The Reluctant Groom Read online

  “Where should the bed and dresser go?”

  Katie pointed to the back wall.

  They deposited the bed then returned with Brandi’s couch.

  “That’s not supposed to be here.” Katie shot a panicked look toward her friend.

  “I thought you could store it for me while I’m living in England. It makes more sense to leave the big stuff here. Do you mind?”

  “No.” She’d hoped to make this feel like her own, but it would be nice to have at least one piece of furniture to get her started, at least for now. Brandi and Ian were supposed to be in England for eighteen months. That would give her plenty of time to save money and plan how to decorate the space in her own taste, unless she ended up moving into Ray’s house. That was a conversation for another time. “What about you? Where are you going to sit? Your wedding is still nine days away.”

  “I have the table and chairs. I’m giving those to my sister. She’ll pick them up on Friday. You’re actually doing us a favor by taking it.”

  “Okay. If you’re happy, then I’m happy.”

  A short time later, Katie was completely moved in. “Thanks for the help.” She walked her friends to the door, hugged Brandi, then Ian. “I’m going to miss you guys.”

  “We’ll see you next Friday night at the wedding rehearsal if not sooner,” Brandi said.

  Katie nodded, not trusting her voice. For the first time since Ray proposed, the enormity of what she’d agreed to do hit her.

  Ray hung back. “Can we talk?”

  She nodded, turned, and eased onto the couch.

  He sat in the opposite corner. “I’ve been doing some footwork regarding our wedding.”

  She cleared her throat. “And?”

  “I’ve booked the boxing ring.”

  She laughed. “Sorry. You have no idea how ridiculous that sounds. I can’t believe we’re going to get married in a boxing ring.”

  “Why not? People get married in all kinds of places. Hot air balloons, under water—”

  “Gardens, churches, courthouses.” She grinned. “But your boxing ring is fine as long as the gloves are off.”

  He chuckled. “Promise. What do you think of the apartment?”

  “I like it. Although you could have moved the boxes of books before we got here.”

  He smacked his forehead. “I completely forgot those were up here. I’m sorry. Were they a pain?”

  “Oh, I’ll feel them tomorrow.”

  He stood and walked around to the backside of the couch. Before she realized what he was doing, his hands were kneading her tired shoulders. “How’s that?”

  “Nice.” She closed her eyes and allowed the tension and tiredness to melt away. “You’re good at this.”

  “Thanks. We should talk about how things are going to play out over the next few months.”

  Relief surged though her. “That would be great. What’s your plan?”

  His touch on her shoulders lightened. “I was hoping we could work that out together.” He stopped massaging her shoulders and returned to his seat on the couch.

  “Okay. I vote for a small wedding. I won’t be inviting anyone.”

  His eyes widened. “Why not? Are you ashamed to marry me?”

  “What? No!”

  “Then what’s the problem? Why won’t you invite any guests? Is it the cost? I’m paying, so don’t worry about that.”

  She sighed. “Ray, you’re one of the kindest men I have ever met. And you’re incredibly good looking, and I enjoy being with you. So, no, I’m not ashamed to marry you.”

  Whoa! He had no idea Katie felt those things about him. He couldn’t stop the grin that slid across his face.

  “What?” Katie’s cheeks pinked.

  “I didn’t know you felt that way about me. For the record, I feel the same about you. There aren’t many women who’d marry a guy they didn’t love simply to help him out. Of course, I hope that we’ll love each other at some point.” This had to be one of the most awkward conversations he’d ever had. But it was necessary if he ever hoped to have a true marriage with Katie.

  “I agree. A loveless marriage would become a burden at some point and make us miserable. Plus, we have Emily to consider.”

  “Yes.” His precious niece had had a rough time since her parents’ death. He’d found a grief counselor to help her process and hoped the sessions would soon help. The poor child had cried herself to sleep every night since he’d told her about her parents. He swallowed the lump in his throat.

  The couch shifted, and he turned toward Katie. She’d moved closer and tucked one leg under herself to face him on the cushion beside his. Concern filled her eyes. “Are you okay?” She reached for his hand.

  He took hers in his and gave it a squeeze. “Yes, I was thinking about Emily. She’s not doing all that well.”

  Katie nibbled on her bottom lip. “Kids are strong. I should know. She has a loving family, and that’ll go a long way in aiding her.”

  “I’m so glad I have you to help me. I have no idea what I’d have done without you.”

  She pulled her hand away, and before he realized her intent, she had her arms wrapped around his neck. “It’s going to be okay, Ray. Not today or tomorrow, but someday things will feel right again. Trust me. I know.”

  He had no idea what to do with his arms. If he hugged her back, she’d end up in his lap—not a bad thing, but probably a bad idea. He patted her back. “Thanks. Would you like to get breakfast with me in the morning? It’s a Friday morning ritual.”

  She released him and sat back in her own space. “I’d like that. Thanks. It’s been a long day. Do you mind if we finish this conversation another time?”

  He stood. “That’ll be fine. Although I warn you, once Emily is here, there will be little time to ourselves.”

  She nodded. “Before you go, I have one quick question.” She laced her fingers in front of her and didn’t make eye contact with him. “Once we’re married, where will I be living?”

