Say I Do in Good Hope

by Cindy Kirk

  The sudden, tight band that encircled Kyle’s chest made breathing difficult. “Prudie, ah, Prudence, she, ah, tried to kill herself in January.”

  Eliza’s sharp inhale of breath barely registered.

  As the two girls had been inseparable, Kyle knew Prudie well. She was sweet and shy with a mass of unruly red hair and big brown eyes. He tightened his jaw as anger surged.

  “You said she tried.” Eliza’s tone had turned soft as whipped cream. “I take it she survived?”

  “She took pills. Her parents found her in time.” Even after two months, he remembered the relief he’d experienced when he’d gotten the word Prudie would live. “Lolo took it hard.”

  Eliza’s gaze turned distant. “I can’t imagine…”

  “It’s difficult to put yourself in someone else’s place when life has always come easy.”

  That cool-eyed stare was back. “Assumptions will bite you in the ass, Kendrick.”

  Kyle was still pondering the words when a knock sounded at the door. His gaze shot to Eliza. “Expecting someone?”

  “No.”

  When she made no move to get up, despite another knock, he frowned. “Aren’t you going to get it?”

  “You insist it’s your house, so you should answer the door.”

  Kyle opened the door to find Jeremy and Fin on the porch. He wasn’t sure which of them was more surprised. He motioned them inside.

  “I keep forgetting you live here now.” Fin offered an easy smile.

  A muscle jumped in Jeremy’s jaw, but he shook Kyle’s hand before glancing around. “Is Eliza here?”

  “We were in the parlor,” Kyle explained. “Having a glass of wine and enjoying the fire. Can I get you a glass?”

  “We’d love some.” Fin stroked her fiancé’s arm and flashed a bright smile.

  “I’m sure you know your way.” Kyle gestured to the parlor. “I’ll get the glasses.”

  He wasn’t certain why he’d made the scene sound so…intimate. Perhaps he wanted to get under Jeremy’s skin. Each time Kyle ran into Jeremy, he wondered why the man wouldn’t simply give a blasted DNA sample.

  When Kyle returned to the parlor, he sensed Eliza’s tension. He poured glasses of wine for both Jeremy and Fin.

  Surprise flickered across Jeremy’s face when Kyle took a seat on the sofa. The mayor glanced at Eliza. “I hoped we could speak privately.”

  When Kyle made a move to rise, Eliza waved him back down.

  “There’s nothing you can say to me that Kyle can’t hear.”

  Startled, but figuring what the heck, Kyle sat back, picked up his own glass of wine and relaxed against the sofa cushions.

  Jeremy cleared his throat. That same uncomfortable look that had been on his face when Kyle had greeted him at the door returned.

  Fin broke the silence. “Lindsay mentioned you might not attend the wedding. I—we thought you planned to come.”

  Eliza took a leisurely sip of the merlot. “I’m not sure if I have plans for that night or not.”

  “That’s bullshit. You’ve known the date for nearly six months.” The anger in Jeremy’s voice had Eliza’s eyes narrowing. “What’s going on here? First, you let him move in. Now you’re not attending my wedding.”

  Fin reached over and clasped her fiancé’s hand, giving it a squeeze.

  “What Jeremy is saying is we’d like,” Fin paused and slanted a glance at Kyle, “both of you to be there.”

  Kyle knew invitations to the Good Hope event of the year had gone out weeks earlier. He hadn’t expected an invitation and hadn’t received one.

  Now, it appeared, by virtue of his affiliation with Eliza—and as an incentive to have her attend—he’d made it onto the guest list.

  “I appreciate the invitation, but I won’t be able to attend. My sister will be here.” Though Jeremy still refused to acknowledge their familial connection, Kyle would have liked to see his brother get married. “I wouldn’t feel right leaving her home alone.”

  “Bring her along.” Jeremy’s words may have been directed to Kyle, but his gaze remained on Eliza. “The more the merrier.”

  Eliza lifted one shoulder in a nonchalant gesture. “I suppose I can work around any conflicts.”

  Fin shocked them all by jumping up to hug Eliza. “Thank you.”

  She said something more, too, but those words were whispered.

  Less than ten minutes later, Fin and Jeremy made their excuses and left.

