Whatever Love Means

by Leigh Fleming

  She wouldn’t give him any.

  What she had up her sleeves might hurt him, but it would be temporary. He’d understand soon enough.

  The bedroom faded to gray as the sun went down. He needed to leave soon. She had a lot to do before Saturday. Buddy was expected back tonight, and he couldn’t find Travis here. It would ruin her plans. Maggie rubbed her finger beneath Travis’s chin, but still he didn’t stir. There was only one way she knew to bring him back to consciousness.

  She rolled on top of him, pressing kisses over his face and down his neck while grinding her hips against him. His hands involuntarily cupped her bottom as he moaned, but his eyes stayed closed. She ran her tongue through the downy hair on his chest as she murmured his name.

  “Travis, oh Travis,” she sang. “It’s time to wake up.”

  “Mm,” he grunted.

  “Let’s go, sweetheart, you need to leave.”

  His eyes flew open, and he blinked away the confusion. “Leave?”

  “Yes, I’ve got things to do. You better get out of here.”

  He flipped her over, pinning her beneath his warm, lean body. She’d give anything to stay right like this—his hands skimming her thighs and his lips kissing the base of her neck. They had to stop. Buddy could pull in the driveway any minute.

  Travis flicked his tongue over her hard nipple and Maggie went all jelly-like inside. Maybe just one more time. She wrapped her legs around his waist and locked her ankles behind his back. He entered her slowly and gently, pressing his forehead against hers while he looked deep inside her soul. They rocked together, drinking each other in, letting their bodies speak the words they didn’t. All the years apart had vanished in one afternoon. There was no question they were still in love.

  She hoped he would forgive her for what she was about to do.

  Satiated and still coming down from their incredible high, they lay facing each other, neither one speaking. His eyes crinkled at the corners and a sweet smile spread on his face. He was happy, but it wouldn’t last much longer.

  “How about we order in some food and stay right here the rest of the night?” he whispered, placing a kiss on her lips.

  “I can’t.”

  “Why not? You got somewhere to go?”

  “Yeah.”

  He arched a brow and chuckled. “Where?”

  “Jamaica.”

  The smile fell from his face. He pushed out of her arms and sat up. “Jamaica?”

  “My honeymoon. I have to pack.”

  “What the fu—”

  He leapt out of the bed like the mattress was on fire and limped into the hall where he had shed his clothes. “You’ve got to be shitting me,” he grumbled.

  “My wedding is Saturday.”

  “You cannot be serious.” He shoved his legs through his boxers, teetering on his good leg, and then snatched his jeans from the floor. Wobbling as he spun around, he shook his pants at her. “What the hell was this? We just spent the whole day in your bed.”

  “I know. And it was great,” she murmured, pulling the sheet over her bare body and clutching it to her chest. It was killing her to see him so upset. “I’m sorry.”

  “You’re sorry?” he roared, stuffing his cast through his split pant legs. “What the hell, Maggie? You’re still marrying him?” He hopped on one foot as he struggled to get dressed. If only she could explain, but she couldn’t. Not yet. Things had to play out as they should. He snorted like a raging bull and limped down the hall.

  She rushed to her dresser and threw on a nightshirt, running to catch Travis before he left. She found him in the kitchen, pulling his T-shirt over his head.

  “Please listen to me.”

  “Hell, no. I’m done.” He plopped on the kitchen chair where they had first made love and stuffed one foot into a leather boot.

  “It’s not the way it looks.”

  “Really?” He shoved past her and tucked his crutches beneath his arms.

  “I’m going through with the wedding Saturday. I know you’re confused. But—”

  “No, I’m not the one who’s confused.” He jabbed his finger at her, his face blazing red, and his eyes searing with anger. “All that self-analysis bullshit was a waste of your time. You’re totally screwed up, and I doubt there’s any help for you.”

  “Come to the courthouse Saturday.”

