by Donna Fasano
"On time for what?" she asked him softly. "At this point there's no church, there's no minister. How can there be a wedding?"
"Anna's saying that?" Jason said. "That there's not going to be a wedding?"
Katie was quiet a moment as she tried to decide how to answer his question. He was obviously upset, genuinely so, at what was happening to Derrick and Anna.
"She's mulling over some troubling thoughts," she finally said. "But the fact that she's still locked in there—" Katie indicated the office with a small jerk of her head "—determined not to invite bad luck by refusing to see her groom must be a good sign that she wants to get married today."
"Yeah," Jason said. "Yeah, you're right. That is a good sign."
"There is one very good thing..."
"And that is?"
Katie smiled at him. "Anna loves Derrick very much, and she wants to spend the rest of her life with him. She's voiced those words to me. I'll go back in there and try to get her to focus on that while you guys decide what you're going to do about a location."
Jason's blue eyes softened with tenderness. There was a split second where he looked unsure of himself, but then he moved closer to her, cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand and said, "You're a wonderful person, Katie Smyth-with-a-y. And I'm really glad that you're here with me."
Her smile widened, her head tipped to one side, and her heart seemed to blossom with a warm and fuzzy joy. She searched his gaze, reluctant to let go of the moment. "I'm happy I'm here—" her tone softened "—with you."
It was as though they were all alone, as though there were no other people in the house, in the world. Jason's fingers trailed up along her cheekbone, threaded into her hair. He leaned forward and gently kissed the warm spot on her jaw where his palm had been. He studied her for a minute before he spoke.
"I wish..."
He let the sentence fade off, but Katie clearly understood his thought. She, too, had wishes of her own. Passionate wishes.
One corner of his mouth tipped in a sexy grin. "I really should get back to Derrick."
Reluctance was evident in his tone, and Katie's insides curled with a perfect heated pleasure.
"He's usually a calm guy," he went on, "but this thing has him shook up."
Katie nodded. "I'll hold down the fort here with Anna."
His gaze roved over her face, as though he was afraid he wouldn't see her again for many days rather than just a few moments and he wanted to imprint her image on his brain. The gesture made her feel wanted, cherished.
Then he said, "After this is all over, you and I are going to spend a little time alone, okay?"
Her smile beamed as she nodded in answer.
With what seemed like a great deal of unwillingness, he offered her a final smile and turned away.
As though she were a starving person in need of sustenance, her greedy eyes watched him closely until he disappeared around the corner. Only then did she turn on her heel and push open the office door.
Anna still stood across the room at the window; however, she swiveled her head to look at Katie.
"Judging from the happy expression on your face," Anna commented, "there must be good news from someone."
Immediately Katie was barraged by guilt. How could she feel so deliriously happy, so deliciously attracted to Jason when Anna's and Derrick's lives were in such turmoil? Her smile faded until no trace of it remained.
"Actually," Katie said, "the news isn't so good."
"Oh?"
Anna faced her fully, took a couple of steps in her direction and paused at Derrick's desk. Reaching out to place a trembling hand on its solid wood top, she asked, "What's happened now?"
"It's your cousin—"
"Mary? What's wrong with Mary?"
Anna swallowed inadvertently. The trepidation reflected in those deep green eyes prodded to the surface Katie's most compassionate emotions.
"She's fine," Katie assured her. "It's just that she's missed her train. There's no way she's going to make it—"
"Oh, Lord! What else can happen? This is hopeless."
Anna's exclamation was released in a mournful whisper. She pressed her fingertips to her mouth. Katie thought her heart would break as tears welled in the woman's eyes and slid silently down her cheeks.
"Oh, Anna, I'm so sorry."
But it was as though her apology fell on deaf ears.
Anguish tightened Anna's tone as she said, "This is a sure sign." She shook her head. "We shouldn't be doing this. We shouldn't be tempting the Fates by ignoring the things that are happening." She went toward the door. "I have to tell Derrick. The wedding's off."
