The Wager tb-2

by Rachel Van Dyken

  His whole life he’d been afraid of commitment, yet it was only now that he realized he’d been in a relationship for twenty-three years. He was shackled to himself, in a relationship with his own demons. The most important thing in his life had always been to live for the moment, to live for himself. Parents always warned their kids about the dangers of unhealthy relationships with others—so why didn’t they ever warn kids about the dangers of an unhealthy relationship with yourself? With your own damn heart?

  Jake walked to the back of the house and out onto the dock that overlooked the river. With a sigh he sat at the edge and watched one of the dinner cruise boats slowly go by.

  Life had been so much easier when he was a little kid, when his only worries had been whether his mom was going to wash his basketball uniform on time or if the kids at school would want to play kickball.

  Being an adult sucked.

  Finally realizing you were a selfish jackass didn’t help either.

  “Can I sit down?” Travis asked behind him.

  “Sure,” Jake said.

  “It’s a nice evening.” Travis’s knees cracked as he took a seat on the dock.

  Jake nodded and kept looking out at the water. If he looked his brother in the eyes he’d probably snap—he was that on edge.

  “You wanna tell me what’s going on?” Travis asked.

  With a sigh, Jake leaned back on his hands and shook his head. “Not particularly, no.”

  A movement caught Jake’s eye. He watched as Travis pulled a small envelope from his pocket. “Here’s the thing. I never wanted to give this to you.”

  “Are we divorcing?” Jake tried to sound lighthearted but he was a bit freaked out. What the hell could be in that envelope?

  Travis rolled his eyes. “You should be so lucky to get away from me. No, it’s not anything like that. It’s just…” He swore. “This last year, Kacey finally read a few of the letters that her parents had left in their will. Apparently, they’d updated it the year before they died and had put a few keepsakes in with it, just in case.”

  Jake bit his lip and looked away as tears threatened in his eyes. This was why he never talked about his feelings. Just talking about Kacey’s’ parents made his chest hurt. Damn, why did they have to go and die like that?

  Why did it have to be that same night Jake had been caught doing another irresponsible thing? Why hadn’t Jake been given the chance to apologize to Kacey’s dad?

  Travis handed the envelope to Jake. “This one was for you.”

  “For me?” Jake took the envelope. “Why now? Why are you giving this to me now?”

  Travis smirked. “Because my future wife is relentless…” He nudged Jake in the side. “And because there were strict instructions to only give it to you when something specific happened.”

  “Oh yeah? What? Insanity?”

  Travis licked his lips and looked away. “No, it was for when you fell in love.”

  “I kind of feel like we’re having a moment here,” Jake joked.

  “Shut up.” Travis laughed. “They wrote letters for family and friends. Apparently Kacey’s’ mom was really into taking notes; she has an entire notebook full of her thoughts and poems. At any rate, there were two letters left. One was for Kacey on her wedding day and one was for you…”

  “What about you? Did you have a letter?” Jake asked.

  Travis shook his head. “I have Kacey. Guess we’ll see what that letter says tomorrow when we say our vows. You still planning on walking her down with Dad?”

  Jake fought the hammering of his heart and gave a jerky nod.

  “Good.” Travis slapped him on the back. “I’m going to leave you to—” Travis waved at the letter. “See you at dinner.”

  Jake clenched the letter in his hand and watched Travis walk back down the dock. With shaking fingers, Jake undid the seal of the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper. Its contents were short, to the point, in scratchy handwriting:

  I knew it would happen. I told Rose just this morning that it was gonna happen and she up and laughed at me. I wonder if it’s Kacey who’s finally caught your eye. Ah, a father knows, the way you look at her is the way a man looks at his best friend. I can tell these things.

  At any rate. We never talked about that night, Jake. You know which one I’m referring to. Hell, I doubt you’ll ever forget about digging holes in the backyard and having to apologize over and over again for getting caught with drugs and women you had no business being with. You always were a feisty one. In that moment, Jake, I knew, you’d probably grow up to be one of those big corporate guys. The ones with the fancy cars and fast women. You had that look about you, and I have to admit, it scared me a bit thinking about Kacey being with you.

