On the Verge (Sisters Series Book 3)

by Karen Lenfestey

  He wrestled with his fuchsia cummerbund. “Can’t I go with you?”

  “On my honeymoon?” She laughed a little, buzzed from the champagne. The next moment, guilt tightened around her like a corset. She’d never left her son for an entire week before.

  But what would Nathan think? Maybe she could bring it up. Her eyes scanned the crowd to catch a glimpse of the man she’d just married. She spotted him across the room, dancing with his mother.

  “What do you say?” Chip asked. “I promise I won’t ask for anything ever again.” Her son was nothing if not persistent.

  “Let me think about it.”

  “Aww. That means no.” Once again, his lower lip thrust forward.

  She hated to see him so miserable. But could they even get him a last minute plane ticket? Would the hotel have a bigger room available? “Why don’t you get some cake and visit with your grandfather? You don’t get to see him very often.”

  He pouted for a moment longer. Permission to overload on sugar eventually won out. He jumped up and darted toward the tower of cake. “Yippee!”

  She hadn’t had much time to savor the strawberry cake herself, but she liked how it matched the bridesmaids’ dresses and the orchid centerpieces.

  Just then her mother approached her. “You look beautiful.” She’d developed a hint of a Southern drawl since she and Dad had retired to Georgia a few years back. “It’s so nice that you incorporated First Corinthians 13:4 in the ceremony: ‘Love is patient. Love is kind.’”

  Val smiled and waited.

  Her mother smoothed her gray locks. She didn’t believe women should color their hair. “I’m surprised you chose to hold the reception here, though. I’d think someone who earns a living making places attractive, would’ve chosen a location with a view, not the basement of a restaurant.”

  Val counted silently to three and reminded herself not to take it personally. She and her mom had a way of pushing each other’s buttons. The truth was, she and Nathan had decided not to splurge by renting the Harrison Mansion. She’d enjoyed the challenge of decorating this place and was proud of the way it had turned out. “This fit our budget.”

  Her mom picked a piece of microscopic lint off of Val’s shoulder. “Dear, all you had to do was ask. We could’ve chipped in to make our only daughter’s day special.”

  Val swallowed. “Thanks, Mom. This is fine.” She’d never ask for her parents’ help. She knew better.

  ###

  Nathan headed toward Rod who sat at a table twirling a gold coin to entertain his three kids. Nathan recognized it as his boss’ good luck charm that he took everywhere. It must work, too, because Rod had it all: a happy family, his own business and if times ever got tough, he could sell the coin for $1,000.

  Rod tucked the gold piece into his pocket and rose to offer Nathan a firm handshake. “From bachelor to family man in one day. How are you feeling?”

  Rod’s son and two daughters took off to go play elsewhere. Nathan glanced around the room to see if Val was within earshot. A minute ago she was squatting in front of Chip, probably trying to cheer the boy up. Now she was talking to her mother. Far enough away for Nathan to be honest. “Nervous. All through high school I had a crush on Val, but we ran in different circles. She was Homecoming Queen and I was in shop class.” Unlike the other popular girls, she’d smile at him when they passed in the hallway. “I never had the nerve to ask her out. Then all of these years later, we bump into each other again. Who would’ve thought stopping to help a woman broken down on the highway could lead to this?” From across the room, he admired her as she adjusted her veil. His eyes traveled to her son. “I have to admit, I’m afraid I don’t know how to be a father.”

  Rod patted Nathan’s back. “No one’s ever really prepared for parenthood. You learn as you go along.”

  “I’ve been reading all of these how-to books, but they contradict one another.”

  Rod laughed. “Books? Boy, you sure are taking this stepfather thing seriously.”

  “Of course I am. I feel sorry for the kid. Since Chip was two, it’s just been him and his mom.” Nathan’s father had been gone a lot, but at least he’d had his grandfather’s guidance and attention. “Chip’s father doesn’t even care enough to pay child support.” Nathan had discovered that fact while balancing Val’s checkbook--something she never bothered to do.