  “They must really want you there,” Kyle kept his tone conversational, “to not only make a special trip over here on a rumor, but to invite me and Lolo to the ceremony.”

  “What made your parents agree to send your sister here?”

  The abrupt change in topic told Kyle that Eliza had said all she was going to say about the wedding, which was absolutely nothing.

  “Lorraine, Lolo, wanted to come here.”

  “Your sister is a lot younger.” Eliza brought a finger to her lips. “Is she really your sister?”

  For a second, Kyle couldn’t speak, just couldn’t find the words. “You-you think she’s my child?”

  Eliza lifted a shoulder, let it fall.

  “I’m twenty-eight.”

  “You’re younger than me. Not that it matters.” Her gaze turned speculative. “Lindsay’s sister, Cassie, got pregnant at fifteen.”

  “Lolo is my sister.” He spoke slowly and deliberately so there could be no misunderstanding. “If she was my daughter, I’d never have left her back in Lexington.”

  “No need to get testy. It was a simple question.” Eliza lifted the wineglass, pointed it at him. “You have to admit there’s a huge age gap between you and her.”

  “My parents tried for years for a second child with no luck. Then Lolo was born.”

  “They probably weren’t all that upset. Your father already had his boy. Or thought he did.” She paused. “Jeremy told me you think he’s your brother.”

  “I don’t just think, I’m convinced he’s my brother. All I’m missing is the DNA proof.” A muscle jumped in Kyle’s jaw. “Lolo doesn’t know anything about Jeremy.”

  “She won’t hear it from my lips.” Eliza inclined her head. “What do you plan to tell her about me?”

  “I hadn’t given it any thought.”

  “Simply say we’re friends sharing a home. She’ll buy it.” Eliza spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. “She’ll see we have separate rooms. The lack of closeness between us will be apparent, even to a twelve-year-old.”

  “Jeremy appears to be under the misapprehension there’s something going on between us.”

  She waved a dismissive hand. “I told him we’re lovers.”

  Kyle choked on his wine. After a few seconds, he managed to sputter, “Why did you do that?”

  “What was I supposed to say when he asked why I let you move in? Should I have said that my father sold my house to you? Should I have mentioned you were going to have the sheriff evict me?” Eliza’s lips tipped in a humorless smile. “Telling him you moved in because we’re having sex seemed simpler.”

  Though it made no sense, Kyle felt his lips curve up in a smile. Sharing a home with this woman was going to be a challenge.

  The crazy thing was, he was looking forward to it.

  That made the least sense of all.

  “I’m happy you were free when I called.” Lindsay’s voice bubbled with excitement.

  Eliza slanted a glance at Lindsay when they paused at the curb before crossing the street. She hadn’t planned on attending the Giving Tree fundraiser at Bayside Pizza. But the combination of unseasonably warm weather and the knowledge that tomorrow her home would be invaded by yet another Kendrick had her accepting Lindsay’s invitation.

  The fresh scent of pine filled the air that had turned moist as they neared the waterfront. “I’m a huge supporter of the Giving Tree.”

  The Giving Tree had started out as a Christmas gift project sponsored by the Rotary. Over time, it had morphed into a year-r
ound effort to help those who’d fallen on hard times. Not a charity, but neighbors helping neighbors. Because of her involvement, Eliza knew it took many community volunteers working twelve months out of the year to meet the needs of Good Hope citizens.

  “My mom plans to stop by for a few minutes.” Lindsay tossed the information out there as if it was of no account.

  Eliza couldn’t help but frown. “Your mother has never been a proponent of the Giving Tree.”

  Anita was one of a handful in Good Hope who viewed the program as a “charity.” Even though Lindsay’s mother had acquired her wealth from the men she’d married, the woman professed everyone would be financially secure if they just worked harder.

  “She’s been acting strange lately.” Puzzlement furrowed Lindsay’s brow. “When I mentioned Dan couldn’t make it tonight, she didn’t even ask what he was doing. That isn’t like her.”

  “You’re right. That’s definitely odd.”

  As they approached Bayside Pizza, music and laughter spilled into the night air from the Flying Crane, located across the road from their destination.