  I guess I’ll just have to trust that what was engrained in you when you were a boy stayed with you. It should, if that grandmother of yours has anything to say about it.

  Rose says we have to write letters to our friends and family just in case. I know you’re probably wondering why I wrote you one. You’ve always been like a son to me, Jake. I’ve known you since you were still in diapers. The thought occurred to me today, what if I’m not able to see you full grown? What if I can’t see you on your wedding day? What if I can’t be a part of your life, your future? When a man gets old he thinks about his past, about his regrets. My regret was never talking to my own father one last time before he left this world and went into the next. Although you have a damn fine father, I always felt like I was another one for you. That being said, Jake, I’m so damn proud of you. By now I hope you’ve had both failures and successes, but more than that, I’m proud you’ve found someone that’s worth holding onto. When men fall, they fall hard, they fall ass backward into the water without a life preserver—you’re one of those men, Jake. My advice? Be the man. Don’t let yourself drown. Don’t run or swim away from the safety of the boat. The boat, that’s your home, your family, your life. The preserver that keeps you afloat will always be your wife, your partner. Without a preserver you drown, a preserver without something to hold onto has no purpose, so you see, you need each other… you need to rely on one another for everything. Never forget that if it’s not worth fighting for, it’s not worth having. When you feel like giving up, when you feel like you may not be good enough, remember that none of us really are. We’re all undeserving of the women in our life, but damn if we don’t try every single day to become worthy of their love. I guess what I’m saying is… love her. Please her, cherish her, and by God, son, her smiles better outnumber her tears.

  To my second son… and his new wife… may your bed be filled with laughter, your nights filled with pleasure, your home filled with the smell of good food, and your hearts be full of joy. This is the reason we are on this earth—to love.

  Jake choked back the giant knot in his throat and stuffed the letter into his pocket. Damn Bill for making him feel like an emotional woman.

  Did he love her?

  Char?

  His breath came faster as he began thinking about the past few weeks. Sure, they’d just reconnected, but he’d known her all his life. He knew about the freckle on her hip, her aversion to pickles or anything green, and finally her laugh.

  Oh, he knew her laugh, because it made him feel like a damn superhero when he made her laugh.

  And now he felt like an ass because the last time she’d laughed was too long ago and he truly was part of the reason for her tears.

  With a curse he got up from the dock and made his way back toward the house.

  Chapter Forty-four

  Char drank her second glass of wine and took a seat at the large table set up outside. The dinner was a catered event with full-on entertainment. It should have been hosted by Kacey’s parents but because they were gone, the entire Titus clan was footing the bill for everything.

  A few food tents were scattered to the side. The main table for the wedding party was long and covered with different types of tropical flowers and candles. All of it
was heartbreakingly romantic.

  Grandma took a seat next to Char and eyed her glass of wine. “How many of those have you had?”

  “Enough.” Char sighed.

  “Hmmph.” Grandma reached into her large purse and pulled out a manila envelope. “The pastor gave me permission to have you and Jake sign separately since you’re in such a huff.”

  Char eyed the marriage license. “Isn’t this supposed to be filled out tomorrow?”

  “Agh.” Grandma waved her off. “It’s just one more detail we won’t have to worry about. Sign here.” The paper was only pulled slightly out of the envelope so most of it was covered, which was just better when Char thought about it. She didn’t want to even see the spot where Jake was supposed to sign. They’d both lost their tempers. She couldn’t even remember why she was so mad at him. If she really thought about it, it wasn’t anger, really; it was total and complete humiliation and rejection.

  He’d made her fall for him.

  And she had—hard.

  After the wedding they’d go their separate ways and she’d be on her couch jobless and lamenting the fact that the one guy she’d ever loved didn’t love her back, or didn’t want her enough to try to love her.

