by Megan Ryder
And, of course, his father obliged. “Ethan, you have to admit this is very awkward.”
“I don’t know why it’s awkward. It’s been years and she didn’t do anything wrong.” Cami spoke up next to him.
Ethan growled low in his throat, done with the whole conversation. He extricated himself from Cami and headed for the stairs.
His father’s words stopped him. “You’ll drive us to the hotel for the golf game, right? You’re staying there tonight, aren’t you?”
He dropped his head. Dammit. He’d forgotten that the groomsmen would be staying at the hotel, leaving the house for the bride, the maid of honor, the bridesmaids, and her family. Time was of the essence. He had to talk to Delaney before he left, had to explain the situation.
“I’ll be right down.”
“Walk you up, mate.” Matthew materialized next to him, and they climbed the stairs together, leaving the crowd of people behind. “I told you this was a mistake. Inviting Cami.”
“I didn’t invite Cami. We’re not dating, just occasional dates for events as needed. Nothing exclusive.”
Matthew snorted. “Well, someone didn’t get the memo and now you have a big problem upstairs. Caroline is going to gut you like a pig. A lot of people are going to get hurt, man. Delaney, Cami.”
“I’ll talk to her.” Ethan continued climbing the stairs, intent on reaching Delaney.
Matthew laid a hand on his arm. “That may not be enough. And definitely not for Delaney. What’s your plan?”
Ethan stopped at the top of the stairs. “I have no idea. I thought I’d start with talking to her.”
“You’d better have more than that planned. She’s pretty pissed and sweet words won’t cut it this time.”
Ethan nodded, a short quick motion, still not sure what he was going to say. “I’ve got this. See you downstairs in a few minutes.”
Matthew just shook his head and walked the opposite way toward his room to gather his stuff for the transition to the hotel. Ethan squared his shoulders. Time to pay the piper.
Ethan knocked on Delaney’s door. He’d barely knocked the second time when it was flung open and Caroline stood in the doorway, anger radiating off her in waves.
One hand fisted on her hip and the other pointed in his chest before he could even react. “Are you trying to ruin my wedding? I mean, seriously, what were you thinking?”
He gaped at her, surprised by her reaction. “I didn’t invite her. I had no idea my father would bring her. This has Kira written all over it. Cami’s not my girlfriend.”
She shoved him into the hall and closed the door behind her. “They had to have some idea about you two, to decide to bring her along. I mean, this couldn’t have come out of left field. I know she attends some events with you. Could there be more of a commitment than you think?” Caroline’s voice broke. “Ethan, how could you do this to Delaney? I know you’re angry with her, but this is beyond contemptible. And now you two will be uncomfortable and make my wedding a disaster.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t have played matchmaker.”
“Point taken.” She sighed. “Where are the two of you? You seemed cozy last night.”
“I really don’t want to get into this with you.” His jaw clenched, his whole focus on getting past Caroline the gatekeeper and into the room, to talk with Delaney.
“What about Delaney? I think you owe her an explanation.”
“Why do you think I’m standing here? Can you please get her for me? Before I have to leave.” Or be reduced to begging.
She considered him for a long moment, arms folded in front of her. “She’s in the shower.”
“I don’t hear the water running.”
The shower suddenly turned on in the room. He arched his eyebrow at her. Caroline shrugged, an innocent look on her face. “She was getting ready to get in. I guess you missed her.”
“Funny timing, isn’t it?” He stepped back, and she opened the door. “Tell her we need to talk, okay? I can explain. You know how it is.”
The look she gave him was sad. “No, Ethan. I don’t know how it is, not anymore. If I had known you’d hurt her, I would never have done this, would never set you guys up again.”
He nodded and she closed the door softly, shutting him out, feeling like an end to a chapter of his life.
He sighed and went into his room to gather his things. He’d fix it later. She would listen. She had to understand.
Delaney poked her head out of the bathroom and peered into the room. “Is he gone?”
