Married by June (16 page)

He undid the first necklace. Her skin was warm to the touch and he brushed against her neck, watching the goose bumps form. He held the ends of the necklace open, pulling it off. She didn’t speak, just waited, hair pulled up, neck bent, her posture trusting and vulnerable.

He’d seen Chelsea in action. Of course, she’d been sick almost the whole time he knew her, but that hadn’t stopped her from wrapping every single therapist, intern and technician on her floor around her little finger.

He’d never forget the chill he felt the night she explained her wish to him. “I want you to take care of Jorie,” she’d whispered, her beautiful blue eyes so serious, pulling him into an almost intimate space. “Can you do that for me, Cooper? Give her the wedding I never had and then take care of her for me?”

His brother had asked him over and over to explain exactly how she convinced him, but he couldn’t explain it. Chelsea Burke had been a remarkable woman with a talent for convincing people to do exactly what she wanted.

Because he wasn’t sure what was going on with
Jorie and she wasn’t giving him any clues, he kept on as he’d started, silently removing each necklace, touching her carefully and only as part of the task. Each time their skin connected, he shuddered, the connection was so ripe with tension.

The last necklace was a long, twisted loop of pearls with a big jeweled flower at the end. It didn’t have a clasp so he lifted it over her hair, letting his knuckles skim her cheeks, then put it into the drawer with the rest.

She let her hair fall down and lifted her eyes to meet his. He couldn’t stand to see her looking defeated and defenseless.

“What’s wrong, Jorie?”

“She did the best she could.” She shook her head, her lips pressed together. “You know, anyone could criticize her and the Lord knows, I did. She used men and let them use her and she probably could have changed if she’d wanted to. Or if she’d been willing to settle for something less. But she was trying to make a life for me.”

She looked at the jewels, each piece laid out carefully in the drawer. He had no idea what to say. No idea what she wanted.

“She was amazing. I only knew her for a little while, but I fell in love with her right along with everybody else.”

“Your dad called today. We’re supposed to go to a dinner tomorrow night.”

Cooper nodded. “The opera thing at the Smith House, right?”

“I thought I’d find something in here to wear. But I can’t do it.”

“You don’t have to.”

“But I’m playing a part. The same way she always did. What makes me any different?”

“You’re not her, Jorie. Before you agreed to all this, you made sure it wouldn’t be a part. You demanded that. Remember? You said we had to start from scratch.”

“I know, but—”

“But it’s hard. I get that. Your mom taught you some screwed-up stuff and it’s hard to get away from that. But you have to try if we’re going to work.”

“What are you saying? Should I sell these pieces? And do what with the money? It would always be tainted.”

“So change that. Make it your own. Do the same thing you did with our wedding. Accept the gift your mom offered, but on your own terms.”

Jorie stared at the drawer full of jewelry. What did Cooper mean? This jewelry was as much a part of her memories of her mom as her generous spirit, her deep love for a well-wrapped gift, her inability
to carry a tune or her need to keep searching for someone to love her.

She ran her hand over the rings, watching the light play on the faceted jewels. They winked like fairy lights on the dark velvet drawer liner.

Like wishes…

“I was waiting to see you in person to tell you I got a job today.”

“Seriously?” He grinned at her. “I didn’t even know you were applying.”

“I didn’t either. I’m going to work for Miriam. She needs a colleague to help with the bridal registry.”

“Jorie, that’s perfect for you. I’m thrilled.”

“So, that got me thinking.” She picked up a set of sapphire earrings. “What if these earrings turned into summer camp for a foster child?”

“What?”

“You said to transform them. What if we turned them into wishes?”

He picked up the rope of pearls. “This looks exactly like a wheelchair ramp.”

She scooped two garnet rings and the diamond tennis bracelet into a pile. “Disney World for a family of four. Or maybe six.”

A stick pin, two bracelets and the sapphire pendant necklace converted a first-floor bathroom into a handicap accessible spa room.

They kept going until each item in the drawer had been dreamed into a new form.

Ever since Nolan’s call that afternoon, she’d felt weighted down, but now she felt free. “Make love to me, Cooper? Please?”

H
E KNELT BY THE EDGE
of the bed. Jorie was amazing and she really had no clue. She’d gotten herself a perfect job and freed herself of an oppressive legacy, all the while keeping her integrity and protecting the memories of her mom. She was turning her life around and he was stuck in limbo. Waiting to do what his father and the governor told him, just as soon as they made up their minds.

