The Reluctant Groom

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

A tiny smile touched her lips. “I love being in his arms.” A dreamy look covered her face then cleared. “Plus it’s good practice.” She came into the room and looked over Katie’s shoulder at the computer screen. “You find anything?”

  “I applied to be a maid at a hotel downtown.”

  Brandi wrinkled her nose. “You’d hate that job.”

  “That’s beside the point. Ray mentioned a position at The Ring. I couldn’t find it listed online, so I’ll drop in there tomorrow. If the hours are right, it could be exactly what I’ve been looking for.” Even if it ended up being temporary, it could buy her some time.

  Brandi sat on the edge of Katie’s twin bed. “You and Ray visited after we left?”

  “He gave me a ride.”

  She bit her lip. “I was supposed to do that. I’m sorry I forgot.”

  “It’s fine. He offered.”

  “Ray’s a good guy. I hope he can figure something out so he can keep his business open.”

  “Me, too, especially if I get a job there and it closes. I’ll be back in the same situation I am now.”

  “True. Maybe working at The Ring isn’t a good idea.”

  But it might be fun—depending on what she’d be doing. “It’s a job, and that’s all I care about right now.” Thankfully, she’d never shared her crush on Ray with her friend, although sometimes she wondered if Brandi knew but never said anything.

  Brandi yawned and stood. “I have an early morning. Good night.”

  “’Night.” She shut down the computer and jumped when her phone chimed. She checked the screen.

  Can you meet me at The Ring tomorrow at one? Ray.

  Why would Ray want to meet with her? Maybe he had a job offer!

  “Sure. See you then.”

  Chapter Two

  Ray hung up his desk phone at the athletic club after talking with his grandfather’s attorney and scheduling an appointment for later in the morning. His birthday was three months away, and decisions had to be made soon.

  He glanced at the clock on the wall in his office and stood. He’d head out now and check in at the community center on the way. He closed and locked his office door then headed downstairs to the main level.

  “Ray, do you have a minute?” Tasha, the front desk attendant, strode toward him.

  “Just. What’s up?”

  “Did you look over the proposal I gave you?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. Here and now was not the time to have this conversation. “I did. Can we talk when I get back?” He and everyone else at the gym thought highly of Tasha, but she was overqualified for the position, and it looked as if she was determined to put her degree to use at The Ring. Well, he didn’t need her expertise—he needed a miracle.

  The hopeful look on her face fell. “You didn’t like it.”

  “That’s not it.” He looked around to see who might be listening, but no one loitered nearby. “Your proposal was solid, but this isn’t a good time for me to consider expanding. I’m sorry.”

  Tasha’s head dipped. “Okay. But if anything changes—”

  “I’ll let you know. I have an appointment, but I’ll be back by one.” He left without waiting for a reply. He hated to disappoint her. He knew she wanted to run her own gym. She’d do a great job, too, but opening a second gym didn’t fit his business plan. He could never replicate what they had at The Ring.

  He strode along the sidewalk. A garbage truck rumbled past leaving an unsavory smell in its wake. A seagull landed on a garbage can chained to a tree. At the end of the block his trek ended. He unlocked the front door of the center and pushed inside. The door closed, blocking out the city noise. He breathed in deeply, taking in the smell of pine-scented cleaner and a hint of sweat as he walked down a short hallway. The basketball court was to his left where people of all ages played nearly every evening year round, and the activity rooms were to his right with large windows facing the hall so people could see both in and out. The rooms were used for arts and crafts, movies, birthday parties, special guests such as musicians, and once a children’s author came to read to the kids.

  He grinned, thinking about the quality activities the center offered as he walked further into the building. The quiet of the morning before the place got busy was always his favorite time since it gave him the opportunity to look things over before the manager arrived. The circle of people who knew he owned the center was small and only included his attorney, the manager of the community center who had signed a confidentiality agreement, and Ian.

  At the manager’s desk, Ray clicked on the computer. He still couldn’t believe he didn’t know Katie worked here. Then again, with direct deposit and the fact he’d hired a bookkeeper, there was no way he’d know unless they’d been here at the same time, which clearly hadn’t happened.

  He found the file he was looking for, clicked it open, and skimmed through the information. Katie Fairchild. Age twenty-three, high school graduate, completed one year of college. Her resume listed odd jobs but nothing impressive. She’d been working at the center for the past eight weeks. Her hobbies included, art, theater, music, baking, and running marathons. Hmm.

  He signed off the computer, scribbled out a note to his manager, Gary, letting him know he’d been by and used the computer. Then he made sure everything looked in order. Satisfied the place met his expectations, he left via the back door, which led to an alley he and the other property owners worked hard to maintain. Colorful graffiti covered the wall of the building behind his, but unlike many areas in Seattle, this alley wasn’t sketchy. He walked the short distance to The Ring and got into his Honda.

  The typical Friday morning traffic slowed him, but he made it to his ten o’clock appointment right on time. He walked into the attorney’s office. “Good morning, Aaron.”

