The Reluctant Groom

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Renee squealed. “What? And you never said anything?”

  “Hon.” Matt, Renee’s husband walked into the kitchen. “We need to get moving. Traffic is terrible.” He sidled up to his wife and drew her close with an arm wrapped around her waist.

  Renee rested her head against his shoulder for a moment then pulled away. “Okay. If you think of any questions, you have our cell numbers.”

  “Right. Don’t worry. Emily and I are going to have a great weekend. I thought we might even take the bus to the zoo.”

  “Sounds like fun,” Matt said. “Now let’s go.” He tugged on his wife’s hand. “See you Sunday, Katie.” They said good-bye to their daughter, who took their leaving surprisingly well.

  Katie found Emily playing dolls in her bedroom. She couldn’t remember being four but imagined she played much the same as this little one. Had her mom played with her? If only she could remember back that far. But those early years were fuzzy. Mom definitely didn’t play later on. In fact, she didn’t like it when Katie played with dolls.

  Katie would let Emily play until she got bored then she’d pull out her bag with coloring books and crayons. She’d rented a couple of movies just in case. Although accustomed to kids, the youngest children at the community center were a couple of years older than Emily, so she was a little out of her element as far as entertaining for a long period of time. At least Ray could be called on if she got desperate—point number ten on Renee’s list. Katie chuckled and wondered if Ray was as obsessive about lists as his older sister.

  Somehow, she doubted it. Sure, he was stressed about the athletic club right now, and whether he should get married or not, but generally he was confident and grounded. What had possessed her to offer to marry him? If he’d pursued the issue, would she have agreed? It wasn’t like there was a line of men waiting to take her out. Why was that? What was wrong with her that men never waded past the shield of distrust that shrouded her? There had to be someone out there who cared enough to venture past the surface.

  “I’m bored,” Emily said as she crawled up beside her on the couch in the family room.

  “Hmm.” Katie glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s seven-thirty and time to get ready for bed. How about you take a bath and brush your teeth? Then I’ll read you a story.” Renee had warned her that Emily fought her when it came to baths. She held her breath, hoping it wouldn’t be an issue tonight.

  “Two stories?” Emily grinned.

  “Okay. Two, but you need to move fast. Your mom said you needed to be in bed at eight.”

  “Okie-dokie.” She raced into the bathroom.

  Katie followed, pleased at how easy that had been. Twenty minutes later, Emily was tucked in bed, bright-eyed and awaiting the stories. She picked up the first book Emily had requested, Sammy the Seal. She read the story and before long, Emily’s eyelids drooped.

  She yawned. “I love you, Katie.”

  “I love you, too, little one. Are you sure you want two stories tonight?”

  She nodded and rolled over, closing her eyes.

  Katie made it to the second page before Emily was out. Oh to be able to fall asleep that easily.

  “Sweet dreams.” She placed a kiss on the child’s head before switching on the nightlight and leaving the room. Emily was one of the sweetest children she’d ever known. Matt and Renee had done a great job raising her. Maybe she’d get the chance to raise a child of her own one-day. But first things first—she needed a man.

  Ray took a moment to compose himself and wipe the tears from his eyes as he stood outside his brother-in-law’s ICU hospital room. He’d come as soon as he’d gotten the call that there’d been an accident. But he only learned moments ago that his sister had been killed instantly. A sob tore though him. He had to get it together. Matt needed him. He took a deep, shuddering breath and let it out slowly. Lord, I need Your help. I’m not strong enough on my own.

  He pushed into the room and caught his breath at the sight of Matt connected to various machines he couldn’t name. His black eye was swollen shut and the other looked almost there, too. He cleared his throat. “Hey, buddy.”

  “You came.” His voice was weak.

  “Of course. I wish I would’ve known sooner. I’d have been here hours ago.”

