by Cate Beauman
“Now that we’ve finished with the run-through, you and Ethan are supposed to walk down the aisle for Hunter and me. It’s bad luck if we do before tomorrow.”
“Yes, yes, of course.” She moved toward the would-be aisle where Ethan waited, still holding Kylee. She put her arm through his and walked with him.
He nudged her gently in the side. “Where were you back there? Morgan called your name three times.”
She met his gaze as the heat of embarrassment stained her cheeks. “I had something on my mind.”
“I hope you’re more focused tomorrow.” He smiled. “I don’t want to have to come drag you from your spot.” He nudged her again, giving her a wink.
Uncharacteristically irritated, she didn’t smile back. “I assure you, Morgan will be my main focus tomorrow as she should’ve been tonight.” When they stopped at the entrance of the gazebo, she removed her arm from Ethan’s, made a grab for Kylee.
He turned to the side so she couldn’t take her. “I was kidding. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. It’s getting late. I have to get Kylee her supper.” She moved forward, trying to take Kylee again.
Ethan evaded her for the second time, sending Kylee into giggles with the motion. “You’re upset because Kylee needs to eat? Try again.”
“I’m not upset about anything. I really don’t want to get into this right now.” She glanced over as Nicolette made a beeline in their direction. She wanted to avoid another encounter with her as badly as she wanted to avoid the plague. “Your date’s looking for you. Now may I please have my daughter?” She moved forward, plucked Kylee from Ethan’s arms, not missing the surprise in his eyes.
“Sarah?”
She walked down the steps as quickly as her heels allowed. Ethan called after her again. She ignored him as she made her way to the function room. She would get Kylee her meal and head back to the bridal suite as soon as possible.
Ethan’s gaze roamed over the guests crowding the elegant function room. A massive buffet ran the length of one wall where people busily helped themselves to a variety of top-notch dishes. He spotted Sarah and Kylee sitting alone at a small table in the corner. Kylee took a bite of grilled cheese, followed by a heaping spoonful of applesauce. Sarah pushed salmon and rice around on her plate before she set her fork down to wipe a glob of apple from Kylee’s cheek.
He studied her, puzzled. In all the years they’d known each other, she’d never looked at him with such disdain as she did earlier. She’d never spoken to him with such heat.
He caught her eye in the dim, candlelit room, started toward her just as Nicolette made her way back from the ladies’ room. He watched Sarah’s gaze wander to his date before she turned her attention back to her daughter.
“Let’s get something to eat, darling.”
Ethan glanced at Sarah once more. He would have to talk to her later. He focused on Nicolette’s stunning face. “Good idea. I’m starving.”
He sat down to lobster tail and filet mignon while Nicolette nibbled on her miserly salad and talked to one of Morgan’s friends from D.C. Ethan looked over his shoulder, surprised to see the corner table empty. Sarah had to pass him to get to her suite, unless she left through the door leading to the shore. She knew better than to walk the beach alone after dark. Staying at a luxury hotel didn’t negate the possibility of the criminal element lurking in the shadows along the water.
Uneasy, he took his napkin from his lap. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he said to Nicolette, who barely paid him any attention.
He moved to the picture windows overlooking the beach, spotted Sarah’s blonde hair whipping in the wind as she walked toward the waves with Kylee. “Damn it, what is she doing?”
Cutting through the crowd, Ethan headed for the stairwell. He took the stairs two at a time. The ocean breeze rushed across his face as he opened the door.
Walking in the direction Sarah had taken, he found her high heels in the sand. His heartbeat bumped up a notch and he tensed as he scanned the dark, unable to find her.
In the distance her pink dress billowed around her thighs, and Ethan’s shoulders relaxed. She held Kylee close, pointed to the stars. A loose strand of silky blonde escaped from behind her ear, and she swiped them back. His breath backed up in his throat as the moonlight kissed her face, accentuating her beauty. He ached for her, yearning to be a part of the picture she and Kylee made. Caught off-guard, Ethan tried to ignore his unwanted and habitual reaction of late and moved forward.
