by Bree Cariad
Once she took stock of what they had on hand, Kathy figured they had the right ingredients for sweet n’ sour chicken and she had always wanted to try it from scratch. After her mom fell asleep on the sofa due to the pain killers Gerald made her take, he left for a meeting and Kathy got to work. The dessert was easy. Boxed cake mix and ready-made frosting. That she could do. Once the cake was in the oven, she read the directions for sweet n’ sour and started on it.
It definitely wasn’t easy. But it kept her attention so completely that she didn’t notice the passing of time until she heard the garage door open. Glancing up at the clock, she was startled to find it almost five. “Oh, drat. And I haven’t had the chance to shower yet.” Setting the chicken aside, she turned off the stove and moved to go upstairs. Before she could make her exit, the door between the kitchen and garage opened and her father walked in, closely followed by Xander Covington and his father. Startled, Kathy stared at him with her mouth open. What was he doing back?
“You look good in flour,” he said with a chuckle and she looked down grimacing as her entire body was dusted with white particles. Which probably meant her face and hair were as well.
“When I cook, I do it with flare.”
He shot her a grin and confusion settled. Why was he being flirtatious again? Or was this flirtatious? Maybe this was just normal, nice behavior on his part and she had thought it was something different.
“Why don’t you go change your clothes?” her father suggested. “Is your mom still asleep?”
“Last time I checked.”
“Change and come back down. It’s important.” She glanced into her father’s eyes to see if it was good important or bad important. They looked happy enough, so turning she dashed upstairs. Everything she wore went into the hamper and even knowing she would look wet, she jumped into the shower long enough to wash out the flour and then quickly got dressed in shorts and a camisole top. After running a comb through her hair, she pushed her toes into a pair of flip-flops, and went back downstairs. Her mother was sitting up, though she looked a little groggy.
“Feeling better?” Kathy asked her as she walked into the living room.
“Those pills really knocked me out. I’m not sure how I feel,” Carilyn admitted with a wry smile. “Come sit with me.” Glad she wouldn’t have to sit by Xander who was seated across from her mother, Kathy plopped next to her and leaned against her shoulder. Alex sat in a high-backed armchair that as long as Kathy could remember, was only ever used by guests. Gerald joined them a few minutes later and sat next to her, sandwiching her between the two of them.
“Would you like to start?” he asked Alex with a wide grin. He looked almost giddy.
Nodding, Alex stood up, pulling a large piece of paper from his pocket and beginning to read. “Miss Kathryn Daisy Bretherton, we the undersigned have given our permission for you to be courted by Mr. Alexander Brandon Covington, Jr., for the process of one year, starting on this date and ending no later than one year from today. As a courted female, you are never to be in the presence of another male without either Mr. Covington or Mr. Bretherton present or a female trusted by one of the aforementioned gentlemen. Your rights from Mr. Covington are as follows…” He continued to speak, but Kathy glanced over at his son who was watching her.
Could this really be happening? Did Xander want to do this going-steady thing for a year? And with her?
“This courtship year is very important and will be carried out in the following manner. First, the getting-to-know-you stage where the couple may meet at either the Bretherton household or elsewhere if escorted by Mr. Bretherton. Second, Stage Two: where Mr. Covington may take Miss Bretherton out for specifically arranged times to dinner or to an event. These must be by the light of day. Third, Stage Three: Mr. Covington must assume less passive control and begin to take on the mantel he will assume completely upon matrimony. This will include giving specific commands he will expect her to follow and discipline applied if not followed, up to but not including, corporal punishment. Fourth, Stage Four: all the above except with the addition of formal, over the clothing, corporal punishment if the situation requires. Five, Stage Five: by now Miss Bretherton and Mr. Covington have been courting for approximately four months. What has been termed the make-it-or-break-it stage is their last chance to truly decide whether or not to go on. Up until the end of this stage, either one may pull out for no other reason than to say ‘this isn’t for me.’ Once Stage Six is reached, they must show just cause as to why the courting should end. Six, Stage Six: Miss Bretherton will begin to spend more time with Mr. Covington’s family, helping his mother the same way she helps hers, learning the way he is used to having a house kept. During the same stage, if not already purchased, Mr. Covington must begin to search in earnest for a home for them as a couple. Seven, Stage Seven: from this stage onward, a proposal may be offered and accepted. Mr. Covington must first receive the blessing of Mr. Bretherton before he brings his troth to Miss Bretherton. In Stage Seven, one night a week, Miss Bretherton will cook for Mr. Covington in his home. Eight, Stage Eight: from here through Stage Twelve, the two are given more leeway in their relationship, leading up to, but not including sexual relations. At no time should Miss Bretherton or Mr. Covington ever be together disrobed. To do so would put shame on both members. Mr. Covington would be asked to leave town. Nine through twelve. These last four stages depend on if a marriage proposal has been proffered and accepted. If so, the engagement will take part during this time with the marriage to take place at the end of the courting ritual. If it has not been proffered, all former stages will be adhered to until the end of the courting.”
Kathy blinked. That was a lot of information. She would need to read it several times to even remember what it said.
