The Reluctant Groom Read online

  She quickly readied for bed then clicked off the lamp. Maybe she’d know what to do by morning.

  A buzzing sound awakened Katie. She opened her eyes and squinted at the sun shining in from the windows. She reached over and grabbed her phone. “Hello.”

  “I’m sorry to wake you.”

  “Cassandra?”

  “Yes. Your mom is sitting beside my desk.”

  Katie sat straight up. “What is she doing there? Can she hear us talking?”

  “No. I walked out of earshot, but I can still see her.”

  “What does she want?”

  “She says she only wants to see you.”

  “What should I do? How does she look?”

  “She looks put together. Whether you meet her or not is your choice.”

  Katie fisted her hand around the sheets. “I don’t know. I want to see her, but I don’t want to open the door to a relationship with her.”

  “Why not meet at a neutral place like a Starbucks. You’d at least be able to see what she looks like now and then make a decision at that point.”

  “How will I know who she is?” Katie would never recognize her mom after all these years. She could barely remember what she used to look like.

  “Trust me. You’ll know.”

  “Okay. I’ll do it.” She had questions she wanted answered, and this might be her only chance to find out the answers.

  “I’ll tell her to be there in an hour,” Cassandra said.

  “Whoa. It’s not that simple. I need time to plan. I’m a nanny, and I can’t bring a four-year-old along.”

  “Why not?”

  “Never mind. I’ll figure something out.” She rambled off the address of the Starbucks around the corner from The Ring. “Go ahead and tell her I’ll meet her there, but make it two hours.”

  “Okay. Let me know how it goes.”

  “Sure. I don’t suppose you want to join us?”

  “I can’t. Swamped as usual.”

  “Okay. I know you said I’d know her, but will you tell me what she looks like anyway?

  “She has red hair, and she’s wearing a Mariners’ T-shirt.”

  “Thanks.” Decision made, she quickly readied herself then raced down the stairs and into Ray’s house. “Morning.” She went straight for the coffeepot.

  “What are you doing?” Ray asked.

  “I’m meeting my mom in two hours at Starbucks.”

  He took the pot from her hand. “Go easy on that stuff. I make it super strong. You’ll get the shakes if you drink a whole cup.”

  “Oh, thanks for the warning. I’m already shaking.” Her gaze shot around the kitchen. “Where’s Emily? She’s usually up by now.”

  “Hailey stopped by a few minutes ago and took her.”

  “Was that planned?” She frowned. As Emily’s nanny, she ought to have a handle on the girl’s schedule.

  “Hailey called early this morning. She’ll drop Emily at the community center this afternoon.” He looked her way. “I know you think Emily shouldn’t spend a lot of time with my sister, but Hailey is hurting, too, and being with Emily is good for her.”

  “You’re right. I didn’t think of that.” She hadn’t wanted to bring Emily, but over the past thirty minutes she’d decided having Emily along might be a nice buffer. Then again, Katie had no idea what kind of person her mom was. It was probably best not to have Emily come along.

  “Hey.” Ray faced her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “Are you okay? I can come with you if you need moral support.”

  Did she want him there? Yes. But shouldn’t she do this on her own? “I don’t know. What if she’s horrible?”

  “What if she’s wonderful? I’d like to meet her.”

  “Why? And I guarantee she’s not wonderful. She abandoned me with an abusive father.” She slapped a hand to her mouth. She had not meant to reveal that. No one knew. She’d kept that hidden from everyone.

  Ray frowned. “Your dad hurt you?”

  She nodded. Years of keeping her secret hidden and suddenly revealing it burst a dam. Her throat thickened. She looked away. “I need to go.”

  “Why?” He removed his hands from her shoulders.

  Cold filled the area where his hands had been. She had to look pathetic in his eyes; breaking down in front of him was not an option.

  “Let me be here for you, Katie.” His voice softened. “That’s what good friends do.”