  He teetered back like a strong wind had hit him, and his eyes grew as big as moons. If only she could explain, tell him the reasons she was going through with the wedding.

  “Are you out of your mind? You wouldn’t catch me within a mile of that place.” He crutched his way past her, knocking over the kitchen chair on his way to the door. The wedding wouldn’t be the same without him there. She had to convince him somehow.

  “Travis, listen, I know you’re hurt.”

  “Nope, not hurt. You hurt me for the last time fifteen years ago.”

  That jab was a knife to her heart, but she couldn’t let it stop her from following through with her plans. “I’m sorry, but you have to trust me. I need you there on Saturday.”

  He grabbed the doorknob and spun on his good leg, his voice at a scratchy whisper. “Need me? Sorry, lady, I’m done being used.”

  The door slammed like a crack of thunder, and Maggie’s heart ripped in two. The last person in the world she wanted to hurt was Travis, but she had no choice. She was going through with her plans. He would understand everything soon enough.

  Travis peeled out of Maggie’s driveway, squealing tires and fishtailing onto the road with his foot pressed to the floorboard. He’d just been slammed with the biggest blow since his divorce. What the hell was going on? He swiped the back of his hand across his eyes, fighting to keep the yellow line in focus. No way would he cry over that woman. She’d screwed with him for the last time—literally and figuratively. She was about to make another colossal mistake by marrying Buddy Garrett, and he would let her. If she wanted to ruin her life again, it was fine with him. She deserved what she had coming. What he couldn’t figure out was why she had led him to her bed knowing she was getting married in two days. What the hell had he ever done to her except come running every time she called, get her out of every jam, and let her cry on his shoulder when she had a bad day? He was done being a sucker for Maggie Timbrook.

  A plume of dust shot from beneath his tires as he screeched to a stop in the garage parking lot. He threw open the door and climbed out of his truck, leaning on his crutches, when someone called out his name. He slammed the door and turned to find Penny headed his way. She was the last person he wanted to see.

  “Hey, Travis, I’m glad I caught you,” she said, crossing the parking lot.

  “Not today, Penny.” He trudged toward the staircase that led to his apartment.

  “I wanted to ask you something.”

  “Can’t talk right now.” He’d made it to the first step when she grabbed his arm, stopping his escape.

  “Are you okay? You don’t look so good.”

  You think? Your sister just shit on me for the last time.

  “I’ve been better. What do you want?”

  “Somehow I let Virginia McNamara rope me into helping with the fall festival parade. Do you still have the old Camaro convertible?”

  “Yeah.” He rubbed his forehead, hoping this conversation ended soon. A bottle of whiskey was waiting in a cabinet upstairs, and he planned to drink every last drop of it.

  “Do you think we could borrow it to transport the festival queen?”

  “Sure. Fine.” He placed his crutches on the first step and pulled himself up. Unfortunately, she wasn’t finished.

  “Thanks so much, Travis. You’re the best.”

  “If you say so.” For being the best, he sure had been kicked around lately.

  “Are you coming to the courthouse on Saturday?”

  “Hell no.”

  “What?” Penny stopped him on the second step, wedging her body between him and the railing. “You have to come.�
��

  “Jesus, what is it with you Timbrook women? Why the hell would I want to watch Maggie marry Buddy?”

  She squeezed his arm and lowered her chin. “You must be there.” Her eyes locked with his as her fingers dug into his flesh. “She can’t go through with it if you’re not there.”

  “I’m done getting kicked in the teeth, okay? Your sister is on her own.”

  “What do you mean? What happened?”

  “Let’s just say Maggie and I took five steps forward today and a million steps back. I’ve washed my hands of her and her crazy life.”

  “No. Please.”

  He climbed another step as she rushed ahead of him. He would’ve fallen down the stairs if she hadn’t clutched his shoulders in her grip.

  “Ow, what the hell?”

  “Listen to me, Travis. I’ve never asked anything of you before—except today.”