"Wait, Anna," Katie said, raising her hand. "Just wait a minute. Can't we try to fix this?"
Anna's troubled gaze swept from the door and locked on to Katie's face. The chaos churning in that green gaze made Katie frown, her chest actually aching with the concern and tenderness she felt.
"Please," she said softly, "don't charge out there just yet. What we need is a little clear thinking. That's all."
She felt too flustered to think clearly herself. How could she expect Anna to?
Anna stood silent, waiting.
Katie chewed her bottom lip a moment, uncertain as to what she should say.
"I don't know what God, or the Fates, or whatever, is trying to tell you here," Katie admitted. "I don't even know that they're trying to tell you anything. But I do know that you told me how you feel about Derrick. I know that you love him. I can see it on your face. I can hear it in your voice. And I know that the man out there that I met—the man who is literally beside himself with worry, thinking that you and he might not be married today—I know that he loves you very much too."
The dark, troubling thoughts that clouded Anna's gaze cleared a little as she listened to what Katie had to say.
"I realize that you don't know me," Katie continued. "You have no reason to listen to anything I have to say. I don't know what you've gone through with Derrick. I know nothing about your relationship. You say that the two of you are opposites. Well, maybe that's so."
Her chin lifted a fraction. "But I say that you're opposites who have love on their side. And at the risk of sounding silly, and even clichéd, I believe that love can bridge many a valley. Especially a love that's deep and wide and strong." She paused a moment and then quietly asked, "Is that the kind of love that you and Derrick share?"
Katie watched Anna's eyes tear up again as the woman nodded her head ever so slowly.
"So the church caught fire. So what?" Katie lifted her hands and shrugged. "I heard that the kitchen's damaged, but not beyond repair. At least the building didn't burn to the ground. And, yes, the minister's in the hospital—" This time there was concern in her tone. "That is terrible, but even though he's not able to perform your marriage ceremony, at least the man is alive; he'll heal up. He'll be okay. And so what—" she lifted her hands again, palm side up "—if your cousin missed her train. She'll get here sometime, right?"
Anna blinked, seemingly startled that Katie would sum up all of the tragedies of the day in such a devil-may-care manner.
"Let's focus on what's important," she pointed out. "Let's put the proper things into perspective." Her tone lowered. "And there are only three of those. You love Derrick." She counted off on her fingers. "Derrick loves you. And the two of you want to spend the rest of your lives together." Her hand lowered to her side, and her head tilted. "Anna, your forever together can start now, today. And isn't that the most important thing of all?"
Anna looked almost convinced, and suddenly one final argument entered Katie's head.
"Could it be possible," she said, allowing the words to flow as they came to her, "that all the things that have happened today—all the things you've seen as dire signs—aren't signs of sure failure at all? Maybe they're not symbols of a dreadful future." She paused. "Maybe they're a challenge."
Anna blinked, then a spark of interest lit her green gaze.
"Ye
s," Katie went on, animatedly, "couldn't it just be possible that life is challenging both you and Derrick? And that if you rise to the challenge, you'll learn that—together—there's nothing you can't conquer."
The stiff tension in Anna's shoulders started to melt like a cube of ice sitting in the sunshine.
"Wow," Anna said at last, "I never thought of it that way." She put her hands on the colorful fabric covering her hips. "I've never been one to be bested by a challenge." She smiled. "You know, Katie, I think you might be right."
"In this instance," Kate proclaimed, "I know I am."
Anna's smile widened and she laughed. She inhaled deeply, and then let the air rush out of her as if she were releasing all her pent up tension. She took a second full breath, and her whole body seemed to take on an ethereal calmness. "Would you go tell Derrick that I want to marry him—today?"
Katie grinned.
"Tell him that I wouldn't mind saying my vows right out there—" she pointed toward the window "—in the backyard right on the bay."
Surprise brightened Katie's face. "What a great idea."