  Her watery eyes met his. A tear escaped. She turned her face, refusing to give in to the overwhelming emotions attacking her. She took a shuttering breath.

  “Ah, Katie. Come here.” He gently drew her to him and held her.

  Her face heated as tears burned her throat. Ray’s heartbeat pulsed in her ear. Overcome with his tender care, a sob ripped through her.

  Ray’s arms tightened around her.

  How could her mom have left her with Dad? She’d known what he was like. She should have taken Katie with her. Tears flowed unchecked. Her body shook, and she clung to Ray.

  His hand gently rubbed her back. He didn’t offer any words, only silent support.

  The wracking tears finally stopped. She took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m sorry. I’m okay now.” She lowered her hands to her side and stepped out of his embrace.

  He tore a paper towel off the roll and handed it to her.

  “Thanks. I didn’t mean to lose it on you.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry for. How do you feel now?”

  She splashed water on her face then dried it with the towel. “Embarrassed but relieved at the same time. It feels good to finally tell someone.”

  “What can I do?”

  “Nothing. I’m fine.”

  “I’m not. I’m boiling mad that you were hurt like that.”

  Her eyes widened. His anger was nothing compared to her dad’s rage. He was a violent drunk, and one night he hit the wrong person—a cop—and when the man fell, he struck his head and died. “When my dad went to prison, it was a relief. But at the same time, I was only thirteen, and I was scared, and angry, too. My parents failed me, and it hurt.”

  “What did your dad do to you?”

  “He hit me when he got drunk. But he was smart. He only hit me where he knew no one would see.”

  “Did he hurt your mom, too?”

  Katie nodded. She’d never abandon her own child like her mother had.

  “I’d like to come with you today.” His voice was soft yet firm.

  “Okay. But let me do the talking.”

  “Fine, but I won’t let her hurt you anymore.” His fierce gaze bore into hers. “I’m serious. One misstep on her part and we’re leaving.”

  She nodded and swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. “Thanks. I need to go redo my face.”

  “I’ll make us breakfast.”

  She rushed up to her apartment in a daze-like state. Without a doubt, Ray was a good man—the kind of man who seemed to only exist in her dreams. That wasn’t fair though. Ian was also a good guy. She was so thankful neither of them drank. There was no way she’d ever get involved with a guy who drank, even if he didn’t get drunk—too many bad memories to go there. She washed her face and reapplied a light coat of makeup. Her normal jeans and T-shirt suddenly didn’t feel right. She grabbed the black A-line skirt she reserved for special occasions and her favorite red top then slipped into black ballet flats. If she was going to see her mom today, she wanted to look her best.

  Ray glanced over his shoulder when she entered the kitchen. “You changed.”

  “Too much?” She looked down at the ensemble.

  “Just right. And you won’t need your coat to hide in either.” He flipped two pancakes onto a plate.

  She stuck her tongue out at him.

  He chuckled. “Syrup’s in the fridge.”

  “Thanks. They’re gluten free?” There was no way she could eat. Her stomach was a mess with nerves, but she’d try for Ray.

  “Of course. I used the mix y
ou bought. He grabbed his plate and parked himself beside her. “Eat up. I know I’m not the best cook, but I make decent pancakes.”

  She forked a bite into her mouth and chewed.

  He chuckled. “I take it back. These are terrible. Let’s go out.”

  “These are fine.”

  He took her plate and placed it in the sink. “If the look on your face when you were chewing is any indication, they are far from fine.”

  She grimaced. “I’m sorry. I think anything I eat this morning will taste like wood. I’m supposed to meet my mom at Starbucks. You want to grab something there?”

  “Sounds good. Be right back.” A few minutes later, he returned.

  She couldn’t believe she was marrying this man—and in only two days! Would they have the kind of marriage she’d witnessed in Brandi’s parents? She hoped so. Even though she ended up with a wonderful foster family, she hadn’t been especially close to them. Brandi’s parents welcomed her into their home and had been the mentors she’d needed. Too bad they wouldn’t be able to attend her wedding. They were probably the only other people she would have chosen to invite.

