The Opposite of Wild

by Kylie Gilmore

  Shane joined them on the dance floor with Grace, who quickly took the lead. Faith danced with her husband, Vinnie.

  “I missed you,” Ryan whispered in her ear.

  Her knees buckled. Stay strong. Your life is different now.

  “Me too,” she admitted. Missed was putting it mildly. She couldn’t get him out of her mind. His rare smile, the way he looked out for his family, the nights they’d spent together.

  Ryan kept his mouth close to her ear. “I took a job as a police officer over in Fieldridge. Chief Bailey says if I put in a year there, he’ll make me Police Chief in Clover Park when he retires.”

  She pulled back and looked at him. “Ryan, that’s great.”

  “It’s because of you, Liz. You reminded me why I became a cop in the first place. Remember that summer when you got sick on the beach from too much sun?”

  Omigod, he remembers The Humiliation. She nodded numbly. They’d stopped moving. Her hands stayed on his shoulders, his on her waist, as couples danced around them.

  “I liked helping you,” Ryan said. “It made me want to protect and serve. Well, that and working with Chief Bailey to keep Trav out of trouble.”

  She couldn’t believe it. All this time she’d avoided him because of The Humiliation and he saw it only as a good thing, something that led him to his career. She felt like an idiot.

  He went on. “I’ll be working with at-risk kids, too, at the police athletic league in Eastman. Kids like Trav who made a few mistakes and just need some guidance to get back on the straight and narrow.”

  “I’m happy for you. I know you’ll be great at that.” She couldn’t imagine a better job for him, and working with the kids just made her love him more. She dropped her hands from his shoulders. It was painful knowing he didn’t fit in her life anymore. She pushed his hands off her waist. “I’d better go.”

  Shane crooned into the microphone. “Everyone join in for one of Gran’s favorites.” “Born to be Wild” blasted from the speakers. Maggie grabbed Liz’s hand and pulled her to the center of the dance floor, where she belted out the lyrics. Ryan walked away.

  Her mother danced with Bryce, and he appeared to be nodding off with the pulsing beat. Her dad danced nearby. Jorge appeared, and Liz stepped aside as Jorge raised his arms and began what could only be described as an appreciative mating dance for his new bride.

  The song ended, and Daisy’s voice carried loudly across the entire room. “Just because we have a baby doesn’t mean we should be together!”

  A shocked silence followed.

  Daisy stormed off the dance floor, followed by Trav. Liz watched her sister go. Ryan appeared at her side again.

  “He’s pushing her too hard,” Liz said, watching them. Even from this distance, she could tell it was a heated conversation.

  “They have to work it out themselves,” Ryan said. “Listen, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking…and—”

  “All the single ladies gather around for the bouquet toss!” Shane hollered into the mike.

  Liz stayed where she was. Maggie gestured wildly to her. She pretended not to see, but then Rachel grabbed her hand and dragged her along. Grace and Gina joined them. Maggie covered her eyes, turned, and flung it directly backward into Liz’s arms. Liz threw it like a hot potato to Rachel, who threw it back.

  Maggie turned around and opened her eyes. “Good. You’re next, dear.”

  Liz’s cheeks burned as all eyes fell on her. She quickly deposited the bouquet on a table and headed for the bar. It was sweet of Maggie to think of her, but it was painful that she knew it wasn’t happening anytime soon. If she wasn’t so busy with Bryce, she’d get those ten cats and start her spinsterhood off right.

  Her white wine arrived a minute later. She reached for it when a hand pulled it away. She turned, not amused, to see Ryan holding the wineglass, looking at her intently. “C’mon, I want to show you something.”

  The last time he’d said that she’d gotten hot and bothered in the back corner of the library.

  “No, thank you.” She reached for the wine, but he held it over her head out of reach.

  “I’m serious.”

  “I’ve already seen what you’ve got,” Liz said, completely out of patience. “Now gimme my wine.”

  “It’s not that. I want to show you something at my place.”

  Do I have idiot stamped on my forehead? They both knew what would happen if they were alone at his place.