  Char signed her name quickly and handed the pen back to Grandma.

  “Now, now.” Grandma patted Char’s back. “Everything’s going to work out just fine. You trust your Grandma.”

  “Only one problem,” Char leaned into Grandma and whispered. “You aren’t my Grandma.”

  The smile on Grandma’s face widened just slightly before it went back to normal size. “Why, of course I am. Remember when I told you I would ruin Jake?”

  Char didn’t really want to talk about Jake; she nodded but tried to pretend she wasn’t interested.

  “He was already ruined.” Grandma patted Char’s hand. “The minute he set eyes on you in that wedding gown. I bought it, you know.”

  “What?” Char shrieked, gaining attention from the guests around the table waiting for the first course. She coughed and hid behind her dark hair. “Tell me you’re joking, Grandma!”

  “Oops.” Grandma shrugged. “I thought you liked that dress. And it was so pretty on you. Truly divine.” She poured herself a glass of wine and closed her eyes as she took a deep sip, then placed the glass back on the table. “Besides, you may need it one of these days.”

  “Right.” Char fought back tears. “I guess anything’s possible.”

  “Oh, but it is.” Grandma said. “Did you know I always wanted to be a fairy godmother?”

  “Huh?”

  “Most girls want to be the princess in the story. I want to be the fairy godmother.”

  Was she drunk? Already?

  “Okay.” Char squinted. “Well, all you need is a wand and some magic, and anything’s possible.”

  “Got my wand, and all grandmas have magic.” She shrugged. “So, tell me about Jace.”

  “He’s…” Char looked down the table. His blond hair was combed back, revealing perfect green eyes and a chiseled face. “Nice.”

  Grandma sputtered with laughter. “Oh dear, that man is many things. ‘Nice’ would not be the word I would use to describe him. He’s damn sexy is what he is. A beast among men.”

  “Grandma.” Char groaned. “Keep your voice down.”

  “Well.” Grandma lifted her hands in the air. “All I’m saying is, that man could make a girl melt with just one stare.” As if hearing them, Jace looked at Grandma and winked. “Good Lord, I think I just experienced a mini-stroke.”

  “Seriously?” Char reached for the elderly woman’s arm in panic.

  “Well.” Grandma winked back at Jace. “If that was a stroke, I want another.”

  Char felt her face heat.

  “He doesn’t turn your clock?” Grandma asked.

  Char choked on her wine and began coughing wildly as Grandma smacked her hard on the back. “Dear, drink slower. You’ll get a stain on that pretty yellow sundress.”

  “Right. It was the wine that did it,” Char croaked. “Not the clock turning.”

  “Well.” Grandma leaned forward and whispered. “What do you kids call it these days? Does he get you—”

  “Grandma!” Char hissed. “Stop, just stop.” She covered her face with her hands in embarrassment. “He’s a nice guy, but not…” She was about to say ‘not Jake’ when he came in and sat at the end of the table. Her eyes betrayed her will as they greedily took in every damn plane of his perfect body. Jake leaned forward on the table, his forearms brushing against the flowers scattered around his plate. Oh, but if she were only a flower.

  “I see,” Grandma said in a low voice. “He’s not my grandson.”

  “What?” Char pulled her gaze from Jake and began twisting her hands in her lap.

  “Jace.” Grandma pointed. “He could be two steps above Marlon Brando and you’d still look at him as if he were nothing but a stand-in.”

  “Marlon Brando? Stand in?” Char smiled tightly but didn’t glance up at Grandma.

  “For the one you really want.” Grandma placed her hand on Char’s, calming her down. A few diamond rings shone from her fingers as she continued to pat. “My grandson. You’re in love with him.”

  “I’m—” But she couldn’t deny it so instead she met Grandma’s gaze and said, “Please don’t tell him.”

  Jerking back, Grandma snorted. “Honey, if he don’t know you love him now, he’s an idiot. Then again, he is a man.” She looked in his direction and threw her hands in the air. “He looks miserable. Probably all the sex he’s not having.”

