For Better or For Worse

by Debbi Quattrone

  She was about to part her lips for him when he pulled back and looked at her. He had the most unreadable expression on his face, as if he were purposely trying to conceal any emotion. “I hope I didn’t frighten you.”

  “Of course not.” She hadn’t quite caught her breath yet. She wanted him to kiss her again, finish what he’d started. Maybe if she leaned forward, gave him a sign...

  “Phyllis was at the window. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity.”

  Disappointment swelled like a balloon inside her. “No problem.”

  “I figure we’ll have to at least act like newlyweds in public sometimes.”

  “Sure.” She swallowed, trying to get her voice to sound normal. To lose the foolish disappointment that refused to let go. This was stupid. She knew the score. This was Alex being a rescuer, helping out the daughter of a friend. Why the heck was she being so sappy?

  “I’m sorry. I can see I’ve upset you.”

  “That’s not true.” She laid a casual hand on his arm and stopped herself a split second before she snatched it back. They couldn’t spend the next few months walking on eggs around each other. “You haven’t upset me. Believe me, it wasn’t a hardship to kiss you.”

  Oh, God. She bit her lip. She hadn’t planned on being that honest.

  His mouth curved in a slow, sexy smile. “That wasn’t even my best work.”

  “Oh, brother.” She rolled her eyes heavenward. “Spoken like a true man.”

  He laughed. “I deserved that.”

  It was amazing how quickly the tension between them disappeared. Until he stood, offered her a hand and said, “How about we go inside and give them all something to talk about?”

  * * *

  ALEX HAD THOUGHT the worst part of the day was wearing the suit. He was so bloody wrong. The torture had just begun, he realized as he sat thigh to thigh with Jenny on the Coopers’ sofa. She smelled so good, and her lips were so soft he could barely think of anything else.

  Inconspicuously he checked his watch for the third time. Only ten minutes had passed. In another hour they would be able to get away from the party without hurting anyone’s feelings. Frankly, he didn’t give a damn about tender feelings. This was supposed to be their wedding night. What were these people thinking?

  Not that he’d planned a traditional wedding night. Far from it. But the good citizens of Cooper’s Corner didn’t know that, and he resented being detained so they could have an excuse for a party and satisfy their curiosity. He would’ve left by now if it weren’t for Jenny. She was afraid of appearing ungrateful.

  Alex gritted his teeth. What the hell was wrong with him? It wasn’t like him to be this moody. He knew everyone meant well.

  That is, everyone except him.

  He wanted to kiss Jenny again. Right now.

  “Isn’t that right, Doc?

  Jenny nudged his leg.

  He snapped out of his musings. “What?”

  Phyllis peered at him with annoyance and concern. “You aren’t at all yourself. I don’t believe you’ve heard a word I said, have you?”

  “Guilty.” He slipped an arm around Jenny and hauled her against him. “How do you expect me to pay attention when my beautiful bride is sitting so close?”

  Phyllis and Gina Monroe gasped with delight, then Phyllis dabbed at her eyes. “Doc, I never thought I’d see the day when you’d be this happy again. Thank the good Lord.”

  He didn’t dare look at Jenny. She’d stiffened the moment his arm had gone around her. Thankfully she didn’t pull away, though. Either she was playing along or she was too tired to resist. He knew the day’s activities had worn her out. She’d alternated between looking pale and flushed, and her hands sometimes shook.

  Maureen moved in beside Phyllis and winked so that only Alex could see. “I think it’s time we let these lovebirds go home.”

  “But it’s early.” Phyllis’s gaze went to the grandfather clock in the corner. “We haven’t even cut the cake.”

  Jenny groaned softly.

  Alex whispered, “Don’t worry, we aren’t staying. We’ll promise to have some tomorrow.”

  He was about to make their excuses to Phyllis when Philo took his wife by the arm and said, “Come on. Let them have their privacy. They can eat cake anytime. Tonight is their wedding night, for goodness sakes.”

  His booming voice carried across the living room into the dining room, stopping conversation and making people look up and laugh. Jenny’s face turned pink.

  “Well put, Philo.” Alex got up and shook the man’s hand. “You all go on and have a good time. We’ll be thinking about you.”

  “Right.” Philo led everyone in hearty laughter.

  “Let’s go.” He pulled Jenny to her feet.

  “Aren’t you overdoing the anxious groom bit?” she whispered in annoyance, and then smiled at their audience.

  He gave her a quick but hard kiss on the lips. “Say goodbye to everyone, Jenny.”

  Her eyes widened, and he felt her warm breath come out in a whoosh. “Goodbye everyone.”

  More laughter.

  “I wish you’d warn me before you do things like that,” she said in a stern whisper as they stepped outside.

  “You think I should ask permission to kiss my wife? At least I got us out of there.” He jerked open the car door for her. He wasn’t sure why, but her words stung.

  “I’m sorry. You’re right.” She hesitated getting in and looked at him. “Alex, I haven’t told you how much I appreciate what you’re doing. I really—”

  “Forget it.” He continued to hold the door, wishing she’d get in. “I thought you wanted to go home.”

