One Last Objection_A Small-Town Romance

by Nancy Stopper

  “Go ahead, tell me what you’re thinking.” She tugged her favorite stretchy leggings up and over her huge belly.

  “I don’t care what the doctor says. I don’t think you need to go to Lucas’s wedding. I told you I’d stay home with you.”

  She grabbed her purse off the chair and waddled toward the door. Her hips hurt with every step she took, and her body was so large and ungainly that she often bumped into things accidentally. But right now, the faster she got away from Michael, the better. “You’re welcome to stay home, but I’m going and that’s final.”

  “Final?”

  “Yes, final. The doctor said it was good for me to get out. You aren’t going to tell me what to do. How many times do we have to have this conversation?” She hustled out of the office, at least as quickly as she could at her size, and through the waiting room.

  “Maggie, wait. I’m just worried about the baby… and you.”

  She yanked the door open and toddled down the hall toward the elevator. “You heard the doctor. It’s fine for me to go. Maybe it will move this labor along, because I swear, if I have to be pregnant for much longer, I’ll go crazy.”

  Between her hormones on overdrive and completely losing control of her own house while on bedrest, she couldn’t take much more. Now that she had her freedom back, Michael needed to get his ass back to work at the office and give Maggie some time to herself.

  “Damn, I didn’t drive here. I’m done with this conversation. Now drive me home and go to work… at the office. I need some time alone.”

  “Why would I do that? What if something happens? You heard the doctor—labor could start at any time now.”

  “I did hear her. I also heard her say that moving around would be good for me. And I swear, if I don’t get a few hours to myself...” She threw her hands up in the air and stomped, as best she could, down the sidewalk.

  Maybe she was going about this all wrong—arguing wasn’t getting them anywhere. They were lovers, not fighters. But at the same time, he needed to understand where she was coming from.

  She shuffled back to Michael, who hadn’t moved from his spot on the sidewalk. She ran her hands up his arms, her fingers tickling the soft hairs until she reached his shoulders. Her huge belly was definitely cumbersome, but she found a way to stretch on her tippy-toes and kiss him. “Come on, Michael. Just a few hours alone. Then, when you come home later…” She trailed a single finger down his chest and hooked it in his waistband.

  He grabbed her wrist and stepped back. “Your tricks won’t work on me, Doc. I know what you’re trying to do. You think if you seduce me, I’ll give in and you’ll be happy.”

  “I think if I do it right, then you’ll be mighty happy, too.”

  Michael laughed and then coughed. “That’s so not the point. Don’t you… can’t you…” He threaded his fingers through his hair and stalked away from her. “I can’t talk about this right now. Let’s just go home.”

  Just as well. The way he was acting, her feelings were better described as murderous than amorous. He could pretend he would get his way as long as he liked, but she was going to that wedding if she had to drive herself.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  “YOU’RE TOO TIRED. I heard you up half the night.”

  How would he know, since he’d been sleeping on the couch since their argument three days ago? He refused to go back to his house, but she was too angry and frustrated to have him beside her in bed. On top of that, their interactions had been reduced to one word responses.

  “I’m fine. Of course I’m tired, I’m like eighteen years pregnant. Every muscle in my body hurts. But I’m going.” New pains greeted her each morning when she woke, some a simple nuisance and others that required some labor breathing when sharp knives shot through her gut. This morning had added lower back pain into the mix. It was no wonder, with the forty pounds she’d gained during this pregnancy. Thank God it was almost over. She braced her hands on her lower back—that helped a bit, but sitting would help a lot more.

  She refused to give Michael the pleasure of admitting she was hurting. She was always sore, and tired or not, she was going. “Are you driving me or do I have to call Rachel to pick me up?”

  “You’d really do that… call my sister if I don’t take you?”

  “Damn straight. I can’t fit behind my steering wheel anymore but I’m going.”

  “Argh!” He threw his hands in the air. “What am I going to do with you?”

