The Reluctant Groom

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Would it have made a difference?”

  “It’s possible.” He wanted to say yes, but he’d been wrapped up in work and his charity. He hadn’t had time for anything more than a once-in-a-while casual date. Then again, if the Katie he’d come to know over the past several weeks had made an appearance back then, he would have definitely noticed her. “I wish I hadn’t been so clueless.” Maybe they would have fallen in love a long time ago and not be in the situation they’d found themselves in now.

  She laughed. “I’m glad you were. I wasn’t ready for you to notice me.”

  “Why’s that?” He raised a brow as he glanced her direction.

  She only shrugged.

  He pulled up to the gluten free bakery Hailey had recommended. “Here we are. I hear they serve lunch and cupcakes.”

  “Sounds good to me.” She shot him a shy look.

  Uh-oh. Had their conversation put that expression of uncertainty on her face? He scrambled around to the passenger door and opened it for her. When she got out, he wrapped his warm hand around her cold one and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  They placed their orders then sat by a window. Katie laced her fingers on the table in front of her and stared down at them. “Where did you find my ring? It looks vintage, and it’s gorgeous.”

  He grinned—finally! “I bought it from your buddy at the pawn shop where we purchased mine.”

  “No way!” She raised her hand and studied the ring at different angles. “It’s remarkable. Thank you. I don’t know how you managed to find the perfect ring, but you did.”

  “It wasn’t easy, but once I realized you wouldn’t be happy with a traditional wedding set, I went back to the pawn shop. The minute I saw that ring, I knew it was the one.” Much like he now knew, without a doubt, she was the one for him. She’d admitted having a crush on him—at least she did at one time. Did she still feel the same way? He wasn’t ready to go there yet. What they had was still too new—a work in progress for sure.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Monday evening, Katie held tightly to Emily’s hand as they walked the distance from the community center to the athletic club. She was so nervous her entire body trembled. Why had she ever agreed to meet her mom?

  She pulled open the door and strode inside.

  Tasha smiled. “He’s in his office.”

  “Thanks.” She took the stairs carefully with Emily as the little girl led with the same foot up each stair.

  The door at the top opened, and Ray stood there with a silly grin on his face.

  “What?” She frowned. It had been a long day, and she was having second thoughts about meeting her mom.

  “Nothing. Can’t a man enjoy watching his family?”

  “I suppose.” Although she didn’t have personal experience with that—until now.

  Ray stepped aside, allowing them to enter. He scooped Emily into his arms and planted a kiss on her forehead. “How was your day, munchkin?”

  “Good.”

  “I’ll take the bus home.” Katie turned back toward the stairs.

  “We’ll wait,” Ray said. “You can ride home with us.”

  “Emily’s hungry.”

  “I have snacks here. Don’t worry.” He set Emily down and walked over to Katie. He placed a hand on each of her shoulders. “It’s going to be okay.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because you’re strong, and I have faith in you.”

  “You have more faith in me than I do.”

  He pulled her into his arms and held her for several seconds. She rested her head against his chest, his heart beating a steady rhythm. She wrapped her arms around his waist. Tension rolled off her. “I feel better now. Thank you.”

  “Any time.” He released her. “How about if we walk you there?”

  “I should do this on my own.”

  “You will.”

  “Okay.” Having them walk with her would be nice. But she needed to meet Mom alone this time. As a grown woman, she shouldn’t allow anyone to hold her hand while she talked with her mother.

  They marched down the stairs and out onto the sidewalk.

  Emily walked between them, holding each of their hands. “Can we get ice cream?”

  “No,” Ray said. “You won’t want dinner if you eat ice cream right now.”

  “Boo.” Her bottom lip protruded.

  Katie almost laughed but didn’t want to encourage Emily’s attitude. “I have a yummy dinner planned. You won’t want to be too full.”

  “What is it?” Emily asked.

  Katie glanced at Ray.

  He nodded.

  “Homemade pizza! You get to make your own.”

  “Really?” Emily’s face lit.

  “Yes.” Katie had been reading up on ways to get children to eat healthy. One of the suggestions was getting kids involved in cooking their meals. She smiled to herself—not that pizza was a great food, but she had healthy toppings prepared, so it would be nutritious.

  “I like pizza.”

  They stopped outside the Starbucks. “Good. I’ll meet you back at The Ring in a little while, okay?”

  Emily nodded.

  Ray took her hand. “You’ll be fine.”

  “Thanks.” She took a bracing breath, squared her shoulders, and marched inside. Her mother sat in the back corner. Somehow she hadn’t pictured her mom as someone who would look so put together, but looking at her now, she’d never know the past they’d shared. Her red hair cascaded to her shoulders in perfect waves, and her clothes fit perfectly.

  Her mother raised a hand when she spotted her.

  Katie nodded then detoured to the counter to order a non-coffee beverage. A few minutes later, she carried her drink to the table and sat across from the woman who’d abandoned her.

  “I was afraid you might not show,” her mom said.

  “It was tempting.” Katie stuffed a straw into her drink and took a long draw. “What are you hoping to gain from this?”

  “Forgiveness.”

