The Reluctant Groom

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “What?” Concern filled her eyes as she gazed into his. “Did I say something wrong?”

  “Not at all. I feel the same for my niece. I want the best for her.” Talk about a shift. A few moments ago, he thought they were well on their way to falling in love, especially since she’d admitted to having a crush on him. Confusion and uncertainty enveloped him. He didn’t want to read too much into her comment. He should ask for clarification, but it was getting late. It would keep for another conversation. “I better try to sleep. Good night, Katie.”

  Her lips tipped down. “Okay. Sleep well.”

  “Where are we going?” Katie trotted alongside Ray, who had Emily on his shoulders.

  A grin tipped his lips. “It’s a surprise.”

  Downtown Seattle had gotten off to a lazy Saturday morning. They rounded a corner, and she gasped. Pike Place Market loomed ahead. She should have figured this is where he was taking them. They’d been talking last night at dinner about the fishmongers who threw fish. Katie had been fascinated by his description.

  Ray slowed his pace. “Remember how I told you about the flying fish, Emily?”

  “Yep.” She patted the top of his head from her perch.

  “Well look.” He pointed to the display of halibut and the small crowd gathered around.

  A man shouted something and then tossed the fish probably twenty feet to someone behind the counter who caught it in a piece of what looked like freezer paper.

  Emily clapped her hands. “Will he do it again, Uncle Ray?”

  “When someone else buys a fish, he will.”

  Katie grinned at the wonder in the child’s eyes that probably matched her own. She’d only been here once, several years ago. Her focus shifted to the vast display of cut flowers for sale, reminding her of the tulips Ray had purchased for her on their “honeymoon” last week. Katie’s insides warmed at the memory.

  If she hadn’t been in love with Ray already, she surely would be now. What surprised her the most was his thoughtful concern for her wellbeing and happiness. But it wasn’t like he loved her back. Yes, he said he cared for her, but that wasn’t love—was it? She could only hope.

  She wanted to share the kind of love their friends had, but for now, his kindness was enough. She nibbled her bottom lip. She’d thought he was on his way there, but other than being attentive to her, he’d not shown any sign of being a man in love. What if he never loved her back?

  Chapter Fifteen

  Monday evening, Emily grasped Katie’s hand and skipped alongside her as they headed down the block toward The Ring. “That was fun.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed the arts and crafts. You behaved well.”

  “Mommy says that little girls should always behave in public.”

  Katie grinned. “She was right. Are you looking forward to seeing your Aunt Hailey soon?”

  She nodded. “I love Aunt Hailey.”

  Katie breathed a little easier knowing Emily would be content. She should have had Hailey meet them at the community center since the final visit with her mom would be relatively quick, but meeting her at The Ring wasn’t that much different since they were on the same block.

  Hailey approached from the opposite direction and waved. “How’s my favorite niece?” she called out.

  Emily giggled and tugged her hand free then raced to her aunt.

  Hailey wrapped her in a bear hug and stood with the child in her arms. She waited for Katie to catch up. “I thought we’d hang out in Ray’s office and play a game. I brought one over the last time I was here for times like this.”

  “Good thinking. I don’t expect to be long.”

  “Take your time,” Hailey said before heading into the gym.

  Katie took a bracing breath, squared her shoulders, then marched to the crosswalk. Her palms sweated. Why was she so nervous? Her mom wasn’t a threat.

  She walked into the shop and quickly spotted her mother. An expectant look filled her eyes. What was she up to?

  Katie approached the table. “Hi.”

  She wouldn’t bother with a drink today. The sooner she could leave the better, and a drink would slow her down.

  Mom smiled. “Hi yourself. Have a seat.”

  Katie took the chair across the table. “Did you have a nice week?” She may not desire a relationship, or completely trust her mother, but she would be nice.

  “It was long. You?”

  “Mine flew.” Being married to Ray and taking care of Emily had turned her life into a whirlwind. She’d barely had time to catch her breath. A large medium-sized manila envelope sat on the table piquing her curiosity. “Why was your week so long?”

