Courtney shrugged, “I don't know that it would make any difference.” She slid in the truck and he closed the door.
When he got into the driver's side, he started the truck...yet didn't leave. “It doesn't hurt to try.”
“I suppose so, but...”
“I'll make it better, I promise you.”
Courtney nodded as he headed away from the restaurant. They were pulling up in front of her house, when he heard a sniffle. “What if he wants to call off the wedding?”
He put the truck into park and turned off the ignition. “Courtney, look at me.” She reluctantly faced him and he saw the damage that had been done. “He would be a fool. I have known you for many years and I know what a special girl you are. He can't deny that. The wedding will go on as planned, I am sure of it.” He opened the door and went around to her side. When he opened her door she just sat there. He reached for her hand and helped her out of the truck. “Dry those eyes; he won't let you get away.”
She wiped the tears off and then showed him a forced smile. “Better?”
He laughed, “I guess it will have to do.”
She leaned in and hugged him, surprising him of her gesture. “Thank you Seth.”
“No problem. I'm sure by this time tomorrow all will be well.”
She pulled away, this time sharing a better smile than before. “You're right, I'm just being silly. Thanks for the ride home. I'll see you later Seth.”
She walked up the front steps as he got back into the truck. What he needed to do wasn't going to be easy. He just had to grin and bear it, knowing it needed to be done.
___________________________
Cassie watched out the window as Seth and Courtney were hugging, she stepped back and wondered what was going on. As the door opened, she tried to act like she was interested in the mail that was in her hands. “Hey Cassie,” she looked up and tried to seem shocked that Courtney was there.
“Courtney, I didn't hear Brad's car pull up.” In that moment Cassie noticed the tear—stained face. “Courtney, what's wrong?”
“Brad didn't drop me off. We had a disagreement.”
“Disagreement?”
“You wouldn't understand.” She replied with frustration as she headed towards the stairs.
“What?” Cassie grabbed Courtney's arm to stop her. “What do you mean I wouldn't understand?”
“It's between Brad and I, I can't talk about it.” She hurried up the stairs.
Cassie followed her, but Courtney slammed her bedroom door shut. “Courtney, open up.” Cassie banged on the door, but only heard silence. “I'm not leaving until we talk.”
“What's going on?” Their mother asked coming out of the bedroom.
“Nothing.”
“It doesn't sound like nothing, the neighborhood is going to start calling.”
“We'll keep it down, it's just something Courtney and I need to discuss.” She frowned, but then went back to what she was doing. “Courtney...”
“Cassie, please just let it go. I can't talk to you.” Cassie stared at the door in disbelief; they were always able to talk about everything. What had changed? Courtney must have been thinking the same thing because the door opened and she pulled away so that Cassie could enter.
“I...if you can't talk to me, I'm sorry about that. Is it because I am no longer in the picture, as much?” Cassie took a seat on the bed and paced herself for the answer.
“Cass, it isn't that. I want to tell you what happened, but I made a promise. I just can't. I'm sorry.”
“You made a promise to Brad?” Cassie sat their anticipation waiting for her to answer. “I wouldn't want you to break confidentiality with him.”
“It's not Brad.”
Cassie was confused, but when Courtney didn't continue she started to understand. “Seth?”
Courtney slowly nodded, “It's complicated.”
“Oh Court, I know complicated” Cassie responded with a chuckle. “You just seemed so upset; I thought maybe I could help.”
Cassie went to stand up and leave, when Courtney stopped her. “Brad and I tend to disagree only on certain things, one being you.”
“Me?” Cassie felt her body go weak and so she sat down again. “I don't understand. I didn't get the impression he doesn't like me. “Maybe it's a good thing I don't live nearby. I wouldn't want to interfere with your relationship.”
“Cassie, you don't understand. That's because I'm not really making things clear. He doesn't hate you, he hates the situation. I didn't tell you everything. You know that Rebecca and Brad are brother and sister, what you don't know is that Brad is very protective of her. They've always been close and he watches for her.”
“That's good, but I'm not following.”
“Sometimes I think that it bothers him that your ex is marrying his sister. He's been afraid that emotions would get involved and that Seth would always wonder how it would be different if it was you it was going to marry.”
“That's crazy, he's moved on. He would never hurt someone like that, he doesn't love me anymore. He's...”
“Cassie, you can't be that naive.”
“I'm just being practical. It's over between us and has been for some time. That is a fact.”
“Maybe in your heart you have moved on, but Seth...he's a different person. You're right; he would never hurt someone, not intentionally. Sometimes it just happens.”
Cassie shook her head; she didn't understand where Courtney was going with the story. “That doesn't explain about today and what happened between you and Brad. I can't lie, I saw Seth hugging you.”
“He was just consoling me. When we went out to eat for lunch, a discussion was brought up about Rebecca, Seth, and you.”
“Courtney, that's nuts. I will call Brad right now and tell him that I am not trying to come between anyone. I couldn't come between them; he obviously loves her if they're getting married.”
“He does love her, but you really need to talk to Seth.”