  For starters, he could respect her. Did he ever respect her? He’d stopped telling her he loved her, too. “Do with me? Nothing. You’re not going to do anything with me. This entire thing, you being so afraid I’m going to break, has got to stop. Women have been having babies for thousands of years.” A twinge of pain shot up her spine. Dammit, all of this back-and-forth was getting to her. Was arguing more important to Michael than keeping the peace?

  “Yeah, but—”

  “No buts. Now are we going?”

  He mumbled under his breath and grabbed the keys. “Fine.”

  “Thank you.”

  Michael refused to speak to her during the drive, only looking at her to help her into the car. Typical Michael. Even when they were fighting, he was still a gentleman. But aside from the angry glares he threw across the car, neither of them said a word.

  They pulled up to the curb of his parents’ house, the vibe completely different than the last time she’d been here. Bright flowers lined the walk, and ribbons streamed from every bush and tree in the Bennett’s front yard. She’d missed half of spring while stuck in her condo. Thank God she’d insisted on coming today. The bright sun and the warm air would do her good.

  If only her body would cooperate long enough for her to enjoy the ceremony and reception. She would never tell Michael how much getting dressed and walking to the car had worn her out. No way would she admit defeat now… give him the satisfaction of knowing he may have been right. She wasn’t going to let anything keep her from Lucas’s wedding.

  The floral and ribbon theme extended down the long driveway and into the backyard. This could be Maggie’s childhood fantasy wedding, before the reality of life convinced her that it would never happen. Lucas and the preacher stood in front of a floral arch in one corner of the yard. Lucas’s hands were stuffed in the pockets of his light-colored suit, and he laughed at something the pastor said. Eighteen months ago, she never would have expected to find Lucas getting married. He’d spun himself into a spiral of guilt before meeting Sarah. But the two of them had fallen in love and here they were. She couldn’t help feeling just a little pride at the role she played in bringing Lucas to this point.

  Tables and chairs were scattered around the yard, white tablecloths draped on each with bright pink and white and yellow daisies artfully arranged in the middle of each table. Where was everyone going to sit for the vows, though?

  “The ceremony is short, so they just decided to have people stand or sit around them as they take their vows. That way we don’t have to break down chairs and reset for the reception afterwards.” It was like Michael read her mind, answering the question she hadn’t asked. She nodded. Made sense. But no way was she going to stand during the wedding itself. She’d plant herself in one of those chairs up front so she’d have a good view.

  He leaned over her shoulder and the fresh scent of his aftershave filled her senses. Damn, he smelled good. Why did he have to be such a stubborn ass? “Are you okay?”

  She plastered a smile on her face. Her back and feet hurt like nobody’s business, but if she told Michael, he’d pack her up in the car and drag her home. “I’m fine. I think I’ll take a seat up front so I can see everything.”

  Lily came running around the corner in a flowing white dress with a floral garland around her head. Right behind her a boy of the same age kicked at the grass, tugging at his pint-sized suit and tie.

  Michael scooped Lily up in a hug. “Hey, honey, you look beautiful.”

  “Mommy says
I’m more beautiful than her… but nobody is prettier than my Mommy. And today we’re finally going to get married and Lucas is going to be my Daddy for real.”

  “I bet he can’t wait. Now give your Uncle Michael a kiss.”

  She flung her arms around his neck and buzzed a loud kiss on his cheek. He laughed and set her down.

  “Now who is this handsome man with you? Is he your boyfriend?”

  Lily giggled and Maggie’s heart lurched. He was going to be such a good father—if their little girl would ever decide to make an appearance.

  “No silly, this is Nicky. He’s my cou…sin.” She dragged out the last word like it should have been obvious to everyone. Maggie’s hand flew to her heart. She couldn’t wait to meet her daughter. “Aunt Jessica is his mommy. She’s helping Mommy get ready.”

  Michael crouched down and extended his hand to Nicky. “Nice to meet you, young man. Are you keeping an eye on Lily?”

  Nicky shifted his feet back and forth and didn’t look at Michael. Poor kid, meeting all these people was probably overwhelming. “Yes, sir.”