As he got closer, Sarah’s soft voice melded with Kylee’s and the rush of waves while they sang Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. When their song ended, Kylee clapped and Sarah smiled. “Okay, little miss, it’s time to say goodnight to the stars.”
Kylee yawned. “I not tired, Mama.”
“You’re not, huh? Well, it’s still time for a bath and a snuggle with Mr. Ruff. Auntie Morgan doesn’t want a sleepy flower girl in her wedding tomorrow.” Sarah turned and gasped, stumbling back. “My God, Ethan, you scared me half to death.”
“Ethan!” Kylee wiggled to get down.
“No, honey. I don’t want you getting dirty. It’s time for bed.”
Kylee’s lip wobbled and her eyes filled. “I want Ethan.”
Unable to resist Kylee’s tears, Ethan took Kylee in his arms. She snuggled her head on his shoulder as he began to walk. “It’s a little late for you to be out on the beach by yourself, don’t you think?”
“Kylee’s restless tonight,” Sarah said stiffly. “I was hoping the fresh air would help her settle. We were just heading in for a bath and bed.”
“No one would’ve been able to hear you if you needed help out here.”
“We aren’t that far from the restaurant or our room, Ethan. Everything turned out fine.” She bent down to pick up the shoes she left behind.
“You could’ve come and gotten me. I would’ve come with you.”
“I didn’t need you to come with me, and that would’ve been rude. You’re here with a date.”
Her inflection changed on the word ‘date’. He stopped walking and captured her arm when they approached the door to her beachside suite. “Is that why you’re upset, because I brought a date?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” She turned away, swiped her keycard in the slot. The light flashed green, and she twisted the knob. “You’re rarely without one. Why would it suddenly bother me? It’s really getting late. I should take Kylee and say goodnight.”
Surprised by her scoffing tone, Ethan took her arm again. “What’s wrong with you? Why are you acting like this?”
“It’s been a long day. I’m tired.” She held out her hands for Kylee. “Come on, sweetheart. It’s time for your bath.”
Ethan had seen Sarah tired before, exhausted, and she never failed to be anything but sweet.
“No, Mama, Ethan.”
“Ethan has to get back to the party, and you have to go to bed.” Sarah wrapped her hands around Kylee’s waist to take her.
Kylee wrapped her arms around his neck, rested her head on his shoulder again. “Ethan read to me.”
He stared down into pleading, sleepy blue eyes and his heart melted. “Jesus, Sarah, how can you say no to that? It’s just one book.”
Sarah let out a quiet sigh. “One book.” She stepped through the door, let him in the spacious room. Light blue knick knacks accented bright yellow walls. Pale green furnishings gave the room a tropical paradise feel.
“Bath time first, Kylee.” Sarah took Kylee, walked to the bathroom, filled the tub.
While a reenergized Kylee sang and splashed in the water, Ethan stood by the window, staring out at ocean waves kissing the sandy shore. Sarah’s voice chimed in to Itsy Bitsy Spider, making him smile.
His smile disappeared as he thought of the way she’d looked at him. Her eyes had been full of disdain. He’d always played by his own rules, cared little for what others thought, but the mockery in her voice tonight bothered him. Something was eating at her. He wasn’
t leaving until they figured everything out. Sarah was a vital part of his life. That wasn’t going to change.
Kylee ran from the bathroom wrapped in a towel. “I ready for my story.”
“You look like you’re missing something to me, kiddo. Where’re your PJs?”
“Over der.” Kylee pointed to the pink polka dot pajama-set lying on the bed. “I have to det dressed. I tan do it myself.”
He smiled. “Well, go for it then. I’ll get your book and wait in the other room. Call me if you need help.”
“O-tay.” Her angelic face beamed up at him, and for a flash, he saw Jake’s smile.
Sadness warred with the comfort that a piece of him was still here.
Minutes later, Kylee crawled into Ethan’s lap, soft and warm, smelling of baby shampoo. She nestled herself against him, hugging Mr. Ruff, the stuffed brown dog he’d bought her at a toy store in Germany the year before.
Ethan covered Kylee with the small patchwork quilt Jake’s mother had made for her second birthday and settled against the couch.