Anna straightened her spine and squared her shoulders in an obvious attempt to steel herself for what lay ahead. "There will be dozens of phone calls to be made. So many things to be rearranged."
"Don't worry about a thing—"
A sharp knocking on the door cut Katie's sentence in half.
"Katie?"
Both women smiled at the urgency in Jason's tone.
"Katie, the caterer just arrived," he rushed ahead, "with a van full of food. What are we going to do? Could you come out here?"
Before she answered, Katie focused her full attention on Anna. "I can handle this," she said. "I've thrown many a successful party in my day. I want you to make yourself dazzling for Derrick. I'll take care of the food and the flowers—I take it Derrick has the florist's number? And I'll get a list of the guests from him, too."
Jason knocked again. "Katie? Katie!"
Now Katie was chuckling. "Remember, Anna—don't worry about a thing. This is going to be one beautiful wedding."
Chapter 9
"Wasn't that an absolutely beautiful wedding?"
Katie nodded in response to Jason's softly spoken question, thrilled when he reached over and took her hand in his. They stood there on the shore with the other guests, watching Anna and Derrick sail across Pocomoke Sound and out into the Chesapeake Bay in the waning afternoon sunlight. The one successful plan that the newlywed couple had made was to sail north and honeymoon in nearby historic Annapolis.
Turning to look behind her, Katie scanned the cluttered tables and chairs that had been hastily set up into rows for the guests. She smiled as her eyes followed the paper streamers and delicate, puffy wedding bells that trailed from tree to tree. Even the guests had helped to decorate as they arrived. Granted, the ceremony in Derrick's backyard had been quickly thrown together, but Katie felt it had been the most romantic wedding she'd ever attended in her life.
Anna had made a breathtakingly gorgeous bride in her gown made of antique ivory lace. Katie's smile widened as she remembered how surprised Derrick had been to see the woman of his dreams dressed in such a conservative manner. He'd verbalized his astonishment over his new bride's choice of dress while making his Groom's Speech. Anna had only tossed him a flirtatious and wicked grin, and when it was her time to address her guests, she'd playfully admitted that underneath her traditional gown were wild surprises—surprises meant for her husband's eye alone. The guests cheered their approval, and it hadn't been long before the couple left for their honeymoon.
The day might have begun with disaster, but everyone had worked together to meet and overcome each challenge.
Even Timmy, Derrick's young godson who endearingly called the man Dad, had looked dashing in his small-size tux as he'd stood up front acting as best man. Katie watched him rollicking and dodging between the chairs with Reese's son, Jeffrey. Apparently Timmy was going to be staying with Reese and Jeffrey while Derrick and Anna were gone.
It was kind of nice, Katie thought, how Jason and Derrick and Reese watched out for each other, cared for one another and helped out however they could. Today had proven just how important it was to have good friends. Because Jason and Reese were willing to give their all—lug tables and chairs, make dozens of calls in search of a minister who was free to perform the ceremony and take on about a million other tasks—Derrick and Anna had been able to be married today. Yes, this wedding had been as unconventional as they come, but it had been just about perfect.
"Why are you smiling?"
Katie turned her head to look at Jason. His handsome face and tender smile made her insides go all soft and warm.
"I'm just thinking of Anna and Derrick," she answered. "I'm very happy for them."
Actually it was more than that. Weddings, anniversaries, any celebration of love, always did strange things to her. Her heart turned all achy with sentiment, and persistent questions would begin to echo inside her head. Would she ever find a soul mate of her very own? Someone with whom she could be herself? Someone who wouldn't expect her to prove her love and dedication, over and over, as was the case with both her mother and her father?
Stop it, she gently chided herself. Just stop it.
She blinked and focused on Jason. His expression was intent and had grown quite intimate, his eyes seeming to hold a secret just for her. The sight of him made it easy to push the uncomfortable questions from her head; however, she was aware of the tinge of sadness that lingered on the outermost edges of her mind.