  “Come on, Nicky, let’s go.” Lily yanked on his arm and she was off to the races again. Michael’s eyes followed the pair and an easy smile grew on his lips.

  “She’s a ball full of energy, isn’t she?” Maggie rubbed her belly. Hopefully her daughter would be the same.

  “That she is.” He blew out a breath as his wistful gaze followed Lily and Nicky around the corner. He turned to her and took her hands in his. “Maggie, I can’t… I just, I mean… damn it, I’m saying this all wrong.” He wrapped his hands around hers. “I don’t want to fight with you anymore. I’m anxious and worried and I’ve been taking it out on you. I’m sorry. I just can’t wait to meet our daughter. To love her.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. Damn, those pesky emotions. He made it so hard to be mad at him when he said things like that. An ache settled deep in her heart. Michael was a good man and would be a good father. Why couldn’t she get over her ridiculous insecurities and agree to marry him? It was what he wanted and would make him happy. And he’d certainly eased the burden during her pregnancy. “I know.”

  “I know I’ve been a bear the past few days, and this is probably the last thing you want to hear again right now, but I love you, Maggie. I swear. This is not all about our daughter. I want to be a part of your life, and I want you to be a part of mine. I want us to be a family. To wake up next to you every morning, to see your smiling face over the dinner table. Is that so wrong?”

  “No, it’s not. It’s not wrong at all. I…”

  Joey and Sawyer rushed up to Maggie and Michael, interrupting her opportunity to tell Michael she was considering his proposal. She plastered a smile on her face, biding her time until she got Michael alone again.

  “Hey, guys, it’s about time you got here. Ceremony’s getting ready to start.”

  Michael rested his hand on her back. “Let me get Maggie seated and I’ll be ready.”

  “And how’s our baby mama today?” Joey rubbed her belly and it tightened beneath his hand. Evidently her little girl didn’t want to be handled today. “Make sure you don’t drop that puppy before the vows are over.”

  “Very funny, Joey.” The expression on Michael’s face showed that Joey’s words were anything but funny to him.

  “Hurry up, bro. They’re waiting for you.”

  Maggie patted Michael’s arm. She’d really appreciate a few minutes to herself before the ceremony started anyway. “I can see myself to the chair. You go with Joey.”

  “No way. They can wait.” He hooked his arm around her waist and led her toward Lucas and the preacher.

  When Lucas saw them coming, he rushed to the closest table, turned a chair around, and extended his hand. Together Lucas and Michael helped her sit.

  Thank God. The throbbing in her feet was getting worse and her back hurt from standing for so long. She doubted the hard wooden chair would be much better, but anything beat standing right now. She huffed out a breath and rested her hands on her huge belly.

  Michael lowered himself into the chair beside her and focused his concerned expression her way. He laid his hand over hers on her belly. Her muscles tightened and the baby jolted. She was really not happy with Maggie for coming out. “Are you sure you’ll be okay here?”

  “Don’t be silly. You’re going to be ten feet away. It’s not like anything is going to happen in the next twenty minutes.”

  He quirked an eyebrow at her, but after one more stroke across her belly, he stood and took his place with Joey and Sawyer and the other members of the wedding party.

  She closed her eyes and allowed her body to relax. A few minutes later, the soft strains of acoustic guitar filled the air. What was the musician’s name? Right, Owen Taylor. Michael had bought his law practice from Owen’s father, and Owen was a member of the band that played at J.J.’s. That was one thing she loved about Oak Grove—everyone knew everybody else.

  The crowd settled down and a minute later the music changed.

  Sarah’s daughter Lily walked up the aisle first, her hand firmly tucked in Nicky’s arm. The smile on her face could have lit up half of Philadelphia. Maggie had to laugh at Nicky, though, who clearly wanted to be anywhere but here. He shuffled his feet, dragging a pillow holding two rings thankfully tied on with ribbons. When they reached the front, Lucas hugged Lily and shook Nicky’s hand and then hustled them off to Lucas’s parents at a table on the other side of the aisle.