  She leaped to grab the wine and some sloshed out on her head. “Ah!”

  He bit back a smile. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

  She grabbed a bar napkin and dried off the bit of wine. “Great,” she muttered. “Now my hair’s going to be a sticky mess.”

  He set the wine down out of her reach and smoothed her hair in place. “You look fine. Now come with me. I’m not trying to—”

  “My life is different now. I’ve got Bryce.”

  “I know. That’s okay. Just come on.” He took her hand.

  She anchored her feet in place and lifted her chin to give him a good glare for ruining her hair and making her rattled all over again. “I can’t leave the reception. I’m the maid of honor.”

  “Gran’s okay with it.” His fingers stroked her wrist, seducing her as hot shivers ran up her arm.

  “Did you ask the bride?” she demanded.

  “No, but she’ll understand.”

  She gave him a skeptical look.

  He exhaled sharply. “This isn’t supposed to be the hard part. Why are you fighting me? I just want to show you something!”

  “You don’t get to yell at me!” She jerked her hand free and turned her back to him.

  The next thing she knew she was airborne. He’d swept her legs right out from under her and carried her in his arms, past the bar, past some very curious wedding guests. She pummeled his shoulder to no effect. “Put me down!”

  “Gran, we’ll be back!” he called.

  “Take your time!” Maggie hollered. The wedding guests tittered.

  “No, we won’t!” Liz saw red. She wasn’t going to be the laughing stock of the town, getting carried out the door when she was supposed to be a dignified maid of honor. She writhed in his arms, kicking her legs.

  “You are wild,” he said like he didn’t mind that at all. “Up you go.” In one quick move, he tossed her over his shoulder, one hand on her bottom, the other pinning her legs in place. The blood rushed to her head, and the fight went out of her as complete mortification set in.

  “Don’t let them see my underwear,” she whispered fiercely.

  He patted her bottom. “No worries, I’ve got your dress firmly in place.”

  She closed her eyes to shut out the shocked faces of their friends and family, trying very hard to ignore the whispers and giggles. Now she had a new incident to call The Humiliation.

  He set her down on the sidewalk outside, keeping her arms pinned to her sides. “Drive or carry to my place?”

  “Drive,” she said between clenched teeth.

  They drove in silence the few blocks, and he pulled up in front of his house. “It’s inside.”

  “I’ll wait on the porch,” she said evenly.

  “Do I need to tie you to the porch rail?”

  She resisted the urge to kick him in the shins. “No, you got me here. I’ll see this whatever it is you wanted to show me so badly that you felt the need to carry me out like a caveman in front of half the town and completely humiliate me!”

  He cocked his head to the side, taking this in. “Okay, be right back.”

  He went inside, and she stood there fuming, not daring to make a break for the reception again. He’d just drag her back here. And she wasn’t eager to face all those curious people either. What was so damn important that he had to show her?

  ~ ~ ~

  Ryan emerged from the house, relieved to see Liz still standing on the front porch. Her eyes flashed fire at him, and he knew he had to get this just right. He set the g
ift in her hands.

  She looked down at it. “It’s a toaster.”

  “A four-slice toaster.”

  She stared at him, openmouthed. “You dragged me all the way here to show me your new toaster.” She shoved it back at him.

  He gave it to her again. “For both of us and any others who come along.”

  Her eyebrows crinkled in confusion as she stared up at him. “For guests?”

  He jammed a hand through his hair. This wasn’t going as he’d hoped. Stupid Jorge with his grand romantic gesture idea.

  “No, not for guests.” He swallowed hard. “It’s like…you know how scrambled eggs and toast are good together?”

  She nodded.

  “I mean, even if you have them every day. Even if you add in more eggs, it doesn’t spoil it, it just works.” He looked deep into her eyes. “You’re my scrambled eggs. And if you want to add more eggs, that’s good. I can just make more toast.”

  She looked down at the toaster and back up at him. “I’m not sure I follow.”

  He smoothed the frizzy lock of wine-soaked hair behind her ear. “I love you.”

  “Oh.” Her hand flew to her mouth.