“I will tomorrow after church. We're going on a picnic. We'll be alone and we can have a conversation. Tomorrow when you see Brad, you need to talk to him. If you want me to say something, I will.”
“No, that's alright. I don't think I'm going to church. Brad may just need some time away from things; away from me...I'm going to give him that.”
“He doesn't know what he's doing. I am sure it's not you he needs time away from. By the sound of it, it's me. I am so sorry, I had no idea. He will soon understand that Seth and I both know that everything's in the past.” Cassie thought for a moment and grimaced. “I guess Seth and I will have to play it coy tomorrow. We can't exactly make him believe nothing is going on when we're going on a picnic. Maybe it isn't a good idea.”
“No! You have to do this, promise me you won't change your plans.”
“Okay, but we'll just make sure he doesn't notice us leaving together.” Courtney sighed heavily, bringing Cassie to wonder what that was all about. “I'll leave you to rest, you need it. Do you need anything?”
“No, I think I'm just going to lie down for awhile. Wedding planning is tiring.”
Cassie smiled, “Okay, holler if you want something.”
When she closed the door, she thought about their conversation. There was nothing going on and what Rebecca and Seth had, it obviously was special. Brad would understand; she would be upset if she caused a distance between them. There was no way that was going to happen.
_________________________
Seth walked into his parent's house and was relieved to see that they were both at the jewelry shop. He took a seat and pulled out his cell phone. Dialing the number, he suddenly became worried. He hadn't talked to her since the night she called the wedding off. When she answered he thought about hanging up. “Hello? Seth...are you there?”
“Uh...hi, Rebecca.”
“Hello, this is a surprise.”
“How are you doing?” He wasn't one to make small talk, but he had to approach the s
ubject carefully.
“I'm doing well. How about you?”
“I'm doing alright.”
He paused for a moment and almost made a lame excuse to disconnect the call. “That's good.” She replied quietly and by the uneasy silence, he knew she had to be confused. “Um...did you need something? I mean, you're more than welcome to call me out of the blue, but...”
“Yeah, you're right...it's a little weird?”
Rebecca chuckled, “To say the least.”
“Well you're not off base. I do need something.”
There was another silence and then he heard her clear her throat. “Okay.”
“Today, I kind of got into it with your brother.”
“What happened?”
He questioned if he wanted to tell her the entire truth. “He asked what happened between us. He wanted to know who broke up with whom and the reasons behind it.”
“Okay...” she didn't continue so he went on.
“I explained to him that you had the final decision and you chose to end the engagement.”
“That's right.”
“However, your brother is upset with me because he thinks it is all about Cassie.”
“So, he thinks that you're the jerk that hurt his little sister?”
“Something like that.”
“Seth, I never expected any of this to happen. I just was tired of having to compete with your first love.”
He felt a pain shoot through him. “I am sorry that I made you feel that way. I really just wanted you to be happy and felt loved. I never...”
“Seth, I did. I felt a love from you and I know that if I would have continued with the wedding planning and went through with it...you would have made me the luckiest girl in the world. That wasn't fair to you and that's why I broke off the engagement. You deserve to be happy, that I know for sure. So do I and I want to find someone that loves me and only me.”
Seth was relieved to hear her say that. “My concern is that Brad got on Courtney's case, saying she was defending Cassie. Cassie is back in town and once Courtney learned we had broken up, she has tried to play matchmaker. However...”
“Have you told her?”
“No, Cassie doesn't know we're no longer getting married.”
“Well, I love my brother. I do, but he has no right getting on your case or Courtney's case. I will talk to him. As soon as we get off the phone, I'll give him a call. I'll make him realize that it isn't your fault. You can't control who you fall in love with first and I'll make it right.”
“I hate to ask you to do that, but...”
“Don't give it a thought. In a way, this is my fault.”
“I wouldn't go that far.”
“I would, but don't worry. It will be fine. It was good talking with you Seth.”
“Likewise Rebecca, bye.” He disconnected the call and let out a long breath, which he didn't realize he was holding. This had to work; only time would tell.
Chapter 12
Cassie looked over at the pew across from her; Seth had come in late and slid into the only empty spot. She was so focused on watching him, that she didn't notice when the pastor had finished talking and everyone was starting to leave. “Cassie, are you staying here all day?” Her mother teased.
“No, I was just thinking.” Cassie replied, quickly getting up.
“I'm sure you were.”
Cassie shot her a look, “Mom, don't start. I guess I'll have Seth bring me home after the picnic.”
“Okay, we'll see you later.”
Cassie left the church and waited for Seth in the church yard. She was doing well avoiding Brad and she wanted to keep it that way. She thought she had missed Seth, because it seemed like forever, but finally she saw him exit the church. When he looked at her he smiled and then headed her way. “Hey Cass, I'm parked over here.”
They were heading towards his truck, when Cassie saw Brad heading their way. She saw Seth hesitate before stopping and waiting for Brad to reach them. “Hey guys.”
“Brad.” Seth replied, Cassie noticed the nervousness in his voice.
“Hello Brad,” Cassie didn't want to make things worse, but it was too late to deny they were about to leave together.
