Groom in Training (12 page)

When she rose to join in the best man’s toast, Nick had a better look. Besides the mass of curls Nick had never seen before, Steph looked beautiful. Draped in a soft fabric the
color of medium-rare steak, she took his breath away. Her floor-length gown draped over her shoulders to a V-like neckline, then fell in soft folds from her waist where a satin row of bands accentuated her slender figure.

His stomach twitched as he pulled his gaze from her and tried to concentrate on the conversation. His knee jiggled, waiting for the moment she left the head table or he could approach her and tell her what happened.

Nick’s knee bounced beneath the shrimp-colored tablecloth, but he managed to lean back in his chair, making small talk with Frank and his friends while the food arrived at the table. A delicious array of family-style dishes were served—prime rib, chicken, pasta. Brent had outdone himself. But Nick’s appetite waned. All he could think about was Steph.

With frustration rising, Nick stood and excused himself, then maneuvered around the dinner tables to the bridal party seated on a dais. Although he felt like an idiot, he pushed past the last table and stood in front of Steph.

She sliced a piece of chicken, lifted her fork and then lowered it as her face broke into a beaming smile. “Nick. I was worried.” She searched his eyes. “Is Suzette okay?”

“She should be fine. I’ll give you details later.” He stood a moment, feeling his chest expand and the thudding of his beating heart. “I wanted you to know I’m here.”

“I’m glad. Relieved.” Steph extended her hand toward him. He grasped her fingers and gave them a squeeze. “I’ll be done here soon.”

He nodded, hating to let go of her hand. “I’m over there.” He gestured to his table, then released her hand and returned to his dinner. Maybe now he could enjoy the meal.

S
teph stepped down from the dais and headed toward Nick’s table. Her mouth felt dry, and she longed for a drink. Tonic with lime if they had it. She liked the refreshing tang. Steph squeezed her way into the throng of Molly’s friends and family. When she neared Nick’s table, she realized he wasn’t there. Stopping at the bar, she ordered her drink, then made her way to the sidelines to find a place to wait, but her gaze was drawn to the wide windows of the dining room.

The sun hung low in the sky, adorned by a magnificent sunset. Steph drew closer, admiring the display of color. She scanned the area for Nick. No sight of him. A quick look outside wouldn’t hurt. She sought a door and stepped out to the veranda. The well-groomed grass spread across the expanse dotted with sand traps and lighter-hued greens. To her left, she noticed an island of spring flowers rising in colorful tiers of daisies, purple heather and multi-hued impatiens. Beautiful.

A shadow fell beside her, and before she turned, a hand brushed her arm. She spun around, her heart flitting against her breastbone.

“Nick.” She warmed to his touch. “I looked for you.”

His lips curved into a welcoming smile. “I was talking with Brent in the lobby.” He gave a toss of his head toward the festivity inside. “This is quite a celebration.”

“Weddings always are.” Their eyes met and didn’t move. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“So am I.” His gaze searched her face and lingered on her hair. “I love your curls. You should wear it that way more often.”

“Thanks. I—”

“Steph, I’m so sorry for missing the wedding.”

Her pulse skipped at his serious countenance. “What happened?”

He shook his head and told her the details. “By the time Martin arrived, I knew Suzette would be okay, but they are keeping her overnight to take a look at her throat in the morning. The swelling was bad and blocked her air passage. I guess a dog’s throat is delicate and can be damaged, but if the swelling goes down by morning, she can come home.”

“I’m so glad.” Steph pictured the injured dog, and she imagined the horrible sight Nick had found when he reached her. She would send Martin a card to let him know her concern. “You must have been a mess.”

“I was a wreck. I never realized how much that dog means to me until that moment. I’d thought about heading back home and not coming, but—” he pressed his hand against her cheek “—seeing you now, I’m glad I changed my mind.”

She cupped his hand with her palm. “I’m glad you did, too.”

He broke his gaze and gestured toward the sky. “Amazing.”

She viewed the horizon. “It’s lovely. I’ve never seen anything quite so beautiful.”

“I have.”

His words touched her as a whisper, and gooseflesh sprinkled up along her arms. When she turned toward him, his eyes spoke to her. She answered him the same way. His head lowered and his lips touched hers. Though her mind battled against falling in love, today she raised a white flag and surrendered. He moved his mouth against hers as a ripple of longing shivered through her. This is what she yearned for, a love that offers laughter, support and completeness.

His hand swept along her arm, the warmth taking away the chill of the breeze and the cold fear that had lived in her heart for so long. Could she ever be the same without him?