  He took a deep breath and pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “I’m not good with words, and Shane was no help, but here goes. I wrote you a poem.” He unfolded it and read it to her:

  “I avoided strings

  But you’re no ball and chain

  I’m a better man because of you

  You’re my partner

  My scrambled eggs. And we can make more eggs and toast. The whole deal.

  I love you

  Say I do.”

  His cheeks burned, but he met her eyes, meaning every word. And waited for her answer.

  ~ ~ ~

  Liz blinked back tears. “The whole deal? I thought you didn’t want kids—”

  “At first I didn’t…I was just a kid when I helped raise my brothers. It was hard…we didn’t know where the next meal was coming from. It’s different now, you know?” He paced back and forth on the porch. “I mean…we both have good jobs. I’ve got the house. You’re great with Bryce, and I’m getting the hang of him. Hell, if Trav can be a great dad, I can too.” He stopped in front of her, took the toaster from her hands, set it down on the porch, and took both her hands in his. “I want to help you raise Bryce and our kids too. So will you say I do?”

  “Yes!” She threw herself in his arms, and he held her tight.

  After a moment, he pulled back and cradled her face, placing a tender kiss on her lips. “I’m glad that worked. My plan B was looking pretty shaky.”

  “What was plan B?”

  “Flowers and chocolates.”

  “The toaster was better.”

  He grinned. “It was, wasn’t it?” He lifted her hand to his lips. “We’ll pick out the ring together. I figured you’d have an opinion.”

  “Smart man.” She gestured to the door and gave him a slow smile. “Anything else in there you want to show me?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “You’ll have to come inside to see.”

  She scooped up the toaster and ran inside. “Let me just put this back in the kitchen,” she called over her shoulder. He was hot on her heels.

  As soon as she set it on the counter, his hands were on her, tugging her close. He brushed his lips over hers. “What do you say we get started on Bryce’s cousin?”

  She shoved him back with both hands. “Motherhood is hard work. I want some time for just the two of us. Three, four, maybe five years.”

  “That works too.” He lifted her onto the counter and pushed her dress up so he could settle between her legs.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked into his warm hazel eyes. “I love you,” she said. “I didn’t get to say it before, but I do. For always.”

  “And forever,” he said gruffly.

  “With toast.” She bit back a smile.

  One side of his mouth quirked up. “You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”

  “Nope. Can we take the Harley back to the reception? I’ve always wanted to try it.”

  “After.” He slid down the straps of her dress.

  “Yes,” she breathed.

  They left his place, glowing, and grinning like fools. He handed her the helmet that Maggie had bought months ago, and she straddled the bike, her dress scandalously high, and hugged his waist.

  They took off with a roar, as the sun set over Clover Park, to the family and friends they loved.

  Epilogue

  Five Months Later

  “Happy VD!” Maggie said as she handed Liz a rose at the first annual Maggie and Jorge Chavez Valentine’s Day dance.

  Liz bit back a laugh and flashed a pointed look at Ryan.

  “Maybe you shouldn’t abbreviate it, Gran,” Ryan said, kissing her cheek.

  “Oh, you.” She gave him a playful swat on the arm.

  They were at Jorge’s dance studio with friends and family, including some familiar faces from dance class. The only two on the dance floor so far were Dick the spirited gnome and his partner Miss Pinchy Lips, who was actually smiling as he expertly spun her. Garner’s Sports Bar & Grill catered the event, of course, but Liz planned on helping her parents a bit so they could get in at least one dance with each other.

  Rachel walked in wearing a red dress with a plunging neckline and black stiletto heels. Her braid was wrapped into a bun, and she’d traded her glasses for contacts. She’d brought New Jewish Friend as a date.

  “Ooh, Rachel, look at you!” Liz exclaimed, rushing up to her. “Red hot!”

  “Thank you,” Rachel said. “You too, gorgeous.” She held a hand up to shield her eyes. “Please, the shine, it’s too much.” She pushed back Liz’s hand, where a diamond engagement ring sparkled. The wedding was planned down to the last detail—on Liz’s spreadsheet—for the weekend after school let out in June. She looked over Liz’s shoulder. “Hey, Ryan.”