  Michael strode up the aisle next, as handsome as ever in his linen suit, with Brittany’s hand tucked in the crook of his elbow. Her lavender dress hung just below her knees and swayed gently in the breeze. She carried a matching bouquet of lilies. Michael leaned his head down and laughed quietly at something Brittany said, but then his gaze landed on Maggie’s where it stayed for the remainder of his trip up the aisle.

  Sawyer, with Rachel on his arm, and then Joey, with Sarah’s sister Jessica, rounded out the wedding party. Each woman wore a different color dress, but together their collection of spring hues blended perfectly.

  Maggie sighed. She’d been to plenty of weddings in her life, but this was the first one that made her think about one of her own. Michael offered her a chance to become part of his family, this huge group of people who clearly loved each other. But she’d balked.

  Sitting here, seeing the love shining in everyone’s eyes, she questioned why.

  Owen ended his prelude and then struck up the wedding march. Sarah was standing at the end of the aisle with a man who could only be her father. Maggie’s eyes watered and she couldn’t stop a tear from trickling down her cheek. Sarah had a huge smile on her face as she gracefully stepped down the aisle. As Maggie turned her attention to the altar, she caught Lucas swiping under his eyes. Joey leaned over Lucas’s shoulder and whispered something in his ear and Lucas stifled a laugh. Typical.

  When Sarah reached Lucas’s side, her father kissed her on the cheek and left her. If only Maggie had that kind of relationship with her father. If she were to consider getting married, who would walk her down the aisle? Certainly not her absent father.

  The couple settled in to start the ceremony and Maggie spun around in her chair, stifling a moan. She grew increasingly uncomfortable as the preacher said a few introductory words. Maybe Michael had been right to ask her to stay home. Every muscle in her body hurt. The baby had gotten a foot or a hand lodged up under Maggie’s ribs and was punching like nobody’s business. But Maggie refused to leave before she witnessed the happy moment—she felt a personal connection to this couple because of her work with Lucas.

  She continued to sniffle her way through the beautiful ceremony. Sarah and Lucas had written personal vows, and Maggie swooned as Lucas declared his love and commitment to Sarah and Lily. Michael had said he loved Maggie… did he feel the same way Lucas did toward Sarah?

  Maggie snuck a look at Michael, but instead of watching the happy couple, his gaze was fixed on her, a wistful, almo
st sad look on his face. What would it really be like to be married to him? Would they have the same love that shone between the happy couple today?

  For once, Maggie had hope that that kind of happiness was in her reach. She spared Michael a smile through her happy tears.

  Finally, the preacher declared the couple husband and wife, and Lucas swept Sarah up and dipped her as he pressed his lips to hers. The crowd applauded. Maggie moved to do the same when a sharp pain shot through her body. She grabbed her belly. No, this couldn’t be. She wasn’t ready. Her body was probably just protesting all the activity.

  She sucked in a few deep breaths and the pain subsided. See, nothing to worry about.

  Sarah and Lucas headed back down the aisle followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Michael threw Maggie a worried look when he passed, but she waved him off. She had no intention of disrupting Lucas’s wedding. But as soon as Michael got free from photos and groomsman duty, she would ask him to take her home.

  Another pain shot through her and she gasped. “Ow.”

  “What? What is it?” Michael crouched in front of her. When had he walked up?

  “It’s nothing. Baby’s just not happy right now, I think. Shouldn’t you be off taking pictures?”

  “I’m worried about you, Maggie. You don’t look so good. How long has the baby been unhappy?”

  “I don’t know, I guess most of the morning.”

  Michael slid into the chair beside her and clasped her hand. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back for a minute. Maybe if she rested, she could relax and the pain shooting up her back would subside. She should have listened to her body this morning. But she’d been so determined to prove Michael wrong and instead she’d done the opposite.

  Once she rested for a second, she’d ask Michael to get her settled inside his parents’ house on a soft, comfortable couch until they were done with photos. She was about to open her mouth to suggest it when another pain shot through her back.