  Like a punch to the gut, he let his breath out in a whoosh. “I hadn’t thought that far ahead.” At least not enough to come up with a concrete conclusion. “Where would you like to live?”

  “I’m thinking that for Emily’s sake I should move into the house. It’s a three bedroom right?”

  He nodded.

  “Don’t you think it will be difficult for her to understand why her aunt doesn’t live with her uncle?” She tipped her head and caught his eyes.

  “I guess we have a lot to consider. I’d like for our marriage to be a real marriage, but I don’t want either of us to feel pressure.”

  “Sure. I understand.” Her tone sounded distant as if he were suddenly a stranger. She strode past him and pulled open the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night, Ray.”

  His shoulders sagged—clearly he hadn’t handled that as well as he should have. He paused in the doorway and looked toward her. She stood with her arms crossed. “Good night, Katie.” With heavy feet, he trudged down the stairs to the driveway below. Unfortunately two steps forward and one step back seemed to be his norm with Katie. Somehow he had to do better. Maybe Ian had an idea.

  He picked up his pace and slipped into his house via the kitchen door that was next to the garage. He pulled out his cell. One ring. Two.

  “Hey, Ray. What’s up? Did we forget to bring something over?”

  “Not that I know of.” It occurred to him, he hadn’t told Ian about his engagement. “Funny thing, I forgot to mention something earlier.”

  “What’s that?”

  His neck heated. “Katie and I are getting married.”

  “You’re kidding!” Ian chuckled. “I sure didn’t see that coming—although now that I think about it, I should have. Are congratulations in order, or is this a marriage of convenience?”

  “Ah, both?”

  “Interesting.” He sounded confused. “Maybe you better fill me in from the beginning.”

  Ray told him everything. “The th
ing is, I need Katie, and I can see us having a great life together. But I don’t want to marry only a friend. I want to marry someone I love. I can’t believe she’s been there all along, and I didn’t notice her.”

  Silence greeted him.

  “You there, Ian?”

  His buddy cleared his throat. “Uh. Yeah. I’m speechless. I thought you were a confirmed bachelor. So what do you need from me?”

  “Advice. How do we fall in love?”

  “You don’t ask easy questions.”

  “If it was easy, I wouldn’t have asked.” He grinned, knowing his friend was likely doing the same.

  “First off, love is a choice. Brandi and I did pre-marital counseling with our pastor, and that’s something he hammered into us. He said that there will be days or weeks or months when we don’t feel the love, and we must choose to love each other.”

  “Hmm. Okay. What else?” He’d never considered that love was a choice, but perhaps it was.

  “You need to make each other a priority. She needs to know you care about her and vice versa. Make her feel special.”

  “Like with flowers?”

  “That’s a start. It doesn’t have to be big. Brandi says it’s the little things. Like remembering to clear my dishes when she has me over or putting the toilet seat down.”

  He chuckled. “Interesting. Okay. Anything else?”

  “Pray together. Maybe even do devotions together.”

  His friend’s words could not have surprised him more. Although they both went to church, they rarely, if ever spoke about spiritual things. Was he even capable of being that vulnerable? The idea of praying out loud and sharing his deepest thoughts with Katie knotted his stomach. He loved the Lord, but expressing himself in that way would not be easy. “Ah. Okay. I guess that’s enough. Thanks.”

  “No problem. I’m sorry I’ll miss the wedding.” Ian groaned.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Brandi. When she finds out she won’t be there for her best friend…Let’s just say, it won’t be pretty. I don’t suppose you could move up your wedding so we’ll be around?”

  “Move it up? From what Katie says, what we’re trying to do is nearly impossible as it is. There’s no way we could pull off a wedding in a week.”

  “Yeah. I suppose you’re right. Brandi’s been going nuts with all the preparations. I’m sorry we won’t be there. Hold on a minute. Brandi’s trying to tell me something.”

  A moment later, his buddy laughed.

  “Hey, what’s going on over there?” Ray asked.

  “Sorry. It appears Brandi already knows about the wedding. And I was right. She’s not happy about missing it.”

  “It won’t be the same without my best man.” Were they doing the right thing to wait? Maybe they should get married right away, but Katie wanted him to get to know her. He could hear Brandi talking to Ian. “Sounds like you’re busy. I’ll let you go.” He set his phone on the kitchen counter then walked to the kitchen window and glanced up at the apartment above the garage. Should he suggest moving up the wedding? Katie had been upset Brandi wouldn’t be there, too, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to sign on the dotted line, so to speak, so fast.

  Chapter Six

  Friday morning, Ray met Katie in the driveway. “Good morning.”

  “Hey.” She yawned and swayed slightly then blinked.

  “You okay?” He grasped her arm to steady her.

  “I’m ready to drop. I’ve never lived alone, and every little sound startled me. I think I finally fell asleep an hour before my alarm went off.”

  “Ouch. We don’t have to get breakfast.” Did she want to marry him so she wouldn’t have to be alone? No way. Though young, she was independent. That couldn’t be a reason.

  “No. I want to. I love going out to eat. I hope they have gluten free options though.”

