Every Bride Needs a Groom

by Janice Thompson

  “Hmm.” Brady appeared to be thinking. “Well, here’s another idea. We’ll just load up your stuff in my truck and I’ll take you over there. Then I’ll come back here and take care of the battery after we close up shop for the night.”

  “That’s too much to ask, Brady.”

  “It’s not.” He closed the hood. “I want to help you, Katie. Please. Just let me tell Madge I’ll be gone for the rest of the day.”

  I offered a lame nod, and before I could say, “What sort of movie hero are you?” we were in his truck, headed to Aunt Alva’s house. I had a doozy of a time finding the place. Her directions, it turned out, were a bit skewed. Brady was a good sport about it, though. He didn’t complain once, even though we had to turn around several times. Instead, he made light of it and we ended up laughing.

  By the time we arrived at Alva’s house, she was standing on the front porch waiting for me. When she saw us pull up in Brady’s truck, she started waving. Brady got out and came around to my side to open my door for me.

  My aunt approached with a smile as bright as sunshine. “Now, that’s what I like to see. A true gentleman. Your skills on the court are great, Brady, but I’m more impressed by the fact that you’re a Southern gentleman.”

  “Why, thank you, ma’am.” He gave a deep bow at the waist and then laughed.

  “I hope you’re staying for supper,” Aunt Alva said. “I’ve made lasagna.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose. Just brought Katie over because her car broke down.”

  “Yes, I left a message on your phone, Aunt Alva.”

  “My phone?” She fished around in her pockets but came up empty. “I can never for the life of me remember where I put that goofy thing.”

  “Well, anyway, he came to my rescue.” I couldn’t help but smile as I said those words aloud. “So he really is a gentleman.”

  “Well then, I insist you stay for dinner as a thank-you for rescuing my niece. My cooking skills aren’t what they used to be—mostly because of my vision going south—but I gave it the old college try. So c’mon inside and you can tell me all about how you rescued this niece of mine.”

  I felt my cheeks grow warm as I glanced at Brady.

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  “As sure as you were in the final ten seconds of that game with the Rockets. Remember that? You took a long shot from the opposite end of the court, and what happened?”

  He grinned. “I can’t believe you remember that.”

  “As if anyone could forget!” My aunt recounted all of the details of the game and then paused for breath. “What were we talking about again? Oh yes, dinner. I do hope you’ll stay, Brady. Please? You’re practically a member of the family now. Not that being a member of this family means much, but I guess that’s not the point.”

  “About that, Aunt Alva,” I said. “Brady and I aren’t engaged. I think you misunderstood.”

  “You’re . . . you’re not?” Her smile faded. “Well, cut off my legs and call me shorty. I felt sure you two were getting hitched.”

  “No. It’s kind of a long story,” I said.

  “Well, we’ll have plenty of time over supper to talk. Maybe by dessert we can get this boy to pop the question.” She slapped him on the back. “So c’mon in, Brady.”

  As if he’d want to stay now.

  Still, he offered a genuine smile. “I just hate to impose.”

  My aunt put her hands on her hips as she glared at him. “You ready to bolt just ’cause I said my cooking’s not what it used to be?”

  “Oh, it’s not that at all. Just didn’t know if you really wanted me to stay or if you were just being polite.” He directed his words to her but looked at me. “And I need to work on Katie’s car tonight.”

  “I can probably take care of my car in the morning,” I said. “Maybe you could just take me to Lori-Lou’s tonight after dinner?”

  “Sure.” He nodded. “Happy to spend more time with two of the sweetest ladies in town.”

  “Why, thank you very much.” Alva ushered us through the front door. She led the way into the dining room and we took our seats. “I made a homemade lasagna. Got the recipe from my favorite show on the Food Network, The Italian Kitchen. Have you ever seen it?”

  “Oh, sure. The one with the elderly Italian couple?” Brady nodded. “It’s one of my favorites. I love the way they argue with each other while they cook. Lots of fun.”

