempted to push the thought away, determined not to think of babies and all things related to the possibility of fatherhood. Although until Stephanie took the pregnancy test, he doubted he’d have much success.

  Mariam’s phone buzzed and she glanced down at the screen, then peered up at Dora. “Liz is having her dress fitting and wants me to rescue her from Mother’s interference. Would you like to join us?”

  “I would love to.” The older woman reached for the toddler. “Here, let me take him off your hands.”

  Stone released the boy into her arms, then watched as she dabbed at the drool running down the toddler’s chin, ignoring the drool marks that made their way onto the shoulder of her blouse.

  Before Mariam turned away, she smiled up at Kevin. There was a light in her eyes that hadn’t been there since before the divorce. “I guess I’ll see you around.”

  Kevin shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, his gaze never once leaving the woman on the path. “I’ll be here till the end of the week.”

  And as they left, Stone eyed his best friend and noticed the way the other man’s gaze followed Mariam’s progress. “Is there something going on between you and my sister?”

  Kevin blinked and as he turned to face him, his cheeks flushed with color. “No, of course not.”

  Stone didn’t believe him. “Because if there is, I know I can’t stop you. But she’s been hurt before, really badly, and the last thing I want to see her do is jump into an affair while she’s vulnerable and still hurting.”

  The other man’s gaze turned opaque. “You have nothing to worry about, man. She doesn’t see me that way.”

  Unwilling to correct the other man, Stone pulled out his cell. “I’ll catch you later, bud. There’s something I need to do.”

  Meeting Liz’s fiancee would have to wait till later.

  Right now, he felt the need to rescue the woman who might be the mother of his child.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Stephanie needed a nap.

  But instead, as Liz stood behind the divider changing, the seamstress assisting her, she reviewed her To-Do list, of which there were far too many things to do in such a short time. She’d have to be a miracle worker to get everything done. Maybe it was a good thing that her mom had tagged along to help.

  Liz came out from behind the divider, drawing her attention. “What do you think?”

  Stephanie walked around the pedestal so she could see the gown from all sides. Despite the blood red color of the silky material, and the entrails sewn into the lace, the color suited Liz’s black hair and matched the red stripe that wound through her hair. “The gown is beautiful and you look gorgeous.”

  “Thank you.” Liz smoothed her hand over the delicate fabric. “I can’t wait for my friends to see me in it.”

  Stephanie frowned.

  There it was again. Not the groom, but her friends.

  The bit of concern that had plagued Stephanie earlier returned full force. She swallowed it back and maintained her smile.

  Liz grimaced. “I’m sure Mother will find fault, though. Nothing is right unless she has complete control over the job.”

  Stephanie’s phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen and saw a message from Stone.

  How is the dress fitting going?

  “Excuse me. Another client.” She turned her back on the bride. Liz looks beautiful, well, except for the blood and guts on her gown, so no worries.

  Grace Kincaid will find fault.

  Exactly what Liz said.

  There was a tap of heels in the hallway outside the room. Glancing up, she saw Grace come through the open doorway. A moment later, Mariam and Dora followed her in.

  Keeping one eye on the new arrivals, she typed, Are you on your way to rescue your sister?

  I’m afraid of my mom, remember? Liz is on her own.

  Stephanie snickered. Chicken.

  But I’ll man up and come rescue you.

  She could almost hear the husky tone of his voice and she repressed a shiver. Wow, if a text could turn her knees to mush, she was in deep trouble.

  Her fingers flew over the keypad. Sweet, but I don’t need to be rescued. Don’t worry. If I can’t handle your mom, my mom will help out. You can go hide under your bed.

  Dora stopped beside her and squinted at the small screen. “Who are you texting?”

  “Nobody.” Stephanie tucked away the phone before her mom could see the messages. “Where have you been?”

  “Mariam gave me the grand tour. And Grace gave me my own guest cabin. Isn’t that lovely?”

  She angled a look at her mom. “So you’re serious about abandoning Dad?”

  Dora frowned. “I’m not abandoning your father. If he can’t do without me for a day or two, then we’ve lived our married life wrong.” With the back of her hand, she checked Stephanie’s forehead. “You look like the walking dead.” She lowered her voice and glanced toward the bride. “Although truth be told, your paleness fits in perfectly with the wedding theme.”

  “I’m okay, Mom. If there’s a break in my schedule, I’ll lie down and have a nap.”

  “Good. Well, since I’m here to help, tell me what you want me to do.”

  Stephanie checked the list on her phone. “There’s a delivery of flowers today at two. The plan is on my tablet. If you could make sure all of the flowers are here and set up properly, I’d really appreciate it.”

  “Lovely. This is an excellent warm up for Mandy’s wedding preparations.”

