by Eliza Ellis
“Wow,” he said with a smile that blinded her. “You look beautiful.”
“So do you. Handsome, I mean.”
He chuckled. “Thanks. I think I make the suit.”
You certainly do.
“Pants are a little tight though, don’t you think?”
Do not look; or she might never meet his eyes ever again. “Uh-huh, maybe.”
“That dress… You look like a bride.”
“I hope so.”
“How did you get dragged into this?”
“My mom said the bride ate some bad sushi. You?”
He smirked. “Grandma said the groom got sick. She said I should take a day off and come out here and get some history and make out with a cute girl.”
Even though it was still early in the morning, the July sun had started to take effect. Now Kat was simply ablaze. “Oh, so a make-out session convinced you?”
He cocked his head to one side. “Very funny. I thought she was joking, and now I’m not so sure.”
“Why?”
He stared at her without blinking. “You know why.”
Did she? She looked away.
Muriel came up with hands clasped in front of her chest, her face illuminated by her bright smile. “Okay, you two, let’s get you to the chapel.”
They followed Muriel to the location where the wedding was going to take place. Kat smiled at the rows of chairs facing a small archway adorned with roses and a lovely field of flowers behind it. “It’s very pretty,” she breathed.
“You’d like an outdoor wedding?” Drew asked casually.
“I think it would be peaceful, don’t you? Something small with our closest friends.”
“Our?” A brow rose.
“I mean mine and my…whoever I’m going to marry.” Kat turned her head and rolled her eyes. She blamed Muriel and her mother. She didn’t believe this wedding was really on the agenda. Well, she had to get an agenda to prove it.
He grinned. “I agree. An intimate wedding somewhere like this.”
“Or by the lake. I think by the lake would be really wonderful. Lots of wildflowers, the soft sounds of nature.”
He got a far-off look in his eyes. “Yeah, that would be nice.”
“You and Parker are booked for a hotel downtown, right?” She already knew the answer. She had read Parker’s brief email that basically gave the name of the hotel and the types of flowers she’d like to see at her wedding.
He sighed. “Yup. Married in a hotel,” he said dryly.
Kat had guessed that would be his reaction and silently agreed with his distaste. Hotels were cold, formal…like Parker.
Muriel explained that Drew would be standing underneath the archway and all they’d have to do is recite the vows stated by the man playing the pastor. Drew and Kat nodded. In thirty minutes, a crowd of onlookers had gathered—the reenactment festival well under way—and Drew took his place at the alter.
“Nervous?” Mary whispered from behind Kat, who stood at the other end of the aisle, waiting for the signal. She was dressed in a plain cotton dress fit for a servant in some big house.
“I don’t know why. It’s a fake wedding.”
Mary handed her a bouquet of fresh wildflowers. “Because he’s your Steven.” She winked.
Kat narrowed her eyes. “I blame you for this.”
She giggled. “Good luck, honey.”
“You know this isn’t real.”
Mary kissed Kat on the cheek and took a seat in the back row.
“Okay everyone!” Muriel called them all to attention. “After the nuptials, we’ll have a reception where you’ll get to eat a few of the foods that you would’ve seen in the 1860s. If you look at our bride, Kat, she’s wearing her Sunday’s best, which would be a typical wedding dress of a girl who wasn’t wealthy. Same goes for our handsome groom, Drew, dressed in his best clothes.”
Slowly, Kat walked down the aisle and met Drew, who looked incredibly relaxed. He mouthed the words “I love you” and grinned wider.
Kat’s eyes saucered.
Drew chuckled. “Nervous?” he whispered while the preacher went on about why they were all gathered here today.
Kat nodded.
Drew took her hands in his and squeezed. He recited his vows, and Kat followed in a shaky voice. Drew winked at her and squeezed her hands again, which Kat was sure were drenched with her sweat. There was no reason for her to be this nervous. Drew didn’t love her, this wasn’t a real wedding, and her heart was safe and sound. No risks.
No Steven.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Kat’s eyes shot to her mother’s who nodded furiously, her grin so wide Kat thought to have her doctor make sure she was on the right medicine. Was she this happy because it might be the only time to witness her middle daughter get married? Fake married, rather? Muriel sat in the front row, shoving her hands together in the air.
The pastor leaned in close. “Uh, you don’t have to, if you don’t want—”
“We got this pastor.” A warm hand circled her waist, and Kat’s gaze vaulted to Drew’s. “Make it look real,” he whispered.
Kat closed her eyes as Drew’s lips covered hers.
Finally.
Warm lips glided gently over hers. Kat tasted the sweet flavor of icing she had used to frost some of the cupcakes she’d brought. His smooth facial hair smelled like spice and lightly tickled her mouth. She moaned slightly, thoroughly enjoying the taste of him.
Drew brought her flush against his chest, and she melted into his body. She wrapped her arms around his neck, slipping her fingers into his hair and holding him firmly to her. He parted her lips, and they slowly, eagerly explored each other in a way Kat hadn’t dared dream.
People hollered and cheered, but Kat barely heard anything above the pounding of her own heart. Her lips clung earnestly to his, desperate for the moment to never end.