  “I was in surgery.” A tear slid down his face. He didn’t bother to brush it away. “Renee, she—”

  “I know.” He blinked back tears. His heart hurt as he sat beside Matt’s hospital bed. This was not supposed to happen. He’d spoken with his sister only yesterday, and now she was dead. In a split second, his sister’s life had been snuffed out thanks to a drunk driver, and his brother-in-law’s prognosis was not good.

  Matt looked at him with pleading eyes. “Please take good care of Emily. She loves you nearly as much as us. You’re all she has left.”

  Matt never talked about his family. He’d assumed his brother-in-law had parents, but they hadn’t been at his wedding, so maybe he’d assumed wrong. “There’s my mom and Hailey, plus you’re still here. Fight to live, Matt. Your daughter needs you. But I’ll always be there for both of you. I love that munchkin, and you’re not so bad yourself,” he teased, trying to lighten the mood even though all he wanted to do was weep.

  “Everything’s in the will.” Matt labored to breath. “Don’t let the state put her in foster care. You’re her guardian.” His final word came out in a whisper. Then alarms went off all around him.

  A nurse rushed him. “Sir, you need to step into the hall.”

  Ray’s stomach knotted. He moved aside as several other medical staff poured into the room. He stood by, helpless. His throat thickened, and his eyes burned. This could not be real. It had to be a bad dream—no—a nightmare. He slipped from the room as a doctor barked orders. Matt couldn’t die, too. Emily needed him. They both needed him. He couldn’t raise his sweet niece on his own. His family would be little help. He’d already lost so much. His future was unsure. How much grief could one person bear? Matt had to live.

  A short time later the doctor walked out and shook his head. “I’m sorry.”

  His throat too thick to speak, Ray only nodded and turned away, brushing a hand across his eyes. His hands fisted. It wasn’t fair. In a span of ten hours, he’d lost his sister and his brother-in-law, and his four-year-old niece had become an orphan.

  “Ray!” Katie rushed to his side. “I came as fast as I could. How are they? I left Emily with a nurse, so we could talk privately.”

  He blinked back tears, cleared his throat, and shook his head. “They didn’t make it.”

  She caught her breath. “Oh no. I’m so sorry.” She placed a hand on his arm. Tears welled in her eyes, and she shot a glance toward the nurse’s station.

  He followed her gaze, which rested on his four-year-old niece as she visited with one of the nurses. “We need to be strong for Emily.”

  Katie nodded. “Of course.” She took a breath and let it out in a puff. “Give me a minute,” her voice broke. “I need to collect myself before facing Emily.” She walked to the end of the hall.

  He stood there torn between comforting Katie and going to his niece. Emily had to come first, but he needed Katie’s moral support. He waited until she returned. Her red-rimmed eyes were now dry, but it was obvious she’d been crying.

  “Are you ready?” He nodded toward his niece.

  “No, but there’s no use prolonging the inevitable. I think we should tell her back at her house though, not here.”

  “That’s probably a good idea. Why does she think you’re here?”

  “I told her I needed to go visit a friend.”

  He nodded. “How’d you get here?”

  “The bus.”

  “You and Emily will ride with me. Let’s go.”

  Ray focused on the road as he drove to his sister’s house. Emily sat in the backseat singing, completely oblivious to how her world was about to change. Katie sat somberly beside him.

  He needed to tell his mom a
nd younger sister, too. He was listed as the emergency contact that his sister had on record at the hospital from when she’d given birth to Emily, so he’d been the one notified. How was he supposed to tell everyone about Renee and Matt? Ease into it, or blurt it out like ripping off a bandage? He glanced toward Katie and noticed her eyes were closed. He reached over and took her hand. “You okay?”

  She startled and opened her eyes. “No. You?”

  “I’ve been better. I don’t know how to do this.”

  “You mean uh…deliver bad news?” Clearly, she was choosing her words carefully.

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t know either. I guess explain what happened. Do you want me there?”

