Indy shook her head. “No, I’ll stay with Quinn.”
They piled into the limo, carrying bright bouquets. The chatter of excitement continued as they pulled up in front of the church. Saint Matthews was an old church with huge stained-glass windows high above the ground. Indy never went to church anymore. She’d given it up mostly when she left for college. She stopped going even on holidays after her mom died.
Kate stepped out of the car first. “Wait here. I’ll make sure the guys are out of sight. They should be with the photographer.”
She scurried in her heels across the concrete to the open church doors. Moments later she emerged and waved them in. Indy slid out of the car and held Quinn’s hand to help her. The beautiful autumn weather signaled a perfect day to get married. The sun was warm and the breeze cool.
Kate ushered them into a small room in the back of the church.
Moira gave Quinn a quick squeeze and said, “We’ll be back in a little bit. We have plenty of time before we start.”
“Have fun.”
As soon as Maggie and Moira left, Quinn began to pace. “What am I doing?”
“You’re getting married.” Since when had it become Indy’s job to be the voice of reason? That was Quinn’s role.
Quinn’s hands settled on her stomach. “I think I’m going to be sick. I told you I didn’t want to eat.”
Indy walked to Quinn’s side. With her arm around Quinn’s shoulder, she guided her to the padded seat and ottoman. “If you didn’t eat, you’d pass out before you got down the aisle.”
“I feel queasy.”
Kate stood next to her. “Have you had any morning sickness?
“No.” Quinn leaned forward, holding her stomach and taking deep breaths.
“Hold on. We’ll get you something.” Kate went to the door and looked out. “Hey, Griffin.”
Shit. Don’t let him in here. I can’t do this now.
His voice boomed in the hall. “Yes, Kate. I told you the groom is pacing at the other end of the church, and I have the rings.”
“I know. Come here.” Kate held the door open only wide enough to wedge her body in the opening. “Go down the street and get a Diet Coke.”
“Now?”
“I have a queasy bride in here. Go.”
Indy couldn’t hear his response, but Kate moved away from the door, leaving it open a crack. “Pop will settle your stomach. It’s nerves.”
Quinn stood and paced. After fifteen minutes of silence, Indy had had enough. She took Quinn’s hands and led her back to the chair.
Indy squatted in front of her, still holding her hands. “What’s wrong?”
Quinn looked over her shoulder. Kate guarded the door. She turned back to Indy. “What if this is a mistake?”
“It’s not.”
Quinn stared at their joined hands. “How do you know? Look at what happened last time I rushed into a marriage.”
“This isn’t the same.”
“How am I supposed to be sure?”
“Because you’re different with Ryan. We all see it.” She squeezed Quinn’s hands to get her to look up. When Quinn’s eyes met hers, she continued, “Do you love him?”
“More than anything.”
“Then that’s all that matters. You’ll fight and make up and drive each other crazy, then unite to torment your kids. You’ll get through it because you love each other.”
Quinn’s gaze steadied and she grabbed Indy in a hug. A voice cleared behind Kate.
Kate mumbled a few words and shut the door. She held a cup of Diet Coke in one hand and a stack of saltines in the other. “Stand up to drink so we don’t drip on your dress.”
Quinn followed directions. Bending at the waist, she leaned over to sip through the straw.
“Griffin sweet-talked the girl at the drive-thru to get some crackers. He thought they might help.” Kate handed Indy the crackers and looked at her watch. “I’m going to make sure Moira and Maggie are back. We start in five.”
Indy waited until Kate left. “I know you’re nervous. But this is good. When you get out there, don’t look at anything but Ryan. He’ll be the one at the front with the goofy grin.”
Quinn laughed, and Indy gave her one more quick hug. She eased out the door. Their father headed toward her.
“She ready?” Walt asked.
Indy nodded and went to take her place in line. She couldn’t stop the smile when she saw Griffin. The sight of him in the tux with his hair slicked back made her mouth water. “All I need to hear is a fake British accent and I’ll have my very own James Bond.”
He grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side. His eyes smoldered as he cornered her. “I don’t fake anything.”
They stared at each other for a flicker of time.
He broke the silence with, “We need to talk.”
This time, the sentence didn’t make her cringe because it was true. She kept her voice cool and remote. “After the reception.”
Kate’s voice sounded behind them. “What are you doing back here? You belong with Ryan. Hurry up. Go.”
Griffin backed away and walked down the side aisle of the church.
Indy inhaled a steadying breath and went to wrangle Kate’s kids to stand quietly behind her.
As the members of the bridal party began their march down the aisle, Indy caught a glimpse of Quinn entering the hall.
She was steady and smiling.
Indy straightened for her own march. With her eyes locked on Griffin, she thought, Quinn’s day will be perfect.
Griffin couldn’t wait to get to the reception. After posing for a hundred photos, he needed a beer. After holding Indy in his arms for a picture, he needed a shot of whiskey.
Indy had smiled and joked, keeping everyone at ease while Kate barked orders. But it was all superficial.
He didn’t know what had happened over the last week, but she’d pulled back. Luckily, he sat next to Ryan at the head table. If he’d been seated next to Indy, he wouldn’t have been able to hold his tongue.
