Every Bride Needs a Groom (20 page)

“You think?”

“I do!” Madge's voice sounded from outside the door. “You'd be great at it, Katie.”

“See what I mean?” Brady chuckled. “Underneath that
crusty exterior is a marshmallow.” He leaned so close that the scent of his yummy aftershave caused my nostrils to flare. “But don't get her worked up or you'll see a completely different side of her.”

“Oh, trust me, I've seen that side too. She's a tough cookie. But she reminds me of Queenie. The image she puts out there is one tough mama. On the inside, though, she's like a flower, unfolding one petal at a time.”

“Madge? A flower?” Twiggy entered the room, all giggles and smiles. “That's a good one, Katie.”

“Hey, I heard that.” Madge popped her head in the door. “And just so you're aware, folks, I come in this place every morning smelling like a rose. A tea rose, I mean. It's my perfume.” She stepped inside the room and started fussing with the laces on the back of my dress.

“How do you guys do it?” I asked.

“Do what?” Madge, Twiggy, and Brady said in unison.

“The people part. Working in the wedding business isn't just about dresses, is it?”

“It's about people,” Brady said.

“And there are people of every sort who come through that door,” Madge added.

“True,” Twiggy said. “There's the Dollar Store Bride—that's the one who doesn't have the money but really wants the dress.”

“And the Ninja Bride—ready to take out anyone in her way,” Madge chimed in.

“The Flighty Bride,” Twiggy continued. “She can't make up her mind about anything.”

“The Dieting Bride.” Madge groaned. “She's the one who really wears a size 14 but insists she'll be a 10 by the time the wedding arrives, so she refuses to order a dress in the proper size.”

“And then there's the Not-Quite-a-Bride Bride.” Twiggy sighed. “Those are the worst.”

“Not-Quite-a-Bride Bride?” I asked.

“Yes. It's always the same. They come into the shop looking for a dress, but when we press them for a wedding date, they fumble around.”

My heart jolted.

Twiggy giggled. “Can you imagine? Shopping for a wedding dress with no groom? These girls are so desperate to get married that they show up alone—or with a friend, even—to try on gowns that they hope they'll one day wear. If they find the right guy. I feel a little sorry for them, really.”

The compassionate look Madge gave me drew Twiggy's attention my way.

“Huh?” Twiggy gave me a curious look.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror and suddenly felt ill.

“Katie?” Twiggy looked concerned. “Are you okay?”

I shook my head. “I . . . I think I should've eaten some breakfast. I'm just a little woozy.”

“She needs some air.” Madge began to fan me using one of the store's brochures.

“Maybe Dahlia tied the laces too tight,” Twiggy said. “You've got such a tiny waist. I'm sure she just wanted to emphasize it.”

“Don't.” I put my hand up. “Don't emphasize anything.”

“O-okay.” She stepped toward me and loosened the laces. “Sorry about that.”

“No, you've done nothing to be sorry about. It's all me. Every bit of it.” I couldn't stop the sudden rush of tears.

Brady took one look at me and ushered the other ladies out of the room. Once we were alone, he turned my way. “Katie? What's happening?”

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. With Brady standing
next to me, we looked like a wedding cake topper. The image was more than I could bear.

“I have to get out of here. I. Need. To. Get. Out. Of. This. Dress.”

“I thought we agreed you were going to keep it. Don't you like it?”

“Yes.” I turned to him, feeling heartsick. “I love it. That's the problem. I love the dress. I love this store. I love these people. I love everything. But it's not right, Brady.”

“Not the right fit?” he tried.

I shook my head. This guy just didn't get it, did he? “The only thing that's not a good fit here is me. I don't belong here. This isn't the right time. Or place. Or situation. You know that. I told you—Casey's gone. The wedding isn't happening. And the last thing I want to do is hurt your mom when she finds out.”

“Then let's tell her.” He shrugged. “Let's go ahead and get it over with. She'll probably take a day or so to get over it, but she'll figure out a plan that we can all live with. And then you can relax and just enjoy the dress.”

“You think she'll want me to keep it if she knows the truth?”