  Good question. Although his niece clearly adored her, would asking Katie to stay be fair? Probably not. “Thanks, but I think it’s something I need to do alone.”

  “I understand. If you need anything just ask.”

  “I can give you a ride home.”

  “Not necessary. I’ll grab my stuff and take the bus. That’s how I got there.”

  “Is Katie going home?” Emily’s brow puckered and her bottom lip protruded as he looked in his rearview mirror. “What about the zoo?”

  Katie shifted to face Emily better. “There’s been a change in plans, sweetie. Your uncle Ray is going to be with you today instead, and I’m going to go home.”

  “But I want you, too.”

  “Maybe you should stick around after all. The two of you seem to have a connection. That might be helpful later.” He shot a quick glance her way and noticed indecision written on her face. “That is, if you don’t mind.”

  “It’s fine. I can stay.”

  “Yay! Can we go to the zoo now?”

  “No, we can’t. We’re going to Grandma’s.” He tried to sound excited about the prospect, but on a good day, he didn’t enjoy visiting his mom. Now that Katie was sticking around, there was no reason to put off the inevitable any longer.

  “Oh,” Emily said.

  Katie frowned. “You don’t want to see your grandma?”

  “I want to go to the zoo. Maybe Grandma will want to go.” She looked pleased at the idea.

  He stayed quiet and changed course. They’d be at his mom and sister’s place in a matter of minutes. It was still early for a Saturday. Hopefully, they’d be up and dressed. Otherwise, Mom would never forgive him for bringing a stranger into her home unannounced, not even under these circumstances.

  Chapter Four

  A week after Matt and Renee’s joint funeral, Katie stood outside The Ring and took a deep breath then let it out. You are strong and brave. You can do this! She pulled open the door and marched inside. The same woman who’d interrupted her and Ray the last time she was there stood at the counter.

  “Good morning. May I help you?”

  “Yes. I’m here to see Ray. Is he available?” She hadn’t seen him since the funeral, although she’d called to check on Emily a couple of times. Her heart hurt for the little girl and her uncle, but it was time to move forward. She missed Renee, but if years in foster care taught her one thing, it was that people came and went and to not get too attached. Although she was in serious risk of getting too attached right now.

  “He’s in his office. You’re welcome to go up and surprise him.”

  “Okay. Thanks.” She wasn’t sure that was a good idea but went along with the suggestion. She rapped on the closed door.

  “Come in.”

  The sound of Ray’s deep bass sent butterfly wings fluttering in her stomach. She pushed open the door and walked in, head held high.

  His eyes widened, and he bolted to his feet. “Katie! I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “Surprise. May I sit?” She motioned to the same chair she’d occupied the last time.

  “Of course. How are you?” He stepped around his desk, closed the door, then sat in the chair beside her.

  “I’m fine.” She had to get this out before she lost her nerve. “Here’s the thing. You need help with Emily and you need a wife. If you’ll have me, I’ll marry you.” The words rushed from her lips so fast she wasn’t sure he’d understood. Plus, the blank look on his face made her wonder. She forced herself to speak slowly and clearly. “I said I’ll marry you.”

  He shook his head as if he was coming out of a daze. “I heard you the first time. I’m in shock.”

  “I know a lot has happened since that night at the diner, and if you’ve changed your mind about needing a wife, I’ll understand.” Her face burned. She never should have come here. “I’m not trying to throw myself at you. It’s Emily. She needs—”

  “You.”

  Her gaze shot to his. His soulful eyes told her everything she needed to know for now. He needed her, too. They needed each other.

  “Are you sure? Because if you’re not, walk away right now. Emily and I have had more than enough heartbreak, and I don’t think either of us could handle more.”

  How could she break his heart? He’d have to love her for that to happen. Could he be insinuating that? Impossible. He’d never indicated he felt anything more than casual friendship.

  She nodded. “I have one request. If we’re going to do this, we need to get to know each other better. I feel like I know you, but you don’t know me at all. Well, at least not that well.” She snapped her mouth shut at the intense look in his eyes. Had she said too much?