  “Of course.” She gave him a hurt look then ducked into the car.

  He closed the door, then swung around to the driver’s side. He’d borrowed the car from Tuck so Jenny wouldn’t have to ride the pickup in her linen suit. Across the back end, Tuck and Grace’s children had attached a whimsical sign announcing to the world that Alex and Jenny were Just Married.

  “Alex?”

  He didn’t want to talk. “Yeah?”

  “I’m sorry if I upset you.”

  “You haven’t.” He slid the key into the ignition and started the engine.

  “I know this isn’t a real marriage, but we do have to communicate.”

  He sighed. “What’s on your mind?”

  “Please don’t sound so defensive.”

  He flinched. Sara used to accuse him of being defensive when she wanted to talk and he didn’t. “I didn’t mean to.” He took a deep breath and decided to bite the bullet. “It’s about the kiss, right?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Come on, Jen. Communication goes both ways.”

  “I’m not trying to be obtuse. I really don’t know what you’re getting at. I could guess, but that’s all.”

  “Go ahead. Give it your best shot.” He put the car in gear and pulled out of the Coopers’ driveway.

  “But if I’m wrong, I’ll be horribly embarrassed.”

  That piqued his curiosity, and he slid her an inquisitive glance. She quickly turned her head and pretended to look out the window. Except it was too dark to see a thing.

  “You know I did that for show, right?”

  “Of course.”

  “Okay, so maybe I was a little too enthusiastic.” This was not going well. But at least the reality check cooled off his confused libido. “But it’s over. We don’t have to prove anything to anyone. We’ll probably rarely be out in public together.”

  “You’re misunderstanding.”

  He pulled to a stop at an intersection. No other cars were on the road, but he waited, turning to look at her. “How so?”

  She took a nervous swipe at her hair. “I
didn’t mean to have this big discussion while you were driving. Maybe we should wait until we get to your house.”

  Now he was really curious. He didn’t even know they were having a “big discussion.” But he wouldn’t push. She was tired and probably feeling worse than she’d let on. She was a trouper, he’d give her that. “We’re only three miles away.”

  “I remember.”

  He crossed the intersection. “Not much has changed around here.”

  “Which is so nice. Comforting, really.”

  That surprised him. “I thought you didn’t like it here. You couldn’t wait to leave.”

  “That was youthful yearning, wondering if the grass was greener on the other side. Besides, I never disliked living here. There just wasn’t enough career opportunity.”

  They lapsed into silence. Alex knew Ed had believed that was the reason his daughter had left, but Alex figured that was a father’s rationalization for having been deserted. But Jenny had no reason to lie. This was certainly a new take on things.

  The house came into view as soon as they turned down the long drive. He’d switched on several lights, not knowing if they’d come back after the ceremony or go out to dinner. He noticed Jen shift in her seat and wondered what she was thinking. She had to be nervous. This was a strange house and even stranger circumstances.

  And he hadn’t helped one bit by kissing her. Twice. On the porch and in the living room. In his heart he knew he’d taken advantage of the situation. He could’ve snuggled up to her, or pulled her closer, and Phyllis would have been satisfied. But he’d let his testosterone overrule his good sense.

  He parked the car in the double garage beside the pickup, and they both got out at the same time. Jenny hesitated near the door that led to the house.

  He knew what had drawn her attention.

  “By the way, that’s some truck.”

  “I wondered when you’d get around to that.” He smiled, used to the ribbing. “Very handy for a vet who makes house calls. My patients’ owners know I’m coming from miles away.”

  “Ah, I see.” She smiled back. “Am I to assume purple is your favorite color?”

  “No, it was Sara’s. She picked it out a year before she died.”

  “Oh.” Jenny blinked, and her smile faded.

  He shrugged, but a sharp reminder of the day Sara had announced she wanted a purple truck sprang to mind. He’d balked, but in the end he’d given in. Just as he’d always given in to her. And now he couldn’t part with the ugly purple thing. “Honestly, I hated the color. But the truck runs, and I saw no need to get rid of it.”

  “Of course not.” She moistened her lips. “I really wasn’t poking fun.”

  He grinned. “That’s okay. It is an ugly color.”

  “Anyway, I should talk. You’ve seen my clunker.”

  He motioned her to precede him to the door. “Practically speaking, how reliable is that car?”

  “I haven’t had it long. I didn’t need it in the city, but a friend sold it to me for a song, and I figured if I—” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter now. It gets me where I’m going.”

  Alex followed her into the kitchen, mulling over what she’d said. Had she decided to leave the city? Had she planned on moving back to Cooper’s Corner? Ed hadn’t said anything. No, that wasn’t it. She was sick and hadn’t wanted her father to know. Alex could ask her what she’d meant, except if she’d wanted to tell him, she would have done so.

  “I think we’d better consider getting you a new, more reliable vehicle,” he finally said.

  She spun to face him. “Absolutely not. I don’t have the money, and you aren’t spending a dime of yours on me.” She visibly swallowed. “As it is, I’m going to be your indentured servant for the next ten years.”

  “Hey, knock that off. You don’t owe me anything. Understand?”