“I do.” He smiled. “That dress was meant for you. I believe it with everything that's in me. And if you don't take it, nothing will be the same. Don't you see that?”

Yes. The dress was meant for me. And it fit beautifully. Only, I didn't deserve it. Right now I just wanted to get out of it, put back on my jeans and T-shirt, and run from this place once and for all.

I love my small town, and I love going back there and supporting the community. But I could not have stayed there. No way.

Jeremy Renner

I
somehow managed to stay put in the fitting room but couldn't seem to control my emotions. I could read the concern in Brady's eyes and felt compelled to say something. Anything.

“I'm the Not-Quite-a-Bride Bride. That's what Twiggy called me.”

Brady shook his head. “No. Technically she didn't call you
that. Not you personally, anyway. But I might need to talk to the girls about using code names like that. I don't suppose it's very flattering.”

“Tell them I've come up with a new one for girls like me.” I yanked off my veil and handed it to him. “The Phony Baloney Bride.”

“Phony baloney?” He gently laid the veil on the bench. “There's nothing phony about you, Katie. In fact, you're more real than most of the girls I've known put together. You look like the real deal in this gown, and you will be, in God's timing. That's all I've been trying to say. The dress was meant for you, no matter when you wear it.”

I sighed. “I'll pray about that, Brady. I will. If you think I should do the photo shoot, I'll do it for you. And for your mom. And Madge. And all of the wonderful people I've met here in the city.”

An awkward silence followed after I said the word
city
. In spite of what Mama had told me that night at Sam's, I hadn't seen one snake since I moved here. Weird.

“So . . . question.” My hands began to tremble as I worked up the courage to broach the subject on my heart. “Have you told your mom yet? About my situation, I mean.”

He shook his head. “I started to, but Madge reminded me this is fashion week in Paris. I'm going to give it a day or two and then give her a call.”

“Ah.”

“Don't fret, Katie. It's going to be fine. I know my mother better than anyone. She's going to agree that you should keep the dress, so stop worrying. Promise?”

“I guess. You don't think she'll be mad?”

“No. All that matters to her is a lovely young woman on the cover of
Texas Bride
wearing her gown.”

“Lovely?” I didn't mean to say the word aloud, but there it was.

“Yep.” Brady smiled. “I don't mean to sound biased, but I see a lot of brides come through this place, and you're going to be the most beautiful one yet. Not just on the outside either.”

“O-oh?” His compliment caught me off guard.

“You're always thinking of others. That's a beautiful trait, Katie. We don't see as much of that here as you might think. Most brides are pretty self-focused. Sorry to be so blunt, but they are. You're not like them . . . and I like that.” He grinned. “Anyway, I'm going to get out of here and let you get changed.”

“Yeah, I need to go soon anyway. Aunt Alva is expecting me for dinner tonight.”

“Are your brothers going too?”

“No. They have to get back to Fairfield. Pop is waiting on them at the store, I'm sure.”

“Well, have fun. Tell Aunt Alva I said hello.”

“I will. And by the way, I plan to tell her that we're not really engaged, so you're off the hook. You don't have to marry me after all.”

“Well, that's a relief.” He gave me a playful wink. “Might be awkward, marrying someone I just met.”

“I know, right?” My heart fluttered a bit as I took in his whimsical smile.

With Dahlia's help, I spent the next several minutes getting back into my jeans and T-shirt. I said my goodbyes to my brothers, who seemed sad to leave. I thanked Dahlia for her work on my dress and then waved goodbye to my new friends—even Stan, who'd just arrived for his daily pep talk with Brady. I walked out of the store to the parking lot, deep in thought about the day.

When I climbed inside my car and tried to start it, nothing happened. I tried again. Nothing. I rested my head against the
steering wheel and ushered up a prayer for mercy. My day had been hard enough already. Still, the car didn't start. As much as I hated to go back inside, I had no choice.

Brady met me at the front of the store and I explained my predicament.

“I don't mind giving it a look,” he said.

“Betcha he can figure it out,” Madge added. “He's always loved stuff like that. From the time he was a boy.”