He tilted her hips, scooting her to the edge of the bed so he could strip off her pants and underwear. Then, starting at the bottom, he unbuttoned her shirt, taking his time until it was hanging free from her shoulders and he could push it back and down her arms. He quickly took off his own clothes, then spread her legs so he could move between them. Reaching around her, he unhooked her bra and carefully took that off, too. When they were both naked, he sat back on his heels and looked at her.

“You’re gorgeous,” he said. He spread his hands
on her hips to pull her against him. “You amaze me, Jorie.”

And then he took his time showing her exactly how he felt.

A
ROUND THE END
of the fourth week, his dad decided they were going to start campaign strategy meetings without the governor’s appointment. Karloski only had a few more days by law and they hadn’t heard anything substantive to indicate he was thinking of someone besides Cooper.

Nolan gathered the family and a small team of staff at his house and they worked from breakfast straight through to the early evening. Two of the staff members left early—one quit and one was fired, but Cooper was pretty sure the firing was only temporary. Nolan had a quick temper and it was best to get out of his way when he aimed it at you, but he respected good work. He often fired people who were then seen back at their desks later the same day.

He finally agreed that they could break for dinner at seven. Cooper begged to be the one who went to get the pizzas because he thought he was going to go nuts if he didn’t get out of the house for a few minutes.

On his way over to the pizza place, he called Jorie. She was finishing up with Miriam and said she’d be at his parents’ house in twenty minutes.

He parked, and was on his way back with the pizzas when Bailey called him—Theo had switched all of his ringtones a few days ago so that it sounded like his pocket was barking. Since he was juggling three boxes and a plastic bag full of drinks he didn’t answer. The call went to voice mail and then Bailey called right back. More barking.

He was going to kill Theo.

Jorie was coming toward him from the other direction and she jogged up, grabbing the pizza boxes so he could pull out his phone.

“Bailey, hey—” he started, but then he realized his brother was as close to crying as he’d ever heard him.

“Wait, what? Bay. Slow down.”

Jorie looked at him, her eyes concerned, but they kept walking toward the house.

“Deb got hit by a car. It wasn’t serious. I mean, it was. She felt fine. She even stood up, but they took her to the hospital anyway, because of the baby.” Bailey’s voice was shaking. “They put her on a monitor and, God, Coop. The baby. They think there’s something wrong. They took her in for an emergency C-section.”

“Okay.” Cooper’s thoughts were racing as fast as his heart. “What hospital? Where are you?”

“Mercy Heights.”

“We’ll be right there, Bay. Hang tight.”

“Okay. All right.”

Cooper was about to say goodbye when Bailey said, “Can you tell Mom? If I call she won’t answer.”

“Yeah. Sure. I’ll tell her.”

He clicked off his phone and met Jorie’s eyes. “Deb’s in the hospital. They’re doing an emergency C-section. Sounds like the baby’s having problems.”

“Oh, Cooper. We have to go.”

He unlocked the door and they went straight back to the kitchen, where his parents and Theo along with a few staff were waiting. His mom had her back to him when he blurted out the news. She turned, one hand covering her mouth, and shook her head quickly as if to deny what he’d just said.

“Where are they?” Nolan asked.

“Mercy Heights.”

“Is he going to call and tell us what happens?”

Rachel looked quickly at his dad even as he felt Jorie step closer to his side.

“I told him I’d be there, Dad. He’s on his own.”

“Deb’s family will go. They’re probably on their way.”

“Dad!”

Theo had backed up against the table and the staff huddled near him, looking anxiously at Nolan.

“Look, Cooper. There’s nothing you or I or anyone can do there. The press is going to be all over the hospital and you know it. You don’t want to make that circus worse.”

“That circus is about Bailey’s baby. He needs us to be there with him.”

“Cooper’s right,” Jorie said. “I’m going with him.”

“No one’s going anywhere,” Nolan shouted. “Bailey will call and let us know what happens. What help do you think you can give him? You’re no doctor.”

Cooper looked at his mom. What did she want him to do? He wanted to tell his father to go to hell. But would that be the final fracture that damaged his family for good?

J
ORIE WANTED TO SCREAM
at Nolan the same way he was yelling at the rest of them. How dare he? How dare he reduce this moment to a press conference. How dare he try to make Cooper feel wrong for doing the right thing. How dare he make this an “us” v. “them” choice. Cooper was wavering and she didn’t want to see him back down. He knew that going to the hospital was the right thing because
he’d immediately promised Bailey he would. Maybe all he needed was someone to stand with him.