  She didn’t answer, but looked away. “Mind if I take a pitcher of water to my room with me?”

  “For God’s sake, Jenny, you don’t have to ask me something like that. You do what you want around here.” Annoyed, he threw the keys on the counter. “I’m having a glass of wine. Want one?”

  “No, thanks. I think I’ll just go on to bed.”

  He laid a hand on her arm when she turned to go. “I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

  “It’s all right. We’ve had a long day.”

  “That’s still no excuse.” He knew why he was irritable. He felt like a heel for scaring her. She probably thought he expected something physical out of the deal.

  Should he bring the subject up? Or would that fuel the tension? Maybe she wanted to discuss the terms of their relationship. She’d started a conversation in the car....

  “No hard feelings. I promise.” She moved away. “But I really am exhausted.”

  “You started to say something in the car and then decided to wait until we got home.”

  She stiffened, clearly uncomfortable. “It’s really not important, after all.”

  “I have a feeling it is.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest and hugged herself as if she were cold.

  “Jen, look.” He took a step toward her, then thought better of it and stopped. “I know you’re still upset about the kiss.” She started to protest, but he stopped her. “More accurately, about the direction of our relationship. I want to reassure you, nothing has changed. I expect nothing from you. Am I clear?”

  Jenny nodded. It was difficult to maintain eye contact. How could she have been so foolish as to think there might be a mutual attraction? Thank God she’d cut herself off in the car. She would have died if she’d come out and told him she’d liked it when he’d kissed her, that she’d wanted to kiss him back.

  He obviously still mourned Sara. He couldn’t even get rid of the ugly purple truck.

  CHAPTER SIX

  THREE WEEKS AFTER the wedding, Jenny finally started to relax. The application to have her added to Alex’s medical insurance had been sent on their wedding day, and in that regard, all she could do was wait. Not pleasant, but at least she knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel.

  Most of the time she stuck around the house, not knowing how she’d feel each day. She spent her time doing light housework and gardening in spite of Alex’s protests. She knew what was in all the cupboards and cabinets and was amazed at how much she liked puttering around the kitchen, trying different recipes. In New York, she’d had little time to cook. Usually she’d picked up sandwiches or eaten canned soup.

  Alex was busy at the clinic for sometimes twelve hours at a time, and she really missed him on those days. She missed his touch, too, and wondered if he was purposely staying away. He was always pleasant and even teased her a little, but he wasn’t at all like the playful man he’d been at the potluck.

  Maybe he regretted the offer. A year was a long time out of someone’s life. She understood that only too well. Selfishly, though, she didn’t want to press the issue, talk herself into a position where she’d have to offer to back out of the deal. This was her only way to get well, to get her life on track.

  This was a gift, a small miracle. The kind they talked about in her support group in New York. She missed the people in her group, a mixture of kooks and intellectuals and average Joes brought together by a common despair. They’d saved her sanity on more than one occasion when she’d felt like giving up, losing all hope, wallowing in self-pity.

  The ringing of the phone startled her, and she laid down the dish towel she was using to dry this morning’s juice glasses to answer it.

  She’d barely got out a hello when Alex said, “I hope you haven’t made anything for dinner.”

  “Actually, I thought we’d have leftover pot roast.” She sat at the kitchen table and put her feet up to relieve the pressure on her back. He
generally called her twice a day to check up on her, but his requisite calls had already been made. “Why?”

  “We’re going out to dinner.”

  At the banked excitement in his voice, her pulse skittered. “What’s going on?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “That’s mean.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t like being kept in suspense.”

  “Poor baby.” He chuckled. “You only have to wait two more hours.”

  Her gaze went to the whimsical cow clock over the door. It was four. “You’re coming home early?” Darn it. She hadn’t meant to sound so excited, but the playfulness in his voice had her a little giddy.

  He paused. “Yep. If that’s all right.”

  “Of course it is.” Her mood deflated. What an odd thing for him to say. Was he purposely staying away because he thought that’s what she wanted? She hesitated. “I like having you around.”

  Silence stretched. “I have to give a poodle his vaccinations and examine a Siamese who seems to think she’s a dog, and then I’ll be home. I’m guessing an hour.”

  Jenny let out a relieved breath and smiled. “Good.”

  “Why? So you won’t be in suspense?”

  She closed her eyes and blurted, “Because I miss you.”

  Silence again. And then he said, “I’ll give the Siamese a good talking-to and be home in forty minutes.”

  Without another word, he hung up. Jenny replaced the receiver and stared at the phone, a slow smile spreading across her face.

  * * *

  “WHAT IS THAT?” Jenny stared at the huge green and yellow bird in the cage Alex was carrying into the living room. A parrot or a macaw, she guessed, but it sure was gigantic.

  “Not what...but who. Otherwise you’ll hurt Plato’s feelings.” Alex hung the cage in the corner of the living room. “Plato’s a macaw. I generally leave him at the clinic since I’m there so much, but I brought him home to keep you company.”

  “This is my surprise?” When she realized how that sounded, she quickly added, “Thank you. That’s very thoughtful.”

  Alex grinned. “You don’t like birds.”