“Where's Courtney?” Brad asked directing his attention to Cassie.
“She didn't feel well.”
“Oh, sorry to hear that. Seth, can I talk to you for a moment?”
He nodded and turned to Cassie. “I'll wait by the truck.”
He mouthed his thanks and she headed to the truck. She wanted to hear what they were saying, but she knew that Seth would tell her if he wanted her to know. She just had to trust that he would.
______________________
Seth hoped this was good news, but he was going to be prepared for the worst. “So, are you and Cassie going somewhere?”
Seth rolled his eyes, “We're friends. We have a right to be out in the public together. It's not your concern, but we're taking a picnic. I need to tell her about Rebecca and myself.”
“Do you think it will make a difference?”
Seth shrugged, “I don't know. I guess we'll see. Did you come over here to get on my case about Cassie?”
Brad shook his head, and then a smile crossed his lips. “Seth, I'm sorry. I am Rebecca's older brother. I owe it to her to protect her.”
“You're only a year older than her; she doesn't need you to be overprotective.”
“I get that and when she called me last night and yelled at me, she said the same exact thing. I apologize, really I do. She made me realize that I had it all wrong. I had you all wrong. I don't want things to be awkward between us, after all you're my Best Man and that wasn't just because you were marrying my sister. I like you Seth and I want us to still be friends.”
“I do too.”
Brad looked away in Cassie's direction. “She’s a great girl and once I marry her sister, she'll be family. You better not hurt her.”
Seth laughed, “I have to first see if she would even want to pursue a relationship. She still lives in a different state.”
“You can make it work, just tell her how it is.” He put out his hand and Seth shook it. “Now, I have a woman I have to go plead with to forgive me. Take care.” Seth watched as he walked away, it went so much better than he had hoped. When he reached his truck he saw the concerned look on Cassie's face.
“Everything alright?”
He nodded, “Better than alright.”
He opened her door and she paused for a moment. “You know, I appreciate the fact that you are being courteous with holding open doors and pulling out chairs...but, it's not necessary.”
“I know it's not.” He replied quietly.
“Then, why do you do it?”
He smiled, “I like to.”
The answer was simple, yet complicated. “Okay, just wanted to know.” She snickered as she got in the front and he closed the door on her.
“Did you have a nice night last night?” She looked at him, caught off guard at the small talk that was taking place.
“Yes, thank you. I'm sorry I didn't go out to eat with you guys; I heard things were tense at lunch.”
Seth was quiet for a moment and then nodded. “Yeah, it did. However, after talking with Brad...I'm sure everything will handle itself.”
When they pulled into the park parking lot, he was glad to see they were the only ones there. As he opened the door for her, he felt like he could have kissed her, but he instantly wiped the thought out of his mind. “Thank you,” she replied softly as he was inches from her.
“My pleasure;” he smiled at her then went to the trunk and pulled out a basket and blanket. “After you,” he stepped back and she led the way.
She found a place under a large tree, “How about here?”
He nodded, “Works for me.” He laid the blanket down and they sat down.
“I'm looking forward to seeing what you have packed.”
Seth laughed; “I hope I don't disa
ppoint.”
“Never,” He smiled to himself at the mindlessly flirting they were both doing. He saw her look down and he figured she was thinking the same thing he was. The redness on her cheeks was proof of that.
He opened the basket and pulled out a container. “First off, fried chicken.”
“My favorite.”
“I remembered.” He spoke with a grin and she just eyed the chicken. “Then fruit salad, with lemonade and peanut butter cookies for dessert.
Cassie's eyes got big, “You did good Mr. Callahan.”
He smirked, “I have a confession.”
“Oh?”
“My mom made the fried chicken, but I squeezed the lemons.”
Cassie laughed, “I figured. It doesn't make it any less special. I bet Rebecca loves the little things you do.”
Seth didn't respond to her statement, “Why don't we dig in. When we're done we can take the stuff back to the car and have a nice long walk. We have a lot to talk about.” They grabbed hands and bowed their heads. He tried to get past the pulse of her wrist against his hand. The day could be the beginning of a new love and he wasn't going to mess that up.
____________________________
Cassie took the last drink of lemonade and smiled, “That was great Seth. You'll have to thank your mom for me. The lemonade wasn't bad either.”
They both laughed as they started to clean up their spot. “I'm glad you liked it.” She glanced at him, their eyes never wavering from each other. She felt intensity in their stare. He reached out and caressed her hand, it was a gentle touch and she closed to her eyes when she felt his smooth skin over hers. Quickly she opened her eyes, realizing what easily could happen. Pulling away her hand, she stood up. He cleared his throat. She sensed that he clearly felt the connection too. “Let's take that walk.” Cassie wrapped the blanket around her shoulders as the wind was beginning to pick up and the clouds were moving over the sun. After Seth put the basket back in the car he walked back over to Cassie, he looked more nervous than Cassie had remembered ever seeing him. Their steps fell into sync while they headed towards the trail. The only sound Cassie could hear was the crunching of leaves beneath their feet.
Following Your Heart (Love Conquers All) Page 12