  “That’s right. I keep forgetting about that. I’m sure you’ll be able to find something.”

  “I hope you’re right, but I’ll be fine with a cup of coffee.”

  “I thought you didn’t drink coffee.”

  “I don’t, but this is an extenuating circumstance. I’ll gag it down for the caffeine infusion I constantly hear about from Brandi.”

  He chuckled. “You could always get a soda.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “I can’t stand the stuff. It tastes like metal. I’d rather have one of those sweet coffee drinks everyone is addicted to.”

  “Works for me. It’s nice to have you on the dark side with the rest of us.” Ray opened the door to his Honda for her, then closed it and strode to his side. He settled into his seat then backed out of the driveway. She was going to love his go-to breakfast joint. “I know you didn’t sleep well, but I’m curious if you’re a morning person or not?”

  “Not.” She stretched like a cat. “How far away is this place?”

  “Not far. It’s in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. You’re going to love it. It’s a true coffee shop, and the food is amazing. I eat there every Friday morning, but sometimes there’s a long wait since the place is small.”

  She chuckled. “Your favorite place is a coffee shop, and I don’t like coffee. How is it we’re engaged?” She shot him a wry grin.

  “I asked myself that same question.” It was nice to see this relaxed version of Katie. She was kind of funny when loopy.

  “You look nice today. What’s with the khaki pants and button up? Don’t get me wrong. I like the look, but it’s not your norm.”

  He glanced down at his checked shirt. “Thanks. I suppose you’re accustomed to seeing me in athletic wear. We have an appointment with my grandfather’s attorney after breakfast. I see you’re in your standard coat and jeans.”

  “You don’t like my coat?” Hurt filled her voice.

  He shrugged. “I have no opinion one way or the other. It was only a random comment. Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  “You didn’t. I suppose I wear it too often. My foster mom, the last one I had, once told me if I wore a nice coat over my clothes no one would notice what was underneath.”

  “Was there something wrong with what you wore?”

  She shrugged. “I didn’t have nice clothes, but I was given a super nice coat from a charity for foster kids, and I wore it until it got ruined. When I graduated from high school, my foster parents threw me a party where I received a bunch of money, and I bought this.” She ran her hand along the sleeve of her jacket. “I found it at a consignment shop. It was my one and only splurge on myself.”

  “Thanks for telling me that story. I imagine it wasn’t easy being in the system.” So much about Katie’s quirks fell into place now.

  “You’re right, but if we’re going to marry, there are things you should know about me.”

  He felt her gaze upon him and glanced her way. “There’s more?” The intensity on her face almost seared him.

  “Nothing much, but I can be moody. I want to go back to college, and I enjoy musical theater.” She shifted in her seat. “I’m putting a lot of trust in you. I like to think I’m a good judge of character and that you’re a good risk.”

  “You can trust me, Katie.”

  She nodded. “Now you need to trust me.”

  He jerked his head in her direction. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Eyes on the road,” her voice rose a notch.

  He slammed on the brake at a red light. “Sorry. What did you mean when you said I need to trust you?”

  “You must be hurting after Renee’s and Matt’s deaths, and then you’ve been thrust into being a dad, and now you saddled yourself with me. You’re a rock, Ray. But you can talk to me. I can keep my mouth shut.”

  He blinked. A car horn honked. He pulled forward. It was a good thing the restaurant was up ahead, or they might not get there in one piece. He shuddered at the thought. “Thank you. I might take you up on that but not now.” He pulled along the curb and parked.

  “Works for me, so long as you do at s
ome point.”

  How did he not know Katie was so sweet and bold, too? Sure Brandi thought the world of her, but his fiancée had never allowed him to get to know her until that night at the diner. What had changed for her to open up and show her true self?

  She hopped out of the car without waiting for him to open the door. “This place looks comfortable.”

  He grinned. “That’s a perfect description.” He rested a hand on her back as they went into the bustling diner. After waiting for a table for fifteen minutes, they were seated by a window. A short time later they placed their order.

  “I talked with Ian last night. He pointed out how close you and Brandi are.”

  “You should’ve known that already.”

  “I suppose you’re right. Are you sure it’ll be okay to not have her at your wedding?”

  “It’s fine.”

  “But you won’t have anyone there with you. Won’t you need help with your dress and hair and stuff?”

  She giggled and ran a hand through her short hair. “Um, I think I can handle it. It’s pretty easy. As for the dress, I still need to figure that out.”

  “We could play hooky today and go wedding dress shopping.”

  “That sounds like fun. I do want Brandi at my wedding, but I don’t see how it’s possible.”

  “It is if we get married before they leave.”

  “Impossible. Plus your sister died recently—won’t people talk if you get married so soon after?”

  “Let them talk. I don’t care.”

  “What about your mom. She’s kind of…”

  “Uptight. Prim and proper. Straight laced.” He loved how Katie’s eyes twinkled at the description of his mother.

  “Don’t forget regal, beautiful, and she loves you.”

  Leave it to Katie to point that out. “I want you to have someone you care about at our wedding. Let’s get married before Brandi and Ian leave.”

  “Let me think about it while we eat. Speaking of which…”

  The waitress delivered their meals.