Say I Do in Good Hope

by Cindy Kirk

  “Loud.” She winced and popped a green olive into her mouth, then took a long drink of water.

  Earlier, Kyle had spotted bottles of Tylenol and Advil in the cupboard over the sink. He retrieved both and held them out for her inspection. “Which one?”

  She lifted a brow.

  “You have a headache. It’s best to take something before it really catches hold.”

  Two Advil tablets were in her mouth and washed down with water before he’d even returned the bottles to the cabinet.

  “You’re bossy.” But she spoke without rancor and picked up another olive, black this time.

  “Back at ya.” Kyle considered it his first victory of the evening when she smiled. “Did Lindsay appear interested?”

  “I think she’d pass if it was up to her.”

  “Isn’t it up to her?”

  “Not entirely. You’ve met her mom. And Dan.” Eliza’s gaze turned thoughtful. “I don’t know him well. I sense he’s used to being in charge and making decisions.”

  “You believe Lindsay won’t want to make waves.”

  “It’s a possibility.”

  “You didn’t need to offer the opportunity.”

  Eliza’s wry smile did strange things to his insides. “I considered simply going to one of the couples on my B list. But that wasn’t my decision to make.”

  Kyle stabbed an artichoke heart with a fork. “If you were engaged, would you participate in the competition?”

  “No. Lindsay and I are alike in that respect. I prefer small and intimate over showy center stage.” She waved a hand. “Enough about that. How’d things go at the school?”

  “The school is nice.” Kyle had driven past the building dozens of times but had paid it little attention. It was a modern single-story building with sand-colored brick.

  Eliza motioned with one hand for more, then reached for another olive.

  “Clay greeted us at the door.” The principal had confirmed all the necessary forms were in place for Lolo to start on Monday. “He gave us her schedule, and we walked to the rooms where her classes will be held. Watching her open her locker and stroll through those shiny linoleum halls took me back to my own middle-school days. Good times.”

  “They can be,” Eliza answered absently, appearing more focused on which mozzarella ball to choose than the conversation.

  “Clay has an easy way with kids. Being a principal is a good fit for his personality.” Kyle lifted the bottle of water to his lips and took a drink. “He even got Lolo to talk.”

  “I hope school goes well for her.”

  “I have a good feeling.” Kyle shook his head. “I couldn’t believe she asked me to homeschool her.”

  “Middle school has always been a difficult time for kids. Imagine what it’s like now with the social media stuff tossed into the mix.”

  Kyle was tempted to tease that she was the type to rise to the top no matter the circumstances. Just in time, he recalled her earlier prickliness about making assumptions. “I don’t see why anyone homeschools.”

  “There are any number of good reasons to make that choice.” Eliza’s gaze turned thoughtful. “If I had a child being bullied, I’d consider it.”

  “Doesn’t pulling a child out when they’re having a difficult time teach them to run from adversity?”

  “It depends. If the school administration and teachers aren’t being helpful in resolving the bullying, what choice is there?” She lifted a hand. “Before you say, ‘Tough it out,’ let me remind you these are children with little power, children who depend on their parents to protect them.”

  Kyle thought of Lolo’s friend. “Prudie tried to kill herself.”

  “It was a cry for help. One I hope her parents are heeding.”

  “I thought you’d be more hard-nosed about this kind of stuff.”

  She merely arched a brow.

  “I mean, look at you. You’re strong and self-assured. I can’t imagine anyone getting the better of you.” Kyle expelled a breath. “Listen, I know being expected to interact regularly with Lolo wasn’t part of the deal.”

  “Deal?”

  “Sharing the house.” Kyle fought a surge of guilt. He’d barged into her life—heck, into her home—then added to the insult by adding not only a child to the mix but her elderly relative.

  It didn’t seem fair to ask for more. Yet he’d learned long ago, if you didn’t ask, you didn’t get.

  “What is it you want to ask me, Kyle?”

  “Lolo admires you. That was obvious from the start. Oh, she might have been a bit intimidated at the beginning, but she likes you.”

  Eliza lowered the water bottle she’d brought to her lips. “I don’t hear a question.”

