“That’s why I’m so glad I found you,” he said, and his face lit up with a smile.
Reese’s smile matched his in intensity. “You don’t know how much that means to me.” Especially after what your mother said today.
Brody chuckled. “I guess that’s why I was so determined to find you after you left.”
And why I feel even worse now for leaving. She could only imagine what he must have thought—and felt—when he had discovered that she had fled without a word. “I’m so sorry that I left like that.”
He stroked her face. “I think I understand why you did. But it’s okay now because you’re here.”
Vulnerability shone from him like a beacon, and Reese knew she could never leave him without at least giving him an explanation. And I don’t want to leave him.
Then she thought about the other name his mother had mentioned. Kayla. Who is she? What does she mean to him? She looked at his face, and not wanting to dredge up any more painful memories, she decided not to ask just then.
What about you? When are you going to tell him you were married?
She knew she couldn’t put it off any longer. Not with his mother eager to get her out of Brody’s life. If I don’t tell him, she will. And that won’t go well.
“I have something I need to tell you,” she said as her heart began to pound.
Seventeen
Brody heard a tone of intensity in Reese’s voice, and his eyebrows bunched. “What is it?”
She nibbled on her lower lip. “You mentioned marriage…”
She’s not going to tell me she’s married, is she? That was something that had never crossed his mind, and the idea shocked him. “What is it, Reese?”
“I’ve been…well, I was married before.”
“Before? Like, in the past?” Though that information was unexpected—especially at her age—it certainly wasn’t unheard of.
“Yes.”
“Okay.” He thought about the lie she had told his parents about her parents being dead. What other secrets is she hiding? “But you’re not married now, right?”
She laughed, and he heard relief in the sound. “No. No, I’m definitely not married anymore.”
“Well, that’s good then.”
Her smile vanished. “Does that bother you? To know I was married once before?”
Unfortunately, he knew many people who had gotten divorced. He was just a little surprised that at the age of twenty-four she had already been married and divorced. Then a new thought occurred to him. “Do you have any kids?”
She quickly shook her head. “No. No kids.”
He laughed. “That you know of, right?”
She laughed along with him. “Right.” Her face became serious. “You didn’t answer my question. Does it bother you?”
“No, not really.”
Reese wasn’t sure what that meant, but she was just happy to have the information out there. Now Grace has nothing to hold over my head.
“So, what happened?” Brody asked. “Are you okay with telling me?”
No. I don’t want to tell you how Josh decided I wasn’t right for him and that he found someone better. That he stopped loving me. “I’d rather not.”
Brody’s eyebrows pulled together briefly before smoothing out. “Okay. That’s fine.”
Reese wasn’t sure if he was really fine with not knowing, but was glad he wasn’t pressing her.
“I should probably get some work done,” he said. “Do you want to stay here or come back to the house with me?”
“I’ll go with you.” I’ll go wherever you go.
He smiled, then stood and helped her up.
Late that afternoon, as Reese sat on the living room couch uploading pictures to the site where she sold her photos, Brody walked in with a smile on his face.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said.
The expression on his face warmed her, and when he sat beside her and pulled her into his arms, love for him bloomed inside her. “Hey, yourself.” She snuggled close to him. “Are you done working, or just taking a well-deserved break?”
“Neither. I just got off the phone with my mother…”
Reese tensed at his announcement, and he obviously felt it.
He pulled away and looked at her with a frown. “What’s wrong?”
She pasted a smile onto her mouth. “Nothing. What did your mother have to say?” She had no other secrets—besides the way her marriage had ended. But that wasn’t something Grace could find out about. So why does the mention of Grace Ford make me nervous?
“She and my dad are having a family barbecue on Sunday, and they invited us to join them.”
Suspicious, Reese’s forehead creased. “Both of us?”
Brody tilted his head. “Of course.” Then he lifted her chin and stared into her eyes. “Are you okay with going?”
Reese didn’t want to go, but wasn’t about to tell Brody that. Such a statement would only bring up uncomfortable questions. “Of course.”
He released her chin. “Good. You haven’t had a chance to talk to Logan yet, and of course Avery will be there.”
That will be nice, at least. I like Avery.
Over the next few days, Reese enjoyed her time with Brody. When he wasn’t working, he doted on her, which she loved. They played in the ocean, went out to eat, and got to know each other better.
When Reese woke up Sunday morning and thought about the family barbecue at Jim and Grace’s house that day, she was overcome with anxiety.
Maybe I can pretend I’m sick—I actually do feel horrible. But she knew that would disappoint Brody, so she sucked it up and, when Brody woke beside her, she hid her nervousness well.
When they pulled up to Brody’s parents’ house, a fresh sense of inadequacy spilled over Reese. Modern and gorgeous, the Ford’s house had large windows everywhere. It made Brody’s beach house seem quaint.
“Ready to go in?” Brody asked, obviously completely comfortable and unimpressed.
“Uh, yeah. Sure.” Then she noticed a baby blue VW bug parked nearby. Avery’s here. Comforted to think she would have an additional ally, Reese managed to take Brody’s hand and climb out of his Porsche.