  “Have a seat, Ray. I’ll get straight to the point.” He handed him an envelope. “Upon the announcement of your engagement you were to have received this letter from your grandfather, but it seems that isn’t going to happen, so I’m giving it to you now. Once you’re finished reading it, I’ll answer your questions to the best of my ability.”

  Ray’s shoulders tightened as he slipped his finger under the flap and tore down the side of the envelope. He pulled out a single sheet of handwritten paper.

  Grandson,

  I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. Marriage is not something to be taken lightly, but I’m sure you have given this a lot of thought, and I know the woman you chose will be the helpmate in business and in life that you need.

  There is something to be said for the love of a good woman. You may have wondered why I insisted you marry by your twenty-eighth birthday in order to retain ownership of The Ring, and the answer is simple.

  Life is too short to spend it alone in that office working day and night. I learned that the hard way, and your grandmother was the one to teach me. I want you to live a happy and fulfilled life with a family, not stuck at work all the time.

  To be honest, I feared you would never see this letter, and that you would choose instead to remain single. You are a driven man, and I thought you might choose to sell the business and start over.

  He looked up and focused on his grandfather’s attorney. “What does he mean, sell and start over? That’s an option? Could I sell The Ring and reinvest the money into something different?” That would solve his problem.

  “No.”

  “Then why show me this?”

  “I thought if, by chance, there was any woman in your life that you might be swayed to act sooner than later. He stipulated in his will that should you not marry, the business would be sold and the profits would be donated to cancer research.”

  Ray let out the breath he’d been holding. His grandmother had died of cancer. It made sense that Gramps would stipulate the money went there. “So either I marry or I lose everything. That’s what he meant by starting over?”

  Aaron nodded. “His hope was that it wouldn’t come to that. I’m sorry. I know
this puts you in a difficult situation, but if it’s any consolation, he did stipulate that you would receive ten percent of the profits. That should be enough to give you a bit of seed money or tide you over long enough to find work.”

  He nodded and kept reading.

  I’m glad you didn’t. The Ring is a special place. The history there is also pretty special, as you know.

  Well, that’s it, Grandson. Well done and congratulations.

  He let it drop into his lap.

  “Would you like me to take care of the sale for you?” Aaron steepled his fingers and raised a brow.

  Ray blinked and focused on his grandfather’s long-time attorney. “Don’t do anything.”

  “The will is ironclad. Either you marry or it must be sold. Unless you have a bride that I don’t know about, it’s time to start letting your customers and employees know that The Ring will be closing.”

  “I’d like a copy of the will.”

  “I suspected you might.” He opened a file and pulled out a multi-page document. “It won’t change anything.”

  We’ll see. There had to be some way to keep the community center open. “Thank you.” He stood and offered his hand. “I’ll be in touch.”

  “You’re only prolonging the inevitable.” Aaron’s mouth pulled down into a frown.

  “Perhaps.” He left the attorney and went straight for his car. If he returned to the club, he’d get non-stop interruptions from Tasha. Instead, he headed to his favorite deli for an early lunch and quiet reading time. He might not be an attorney, but he’d taken several business classes in college that enabled him to understand legalese.

  A short time later, he took a window seat that faced the Sound and read the contract word for word. The more he read, the more his chest ached. He understood why his grandfather had done this—Gramps didn’t know that since Ray had taken over The Ring Athletic Club he’d funneled a generous portion of the profits into a charity foundation. Sure he’d known a large chunk of money went to charity, but not where.

  Ray took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He’d prayed after leaving Katie last night and felt the Lord nudge him to meet with her today, but for the life of him he had no idea what he was going to say. Could he really do what he was thinking?

  Lord, if I heard you wrong, please stop me from making a huge mistake. He stood, tossed his garbage, and headed back to The Ring to meet with Katie.

  Katie took extra care with her appearance today. She applied a pale color of lipstick, pressed her lips together, and then she ran the mascara brush over her lashes. She didn’t wear much makeup but always wore lipstick and mascara. She had no idea why Ray wanted to meet her, but one thing was certain, it was important. He’d never sought out her company before. More than likely, he wanted to discuss best man and maid of honor business. But why hadn’t he mentioned it last night? Although she didn’t mind brainstorming their friends’ wedding stuff with him, she hoped he wanted to talk about a job.

  She slipped on her favorite consignment shop find—a like-new Burberry London trench coat she had picked up for a steal. Her last foster mom told her if she wore a nice coat it didn’t matter what she had on under it. Good advice or not, she’d purchased the coat with all the high school graduation money she’d received and had treasured it since.

  She grabbed her purse and rushed out the door. The bus would be at the corner in five minutes, and she couldn’t afford to miss it. The clouds overhead threatened rain but so far nothing. She spotted the bus in the distance and quickened her pace. Her boots clicked on the concrete. The bus whooshed to a stop. She stepped on, scanned her pass, then found a seat near the front.

  Taking the bus kind of stunk, but it was the most practical way to get around the city. Besides, it wasn’t like she had money to waste on a car and insurance.

  Her stomach fluttered with nerves. In under an hour, she’d find out what was up with Ray, and she had a feeling it was big, even if it concerned their friends’ wedding.