Nick drew back, his eyes searching hers. She had no answers, but for once in her life, she had hope. His gaze washed over her and paused on her gown. He shook his head, then motioned to the sky. “You’re part of the sunset.”

Steph melted as a wave of emotion swept through her. She managed to shift her attention to the merging colors spilling across the horizon in golds, oranges, corals, then to the soft hue of her gown. No words entered her mind.

An evening breeze swept along the veranda, sending a chill down her bare arms.

“You’re cold.” He drew his arm from his jacket.

Steph stopped him. “We can go inside. It is getting cool with the sun going down.”

Nick slipped his arm back into the sleeve and straightened his lapel, then curved his arm around her shoulder and guided her toward the door.

A cozy warmth wrapped around her, chasing away the old feelings of loneliness.

At the doorway, music vibrated through the windows. The band played a romantic song, and as they stepped inside, dancers glided across the parquet floor. Steph set her empty glass on a tray, her gaze on Nick to see what he might do now.

He slipped his arm from her shoulder and captured her hand. “How about a fresh drink?”

She agreed, and he led her past the dance floor, only letting her hand go when he stepped up to the bar. His thoughtfulness touched her more than his offer to let her use his jacket.

She studied him as he ordered their soft drinks. She’d never seen him in a suit, and the vision etched in her mind. He wore a suit well, a dark gray with a white shirt and a tie colored in a slate tone. The line broadened his shoulders and accentuated his trim physique.

Nick pivoted and handed her the glass, then pressed his palm against her arm and guided her away from the crowd. They wandered past the dance floor into a small nook with a few tall tables and high stools. The music drifted in from the hall, providing a pleasant background.

“Let’s sit.” He motioned to the seats.

Steph scooted onto the stool and set her glass on the table, turning it and watching the light refract in the facets of the base. She sensed Nick watching her, and when she looked up, he greeted her with a tender smile.

“You look amazing.”

Her palm swept across the soft folds of her gown as she gained courage to admit her attraction. “You’re pretty handsome yourself.”

He flicked his lapel. “This old thing?”

His playful comment eased her mind, and she sipped her drink. “I wonder if Suzette has separation anxiety. Have you talked with Martin about obedience training? Molly can help him with that, too.”

A puff of air shot from his nose. “I mentioned it, but the conversation veered away to another topic.” He looked away a moment, then turned back. “I’ll be honest. We were
arguing so I never had a serious talk with him, but I did mention it.”

Picturing Nick arguing seemed unreal. Even the day he rescued her from Martin’s anger, he approached his brother with humor and gentleness. “I hope it wasn’t about Fred.”

“About many things.” For a moment, he’d settled into thought. “I learned one thing that surprised me that day.”

Steph waited, hesitating to ask. When the time stretched, she spoke. “You don’t have to tell me.”

“Tell you?” He gave her a quizzical look, then understanding lit his face. “Sorry, I was thinking. I learned that he plans to breed Suzette.”

“Breed her.” A weight fell to her shoulders. “She’s a beautiful dog, but the world has so many homeless animals. I wish people would give a home to those first. They might not all be purebred, but some of them are great dogs.”

He nodded. “I know. I saw a handful of them at the shelter. It’s heartbreaking”

The look on his face made her weak. She loved his sensitivity. Yet he saw it as a weakness. She didn’t understand that.

His hand balled into a fist and plopped onto the table. “Martin doesn’t think of others.”

“But you do.” That’s one thing he could never deny.

His expression relaxed. “I try to.” He caught her gaze and sent her a sweet grin.

The relaxing moment wrapped around her like his hug. They could talk and discuss things with a mutual respect. She’d never had that after she married. Steph pushed her glass aside and glanced through the archway to the festivities. She hoped Molly didn’t need her for anything, because she was enjoying these moments with Nick.

Nick dropped from the stool. “Can I get you something else?”

His look sent prickles down her arms. “Maybe later. Thanks.”

He tilted his head toward the couples swaying to the music. “Would you like to dance?”

Her heart stood still. She hadn’t danced in years, and she wasn’t sure she remembered how.

Nick didn’t wait for an answer. He placed his hand beneath her elbow as she lowered herself from the stool, then guided her to the dance floor. His arm slipped around her waist, and his hand captured her palm. He drew her close, his feet gliding to the music as hers followed without error. Maybe she hadn’t forgotten after all. As they moved across the floor, an astounding feeling of oneness rolled through her. How long had it been since she felt whole?

The music segued from one love song to another, and Nick drew her even closer, his hand warm against the small of her back, his strong fingers guiding her to move and sway with the slow rhythm. Her heart sang louder than the concern that beat like an unwanted drum in her subconscious. She’d wanted to be friends, nothing more, but tonight she admitted her feelings had sailed away and her heart with them.