  “No, but your sister has, and I’m full up on favors to the Timbrook family.”

  “I know this seems insane—”

  “You think?”

  “—but it’s important. Saturday will be the biggest day of Maggie’s life, and she’ll need all the support she can get. Especially from you.”

  Penny’s hands shook as she gripped Travis’s shoulders, and her face was ghostly white. Something was going on here, and it had her worried. Why were Maggie and Penny insisting he come to the wedding? None of it made sense.

  “Give me one good, logical reason why I should go to Maggie’s wedding?”

  “You’ll want to witness it.”

  Saturday morning, Travis awoke after a fitful night. The sun wasn’t even up and his eyes were wide open. His cast had been removed yesterday, and his leg itched. But that wasn’t what had kept him up. It was Maggie. He was damned tired of her and her drama worming into his dreams and keeping him awake. He’d told her and Penny he was through—and he meant it. No more dropping everything and running every time Maggie bellowed. She rambled on and on the other day about taking control of her own life, and that would include Travis bowing out. It was the right thing to do, and a long time coming. Besides, she’d have another sucker to lean on in her new husband, Buddy.

  Throwing off the covers, he sat up and scratched the flakey skin on his lower leg. He had been fitted with a walking boot after having his cast removed. Now he could get back to work. In fact, that’s exactly what he’d do instead of going to the wedding. He’d start with changing the oil in his truck, and then he’d help the guys get caught up with the backlog of vehicle repairs.

  A half hour later, he had managed to strap the boot on his leg, hobble down the stairs, and pull his truck in the bay. He enjoyed the quiet of working alone until the rest of the crew showed up. The busy chaos would then carry him through until the wedding and reception were over, and the happy couple was on their way to Jamaica. Country music wafted through the garage speakers, setting a rhythm that Travis worked to as he hummed along. He started to feel better and more energized as the morning progressed.

  Around eleven o’clock, he stopped for a cup of coffee and was leaning against the office door, taking his first sip when Carly pulled in. His heart warmed at the sight of his beautiful daughter, home safe and sound from her week at the beach. She was tan and smiling as she climbed out of the Mustang. She wore a sleeveless dress and sky-high shoes.

  “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” He limped toward her and pulled her into his arms. “I missed you, little one.”

  “I missed you, too, Dad.”

  “Did you behave yourself at the beach?”

  “No.”

  “That’s my girl.” He kissed her curly blond head and held her at arm’s length, once again amazed how perfect she was. A lump formed in his throat at the thought of her going off to college so soon.

  “So what brings you over here this morning? Shouldn’t you be at your mother’s wedding?”

  “Aunt Penny sent me. She told me to make sure to get you to the courthouse.”

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “She said you need to be there.”

  “Well, I’m not coming, okay?” He dropped his hold on Carly and turned around, limping as fast as he could into his office. Penny had done lost her mind if she thought he’d step anywhere near that courthouse today. He had better things to do than to watch Maggie make another bad decision. “Your Aunt Penny is nuts, and so is your mother. I’m not going to that wedding.”

  He dropped into his chair as Carly braced her hands on his desk. “I agree.”

  “If you agree, then why are you here?”

  “I mean, I agree they are nuts. Something weird is going on.”

  “How so?”

  “You know Mom. She gets worked up over the slightest thing. The last time she almost married Buddy she was pacing around, breaking out in a sweat. She couldn’t breathe.”

  “How is she today?”

  “Totally zen. Smiling, laughing. Last night she was singing and dancing around the kitchen as she cleaned up.”

  That didn’t sound like the way Maggie usually handled things. She stressed out over a trip to the grocery store. Something as important and life-changing as a wedding would normally throw her into a tailspin.

  “Where is your mom now?”

  “At the courthouse. When I dropped her off, she acted like she didn’t have a care in the world.”

  “That doesn’t sound like her.”

  “Dad, I’m scared.”

  Carly folded her arms as worry reflected in her eyes. He couldn’t let his little girl go to the wedding seeming so concerned.

