A Man of Honor

by Miranda Liasson

  Cat bit her lip to avoid saying any more. She had to give her family some warning that it was over between them. “There’s no need to worry. We’re—taking it slow. He’s not the type to settle down.”

  “That’s what everyone said about your father, too,” Cat’s mom said.

  The knife slipped, and Cat almost cut herself. Liz took it away from her and pushed the bowl of chicken closer so she could go back to skewering the kebabs. “Dad was a—a womanizer?”

  Her father, a tall man with gray hair who wore an apron his employees got him that said, “My barbecue will knock your shoes off,” walked into the kitchen. He looked a hundred times better than he did last summer, when he was recovering from a stroke. Even had a tan from the few rounds of golf he played each Wednesday. He kissed her mom on the cheek. “There’s only one woman for me.”

  “Don’t avoid the question, Dad,” Liz said. “You dated around a lot before you met Mom?”

  He shrugged. “I was confused. Your mother set me straight.”

  “He means I threatened him,” she said.

  “When necessary, that’s what true love does.” Her dad winked at his daughters and went back out the door with the chicken to man his grill.

  “So, about that veil,” Liz said, at last finally steering the conversation away from the topic of Preston. “I’d love to wear it someday, if you’ll let me, Grandmeel.” She winked at Cat and whispered, “Problem solved. Because the day I marry again will be the day Buckleberry Bend gets a McDonald’s.”

  Cat smiled. That would likely be a while. Every year since the fifties, the city council had staunchly voted against having any fast-food establishments in town.

  “Finally,” Grandmeel said. “One of my granddaughters is showing some sense.”

  Cat’s mom, who never missed much of anything, came to stand behind her daughters. “Life has a way of surprising us, my dears. You never know what can happen. Maybe in a year, both of you will be fighting over wearing that veil.”

  Cat waited for Grandmeel to say something about Liz being divorced or not having any current prospects for a husband, but she didn’t. She also didn’t take the opportunity to complain more about Cat’s failed engagement. She’d even said Robert was boring. Cat knew the subtle changes were the result of Samuel’s influence. Lately, Grandmeel was happier than she’d ever seen her. Not that she’d had a complete personality transplant, but there were definite improvements.

  So maybe Grandmeel had just disproved her own theory. Maybe people could change after all.

  Cat happened to be coming down the stairs after fetching Grandmeel’s eyeglasses when Nick and Maddie walked through the front door with Preston.

  “Hi, sis,” Maddie said, giving Cat a hug. “How’s your headache?”

  “My headache?” She didn’t have one now, not that she didn’t rule out getting one any moment during a long evening pretending to like Preston in front of her entire family.

  “Yeah, Preston said Brady gave you a ride home because your head was throbbing so bad you couldn’t drive.”

  “Oh, that headache. Gone.” She waved her hand in the air. “Thanks to the miracle of Advil.”

  “We brought your car back. Here are your keys.”

  “Thanks for doing that,” she said as she set them down on the hall table.

  Preston walked forward to greet her. “Hi, honey,” he said, kissing her lightly on the cheek. “And here’s your purse that you, um, forgot.”

  She took the purse and said, “Hi to you, too,” with a big, fake smile that really was giving her a headache.

  Nick greeted her warmly with a hug. “Hey, sis.” He slapped Preston playfully on the back. “Who’d have thought you’d be the one to break through to this guy?”

  “She’s the only woman for me.” Preston forced another smile and wrapped an arm around Cat, who tried not to feel as stiff as a paper doll.

  Fortunately, Preston and Nick began talking business and were soon deep in conversation. “Let me get you that business card,” Preston said, pulling out his wallet.

  His wallet. Cat’s heart suddenly knocked hard against her rib cage as she remembered Lacey’s words. If you don’t believe me, check his wallet. What could a wallet possibly tell her about Preston that she didn’t already know? There went her flair for the dramatic, acting up again. The bottom line was he still wanted to call it quits. She just had to focus on surviving this dinner and the wedding festivities this weekend until this nightmare was over.