  Ray rested a hand on her shoulder. “You okay?”

  “Yes. I was lost in thought, but I’m fine.” She plastered on a smile. “Let’s get this over with.” She only hoped she wasn’t making a huge mistake.

  Chapter Ten

  Katie recognized her mother the moment the woman walked into Starbucks. “There she is,” she whispered to Ray.

  “You could be twins, except for the hair color.”

  She nodded—her mouth too dry to speak. She sipped her water then stood. Her mother’s gaze landed on her, and she stopped mid-step.

  “Katie?” Her face broke into a smile. She rushed forward. “Thank you for meeting me.” She opened her arms.

  Katie sidestepped the embrace. “Mom, this is my fiancé, Ray.”

  Ray nodded.

  “You’re engaged? I didn’t expect that.” She frowned.

  “Why’s that?” Katie asked, trying to keep a neutral tone but failing miserably as years of pent up anger suddenly overcame her.

  Mom’s smile faded. “You’re too young. I don’t want you to make the same mistake I did.” She stood. “Excuse me. I’m going to grab something to drink. Be right back. You won’t leave, will you?”

  “I’ll wait.” Katie sat, keeping her gaze on her mother. Dizziness hit her as she tried to calm the rage that coursed through her. What right did her mother have to criticize her or offer advice? She gave up that right when she walked away.

  Ray grasped her hand and gave it a light squeeze. “What can I do for you?”

  “Pray. I didn’t realize how angry I was until I saw her. I don’t want to make a scene or embarrass you.” Her gaze met his. “I’m sorry for what she said.”

  “Don’t be. She’s right. You’re young, but you’re also mature.”

  “But, still, she has no right to judge me.”

  He ducked his head and got in her face. “Remember you’re a child of the King. He loves you more than we can imagine. He’s here for you, Katie.”

  She nodded as her mother carried a pink colored Frappuccino back to their table. Ray was right. She was God’s child first and foremost. Her mom was human and imperfect. Everyone messed up—some more than others.

  Mom sat across from them. “Thank you for meeting me. I know it wasn’t easy. I didn’t think you’d agree considering our history. But I had to try.” Her mom’s demeanor had changed to business.

  “You’re right. It wasn’t easy. Why did you want to meet?” She had so many questions.

  “I needed to apologize. I’m sorry for not taking you with me or sticking around.”

  “Why did you leave?”

  “I had a nervous breakdown. Ended up in the psych ward, and once I was released, I couldn’t go back. It was too much. I was so afraid.”

  “So you left your ten-year-old daughter to deal with Dad instead? Why didn’t you at least turn him in?”

  “I was afraid. He knew where I was and—”

  “Wait. Dad knew you were in the hospital?” He’d told her that Mom had run away because she didn’t want to be a mom anymore. She should have known he was lying.

  “Yes. He was listed as my emergency contact. When they released me, I told him I wanted a divorce and that I wanted you, but he threatened me. I was too weak to fight him. So I moved away and started a new life. I recently learned your dad was in prison. Or I would have come sooner.”

  “You’re thirteen years too late.” She didn’t buy for one minute that no one ever tried to contact her mother when her dad was arrested.

  Mom frowned. “I know. I have regrets. You’re my biggest. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. I hope it’s not too late for us.”

  “I’ll try, but it’s safe to say there will never be anything between us.”

  Ray cleared his throat.

  She’d almost forgotten he was there. She shot a look in his direction and raised a brow.

  “Perhaps you both need time to get used to the idea of each other,” Ray said. “Expecting to pick up where you left off is unrealistic.”

  He had a point. Maybe given time…no, all the time in the world would change nothing. That would take a miracle.

  “What if the two of you agree to meet here once a week for the next month and see what happens?”

  Katie shot him a look she hoped would silence him. She appreciated that he was here for her but didn’t care for him butting in. She looked to her mother to gauge her reaction.

