Just a Kiss

by Denise Hunter

  “Riley!”

  After a stunned moment the brothers embraced, doing that shoulder bump/back pat thing guys did.

  “What are you doing here?” Zac asked. “I thought you couldn’t make it.”

  “Long story. I’ll tell you on the way to the church. Can you give us a minute? We’ll be right out.”

  “Sure thing.” Zac dashed back out into the cold.

  Riley shut the door and turned to give Paige a look, the corner of his mouth turning up in a familiar smirk.

  She opened her eyes wide and gave a slow blink. “What?”

  “You don’t think I can kick my brother’s butt?”

  “That’s what you’re upset about?”

  He strutted toward her, and she marveled that a man with a prosthetic leg managed to strut. “We’re brothers. We’re competitive. I’ve been able to take him since I was fifteen and you know it.”

  When he’d closed the distance between them, she patted his cheek. “I’m sure you’re right.”

  Humor flickered in his eyes. “You’re patronizing me.”

  “Not at all.” She went up on her toes to give him a peck on the lips.

  But he grabbed her elbows, holding on. The peck turned into a long, slow kiss, and soon she forgot all about Zac and Lucy waiting in the truck. Forgot all about the wedding. Forgot her own name.

  A long moment later she drew away, feeling a little dazed. “What were we talking about?”

  He nuzzled her nose. “I don’t remember.”

  She loved the low scrape of his voice. He swooped in for another kiss, but a horn sounded outside just before his lips touched hers.

  “Stupid brothers,” he whispered.

  She drew away with a smile, patting his chest, and went to grab her purse. When she returned he helped her on with her coat. Her legs were wobbly, and if he noticed the way her hands trembled as she slid them into the sleeves, he didn’t say anything. She still couldn’t believe this was happening.

  But the hand he set on her back as he ushered her out the door felt real. The adoring gaze he gave her as he helped her into the truck looked real. And the way he gathered her close in the backseat felt real too. The conversation began, the questions and explanations flowing, and Paige had to admit that not only did all of it feel real . . . it felt just right.

  Chapter 45

  It was a small group that gathered on the padded pews of Harbor Community Church, only family and a few close friends. The lights had been dimmed, and a few white candles flickered on the altar table, their sweet fragrance scenting the air.

  Paige turned as Sheriff Colton and his cousin Lloyd walked in from the side door, joining Pastor Daniels at the front. The sheriff barely had a hitch in his step.

  He looked out of his element in a black suit, and Paige wondered where they’d found one to accommodate his tall frame. His bald head gleamed under the altar lights, and his face was flushed. The man had sure waited long enough to make Miss Trudy his.

  Word had spread through the family that Riley had made it in time for the ceremony. Not wanting to steal any of Miss Trudy’s thunder, they hadn’t yet told anyone that he was staying for good. There’d be time enough for that later.

  Riley reached for Paige’s hand, clasping it against the firmness of his thigh.

  Her eyes flickered to his. She couldn’t get enough of the love shining there. She couldn’t wait to get him alone again. They had a lot of catching up to do.

  She squeezed his hand, her thoughts going back to the last wedding they’d attended. To the changing feelings she’d been harboring. To the anxiety roiling through her. To the moment on the deck that had started all this.

  She leaned closer and whispered into his ear, “The last wedding we attended we shared our first kiss.”

  She drew away until their eyes connected.

  Something flared in his eyes, and his lips gave a little twitch. “Oh, that wasn’t our first kiss, sweetheart.”

  She gave him a questioning look as she breathed a laugh. “What do you mean?”

  The first notes of “Spring” began on the piano, and there was a rustle as heads turned to the back doorway, still empty.

  She looked back at Riley, not willing to let him off the hook so easily.

  He was still looking at her, the mischievous expression in his eyes teasing her. “Remind me to tell you about that later.”

  Paige scowled at him and squeezed his hand threateningly. But before she could verbalize her complaint, movement at the back caught her eye.

  Miss Trudy appeared on Beau’s arm. The sight of her made Paige gasp.