  “Hey, Rachel.” Ryan reached to shake the new guy’s hand. “How ya doin’? I’m Ryan.”

  “Justin.” His voice was high and feminine.

  Rachel grimaced and quickly replaced it with a sweet smile. “Could you get me some of that sangria?”

  “You got it,” Justin squeaked, rushing off to do her bidding.

  Shane lifted his glass in a toast to Rachel, which she returned with a little wave. Shane promptly turned red.

  Daisy and Trav were on the dance floor with Bryce now. The baby wore a dark pink knitted hat that resembled a nipple. Must be one of Maggie’s creations. At almost six months, the boy was already sitting up and reaching for things. Best of all, he now slept six hours at a stretch thanks to an infant massage class. Daisy was like a new woman.

  Liz smiled as Trav lifted Bryce high in the air and the boy let out a delighted laugh. With Daisy and Bryce on track, Liz had finally moved in with Ryan over the New Year. They were still getting used to each other. He’d agreed clothes go in the hamper and said he found her alphabetizing of spices endearing. She was trying very hard to find his piles of magazines and newspapers, and drinking glasses all over the house equally endearing. She was already devising an organizational system she thought would help. Her label maker had gotten a lot of use too.

  Daisy danced with Bryce now, so Trav joined Liz and Ryan on the side of the dance floor. “Isn’t he great?” Trav asked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cuter baby. And he’s smart too. I told him, let’s go see Mama, and he bounced a little. I think he understands English already.”

  “Bryce is awesome,” Liz said. “You and Daisy are doing a great job with him.”

  “He’s like a genius baby,” Ryan said. Liz elbowed him, but Trav didn’t notice.

  “What did Maggie say the hat was supposed to be?” Liz asked.

  Trav grinned. “She said it’s a raspberry.” He shielded his mouth and whispered, “But I think it looks like a nipple.”

  “I thought the same thing,” L
iz confided.

  Ryan took another look at the hat. “Don’t say a word to Gran.”

  Trav raised his hands in mock defense. “Like I would.” He watched Daisy and Bryce for a moment, a big smile on his face.

  “Any progress with the two of you?” Ryan asked quietly.

  Trav frowned. “No, but I’m not giving up.”

  Ryan slapped him on the back. “Good.”

  Liz understood her sister’s reluctance. When she’d thought she might be pregnant, she hadn’t wanted Ryan to feel obligated to her. It was hard to know whether the person’s affection for you was because of the baby or along with the baby.

  Liz took a turn dancing with her adorable nephew, his blond hair looking like dandelion fuzz sticking up all over his head. He smiled at her, revealing two drooly bottom teeth. She kissed his little chubby cheek. “Bryce is so nice,” she sang. Then she pointed out the names of everything that he looked at as they moved around the dance floor. Never too young to educate, she figured. When the song ended, she sailed off the dance floor and handed Bryce back to Trav. “Here’s your little boy. Say da-da.”

  “Ah-boo,” Bryce said.

  “Close,” Trav said. As he walked off, Liz could hear him coaching, “Da-da, da-da, da-da.”

  “How long until we have a mini-Liz?” Ryan asked. “You’re good with him. What do you think? A little honeymoon baby making?” He waggled his eyebrows at her and ran a hand down her back to cup her bottom.

  She slapped his hand away. “Ryan! My parents are here. Your grandmother. And we agreed to wait.”

  He just laughed.

  “Can I have your attention?” Jorge called. The room quieted down. “I’m offering one lesson, and then you’re on your own. The tango.” He nodded at Arianna to start the music. Then Maggie put a rose in her mouth, and they demonstrated a few tango steps. “Please join us.”

  “I guess it’s our turn,” Ryan said, placing a warm hand on the small of Liz’s back and guiding her to the dance floor. He tucked a flower behind her ear and proceeded to shock her with a fast-paced tango that she could barely keep up with. When the song ended, he dipped her over his arm. Her heart pounding, face flushed, she slowly rose back to a standing position.

  “Where did you learn to do that?” she asked.