Her mind snapped back to Kimmy’s earlier admission. “Why do you know?”
Kimmy gave a big head shake. “’Cuz I asked him what color you would look pretty in.”
“And he said purple?”
“First he said you looked pretty in everything.”
Her eyes widened before she could stop them. “Really?”
Kimmy nodded again. “But then he said you would look pretty in purple because of your dark hair and lovely eyes.” She hugged the T-shirt to her chest and turned away toward the checkout.
The words spiraled in Nina’s head as she headed for the exit. Within minutes, she owned the dress, Kimmy had her gift and they were on their way back home. Though she enjoyed the time with Kimmy and buying the dress, she grew excited knowing she would see Doug soon. She couldn’t wait until Saturday when he saw her dressed for a special occasion for the first time. She might even have her nails done.
The drive home took only minutes, and when she pulled in to Doug’s, she slid out and turned toward the door, but as Kimmy ran ahead to the porch, she noticed she was carrying the shopping bag containing her dress. Then she recalled the package also held Kimmy’s new top.
When Doug opened the door, Kimmy scurried in waving the bag. “Nina bought me a cute shirt.” She giggled and dug into the bag until she came out with the purchase. “Look.” She held it up.
Doug eyed Nina for a moment. “Did she ask you for—”
“Totally my idea. I thought it was darling.”
Kimmy dropped the shirt into his hand, and he held it up again and fussed over it until she took it from him and ran to her room.
Nina gathered up the discarded sack and set it on a nearby chair. Before they could say a word, Kimmy trotted into the room.
“Nina, show Uncle Doug your new dress.” She twirled to face Doug. “I helped find it and Nina loved it.”
“You did?” He gave Nina a wink.
“Actually she did see it and showed me. I tried on four dresses and like this one the best.”
Kimmy grasped the parcel. “Show him, Nina.” She shoved it into Nina’s hands.
“I’m ready for a viewing.” Doug gave her a playful grin.
“You’ll see it Saturday when I’m in it.” She tilted her head waiting for Kimmy’s challenge.
Doug gave a nod before looking at Kimmy. “I’m sure it will look better that way. Don’t you, Kimmy?”
“Nina looks beautiful in it.”
Doug gave Kimmy a smile and turned to Nina, his gaze capturing hers. “I’m sure she does. I’m looking forward to it.” He tilted his head toward the sofa. “Won’t you stay for a while?”
His expression drew her in, and mesmerized, she walked to the sofa and sank into the cushion. “Just for a few minutes. I’m sure you’re hungry and ready for dinner. It’s late.”
“I planned on ordering a salad and pizza. How does that sound?”
Kimmy shouted a loud yes that sounded like a cheer. She skipped out of the room and Doug watched her for a moment. When she didn’t return, he grinned. “Okay, now we can talk. Is pizza okay?”
Her stomach rumbled hearing him mention food. He gave an approving nod as if she had answered him. “Sounds great. Thanks.”
“I’ll call in a minute.” He settled near her in his recliner. “I’ve been wanting to tell you something.”
Her heart hit her throat, and she nearly choked. “Is something wrong?”
He gave her a vague grin. “Nothing like that.” He drew in a breath and leaned forward, his hands folded on his knees. “When I mentioned that Angie suggested I be your escort for the wedding, I didn’t lie but I twisted the facts a little.”
“What do you mean you twisted the facts?” He looked uncomfortable, and though her curiosity screamed for an answer, she longed to soothe him.
“She mentioned the wedding and said she had a couple guests who couldn’t make it and that she’d already finalized the head count, so would I like to attend.” He paused, looking even more on edge, and studied her.
“And?” She could see there was more from his expression.
“I admitted that I would have loved being your date...escort. I knew you were going alone, and it seemed like a nice way to get to know...” He glanced again toward Kimmy’s bedroom. “A nice way to get to know you better since we’d be alone.”
“Alone at a wedding reception? I don’t think so.” She knew what he meant, but she needed to say something to break the tension.