  He rounded the island, resisting the urge to take her hands in his. “Will you take my sister under your wing and show her how to be strong and confident, like you?”

  Chapter 8

  Attending church the next morning hadn’t been in Eliza’s plans. It had been a difficult week. Sleeping late should be her reward for making it through all the ugliness and stress. But when Lindsay texted late last night with the news she and Dan would be Good Hope’s competition couple, Eliza had changed her mind.

  Not to mention she had promised Kyle, albeit with great reluctance, to do what she could for his sister.

  Eliza hurried down the stairs, looking forward to a cup of coffee before making the short six-block trek to the church. She found the kitchen already crowded.

  Dressed in dark pants and a gray shirt, Kyle looked business-casual perfect. She hid a wince at the sight of Lolo. His sister wore a dress more suitable for a wedding.

  Even as Eliza told herself what the girl wore was none of her business, she hated the thought of Lolo getting off to a bad start in her new community. Kids that age could be so cruel.

  Been there, experienced that, she thought, recalling how her mother had insisted she wear only classic fashions at a time when cuffed-up jeans and layering tank tops were in style.

  Even after all these years, Eliza could still hear the laughter, still feel the sharp stab of pain at the teasing comments.

  “Good morning. It appears Katherine is sleeping in this morning.” Kyle lifted a coffee mug. “Can I get you a cup?”

  Eliza gave her head a reluctant shake, her gaze fixed on Lolo. They didn’t have much time if they were going to make a wardrobe switch. “Lolo.”

  The girl looked up from her cereal, a questioning look in her eyes.

  “Was there a pair of dark leggings in one of those suitcases your brother lugged into the house?”

  A puzzled look crossed Lolo’s face, but she nodded.

  Keeping her tone casual, Eliza smiled. “I have the cutest sweater I think would look perfect with leggings.”

  “We don’t have time for Lolo to—”

  “We have plenty of time.” Eliza waved aside Kyle’s protest. “A sweater coupled with leggings is what all the young girls in Good Hope are wearing.”

  She didn’t say more. Didn’t need to say more. Light dawned in the young girl’s eyes.

  “If it’s yours, I don’t think it will fit me.” Lolo’s blue eyes never left hers.

  True enough. But this particular sweater had been a gift from an out-of-state great-aunt. Not only was it too large, it wasn’t at all her style. It would be perfect for Lolo. “Trust me. It’ll fit.”

  After giving the Keurig one regretful glance—there wouldn’t be time for coffee now—Eliza turned on her heel. When she reached the doorway, she waited for Lolo to catch up.

  Eliza slung an arm around the girl’s shoulders, gave a squeeze. “You’re going to love this sweater.”

  Eliza felt Kyle’s scrutinizing gaze on them as they climbed the stairs.

  “What do you think?” Lolo asked Kyle as Eliza retrieved her jacket from the coat tree in the foyer.

  His gaze settled on the fuzzy pink sweater. It looked good, like something a girl his sister’s age would wear. Kyle wasn’t cert
ain the boots Lolo wore were hers, and he didn’t ask. “Very nice. The band with the colored stones looks good.”

  His sister’s hand rose to her hair. “Mom got that for me before I left.”

  “Speaking of leaving.” Eliza stuck her head inside the kitchen and glanced pointedly at the clock. “If we’re going to make the opening hymn, we need to go now.”

  Kyle had assumed they’d drive, but when Eliza and Lolo took off down the sidewalk, he followed. He couldn’t believe the change the sweater had made. His sister chattered happily with Eliza. The sullen girl he’d picked up at the airport yesterday was nowhere to be seen.

  His gaze slid to the woman at his sister’s side. Eliza’s dark hair glistened in the early morning light. Instead of walking, she appeared to glide down the sidewalk. The three-inch heels on her boots and those long legs created a sexy picture. Kyle couldn’t believe such a beautiful, accomplished woman didn’t have a steady guy.

  He’d heard about her relationship with Jeremy and how it had come to a crashing end when Fin Bloom had returned to town. Kyle doubted Eliza would be alone for long. He’d seen the way other men looked at her.