“Tinkering with things makes me happy.” Brady shrugged. “What can I say?”

“Say you'll get back to the business of tinkering with a basketball.” Stan raked his hand over his bald head. “Did I really just use the word
tinker
?”

“You did.” Madge laughed. “And I'd pay money to hear you say it again.”

“Tinker.” Stan busted out with a belly laugh, and before long we were all laughing. It felt really good, especially after the emotions from earlier.

Brady followed me outside to my car, making small talk all the way. I found his conversation comforting. It felt good to know I had someone to call on, what with my brothers being gone and all, and Brady didn't look as if he minded a bit. In fact, if one could gauge from the expression on his face, he wasn't upset at all.

“Pop the hood for me, Katie.”

Brady opened it and then spent the next ten minutes oohing and aahing over a variety of meaningless things underneath. I stood next to him and listened as he carried on, but couldn't make sense of half of it.

“Looks like you've got a loose belt here.” He pointed down at it. “And these hoses are shot. In this heat you'll need to make sure you replace them. They're cracked.”

“I have a cracked hose?”

“More than one. Can't believe this old thing is still running.”

“It's not at the moment. Remember?”

“Right. I'm also guessing your battery's dead. How many miles did you say this car has on it?”

“Two hundred and fourteen thousand. But trust me, it comes from a long line of people who keep going even when they should give up.”

Brady gave me a curious look at that one.

“So, I guess I need a new battery.” I sighed. “And some hoses. Where do I find all of that?”

“Do you have AAA?”

I shook my head.

Brady glanced over as a customer pulled into the spot next to my car. “Well, let's start with the battery. That's the most critical thing right now. I'll take it out and we'll go to the store and get another one, then I'll put the new one in for you. Madge won't mind keeping an eye on things. We'll be closing soon anyway.”

“You would do all of that for me?” I could hardly believe it.

“Well, of course.”

“Do you think it will take long? I'm supposed to be at Aunt Alva's house in less than an hour.”

“Can you call her?”

I nodded and fumbled around for my phone. Less than a minute later her voicemail kicked in. “Weird. Maybe she didn't hear the phone ringing?” I left a message and then ended the call and pressed the phone back in my purse.

“Hmm.” Brady appeared to be thinking. “Well, here's another idea. We'll just load up your stuff in my truck and I'll take you over there. Then I'll come back here and take care of the battery after we close up shop for the night.”

“That's too much to ask, Brady.”

“It's not.” He closed the hood. “I want to help you, Katie. Please. Just let me tell Madge I'll be gone for the rest of the day.”

I offered a lame nod, and before I could say, “What sort of movie hero are you?” we were in his truck, headed to Aunt Alva's house. I had a doozy of a time finding the place. Her directions, it turned out, were a bit skewed. Brady was a good sport about it, though. He didn't complain once, even though we had to turn around several times. Instead, he made light of it and we ended up laughing.

By the time we arrived at Alva's house, she was standing on the front porch waiting for me. When she saw us pull up in Brady's truck, she started waving. Brady got out and came around to my side to open my door for me.

My aunt approached with a smile as bright as sunshine. “Now, that's what I like to see. A true gentleman. Your skills on the court are great, Brady, but I'm more impressed by the fact that you're a Southern gentleman.”

“Why, thank you, ma'am.” He gave a deep bow at the waist and then laughed.

“I hope you're staying for supper,” Aunt Alva said. “I've made lasagna.”

“Oh, I wouldn't want to impose. Just brought Katie over because her car broke down.”

“Yes, I left a message on your phone, Aunt Alva.”

“My phone?” She fished around in her pockets but came up empty. “I can never for the life of me remember where I put that goofy thing.”

“Well, anyway, he came to my rescue.” I couldn't help but smile as I said those words aloud. “So he really is a gentleman.”

“Well then, I insist you stay for dinner as a thank-you for rescuing my niece. My cooking skills aren't what they used
to be—mostly because of my vision going south—but I gave it the old college try. So c'mon inside and you can tell me all about how you rescued this niece of mine.”

