Conversation and laughter floated through the country club dining room as Jimmy watched Kelsey at the head table. A pretty girl with dark hair falling in waves around her shoulders, she hadn’t smiled much tonight. She didn’t seem like the same young woman who had laughed at his crazy jokes and made him feel important and full of life that night last fall after Amanda’s concert.
At the time he’d thought she might be a little young for him. She was nearly eight years younger, but he shoved that worry aside. Despite the age difference, they’d still had a good time and could do that again tonight. He looked forward to dancing with her.
When they’d spoken in the reception line, he’d sensed a troubled look in her blue eyes, despite her congenial greeting. He didn’t know her well enough to know the meaning behind that look. He’d like to get to know her better, but she was here for a week, then gone.
While he sat there thinking about Kelsey, the DJ announced the toasts from the best man and the maid of honor. Alec went first with his toast, as he had the guests laughing at his stories about Mitch. Alec ended with a touching tribute to Mitch and Amanda, causing a few guests to reach for a tissue to dry their eyes.
When Kelsey’s turn came, Jimmy studied her expression. He couldn’t figure out whether she was happy or sad. Among other things, she told the story about how she and Amanda got lost in the woods and had a search party looking for them because they were trying to bring about a match between their dad and their stepmom, Maria.
Looking at Amanda and Mitch, Kelsey held her glass high. “Now Amanda has found her own wonderful match in Mitch. Congratulations, you two.”
A chorus of cheers followed Kelsey’s toast, then the DJ announced Mitch and Amanda as they stepped onto the dance floor for their first dance. The father-daughter and mother-son dances followed. Then the DJ opened up the dance floor to the other guests. Just when Jimmy thought he had a chance to ask Kelsey to dance, Mitch appeared at his side.
“Hey, Jimmy.” Mitch surreptitiously handed Jimmy the keys to Amanda’s car. “This would be a good time to get the car and park it near the front door.”
“Will do.” Jimmy pocketed the keys.
“Alec will meet you in the parking lot and drive you over so you’ll have a vehicle here when this is all over.”
“Good thinking.” Jimmy nodded. “Are you sure out front is fine?”
“Yeah. Amanda won’t be going out there until we’re ready to leave.” Mitch glanced toward Amanda, then returned his gaze to Jimmy. “I really appreciate your help.”
“Anytime.” As Jimmy left the country club, he wondered if this started a new chapter of goodwill with Mitch. Jimmy hoped he could prove himself to Mitch and Graham. Respect, that was all Jimmy hoped for.
But where would he find a wife? And how soon did he have to find one?
“I hear that you might be joining the business.” Alec maneuvered his car onto the main road leading into town.
“I’m giving it some serious thought.”
“It’s a good opportunity for you.” Alec pulled into the space in front of the garage.
Jimmy nodded. “You might be right, but I have a few things to work out before I decide.”
“I hope you’ll join us.” Alec motioned toward the garage. “The car is parked out back. I’ll see you in a few minutes at the country club.”
“Sure thing.” With a salute, Jimmy hopped out of Alec’s car.
As Jimmy walked around the back of the building, he had a rising sense of hope that things would work out with this job. With Alec in his corner, Jimmy figured he could maneuver around Graham’s demands. Did Alec know about the job requirements?
Alec’s knowledge or ignorance shouldn’t weigh on Jimmy’s decision. He was the one who had to decide whether he wanted to tie himself to another man’s whims. He wished the answer was clear.
Letting out a loud sigh, Jimmy parked the sports car at the curb near the walk leading to the front door of the country club. As he got out of the car, he gave the roof a little tap. Amanda would enjoy her surprise. Now he had to collect a dance from Amanda’s sister.
With a spring in his step, Jimmy entered the dining room and searched for Kelsey. She was on the dance floor with his little brother, Jeremy, moving to a song with a fast beat. A flash of jealousy zipped through Jimmy’s mind. Jeremy was closer to Kelsey’s age. Maybe she preferred that. Jimmy wanted to cut in, but he thought better of that strategy. He would wait until this dance ended.
But before Jimmy could make his move onto the dance floor, Jeremy pulled Kelsey close as the sounds of a slow song floated through the air. While Jimmy stewed, Mitch strode across the room.
His eyebrows raised, Mitch stopped in front of Jimmy. “Get the job done?”
“Yeah.” Jimmy handed Mitch the keys.
“Great.” Mitch motioned toward the dance floor. “Amanda’s gearing up to throw her bouquet. Then I get to do the garter. You need to get in line for that.”
Jimmy laughed. “Yeah. Like that’s going to help me find a wife.”
“You never know.” Mitch smirked as he hurried off to join Amanda.
A few minutes later, Jimmy leaned against the wall at the back of the room while the single women took to the dance floor, most of them related to him in some way. He watched the proceedings with a smile. Someone had even convinced his great-aunt Charlotte to join the fun.