  The bells were already ringing by the time they reached the steps of the church. Since they were running late, Kyle assumed they’d have to search for three seats together at the back. When he hesitated, Eliza merely swept down the aisle.

  The second pew from the front was empty. Eliza motioned them in ahead of her.

  “This pew may be reserved.” Kyle kept his voice low, barely above a whisper.

  “It is reserved.” A faint smile touched Eliza’s lips. “It’s the Shaw pew.”

  As if that settled the matter, Eliza sat, eventually pulling out a hymnal and rising with the rest of the congregation.

  Kyle couldn’t identify the theme of the sermon Dan preached. He was too conscious of the sultry, enticing scent of Eliza’s perfume, of the way her thigh pressed against his leg, of the feline quality of those gray eyes whenever they shifted in his direction.

  Last night, when Eliza had left the house, he’d watched her go and wondered where she was headed. Most of all he’d wondered who she planned to meet.

  On the short walk to the church, he’d overheard Eliza tell Lolo that the minister was engaged to her friend and that the two would be participating in an upcoming wedding competition. Apparently, it hadn’t taken Lindsay long to get back to Eliza with a decision.

  While Kyle had always prided himself on his work ethic, Eliza had him beaten. The woman seemed to juggle a dozen balls at once. He slanted a sideways glance and caught her staring. When he offered a smile, she glanced away.

  The service ended, and Kyle was left wondering what came next. Did the church have Sunday school for kids Lolo’s age? If it did, would his sister be open to trying it?

  The thoughts had barely crossed his mind when Katie Ruth Crewes, the youth programs director at the Y, hurried over. The perky blonde offered a friendly smile.

  “Hi, Kyle. Eliza. It’s good to see you this morning.” Katie Ruth’s gaze shifted to Lolo, and she offered the girl an engaging smile. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Katie Ruth. I’m in charge of youth groups here at First Christian.”

  Kyle felt a surge of relief. He wouldn’t have to go searching for the right person after all. “This is—”

  “I’m Lorraine Kendrick.” His sister cut him off. “My friends call me Lolo.”

  “Pretty name. Nice to meet you, Lolo.” Katie Ruth inclined her head. “I wonder if you’d be interested in coming to youth group and helping me out this morning.”

  Katie Ruth must have seen the girl’s hesitation, because she continued without giving Lolo a chance to answer. “We’re going to play some fun games, but you don’t have to participate. If you want, you can simply watch.”

  Lolo glanced at Kyle.

  “Up to you.” He kept his tone noncommittal.

  She shifted her gaze to Eliza.

  “Katie Ruth is helping me with Ready, Set, Wed,” Eliza informed the girl. “She’s got good ideas. I’m guessing whatever games she has planned for this morning won’t be too lame.”

  Katie Ruth choked back a laugh.

  “I could walk with you—” Kyle began.

  A horrified look crossed his sister’s face. “No way.”

  Lolo glanced at Katie Ruth, gave a jerky nod. “Okay. Sure. I’ll give it a try.”

  “Perfect.” Katie Ruth shifted her gaze to Kyle. “We’ll finish up a little after eleven. You can swing by to pick her up then.”

  “I’ll meet you at the front of the church,” Lolo told him and Eliza. “Don’t come inside for me.”

  As his sister strode off with Katie Ruth, Kyle heard the youth director mention the sweater.

  “Walking into a room with a group of kids she’s never met will be scary.” Kyle pulled his brows together. “I wish she’d let me go with her.”

  “Get real, Kyle. A girl that age would never want big brother walking her to youth group.”

  The voice, low and husky, belonged to another blonde, this one with a tumble of artfully disheveled curls. Kyle recognized her as Marigold Rallis, one of the Bloom sisters. Her husband, Cade, stood at her side.

  Kyle offered an easy smile and shrug. “I don’t know much about kids that age.”

  “Neither does Marigold.” Eliza’s cool tone could have frosted glass. “Last I knew, you didn’t have any of your own.”

  Marigold’s eyes flashed, but there was something else there, something Kyle couldn’t decipher.

  “Forget I said anything,” Eliza surprised him by saying. “You’re around kids a lot more than I am.”

  To Kyle’s ears, it sounded almost like an apology.