Caroline nodded. “You can’t avoid him all weekend. You’re walking down the aisle together.”
Delaney stepped fully into the room and sat on the bed. “I won’t let this ruin your wedding. I promise you that. But don’t push Ethan and me. Please.”
Caroline sat next to her and put her arm around Delaney. “I’m sorry. I never expected this week to turn out this way.”
“How could he do this to me?” Delaney’s voice quavered and her eyes blurred. “I thought we had gotten past everything—the lies, the heartbreak. And he had a girlfriend this entire time.”
“I don’t think he did. He says they weren’t dating and he didn’t invite her. His father brought her.”
A chill ran up Delaney’s spine. William Van Owen had said they had brought her. Maybe this was another ploy to ensure she and Ethan never got back together again. She wouldn’t put it past him. He’d done it before. “His father admitted it but this has Kira written all over it. She always hated me.” She raised her head. “Did you know about Cami?”
Caroline looked away. “They’ve been seen at certain events, but I never thought they were serious or anything.”
“If he didn’t bring her or intend to bring her, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt, right?” She stared up at her friend, desperation and hope making her seize on anything she could.
Caroline bit her lower lip. “I can’t imagine Ethan would intentionally hurt you and he never said he’d be bringing anyone. Trust Ethan. I know it’s hard.”
Delaney took a deep breath and stood, pacing the small room. She had to trust him, something she hadn’t done back then.
She stood. “No, you’re right. I have to trust Ethan, trust what he said to me. I only hope it’s enough. Clearly there are people who don’t want us together.”
Caroline jumped up and grabbed Delaney’s shoulders, facing her. “You’re not thinking of leaving, are you?”
“Because that’s what I do, right? Run when the going gets tough? Not this time.” Her mouth set in a firm line. “Not this time.”
“This time you stay and fight for Ethan.” Caroline grinned.
“No,” Delaney said. “This time I stay for me.”
Chapter Nineteen
Ethan watched his father finish a putt and took a long swallow of his water. The rest of the foursome were drinking beer, but Ethan needed his wits about him. His father was playing some game today and Ethan needed to be prepared. His father handed the caddy his putter and joined Ethan at the cart, while Jim and Matt finished their round. He handed his father a bottle of water, which his father stared at without taking.
“I’m not an invalid. Hand me a beer.”
“I never knew you to drink anything as lowbrow as beer. Besides, should you be drinking?”
“Why? Because of my heart condition?”
“You had a heart attack and surgery eight months ago. Yes, because of that. You keep playing the sick card, manipulating me with it. I’d like to see some evidence that you care about your health as much as you’d like me to care.”
His father straightened and glared at him. “Show some respect for your father.”
Ethan leaned against the cart and crossed his legs. “What game are you playing?”
“Game? I don’t know what you mean.” His father arched his eyebrow in a perfect patrician manner.
“Making a big deal out of Cami and me. You know we were never serious. Now you bring h
er to a wedding where you know Delaney is going to be, a wedding Cami was not invited to.”
“Kira suggested it, and I’m damn glad she did, judging by what I saw this morning. You and Delaney Winters again? I thought we resolved this years ago. What are you thinking, Ethan?”
“It’s my life, Dad. I let events control me in the past. I’ve grown up. I make my own decisions now.”
“And you want Delaney? I didn’t think you were stupid. Nothing has changed. She’s still a lodestone around our necks, dragging us down with her.”
“Not around my neck. Nor yours. When will you let go of the past? She’s different now. Everything is different now.” Ethan shoved off the cart and stalked in front of his father. “Now, who knows if she’ll forgive me.”
“Forgive you? So, it is true. You’re thinking about regaining your past love. Well, let me tell you something about the past. You can never go back again. It’s never the same.” His father sneered at him.
“I know that. I don’t want to go back. We’re different people. I’m different. I want Delaney as she is today, not five years ago.”