  “Mostly because I was anxious for our meeting. I don’t want our visits to end. I could come to Seattle from time to time. It would be nice for us to have a fresh start. Don’t you think?”

  “If it were possible to wipe away my memories, I would agree, but I don’t think a fresh start is possible. There’s too much baggage.”

  Mom’s face drooped. “There doesn’t have to be. You said you’ve forgiven me. I thought we could build on that. You’re my baby girl, and I’ve missed you.”

  Katie swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. Having a mother again would be a dream come true, but what if once her mother got to know her, she took off like last time? Katie couldn’t take that kind of pain again. But still, her heart hurt for all her mom had been through. The pain her rotten dad had caused them both—at least they had that in common. But seeing her…having Mom in her life again? “I think we need to take baby steps. Do you e-mail?” She could set up an account to use only with her mom. That way if things got weird all she had to do was close it.

  “I do.”

  “Maybe that would be the best way to move forward.”

  “E-mailing each other?” Mom frowned. “I wanted you to be a part of my life again. I wanted us to be a real family.”

  “I think it might be too late for that.” She clenched her hands together in her lap. Why did this have to be so difficult? Not having parents in her life had been so much easier than this. “E-mailing is the best I can do for now.”

  Mom seemed to contemplate her words then squared her shoulders and raised her chin ever so slightly. “Then that’s what we’ll do. But first I have something for you.” She slid the envelope across the table.

  “What is it?” Her hand shook as she grasped it.

  “I never told you this because you were too young, but you’re old enough now, and you’re under no delusions about your father. He cheated on me more than once. I don’t want you to go through what I did. I had your husband followed this past week.”

  Anger filled her. “Why? Ray is nothing like Dad.” Katie’s voice raised a notch, and several people looked in their direction.

  “I hope you’re right, but I needed to see what kind of man you married. Trust me. You’ll want to see those pictures.”

  Katie’s stomach dropped. Could she have been wrong about Ray? She dropped the envelope onto the table. Ray was a good man. Mom had to be mistaken. He would never do anything to hurt her. So why was she terrified to know what pictures were inside the envelope?

  Her mother pulled a pad of paper and a pen from her purse. She scribbled something down, tore off the sheet, then handed it to Katie. “When you’re ready, that’s my e-mail. I love you, Katie.” She stood. “I hope to hear from you soon.” Without a backward glance, her mom marched away and out the door.

  Katie shook her head and focused on the envelope. Did she really want to know what was inside? She knew in her heart that Ray was a good man, so whatever her mom thought she had on him had to be a mistake.

  She stuffed it into her purse. The pictures would keep. Emily needed dinner and was depending on her.

  Ray draped his arm across the back of the couch and rested his hand on Katie’s shoulder. “It’s finally just us.”

  Katie snuggled her head against his shoulder.

  He could get used to evenings
like this. “You never said how it went with your mom.”

  Katie sighed. “She gave me her e-mail address.”

  “That’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it? After all, she is your mother.”

  “And she doesn’t like you, so I wouldn’t work too hard at defending her.”

  He frowned. “She doesn’t know me.”

  “You’re a man and my husband. Apparently, that’s enough.”

  He shifted. It wasn’t fair. But not much was where Katie’s family was concerned. “You think I could win her over?”

  “Of course you could, given time, but you don’t have that. Remember, she and I aren’t meeting anymore.”

  “Right.” He frowned. It shouldn’t matter if her mother didn’t like him, but it did. Now he knew how Katie felt regarding his mom.

  Katie stilled beside him. The clock on the wall ticked away the seconds. “Is there anything I should know about you?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

  “Hmm. I think you know all there is to know. Why do you ask?” The serious look on her face caused him to tense.

  She shrugged. “We’re married. I just thought…that is, you can tell me anything. Okay?”

  “I appreciate that. Where’s this coming from?”