  “Maybe we should skip the fundraiser and check out the band.” Eliza gestured with her head toward the Crane.

  “Don’t tempt me.” Lindsay’s flash of a smile showed the thin scar across her cheek. “I’m trying to be a supportive citizen of Good Hope.”

  “Don’t change too much.” Eliza looped her arm through Lin’s as they climbed the steps. She gave it a squeeze, surprising them both.

  But, darn it, seeing Lindsay’s scar reminded Eliza of that horrible night when she thought she’d lost her best friend. Eliza shoved the memories aside. That was the past, and she’d resolved to focus on the future.

  Bayside Pizza had a rustic air with weathered wood siding and a deck that encircled the entire building. Heat lamps were strategically placed for those willing to brave a little chill.

  Eliza had no doubt some hardy souls had sat outside today when temps had reached the upper fifties. This evening, the outdoor tables and chairs were deserted.

  Through the large triple-paned windows, she saw the prime spots inside overlooking the water were already taken.

  “I love this place.” Lindsay pulled open the door, and the scent of spicy marinara sauce, cheese and pizza crust wafted out. “Dan took me here on our first date.”

  Eliza said nothing. While everyone in Good Hope seemed to view the minister and Lindsay as the perfect couple, Eliza wasn’t convinced.

  “I’ll be right with you.” The harried-looking hostess acknowledged them before motioning to a large group of teenagers to follow her.

  Only a single man remained.

  “Owen.” The smile Lindsay flashed lit her face. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

  “Last-minute decision.” Owen Vaughn, owner of the Greasy Wrench Automotive Center, had the same mop of sandy brown hair and a face scattered with freckles he’d had back in high school. When he shifted his gaze, the smile remained in his hazel eyes. “Hey, Eliza.”

  “How’s Mindy?” Eliza felt safe asking about Owen’s young daughter. Although the community had held a Your Wish Fulfilled event for the eight-year-old in the fall, the girl had recently had amazing results with an experimental treatment for her brain tumor.

  “Thanks for asking. She’s doing well.” His voice warmed. “She’s at Brynn Chapin’s this evening. That freed me up to stop here and support the Giving Tree.”

  “I’m glad you did.” Lindsay’s gaze never left his face. “It’s been ages since our paths have crossed.”

  Something in the way her eyes softened as her gaze lingered on Owen had Eliza’s radar tingling. Was Lindsay interested in the mechanic as more than just a friend?

  Though the Greasy Wrench was a successful business, Eliza knew Anita Fishback would not want a mechanic as a son-in-law. The woman was a complete snob.

  “—making this clanking noise,” she heard Lindsay say.

  “Bring it in.” Owen’s voice had the consistency of rich cream. “I’d be glad—”

  “There you are.” Dan stepped forward and placed a proprietary arm around Lindsay’s shoulders, brushing a kiss across her cheek. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

  Lindsay’s hands fluttered. “I thought you weren’t coming.”

  Eliza’s gaze shifted to Dan, who appeared amused by his girlfriend’s obvious shock. The two made a nice-looking couple, Lindsay with her blond prettiness and Dan with his brown hair, a shade darker than Owen’s.

  Though he wasn’t wearing a tie, Dan’s sport coat added a touch of formality to the casual event.

  “Hello, Eliza.” For the first time, the pastor appeared to notice his girlfriend wasn’t alone. “Owen. Good to see you. How’s Mindy?”

  “Doing well.” The spark that had shown in Owen’s eyes only seconds before had gone out. Like a light that had been abruptly switched off. “Lindsay, stop by anytime with the car. I’ll take a look.”

  A look of concern crossed Dan’s face. “Is it giving you trouble?”

  Eliza didn’t hear the reply. All her attention was focused on the man weaving his way between tables, brilliant blue eyes focused on her.

  When he stepped to her, she caught the enticing spicy scent of his cologne. He smelled like fresh-cut limes.

  “Hey, roomie.” The teasing glint in Kyle’s eyes told her he knew she wouldn’t appreciate the salutation. “I thought you’d never get here.”

  Dan turned, his expression giving nothing away. “I heard you two were living together.”