Jim and Matt finished their putts and walked to the cart. By unspoken consensus, they tabled their discussion until the next hole. While they waited for Jim and Matt, his father resumed the discussion.
“Okay, so you want Delaney again. Fine. And what do you have to offer her? A farm? Do you really think she wants to work on a farm and live away from Houston? She had ample opportunity to leave Houston after her father’s death. Why do you think she stayed? Because she wants her old life back, wants to be on top again. And who can help her get there? You.”
Ethan shot him a look but said nothing, waiting to see where he was going with his new line of attack.
“Oh, not as a farmer, not even a vineyard owner lends enough prestige for her. She wants revenge on all those who turned their backs on her. She needs you to be at the top of your game, on top at Van Owen Financial.” His father took a step forward and laid a hand on Ethan’s clenched arm. “Come back to the firm and take up your place. Then you can give Delaney what she wants, what’s she’s always wanted.”
Ethan slowly pivoted on his heel and studied his father. “This was your endgame all along. To convince me to come back to the firm and be your heir apparent. What if I choose not to come back?”
“Then you lose Delaney and you lose all funding for the vineyard. No expansion.”
Ethan stared at his father. “You’d pull all funding from me just to get me back in your corner office? That’s low, even for you.”
“I do what I need to do. If you come back, you can have Delaney and I’ll give you the funding for your vineyard expansion. Hire a manager, like everyone else, and you can retire there someday. The way the world should be.” He stepped back and dropped his hand. “Think about it. You know I’m right, son.”
“So, you won’t oppose me getting back together with Delaney if I come back?” Ethan eyed his father, suspicion laying like a stone in his gut.
“I think that’s a huge mistake but I won’t stand in your way,” William replied.
Matt and Jim rejoined them, and they moved onto the next hole, talking about golf, business, and other things. Ethan remained quiet, thinking about his father’s words. If he accepted his father’s offer, he could give Delaney everything she had once before, give her back what she lost all those years ago. Yes, Delaney was a different person today, but could she be happy at a vineyard? She said she’d be happy anywhere he was. Could that be true?
Delaney sat through the torture that was a manicure. Oh, the manicurist was wonderful, but the torture was sitting there with one angry bridesmaid, a sad bride, and two others. Cami Spencer, bubbly, perky Cami who, according to Kira, held Ethan’s heart and was destined to be his bride. And Kira, Ethan’s stepmother, who hated Delaney and took every shot she could to demean and insult Delaney. Not obviously, of course. She would never dare to be so crass. No, she only acted the way she had been for the past five years. Sly innuendo, backhanded comments, and direct insults. She made no secret of her love for Cami and her intense desire for a match between their families.
Once, all of that would have bothered Delaney but not this time. This time, she was lost in her own thoughts, focused on what she’d experienced with Ethan that week, what she had heard him say to her. She struggled to reconcile that with the situation playing out in front of her.
He hadn’t been a monk during their time apart. She had even seen him with dates before he left Houston. But none of them were serious and he swore he had had no girlfriend now. So how did Cami play into this?
Delaney wanted to hate Cami but she was so damn nice, kind of like a Labrador retriever who just wanted to be friends with everyone. But Delaney drew the line at comparing Ethan.
“He’s such a gentleman, isn’t he? So considerate and charming.” Cami leaned forward and spoke so only Delaney could hear.
After several such comments, Delaney, who had restrained herself to not draw any attention to the awkward situation, finally turned to her. “Cami, I know how great Ethan is. But I don’t think this is appropriate.”
“Finally,” Anna muttered next to her. “I wondered when you were going to put her in her place. But now you feel like you kicked a puppy, don’t you?”
Delaney glanced at Cami, who looked at her quizzically. “Is everything okay, Delaney? Kira told me you and Ethan were in the past, that I had nothing to worry about.”