  “Something my mother said. It’s no biggie.”

  “It feels important.” He frowned. What wasn’t she saying?

  “Don’t worry. She has a way of getting in my head. I’m sorry I worried you.”

  “Okay. Talking goes both ways. You can talk to me about anything, too.”

  “Thanks.”

  “So, is there anything you want to talk about? Anything I should know?”

  She pressed her lips together as if in deep thought. “Grace is my middle name.”

  “That’s Hailey’s nickname. Grace suits you. I like it.” He tried to smile, but suspected he failed. “Anything else?”

  “Nope.”

  He knew something was off with her, but clearly, she wasn’t going to talk. Why didn’t she trust him?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Katie sat at the table in her bedroom and stared at the envelope. She’d had it for a week and had yet to open it. Sitting here and wondering about it had become a late-night ritual. It was time. Not knowing the contents had become worse than facing the pictures.

  She grabbed the manila envelope in one hand and opened the top. “Here goes nothing.” Reaching her fingers inside, she grasped the contents and pulled them out. She held three pictures in front of her and peered at the first. Ray sat in a booth at the breakfast place he’d taken her. Relief washed over her. She knew he enjoyed going there. Talk about overreacting. She flipped to the next photo and stilled. A woman sat close beside him. The picture was dated four days after their wedding.

  She looked closer at the picture and studied the woman’s profile. Something about her was familiar. Some detective her mom hired. What was Katie supposed to do with this if she couldn’t identify the woman? For all she knew he could be there on business—if only she could see the mystery woman’s face. Katie flipped the third and final picture and gasped.

  They were standing and Ray was hugging her.

  Katie’s face heated, and her heart raced. She dropped the photos onto the table and pushed back. There had to be a good explanation. Ray didn’t go around hugging women. She should march to his room right now and show him the pictures.

  She thrust the photos into the envelope and stood with leaded feet. They’d been living a fairytale. A couple didn’t just marry on a whim and live happily ever after—especially two people in their situation. Ray only claimed to care for her. He never said he loved her. It was time to face reality. Her husband, though a good man, would never truly be the husband she’d hoped for.

  A scream wrenched her from her thoughts. “Emily?” She bolted to her bedroom door and raced into the hall.

  Ray stood there with a puzzled look on his face as if he wasn’t sure what he’d heard.

  The scream sliced the air again. His face paled. He spun and ran the short distance to Emily’s room then flipped on the light.

  Emily tossed in her bed mumbling.

  “What’s wrong with her?” Ray went to her bedside and rested a hand on her forehead. “Do you think she’s sick?”

  Katie sat on the other side of the bed and reached for the little girl’s hand. “Emily, sweetie. Wake up.” She glanced across the bed at Ray. “I think she’s having a bad dream.”

  Relief covered Ray’s face then he frowned.

  Emily’s eyes sprung open. She jumped then sat up and threw herself into Katie’s arms. Soft sobs filled the quiet room. Katie’s eyes burned, and she blinked rapidly. She would not cry.

  Ray eased onto the other side of Emily’s bed. “What’s the matter, munchkin? Did you have a bad dream?”

  Emily sniffled and turned her face to look at her uncle.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” Ray asked.

  “No. Can you and Aunt Katie sleep in my bed with me tonight?”

  “Your bed isn’t big enough for the three of us.” He rubbed her back.

  Fresh tears streamed down Emily’s cheeks.

  Katie’s heart wrenched. “How about I stay here for a bit with you?”

  “Really?” Emily’s voice wobbled.

  “Mm-hmm.” Katie nodded as she stroked the child’s hair away from her face.

  “Thanks.” Her eyes brightened a little as she scooted over to make room.

  Either the child was a master manipulator or she recovered quickly.

  Ray chuckled. “Sleep well.”

  “Thanks. You, too. Hopefully, she won’t have any more nightmares.” Katie waited for Ray to leave the room then snuggled next to her niece. “I’ll pray that you don’t have more bad dreams.”

