by Cindy Kirk
“We’re still married.”
Katie Ruth was glad she was sitting. She wasn’t sure her knees could have held her. “That’s not possible. The minister said he wouldn’t file the paperwork. That meant the wedding never happened.”
“I thought that, too. All these years, I never gave that weekend a second thought.” Judd surged to his feet as if he couldn’t stand sitting for another second. He began to pace the small living room, gesturing with his hands as he explained, “Like you, I thought it was over. Done.”
Katie Ruth clutched her hands together in her lap. She tried to slow her breathing. “Tell me what happened.”
“I’m getting married.”
“Congratulations.”
“The wedding is set for next fall. Steph is a wonderful woman.”
“Does she know about Las Vegas?”
“I told her. She thought it was funny.” His mouth quirked up for a moment. “Neither of us is laughing now.”
“I don’t understand.” Katie Ruth’s voice shook.
“Steph’s brother is an attorney in Tahoe. The Las Vegas wedding came up, and he told us it doesn’t matter whether the paperwork was filed or not. It was a legal ceremony, done by a valid minister. Filing makes no difference. He confirmed you and I are still legally married.”
Katie Ruth was on her feet now, though she didn’t remember standing. “We’ll get an annulment. That should be simple, right?”
“That was my first thought.” Judd raked a hand through his hair. He looked so miserable that any anger she had toward him disappeared. Besides, she couldn’t be mad at him when all he’d done was make the same mistake she had in assuming the wedding hadn’t been official.
“The thing is, Katie girl, you can’t annul a marriage that’s been consummated. We have to get a divorce.”
“That’s why you were trying to contact me.”
“We need to get moving on this divorce.” His expression searched hers. “I assume that’s what you want, too?”
“Of course. The sooner, the better.”
Judd expelled the breath he’d obviously been holding. “Thank God.”
Katie Ruth offered him a wan smile. “I’m going to make us coffee, and you’re going to tell me what I need to do.”
She felt his eyes on her as she started the coffee, then poured two steaming cups, setting one before him.
“I brought papers for you to sign.” He pulled an envelope from his pocket, removed some papers and spread them out on the table in front of her. “Simon, Steph’s brother, had an attorney friend out of Milwaukee draw them up. There’s another form in there saying we’re not claiming any community property, or something to that effect.”
Judd was back on his feet again. “We’re running out of time. The wedding is set for October nineteenth. Once you sign off, he can push for a judgment.”
“I’ll sign right now,” Katie Ruth assured him. “But why the rush? Your wedding isn’t until the fall.”
“The divorce judgment is immediate but, since we’re getting a divorce in Wisconsin, neither you nor I can marry again for six months.” Judd puffed out his cheeks. “If Steph and I have to reschedule the wedding, we will, but the church, the reception venue…all of that is already booked. I’d really like to make this work.”
“I don’t want to cause you any grief.” Katie Ruth sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you.”
“I only wish I’d found out sooner.”
“Marrying someone you’d just met, well, I don’t know what got into me.”
“Steph asked me why. I didn’t have a good answer for her either.” Judd shoved his hands into his pockets, rocked back on his heels. “Maybe it was that I’d just got back from the Middle East. You were so fresh and pretty and sweet. You brought light into my darkness.”
Katie Ruth sipped her coffee. “I don’t know what my excuse was. Other than you were cute.”
“Were?” he teased.
The spark in his eyes had her remembering how he’d thoroughly charmed her and had her forgiving herself, just a little.
“I’m glad you found someone who makes you happy.”
“It took a long time. Steph is the one for me.” He inclined his head. “What about you? From the research I did, it didn’t appear you ever got married.”
“I’m still single.”
“Don’t tell me I turned you off of marriage.”
“Who is this?”
Katie Ruth jumped to her feet.
Oaklee stood in the doorway to the kitchen, which meant she must have come in through the back. Katie Ruth had told the girl many times she didn’t need to knock, but wished this time she had.