The gel light clicked off, signifying her nails were done. Delaney stood and swung her bag over her shoulder. “Cami, you’re a nice person, so I’m going to give you a piece of advice. Don’t listen to Kira when it comes to Ethan. She has no influence over him. As to him and me, you need to talk to Ethan about that.”
She looked at the rest of the group. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a headache and think I’ll head back to the house for a nap.”
Anna jumped up. “I’ll join you.”
Delaney nodded and walked through the spa. “Wow, you must be pissed to voluntarily join me anywhere.”
“We made up, remember. And I couldn’t take that bullshit anymore. So, what happened between you and Ethan?”
“What happened between you and Wyatt?” Delaney countered.
Anna laughed. “Touché. Okay, so, no girl talk. Got it. Back to the house?”
“And a big glass of wine.”
“Or a shot of tequila.”
The rest of the day passed in a blur for Delaney. Everyone seemed in their own worlds, and no one seemed happy, least of the all the bride, who should have been the happiest. But with all her plans imploding, it seemed the wedding might not be the happy, blissful event expected. Before the rehearsal dinner, Delaney was sipping a glass of wine when Anna joined her on the patio.
“Pass me a glass of that, please? Hell, forget the glass; I need a whole bottle.” Anna sighed and flopped in a chair next to Delaney. “God, things just went to shit. But I don’t need to tell you about that. Caroline should have left it alone. We were all happy the way we were.”
“Were we?” Delaney asked, eyebrow arching. “I wasn’t.”
“And are you happy now? Doubt it. I thought I was happy. And I was. Until I saw Wyatt again.” Anna sipped her wine and stared out over the ocean in the distance.
“Because you were all miserable.” Caroline stepped onto the stone patio, looking as miserable as they all felt, but dressed for the rehearsal dinner. “Maybe I was wrong to want to see my best friends happy with the men I thought were perfect for them. I guess being a happy bride went to my head.”
“It’s not that you wanted us to be happy, but you thought you knew what we needed better than we did. And look where that got us,” Delaney replied. “I may not have been happy, but I was doing okay and figuring things out. Anna and Brigid were climbing their careers. Who’s to say if Wyatt or Grady even fit into their plans?”
Caroline advanced farther. “But that’s the point. Love doesn’t happen
according to a plan. Brigid of all people, should have known that, with her lists and criteria and goals, who hasn’t had a real date beyond Grady since college. And Anna, spending your days dating actors for better visibility. Oh, and Delaney, you didn’t even have a plan. You were just existing. How has that worked out for you?”
The women exchanged glances, like sullen schoolgirls caught doing something wrong.
Delaney faced Caroline. “Maybe that’s true but who are you to decide how we should live our lives and who we should live them with?”
Tears gathered in Caroline’s eyes. “I just wanted you all to be happy and you were being too damned stubborn. Delaney, you belong with Ethan. Everyone knows that. You two were always meant to be.”
“Sometimes, what’s meant to be doesn’t happen. Life isn’t a fairy tale, Caroline. I know that better than anyone. Maybe you’re right, but too much has changed for us. Too much has happened. Maybe we should just cut our losses and move on.”
“Do you really think you can be happy without him?”
“Do I have a choice?” Delaney heaved a sigh. “Okay, ladies. We’re stronger than this. Let’s go out there, hold our heads high, and to hell with everything. Let’s make this wedding the best it can be, not the funeral it appears to be now.”
Caroline smiled. “Do you forgive me?”
Delaney hugged her. “Of course I do. It’s in the maid of honor handbook. The bride is always right, or at least must be indulged. Let’s go practice this wedding and make everything perfect for you.”
Her words were light and happy, but in her stomach, dread was a lodestone weighing her down. She had to face Ethan sometime. She’d been avoiding him all day, which was easy since he was at the hotel and she was at the spa then the house. Physical separation certainly helped delay the inevitable. But they had to talk. She would not run away this time. She would fight instead.
If only she had confidence in how everything would turn out.
Chapter Twenty