  Stephanie touched her mother’s arm to regain her attention. “Mom, I’m worried—”

  And just like that, Dora refocused on her. “I knew something was wrong. It’s not just the flu, is it? What’s going on with you?”

  “Don’t you think Mandy’s wedding is too soon? She barely knows Dane.”

  Her mom blinked, clearly startle
d. “They grew up right across the street from each other.”

  “Yeah, but they were kids. They barely know each other now.”

  Her mom leaned closer. “Honey, what are you really worried about? Is it that nice lawyer?”

  “No, Mom. This had nothing to do with Stone. I don’t want Mandy to get hurt. I mean, I’ve seen so many disappointed brides. I give them the fairytale wedding, and in the morning instead of waking next to their prince, they realize they’re sleeping with a frog.”

  “Your sister is very much like you—well, except for the fact that she can talk to Grandpa George. Mandy is smart and practical and independent. She’s not going to let a man pull the wool over her eyes.” Dora patted Stephanie’s cheek. “I’ve always trusted her to make the right choice, just like I’ve trusted you.”

  “But Mom—”

  Her mom put the tips of her fingers against Stephanie’s mouth. “Do me a favor and keep your doubts to yourself. And if in five or ten years, your sister is miserable, you can say I told you so.”

  She pushed her mom’s hand away. “Fine. I’ll be quiet for now, but I swear, if Dane tries to sleep with any of the bridesmaids—”

  Dora chortled. “Dane? Oh my, you know nothing about your future brother-in-law.”

  “I swear, I’ll rat on him, Mom.”

  “If you catch him trying to sleep with a bridesmaid, you have my permission to spoil your sister’s wedding.” Dora got a calculated look in her eyes. “Now, about your lawyer.”

  “He’s not my lawyer.”

  “But he could be.” She reached out and pinched Stephanie’s cheeks, then smoothed back a strand of hair. “All you have to do is put on a sexy dress and some makeup, and before you know it, he’ll be popping the question.”

  “I don’t want him to pop the question.”

  “But he likes you.” Her mom eyed her. “And I can tell you like him too.”

  “Maybe a little,” she hedged. She pressed her lips together before she revealed something her mom could really sink her teeth into, and gestured toward the bride. “The mother-of-the-bride doesn’t appear to like Liz’s dress.”

  Dora tsked, instantly distracted by the storm brewing between the bride and her mother. “You take it easy for a few minutes. I’ll go play mediator.”

  And then she was gone, headed toward the circle around the bride.

  Hearing another sound at the doorway, Stephanie looked over her shoulder, and there stood Stone, his phone in his hands, an unreadable expression on his face as he met her gaze. He bent his head to the phone, and started typing.

  The seamstress came to stand beside her. Her gaze slid to Stephanie’s chest. “Your sister called about scheduling you in for a fitting, so I brought the bridesmaid dress for you to try on today.”

  “Wonderful. I’m looking forward to seeing it.”

  The seamstress’s gaze slid to her chest again. “She told me you were the same size. It looks like we may need to do some unexpected alterations.”

  Stephanie resisted the urge to hunch her shoulders and make her chest smaller, and when her cell buzzed yet again, she backed away with an apologetic smile. “Excuse me, I need to reply to this.”

  Stephanie turned her back on the seamstress and glanced at the screen.

  I think we should take the test sooner than later. The suspense is killing me. Isn’t it killing you?

  Of course it was killing her, but she didn’t have the time to be distracted, not right now. She quickly put some distance between her and the seamstress, and plopped down on an armchair. As Stone took the chair next to her, she typed, Forget the test. The seamstress wants to know why my breasts are bigger than my sister’s, since Mandy told her we were the same size.

  She glanced up at the other women in the room, but they were all focused on Liz who stood in frozen anticipation. She snuck a glance toward Stone. He had his head down, staring at the screen, a ghost of a smile flirting with the edges of his mouth while he typed.

  When he looked over at her, her phone buzzed and she checked his message.

  I thought they looked bigger, but I didn’t want to say anything for fear you might think I didn’t like them before.

  She snickered, then glanced up to see everyone watching her. She waved her phone at them. “This bride is a real jokester. Every time I’m around her, it’s a laugh riot.”

  She returned her attention to the phone, holding it closer to her chest so no one could see, and typed, No wonder I fell into bed with you. You’re a smooth talker. Now go away. You’re distracting me. Didn’t you want to meet the groom?

  Right.

  But he didn’t move. She tucked the phone away, pushed to her feet, and as she headed toward the circle of women, she was conscious of his gaze drilling into her back.

  The mother-of-the-bride’s gaze darted from her son to Stephanie and back. As her eyes narrowed, Stephanie forced a warm smile. “So what do you think of Liz’s gown? Isn’t it fabulous?”