After the meal, he stood to toast the happy couple. With his glass in hand, he waited for the attention of the crowd. “As best man, I prepared the typical speech. I planned to embarrass Ryan with tales of our youth and exploits with women, many of whom tried to get him to this point.”
The O’Leary brothers all laughed.
“But I overheard something at the church that I think sums up everything.”
Indy looked up and their eyes met.
“The maid of honor asked Quinn if she loved Ryan. Simple question. Quinn answered without hesitation, ‘More than anything.’ ”
Indy’s mouth opened. He winked at her and turned his attention to Ryan and Quinn. He lifted his glass. “I couldn’t ask for a better response, because really, that’s all that matters. If he doesn’t treat you right, I’ll have to kick his ass.”
More laughter ensued, and some jostling from the brothers.
“Congratulations.” He drank from his champagne, gave Ryan a hug, and kissed Quinn’s teary-eyed face.
The dancing began, and every time he thought he’d catch Indy, she slipped through his fingers. Her avoidance pissed him off.
She had excellent evasion tactics. On the occasions he found her, they were never alone. She refused to take a walk. She wouldn’t dance with him.
He hadn’t seen her in a week, and watching her mingle and socialize while ignoring him was like being in a desert and seeing a mirage. He’d missed her so much, he had a hard time focusing. His need to touch her clouded his thoughts.
Now her avoidance gave him something to focus on. He found Quinn and pulled her to the dance floor.
“You look beautiful,” he said once he had Quinn in his arms.
“Thank you.”
“What’s going on with Indy?”
Quinn stiffened. She wasn’t much of a poker player. “What do you mean?”
“I left a week ago and things were hot and heavy. Now she’s a freezer. She won�
��t be alone with me.”
“I don’t know.” Her gaze focused on his shoulder since she couldn’t see past him.
“You’re lying.”
“I don’t know the whole story. She hasn’t told me.” Quinn turned to look up at him. “I do know she’s falling for you and she didn’t plan to.”
“Neither did I.”
His words sank in, and a slow grin spread across her face. When the song ended, his gaze sought Indy. When he found her, he turned and caught Maggie’s attention.
“Wanna dance, studly?”
“I need a favor. Give this to the DJ and tell him the next song has to be a slow country one.” He pushed a fifty into her palm.
Her eyes crinkled. “The guy is paid to be here. You know this, right?”
“Yeah, but I need him to play the song now.” He shot a look over his shoulder to make sure Indy hadn’t moved.
“Ah, so if I get him to do it for less, I get to keep the change?”
“Whatever you want, sweetheart.” He winked at her and knew she’d smile at the DJ and he’d melt. Griffin didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of this earlier.
He edged around the tables, taking a slow perimeter to Indy’s position, stalking her. She swayed to the beat of music, and her burgundy dress swished around her like wine in a glass. This time she wouldn’t get away. The first few notes of the song played and he reached for her elbow. “Excuse me, you owe me a dance.”
“I’m in the middle of a conversation.” She tilted her head toward one of Ryan’s uncles.
“Oh, no. Go right ahead,” the man said, almost shooing her away. “Young people should dance.”
Griffin nodded and propelled her toward the dance floor.
“It’s not nice to sneak up on people.”
“I wouldn’t have had to if you weren’t avoiding me.”
“I’m not—”
“Don’t.” The single word silenced her. The vocals started and he pulled her close. Her scent tickled his senses. “What is it with you girls and the country music?”
“We grew up listening to country.”
“Who is this?”
She laid her head on his shoulder. “Toby Keith. ‘You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This.’ ”
He held her to his body and listened to the words. Having her in his arms satisfied a need he didn’t recognize. As the last notes sang, he released her. His hands cupped her face and he kissed her, pouring every need and emotion into it. He released everything he’d held in all night. All week.
When they separated, he realized there was commotion all around them. Quinn stood by the DJ, ready to throw the bouquet.
Indy turned and ran. The mob of single women rushed forward, scrambling to catch the bouquet. He fought against the crowd of onlookers to find Indy.
Near the hall he found Kate. She said nothing, but pointed to the washroom. He pushed the door open.
“Indy, come out.”
“No.”
“Then I’m coming in.” He heard no response or squeals from other women, so he entered. She’d locked herself in a stall. He’d never been in the women’s bathroom of O’Leary’s. He took in the green paint and signs offering help to women who had too much to drink.
“Go away, Griffin.”
“No.” He leaned against the door where he saw her shoes peeking out. “What the hell was that?”
“Why don’t you tell me? It was no ‘I want to fuck you’ kiss. It wasn’t casual.”
“No, I guess not.”
“I can’t do this. Not now.”
“You don’t have a choice. I’m not leaving.” The lock turned and he straightened.
“Not here. Take me home.”
Her skin looked pale and tight under the harsh fluorescent lights. She’d curled her long hair in a halo around her face, giving her a look of innocence. He fought the urge to hold her and solve whatever problems lie between them.
Instead, they left the bathroom and told Kate they were leaving. They’d already missed Quinn and Ryan’s departure. Chances were good no one would notice they left.