  She wore an ivory dress that enhanced her slim figure. Her short silver hair had been straightened and tousled around her face, softening her features. Someone had done a stellar job on her makeup, and the earrings dangling alongside her cheeks caught the light, sparkling. But it wasn’t the trappings that transformed her appearance so much as the joy that glowed in her eyes.

  The small group rose to their feet as the music swelled.

  Paige turned to the front where Danny Colton stood, shoulders straight. He released the hands that were clasped behind his back and they fell to his sides, almost stretching forward as if wanting to reach for his bride. His eyes were fixed on her as if he were mesmerized by the sight. He blinked away tears as his Adam’s apple bobbed.

  Paige fought tears herself at the raw emotion on his face. He’d waited a lifetime for his bride, and she had no doubt he’d do it all over again if that’s what it took.

  Riley squeezed her hand and gave her a soft smile. The look in his eyes told her he knew everything she was feeling.

  When Beau and Miss Trudy reached the front, Beau gave the sheriff a hearty pat on the shoulder and took his seat in the pew beside Eden and Micah.

  The ceremony was short but tender and sweet, with just the traditional vows and exchange of rings. It was as if the brevity of the service claimed they’d waited too long already and they weren’t wasting another moment.

  The presentation of the couple as Mr. and Mrs. Danny Colton culminated in a standing ovation and much whooping and hollering. The happy couple strode down the aisle toward the back as an inspired rendition of “Spring” picked back up, affirming the celebratory atmosphere.

  They filed from their pews, and Riley’s hand came to rest on the curve of Paige’s waist. She felt the warmth of him as he closed the distance behind her, and she was treated to the delicious, spicy smell that was all Riley.

  He leaned down until his lips were near her ear. His breath stirred the hair at her temple, sending a shiver down her arms. “We’re next, Warren,” he whispered.

  Her breath caught in her throat, and she fought to keep her composure. She angled a look his way. “You have to ask me first, Callahan.”

  The corner of his lips lifted. “Oh, I will, sweetheart. Don’t you worry about that.”

  She wished she could bottle up the look in his eyes so she could see it over and over again. It was a look of hope. A look of love. A look of promise. And she couldn’t think of anything better than that.

  Discussion Questions

  Which character did you most relate to? Why?

  Did you have a favorite scene in the book? Which one, and what made it your favorite?

  Riley came home from war bitter about his circumstances and toward God. Have you ever experienced similar feelings?

  Paige never felt as if she belonged in her family. Have you ever felt like that?

  The Callahans made Paige one of their own. Are you mindful of others who may not have family connections? Share a time when you welcomed someone into your own family. What was the result?

  Have you ever fallen in love with a friend or known someone who did? Share what happened and how it worked out. Do you think being friends first is an advantage or disadvantage in a romantic relationship?

  After losing his leg Riley no longer felt capable of returning to his life as a lobsterman, and he no longer felt worthy of Paige
. She told him, “The real problem isn’t down there; it’s up here.” Have you ever let yourself believe a lie? What happened?

  Despite Paige’s bad history with Darleen (her stepmom), she opened up her heart again only to have her trust betrayed. Share a time this has happened to you. How do you decide if someone is worthy of a second chance?

  How is God like a father to you? How is the church like a family? What does it mean to be a “child of God”?

  If you read the complete Summer Harbor series, which one was your favorite story and why? Falling Like Snowflakes, The Goodbye Bride, or Just a Kiss?

  Acknowledgments

  Writing a book is a team effort, and I’m so grateful for the fabulous fiction team at HarperCollins Christian led by publisher Daisy Hutton: Amanda Bostic, Becky Philpott, Becky Monds, Jodi Hughes, Karli Jackson, Kristen Ingebretson, Kristen Golden, Samantha Buck, and Paul Fisher.

  Thanks especially to my editors, Karli Jackson and Becky Philpott, for their insight and inspiration. Thanks also to editor LB Norton, who saves me (and you!) from overexplanations, redundancy, and all manner of literary sins.

  Author Colleen Coble is my first reader. Thank you, friend! Writing wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without you!

