The Reluctant Groom

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Don’t I need to have a background check or something to volunteer?”

  “Normally, yes, but you won’t be alone. It’s a one-time thing. Say yes. It will be so much more fun.”

  “Sure. Why not? You’re my agenda today.”

  “Thanks! So what’s in the bag?”

  “A gluten free scone for you, and in this bag is a glazed donut for me. I know it’s not a healthy start to the day, but it’ll be a sweet one.” She giggled. “You like how I did that? Sweet one.”

  “And I thought I was the geek.” Katie took a bite of a scone and wished for something to wash it down with. “You want a glass of milk?”

  “Sure.”

  They finished their treat then headed downstairs at the same time that Ray was backing out of the garage. He stopped and put down the window.

  “Good morning! I’ll be back in time to get you for our appointment.”

  “Brandi can take me. We’ll meet you there.”

  “We? Brandi is coming too?”

  Katie grinned and nodded her head. The surprise on Ray’s face was priceless. “See you later,” she tossed over her shoulder as she strutted to Brandi’s car. Once inside, they busted up laughing “What is it about birthdays that makes me act like an adolescent? And don’t you dare tell him it’s my birthday. I don’t want him to know.”

  Brandi chuckled. “I can’t believe he didn’t figure it out when you were filling out the application for a marriage license. I’m sure he’ll figure it out. After all, before the day is over, you’ll be married.” Brandi waved her hand over Katie. “Girl, do you realize you just flirted with your future husband? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you flirt with anyone! What gives?”

  “Nothing. I was unaware I was flirting.” But she didn’t mind in the least that she had been. She gasped. She really and truly loved Ray—when had that happened? Sure, she’d had a crush on him, but that was a lot different than love. Who was she trying to kid? It was now clear she’d loved Ray practically from the day she’d met him. If only he loved her back. She needed Ray to fall in love with her because she wasn’t sure she’d last six months being in love alone. It would hurt too much.

  “There you are.”

  Ray whirled around. “Mom, this is the men’s locker room.”

  She raised a brow. “Do I look like I care?” She straightened his black bow tie. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

  “Not true. I’ve been swamped.”

  “You never mentioned Katie before your sister died. Why the sudden rush to marry?”

  He told her about Brandi and Ian leaving the country.

  “You’ve known about that for how long?” She raised a brow.

  He shrugged. There was no way he was getting out of this conversation unscathed. “You’ll like Katie once you get to know her. She’s very sweet, and you have something in common.”

  “Something I could have found out on my own if you’d had the courtesy to introduce us at a decent time rather than when—” Her voice caught. “I refuse to cry. But you know what I was going to say.”

  “Yes, and I’m sorry you met that way.”

  She rested a hand on his arm. “Do you love her, Ray?”

  He looked away. “She’s very special. I care about her a lot.”

  “You didn’t answer me.”

  “I need to get out there.”

  “Trust me. The wedding won’t happen without you. Now what is going on? This isn’t like you.”

  He sighed. “It’s complicated.”

  “Clearly.” Mom crossed her arms. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” She turned and marched from the locker room.

  Ian approached. A worried look settled on his face. “Sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing. Are you okay?”

  “Yeah.” How was Katie doing? She had been in good spirits the last time he’d seen her today. In spite of his mother’s ire, marrying Katie when she could have her best friend with her was the right decision.

  “Okay. You ready?”

  Ray nodded. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” They stepped out of the locker room into the gym. Two rows of folding chairs were set up facing the boxing ring. As promised, Rusty had the ropes removed from one side and added centered stairs. The ring had been transformed into a stage.

  Hailey and her friends had done the impossible. They’d turned this gym into something beautiful. A white arbor with vines woven through it stood in the center of the ring. A white runner went down the center between the rows of chairs and up the stairs all the way to the arbor. A violinist and a cellist sat off to the side playing classical music.

  He walked up the stairs to where the minister waited.

  “You ready for this?”

  Ray nodded. “I think so. Have you seen Katie?”

  “Yes, and your bride looks lovely. Here she comes.”

  Katie walked up the stairs. His eyes took her in from head to toe. The overhead lights caught on his bride’s sparkly headpiece. He sucked in a breath. The white dress was perfect. She held a simple bouquet of red roses. He let his eyes roam further and noted her fancy white sneakers. He held in a chuckle, afraid she’d bolt if he laughed.

  Katie stopped beside him. Her lipstick stood out on her pale face. Had she suddenly become sick?

  He slipped his hand around her ice-cold hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You okay?” he whispered.

  “Yes.” A wobbly smile tipped her lips.

  The minister spoke briefly then prompted them in saying their vows.

  Ray pulled Katie’s ring from his pocket. He’d finally found the perfect ring and kept it a surprise. She widened her eyes when he took her hand and slipped the simple filigree band in white gold onto her finger. After searching for an engagement ring together, she’d decided she didn’t want one, and told people as much when they asked. Apparently she didn’t like wearing jewelry. He hoped this simple, yet elegant, ring would please her, but it was difficult to tell.