  Eliza waited for Mr. Blue Eyes to inform the pastor it was now his house and he was merely letting her stay. Instead, Kyle shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on the heels of his leather boots.

  Though dressed casually in jeans and a Henley the same color as his eyes, he looked sexy as hell. Not to her, Eliza assured herself, but some women might be dazzled.

  “It’s a big house,” Kyle said when the silence lengthened. “Lots of extra room.”

  So, she thought, while he wasn’t going to lay claim to the place, he also wasn’t going to make it sound like they were hot and heavy beneath the sheets. Because Dan was a minister?

  “Good to see you, Owen.” Kyle slapped the man on the shoulder, then gestured with one hand. “There’s someone here I’d like you to meet.”

  Casting a last glance at Lindsay, Owen followed Kyle into the crowd.

  When Dan glanced in her direction, Eliza picked up on the get-lost vibe. She squeezed Lindsay’s arm. “I’m going to mingle.”

  A startled look crossed the blonde’s face. “But—”

  Dan gave Lindsay’s shoulders a hug. “We’ll catch up with Eliza later.”

  Just like that, Eliza found herself alone again. Not that she needed anyone else. And she certainly didn’t need a hostess to show her to the party room. Letting a faint smile lift her lips, Eliza wandered to the back of the restaurant.

  The party room was rocking. Tables lined the walls, filled with silent-auction items. Those in the center held pitchers of soft drinks, water and tea, as well as platters of pizza. By the jars of money on the table, most people were giving far more than the suggested ten-dollar donation.

  “May I get you something to drink?”

  Eliza turned at the familiar voice. Izzie Deshler, local artist and photographer, smiled up at her.

  “I could use a Corona.” Or two, Eliza thought, when she saw Lindsay’s mother, Anita, start toward her.

  By the look that skittered across Izzie’s face, she’d seen the woman approaching, too.

  “I’ll be right back with that Corona.” The petite brunette scurried off.

  “Eliza.” Anita offered her a broad smile. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

  “Really?” Eliza cocked her head. “I can’t recall the last time I missed one of these fundraisers.”

  “Well, it’s just that,” Anita took another step closer and lowered her tone to a confidential whisper, “Jeremy a
nd Fin are here.”

  Long practice had Eliza’s smile remaining firmly in place. She pretended to scan the room. “Where are they? I’d like to say hello.”

  For a second, Anita’s brows pulled together in a little frown. Then her smile grew sly. “Stiff upper lip and all that. I totally understand. Good for you.”

  “Is Steve here tonight?” Bringing up Anita’s ex-boyfriend might be low, but Anita didn’t respond to subtlety.

  Steve Bloom and Anita had been a couple for well over a year. According to Lindsay, her mother still wasn’t over him dumping her.

  The woman’s red lips tightened. “I don’t believe I’ve seen him.”

  “I thought I caught a glimpse of him.” Eliza glanced around, then pointed. “Yes, there he is with Lynn Chapin.”

  “I need to mingle.” Anita’s smile remained frozen on her lips. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

  Anita had barely stridden off when Izzie sidled up to Eliza.

  “I thought she’d never leave.” She handed Eliza the beer. “That’ll be five dollars. All the drink money goes to the Giving Tree.”

  Eliza pulled a twenty from her pocket. “Keep the change.”

  “It will all go to the Tree, so if you want another beer, or anything else, just let me know.”

  Inclining her head slightly, Eliza lifted the bottle to her mouth and took a drink.

  “Straight from the bottle. A woman after my own heart.”

  Eliza turned toward Kyle, wishing she could stop the smile curving her lips. It wasn’t like she was particularly glad to see him, though he could be amusing.

  Before she could ask about Owen, he lifted the bottle from her hand and took a long drink.

  “Hey, that’s mine.”

  Kyle held it out to her. “That’s why I’m giving it back.”

  She pursed her lips. “You’re going to have to clean up your manners before your sister arrives.”

  He arched a brow.

  “Monkey see, monkey do.”

  “By golly,” he drawled. “I didn’t think anyone but my granddad said that anymore.”

  She narrowed her gaze. Was he making fun of her or simply teasing? She didn’t yet know him well enough to tell.

  “I figure you can work with Lolo on the manners thing.”