“If this agreement is entered into willingly, then we the undersigned give our seal of approval.” He cleared his voice and read off the names, including his, the other men from the town council, and her own father.
Turning to the man beside her, she stared. “That’s what this meeting was all about?”
“Yes, though I had no idea when I went,” Gerald admitted. “How do you feel about it? That’s what matters now. If you don’t want to do this? We won’t. No questions, no convincing, nothing. But if you would like to?” He paused and then smiled. “You did seem rather taken with young Covington.”
Blushing slightly, she nodded before turning back to Xander who was leaning forward so much it looked like he might tip over. “Why me?”
His eyes opened wide and he slowly shook his head. “Why not? You’re funny, intelligent, and not a pushover. And yet you were raised in values I hold dear. Besides, who wouldn’t be interested in you, Kathy?”
The butterflies erupted in her stomach and she wasn’t sure how to respond. “I thought after seeing me upset yesterday that you were basically giving me the brushoff.”
“You’ll learn to trust me,” he assured her. “Just like you trust your own father. This isn’t a life sentence, Kathy. It’s just a very intense dating situation. The question you have to ask is: is it worth the possible ending? Oh, and ‘do I like Xander enough to realize at some point he’s going to kiss me?’ “
She giggled as he winked though his father cleared his throat. “Alexander, that’s enough.”
“Once she signs, you can’t stop me, father.”
“She hasn’t signed yet.” The elder Covington put the contract down on the coffee table in front of her with a pen. “Miss Bretherton, if you would like to enter this courting, please sign next to the X.”
The room became incredibly silent after he put the pen down and Kathy looked down at the paper. This was it. Just a few weeks ago she had no idea what a courting was and here she was being asked to enter one. Could she do it? Yes, she could. Considering all their rules, she actually felt comfortable. The real question was did she want to? The answer came quickly as she glanced up into Xander’s calm face. Yes, she did. If things didn’t work out, well
, it would make her senior year interesting. And she could leave for college right after so as not to get any fallout from it.
College. Gnawing on her lower lip she looked Xander right in the eyes. “What if I told you I wanted to go to college?”
“I’d say which college and where so I could find us a house.” The serious expression on his face convinced her he was telling her the truth.
“And what if I decided upon college graduation that I wanted to work outside the home?”
“We would discuss it but if that was what you wanted? I’m all for it. Mom runs her own floral business. Just because we enter into the kind of relationship we both want does not make you a lesser person, Kathy. In fact, one of the things I admire about you is the fact you did not grow up in Hyacinth and yet still believe in the things I need. I don’t want a pushover for a wife. I never have.” His father grunted and nodded, smiling. “I can’t even promise you we would live in Hyacinth forever. I loved Chicago and part of me would like to move back there. But if things worked out between us? That would be our decision. Ours. Not mine.”
The distinction finalized her decision and with a flourish, she signed her name on the line.
There was another moment of silence before Xander stood up as his father picked up the signed contract. Xan stepped over the coffee table and reached for Kathy’s hand. Feeling like she was floating, she allowed him to pull her to her feet. One of his hands cupped her cheek while the other pressed lightly against her back, pulling her closer. Leaning down, his lips brushed lightly against hers, making her tremble.
“Thank you,” he whispered in her ear.
Leaning her head against his chest, she hid her smile. Her first kiss. Xander just gave her her first kiss. And it was wonderful.
A loud knock at the door made her jump and she turned toward it. As her father groaned, she realized it must be the gentleman caller. Snickering softly, she stayed where she was as she heard her father get to his feet behind her.
“Pardon me,” he said calmly. “With everything that happened this afternoon, it drove our newest dinner guest out of my head.”
“A possible courter?” Xander asked dryly.
“Yes.”
“Xander, we need to make ourselves scarce,” Alex said.
“Why? She’s mine.”
Kathy bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself smiling at those words.
“Yes, and once the banns are posted, you can let every young cock know that. But you’ll have to wait until morning. Come.”
Xander growled softly, but quickly hugged her tight and then let go, following his father out of the room. A hand she recognized as her mother’s grasped her elbow and tugged back lightly. Following it, Kathy plopped down on the sofa.
“Congratulations,” Carilyn whispered, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
Her father opened the front door and they heard him speak to whoever was outside. “Damian, it’s good to see you. But I think you should be aware that just now, my daughter has accepted a courting. It will be posted tomorrow. You are, of course, welcome to stay for dinner, but if you would prefer not to, that is acceptable as well.”
A deep voice responded, but it rumbled so hard Kathy wasn’t able to make out the words.
“Of course, I completely understand. Have a good evening.” The door shut and Gerald joined them back in the living room, Alex and Xander joining them about the same time. “He has chosen not to stay.”
“Was that Damian Lonston?” Alex asked, a frown on his face.
“Yes.”
Alex and his son shared a glance and the elder Covington nodded as some silent communication passed between them. Turning toward Kathy, Alex’s intense eyes actually softened. “Welcome, Kathy. As a member of my extended family, you’re welcome to come to me at any time you have any questions. I’m pleased you’ve accepted my son’s courting.” He reached out and took her hand, squeezing it lightly before releasing it. “And now, I must go home. Charlotte will have dinner on the table soon. Alexander, will you be staying or coming home?”