Forcing a smile, Katie Ruth gestured to Judd. “Oaklee Marshall, this is an old friend of mine, Judd Stevens. Judd was in town and thought he’d stop by and say hello.”
“You’re the one who sent her the certified letter.” Oaklee crossed the room and dropped down on the sofa. “Did you used to be Katie Ruth’s boyfriend?”
Katie Ruth exchanged a glance with Judd and shook her head slightly.
“What are these?” Oaklee picked up the papers. Her eyes grew wide. “OMG. You two are married?”
“Yes, but no.” Katie Ruth found herself floundering.
Judd lifted his hands as if to say, I got nothing.
Katie Ruth realized, just like he’d had to explain the Las Vegas craziness to his fiancée and her family, it would be up to her to explain the unexplainable. Not only to Oaklee…but to Dan.
Chapter Nineteen
The explanation of what went on in Vegas, Katie Ruth decided, would have to wait.
Katie Ruth signed the papers, her trembling hand making a mess of the signature. She looked up at Judd, her lips twisted in a wry smile. “The judge will look at this and think you married a kindergartner.”
Her effort to lighten the mood must not have been as successful as she’d hoped, because Judd placed a hand on her shoulder.
“You’re doing great.” The blue eyes that gazed into hers were kind and filled with understanding. It was almost as if he sensed the effort it took for her to keep her composure. “I’m sorry. I knew me showing up like this after all these years would be a shock.”
“I never thought I’d see you again.” Katie Ruth ignored Oaklee’s curious stare. Right now, dealing with Judd was all she could handle.
“I wondered if you’d changed much.” His blue eyes warmed. “You’re as pretty as ever.”
He wasn’t coming on to her. The compliment was clearly designed to put her at ease. Even though it didn’t work, Katie Ruth appreciated the effort.
“I’m sorry I ignored your text and email.” She shook her head. “I should have known there was a good reason for why you were trying to get in touch.”
“I’d probably have blocked you if you’d contacted me.” He gave a humorless chuckle. “The thing is, I’ve never been the kind of guy who does impulsive shit, ah, stuff. I still don’t know what got into me.”
“I’m not sure why I did it either.” Katie Ruth waved a hand in the air. “Young and stupid, I guess.”
“I hope this doesn’t cause problems for you. I mean, my coming here like this.” He slanted a glance in Oaklee’s direction, appearing startled when she gave him a thumbs-up.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Even as she said the words, Katie Ruth knew it wouldn’t be.
Though Judd was kind and respectful, she watched him leave with a sense of relief.
There had been no desire on either of their parts to reminisce about the past. They’d been strangers when they married. They were strangers now.
Oaklee stationed herself on the sofa. Her eyes danced as if she’d been watching a particularly engaging movie.
“This is super juicy.” Oaklee rubbed her hands together. “I’ve pieced together some of it, but there are still gaps.”
Sighing, Katie Ruth dropped into the chair. “What do you want to know?”
“How did y
ou and Mr. Studly meet?” Oaklee fanned her face with her hand. “That man is so hot he’s on fire.”
Katie Ruth acknowledged Judd was cute, though not nearly as attractive as Dan.
“When I was about your age, a friend had her bachelorette party in Las Vegas.” Katie Ruth met Oaklee’s gaze. “Let me just say that the people I was hanging out with at the time were not ones I’d be with today. We lived on the edge. I was trying to figure out who I was and what—”
“You were a wild woman.” Oaklee leaned forward, interest snapping in her blue eyes.
“If by ‘wild’ you mean I lost my focus and did things I’m ashamed of doing, then yes.” Like a movie reel, images flashed before her. The drinking. The partying. The—
“Did you know Judd well before that weekend?” Oaklee leaned forward, resting her elbows on her thighs. “Was he a friend of the groom’s?”
Katie Ruth shook her head. “No connection. I ran across him at a club. We danced and—”
Oaklee squealed. “You married someone you just met.”