  Travis rounded the desk and pulled his daughter into his arms. “I’m sure everything’s okay, honey. Go on down to the courthouse. I’ll clean up and get to the ceremony on time.”

  Chapter 24

  Maggie eased open the side door that led into the small courtroom off the judge’s chambers and pressed her eye to the tiny crack she had created. Penny was sitting on the first-row bench with Riley and Derek. Her eyes scanned to the back of the room, but the only other person invited was not there. She hoped Travis would show, but if he didn’t, he’d soon hear all about it.

  It might even make the front page of the newspaper.

  Carly slipped into the judge’s chambers from the hallway. “Mom,” she whispered, “what are you doing?”

  “Just making sure everyone is here.”

  “It’s twelve-thirty-five. Are you doing this thing or not?”

  “Give it a couple more minutes. I just want to be sure.”

  Turning back to her secret surveillance spot, she sucked in a quick breath when Travis walked in. He wore a slim-fitting gray suit and black tie—the man cleaned up nice—and his hair was combed back in soft waves. His lower leg was encased in a black, padded boot.

  She silently closed the door and smoothed her hands over her hips. She had chosen to wear a comfortable sundress rather than the strapless, white wedding gown.

  The judge came into his chambers wearing a gray suit instead of his long, black robe—a request by Maggie to keep it simple.

  “Are you ready, Maggie? I believe Buddy is in the courtroom.”

  “Ready as I’ll ever be.” She squeezed Carly’s cold, damp hands, and held back a giggle. Her daughter was nervous, but oddly Maggie had never felt so calm and sure. This day had been a long time coming. In the last week, she’d found a strength and confidence that she’d rarely felt and knew that what she was about to do was best for her.

  Still holding Carly’s hand, she pulled her through the door and into the courtroom. Buddy stood in front of the judge’s raised bench, twisting his hands and bouncing his knee. He was nervous. Not as nervous as he was about to be. Before Maggie crossed the room, she wrapped her arm around Carly’s shoulder and kissed her cheek.

  “Thanks for being here for me, Car.”

  “I’ll always be here for you, Mom.” The worry in her daughter’s eyes made her falter a second, but with one glance at the judge st
anding beside Buddy, she had a burst of renewed determination.

  “Let’s go,” she whispered to Carly. There was no turning back now.

  Maggie walked toward the bench with Carly following behind. She glanced over at Travis sitting beside Derek, and her heart nearly leapt from her chest. She smiled at him—the father of her child, the best man she’d ever known—and took a deep breath, ready for whatever came next.

  Reaching the bench, she nodded to the judge and turned to face her groom. Buddy gripped her fingers in his wet, clammy palms and flashed a shaky grin at her. Sweat shimmered on his forehead, and he was breathing heavy. The man looked like he was about to pass out. Smelling salts might come in handy today.

  “Friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to acknowledge the worth and beauty of committed marital love, and to add our best wishes to the words which will unite Margaret May Timbrook and Frederick Eugene Garrett. If there is anyone present who has reason to believe these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

  The blood drained from Buddy’s face and his mouth fell open. He squeezed her hands until they were numb. His eyes shifted back and forth, as if he expected someone to speak out. Maggie had asked the judge to throw in that antiquated question just to see her groom’s reaction. It was better than she had thought. She tipped her chin down and hid her smile as the judge continued.

  “Do you, Frederick Eugene, take Margaret May to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward? For better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?”

  Color had returned to Buddy’s cheeks as he cracked a smile. “I do.”

  “And do you Margaret May take Frederick Eugene—”

  “Hang on, Judge.” She jerked her hands from Buddy’s slimy grip and wiped them on her backside. “Can we go back a little ways?”

  “I’m, um—”

  “Maggie, what are you doing?” Buddy whispered through gritted teeth. His thick, dark brows folded in, and a large drop of sweat rolled down his cheek.