She dropped the pizza she was holding on the counter and they all looked at her. “We’re going. Cooper and I will be at the hospital to support Bailey. We’ll call as soon as there is news.”

She hoped she hadn’t just cut herself off. What if Cooper wasn’t with her.

But then his hand took hers. She squeezed his fingers and felt an answering pressure.

“Cooper, be reasonable,” Nolan said. “Your duty is to the family. Until Karloski—”

“Stop it,” Rachel said. “Please stop it.”

Nolan turned his angry eyes on her. She shook her head. “Enough is enough. Our grandchild is in the hospital, Nolan. We need to be there. That’s where our family is.”

“You’re not thinking straight, Rachel.”

“I know what I’m doing,” she said quietly. “I’ve always known. This is what’s right now.”

“But the press—”

“Doesn’t scare me.”

Jorie thought she caught some undercurrents, as if Rachel and Nolan were having a shadow conversation only they could understand. On the surface, though, Rachel got her way.

“I have to be with him,” she said simply. “Bailey is all that matters right now.”

Nolan knocked the pizza onto the floor. “No. Nobody’s going anywhere.”

Jorie had never admired Rachel more than when she stepped carefully over and around the scattered pizzas to leave the kitchen. Nolan glared after her. “This is pointless,” he called. “By the time you get there, it will all be over.”

It didn’t matter, Jorie thought, as she followed Rachel and Cooper down the long straight hall. Rachel’s purse was on the back of the hall closet door. Cooper patted his pocket and found his keys.

“Everybody set?” he asked.

No one followed them when they left the house. Rachel looked toward the kitchen, but she didn’t turn back.

When they got to the sidewalk, Cooper said he’d get his car and bring it around. He loped off and left Jorie and Rachel standing together.

Jorie wasn’t sure what to say. Then she thought about her own mom and how Chelsea would know exactly what to do right now. She put an arm around Rachel’s waist. “We’ll be there before you know it,” she said. “Bailey will be so glad you came.”

Rachel put her hand over Jorie’s. They stood together without talking until Cooper pulled his Jeep up out front. Jorie opened the back door and Rachel got in and then she motioned for the older woman
to move over. “I’m going to sit back here with you,” she said. “No sense worrying by yourself.”

As soon as she closed the door, Cooper set off. He was focused on the road and the silence in the car was thick. Jorie guessed no one wanted to talk about what had just happened or to speculate on what they might be facing.

But then Rachel spoke.

“Nolan had an affair.” Her hands were folded in her lap and her eyes were closed. “You boys were little. She was a regional coordinator in his campaign office and they were traveling together. I was busy at home and I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Mom?” Cooper’s eyes were anxious in the rearview mirror.

“Shush. I need to say this. The woman called me. That was how I found out. He was furious with her, of course, and denied that it meant anything. I couldn’t even look at him, I felt that betrayed. We left. You probably don’t remember that, Cooper, do you? You and Bailey and I spent two weeks with my parents.”

“I remember being at their house, but I didn’t know why,” Cooper said quietly.

“Well, in the end, I went back. I made the decision to go back to him and he swore he wouldn’t do it again.” Rachel glanced at Jorie. “It took a long time to trust him again. A lot of hard work, too. Cooper
was almost in kindergarten so I started working with Nolan. I thought if I could connect our family to his job, it would help keep him close.”

Cooper turned into the driveway of the hospital.

“That’s why he couldn’t run for Senate again after he lost the vice presidency. Someone uncovered evidence and they sent it to us. If your dad ran, they were going to put the story out.”

“Mom, you never told us any of this. Not even when Bailey ran the first time.”

“I know. I was…ashamed, I think. I didn’t think it mattered. Your dad changed, you know. After we started working together, he didn’t look around anymore.”

“So when Bailey cheated…” Jorie said.

“I was furious with him. It brought back all of those feelings. Made me think about it when I’ve been so successful at not thinking about it. I let my anger get the best of me.”

Cooper pulled over at the visitor’s entrance and put on the flashers. “Mom, I don’t know what to say.”

“We don’t have time to say anything now, but we can talk later. Once the baby is safe.”