Katie Ruth winced. “I did.”
“Your own version of a girls-gone-wild trip.” Oaklee sounded impressed.
The phrase reminded Katie Ruth of what Dan had once said, causing her spirits to plummet even further. “We both regretted the marriage the next day and asked the person who married us not to file the papers. We thought that would prevent the marriage from becoming official. According to the attorney Judd consulted, that isn’t true. We’re legally married, which means we have to be legally divorced.”
“This is epic.” Oaklee howled with laughter, slapping her thigh. “Vintage rom-com material.”
“This isn’t a romantic comedy, and none of this is remotely funny.” Katie Ruth thought of the crimp this had put in Judd’s wedding plans. She tried not to think how this would affect her relationship with Dan. “Who marries a guy she just met?”
“Not just any guy. A smoking-hot one,” Oaklee reminded her.
Guilt flooded Katie Ruth. “It doesn’t matter what he looks like.”
“It does when you’re twenty-one.” Oaklee’s expression softened as she finally appeared to notice Katie Ruth’s distress. “Lighten up. It’s not as if your dog died. You were young. You made a mistake. Big friggin’ deal. None of this changes who you are now and all the good you do.”
Something in Oaklee’s eyes had Katie Ruth pausing. Knowing the girl had a few of her own regrets had Katie Ruth carefully choosing her words.
“You’re right. This doesn’t change who I am now. In fact, I believe learning from my mistakes shaped me into who I am today. It also helps me understand the struggles we all have and how sometimes we make bad choices.” Katie Ruth spoke firmly. “I also know God has forgiven me, and I’ve forgiven myself.”
The trouble, and what Katie Ruth didn’t say, was this wasn’t just about her. This development could impact Dan’s career. The thought made her feel sick inside.
Katie Ruth moistened her lips. “I’d like to ask you a favor, Oaklee.”
A watchful waiting filled the girl’s blue eyes, all humor gone. “Anything.”
“I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything to Dan—or anyone else—about this.” Katie Ruth met her gaze, willing the girl to see she was serious. “It’s best he hears this from me.”
“I forgot about my brother.” Oaklee’s expression turned somber. “How do you think he’ll take the news? I mean, it isn’t as if you’re an ax murderer or anything.”
Why did Katie Ruth suddenly think that if she had a good excuse for a murder, that would be easier for Dan to swallow than finding out she was married?
Married.
Katie Ruth didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Katie Ruth?” Oaklee touched her arm, her brows pulled together in worry. “You don’t think he’ll be angry, do you?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think he’ll be angry.”
Katie Ruth would almost prefer anger to the disappointment she was likely to see.
“Good.” Relief lightened Oaklee’s voice and erased any lingering shadows from her eyes. “My brother loves you. I know he does.”
Despite her heavy heart, Katie Ruth forced a smile. No need to look for trouble. Though she didn’t say this to Oaklee, she had a sinking feeling that, in this situation, love might not be enough.
“How did Katie Ruth look to you?” While Dan was happy to have his sister help him with Coffee Shop Night, he couldn’t hide his worry. “Do you think someone should check on her?”
Oaklee looked up from the sheet Katie Ruth had given her. The kids were currently on a scavenger hunt in the church. They had another fifteen minutes to report in.
“She looked pale, but I’m sure she’ll be, ah, feeling better by tomorrow.”
Dan nodded, resisting the urge to call her again. They’d spoken shortly before the youth activity began. After apologizing for not being able to make it, she’d updated him on everything she’d set up.
He’d been so eager to see her and to tell her about the call from Ted. Not just that, but the ring he’d purchased for her was burning a hole in his pocket.
This was to be a night of celebration. But that didn’t matter. What mattered was she was alone and not feeling well.
Dan glanced at the clock. Nine fifteen. Less than an hour to go until the parents would arrive to pick up their teens. The time couldn’t go by quickly enough.