  I’m grateful to my agent, Karen Solem, who’s able to somehow make sense of the legal garble of contracts and, even more amazing, help me understand it.

  Kevin, my husband of twenty-seven years, has been a wonderful support. Thank you, honey! To my kiddos, Justin and his wife, Hannah; Chad; and Trevor: I am so blessed to be your mom. Love you all!

  Lastly, thank you, friend, for letting me share this story with you. I wouldn’t be doing this without you! I enjoy connecting with friends on my Facebook page, authordenisehunter. Please pop over and say hello. Visit my website at www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or just drop me a note at Denise@DeniseHunterBooks.com. I’d love to hear from you!

  AN EXCERPT FROM BAREFOOT SUMMER

  Chapter One

  Madison McKinley scanned the crowded town hall, wondering how many of her friends and neighbors she’d have to fight to get what she came for. Half of Chapel Springs had turned out to support the fire department. The faint scent of popcorn and coffee from last night’s Rotary club meeting still lingered in the air, and the buzz of excitement was almost palpable.

  When she reached the front of the line, she registered for her paddle, then looked for her mom. She spotted Joann McKinley seated on the left, near the old brick wall.

  Before Madison could move, Dottie Meyers appeared in the busy aisle. “Madison, hello, dear. I was wondering if I could bother you about Ginger. I found a little knot behind her leg. I’m worried it might be something serious.”

  Last time it had only been a burr. Still, Madison set a hand on the woman’s arm. “I’m sure it’s fine, but I’ll have Cassidy call you tomorrow and squeeze you in, okay?”

  “All right, everyone,” the emcee was saying into the mike. “It’s about that time.”

  “Thank you so much, dear,” Dottie was saying. “I’m so excited about this year’s play. It’s called ‘Love on the Line.’ You are planning on coming out again, aren’t you? You’ll be fabulous as Eleanor.”

  Auditions were still two months away. “Looking forward to it. See you tomorrow.” Madison participated in the town’s production every year. She enjoyed the theater, and the proceeds supported the local animal shelter, a cause she was committed to.

  She turned toward her mom and ran straight into a wall. “Ooomph.”

  Or a chest. A hard chest.

  She looked up into the face of the one man she least wanted to see, much less slam into. She jumped back, looking square into his unfathomable coal-colored eyes.

  She nodded once. “Beckett.”

  He returned the nod. “Madison.”

  His black hair was tousled. He wore a Dewitt’s Marina work shirt and at least two days’ stubble. His jaw twitched. She hadn’t spoken to him since she’d confronted him two weeks ago—for all the good it had done.

  “Please take your seats,” the emcee said.

  Gladly.

  She stepped to the left at the same time as Beckett. He was wide as Boulder Creek and twice as dangerous. She’d always thought so. The incident with her little sister had only confirmed it.

  “Excuse me,” she said.

  He slid right and swept his arm out as if to say, After you, princess.

  She shot him a look, then hurried down the aisle and slid into a metal chair beside her mom.

  “Hi, sweetie. Good day?” Mom’s short blond hair and blue eyes sparkled under the fluorescent lights, but it was her smile that lit the room.

  “Twelve dogs, seven cats, two bunnies, and a partridge in a pear tree.”

  Beckett passed her row and slid into a seat up front by his sister. Layla had long brown hair and a model-pretty face. Their mom must’ve been beautiful, though Madison didn’t remember her. Beckett leaned over and whispered something to his sister.

  Madison tore her eyes away and loosened her death grip on the auction paddle. She refused to think about Beckett O’Reilly tonight.

  The emcee took the podium and spoke about the importance of the fire station and their financial needs, then she introduced the auctioneer—hardly necessary since he also ran the local gas station. Moments later the bidding was under way.

  Madison’s eyes swung to Beckett’s dark head. She could swear he was stalking her lately. He seemed to be everywhere she turned. If anything, the man should be avoiding her. Should feel ashamed of . . . well, whatever he did to Jade.

  Madison tracked the auction items, ticking off each one as they sold to the highest bidder. A handmade quilt, piano lessons, pie of the month, a cabin rental at Patoka Lake, and dozens of other things generously donated by the community.