He led Indy outside and she shivered in the cold evening air. Her crossed arms would do little to warm her exposed skin. He removed his tux jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
Chapter 8
Indy sat in the car and absorbed every ounce of warmth she could from Griffin’s jacket. When she broke up with him, she wouldn’t get any more of his warmth. Her chest tightened and she forced air into her lungs.
He drove in silence, and she was grateful. She hadn’t thought about how to do this or what to say.
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
“I think I might be pregnant.” The truth slipped out before she could formulate an adequate lie. She preferred the silence.
He whipped a corner with squealing tires. “What?”
The anger in his voice bounced off the closed windows. She looked up from her clasped hands.
His face filled with rage, and it dawned on her what her words sounded like. A chill crept down her back. “Oh, God. Not you. It’s not yours.”
She closed her eyes and leaned her head back on the headrest.
“How do you know?”
“You were Mr. Condom-at-the-Ready. Every time. I said it’s not your problem. Please take me home.” Weariness pulled her down. The effort of holding it together for Quinn’s wedding had taken its toll. She kept her eyes closed, and Griffin began driving.
She hadn’t planned to dump this on him. She didn’t know why she did. All she had to do was break up with him. The car lurched to a stop, and she opened her eyes.
Griffin climbed out before she could ask why they had stopped. She looked up at the glowing 7-Eleven sign. Now was not the time for a Slurpee.
Moments later he returned and tossed a plastic bag in her lap. She opened it as he pulled out of the lot. Two pregnancy tests, different brands.
He shot her a look from the corners of his eyes. “I think we both have a right to know for sure. No mights or maybes.”
What the hell was she supposed to do with this guy? Why couldn’t he be normal? She’d expected him to dump her and run off.
They drove down her block and saw no parking. “You can pull over and let me out.”
He glared at her and turned the corner. He found a spot near the alley.
“Thanks for the ride.” Not bad for a brush-off of a breakup. “And the tests.”
“You weren’t going to tell me, were you?” His voice held an unusual tone. Like maybe he was hurt that she hadn’t plan to share her problems.
With her hand on the door, she answered, “No. What’s the point?”
She pushed out of his car, clutching her purse in one hand and the plastic bag in the other. She almost reached the corner before she realized she still wore his jacket.
The jacket slid from her shoulders, and she turned around. Griffin stood at the car, watching her. She folded the jacket over her arm and headed back.
His gaze softened, and he met her halfway. He replaced the jacket on her shoulders, keeping it in place with his arm. They walked together to her apartment.
In the living room she stepped out of her heels and sat on the couch. She pulled both boxes from the bag and examined them.
“I didn’t know if one was better.” His tie was long gone, but now he rolled his sleeves while he paced.
Indy read both boxes. Pee on the stick, cover, and wait. Seemed simple enough.
She took both boxes with her. Stopping in front of Griffin, she turned and said, “Will you unzip me, please?”
She could’ve pulled the zipper herself. She’d gotten it up. But she had the urge to feel his touch. His fingers brushed her neck as he moved her hair aside. The zipper hissed open.
The energy between them crackled. His breath seared her skin. She took an abrupt step forward and mumbled a thank-you.
Instead of Griffin’s lips, cool air kissed her bare back. She slipped into the bathroom a
nd out of the dress.
She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Other than the stress lines around her eyes, she looked the same. That was a good sign, right? Pregnant women looked different. They glowed.
Enough procrastinating. She opened the directions and read through the steps. The tests looked identical, so she peed on both. She set the tests on the edge of the sink and washed her hands.
Almost immediately a pink line appeared, and her legs weakened. She couldn’t catch her breath. Her vision blurred. She blinked rapidly to clear it.
She grabbed the directions and saw the picture. Her heartbeat slowed. One pink line showed that the test worked. She had to wait three minutes. A second line meant pregnancy.
She inhaled deeply and tried to calm her nerves. The paper shook in her hand. She didn’t wear a watch so she began counting. One Mississippi, two Mississippi . . .
She closed her eyes and heard the sheet of directions flutter to the floor.
Five Mississippi, six Mississippi . . .
She opened her eyes and stared at the sticks on the sink. Eight Mississippi, nine—
Four clear pink lines.
Two on each stick.
It couldn’t be. Three minutes hadn’t passed.
She couldn’t be pregnant.
Her heart didn’t pound. Her knees didn’t buckle. Her stomach didn’t roil.
Her body went numb.
She picked up the tests and tilted them in the light. No change. Still two lines.
She sank to the floor and leaned against the tub. The tub was cold, the tile floor colder. Some feeling remained if she could detect cold.
She preferred numb.
What was wrong with him? Even now Griffin still wanted her. Knowing she might be pregnant, he wanted to grab her and have her right now. He wanted to offer the only comfort he knew he could give.
He paced some more. He should’ve dropped her off and left. It was what she’d expected. But he had to know.
It’s not mine. She said so herself. We used a condom every time.
Minutes ticked by. He grabbed a beer from the fridge and gulped it quickly. The alcohol wasn’t strong enough to dull the pain.
A Good Time Page 12