He should go to her, see for himself that she was okay.
You must avoid even the hint of impropriety.
He should send Oaklee to her. It was the smart, rational choice, but his heart rebelled. He had to see for himself that she didn’t need anything.
Dan told himself he didn’t have to stay long. Even one quick conversation at the doorway might be enough to ease his fears.
Yes, that’s what he would do. As soon as the kids were picked up, he’d go to Katie Ruth and make sure all was well.
Though it wasn’t particularly cold in her house, Katie Ruth had pulled on her softest flannel pj’s and a favorite chenille bathrobe.
The end of her relationship with Dan was in sight. She felt it in her bones. It would have been easy to drown her sorrows in a bottle of wine. She settled for hot cocoa, wrapping her cold fingers around the oversize red mug covered in snowflakes. As tonight was her night to grieve, she let the tears fall unchecked.
When she thought of losing Dan, the crushing pain in her chest stole her breath. Was this what a heart attack felt like? The sobs began again. She set down the mug and wrapped her arms around her knees, rocking herself on the sofa.
The ringing doorbell seemed to come from far away. She stopped rocking and listened. There it was again.
Katie Ruth sniffled and swiped at her cheeks. She already knew who it was…Oaklee. Undoubtedly, the girl had come to make sure she was okay.
If she’d texted, Katie Ruth would have told her not to come. She needed this night alone. Needed to get all these feelings out so she could be strong when she faced Dan tomorrow.
She hadn’t considered how she would break the news to him. Thankfully, she didn’t need to worry about that right now.
Padding to the door in her tiger-paw slippers, Katie Ruth opened the door. “You didn’t need to—”
She blinked. Was she hallucinating? She had to be. Dan would never come to her house this late at night, and certainly not alone.
When she blinked again, he didn’t disappear from her porch.
Instead, the worry lines on his face etched only deeper into his skin.
She didn’t invite him in, but suddenly he was in her living room, shutting the door behind him and pulling her into his arms.
Though it was weak of her, Katie Ruth closed her eyes and let him hold her one last time. The feel of his strong arms around her and the scent of his cologne were so familiar and so dear. The ache in her heart returned, and tears began leaking from her eyes. She buried her face against his chest and wept.
>
Dan murmured soothing words and stroked the back of her head. “I was so worried about you.”
Didn’t he know how much harder he was making this? Of course he didn’t. Dan had no clue he was holding a married woman in his arms.
Calling on every bit of strength left in her, Katie Ruth drew a shuddering breath and took a step back.
“I’m sorry.” Despite her best efforts, her voice shook and more tears slipped down her cheeks.
He brushed them away with the pads of his thumbs. “Don’t worry about tonight. Oaklee stepped up. You’d have been proud of her.”
She gave a hiccupping sob. He thought she was upset about missing the youth group activity. If only it was that simple.
Dan’s caring gaze searched her face. “Is there anything I can do? What can I get you?”
The concern in his warm brown depths nearly undid her. She feared after she told him her story, he’d never look at her in that loving way again.
You have to tell him now.
Katie Ruth gestured to the sofa. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
His momentary hesitation told her he knew he shouldn’t be here. Not alone with her. Not at this time of night.
She should tell him to leave, but she couldn’t let him go. It was difficult to find a time and place where they could be alone. Katie Ruth needed to tell him where she didn’t have to worry about their conversation being overheard.
Dan sat on the sofa, appearing surprised when she dropped into the chair rather than sitting beside him.
“Before you start,” he said while she was finding her voice, “I got a call from Ted today.”
Katie Ruth inclined her head.
“They narrowed the search down to three. They’re asking each of the finalists to spend two weeks at the church, preaching and interacting with the congregation and other staff.”
Katie Ruth didn’t know how she managed it, but knowing this was such a big deal, she managed to inject some enthusiasm into her voice. “That’s exciting.”
“I wanted you to hear it before anyone else.”