"You know," Jason told her, "this wedding probably wouldn't have taken place without you."
"Oh, quit that." Katie waved her hand. "Those two people love each other. I didn't do anything—"
"Oh, yes, you did," he persisted. "I don't know what you said to Anna, but Derrick told me that he was certain she was going to call the whole thing off. Whatever you did in there with Anna, you were perfect."
His compliment was like the sun's heat, and it evaporated the sudden sad feeling that wafted over her like a thin, hazy fog. Her smile came without thought. This man always made her feel good. About herself. About her abilities as a nanny. And as a woman. He had confidence in her, and she liked that.
"I only told her the truth," Katie said. "I only forced her to look at what was important. The love she and Derrick share." One shoulder hitched up a fraction. "That was all."
"That was all? What about all the other stuff you did?"
He tugged her arm, pulling her close to him as he walked away from the other wedding guests along the edge of the water.
"Where are we going?" Katie asked.
"Never mind about that." He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. "Answer my questions. How could we have done this without you? I mean you single-handedly took care of all that food. You made more than half the calls to the guests to tell them the change in plans. You were the one who suggested we send Reese over to the church to catch anyone who didn't get a call."
"Yeah," Katie murmured, "and I think ol' Reese will never forgive me for that."
"Oh, you'll have to ignore Reese's growl."
"I don't think he likes me much."
Jason chuckled, a warm, rich sound that made her insides giddy.
"Reese has issues. He doesn't take to women too easily," Jason told her. "You can't take it personally. It has nothing to do with you. Believe me. It's just that he's been hurt in the past... badly. He just needs to get to know you."
Katie gazed back over the distance behind them where they'd left the others.
"He's not going to like the fact that we've left him with all the cleaning up to do," she pointed out.
Jason urged her ahead. "Oh, he'll be all right. Besides, you can't stop me now," he said. "Not when I'm feeling bold enough to get you alone. Like I promised."
Excitement stirred in Katie's blood. So that's what Jason was doing—getting her alone. Her pulse began to pound, and her mind seeme
d to flood with chaotic thoughts, yet at the same time she felt weirdly serene for some reason.
She knew the serenity came from simply being with Jason. She'd been aware, ever since the night Ellen had tried to frighten her, that no other man had ever made her feel more safe, more secure, than Jason had. And the chaotic thoughts? Those came from the fact that she knew, somewhere along the shore, Jason was going to want to stop walking. Whatever he had in mind then had her giddy with anticipation.
They had followed the gentle and natural curve of the shore, and Jason led her across the pebbled sand to a rise of craggy rocks. He leaned up against one and pulled her to him.
He smelled so good, so warm, and the spice of his aftershave mingled with the scent of the salty sea that hung heavy in the air. She splayed her hands flat on the wide expanse of his chest. She'd never consciously realized how much firm, taut muscle appealed to her. But then, she guessed, it wasn't just any muscular chest that would turn her on—only Jason's.
"What are you grinning at?"
"Nothing." She chuckled, completely unwilling to answer the question honestly. She simply dipped her chin and shook her head.
Although she wasn't looking into his face, she could feel him smiling at her. Her heart was racing a mile a minute, and it took every bit of courage she had to lift her gaze to his.
Why should she feel timid? Isn't this closeness exactly what she wanted from him? Hadn't she even been brazen enough in the past to urge him to kiss her? She'd wanted so badly for him to take the initiative in their relationship, to sweep her off her feet, and now that he was showing a sliver of boldness, here she was feeling shy. It simply didn't make sense. But then, did love ever make sense?
Her smile faltered and her eyes went wide as the thought popped into her head, but she didn't have time to ponder it fully before Jason began to speak.
"I want to thank you," he whispered, tugging her closer, his arm sliding across her back. "From the bottom of my heart. I really needed you today, and you came through for me. I want to show you just how much I appreciate all your effort."