  “Okay. Thank you. My mommy and daddy used to do that, too. Daddy said to think happy thoughts.”

  “That’s a great idea.” Katie pulled the bedding up to Emily’s neck. “Lord, please be with Your child as she sleeps. Please fill her dreams with happiness. Amen.”

  Emily’s body relaxed beside hers, and soft snores followed. Katie slipped from the bed and tiptoed to the door. She startled when she spotted Ray pacing the space between their rooms.

  He looked her direction and rushed toward her. “How is she?”

  “Sleeping peacefully.”

  “That’s a relief. Thank you.”

  Katie nodded. She was going to have her own nightmares if she didn’t show Ray those photos. “We need to talk.”

  His brow scrunched. “Okay.”

  She passed him and led the way to her room, grabbing the envelope before sitting at the bistro table.

  Ray sat across from her. “What do you have there?”

  “Remember when I told you my mom doesn’t like you?”

  He nodded.

  “Well, she had you followed.”

  His jaw dropped open for a moment before he clamped it shut. “Go on.”

  She pulled the photographs from the envelope and slid them his direction. “I trust you, Ray, but I am curious who the woman is that you’re hugging. It’s difficult to tell from the angle of the picture.”

  He picked up the photo then set it down. “It’s Kari White, our wedding photographer. We met so she could give me the flash drive with the pictures from our wedding. She had a special print made as a gift to us and wanted to deliver it in person.”

  Sudden tears pricked at Katie’s eyes. She never should have let her mother get into her head. “That was nice of her. Where’s the picture? I’d love to see photo.”

  He grinned. “I’m having it framed. I plan to hang it above the mantel. I was going to surprise you.”

  “I’m sorry your surprise is spoiled.”

  He shrugged. “It’s okay. Is this the reason you’ve been acting a little off for the past week?”

  She shrugged. “Maybe. I knew I could trust you, but I guess I still had a shadow of doubt that made me afraid to look
inside the envelope.”

  “Why were you afraid?”

  “My mother suggested you were cheating on me. I didn’t want it to be true, because I like what we have growing between us. If she’d been right, then this would have ended. I’m really glad you’re the man I thought you were.”

  He placed his hands on the tabletop palms up. She placed hers in his.

  “I would never do that to you—to us.”

  She nodded, unwilling to trust her voice. He might not have said the words, but this sure felt like love.

  Ray yawned as he strode into The Ring. He’d tossed and turned all night after his conversation with Katie. Something had changed between them last night, and he wasn’t entirely sure how to proceed.

  “Good morning, boss.” Tasha flashed a wide smile.

  He nodded. “Is Rusty downstairs?”

  “He is. Everything okay?”

  “Yes. Thanks.” He detoured to the stairs leading down to the boxing ring where two women were sparring. Rusty held a bag as one of their regulars pummeled it. Ray waited off to the side. Maybe this was a mistake. Rusty didn’t need to know his personal problems. Then again he’d always been there for him in the past. He knew he could trust the man.

  A short time later, Rusty sauntered his direction. “How’s it going?” He reached out his hand.

  Ray took it and gave him a firm handshake. “Not bad.” He nodded toward the trainer’s office. “Does that offer to talk still stand?”

  “Always.” They headed into Rusty’s office, and Ray closed the door. Rusty perched sideways off the corner of his desk. “What’s on your mind?”

  “Katie.” He sat in a leather chair that dated back to the fifties or sixties, which was still in surprisingly good condition.

  The trainer chuckled. “I thought maybe.”

  “You were married for a long time.”

  He nodded. “Not long enough. But thirty-five years is long to most people. What seems to be the problem?”

  “Not a problem really, but I’m curious about something.” He frowned. This was more difficult than he’d expected. He’d always been able to talk easily with Rusty but never about something so personal. He cleared his throat. “I’m going to tell you something that would send tongues wagging all the way to Canada, so…”