Mom was right: Drew was her Steven. She didn’t want to live regretting not being with him. And the way he held her to him, she couldn’t be the only one thinking this was real.
Make it look real.
The words came rushing back to her in a tidal wave of ice-cold water that hit her square on, and she stiffened. Drew abruptly ended the kiss and searched her eyes.
This wasn’t real.
It was a reenactment. Drew was only playing the part of a groom in love. He was in love, just not with her.
Kat felt sick to her stomach. How had she allowed herself to really kiss him? Did he know she wasn’t acting at all?
He grinned at the crowd and waved. He tucked her hand underneath his arm, and he practically had to support her weight as they walked down the aisle to a cheering crowd.
Kat caught Muriel’s pleased look while passing and then saw her mother’s worried one. She must’ve read Kat’s face, read how Kat had finally given in to her feelings and they weren’t going to be reciprocated.
At the end of the aisle, Drew pulled her in for another quick kiss before lifting her up and carrying her over some imaginary threshold. Kat managed to give a wave to the crowd before allowing Drew to carry her somewhere away from the scene. Hopefully, back to the changing tent so she could get out of these clothes and go hide in the car.
She couldn’t even look up at her handsome fake-groom. He had to have known she was kissing him for real. And he was too nice of a friend to give her away.
He was no longer Steven, the boy in love. She was.
Stevenette, maybe.
There really wasn’t a good girl’s name…
Chapter 15
Drew would never admit that last kiss was for himself. And the reenactment was a perfect excuse. He had to make it look real. If he had actually married Kat, he would’ve definitely kissed her more than once.
And longer.
And deeper.
She wasn’t even looking at him anymore in the adoringly loving way a new bride was supposed to gaze at her husband. Maybe because this whole thing was fak
e. Or maybe because she was a terrible actress. After all, her talent lay in baking.
Soon after he carried her away from the crowd, she felt stiffer and heavier in his arms, even though she was as light as a feather with about twenty pounds of fabric. He didn’t want to set her down. Holding her felt too comfortable and just…fun. He wanted this reenactment to last a bit longer, so he carried her toward the changing tent.
As soon as he saw her, he knew this whole wedding thing was a setup by his grandmother. He wasn’t even sure there actually was a bride and groom who had gotten sick the night before. Too convenient. And Mrs. Kaye was definitely in on the ruse by getting her daughter here. A couple of matchmakers forgetting he was already engaged. He stifled a groan.
He. Was. Engaged.
“Please, put me down.”
“We’re almost there,” he said.
“I have legs. I can walk.”
He set her down immediately. “I was only playing the part.” Half-true.
“Well, the part is over.” She shook out her dress.
“You gotta admit that kiss was something.”
“You said make it look real.” She still ruffled her dress, although it looked perfectly fine to him.
“You saying it was fake?”
She held his gaze. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“And I’m calling your bluff. That was real, and we both know it.”
“So what if it was?” Her arms came shooting up and then fell heavily against her sides. “So what?” She about-faced, heading right back the way they’d come.
“Katrina.”
She halted. With a hand on her arm, he spun her around to face him.
When her eyes rose to his, his heart constricted. They held pain, and the longer she stared at him, the more they flooded with moisture. Was he the cause? Guilt twisted his gut.
“I have to go now.” She darted away.
Ran, actually.
“Don’t change out of your clothes!” Muriel said from behind Drew. “You’re playing the loving couple all day! We have the reception.”
Kat didn’t turn around. She ducked inside the tent.
Drew closed his eyes. “Smooth, Grandma. Really smooth.”
She shrugged with false innocence. “It’s a reenactment. These things last all day.”
He pivoted. “You really think she wants to play the part of a loving newlywed all day?”
Her smile was devious. “That kiss looked real to me. Might as well play the part.”
“Grandma—”
“Don’t try to deny it. You’re not exactly an Oscar-worthy actor.”
“Why?” He put his hands on his hips. “You know I’m still engaged to Parker.”
She cocked a brow. “Are you? I thought she’d be gone by now. Hmm…”
“You know I am. Why would you orchestrate this?”
“Because I knew there was something between you two ever since you were kids. I figured all I had to do was get you into each other’s arms to prove it. And I did.” She crossed her arms and lifted her chin. “I make no apologies for trying to orchestrate what’s already fated.”
“Fated! Grandma, you’re crazy.” Was it fate that Zache took his spot during that mission? Because he was destined to return to Springfield and marry…Kat?
She laughed. “Your father said I was crazy, too.”
“And you were.” He pointed an accusing finger at her. “You were wrong about my mother. They’re still together and very happy.”
She frowned and tapped her chin, her gaze to the sky. “Well, maybe I was wrong about her”—her sharp hazel eyes came back to his—“but I am right about you and Kat. Parker doesn’t deserve you, my boy, and you should be with Kat. If you had seen the way she kissed you… You were there. I’m surprised you’re not on the phone right now breaking things off with Parker. She’s an ocean away. Makes a breakup easier, if you ask me.”
“I didn’t ask you,” he grumbled, but he was in total agreement. It would be a jerk move though, and he had already been a world-class one once this week.