At the front door, Brody knocked, then turned the knob and walked in. “Mom?” he called out. “Dad?”
“They’re out back,” Avery replied from a room Reese couldn’t see.
Brody smiled at Reese. “Sounds like she’s in the kitchen.” He led her into an open space with top-of-the-line appliances, beautiful granite countertops, and custom cabinets where Avery was arranging cut vegetables on a platter.
Avery looked up from her task when Reese and Brody entered the room. “Hey,” she said. “How are you guys?” Then she walked out from behind the countertop and gave Reese a hug before embracing her brother.
“Hi, Ave,” Brody said after she released him. “Did you come by yourself?”
“Yes. There’s no one who interests me enough to bring in front of Mom and Dad.” She laughed. “Or anyone I like enough to put through one of Mom’s cross-examinations.”
Pulling her gaze away from the tasteful yet lovely decor in the adjoining family room, Reese listened to Avery’s comment and felt marginally better about her lunch with Grace. Maybe she treats all of the people who date her children the way she treated me. But deep inside she sensed she was a special case. And that wasn’t a good thing.
“She’s not that bad,” Brody said to his sister.
Avery glanced at Reese before throwing a smile at Brody, then she went back to the vegetable tray to finish her task.
Does she know what her mother said to me? Did Grace tell her all about me? The thought made Reese very uncomfortable, and she wondered how close mother and daughter were. Whose side would Avery pick? She frowned. Her mother’s, obviously.
Nerves singing, Reese felt a headache beginning to blossom.
“Can you guys carry this food outside while I finish up a couple of things?” Avery asked as she ope
ned the fridge.
“Sure,” Brody said. “Reese?”
“Uh, yeah.” Reese forced a smile onto her mouth before taking a large bowl from Avery. “Where to?”
“Everyone’s out back,” Brody said, then he turned and began walking toward a pair of French doors through which Reese could see Grace watching them, her mouth set in a straight line.
Eighteen
“Hello, sweetheart,” Grace said to Brody as he and Reese stepped outside into what Reese could only call a dream backyard—perfectly manicured lawn, sapphire blue swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and comfortable and inviting seating facing an oversized fireplace.
This is a long way from the trailer park where I grew up.
Feeling more inadequate than ever, Reese tried not to think about the grim expression she had seen on Grace’s face—an expression which she had noticed had been focused exclusively on her, making her feel as welcome as a cockroach. She had also noticed that the moment Brody had stepped outside, a loving smile had miraculously replaced Grace’s near-scowl.
“Hi, Mom,” Brody said.
“You can set that over there,” Grace said, pointing to a nearby table.
Refusing to meet Grace’s eyes, Reese followed Brody and placed the bowl she carried beside his.
“Is Logan here yet?” Brody asked, turning to face his mother.
“No,” Grace said. “Not yet.”
Reese turned in Grace’s direction, and needing reassurance, she slipped her hand into Brody’s. To her great relief, he wrapped his fingers around hers. Daring a look at Grace, Reese saw her eyes flick to her and Brody’s interlocked hands, and then Reese noticed a slight tightening of the lines around Grace’s mouth.
See, Grace? He loves me.
“Do you or Dad need any help?” Brody asked.
“Why don’t you go ask your father,” Grace said. “And your lovely Reese can help me with a few things.”
Panic swept over Reese. Don’t leave me alone with her!
“Sounds good,” Brody said, then he placed a soft kiss on Reese’s mouth before turning and walking away.
She watched him go and prayed his father would send him back, or that Avery would come outside and join her and Grace.
“He’ll probably be a while,” Grace said.
Reese turned to face her and hoped the terror she was feeling wasn’t visible on her face.
Grace laughed. “They can talk about sports for hours.”
Nodding, Reese found she didn’t know what to say to the woman who wanted her to disappear from Brody’s life. Or maybe she changed her mind. It’s been four days since our lunch. Maybe she’s come to realize that Brody and I really do love each other. And seeing us together—even if it was only for a moment—convinced her to let me be.
With optimism that she desperately hoped wasn’t misplaced, Reese smiled. “You have a lovely home.”
“Thank you. It’s taken us a long time to get it just how we want it.”
Reese nodded. “What…what do you need help with?”
“Perhaps you could bring out the dishes we’ll use.”
Glad for something to do—something that would get her away from Grace—Reese eagerly agreed. “I’d be happy to.”
“Good. Avery can show you where everything is. We’ll need place settings for ten.”
“Okay.” Reese turned and went into the house, relieved beyond belief that Grace hadn’t reiterated her desire that Reese leave town.
Stepping into the kitchen, Reese told Avery what she needed.
“Ten?” Avery asked.
Reese nodded. “That’s what she said.”
“Huh. I know Logan’s bringing a date, but I wonder who else she invited.” Then she laughed. “I hope it’s not someone she’s trying to set me up with.”
Reese did the math and calculated that there would be three mystery guests. Not too concerned, she shrugged, then gathered the plates, glasses, and utensils and carried them outside and placed them where Grace directed her.
Brody watched Reese as she set the plates on the outside table, smiling to see her fitting in so effortlessly with his family.
“You really seem to care about her,” his father said as they stood in front of the grill.