  Across the room, Chip shoved another piece of cake into his mouth, dropping icing onto his shirt. Nathan looked Rod in the eye. “He told me he wants to come on our honeymoon with us.”

  Rod sighed. “You’re between a rock and a hard place. Whatever you do, don’t make that woman choose between you and her son.”

  What could he do? Didn’t a man deserve at least one night alone with his wife? Of course he did. But what did Chip deserve? His father to give a shit, that’s what. If the boy’s father had offered to watch Chip during the honeymoon, the boy would’ve been overjoyed. But having a kid around didn’t fit into the bum’s lifestyle. Floating from one dead-end job to another, drinking, smoking pot, and who knows what else wasn’t fun with a kid tagging along.

  Nathan knew he shouldn’t judge. He’d wasted a couple of years inside the bottle, too, but he’d made a conscious decision to pull himself together. Since then, he’d been working for Rod, learning the business, rising from mechanic to service department manager in record time. He’d also been saving every last nickel and dime. “Maybe after Val and I decide where we’re going to live, you and I can hammer out the details about becoming business partners.”

  Rod nodded. “I’d like that.”

  The photographer approached Nathan and asked if he could get a few more poses. “The bride is hoping for a picture of the new family.”

  Nathan allowed the photographer to herd the threesome together. He glanced at Chip’s chestnut hair and wondered if that was Val’s natural color. Somehow brown seemed way too ordinary for Val. She had a spark in her that he admired.

  Click after click. Nathan tried to be patient, but clearly Chip had no intention of smiling. And the photographer didn’t want to give up.

  Nathan heard the cell phone in his coat pocket go off. He pulled it out, but it wasn’t ringing. He fished in his pocket again and selected Val’s phone. She’d asked him to hold it for her just in case Chip’s father changed his mind. He handed the phone to his bride. He grinned at the thought. His bride.

  Val held the phone against her ear, pushing her jet black hair out of her eye. She was so beautiful--like a sexy Snow White. She was a fun combination of artist and business woman. Someday she hoped to run her own interior design studio, just as he dreamed of co-owning the auto repair shop.

  Val finished the phone conversation with a dark expression. “Chip, that was Mrs. Bean. She said that she wanted to confirm our parent-teacher conference on Monday. Why didn’t you tell me she wanted to see me?”

  Chip shrugged and looked sheepish. He smiled, too. The damn kid smiled.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  On the ride home from the reception, Joely lifted the hem of her floral dress and rubbed her swollen knees. She’d taken something for the pain and waited for it to kick in. While Jake drove, she tried to distract herself by chatting about how lovely Val had looked and how orchids were an unusual choice for the bouquet. “Do you think I should’ve tried harder to tell Val my concerns?”

  Jake glanced at their six-year-old daughter, Anna, in the backseat as if this conversation were not child appropriate. “There’s no rationalizing with someone when they’re in love.” He flashed her his killer grin as if to say, “I know because I’m in love myself.” He paused. “Besides, Nathan seems like a good guy.”

  “I think he’s nice, but I’m worried Val rushed into this. She’s the first person I’d invite if I threw a party and he’s the kind who’d rather sit on the couch and watch TV.”

  “Maybe Val is past the party stage in her life and she wants to settle down.”

  She thought about Val hoping once
she married Nathan, she could relax a little. “You’re probably right.”

  He parked in front of her apartment. His long fingers lingered on the keys in the ignition. “Do you need me to come in? Is your kitchen sink still leaking?”

  “No. The landlord fixed it.” She laughed. “As if you’d know how to fix anything.”

  “I may have been born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I’ve decided a tool belt is more practical.” He stared at the welcome plaque she’d painted with sunflowers and mounted on her front door.

  She looked at his striking profile—the perfect triangle of a nose and the tiny U-shaped scar under his right eye, caused by a childhood fishing hook gone astray. Warmth surged through her. They knew each other so well. Yet they’d never managed to make it down the aisle.

  They’d almost married in college, but it hadn’t worked out. She wasn’t proud of it, but seven years ago they’d reconnected and had an affair, which resulted in Anna’s birth.