I felt my cheeks grow warm as I glanced at Brady.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“As sure as you were in the final ten seconds of that game with the Rockets. Remember that? You took a long shot from the opposite end of the court, and what happened?”

He grinned. “I can't believe you remember that.”

“As if anyone could forget!” My aunt recounted all of the details of the game and then paused for breath. “What were we talking about again? Oh yes, dinner. I do hope you'll stay, Brady. Please? You're practically a member of the family now. Not that being a member of this family means much, but I guess that's not the point.”

“About that, Aunt Alva,” I said. “Brady and I aren't engaged. I think you misunderstood.”

“You're . . . you're not?” Her smile faded. “Well, cut off my legs and call me shorty. I felt sure you two were getting hitched.”

“No. It's kind of a long story,” I said.

“Well, we'll have plenty of time over supper to talk. Maybe by dessert we can get this boy to pop the question.” She slapped him on the back. “So c'mon in, Brady.”

As if he'd want to stay now.

Still, he offered a genuine smile. “I just hate to impose.”

My aunt put her hands on her hips as she glared at him. “You ready to bolt just 'cause I said my cooking's not what it used to be?”

“Oh, it's not that at all. Just didn't know if you really wanted me to stay or if you were just being polite.” He directed his words to her but looked at me. “And I need to work on Katie's car tonight.”

“I can probably take care of my car in the morning,” I said. “Maybe you could just take me to Lori-Lou's tonight after dinner?”

“Sure.” He nodded. “Happy to spend more time with two of the sweetest ladies in town.”

“Why, thank you very much.” Alva ushered us through the front door. She led the way into the dining room and we took our seats. “I made a homemade lasagna. Got the recipe from my favorite show on the Food Network,
The Italian Kitchen
. Have you ever seen it?”

“Oh, sure. The one with the elderly Italian couple?” Brady nodded. “It's one of my favorites. I love the way they argue with each other while they cook. Lots of fun.”

“I don't get a lot of company around here, so it's fun to cook for other people.”

We spent the next hour and a half eating, laughing, and basically having the best time I'd had in ages. I couldn't believe how well Brady and my aunt got along. More than that, though, I couldn't believe how kind Alva turned out to be. From all of Queenie's stories, I would've pictured her as an ogre, not a sweet, lonely woman with a penchant for pro basketball.

As I nibbled on my dessert—a yummy tiramisu she'd made just for me—I gazed tenderly at my aunt.

“What's up, sweet girl?” she asked. “Do I have something in my teeth?”

“No, nothing like that.” I giggled. “I just wanted to thank you for the dinner. It's been such a great night.”

“Really great.” Brady grinned and sipped from his coffee cup. “I've loved every minute.”

“Me too,” I said. “Aunt Alva, it's been so great to have time with you. I didn't realize how much I missed you until I started spending time with you again.”

“That's the way of it, I suppose.” She leaned back in her chair and took a sip of her coffee.

I knew my next words were risky but felt they were necessary all the same. “You know, everyone in the family misses you.” I drew in a deep breath. “Especially Queenie.”

“She'll go right on missing me then.”

Ouch. Maybe I'd overstepped my bounds. Brady glanced my way and I could read the concern in his eyes, but I felt I needed to keep going. “Alva, you know that my grandpa Joe passed away four years ago, don't you? Queenie has been living alone ever since. It's been a hard time for her, especially since her surgery.”

“I . . . I heard. I still pick up a few things through the grapevine. Bessie—”

“May.” We spoke the word together and I smiled. “Well, I guess it's a good thing that she's kept in touch. Is that how you knew about Casey and me dating?”

She nodded and her gaze shifted to the ground.

“Aunt Alva, I'm glad you're staying connected to the goings-on back home.”

“This is home now.” Alva's jaw clenched.

“But Fairfield will always be—”

“The place where no one needed the likes of me. But never mind all that. If you've come to give me what for, I guess I can take it, but I don't have to like it.”

“Not at all. Like I said, I just came because I've missed you and I truly enjoy being with you.”