  Relief surged through Katie. Although hurt immeasurably by her mother’s actions, she had long ago forgiven her. “Done.”

  “Just like that?” Confusion filled her mom’s face.

  “Not even. It took years to come to that point, but I did. I realized you weren’t worth all the pain not forgiving you caused me.”

  Her mom jerked her head back as if slapped. “That wasn’t very nice.”

  Remorse immediately struck Katie. “You’re right. I should have worded that differently. What I was trying to say was that holding onto the anger and not forgiving was toxic to me. It wasn’t worth the harm it was doing to me both emotionally and physically. So, one day, I decided enough was enough.”

  “You made the decision to forgive me and that was the end of it?”

  “Not exactly. That was the beginning of the process.”

  Mom nodded. “You’re wise beyond your years.”

  “Sink or swim as they say. I got thrown into the deep end of the pool without a life preserver when you left.”

  Mom’s eyes watered. “I’d hoped your father would change after I left.”

  “Seriously? Even after he threatened you? You actually believed he’d change?”

  Mom grabbed a napkin and wiped trailing tears from her face. “I wish I was as strong and wise as you are, Katie. I don’t know how you turned out so well considering everything.”

  “It certainly wasn’t thanks to you.” Katie winced. “Sorry, I did it again. Seeing you has stirred up feelings I thought I was long past. Maybe I still need to work on my anger.”

  “It’s okay. I deserve it.”

  Katie shrugged. She did not want to be here. She’d made the choice to forgive her parents some time ago, but showing her mom respect was difficult after what she’d done. “I agreed to meet with you, not because I want to renew a relationship with you, but because I was hoping for answers. I have the why for your disappearance and the how. I also know why you waited so long to
find me.”

  “But…” Mom pressed her lips together.

  “Now I’d like to know some simple things like, do I have any half siblings, do you have any genetic health issues—that kind of stuff.”

  Relief filled her mom’s eyes. “I never remarried. You don’t have any siblings, and other than tendinitis, I’m perfectly healthy. Although my mom had diabetes.”

  “Good to know. Thank you.” Now what? She checked the time on her cell phone. “I should get going.” She pushed back and stood.

  Her mom’s gaze landed on Katie’s left hand. “Did you get married since I last saw you, or is that your engagement ring?”

  Katie stuffed her hand into her pocket. “I’m married.”

  Her mom frowned. “I wish you hadn’t done that. You’re so young. I don’t want you making the same mistakes I did.”

  “That won’t happen. Ray is a good man, and I trust him.” At least she trusted him as much as she could. Complete trust seemed to be impossible.

  Mom’s eyes narrowed. “No man can be trusted. I hope you don’t regret your decision.”

  Me, too. “I won’t. Per our agreement, I’ll see you here the same time next week.”

  “Right. Are you sure you can’t stay for a bit?”

  “Why?” She didn’t want to hurt her mother, but she had nothing to say to her. What was the point of pretending?

  A shadow crossed her mom’s eyes. “I don’t know. I’ll see you next week.”

  Katie turned and left without looking back. So many feelings coursed through her: unease, irritation that her mother thought Ray was a bad guy simply because he was a man, sadness that her mom had lived such a hard life, and relief that she’d only have to see her mom once more before she’d be able to close the door on her forever if she wanted to. Did she want to though? She kind of felt bad for her mom. Then again, everyone had to live with their own choices. Katie knew that firsthand.

  Chapter Fourteen

  From the kitchen, Ray watched Katie and Emily as they sat on the couch reading. The homemade pizza had been a success, and now he hoped his niece would settle down so she’d go to sleep soon. Ever since Katie had moved in, he looked forward to visiting with her in the evenings.

  Since Emily had gotten off schedule at his mom’s, last night had not gone well. It had been quite the challenge to get her to bed. He finished wiping down the counter, tossed the rag into the sink, then went and sat on the other side of Emily. She snuggled into his side and yawned—a good sign.

  Katie’s soft voice lilted as she read the last page in the book. “The end.” She closed the cover. “Time for bed, little miss.”

  “I want Uncle Ray to tuck me in.” She climbed into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. Ten minutes later his niece was snug in bed. Anticipation gripped him—he could finally have alone time with Katie. He hadn’t been able to read her after she’d visited with her mom, and he was anxious to know how it went. Halfway down the stairs, he realized the house was encased in darkness. Had Katie gone to bed early?

  He pivoted and retraced his steps then walked to the end of the hall. Sure enough, her bedroom door was closed. A light shone beneath it. Should he give her space or knock? She hadn’t sought out his company even once since moving in. Maybe he was pushing her too hard; then again, she was so reserved if he didn’t push, they’d never get to know one another.

  Her door swung open, and she surged out with her focus on her phone.

  “Hi,” he said softly, not wanting to wake Emily.

  She froze and looked up. “Oh. I didn’t realize you were finished with Emily already. That was fast.”

  “Yes. She was worn out.”

  A smile touched her lips. “I know the feeling. What are you doing hanging out in the hallway?”

  “I was debating whether I should knock on your door or not.”

  She raised a brow. “You’d dare to enter my room without hot chocolate or food.” She shot him a teasing grin.