But he had felt Kat’s response, although he didn’t believe it was real. He chose to believe he was the only one overcome by holding her and finally—finally—kissing her. He had told himself that she was playing the role, not him. He was the only one risking his heart.
Now he understood why Kat had wanted to stay away. She was right. Working for Parker would put her too close. He couldn’t have her around after kissing her like that. He wasn’t the strongest of men. He was weak. Weak for Katrina. And he couldn’t do that to Parker.
And he definitely couldn’t tell Parker about this or she’d swear he was breaking his promise. She wouldn’t understand it was a reenactment and it was all his grandmother’s fault. Or maybe she would, and then she’d ask why he didn’t say no in the first place.
He could’ve done that. When he saw Kat he could’ve refused. Told his grandmother to find another groom. But there wasn’t any part of his body that wanted to back out at that point. It was full steam ahead and consequences be damned. The perfect excuse.
“Grandma, I’m marrying Parker.”
She harrumphed. “After that kiss?”
He kicked the dirt. His insides tensed, and the word “yes” struggled to get out.
“Great job, you two!” A reenactor came forward and shook Drew’s hand. “You lucky dog, you. I had told Muriel I’d play the part of the groom, but she wouldn’t have it.” The older gentleman winked at Muriel.
“Harry, you know you’re too old. Stop being a pervert.”
He put a hand over his heart and feigned shock. “Too old! Now, Muriel, you know older men married young, pretty things back then. Especially that bride. Such big, beautiful brown eyes.”
“Yes, you!” Muriel’s voice rose. “You think I’m going to have some scruffy-bearded”—she yanked on the man’s salt-and-pepper beard—“old Casanova like yourself play the groom when my grandson is the perfect match?”
“Well, that is the truth. You two looked like a real couple standing up there at that altar,” Henry said with an enthusiastic nod. “When are we going to see your wedding for real?”
“In a couple of weeks,” Muriel answered for him.
“Next week. I’m marrying—”
“Soon as I get the girl on board, and my knuckle-headed grandson,” Muriel interrupted with a sharp look to Drew.
He risked chastisement by rolling his eyes.
“You need convincing?” Henry said in an incredulous voice to Drew. “After holding her in your arms and kissing her, you’re tellin’ me you can’t get her to the church?” He peered at him through slits. “Do you need help, son? Because I’ve romanced many a fine woman in my day—”
“The last day passed decades ago,” Muriel snapped. “He doesn’t need your kind of help, Henry.”
Henry bellowed.
“Get out of here and let me talk to my grandson.”
“Hope to see you and your new wife around soon,” Henry said with a tip of his hat.
Drew stared at his grandmother. “Please don’t go around telling people I’m marrying Kat. Have you thought of what that’ll do to her?”
“Hopefully convince her to go after you.”
“Grandma, if you had seen her—”
“Yeah, I saw her run away. That’s because she’s already in love with you and doesn’t want to risk her heart any more. All you have to do is have the courage to tell that Park Avenue she’s better off with her career.”
Drew chuckled. He admired his grandmother’s bluntness. If the situation was that easy, he would even agree with her. But it wasn’t. Telling Parker goodbye after making up would be cruel. “I’ve already ordered the wedding cake.”
“And you can’t un-order it?” Muriel asked with a matter-of-fact voice.
“Grandma, be reasonable.”
She put her hands on her hips. “I think I’ve been quite reasonable. You’re the one who refuses to see what�
�s right in front of your face.” She leaned in close. “The woman loves you, and you don’t love Parker. Problem solved.”
Someone called Muriel away, leaving Drew standing there with his grandmother’s revelation. At the altar, Kat looked absolutely terrified. He had jokingly told her he loved her, but it hadn’t felt wrong saying it. Reciting vows to her had been one of the easiest things he’d done in his life.
And the way she’d kissed him…
He didn’t want the kiss to end. When would he ever get the chance to do it again? It was now or never, and he took full advantage.
And it felt good. Better than it should’ve.
Guilt turned his stomach. He would be kissing Parker at the altar in about a week. Why did the thought sour him? Kat had it right: a simple wedding with just friends and family, outdoor near the lake. Beautiful, serene, peaceful.
Life with Parker would be anything but peaceful. Constantly on the go, barely any opportunity for quality time. She wasn’t even here, planning her wedding like a bride should be.
He had to ask himself if he were willing to give it all up. If the life he had envisioned with Parker was something he could live without.
The more he considered, the less that life appealed to him.
And the more he wanted to kiss Kat.
Chapter 16
K at looked at the clock over the kitchen door and groaned. She had an hour to get the cakes in the oven, out, and iced and then get across town to the flower shop to meet Drew.
She’d been lucky to find the one flower shop in the city that was desperate enough for business to do a wedding at the last minute. They had several bouquet options to choose from, and the shop used local contacts for their fresh flowers. Since Parker wasn’t the type for a lot of frilly, girly things, having a few table centerpieces and a bouquet would be all she needed.
Kat looked down at the cake batter. She had accidentally added an ingredient that was in a different recipe she had made hours before, and now she’d have to start over. But there wasn’t any time. She had to go on.