  Fighting the urge to ask him to spend the night, she gave him a peck on the cheek. She didn’t want Anna to know that they were sleeping together. “Thanks for the ride.”

  Anna unbuckled herself and stuck her chin over the front seat. “Daddy, you can’t leave. I want to show you something.”

  He turned his dark blond head so he could see his daughter’s face. “What is it?”

  “Um.” She bit her lower lip. “It’s a surprise. Just wait here for a minute.”

  Joely couldn’t help but shrug and climb out of Jake’s BMW sedan. After Joely unlocked the front door, Anna pushed past her and told her to wait outside. The door closed in Joely’s face. She stood there, fiddling with the brown curls resting on her shoulder for a moment before growing tired. She returned to the passenger’s seat. After about ten minutes, Anna opened the apartment door and waved her parents inside.

  One of Anna’s navy sheets with white stars on it served as a tablecloth for the kitchen table. On top were two place settings of Joely’s Fiestaware. Instead of using plates and cups all in the same color, Anna had used a rainbow assortment. Joely couldn’t help but smile at her daughter’s creativity. “What’s all this?”

  Anna pulled out a chair and gestured for her mom to sit. “Miss Val only dated Nathan eight months and they’re already married.” She ran around the table and pulled out a chair for Jake. “You two have known each other for years and you’re not even engaged! Well, I can’t wait any more. I want my mommy and daddy married.”

  Joely and Jake laughed nervously and made eye contact. Lifting Anna’s piggy bank which served as a center piece, Joely rattled the coins inside. “And why is your bank on the table?”

  Anna put her hands on her hips as if it were obvious. “That’s money for your honeymoon.” Again, the adults chuckled. Anna picked up a toy ring with a pink stone and handed it to Jake. “I couldn’t exactly afford a diamond, but what matters is you have a ring. Now give it to Mommy.”

  At this, Joely’s cheeks flushed with heat. “This is all very sweet, Anna, but you--”

  Jake raised his hand in protest. “I think we should hear our daughter out.”

  Anna ran to the front window and peeked out. “I ordered pizza, but it isn’t here yet.”

  “How did you know how to do that?” Joely asked.

  “Papa’s Pizza is on speed dial. Anyway, I’m going to stay in my room all night. You won’t hear a peep out of me.” Offering a grin that showed off a mixture of baby teeth and permanent ones, Anna bowed. “Enjoy!” She skipped down the hall and closed her bedroom door.

  Joely poured herself a glass of water from the orange Fiestaware pitcher. After she took a sip, she dared to look at Jake. “Sorry about this.”

  “She’s right, you know.” He studied the pink ring, twirling it between his fingers. “We should be married.”

  A calming breath. “I don’t know why you’d want to chain yourself to me when I’m sure there are plenty of attractive associates at your accounting firm who’d like to date you.”

  He rolled his eyes. “We’ve been through this before. There may be other women interested in me, but I’m not interested in them. I don’t want to date anymore. I want to live under the same roof as my daughter. I want to come home every night to my wife. I want us to be a normal family.”

  “Nobody’s normal these days.” She’d hoped to make him laugh, but it didn’t work.

  Fear screamed inside her head: He’ll get tired of being married to someone who’s sick. He’ll resent me for not having the energy to cook dinner and clean the house. In the end, he’ll leave me for someone else.

  She pictured herself confined to a wheelchair, just as her mother had been near the end. Her father had been a devoted caretaker and husband, but he was a rare breed. At her support group, she’d heard about too many boyfriends and husbands that called it quits. “I’m not sure you’re up for this.”

  “I am. I’ve read books about lupus and I’m ready.” He placed the toy ring on the starry tablecloth. “Whenever something happens at work--good or bad--I think ‘I can’t wait to tell Joely about this.’ Whenever it’s your weekend with Anna and I have to hang out in my apartment alone, I wonder what you guys are doing. Whenever I see a family walking through the park holding hands, I want to be them.” His right hand reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a velvet box.