  They all gathered around the fire pit in the backyard, Brady and Derrick and Jenna joining the rest of them. Dad poured everyone prosecco in honor of Maddie and Nick’s big upcoming weekend. Cat was grateful for something else to focus on to dull the sting of her hurt and her general state of pissed-offedness at Preston, who sat next to her but seemed to act as awkwardly as she—not touching her and speaking to her as little as possible.

  “I love weddings,” her mother said on a sigh. Rosalyn Kingston was a crier, worse than Cat, so Cat braced herself for the speech she could see coming. Her mom raised her glass of prosecco while Henry beamed at her side. “We’re so proud of you, Maddie and Nick, and are so looking forward to your wedding weekend. Also, your wedding has helped Cat and Preston come together. Preston, it’s so wonderful to see you again. I’m glad you and Cat worked out your differences. And Henry’s been so grateful for your help in the CEO search.”

  Preston raised his glass. “It’s been a pleasure to help out, ma’am. We’ve had some great candidates.”

  Rosalyn raised her glass in the direction of her oldest daughter. “Liz, we’re so happy to have you back with us from Africa, and so glad you’ve decided to stay in town to practice. Love you too, honey.” She turned to Derrick and Jenna. “Last but not least, we are so looking forward to the new addition to our family in just a few short months.”

  Derrick took up his wife’s hand and kissed it, and she beamed at him. Everyone raised their glasses and drank to the toast, Cat draining her prosecco like there was a fire nearby. She loved her family, was happy for everyone, but she wanted to be here tonight about as much as she loved black-eyed peas.

  “Catherine’s got a degree in journalism,” Grandmeel told Brady in front of everyone. “Worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer until recently. She just interviewed for a position at the Charlotte Herald. My father and grandfather were both newspapermen. The talent runs in the family. As I always say, Kingstons were born to educate the world.”

  “About that,” Cat said, cutting off her grandmother at the pass. “I-I’m thinking of switching my occupation. Becoming a teacher.” Wow, she’d finally come out and said it. She’d never put it into words before, but…yeah. There it was. The truth.

  “Lord, child, that prosecco’s gone straight to your head,” Grandmeel said. “Teaching is the lowest-paid profession anywhere.”

  “I’ve been substituting this week for the kindergarten class at Buckleberry Elementary. It’s a real challenge.”

  “Honestly, Catherine,” Grandmeel said, “changing your mind about marriage, changing your career…you’re coming across as very indecisive. All this mind-changing is getting expensive.”

  Cat turned red, embarrassed to be scolded in front of the family. Just when she opened her mouth to muster a reply, Preston spoke. “People are entitled to change their minds, Amelia. Sometimes it’s a matter of finding out what you don’t like. Whatever Cat decides, I know she’ll throw her entire heart into it like she always does.”

  “That’s easy for you to say,” Grandmeel said. “You’re not paying for more education.”

  “I wouldn’t expect anyone to pay for my education,” Cat said. “I’d do it myself.”

  “We’ll support Cat in whatever she decides,” her dad said.

  “Well, she’d better hurry up,” Grandmeel said. “She’s not getting any younger.” Liz shifted uncomfortably in her seat, undoubtedly taking Grandmeel’s comment as an insult to herself as well. Cat looked at her mot
her, who rolled her eyes and subtly poured the half glass that was left of her dad’s prosecco into her own glass.

  Preston must have been in the mood to spar, because he said, “The Kingston women are like fine wine, Amelia. They only improve with age.”

  Liz quietly lifted her glass to him from her seat off to the side. But Cat just cleared her throat. “I’m going to get the watermelon,” she said. “Be right back, sugar,” she said, patting Preston on the knee.

  “Take your time, sweetness,” he called back.

  On impulse, she turned and lifted the nearly full glass of prosecco her mom had just set down on the table and took it for herself.

  …

  “Preston, another beer?” Brady asked, reaching into the cooler for another bottle.

  “No, thanks,” Preston said. “I’m still working on this one.”