  The minister handed Katie his ring, and she slipped it onto his finger. It fit like it was made for him. Vintage or not, it was perfect.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  Ray looked down at his wife and saw fear in her eyes. He wrapped one arm around her shoulder the other around her waist, drew her close, and whispered in her ear, “Are you okay? We don’t have to kiss.”

  She titled her head and kissed him ever so softly.

  His insides jolted. He kissed her back for only a moment before she stepped away.

  “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien.”

  Their guests clapped.

  “Please join Ray and Katie at the community center down the street for their reception.”

  Ray looked around the room and realized for the first time that he knew everyone in the room. “Where are the guests you invited?” he asked close to her ear.

  “Brandi’s in the front row.” She smiled and blinked shiny eyes.

  He assisted her down the stairs. They paused for pictures and congratulations from his friends.

  His mother and sister slipped up the stairs with Emily probably to get the punch and cake ready.

  He wrapped an arm around Katie’s trembling shoulder. “We’ll see you at the reception,” he said to no one in particular.

  Once outside and alone with her, he reached for her hand. “Katie look at me.”

  She turned to him. “What?” Her voice came out in a whisper.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  “I may not know you as well as a husband ought to know his wife, but I know you well enough to know when something is wrong. What happened?”

  She shook her head and faced forward. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s go cut the cake and get this over with.”

  Her words felt like a sucker punch. He’d thought they were on the way to something special, but clearly he’d read the situation wrong. What had happened?

  Chapter Eleven

  Katie c
ouldn’t stop the trembling even as she attempted to pull off the greatest acting of her life while smiling and feeding a piece of cake to Ray—her husband—a man who, according to his mother, was too good for her. Clapping yanked her from her thoughts.

  Ray kept a hand lightly on her back. “How long do we have to stick around for this?” He leaned close and spoke through the side of his mouth.

  It sounded like he was as ready as she to escape the facade of a happily married couple. What had she been thinking?

  Hailey walked up to Katie and hugged her. “Welcome to the family.”

  Ray grinned. “Thanks for all your help, sis. We never would have pulled this off without you.”

  Katie slipped a hand around Ray’s arm. “Your brother is in a hurry to get out of here. Is there any way we can leave sooner than later?”

  Hailey shot her brother a knowing look. “I don’t see why not. I’ll make sure the gifts and cards get to the house, and my friends will help with clean up.” She rested a hand on Katie’s shoulder. “Before you go, be sure to toss the bouquet. I understand wanting to get out of here. This is the dullest wedding reception I’ve ever attended.” She smacked a hand over her mouth.

  Ray chuckled. “It’s okay. I’m not offended since you’re the one who planned it.”

  Hailey’s face blossomed pink. “Guilty. I’m so sorry, but the wedding was my thing. I delegated the reception to mom.”

  That explained the lack of decorations and plain sheet cake that wasn’t gluten free so Katie couldn’t even taste it. She should never have expected a wedding cake, but somehow she’d thought…it didn’t matter.

  “Excuse me.” Hailey waved a hand at the guests. “Ray and Katie are anxious to get their honeymoon started, so Katie is going to toss her bouquet, and then they’ll be off. All single ladies please line up over here.”

  Ten minutes later, they’d said their good-byes and were on their way out when Ray’s mother stopped them.

  “When you return home, I expect you to properly introduce me to your bride. You will come for Sunday lunch.”

  Emily let go of her grandmother’s leg and wrapped her arms around Ray’s leg. “I love you, Uncle Ray. When will you get me from Grandma’s?”

  He picked her up. “I’ll tell you what. Your Aunt Katie and I aren’t going on a honeymoon yet. How about you come home with us now?”

  That had been the plan all along, and his mother knew it, so this conversation made no sense. What was she up to now?

  Ray’s mother frowned, clearly disapproving of their plans. “It’s not fitting to have a child in the house on your honeymoon night. Miss Emily will be staying with me tonight. You may pick her up in the morning if you would like.”

  Ray shot his mom a look of surprise then focused his attention on his niece. “What do you think, squirt?”

  Emily nodded and planted a kiss on his cheek. “See you tomorrow. ’Bye, Aunt Katie.”

  “Good-bye.” Even though they’d been talking about it all week, it felt odd to have Emily call her Aunt—another adjustment for them both, but her niece seemed to have no trouble with the change, so she’d try to adjust quickly.

  Ray set Emily down then guided Katie out the door to his waiting car, which no one had thought to decorate. It was just as well. Ray opened the passenger door and waited for her to be situated before closing it. He slid in the driver’s side, and a moment later, they were off.

  Katie had so many questions, but talking took too much energy. She couldn’t wait to get back to her apartment. Or would he expect her to move to the house tonight? They hadn’t talked about when she would move in. She’d finished painting, so there was nothing stopping her.

  “You’re quiet.”

  “I’m tired.” It was true. Today had been one of the longest days of her life. She was sure the moment her head hit the pillow she would have slept, were it not for her mother-in-law’s hurtful words shortly before the wedding. That woman had it in her head that Katie had seduced her son—as if!

  “About my mom.”

  “Can we talk tomorrow, Ray? All I want to do right now is bury my head in my pillow.” Plus, talking about that horrible woman on her wedding day would ruin any good memories she might have had.