She looked up at him. “Mama be out soon. She getting her bath too.”
As Kylee spoke, the spray hit the tub behind the closed bathroom door. Ethan knew Sarah was avoiding him. He could wait. He was patient when it suited him. “Let’s read this story, Sleepy Marie.”
She put her hands on his cheeks. “I not Seepy Marie. I Kylee.”
Her eyes were so solemn as they stared into his; he couldn’t help but grin. “Okay, Sleepy Kylee, let’s read this story.”
Ethan opened to the first page, and she rested her head against his chest again. By the time he made it to the third page, the water in the bathroom shut off and Kylee’s eyes drooped. He continued on until Sarah stood in the doorway, wrapped in her pale blue robe.
She stepped further into the room, bringing along her floral scent. The hem of her robe brushed her knees as she walked. “Kylee’s asleep.”
“Yeah, I know. I don’t think she made it past the tea party.”
A small smile touched her lips. “She usually doesn’t. Why don’t I take her so you can get back? Thanks for reading with her.”
The formality was back in her voice. Ethan’s eyebrow arched. “How about you sit down and tell me why you’re treating me like a stranger.”
“That’s silly, Ethan.”
He dealt with dishonesty everyday in his business. Sarah was far from an artist of deception. “I was ridiculous a few minutes ago, and now I’m silly.”
“No, of course you’re not.” She sat on the edge of the loveseat, her hands clasped. “I’m sorry if I’ve hurt your feelings.”
“I don’t bruise easy.” He held her gaze while he waited. She wiggled her foot double-time, a nervous habit he recognized.
“I don’t like Nicolette,” she said hastily. She bit her lip, stood. “I’m sorry. That was incredibly rude.”
So that was the problem. Ethan got to his feet with Kylee. “Where would you like me to lay her down?”
Her eyes met his again, full of apology, before she glanced away. “I’ll take her.”
“I’ve got her. Which bedroom, Sarah?”
“The bedroom to the left.”
He walked with Kylee snuggled in his arms. Sarah hurried ahead of him, dimmed the light in the room, pulled back the covers on the queen sized mattress. He lay Kylee down and Sarah covered her. She brushed her lips over her daughter’s forehead and placed two pillows next to the edge of the bed to keep her from falling. Ethan stared down at her sweet little face, ran his finger down her nose.
Sarah stood by the door, walked out when he turned.
He followed her to the sitting area, snagged her hand. “Hey, let me apologize for earlier. I didn’t know Nicolette’s comments bothered you so much. You’re an amazing photographer.”
She hesitated before she wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Ethan returned the embrace and relaxed.
“Let’s just forget the whole thing.” Sarah eased back, staring up. “I was oversensitive. I’m sure Nicolette’s a lovely woman.”
A smile ghosted Ethan’s lips. “You never were a very good fibber, Sarah.”
The troubled look was back on her face as she tried to break away, but Ethan held her tight.
“She’s very beautiful, Ethan, and it doesn’t matter what I think as long as you’re happy.”
He was happy now that everything was okay between them. “I’m happy enough.”
Her brows furrowed. “I don’t want you to be ‘happy enough’. That’s not good enough. You deserve more than that.”
Over the years, he’d become very content with ‘happy enough’, but lately he’d been restless for more.
Sarah smoothed his shirt, his tie, smiled. “You should get back, Ethan. I’m sure Nicolette’s concerned.”
He doubted it but nodded. “We’re good here?”
“Yes, absolutely. I’m sorry again—”
“Don’t be.” He smiled and moved forward, kissing her. When his lips met hers, he instantly recognized his mistake. His fingers curled tight against the cotton of her robe as her exotic flavor left his head swimming. He remembered why he’d avoided the habitual gesture over the last several weeks.
As her floral scent surrounded him and he stared into kind eyes, it was all he could do to stop himself from moving in again, from deepening the kiss and ruining one of the most important friendships he had.
Ethan stepped back.
Sarah’s smile vanished as she searched his face. “Are you okay?”