  “You’re a one-beer kind of guy, huh? Must be a lightweight.”

  What, was this guy back in college, competing for how many beers he could slug down in one night? He clearly never had to handle a belligerent, out-of-his-mind drunk father who was about to beat the shit out of his mother and force him to go to bed. And if the guy told one more lacrosse story from his time at Duke, Preston was going to hurl.

  No, one beer was fine with him, thanks. He’d keep his wits about him.

  “So, Brady,” Henry said as he dipped a chip into the homemade guacamole and sat down on a cushioned deck chair. “Tell us a little about where you’d see Kingston Shoes headed under your leadership.”

  “Well, sir, I’d do everything I can to up the productivity. To guarantee the workers a decent salary and to get your shoes known across the nation. Maddie and Nick’s grandfather are a great design team. Now you need great marketing to get the product out there. My father always used to say to us kids growing up, work hard and work smart, meaning that efficiency is the key to building up the company.”

  Brady had all the perfect answers. He came from the perfect family. He possessed everything Cat could want, had everything her family was looking for, and was clearly crazy about her. Preston wanted to take him out of the job applicant pool just for that.

  Cat opened the sliding door to the house, carrying a full tray of watermelon. As she headed down the few stairs to the deck, her sandal caught, and she lost her balance. The watermelon tipped and pieces began to slide off the tray.

  Preston struggled to stand up with such force, his chair tipped over backward with a resounding thud. Before he could lumber over to help, Brady was beside her, grasping her by the elbow and catching her, another hand steadying the tray. Preston’s damn leg had tripped him up and slowed him down as usual.

  “Hey there, beautiful,” Brady whispered loud enough Preston could hear. Then out loud, “Wouldn’t want you to fall.”

  Grandmeel picked up Preston’s chair. In a low voice, she said, “Now, wouldn’t want you rushing over there and tripping on the watermelon seeds. You might hurt your good leg.”

  “With all respect, Amelia,” Preston said, “I’m used to dodging land mines, so I don’t think a couple of slippery seeds are going to trip me up.” Preston barely registered her reply. Because Brady had helped Cat steady herself and was still touching her arm. He swore he saw him whisper something in her ear and sure enough, saw color rise to her face.

  Shit. The man was making a play for her right in front of him.

  Cat righted herself. “Thanks, Brady,” she said. “Glad I’m okay, but I’m afraid half the watermelon isn’t.”

  Brady bent down and started picking up the fallen melon and throwing it into the trash, something else Preston couldn’t help with.

  “I’ll go back into the house and get some more,” Cat said.

  Preston was about to say he’d help her when Brady said it instead. And accompanied her into the kitchen.

  “I’m so glad Brady’s interviewing for our CEO job,” Grandmeel said. “We need a smart, tough, and aggressive leader.”

  “He certainly is skilled,” Preston said. But he’d better not be using those skills on Cat.

  Cat’s father tossed Preston a deferring look. “I appreciate the hard work you’ve put into narrowing down the CEO candidates, son. I know how hard you’ve been working at it.”

  Preston forced himself to focus on Mr. Kingston’s words instead of wondering what the hell Brady was up to with Cat in the kitchen. He managed to crack a smile that felt as if he were moving his muscles through layers of caked-on mud. “Yes, sir. We’ll for sure find a person who’s a great fit for the company. Dedicated, hardworking, and shares your mission. I want to help you find someone who appreciates the way you all make your shoes. Who understands that quality does appeal over quantity.”

  He wasn’t 100 percent sure Brady understood that. Oh, he was all about productivity, but the methods he’d use to get the company up to speed seemed to indicate he’d take away local jobs for automation and outsourcing.

  “Are you saying some people interviewing for the position want us to use machines to speed up the shoemaking?” Derrick asked.

  “Productivity is important,” Nick said. “But Kingston Shoes were and always will be handmade.” He turned to Henry. “I told you Preston had a good grip on the company’s mission.”

  Yes, he did. But right now, the only mission Preston saw Brady having was to get Cat laid. A mission Preston didn’t like one bit. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make a trip to the restroom.”

