Chapter Thirty-Nine

Given his lack of skills in the kitchen, Charles did the smartest thing a man in his position could—he went to his sister.

“I need to make sure that whatever I serve, it’s not too fancy, not too plain. And it has to make a good impression. I need to show him I’m a good provider. But not too good—I don’t want him to think Kathy’s just a plaything to me and I’m trying to throw money around.”

Daphne was laughing so hard she couldn’t answer. The more Charles stared at her with aggravation, the harder she laughed, going until she snorted.

Throwing his hands up, Charles paced to the window. “I am seriously going to put you up for adoption one of these days.”

“You are not,” she chided, wiping her eyes. “What time are they supposed to be there?”

“Six or so. What should I do?”

She tapped her finger against her chin, studying him. “You know that good rib place on the way out to Tybee Island? I’d probably swing by there and pick up some things. Best I recall, they do a mean potato salad.”

“They do. Baked beans and collards too. I could get some rolls and a couple of pies from the diner. How much food do I need to get?”

“I’ll write you out a list. You can go ahead and get what you need now then heat it up this evening.” She went to the small desk in the corner of the living room and got a tablet and pen. “You’re nervous. You shouldn’t be. It’ll be fine.”

“I hope you’re right. I’ve had the hardest time not going down on one knee… you don’t know how badly I want to marry her, Daph. I’d feel a lot more confident about my permanent role in her life if I were meeting him knowing my ring was on her finger.”

Daphne smiled at him with sympathy. “You have to be patient. She’s worth it.”

Charles smiled as he rubbed the side of his jaw. “I know she is. It’s funny, you know? I spent most of the last ten or so years balking at the idea of being tied down. Not because I didn’t want to be married but because I was busy, and I told myself I didn’t have time to fall for someone. I guess I was afraid Mother would find me a debutante who wasn’t too objectionable and she’d wear me down. But now that I’ve met Kathy? Time doesn’t seem to be moving fast enough, at least as far as getting her to the altar goes.”

She handed him the list. “That’s what you should get. And as for the wedding fever you’ve developed, I’d say you’ll be able to take care of that sooner rather than later. Kathy adores you. It’s plain to see. Have you told her you’re in love with her yet?”

Charles felt his cheeks heat. The idea of discussing something so intimate with his sister was a bit disconcerting. “No. I’ve almost let it slip a few times, but I’ve managed not to yet. I’m not sure she’s ready.”

Daphne stood and laid her hands on his face. “You’ll get it right. I have faith.” She pinched his cheek then walked him to the door. “Let me know how it goes?”

“I will. Thanks, Daph.”

As he headed to the barbecue joint, he held on to that faith she’d expressed. Last night, after he and Kathy had made love, they’d spent a couple of hours just holding each other and talking before falling asleep. Being with her felt so natural and right, he could hardly stand letting her go home.

“Maybe if you’re very lucky, you won’t have to let her go much longer,” he told himself as he parked outside the restaurant. He’d always thought the phrase “happiest man alive” was an exaggeration, but as he imagined what it might feel like to go home to Kathy every day, to be able to love her openly and without reservation, he understood that it was instead the perfect description of what he wanted most in the world.