“I would prefer to stay. For one thing, Mr. Bretherton and I need to work out a few things.”
“Oh!” Kathy said, jumping to her feet. “Speaking of which, I need to start the chicken.” Her mother stood up and followed her into the kitchen, leaving the three men to talk. Once Kathy settled the plates and cutlery on the table, Carilyn set the places, placing Xander next to Kathy rather than at the foot of the table.
Turning the heat back up on the sauce which had thickened wonderfully over the last hour, Kathy heated up some oil and began to fry the chicken. Considering the excitement of the last couple days, dinner was wonderfully without incident. The sauce tasted like it should, though it had turned pink rather than red, and both Xander and her father ate two helpings. As she and her mother stood up to clear the table, her father spoke.
“Why don’t we have dessert in the living room? We can discuss whatever questions you have, and set the ground rules.”
Ground rules? Kathy barely hid her smile as she walked into the kitchen. So dating Xander would be just like any of her other dates. That was comforting, actually.
After cutting the cake and putting four pieces out, Kathy loaded them on a small tray along with glasses of milk and she joined her mother, father, and Xander in the living room. There seemed a strange sort of comforting formality when he rose as she walked in the room, taking the tray from her and placing it on the coffee table, waiting for her to sit down before sitting by her side. It was the same kind of thing her father always did for her mother.
As each of them picked up a piece of cake, her father spoke. “Alex gave me the rules for each stage of your courting. Kathy, you grew up with dating and Alexander, you have been dating since you went to college. This is different.” He paused, as though to wait for any questions, but Kathy felt it was better to listen right now than speak. Xander seemed intent on listening. He was once again leaning forward, his eyes on Gerald.
“For the first stage, all of your dates will be here at the house, unless expressly requested by Alexander and okayed by me. At which point either myself or Kathy’s mother must accompany you. Alex said I needed to set a timeframe. If it would be acceptable to you, I suggest Friday night dinners; two hours each on Saturday and Sunday would be good as well. With it being summer, the two of you would be welcome to take a walk as long as you are in view of the house and one of us. We can discuss stage two when it’s time.”
“How long is each stage?” Kathy asked as she finished her cake. “A month?”
“They are set up that way,” Xander said quietly. “But they don’t specifically give them time limits. While all stages must be completed within a year, that does not mean each one is a calendar month. One stage may be two weeks, another six. There are specific results expected from each stage.”
“Like what?”
“Supposedly the town council knows. I’ve never known them to get it wrong, so they must have this figured out. The main thing they’re looking for is progress. If a couple has made no progress in their relationship by the fifth month, they are strongly encouraged to call it quits. But to be honest? That is a rarity here. So much thought is put into a courting that it rarely goes wrong.” His lips quirked. “And they make sure the girl is emotionally ready for such a commitment before they even allow men to start visiting officially.”
“But they don’t even know me.”
He put his plate down and nodded. “True. But you know that battery of tests you took at the school?” Confused, she nodded. “Think about it. How many tests dealt with school subjects? And how many were more esoteric? By the time your last exam was done, they had a pretty clear view of how mature you are.” There was a pause before he went on. “Dad called me up and told me there was a new girl I had to meet. He knew I wasn’t impressed with anyone who was here and to be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect from you either. Until I met you at the diner. There was something different
about you immediately, something that pulled at me. When Dad told me the council had okayed you for courting, I jumped in. There was no doubt in my mind you would be popular here in town and I was half afraid if I waited, that you would end up courted to someone I didn’t deem worthy.”
Picking up a glass of milk, he winked at her. “I’m glad I did.”
Smiling at him, she nodded, even as the butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Xander could make her feel all sorts of strange things all at once. Trying to hide those reactions was a full-time job. “Why did none of the girls here in town attract you?”
“They grew up here in Hyacinth. Don’t get me wrong. They’re nice girls who expect to marry, take care of their husband’s home, and live the rest of their life in Hyacinth. I needed a girl with more spunk, who could use her brain. Also,” he added, “you had no trouble talking back to me when your shyness went away. I liked that. Most girls here are too well-trained to ever talk back to a guy. Of course, too much backtalk will get you into trouble, but I like that you challenged me. For the first time in a long while, I felt alive around a girl. I went home and told Dad that I had to get to know you better.”
Warmth flooded her veins and Kathy couldn’t help grinning at him.
“I was already intent on seeking a courting and found you walking home the other day. My protective streak came out. As strong, if not stronger, than I feel toward my little sister and mother. Add in finding you in such straights yesterday and I was going a bit crazy. So having the courting be official I must admit makes me feel better.”
Not quite sure how to tell him all the craziness going through her head, Kathy was glad when her father cleared his throat bringing both of their attention back to him. Her mother had a smug look on her face. “It’s been a full day. I suggest Alexander and I retire to my study to work out the finer details. You may say goodbye to him before he leaves.”