  When he entered the kitchen, Cat and Brady were standing at the island. Brady was cutting pieces of watermelon, and Cat was arranging them on the tray. And they were laughing.

  “Hey, Preston,” Cat said. “Need anything?”

  “Just to talk to you,” Preston said, taking her by the arm and leading her out of the kitchen. “Would you excuse us a minute?”

  That’s when Preston realized he was sweating. He couldn’t wait another minute to tell her the truth. That he’d made that dumb move with Lacey today out of panic and stupidity. That he’d never wanted to let Cat go. That all he’d ever wanted was to have her, and how could he have her when he was in such a shit state of mind? When everything about his world was different now and he didn’t even know who the hell he was anymore. Yet he had to tell her. Because he could not let this aggressive shithead walk in and take over.

  “What is it?” Cat asked. Her tone was irritated. Her eyes held an impassive, hardened look he’d never seen before.

  “Cat, I—”

  “Oh, before you start, I want you to know there’s no need for you to try to fix me up with anyone else. Brady’s asked me out. I like him a lot.”

  He tried not to show his shock, his surprise. His devastation. Everything had turned out exactly as he’d planned. He’d rejected her, hurt her so she’d give him up for good, and found her a better man. Someone who was hale and hearty, from a better family, and who fit in perfectly with hers.

  “That’s…great, Cat. It’s just what you wanted.”

  He searched her eyes for any signs she was calling his bluff, but she was smiling sweetly, her look expectant. Like she was excited she’d finally met an upstanding guy who was a gentleman and who treated her like she deserved to be treated.

  Everything he wasn’t or couldn’t ever be. The guacamole and chips he just ate tossed sickly in his stomach.

  “What were you going to tell me?” she asked.

  He broke his hold on her and turned back to head back to the kitchen “N-nothing. Just wondering if taking me to PT before heading to school was going to work for you tomorrow.” Later tomorrow afternoon the wedding party was meeting at the lodge at the lake for fun and festivities before the big day on Saturday.

  “I’m already packed for the weekend and I’ll pick you up at eight sharp. Sound okay?”

  “Great. Everything sounds great. Thanks.”

  Too bad nothing, absolutely nothing, felt great inside.

  …

  Liz opened the screen door and walked in with an empty
pitcher of iced tea. Cat was sitting at the island after sending Brady out with the watermelon, trying to figure out what the hell had just happened. Over the past week, she’d tried to wear Preston down with compassion, with confrontation, and now she’d resorted to primitive caveman tactics—good old-fashioned jealousy. She felt sick. He’d backed down, seemed happy for her. Shit, why did she go and do that?

  “Wow, you never told me you had a love triangle thing going on,” Liz said.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Maddie already told me you’re not really dating Preston. But is it warm in here?” She fanned her face with her hands. “Because he’s throwing you enough heated glances to send the fire pit up in flames.”

  “We had a fight. The heated glances are probably from wishing he were anywhere but here.”

  “What is there to fight about if you’re not really dating?”

  “It’s super complicated.”

  Liz sat down across from her at the island. “Look, Cat, I’ve been gone a whole year, and we all know how my happily ever after turned out. But through all this, I’ve learned one thing, and it’s that honesty is the keystone of any relationship. If you don’t have that, you don’t have anything. And you know what? The honesty part starts with yourself.”

  “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

  “I’m saying that before you walk away, don’t be afraid to demand honesty of him and of yourself. Then if it doesn’t work, you have nothing to look back on with regret.”

  Liz wrapped her arms around her and gave her a kiss on the head. “I’m glad you’re back,” Cat whispered.

  “Me, too,” she said.

  Cat waited until Liz left and she was alone in the kitchen, the muffled sounds of chatter and laughter from outside filtering through the glass doors. God, would this day never end? She really did have a splitting headache. Now that Brady knew Preston and she weren’t dating, he wasn’t shy at all about letting her know his interest. Despite Preston’s conviction in telling her good-bye for good, he had seemed agitated and tense.