  He nodded. “I suppose you’re right. But I need help with Emily now. I took the last two weeks off, but she’s with my mom today. Renee and my mom didn’t see life through the same lens, and she wouldn’t be happy to know Mom is the only childcare I could arrange.”

  “So you want me to be what…your live-in nanny?” She’d offered to be his wife. Not exactly a hardship to her way of thinking, but still—she was giving up a lot. Including her pride.

  His face lit. “That’s exactly what I need.”

  “But what about your grandfather’s will and the business?”

  He frowned. “Good point. My birthday is exactly seventy days away.”

  Katie straightened. “You’re counting?” She had a birthday coming up, but she didn’t like to think of those since her past birthdays had been less than memorable.

  “Wouldn’t you be if you were in my position?”

  He had a point. She might even be counting down the hours.

  “What if you move into the apartment above my garage?”

  “I don’t understand. How does this help your situation?”

  He stood and walked around to the other side of his desk and took the seat beside her. “This is the perfect arrangement. You wanted me to get to know you before we marry, and I need a nanny, housekeeper, and cook, and someone to share this with, if you’re up for all of that. I would pay you, of course, and your room and board would be free. While we’re getting to know one another, we’ll plan our wedding and get married a week or two before my birthday. I’ll have met the requirements of the will, and we’ll have had the opportunity to figure out if we’re making the biggest mistake of our lives or if moving forward with the wedding is the right thing to do.”

  So he did want to marry her. Good. For a minute she thought he’d only wanted a nanny. “I cook gluten free.” So many people thought gluten-free food was horrible, but she had no choice and didn’t care to become a short-order cook.

  “I remember that about you. It’s fine. I’ll eat what you eat and probably be healthier.”

  “Good. Thanks. I like your idea about me living over the garage, but Brandi won’t be here when we get married. A girl’s best friend should be at her wedding. She’ll already be in England.”

  “Ian won’t be here either. We don’t need our best friends to get married.”

  “True.” But she wanted Brandi to be there. Her friend was her rock. The only person she’d been able to count on no matter what. All that was about to change once her friend married Ian and he whisked her off the continent. She had to get used to doing things without B
randi. “Okay. You make a solid argument. I accept your terms.” Rushing into marriage simply so her best friend could be there was foolhardy. They needed to take time to get to know one another on a more personal level.

  Ray grinned. “Thank you. Now let’s agree that if one of us has reservations about getting married we’ll tell the other. I absolutely want to keep the athletic club in the family, but it’s not worth ruining either of our lives over.”

  She thrust out her hand. “Agreed.”

  He shook it. “When can you move in?”

  “Tonight, I guess. What about my job at the community center? I don’t want to quit.”

  “Hmm.” He rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Why not bring Emily with you? She’d love it.”

  How could she do her job and watch a four-year-old? “There’s a ballet and tap class that meets there three days a week while I’m working. We should enroll Emily. She’d love it, and it would give her something fun to do while I’m working.”

  “Good thinking. I’ll take care of that today.” He leaned forward, grabbed a pen, and scribbled onto a piece of scratch paper. “Do you realize this is the most we’ve talked in one sitting? In fact, this is the best conversation we’ve ever had.”

  She raised a brow with a half-smile. “I take a while to warm up to people. But once I do, watch out. I’ve been told I talk too much.”

  A lopsided grin covered his face. “Impossible.”

  “What?” Her heart felt like a herd of racing mustangs.

  “There is no way you could ever talk too much. You don’t talk simply to hear yourself. When you speak, you have something to say.” He shrugged. “So it’s impossible that you’d ever talk too much to me.”

  Getting to know Ray would be interesting. More than likely, he’d change his mind about her being quiet after a week. Brandi said she had a motor mouth sometimes. She stood. “I’ll let you get back to work.”