He arched a brow. “Without seven-year-old ears listening.”
She grinned. “I understand.”
“So what I’m saying is after I said what I did, Angie jumped in and arranged the situation. Her comments gave me the courage to ask you. I’m sorry I didn’t just admit it then, but—”
Seeing his discomfort, Nina rose and moved to the arm of his chair. “Doug.” She looked into his eyes, her pulse thudding in her ears until it hindered her thoughts. “We are both careful with others. I know our reasons are different, and I don’t know why you are as you are, but we are cautious when it comes to relationships. At least I sense that you are. You know I’m divorced. Getting involved, even dating, sends me a warning signal. I’m sorry I’m like that.”
He shifted over to be on the couch and put his arm around her shoulder. “Do you mind? Are you comfortable?”
“This is nice.” She had longed for him to be there, as senseless as it was.
Relief washed over his face. “I can’t explain my problem exactly. It’s a bundle of circumstances. I dated but never found anyone that I wanted to spend my life with. I wanted someone special. My sister got involved with that jerk, and their relationship was a disaster. And though my mom and dad had a comfortable relationship, it wasn’t one full of fun and romance. I wanted more.”
“Some marriages are like that, it seems.”
“But is that the kind you want?” His eyes searched hers while his fingers brushed against her arm.
“My marriage became that kind, Doug. Sad but true. No, I didn’t want that, but I finally gave up trying and felt a failure.” She pressed her hand on his. “So what happened to your parents?”
“My dad was diagnosed with diabetes in his midforties and didn’t follow the doctor’s orders. He ate poorly and played games with this medication. He ended up losing a foot and then his leg and then the other. Life was hard for my mother, and I devoted myself to helping them. After Roseanne learned she was expecting and the jerk split, I did all I could to help her.” He shrugged. “I guess that’s been my life, living other people’s and not worrying about my own. But I never resented it.”
“You wouldn’t. That’s the kind of man you are. I admire you for being like that.”
“You do?” His eyes filled with questions.
“I admire a lot of things about you, Doug.” A rush of warmth traveled up her arms where his fingers lay, and she longed to tell him what held her back, but the words wouldn’t form in her mouth. Losing his friendship, the closeness that she enjoyed, could end if she revealed her huge shortcoming as a woman. Doug deserved children.
Doug drew her closer, his eyes searching, his arms protecting her, and as his lips neared, she longed for the kiss to happen, and today she knew it would. As his lips touched hers, Kimmy’s voice severed the moment.
“Look at my top.” She strutted across the living room posing like a runway model. When she neared, she faltered, and her eyes narrowed as if what she saw finally sank in. “Uncle Doug, you’re hugging Nina.”
Her awareness caused them both to react. Nina rose while Doug laughed and remained seated. “I noticed.”
Kimmy missed the humor, but Nina had to work to hold back her laughter.
She moved to Kimmy’s side and slipped her arm around her. “We were talking a
bout serious things.”
“Me?” Worry slipped to Kimmy’s face.
“No, not you, sweetie. Uncle Doug was telling me why his father died. He would be your grandpa.”
“I have a grandpa—Grandpa Bill.”
“Grandpa Bill is my stepfather, honey. My birth father was in heaven before you were born.” Doug beckoned her forward and slid her onto his lap. “He was sick and didn’t take care himself even when Grandma told him he should, so he just got sicker and died.”
“When I’m sick, I take medicine.” She nestled against his chest.
“And look how healthy you are, plus you look really cute in your new top.”
Concern flew from her face and changed to a smile. “That’s ’cuz it says so right on the front.”
Doug tousled her hair and slipped her feet to the floor. “If we’re going to eat, I’d better make that call.”
Kimmy skipped off again, and Nina relaxed, sensing Kimmy had forgotten what she had seen when she entered the room. But Nina couldn’t forget her anticipation when Doug’s lips touched hers. She could still taste the sweetness of his mouth on hers for that fleeting moment, and the one taste left her craving more.