He tried for a casual smile. “Yeah. It’s just getting late. I need to go find Hunter.” He needed to get away from her.
Sarah’s brows furrowed as she walked him to the door. Her hand touched his when he turned the knob, and he jumped back.
“Ethan, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Good night. Lock up after me.” He smiled absently and stepped through the door, concerned by the direction his thoughts kept taking.
CHAPTER 3
SARAH WATCHED HUNTER KISS HIS bride as the sun sank along the horizon. A tear rolled down her cheek as she thought of Jake, of how he should’ve been there to share Hunter’s moment, but that would never be.
Even after two years, she still missed him as if she’d lost him yesterday, still expected him to walk through her front door. At moments like this, when the lack of his presence was so apparent, the black hole of grief threatened to swallow her whole. But Jake wouldn’t have wanted that on Hunter and Morgan’s special day, so she tried desperately to push the pain away.
Sarah glanced from the grinning couple, now facing their clapping guests, and met Ethan’s stare. He questioned her with a subtle lift of brow. Was she okay? She swiped at her tear and smiled, giving him a quick nod. He smiled back, a gesture of support, of understanding, and she instantly steadied.
Focusing on her duties, Sarah knelt forward in her fitted off-the-shoulder dress and adjusted Morgan’s silk train before she and Hunter made their way down the white carpeted aisle of the gazebo. Candlelight, creamy calla lilies, and maroon roses gave the elegant space a fairytale feel.
As Sarah straightened, Ethan stepped up next to her, offering his elbow. She looped her arm with his.
“Are you ready to get this party started?” he asked, still studying her, still checking.
She smiled again. “You bet.”
Ethan clasped his hand with hers, holding tight, winked, and off they went, following behind the bride and groom. Sarah rested her head against his muscled shoulder for the briefest of seconds, offering her silent thanks. What would she do without Ethan, her rock, her constant source of comfort?
Waiters bustled about, placing dessert before each guest. Music pumped from speakers with the festivities well underway. Sarah’s foot moved in time with the beat as she sat next to Kylee, pretty in her tiered organza gown.
“Little bites, Kylee; I don’t want you to choke.”
“I not choke, Mama.” Kylee scooped up another forkful of
vanilla cake and butter cream frosting.
Hailey, Kylee’s babysitter, sat on Kylee’s other side.
“Hailey, don’t look now, but one of the guys at table twenty has been looking your way most of the evening.”
With a bite of cake halfway to her mouth, Hailey froze. “Oh my God, you’re kidding. Is he hot?”
Sarah grinned, glancing from the pretty, honey eyed part-time nanny to the college-aged man. “He’s certainly cute enough. You’ve been wonderful with Kylee all day, and I appreciate your willingness to spend the night with her at my mother’s. Why don’t you take some time to yourself? Go ask him if he wants to dance.”
Hailey gripped her hand. “Oh, I couldn’t do that. What if he says no? What if Morgan needs you?”
Sarah glanced in the happy brides direction. “Morgan’s mingling with her guests. I think everything’s under control for the moment. Go on, Hailey, go have some fun. I can pretty much guarantee Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome won’t say ‘no’.”
“You’re the best.” Hailey looked down at her watch. “I’ll be back in an hour. Your mom should be here by then.”
“Don’t worry about the time. If I really need you, which I won’t, I’ll come find you.”
“Okay.” With a final hug, Hailey departed as the next song began to play.
Kylee’s bottom wiggled in her seat.
“Kylee, would you like to dance before Grandma comes?”
Kylee grinned, eyes bright with excitement. “Ooh, yes. Let’s dance.”
Sarah pushed her chair back from the table, helped Kylee down from her booster seat. She guided her through the crowd, and they edged their way on the floor. Sarah let her little party animal twist and spin to the upbeat music.
As the song wound down, the DJ announced Morgan and her father’s first dance. Stanley held Morgan close while they moved about the room, laughing and talking. As the last notes drifted through the speakers, Stanley dipped his daughter and everyone clapped.
The DJ invited daddies and daughters to take the floor next. Sarah’s light mood plummeted as her sweet-faced little girl smiled up at her.