  False sincerity dripped from each word. “Fabulous indeed. I love it.”

  Liz grabbed the full skirt, hiked it up to her knees, and stepped off the raised platform to face Grace directly. “Mom, what do you mean, you like my dress?”

  “Why, it’s lovely, dear. In fact, Stephanie is doing such a wonderful job, I want to offer her a job on my Eternally Yours show.”

  A heartbeat of silence filled the room. Beside her, Dora gasped and clapped her hands to her chest. “You want my Stephanie to work with you?”

  Grace’s smile reminded her of a shark approaching its prey. “Yes.”

  “Well, of course she will.”

  As both women turned to her, her phone buzzed and she glanced down to see a two word message from Stone.

  Say no.

  “Please, call me Grace,” the mother-of-the-bride said as she brushed a piece of lint off her sleeve. “I’ll have my assistant draw up the contract right away. You can look it over, sign, and you’ll be my employee within the hour.”

  Working on the Eternally Yours show would be a dream come true. Stephanie smiled at her hostess. “Thank you, Mrs. Kincaid…Grace. I don’t know what to say, but I’ll definitely consider your offer.”

  Liz stamped her feet, regaining everyone’s attention. “Mother, what’s wrong with my dress?”

  Grace gave her a loving smile which didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Absolutely nothing, dear. As Stephanie said, it’s absolutely fabulous.”

  Liz looked down at the gown and mumbled, “If my mother likes it, something must be wrong with it.”

  Behind her, Stone's phone buzzed, and as Grace reached into one pocket, and handed a piece of paper to Stephanie, she could see him out the corner of her eye thumbing the screen.

  “Since we didn’t finish discussing the guest list, I took it upon myself to invite a few of my closest friends.”

  Stephanie glanced at the long list, then silently passed it to Liz.

  As Stone turned to leave, Stephanie’s phone buzzed and she glanced down at it.

  Text me when you’re done and we’ll do the test together. And remember…before you sign any contract my mother gives you, we’re going over it together, word by word and every nuance in-between.

  She thumbed a message back. I’ve changed my mind. I’m not doing the test.

  He paused in the open doorway, his steady gaze on her face before he refocused on his phone. Not taking the test won’t change the results.

  Stephanie heard the bride hiss, and sent one last message. But sticking my head in the sand helps me stay focused on your sister’s wedding. Now please go away.

  She tucked the phone into her pocket and turned her back on him.

  Liz waved the note in her face. “We wanted this wedding to be a simple affair. Family, a few close friends, and that’s it.”

  Grace folded her hands in front of her. “I’ll pay for my share of the guests.”

  “That’s not the point, Mother.” Liz turned away in frustration and started to tug at
the gown to get it off. The seamstress jumped up to help her.

  “What’s the big deal, Liz? It’s not as if I’m asking you and Roger to foot the bill.”

  “It’s not the cost.”

  Stephanie took the list back from Liz and intervened. “The guest list is going to be awfully one sided now.”

  Grace waved a hand. “Tell Roger to invite more of his family. Second, third, forth cousins. The more the merrier. I’ll even pay.”

  Liz growled. “There are no cousins. No parents, no aunt and uncles. Nobody but a few of his closest musician buddies.”

  Grace raised one brow. “Well, it’s too late. I’ve already invited them so you’ll just have to make do.”

  Then she turned and walked out of the room.

  In a small voice, Liz said, “Roger is going to be so upset.”

  Stephanie patted her client’s arm. “He loves you. It will be okay.”

  Liz began to tug off the gown. “I can’t do this right now. It will have to wait till later.”

  “But Liz, the wedding is only three days away.”

  “Screw the wedding. I should’ve agreed to elope, like Roger wanted to. Now I’m stuck with—” She ripped the list out of Stephanie’s hand and crumpled it in her fist. “—this.”

  The moment the younger woman had the gown off, she dropped it into a pile on the floor and ran out of the room. The seamstress carefully gathered it up and said, “We weren’t done the fitting.”

  Stephanie took a deep, calming breath. “I’ll have her back here tomorrow at noon. Can we reschedule?”

  The seamstress nodded. “Fine. I can fit you for your bridesmaid’s gown now. Strip to your bra and panties, and we’ll see how it all fits.”

  Dora frowned after Liz. “I should check to see how she’s doing.”

  As her mom headed out of the room, Stephanie reached for the hem of her top and wondered how she could hide the growing bulge of her stomach.

  Or maybe she wouldn’t have to. Maybe it was just a false alarm.

  She stripped down to her bra and panties. A moment later, the gown dropped and settled with a sweet swish over her body.