  He snapped his fingers. “I knew I was forgetting something. I’ll be right back.”

  She stepped forward and tugged on his arm. “I was only kidding. You’re always welcome to visit if my light is on. I just got a text from Brandi, and I was coming to wait outside Emily’s room for you.”

  “What’d she say?” It didn’t escape him that they still stood in the hallway. He’d invite her into his room, but for whatever reason, it didn’t seem appropriate. “We could go downstairs and talk.”

  She shook her head. “No. Come see what I did with the table set you brought in. It’s cozy.” She turned and ambled into her room. “What do you think?”

  He chuckled. “You girlyfied it.” White frilly pillows adorned the chairs, and a simple matching tablecloth covered the table. “It’s nice in a girly kind of way.” He made a silly face. “If you like frou-frou, that is.”

  She playfully punched his shoulder. “It is a girl’s room. Have a seat. I had it all in a box in the garage, so it was a cinch to make it more my style.” She sat in the chair furthest away, leaving him the closest. “Brandi said they had an uneventful flight and are settled in at the hotel.”

  “I still can’t believe they’re honeymooning in London when they’re going to be living there.”

  “I know, but Ian starts work next week, and they needed time to find a flat and get settled.”

  He raised a brow. “Listen to you. A flat, huh? No apartments in London.”

  She chuckled. “I didn’t realize what a tease you are. Why is that?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know.” Katie hadn’t seemed open to teasing. She was always so serious that he hadn’t known how she’d take it. Now that he’d gotten to know her, he realized that when she did joke, it was often a defense mechanism for uncomfortable situations. So…why had she been uncomfortable around him? “Maybe it’s the change in our relationship. You’re more easygoing now.”

  “I am?”

  He nodded. “What changed?”

  She was quiet for a moment then softly said, “Everything.”

  Yes, everything had changed. In a matter of weeks both of their lives had been turned upside down. “Good point. Will you tell me about your meeting with your mom?”

  “There’s not much to tell. She wanted forgiveness, and I gave it to her. We agreed to meet once more.” Her gaze slammed into his. “I forgot to check with you to make sure you could watch Emily.”

  “I’m free. When you first set this up with your mom, I cleared my schedule.”

  “You mean you normally have plans on Mondays?” Her voice hitched.

  He chuckled, though it wasn’t funny. “I used to be busy all the time. I probably worked fifty to sixty hours a week. I’ve made adjustments since Emily became a constant in my life. Plus, there’s you.” He dipped his head. He’d gone out of his way to make time for Katie.

  “I feel bad that I’ve caused you to change your schedule. Although, no one should work that much. You make me look like a complete slacker.” Her shoulders sagged ever so slightly. “You know what? It’s fine if Emily joins us. I’ll bring her with me. I doubt we’ll be long.”

  “You’re sure?” He wasn’t crazy about Emily being in the company of Katie’s mom. Her mother might get some grandiose idea of wanting to be a grandmother, and they didn’t need another change in their lives.

  “Yes. But it doesn’t seem like you think it’s a good idea.”

  “I have reservations.”

  “I can cancel,” Katie said. “I’ve found out everything I wanted, so it’s not a big deal.”

  “No. You should meet with your mom like you agreed.”

  “Ray, I don’t want you altering your life for me. If you would have been working, then that’s what you should be doing.”

  He shook his head. “Make up your mind.” He grinned. “One minute I work too much, and the next, you want me working overtime.”

  She flashed an embarrassed grin. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t worry about my sc
hedule. I can make this work and still get in a couple extra hours of paperwork.”

  “How?”

  “I’ll see if Hailey can take her.”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Your mom and Hailey have had her a lot these past several days since we were supposed to be honeymooning.”

  “Emily understands and so does my mom and sister. My family loves having her.” Though time together had been sparse because of Ian and Brandi’s rehearsal and wedding, they’d had a good time nonetheless. He felt like they’d grown closer in the process.

  “Okay. We can ask, but if she says no, then we need to come up with a Plan B.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be fine. Speaking of our pseudo-honeymoon. Did you enjoy it?’

  Her gaze shot to his and held for a moment. “Yes. It was fun.”

  He studied her light blue eyes. There was something there he hadn’t noticed before—desire? He sucked in a breath.

  “What are you thinking?” she asked softly.

  “I’m thinking about how much I’ve grown to care about you in a very short amount of time.”

  Her eyes widened, but she remained silent. Had he misread her?

  She stood and walked to the window, her back turned to him. “I’m glad.”

  “Really? It doesn’t scare you?” He followed and stood behind her. The sky shone clear with a nearly full moon. He rested his hands on her shoulders and gently kneaded the knotted muscles.

  “That feels so good.” She leaned into him slightly. “Your feelings don’t scare me.” She turned, causing his hands to drop. “In fact, I think I feel the same way, or I never would have married you.”

  This was news. A zip of electricity shot through him.

  “I care about you, and I love Emily. I’d do anything for her.” Sincerity shown in her eyes.

  As fast as the excitement came, it vanished. Concern hit him. Did she only marry him to provide a mother figure for his niece? No. She said she cared about him, too. But was it the kind of caring a woman has for the man she loves or something different?