  Finally, the bus came to her stop. She got off and walked the half-block to The Ring—such an odd name for an athletic club. She’d have to ask him about that choice.

  She’d admired Ray since she’d met him two years ago. Okay, she more than admired him, but it didn’t matter. A man like him would never be interested in a girl like her with nothing to show for her life, who had deadbeat parents who probably didn’t even remember they had a daughter. Not that she cared—she was better off without them.

  She pushed the club’s glass door open. “Whoa.” How had she never come in here before? This place was huge—much bigger on the inside than it looked from the sidewalk. She meandered to the reception desk situated about twenty feet from the entrance.

  A woman with long, brunette hair, who looked to be only a few years older than Katie, smiled at her. “Good afternoon. May I help you?”

  “I have a meeting with Ray at one.”

  “I’ll let him know you’re here. Feel free to look around while you wait.” She pulled out her cell and shot off a text.

  Katie wandered into the weight room and noted both free weights and machines. She stepped out of the room and heard her name.

  “Sorry I’m late.” Ray rushed over to her slightly winded. “Traffic was slower than I expected. Let’s talk in my office.” He led the way upstairs and unlocked a door.

  She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but this wasn’t it. A metal desk sat in the center facing the door. A large window looked out into the club from above, and two chairs that appeared to be from the fifties faced the desk. She walked to the window and swayed as sudden dizziness hit her.

  Two hands grasped her upper arms from behind. “Easy there. Are you afraid of heights?”

  She turned away from the window to face Ray. “I didn’t think so.”

  “How about we sit and talk over here away from the window?”

  “Good idea.” What had come over her? She was healthy and strong, never fainted, and never got vertigo. So weird. She sat in one of the chairs intended for visitors, and he took the other one.

  “I went to see my grandfather’s attorney this morning.”

  “Any good news?”

  “That depends.”

  “On?” Why did he look like he’d rather be running a marathon in the heat of summer than sitting here talking with her?

  “You.”

  “Me? I thought you asked me here to talk about the wedding.”

  “Wedding!” A woman stood in the doorway. Her face couldn’t look more shocked. “No wonder you don’t want to expand the business right now.”

  Ray’s brow furrowed. “Did you need something, Tasha?”

  “Ah. No. It’ll keep until you’re done talking with your fiancée.”

  “Please close the door on your way out.”

  “That was awkward. Why didn’t you correct her?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’d rather she think I’m engaged.”

  “I see. But I don’t understand why I’m here if not to discuss the wedding.”

  “I’ve changed my mind.” He stood. “I’m sorry for asking you to meet me. I…” He opened and closed his mouth. Then he ushered her to the door. “Will you see yourself out?”

  “Of course.” What had happened? And what about that job he mentioned?

  Chapter Three

  Later that same week, Katie walked into her friends’ house with her suitcase in hand. Emily ran toward her. Katie set her luggage down and opened her arms. “Hello precious.” She stood holding the feather light little girl in her arms. “Are you ready to have a fun weekend?”

  “Yes. Mommy said we can go to the donut shop.” Her brown eyes grew large. “I love chocolate with sprinkles.”

  Renee, her mother, chuckled. “That’s the truth. How about you go and play in your bedroom while Mommy talks with Katie.”

  Katie set the child on the floor. “I’ll come find you in a bit.” This weekend was going to be fun. Plus, she was getting paid, w
hich was a bonus as far as she was concerned.

  “We can’t thank you enough for watching Emily. We’re only going to play tourists here in Seattle, but I’m so excited. Our hotel is this little boutique place downtown. We haven’t been able to get away for a whole weekend since before she was born.”

  “You’re kidding! What about your family?”

  Renee waved a hand. “I would never ask my mom. She has no clue what to do with a child. I should know. My sister, Hailey, is only nineteen and lives with my mom, and my brother would be lost. Ray is wonderful for a few hours but an entire weekend?” She shuddered. “He’d run out of things to do with her and beg me to come home early.”

  Katie frowned. “I imagine he’d figure it out.”

  Renee sobered. “You’re right. He would. Come into the kitchen. I made a list and want to go through it with you.”

  “You and your lists.” Ever since she first met Renee, the woman had a list of some sort with her at all times.

  “You’ll thank me later when you don’t know which cup is Emily’s favorite or where to find her favorite video or—”

  “I get it. Walk me through everything.” For the next thirty minutes she listened as Renee went point by point through a two-page list. What had she gotten herself into? She had no idea taking care of one little girl could be so much work. When she’d watched Emily in the past, it had only been for an hour or two and the list of instructions had been much smaller.

  “Questions?”

  “When will you be back?” Katie asked.

  “Sunday afternoon.” Renee rested a hand on Katie’s arm. “I know I already said it, but thank you. This means so much to us.”

  “You’re welcome. After all, what are friends for if not to provide childcare for a romantic getaway?”

  “Speaking of which. When are you going to let me set you up on a blind date with my brother? He’s a few years older than you, but I think the two of you would hit it off.”

  Time to come clean. She’d known for a while that her friend was Ray’s sister but had never revealed that bit of information. “Actually, Ray and I have known one another for a while. He’s good friends with my best friend’s fiancé.”