* * *
Doug rang the doorbell. Since the near kiss, he could think of nothing else and anticipated seeing Nina in the new dress. He rarely wore a suit, not even for church, so tonight Nina would see him in his finery. He grinned at the silly thought.
The door opened, and his jaw dropped. Nina stood before him, striking in a plum-colored dress with glistening stones outlining the scooped neck. He stood outside mesmerized by what he saw. Her dark hair shone in the bit of sunlight still in the sky, and tonight she wore it loose and flowing around her shoulders. Her lips shimmered a shade of pink and her cheeks were bright with color. She had done something to her eyes, as if contoured in a dark color. Like a whirlpool, they drew him in.
“Are you okay?” She studied him as if confused.
“Tremendous. You look amazing.” He released a ragged breath and made it through the doorway. “The dress is gorgeous. I love the color.”
“Kimmy said you liked purple.”
Heat warmed his cheeks. “That girl talks too much.” He grinned. “But she’s right. I knew you’d be stunning in a color like this, and I love the sparkling stones.” He leaned closer spotting her earrings that looked like diamonds.
“If you’re wondering, they’re faux diamonds. Definitely not real.”
“But they’re still effective.” His chest constricted as a thought barreled into his mind. He could picture a real diamond on her finger, and the vision rippled along his spine.
She gave him a grin while her eyes searched his. “You look very handsome, but I knew you would. I love the tie, and did you realize it has a deep purple shade, almost plum like my dress? Did Kimmy tell you the color?”
“No. That’s one thing she didn’t tell me.” He eyed her again from head to toe. “I realize you’d never seen me dressed up. I hoped you would approve.”
“Doug, I more than approve. I’m proud to be dating you tonight.”
She tilted her head as if questioning if he’d heard her. He had. “I’m honored to be dating you, too.” He stood back, eyeing her from head to toe, flooded by the amazing outcome of events. “Are you ready?”
“I just need my coat. It’s in the closet.”
She drew it out, and he helped her slip it on. As they headed for the car, a feeling overwhelmed him. Tonight he was a man dating a beautiful woman, and a good one too with love for others, especially for Kimmy. She would make an amazing wife and mother. The thought broke through the lock he’d put on his emotions for the past month when he realized how he felt. Freedom wrapped around him, freedom to hope and dream for a brighter future.
And a real kiss.
* * *
Nina spotted familiar faces as the wedding guests made their way into the church. The church had an arrangement of three stained glass windows depicting Christ, the colors brilliantly lit by the autumn sun. The rich oak wood in the chancel glowed, the focus on a wooden cross, and the lovely baskets of flowers in shades of purple and white. She spotted calla lilies, chrysanthemums and lavender with touches of white carnations.
She and Doug chose aisle seats on the bride’s side near the middle of the church. She looked around and spotted a few people she knew. El, accompanied by Birdie, sat a few rows in front of them. She still smiled seeing those two together. El had a forgiving heart along with his strong faith.
Doug pointed to his watch, and she grinned, seeing the wedding should have begun a few minutes earlier. Her creative mind at work, she thought of those horrible runaway bride or vanished groom stories and was happy to know that neither Angie nor Rick were the types to escape their wedding. Flinching, she imagined her own fears triggered those terrible ideas.
She eyed Doug, looking so handsome she lost her breath. When he arrived at the house, he’d looked at her with an expression she’d never seen before, not in his eyes or any man’s before him. Todd had proposed and kissed her, but now that she’d met Doug, she acknowledged the truth. Todd’s idea of romance paled in the light of what she had already seen reflected in Doug.
The music began as Rick and two attendants entered through a doorway at the front. Doug turned toward her, a gentle look on his face, and shifted his hand to hers. The warmth rolled up her arm and settled in her chest. When she had opened herself to possibilities, faint ones, her reaction to his looks, his scent, his touch sent her on an amazing emotional journey. A journey with apprehension but one she longed for.
The bridesmaids came down the aisle in lavender gowns. Their flowers were cascades in white and shades of violet. Nina thought of her plum-colored gown and smiled to herself.