With a last look at Reese, he turned to his father. “I do. After Megan…well, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever fall in love again.”
His father smiled. “You seem happy, which makes me and your mother happy.”
Assuming his mother had told his father about Reese’s confession at lunch earlier that week, he said, “I hope you and Mom don’t hold Reese’s…fib…against her.”
His father laughed. “You mean the fib that her parents are dead?”
Heat climbed Brody’s face, and he felt a tiny bit of resentment toward Reese that she had put him in this position. Still, he wanted to defend her. “Yeah. She’s pretty sensitive about…their situation.”
“I would be too,” his father murmured as he turned the steaks over.
Not wanting to argue, but not about to let the comment go unchallenged, Brody asked, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Setting the tongs aside, his father faced him. About the same height, the men only stood a few feet apart. “Don’t be offended, Brody. I’m just saying her background isn’t exactly what we’re used to.”
Not sure how to respond—or if he even should—Brody stared at his father.
His father stepped toward him and patted him on the shoulder. “She seems like a nice enough girl.”
“There you are,” Logan said as he came up behind them.
Glad for the distraction, Brody turned and greeted his younger brother. “Glad you could make it.”
“Me too.”
Brody’s gaze went to Reese and he saw her talking to a woman he hadn’t met before. “Who’d you bring?”
Logan grinned. “That’s Jessica.”
Taking in Jessica’s long blonde hair and shapely figure, Brody smiled at Logan. “How long has this been going on?”
With a laugh, Logan said, “While you were galavanting around in the wilderness with your girl, I was busy making friends of my own.”
Brody laughed with him. “Good for you.” His gaze went back to the women as they chatted, then his eyes were drawn to three people who were just stepping through the door and into the backyard. “What the hell?” He turned to his father with a frown. “What are they doing here?”
Nineteen
As Reese talked to Logan’s girlfriend, as well as Avery, she began to feel more comfortable. And when three additional people arrived, she barely glanced at them.
“Reese, Jessica,” Grace said. “I’d like you to meet some friends of mine.”
Reese turned toward the group, comprised of a couple about Jim and Grace’s age, as well as a stunningly beautiful woman who appeared to be in her mid-twenties.
“These are my dear friends Tom and Lisa Haworth,” Grace said with a bright smile. “And their daughter, Kayla.”
“So nice to meet you,” Jessica immediately said.
It took Reese a few seconds to gather herself before she parroted Jessica’s words. Is this the Kayla Grace mentioned at lunch? Wishing now that she had asked Brody about her, Reese tore her gaze from the Haworths and looked at Grace, who was smiling serenely.
“Kayla just got back from an assignment in Europe,” Grace said.
As a model? Feeling plain and boring in comparison, Reese’s first instinct was to flee, but she tamped it down, knowing her leaving would be a victory for Grace.
“I was there last year,” Jessica said. “What was your favorite place?”
Reese barely heard their conversation as her mind whirled. Am I the only person in this backyard who’s never left the good ole USA?
“Hello,” she heard Brody say a moment later as he joined the group. “How are you?”
Then she felt his fingers intertwine with hers. Love for him surged through her, and as he stood beside her, she felt a m
uch needed infusion of confidence.
“Hi, Brody,” Tom Haworth said as he shook Brody’s outstretched hand.
As the group chatted, Reese stood quietly by Brody’s side and watched the interplay. She couldn’t miss the look of adoration directed towards Brody on Kayla’s face, and she wondered if they had a history. I’ll definitely ask him about her later. It also seemed as if Grace was completely ignoring Reese, but Reese was content to be ignored. Better than being in her sights.
Brody couldn’t believe his mother had invited Kayla to the family barbecue. What is she thinking? That if I see Kayla I’ll change my mind about going out with her? Then he realized he was being self-centered. Or maybe she just wants to spend some time with her best friend and her family and thought we would enjoy their company as well.
Feeling foolish for thinking it was all about him, Brody focused on the conversation going on around him.
“Looks like the steaks are done,” his mother said as she glanced toward his father, who was placing the meat on a large serving platter. “Please come sit down.”
The group moved to the large table, and Brody led Reese to sit beside him. Wanting to make sure she wasn’t feeling overwhelmed, he murmured, “Are you doing okay?”
She smiled at him. “Yes. Thank you.”
Pleased that she felt comfortable around his family, he smiled at her as he slid his arm around her shoulders.
Having Brody right beside her made Reese feel safe and secure among this group of people who seemed so much more sophisticated than she was. She had learned that Kayla worked at an international bank, so besides being gorgeous, she had to be smart.
“I understand you’re a photographer,” Kayla, who sat at the other end of the table, said to Reese.
Where did you hear that? Did Grace tell your mother? Did she also tell you that my father’s in prison, and evidently a murderer? A slight blush rose on her cheeks, but then she felt Brody give her leg a gentle squeeze and she swallowed before speaking.
“Yes. I love photography.” Then she thought about Kayla’s trip to Europe. “I’ll bet there are so many amazing things to photograph in Europe. Did you take a lot of pictures while you were there?”
Searching for Love: The Complete Story Page 25