  “A month is impossible.”

  Whew!

  “But I suppose I could stick around for another week or two.”

  So much for that. She’d look like the bad guy if she turned down her mother’s offer. “What do you do for a living?”

  “I cut hair.”

  “Then how can you afford to be away for so long?”

  She grinned. “I’m very expensive.”

  “Okay. Fine. I’ll meet you here every Monday evening for the next two weeks.”

  “Evening?”

  “I have a job.”

  “Of course.”

  They firmed up their plans.

  “What if one of us needs to cancel?” Her mom asked. “How will I contact you?”

  “Tell Cassandra. She’ll make sure I get the message. Make sure she has your number, too.”

  “Okay. Thanks.” Her mother’s gaze encompassed both Katie and Ray before she stood and walked out.

  Katie blew out a breath and sagged in her chair. “I wish you hadn’t done that.”

  “I realized that once it was too late. How are you doing?”

  “I was better before she came back into my life.” At least she didn’t ask to come to their wedding!

  Thursday morning, Katie awoke to sunshine streaming through the apartment windows. She’d be a married woman by day’s end. There’d been no wedding rehearsal last night, but she and Ray would be meeting with his minister today, who, according to Ray, understood the circumstances of their marriage, which was the only reason he’d agreed to officiate without pre-marital counseling. She kicked the covers off her twin bed, grabbed the jeans she’d picked out last night and a pastel pink t-shirt, then padded to the bathroom.

  It would be a long day since she still had to work her shift at the community center this afternoon. But she could handle it all.

  A knock on her door startled her. She walked over to it and pulled it open.

  “Happy birthday!” Brandi held a bouquet of balloons and a pastry box. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

  “Yes. Sorry. You took me by surprise. I completely forgot about my birthday. I can’t believe I’m getting married this young. Somehow I thought I’d fall in love and get married closer to thirty.” If anyone had told her she’d be getting married on her twenty-fourth birthday she’d have laughed. But as it was, no one but Brandi even knew. She took extra care with her hair.

  “
I know how you are about birthdays,” Brandi said. “I wondered if you’d remember this year with all that’s been going on.”

  Katie had gotten into the habit of forgetting about her special day when she was younger to avoid being disappointed—birthdays had always been a letdown when she was a kid. She stepped aside. “What are you doing here? Why aren’t you at work?”

  “My last day was yesterday. I’m here to help however you need me.” Brandi strode past Katie and set the balloons and box on the kitchen counter. “You couldn’t have timed this wedding better, well except my parents won’t be back in time for it.”

  “It’s okay. At least I get to have you there. I’m surprised you’re so enthusiastic. I thought you didn’t approve.”

  “I might not think what you’re doing is the best for you, but that doesn’t change that you’re my friend, and I want to support you and be there to help you.”

  Katie hugged her. “Thank you. This means a lot.”

  Brandi looked around the apartment. “So what are we doing today?”

  “Ray and I meet with the minister at ten. Then we were going to grab lunch. I wish I’d known what you were planning.”

  “Not a problem. Do you have the marriage license?”

  “Yes. We applied for that before we moved the date up. Ray has it.”

  “Good. What about your dress? I can make sure it gets to The Ring safely, and I can prepare snacks so you don’t faint from low blood sugar.”

  “Very funny. You know I don’t faint, and my dress is already at The Ring. There’s little to do since Ray’s taking care of everything.”

  Disappointment washed over Brandi’s face. “So there’s nothing I can do for you today?”

  “You could hang out with me and keep me sane. I have to work this afternoon, and it’d be fun to have you along. Thankfully, Hailey is taking Emily again today, so that will make things a lot easier.”

  “I agree, but why are you working on your wedding day? No one does that.”

  “I do.” She didn’t want to make a big deal about getting married to anyone at work other than those who already knew. If she’d taken the afternoon off, there’d have been so many questions. Questions she didn’t want to answer.