  Her pulse throbbed. She’d seen this box before and she’d barely been strong enough to turn it down then. “Jake. . . .”

  He knelt on one knee beside her. Up flipped the gold-trimmed lid. Inside sat a square-cut diamond, flanked on each side with blue gems. Jake was good at remembering things like that--the fact that sapphire was her birthstone. Jake was good at a lot of things. . . .

  She gnawed on her lip, trying to deny her destiny. Deep down she’d always felt as if he were The One. He hadn’t offered to make an honest woman out of her, though, until a year ago when he lost his entire family in a house fire. Needless to say, that delay left her a bit leery of him.

  Now she had Anna to think about. If Jake eventually decided that being with Joely wasn’t worth the effort, he’d break their little girl’s heart. At least now, both of Anna’s parents were on speaking terms, gladly trading visitation weekends and parenting tips as necessary.

  Thank God the doorbell interrupted them. Joely rose from her chair to answer it. After she’d paid and tipped the teenager, she placed the pizza box on the table. “Let’s eat.”

  Jake had already returned to his commanding six-foot-two-inches and she hoped he wasn’t too embarrassed. He’d proposed to her a few months ago and she’d told him she needed more time to be sure. A man with his charisma probably didn’t have much experience with rejection.

  Stalling, she opened the cardboard box. Her stomach was still full from the reception. “Mushrooms or pepperoni?” Even though she already knew the answer.

  “Real men don’t eat fungus.” He didn’t laugh. Instead of taking his seat, he crossed the room. He picked up a picture of Anna on her bicycle from a stack on the coffee table. “Pretty soon she won’t need training wheels any more.”

  “I know. We practiced on the sidewalk in front of the apartment. Anna scraped her knees a couple of times, but kept getting back up and trying again. She gets her confidence from you.”

  He turned to face her. “She deserves to live in a house with a long driveway where she can ride her bike. She deserves to have both of her parents there applauding her the first time she can balance a two-wheeler on her own.”

  Tears stung Joely’s eyes. She nodded. “I want that for her.”

  He came nearer. “Then what’s the problem? I love you and you love me. That’s the recipe for a happy marriage.”

  She lifted one shoulder halfheartedly. “I’m afraid that someday you’ll wish you had built a life with someone healthier.”

  “I know I’ve made some mistakes in the past. I’m older and wiser now. And I choose you.”

  “But--”

  He placed
his index finger on her lips. “I choose you. And I will always choose you.” His finger moved away and his warm lips slipped against hers.

  As usual, her spirit skyrocketed at his touch. She inhaled his musky cedar cologne and her knees wobbled. She wrapped her arms around him for support.

  Who would’ve thought a woman in her thirties could still feel this kind of rush? When their bodies eased apart, she smiled at him. She could hardly catch her breath. “Okay.”

  “Okay?” His sky blue eyes grew wide.

  She nodded. “Yes. I will marry you.”

  Anna burst from her bedroom clapping and jumping up and down. “Hooray!”

  Jake picked up the toy ring from the table and slid it onto Anna’s finger. “When I marry your mom, I’m making a commitment to you, too.” He picked his daughter up and twirled her around in circles. “Here’s to my two favorite girls.” He put Anna down and leaned in to kiss Joely.

  His eyes studied her, as if making a silent promise: I choose you. Forever.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Joely was so excited she dialed her older sister’s number without thinking of the consequences. After all, Kate had banned Jake from ever setting foot in her house. What were the chances she would welcome him into their tiny family? “Hi, Kate! Guess what!”

  Her sister whispered, “Shhh. I hope the phone didn’t wake the baby.”

  Joely glanced at her watch. Nine p.m. “I’m sorry. I never know when is a good time to call.”

  “That’s because it’s never a good time. Brianna hasn’t slept for more than twenty minutes at a time all week. I don’t even know why I shhhed you. I’m so tired I could cry.”

  Joely chuckled. Her sister had thought motherhood looked so easy from the outside.

  “I’m serious. I could burst into tears right now.” Kate’s voice quivered. “I don’t know what’s wrong with her.”