  Someone had made a miniature replica of the town’s sign. Welcome to Chapel Springs, Indiana, it said. Prettiest River Town in America. A writer from Midwest Living had used the phrase twelve years ago, and the town had squeezed every last drop from it.

  Evangeline Simmons, eighty-five if she was a day, amused all by driving up the bids. It was no secret that the fire department had saved her beloved Persian from a tree last month. So far her generosity had left her with two items she probably had no need for. But money was no object for Evangeline.

  People trickled out as the auction wore on. Beckett left after losing a tool kit. Over an hour later, Madison grew tense as her item came up. The auctioneer read from the sheet.

  “All right, ladies and gentlemen, this next one’s a winner. Dewitt Marina has kindly donated a sailing/regatta package. Lessons taught by sailing enthusiast Evan Higgins. Learn how to race on the beautiful Ohio River, just in time for our 45th Annual River Sail Regatta, and sail with Evan Higgins, winner of the regatta for two years running! Now, who’ll give me five hundred?”

  Madison’s grip tightened on the handle, waiting for the auctioneer to lower the bid. Her breath caught in her lungs. Patience, girl.

  “All right, a hundred, who’ll give me a hundred? A hundred-dollar bid . . . ?”

  Casually, Madison lifted her paddle.

  “A hundred-dollar bid, now a hundred fifty, who’ll give me one and a half . . . ?”

  In her peripheral vision she could see her mom’s head swing toward her just as Evangeline raised her paddle—and the bid.

  “A hundred fifty, who’ll give me two, now two . . . ?”

  Madison lifted her paddle, keeping her eyes straight ahead.

  “Two hundred, now who’ll give me two fifty, fifty, fifty . . . ? Got it! Now three, three hundred, who’ll give me three . . . ?”

  Madison sighed, waited a moment before nodding.

  “Three, now who’ll give me three and a half, three fifty, fifty, fifty . . . ?”

  Evangeline turned toward Madison, her eyes twinkling. She raised her paddle.

  Evangeline. Madison hadn’t counted on spending so much. Would serve the lady right if she drop
ped out. Just imagining the spry old woman on the bow of a boat, trying to manage the ropes and sails and whatnot, all four foot eleven of her . . . It was tempting.

  Madison could, after all, just go down to the marina and buy the lessons, but then she wouldn’t be virtually assured of a win, would she? She needed Evan Higgins for that.

  “Three fifty, do I hear four . . . ? Got it! Now four fifty, who’ll give me four and a half . . . ?”

  A murmur had started in the crowd that remained, a few chuckling at Evangeline’s antics.

  The woman lifted her paddle.

  “And now we’re at four and a half, four and a half, who’ll give me five, five, five . . . ?”

  Madison clenched her jaw. She glared at Evangeline’s silver head. It’s a good cause. It’s a good cause.

  “And we have five, five, who’ll give me five fifty, five fifty, five and a half . . . ?”

  The rumbling had grown louder, though half the crowd was gone now that the auction was nearly over. The remaining people were being rewarded for their patience with a good show.

  “Five fifty, fifty, fifty . . . ?”

  Evangeline turned, and their eyes met. Her thin lips widened into a grin, then she folded her hands on top of her paddle.

  “I’ve got five, now, five fifty, five fifty . . . anyone, five fifty . . . ? And . . . sold at five hundred to Madison McKinley.”

  Madison expelled a heavy breath. She was five hundred dollars poorer, but she had her lessons. She was going to learn to sail, and she was going to win the regatta. For Michael’s sake.

  Chapter Two

  You want to do what?” Dad stopped the basketball mid-dribble, straightening from his crouch. His short gray hair was tousled and damp with sweat.

  Ryan gave up the guard and faced Madison, hands on slim hips, frowning at the interruption. The firstborn of the McKinleys and steady as an oak, he was the sibling they turned to in a crisis.

  Madison hadn’t planned to tell her family just yet, what with the stress over Jade, but they were going to find out eventually.