  “Okay. I arranged for you to have the rest of the week off at the community center. Had I known you were scheduled to work today, I’d have arranged today off for you as well.”

  “Why?” She whipped her attention in his direction. “You had no right. I depend on that income.” They were barely married, and he was trying to run her life—it wasn’t even a real marriage! Well, that would stop right now.

  “Whoa.” His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Most people think we’re on our honeymoon. It will look a little strange if either of us show up at work tomorrow.”

  “Oh, I see your point. But you told your mom we’re taking our honeymoon later.”

  “Only because of Emily. Otherwise, I’d have let her believe we were honeymooning now, too.”

  Katie blinked away tears of frustration. Why had she been so emotional lately?

  “I thought we could use that time to ourselves. We’ll have Emily along, but that’ll be good. We need to bond as a family.”

  Her stomach clenched. “Sure, you’re right.” Emily needed a stable home life. After all, that was why she was here. “But I didn’t expect you to alter my work schedule without my knowledge or permission.”

  He stopped at a red light. “Sorry. I’m new at this marriage thing. Clearly, that was a rookie mistake. But you requested that I get to know you before we married. Since the wedding happened so fast, I didn’t get to hold up my end of the agreement. I’d like to fix that now.”

  She clenched her hands in her lap. “What do you have in mind?”

  “Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice spring day. I thought we could do something outdoors. Play tourist, rent canoes, go for a sail, hike, whatever you’d like. We have all day.”

  “Oh.” Her heart melted. Now she wished he hadn’t offered to pick up Emily in the morning. She’d love to spend a couple of days alone with Ray. “I’d like that. I’m sure Emily will as well.”

  He chuckled. “I think we might wait to get her until a little later in the day. I never should have said we’d bring her along. I’ll call her when we get home.”

  The light changed, and they pulled forward.

  “That’s a nice idea.”

  Ray might be new at this being married thing, as he put it, but he was already proving to be adept. “If you don’t mind though, I’ll let you pick her up. Your mother hates me.” She’d known from the start Ray’s mom wasn’t the nicest, but after tonight, she wanted to avoid her as much as possible. The uptight, mean woman who’d cornered her right before the wedding had sent her reeling.

  “I’d argue, but I think you might be right. I know you can win her over in time.”

  Fat chance. Had she known how awful Ray’s mom was before all of this, she might not have offered to marry him. It was too late now. Somehow, they all had to make it work and, hopefully, come out unscathed.

  Ray pulled into his driveway and killed the engine. He didn’t want to leave Katie like this. She’d hinted at a problem with his mom. He needed to know what was said. He rested a hand on Katie’s arm to stop her from getting out. “Can we visit before you turn in? There’s something we should talk about.”

  “Can it wait until morning? I really am tired.”

  He motioned toward the house. “Why not move into the house tonight? I’d sleep better if we were both under the same roof.”

  She opened her mouth, presumably to protest.

  “I’ll help you pack what you need. You don’t have to bring everything over tonight.” Maybe she would talk about what was bothering her while they packed up her stuff.

  “I guess. But I don’t need help. I’ll grab what I need and meet you over there.”

  He sighed. So much for that idea.

  Later that night, Ray la
y in bed, his mind wandering. What had happened to cause Katie to shut down? She’d been fine earlier in the day when Brandi was with them. He’d left Katie with Brandi to get ready for the wedding and hadn’t seen her again until she walked down the aisle. Something had definitely changed.

  The most troubling part—that kiss. Another thing ate at him—she hadn’t said what she thought of the ring he’d given her.

  He’d ended up at the same pawnshop where she’d purchased his ring since she’d refused to wear anything too big or fancy. He’d found the simple filigree band in white gold—not the same quality she’d purchased for him, but the delicate design suited her. He’d been so pleased with the purchase and thought for sure she would love it, but instead he only got silence.

  He punched down his pillow and shifted to his side. This day had not turned out at all like he’d expected. Unable to sleep, he kicked off the covers. As he exited his room, he noticed the light on under the closed door to Katie’s room. It looked like he wasn’t the only one who couldn’t sleep.

  Downstairs, he eased into his favorite recliner and opened the book he’d been reading. The words all blurred together, and he slammed the cover shut. This was ridiculous. Clearly, they were both too keyed up to sleep. Katie might have declared she was tired, but he suspected they both needed time to decompress after the whirlwind of the past week.

  He made two mugs of hot chocolate and headed back upstairs. He knocked softly.

  “Ray?”

  “Yes. May I come in?”

  The door opened, and she poked her head around. Her face softened when her eyes landed on the mugs. “Come in.”

  She wore spandex with a snug-fitting hot pink T-shirt over it and slippers that had the face of a pig on each foot. He grinned and pointed to her feet. “Nice look.”

  “Thanks. What are you doing?”

  He held out a mug. “I couldn’t sleep and saw your light on. I made us hot chocolate—gluten free.”

  She looked down at the mug, and a smile tugged at her lips. “You added whipped cream.”

  “Of course. May I sit?” He pointed to the chair in the corner.