  And there went Char’s racing heartbeat. Did Grandma just say ‘sex’ again? At the dinner table?

  This time her words drew the attention of Travis and Kacey, who both gave her pleading looks as if to say please, no more embarrassing moments.

  Pastor Jim choked on his wine, while the table fell silent.

  Helpless, Char looked to Grandma.

  “I was discussing Petunia.”

  Oh no. Petunia stiffened across the table, and her eyes narrowed on Grandma as if she was the spawn of Satan. “I do not say such vulgar words.”

  “No, you just knit and read dirty books.”

  “Well, I never—”

  “Don’t deny it.” Grandma swirled her wine in her glass. “I’ve seen those books firsthand. You aren’t as prudish as you let on, sister.”

  Petunia’s lips pinched together as she looked around the table. “She’s clearly drunk.”

  “Tell me, did Captain Jack find his way home with the slave girl? I haven’t gotten to that part yet, though I have to admit I’m very excited to see if they’re able to—”

  “Grandma,” Travis warned.

  She shrugged. “I was going to say ‘fall in love’.”

  “My ass,” Jake muttered from the other side.

  Petunia glared at Grandma. “You’re a heathen.”

  “At least I’m not a heathen in hiding… Where’s your whip, Petunia?”

  Char’s eyes widened.

  Wescott chuckled. “Now let’s just calm down, everyone. We’re here to celebrate—”

  “Probably with your red heels, you tattooed hussy!” Petunia screamed.

  “I do like those heels,” Grandma said longingly.

  “Oh look, dinner!” Bets said in a high-pitched voice. “Everyone, eat, eat!” She clapped and began piling food brought in by the waiters that came with the catering crew onto her plate.

  “Oysters.” Grandma pointed to one of the buckets. “Eat up, Travis. You’ll need this tomorrow night.”

  He cursed and looked to the sky. “And I was doing so well reining it in.”

  “If that’s you reining it in, I’m a nun.” Grandma winked while Travis groaned and scooted away from Kacey.

  “Oh look!” Bets pointed to the middle of the table. “We’re out of wine.”

  “I’ll get some!” Travis shouted, pulling back from the table, his hand firmly grasping Kacey’s forear
m.

  Grandma calmly reached into her purse and pulled out a collar that looked a lot like the kind you’d put on a dog in order to shock it. “Sit down, Travis.”

  With a curse he sat.

  “I’ll uh, I’ll go.” Char rose from her seat.

  “Me too.” This from Jace. “You may get lost in that wine cellar.”

  “My hero,” she said dryly. Although he didn’t seem to care. His gaze was trained on Grandma. He nodded just once and then looked back at Char.

  “Ready?” He offered his arm, ignoring her curious look altogether.

  They walked in silence the rest of the way back to the house.

  Chapter Forty-five

  Jake was going to give them exactly five minutes alone before he burst into the wine cellar, guns blazing. He had just been about to offer to escort her when Jace rose from the other end of the table. Jace had exchanged a weird look with Grandma then left.

  Eyes narrowing, Jake took a sip of wine and watched the door, waiting for their return. He checked his watch. Damn, it had only been thirty seconds.

  “My, my.” Grandma pulled up a chair next to his. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

  “Huh?” Jake flinched when a bird landed on the doorknob. Wow, how pathetic was he?

  “You’ve chosen well.” Grandma sighed. “Why, I would have picked her myself, had I anything to do with matters. But my matchmaking days are over, as you well know.”

  “Right.” Jake licked his lips and checked his watch again. A minute and a half. He was in Hell.

  “… so I just need you to sign here.” A pen was forced into his hand. He barely glanced down at the paper and signed his name where Grandma’s hand was hovering, then handed the pen back to her. “Three minutes, Jake, it’s been barely three minutes. Not much can happen in three minutes. Well, except…” Grandma chuckled. “That one time your grandfather and I only had five minutes and you won’t believe the ways we—”