  “I don’t get a lot of company around here, so it’s fun to cook for other people.”

  We spent the next hour and a half eating, laughing, and basically having the best time I’d had in ages. I couldn’t believe how well Brady and my aunt got along. More than that, though, I couldn’t believe how kind Alva turned out to be. From all of Queenie’s stories, I would’ve pictured her as an ogre, not a sweet, lonely woman with a penchant for pro basketball.

  As I nibbled on my dessert—a yummy tiramisu she’d made just for me—I gazed tenderly at my aunt.

  “What’s up, sweet girl?” she asked. “Do I have something in my teeth?”

  “No, nothing like that.” I giggled. “I just wanted to thank you for the dinner. It’s been such a great night.”

  “Really great.” Brady grinned and sipped from his coffee cup. “I’ve loved every minute.”

  “Me too,” I said. “Aunt Alva, it’s been so great to have time with you. I didn’t realize how much I missed you until I started spending time with you again.”

  “That’s the way of it, I suppose.” She leaned back in her chair and took a sip of her coffee.

  I knew my next words were risky but felt they were necessary all the same. “You know, everyone in the family misses you.” I drew in a deep breath. “Especially Queenie.”

  “She’ll go right on missing me then.”

  Ouch. Maybe I’d overstepped my bounds. Brady glanced my way and I could read the concern in his eyes, but I felt I needed to keep going. “Alva, you know that my grandpa Joe passed away four years ago, don’t you? Queenie has been living alone ever since. It’s been a hard time for her, especially since her surgery.”

  “I . . . I heard. I still pick up a few things through the grapevine. Bessie—”

  “May.” We spoke the word together and I smiled. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing that she’s kept in touch. Is that how you knew about Casey and me dating?”

  She nodded and her gaze shifted to the ground.

  “Aunt Alva, I’m glad you’re staying connected to the goings-on back home.”

  “This is home now.” Alva’s jaw clenched.

  “But Fairfield will always be—”

  “The place where no one needed the likes of me. But never mind all that. If you’ve come to give me what for, I guess I can take it, but I don’t have to like it.”

  “Not at all. Like I said, I just came because I’ve missed you and I truly enjoy being with you.”

  Her expression softened. “Well, thank you.” She dabbed at her lips. “Please forgive me, Katie. There are some topics that are still hard to discuss.”

  Brady finished his coffee and glanced at his watch.

  “It’s late,” I said. “I suppose we should be getting back.”

  “I’ll walk you out.” Alva led the way out of the dining room and into the living room. I noticed a black-and-white photograph on the end table. “Alva, is this you and Queenie?”

  “I don’t know why she expects everyone to call her that.” Alva rolled her eyes. “She always thought she was the queen, but I was the oldest sister, you know.”

  “You still are,” I said. “Her sister, I mean.” I picked up the picture frame and gazed into the faces of the two girls. “How old were you when this was taken?”

  “I don’t know. I think maybe I was seven, she was five? Something like that.”

  “Well, it’s darling. You were both so precious.”

  “Humph. I’ve never been precious a day in my life.”

  I couldn’t help myself. I threw my
arms around her neck and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You are precious,” I said. “And don’t ever forget it.”

  Her eyes flooded with tears. She extended her arm for Brady to join the circle, and moments later the three of us stood in an embrace. My heart did that strange pitter-pat thing as he slipped his arm over my shoulders and pulled me close. For a moment I could hardly breathe. Then again, Alva had pretty much swallowed me up in her bosom, just like that first day at the bridal shop.

  When the hug ended, Alva clasped her hands together. “Ooh, I have the most wonderful idea. You should stay here with me tonight, Katie.”

  “Stay here?”

  Brady glanced at me. “I think this is the perfect solution, Katie. Stay here with your aunt, and I’ll fix your car in the morning and bring it to you.”

  “Perfect!” Alva gave a little squeal. “We’ll have a slumber party. I’ve got a lovely spare bedroom. It’s just sitting there, as empty as can be. I’ll loan you a nightgown, if you need. Even have a spare toothbrush.”