Doug squeezed her hand as if he understood her grin. He seemed to have an instinctive awareness of her. Sometimes that caused her to put up her barricade. But today nothing about him caused her concern, except the feeling she had when she looked into his eyes.
A fanfare began, and she turned, knowing Angie would be coming down the aisle. Instead the children made their timid way forward, coaxed by an adult as Carly sprinkled flower petals on the white runner and the boy carried an amethyst satin pillow.
Her emotions swelled as she heard the rustle of excitement behind her. People rose, and when she turned again to face the back, Angie had begun her approach to the altar and to Rick. Nina wiped tears from her eyes, remembering her own wedding wrapped in hope and expectations, all crumbled now and in a pile at her feet.
But today wasn’t about her hurt. The day belonged to Angie and Rick, a couple she sensed would have a long and happy life together. She grinned at Angie as she passed, and Angie returned her smile, looking radiant. Her gown, embellished with tiny white flowers in the bodice, fell into graceful folds to her feet.
When she faced the altar again, Rick’s face glowed with love and anticipation, and her heart rejoiced at the beauty of this day. Doug slipped his hand in hers again and when they were seated, he rested his arm behind her on the pew. The intimate coziness filled her emptiness, and she recognized the joy of having a partner to share the important things. She’d missed that so much in her life.
The vows began, and Doug leaned closer as he seemed to concentrate on the pastor’s words, the same words that had captured her. “Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?” Rick’s “I do” rang loud and sure, and the promise raced to her heart.
The words filled her mind and tangled in her heart. She knew Rick’s abiding love would keep that promise, a promise Todd had uttered without thought. But a man of honor, a man who followed the Lord’s commandments and His guidance would speak t
hose words in truth. A man like Doug could do that. He could promise to keep a woman for better or worse, and he would mean it.
Shifting his arm from the pew back, Doug lowered it to her shoulders. His fingers brushed her arm and the warmth blanketed her with hope. Lord, could this be? She looked toward him, offering a reassuring grin. He drew her closer, and though an alert sounded in her mind, exhilaration overcame the warning.
The exchange of rings blurred in her head. So many images hung above her, all bringing pleasure and possibilities she’d longed for. A soloist sang, prayers were said, and soon Angie and Rick bounded down the aisle as man and wife. Nina’s pulse skipped, watching joy radiate from Angie.
When the organ music rang out the end of the service, the wedding guests rose and filed toward the exit where Angie and Rick waited to greet them. As they inched along behind the others, Doug slipped his hand into hers, and she reveled in the comfort that spread through her.
Her eyes blurred with tears as they reached Angie and Rick. She gave them both a hug, and their warm welcome added to her growing assurance. Angie treated her like an old friend as she smiled and moved ahead with Doug to the parking lot to drive to the reception at the Comstock Inn.
Doug held the car door for her as she settled inside, and in moments, he joined her and slipped the key into the ignition but didn’t turn it. Instead he turned toward her. “You were thinking about something during the wedding. Was it your own wedding years ago?”
He surprised her with his question, but the answer came with ease. “I did once, but only for a moment. I realized how sad it was and how I had misread so many things about Todd, I suppose in my eagerness to have a husband and begin my own life.”
“I think that would be natural to have those thoughts.” He reached over and touched her hand. “I’ve never been married but I realized the seriousness along with the happiness. Marriage is a life change and a powerful commitment. I think Angie and Rick are headed for many years of good things.”
She grinned, hearing him nearly echo her own thoughts. “That was part of what I was thinking about. With the right person, the vows spoken at a wedding can be a path for people to follow. Supporting one another in sickness and heath, for better or worse. Those words spoke to me. With a failed marriage in my past, considering another hasn’t been on my list of possibilities, but the vow brightened my hope. I suppose reading the Bible and understanding how faith impacts a relationship is another important part of the I dos. Todd didn’t have a speck of faith and mine had gone by the wayside. A divorce is built on empty promises and vows with no glue to make them stick.”
A Husband for Christmas Page 10