She’d settled on a life alone. Romantic thoughts of love had been warped by her marital struggles and had died with Doug. The idea of another relationship felt like a dark shadow. But meeting Nick cast light on her future. Then hope slipped from the locked recesses of her heart, and now the deep emotions frightened her. Trusting someone again took confidence and faith, attributes she wasn’t sure she had. Nick’s strong Christian beliefs influenced his thoughts and actions. Could he accept her as she was, a woman longing to know Jesus as he did, but not knowing how?

Nick’s breath whispered against her cheek. He held her
in his arms, swaying to the music and making her feel worthy. She enjoyed the melody filling the room, a lovely song with words that stirred her heart. It would linger in her mind tomorrow, bringing her back to this moment.

Wasn’t hope like that? It played over and over in her mind like a memorable tune, drawing her to reach out for things that seemed impossible. But for the first time in years, maybe they were. Somewhere she’d heard that with God all things are possible.

Her hope came from the heart, but she’d lived with her head for too many years. Logic and reason. Falling for someone she’d only met a month earlier proffered no reality. Reality was true. What about hope?

When the song ended, Nick guided Steph from the dance floor, wondering what had happened. Her kiss had been warm, and she’d moved easily on the dance floor until he’d felt her tense. Though her expression hadn’t wavered, something had caused her to withdraw for a moment. Had he held her too close? He didn’t think so. But something had gone wrong.

His experience with women fell short. Dating sat on his list with organizing his pantry and cleaning his storage closet. It didn’t happen. He’d stacked and pushed items from one spot to another until he couldn’t find a thing.

Dating fit right in with his “things to do one day” list. Women appeared in his life with encouraging smiles, but no one had captured his attention until Steph came along, and she did it without trying. His company needed his undivided attention and took the bulk of his resources. Then tonight Brent initiated some business and talked about an order he planned to send in that would be a boon. That was the kind of large order his business needed.

Yet his concern didn’t end with his company or finances. He wanted to understand himself and figure out where he’d gone wrong with Cara. Each time he saw Steph, his feelings grew. He lost sight of reality, and his heart took over. That scared him. But he didn’t want to lose her. Martin’s comment about Cara struck him often. Had she really expected too much?

Steph’s arm brushed against his, and her expression let him know he’d drifted off in thought too long. He clasped her arm above the elbow. “Let’s check the dessert table.”

Her full lips tilted to a grin, and she looked relaxed again.

He wanted to be honest, but finding the courage took strength, and he didn’t know if he had enough. He guided her to a display of cookies and slices of fruit-drenched cheesecakes. Though he wasn’t one bit hungry, he grasped a napkin and selected a cookie.

Steph studied the desserts. “I’ll just have coffee.” She patted her slender tummy as if she were too full.

She looked perfect. Too perfect.

Steph strode to the coffee urn, poured a cup, then doctored it to her taste and swung around to face him.

His table had emptied when he returned, and Nick scanned the crowd. “The others are dancing.” He motioned to the dance floor, then pulled out the chair beside his and held it as she sat.

The muted light turned her gown to a deeper coral and brought out the colors in her skin. A wistful expression caused her to look ethereal like the
Mona Lisa’
s secret smile. He longed to know what drew her away sometimes when they talked.

“We’ve become so close this past month.” Mundane comment. He had no idea why he’d said it.

The color in her cheeks deepened. “It seems much longer.”

His pulse gave a tug. “I hope that’s good.”

“It is, and it’s odd. I usually take a long time getting comfortable with people, but you’re different.”

Different. He could relate to that. She’d affected him more than he could put into words. “Unique. That’s what you are. A unique woman.”

“I think I’m supposed to say thanks.” Her grin faded. “I’ve been thinking about that.”

That? “You mean, being unique?”

“No. About us.” She turned her head slowly and studied him.

Air drained from Nick’s lungs. An overwhelming concern struck him. What if he led her on to think their relationship could be more than he could offer right now? What if she wanted to end their friendship?

“You look upset.” Steph’s smooth brow had furrowed.

Nick’s head jerked toward her. “I’m…hoping I haven’t done anything to—”

“You’ve done nothing, Nick, except be who you are.”

Late.
The word flashed through his mind. But he wanted to work on that. Before he made reference to being late again, her comment struck him. Be who you are. “I’d love to know who I am, Steph. That’s one of the things I talked about with Martin.” The admission spilled into the air, but the comment didn’t phase her. She looked miles away.

She stared into the coffee cup. “I’ve lived on the edge of life for a long time, and recently—since I met you—I’m actually living again.”