  “Well, there you go.” Brady laughed. “The house comes equipped with a spare toothbrush.”

  Aunt Alva gave me a wink. “If you enjoy your time, maybe we could extend things a little.”

  “Extend things a little?”

  “Sure. What would you think about coming here to stay for a week or two? However long you’re in Dallas? Just rest your heart and your head on the pillow in that guest room of mine. No noise. Just quiet. I’ll leave you to yourself as much as you need.”

  “Oh, Aunt Alva.” I reached over and gave her another hug. “That sounds wonderful.”

  “You think Lori-Lou will mind?”

  “I think she’s preoccupied with the kids and moving plans. She’s got to be tired of me. The air mattress is taking up precious space in the baby’s tiny bedroom. She trips over it just to get to his crib.”

  “Then it’s settled. Can you call and tell her?”

  “I guess I’d better let her know I’m not coming back to her place tonight anyway.” I glanced at Brady. “Want to hang around until I’ve told her, just in case the plan changes?”

  “Sure.” He took a seat on the sofa and offered a smile so sweet that it convinced me he didn’t mind sticking around one little bit. And judging from the warmth that filled me as I gazed at him, I didn’t mind it either.

  22

  Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight

  Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

  Garth Brooks

  I gave Brady a warm smile as I punched Lori-Lou’s number into my cell phone.

  “H-hello?” She sounded a little breathless. Odd.

  “Am I interrupting something?” I asked.

  “Um, no. Nope. No.” She giggled. “Nothing. Nothing at all. Stop that, Josh! Not now.”

  Ew!

  “I’ll make this fast. I’m calling to let you know that I’m staying overnight with Aunt Alva.”

  “Okay. Weird, but okay.” She giggled again. “Josh, stop it.”

  “Lori-Lou, I love you. You know that.”

  “Of course I know that. But I have a feeling you’re about to challenge that notion in some way. What’s happening?”

  “Your house. It’s so . . .”

  “Chaotic?”

  “Well, yes.”

  “Loud?”

  “That too.”

  “Impossible to navigate because of the toys?”

  “Boy, if that ain’t the truth.” Josh’s voice sounded from the other end of the line.

  “I’m not saying that I’m not grateful for the time I’ve spent with you,” I added. “But Alva has asked if I would stay with her. She’s got a great guest bedroom.”

  “And a spare toothbrush,” Brady called out.

  “Wait,” Lori-Lou said. “Was that Brady James I heard?”

  “Yes.”

  “He’s at Aunt Alva’s with you?”

  “Yes. Long story.”

  “Mm-hmm.” She chuckled. “Well, it’s a story you’re going to share when we do see each other again. You’ll have to come get your stuff, right?”

  “Right. I’ll come by tomorrow morning after Brady fixes my car.”

  “He’s fixing your car?” She laughed. “Katie, I turn my back on you for five minutes and you have a thousand adventures without me.”

  “Not deliberately.”

  “Right, right.” She dissolved into giggles again and then ended the call. Probably for the best.

  I turned to Brady and smiled. “Well, that’s behind me. Looks like you’re free to go now. If you want, I mean.”

  “Wish I could stay, but I’d better get back so I can figure out the car thing.” He stood and gave Alva another hug before turning to me. “Walk me out?”

  “S-sure.” For whatever reason, my heart started that little pitter-pat thing again.

  “I’ll be clearing the table,” Alva called out as she headed out of the living room. “Take your time, you two. Take your time.” A little wink followed. For pity’s sake. Did she think I needed to be spending time alone with Brady James?

  Hmm. The idea wasn’t altogether unappealing.

  I followed him outside to his truck. “Brady, I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me.”

  “Happy to be of service.” His warm smile convinced me that his words were genuine.

  “Your kindness to me has proven Mama wrong. She said that people in the big city are impersonal and rude. You’ve been anything but.”