She and Jorie got out while Cooper went to park the Jeep. As they walked up the ramp to the hospital, Rachel touched her shoulder. “I’ve never stood up to
Nolan. Not on something like this. I think I’ve been afraid that if I rocked the boat, he’d leave me.”

Jorie nodded. She knew how that felt. She’d watched her own mother struggle with similar issues more than once. Of course, when push came to shove, Chelsea had almost always chosen to stick to her guns, which meant she ended up alone. That was an interesting thought, and one she wanted to examine more closely, but Rachel was still talking.

“When you stood up for Cooper, backed him up in front of Nolan, I knew I couldn’t stay behind. I’ve been in the habit of thinking of myself as part of Nolan’s team. Maybe I need to start thinking of myself as an individual sometimes.”

Jorie didn’t know what to say. “I never would have guessed, Rachel. You are a…formidable woman. At least from the outside. Maybe you need to feel that more for yourself?”

“Maybe I do,” she said.

A camera crew was outside the lobby doors and Rachel straightened her spine when she saw them. “Hold on tight, Jorie. We’re going through this crowd together. This is something I know how to do.”

The reporters called Rachel’s name and threw what seemed like hundreds of questions at her in the time it took to go a few hundred feet from the doors to the elevators. Rachel kept one strong hand
clamped on Jorie’s wrist and steered her through the crowd, using the shoulders she’d earned from hours of tennis when she had to.

Soon enough, they were out of the crush and on the elevator. Rachel dropped Jorie’s wrist and quietly used her fingers to wipe a few tears from her eyes.

“I will never forgive myself if something’s wrong,” she said. It wasn’t a threat or an emotional outburst, more a statement of fact, and Jorie believed her.

“You’re here now, Rachel. That matters.”

“Yes, it does,” she answered quietly.

T
HE BABY WAS A GIRL.

Cooper had been there about ten minutes when the doctor told Bailey that Deb was out of surgery and his little girl was holding her own. She was going to be in the neonatal intensive care unit until her lungs developed a bit more, but they had every reason to believe she’d be fine. His brother sank down into a chair. “Oh, thank God,” he said quietly.

His mom sat in the chair next to Bailey, her arm across his shoulders. Bailey had been too scared earlier to remember he was angry with her, and now it looked as if their rift was on its way to being healed.

He searched for Jorie. She was standing in the
doorway on the other side of the room, watching his mom and brother. He crossed to her.

“We owe you,” he whispered. “Thanks for getting us here.”

“You knew you were supposed to be here,” she said. “Your mom did, too.”

“But you were the one who stood up to my dad.” Cooper put his hands on her shoulders. “He’s probably going to be pissed about that.”

Jorie was still watching his mom and Bailey. “I don’t know, Cooper. Your mom is pretty mad, too. If I were your dad, I’d be worrying about her a lot more than me.”

“You’ll tell me if he says anything, though, right?”

“Of course.”

The nurse said Bailey could see his daughter and the whole group of them—Cooper, Rachel, Jorie, Deb’s parents and younger sister—all trooped down to the viewing area outside the neonatal intensive care unit. The nurses showed Bailey the procedures for getting gowned properly and then took him inside. When he held his baby girl, even with all the needles and tubes trailing from her, she looked beautiful. Cooper put one arm around his sobbing mother and one arm around his dry-eyed fiancée and watched his brother and his niece. It had been a long time since there’d been a new Murphy. This
one was having a tough start, but he was going to do everything he could to make sure she had an excellent life.

After about an hour, Deb was wheeled into the viewing area by a nurse. She looked exhausted and she had a large goose egg on her forehead, but as soon as she caught sight of Bailey and the baby, she started to cry.

Rachel had met Deb’s parents and sister, and while they were slightly cool to her, no one had been rude. Now Cooper leaned down to ask if his mother wanted to meet Deb.

“Will you see if she minds, Coop? I don’t want to upset the poor thing.”

He approached Deb’s wheelchair and waited until she was finished talking to her mom. “Congratulations,” he said. “She’s beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Deb said. “And thanks for coming.”

“My mom is here, too. Would you mind if she says hi?”

Deb looked uncertain. She glanced toward Bailey, but he was occupied with the baby. “Okay,” she said finally.

He reached for his mom’s hand and drew her forward. “Deb, meet my mom, Rachel.”

Both women had tears in their eyes when they embraced.

“I’m so terribly sorry that I’ve waited this long
to get to know you,” Rachel said. “I hope you’ll forgive me, even though my behavior has been inexcusable.”