  Marigold must have thought so, too, because the heat in her blue eyes cooled.

  “Do you have time this afternoon to give Lolo and me a trim?” Eliza lifted a brow.

  It appeared to be an olive branch. An odd one, but one nonetheless.

  “I thought you only let Charlotte at Golden Door cut your hair,” Marigold said pointedly.

  Though Kyle wasn’t up on hair salons, he’d heard Golden Door and Marigold’s were considered the top salons on the peninsula.

  Eliza lifted a shoulder, let it fall. “I’m ready for a change.”

  Marigold hesitated. “I normally don’t see clients on Sunday.”

  Eliza’s gaze locked with hers. “Lolo’s first day of school is tomorrow.”

  “C’mon, Goldie.” Cade offered his wife a smile. “Help the kid out.”

  Marigold bumped him with her hip and smiled before turning to Eliza. “Three o’clock?”

  Eliza nodded. “We’ll be there.”

  Kyle glanced at the couple he knew were firmly enmeshed in Good Hope society. “Any ideas on what we should do while my sister is in youth group?”

  “Have breakfast at Muddy Boots.” Cade slung an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Everyone goes there on Sunday morning.”

  Kyle glanced at Eliza, not sure if she’d want to be seen with him at such a public place. It was one thing to tell select individuals they were an item. Quite another for her to walk into a crowded café at his side.

  Not knowing how she wanted to play this, he waited for her response.

  For now, the ball was in her court.

  As she and Kyle strolled the three blocks to Muddy Boots, Eliza’s temper cooled. When Marigold had made that snide comment to Kyle, she’d seen red.

  Still, pointing out Marigold’s lack of progeny had been a low blow. Especially since Eliza knew Marigold and Cade had been trying to get pregnant since their wedding in June.

  Marigold was young. She had to be a good five years younger than Eliza. And she was building a successful business. She had clients flying in from all over the country to have her cut their hair. It didn’t make sense for her to muddy things up right now with a child.

  Then again, Marigold was strong-willed. The youngest Bloom sister had always been one of those
who thought she could have it all. Obviously, that attitude hadn’t changed.

  “I understand now why people never leave here.” Kyle’s gaze lifted to the vivid blue sky.

  Eliza looked at him in surprise. “Are you considering staying?”

  He hesitated for half a second, then shook his head. “My life is in Kentucky.”

  “You bought a house.”

  “Call it momentary madness.”

  Eliza’s heart began to race. “Does that mean you’ll sell it when you leave?”

  She couldn’t quite keep the quiver of excitement out of her voice.

  “Probably.” He glanced around, as if making sure no one was close enough to overhear. “I’ll give you first shot at it, if I do.”

  “I’ll hold you to that promise.”

  Kyle’s gaze shifted to Cade and Marigold, who were a good half a block in front of them, his arm around her waist.

  While they watched, Marigold laughed at something Cade said. The sound was so joyful that Eliza had to fight a pang of envy. “Cade called her Goldie.”

  Kyle grinned, amused by her puzzlement. “Obviously a shortened version of Goldilocks.”

  Eliza pulled her brows together. “Seriously?”

  “Didn’t you ever have a nickname?”

  Olive Oyl. The nickname had been bestowed upon her during those horrible middle-school years. It had stuck because it fit. She’d been super skinny and long-faced with a mouthful of braces. “I’ve never been a fan of such things.”

  He flashed a smile before his gaze turned thoughtful. “I hope Lolo is having an okay time.”

  “The fact that Katie Ruth is in charge of the group guarantees your sister will be fine.”

  “And the sweater.”

  Eliza cocked her head.

  “She was dressed all wrong this morning. Thanks to your intervention, she looks like the other girls.” For a second, his hand rested on her arm. “I appreciate your kindness.”

  Eliza ignored the gesture. “I see girls that age on the street all the time. You had no way to know. What’s in style in one community isn’t the same in another.”

  “My mother tries.”

  “I wasn’t implying anything.” Eliza shifted her gaze to the café window. She’d been here before on Sunday mornings. Though the place was packed, she wasn’t concerned. “There’s a large table toward the back where everyone gathers.”