  “I can’t speak for all the people in Dallas.” He reached out and slipped his arm over my shoulders. “But spending time with someone like you makes it easy to be friendly. You bring out the best in people.” He gave me a hug and then stepped back. “Anyway, you and Alva have a great time at your slumber party. I’ll call you tomorrow morning when the car’s ready. Then I’ll come and fetch you.”

  I nodded, realizing for the first time just how much I wanted to be “fetched” by this sweet guy.

  “And while we’re talking about making calls, I think I’ll go ahead and call my mom in the morning before I come. I’ll fill her in.”

  “Ugh. She’s going to hate me.”

  “Pretty sure she could never hate you. I can’t imagine anyone feeling that way about you, Katie. Don’t worry, she’s pretty clever. She’ll come up with a new slant for the Texas Bride article, I’d be willing to bet. It’ll all work out.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so.”

  As he spoke those last words, I had no doubt whatsoever. If Brady knew so, I could know so too.

  I watched as he got into the big, manly crew cab of his truck—the one with the extended bed and huge black tires—and drove away. My heart didn’t slow down until I was back inside Aunt Alva’s house again. I walked through the living room and dining room and into the kitchen, where I found her washing dishes by hand and singing a funny little song. She looked up as I entered and then tossed me a dishrag.

  “Might as well join in, Katie Sue.”

  I stepped into the spot beside her, feeling completely at home in this kitchen. Out of the corner of my eye I gave her a closer look. I saw soft, wrinkly folds of skin on her face, which was the same ivory color as Queenie’s but with the addition of some minuscule age spots. The wrinkles traveled like tiny ripples down to her throat, and when I let my gaze wander down her arms, I found them there too. Her soft hands played with the bubbles in the sink, in much the same way I’d seen Queenie do. The two ladies even shared the same style in clothes—floral tops and solid-colored slacks. Even Alva’s shoe style felt reminiscent of home.

  So many things about this woman reminded me of Queenie. The flashing eyes that spoke of stubbornness and authority. The pursed lips. The strong, charismatic voice. The authority in her stance, despite the stooped shoulders. If I didn’t know any better, I’d almost think that Alva and Queenie were twins. The similarities were mind-boggling, to say the least.

  My aunt stopped and
gave me a closer look. “Something’s happened to you, Katie Sue.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean you look . . . different.” She waggled her brows.

  “Do I?” I sighed and then dried a plate that she passed to me. “I have no idea what you mean by that.”

  “Sure you don’t.” She laughed. “Girl, I wouldn’t blame you. No one would. There’s nothing like a handsome man to knock a girl off her feet.” For whatever reason, her smile faded in a hurry, and she got right back to the business of doing dishes.

  “Aunt Alva . . .” I looked up. “Have you ever felt . . . confused?”

  “Yep. During the playoffs last season. I was rooting for the Mavericks, but then midseason my loyalties shifted to the Spurs.” She glanced my way with an imploring look. “Please don’t tell Brady, okay?”

  Maybe there was some comparison there. Not that I really knew or cared much about basketball. Still, with my heartstrings suddenly twisted up in a knot around Brady James, maybe I’d better start caring about basketball.

  Aunt Alva started humming as she turned her attention back to the dishes. Eventually she looked at me again. “I like having you here, Katie, and not just because of your help with the dishes.”

  “Aw, thank you. I like being with you too.”

  “I know it’s not like Fairfield.”

  “I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I’m glad it’s not. I came to Dallas to clear my head. You know?”

  “I do. More than you know. That’s the same reason I came to Dallas—to clear my head. I’ve been here ever since.”

  “I get that. I’m not saying I’m ready to move here, but it’s been nice to get away from things for a while. It’s a whole new world in the big city.”

  “One with handsome basketball players.” She winked. “Hey, speaking of Brady James . . .”

  “Were we talking about Brady James?” I felt my face heat up, and that weird heart-racing thing started again.

  “Yes, speaking of Brady, I wanted to tell you my theory on why he’s scared to get back to the business of playing ball.”