But Amanda must have put out the word that Kelsey was supposed to catch the bouquet, because the group shoved Kelsey to the front. Her expression said she didn’t want to be there. Amanda let the bouquet fly, and Charlotte caught it. Everyone laughed and applauded as she took a bow.
Then Charlotte turned and handed the bouquet to Kelsey. “I think this was intended for you.”
Kelsey hugged Charlotte but insisted the older woman keep it. Kelsey hurried off the dance floor and stationed herself near the expansive sliding doors that led to the patio just off the first tee box on the golf course. She crossed her arms and looked as though she wished she could shrink into the wall.
While Jimmy speculated about Kelsey’s demeanor, several guys dragged him onto the dance floor to join the other single men who lined up to catch the garter. Mitch flashed him a knowing look as he slipped the garter off Amanda’s leg. He twirled it around his finger as he surveyed the group of guys. When Mitch’s gaze landed on Jimmy, he decided he might as well make an effort to catch the thing.
Like a slingshot, Mitch sent the garter flying. Jimmy reached out and snagged it, grinning the whole time. Laughter and applause filled the air as the other guys clapped him on the back. They joked about finding him a wife. Little did they know that particular subject had consumed his thoughts in the last couple of days. Come Monday Jimmy would have to decide about the job. Saying yes meant getting married sometime in the not-so-distant future. Maybe he should just say no and be done with the whole crazy idea. Uncle Graham’s stipulation went too far, but Jimmy wanted the job. Did he want it bad enough to put himself out there and risk his heart again?
The time had come to finally get that dance with Kelsey. Jimmy walked toward the side of the room where she stood, her arms crossed as she stared into space. He slipped a hand through the garter and pulled it up his arm as if it were a badge of courage. As he drew closer to her, she looked at him, misery evident in her gaze. If he asked her to dance, could he change that expression? He hoped so.
“Hi.” For some unexplained reason, his pulse raced when she smiled.
“Hi.” She uncrossed her arms as her smile turned into a grin. “Looks like you’re going to be the next groom.”
“If that superstition can be believed.” He held out his hand. “Would you like to discuss it while we dance?”
She stepped closer. “I might be persuaded.”
“Good.” Jimmy put an arm around her waist as the DJ played a slow song. Perfect. The words flitted through his mind as he held her close.
They barely moved from the spot where they stood as they swayed together to the slow beat of the music. Without warning, Kelsey wrenched herself from his arms and raced out the nearby door.
“Kelsey, what’s wrong?” Jimmy chased after her.
“Please go away.” Leaning over, she vomited.
“Are you sick?” Stupid question. Of course she was sick.
“Just go.” She waved a hand as she turned away from him, a little sob sounding into the night air.
Jimmy hesitated, not knowing what to do. He had to help her. He went back inside and headed to the men’s restroom. He grabbed a bunch of paper towels and held several under the faucet, then squeezed the water from them until they were just damp. He took more dry towels and filled a plastic cup with water.
He made his way outside through the door near the kitchen. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself or to Kelsey, who was obviously embarrassed to be caught barfing in the bushes. Probably the pained look he’d seen on her face most of the day was a result of her not feeling well. He hoped she wouldn’t refuse his help.
Trusting she was still where he’d left her, he hurried toward the spot. He slowed his pace when he spied her silhouetted against the light from the full moon. Her head lowered, she stood there with her arms wrapped around her torso as she rubbed her hands up and down her arms. Despite the warmer-than-normal temperatures of the mid-March day, the nighttime had brought a chill to the air.
Jimmy hoped calling out to her wouldn’t scare her. “Kelsey, it’s Jimmy. I brought something for you.”
She turned. He couldn’t read her expression in the dark, but the way she straightened her spine indicated she wasn’t happy he was here. “I told you to go away.”
“I know, but I thought you might feel better if you had something to wipe your face and a little something to drink.” He took a step closer and held them out to her.
Like a wary wild animal tempted by a scrap of food, she reached for the paper towels, her eyes downcast. She wiped her face and hands. He took another step toward her as he offered her the cup of water.
She took a sip, then finally looked at him. “Thank you.”
Jimmy stared at her in the dim light. “Are you okay?”
“No.” Kelsey buried her face in her hands as another sniffle escaped. Her shoulders shook as she tried to stifle the sobs with her hands.
“Please let me help you.”
“You can’t help. There’s nothing you can do except go away.” Kelsey glared at him.
“There must be something I can do.” Why was she refusing his help?
“You can’t make this better. I’m pregnant.” Misery capturing her pretty features, Kelsey looked at him. She slapped a hand to her mouth. Her eyes grew wide as she shook her head. “I can’t believe I told you. No one else knows.”
“Probably because I’m a good listener, and I’ve got a broad shoulder for you to cry on.”
She burst into tears, and Jimmy gathered her into his arms and held her as she wept. Even though she was upset, she didn’t resist his comfort. He was thankful for that even though he had no clue what to say, despite the dozen questions flooding his brain.
He patted her shoulders. She felt small and fragile in his arms. A protective feeling toward her inundated him. Crazy.
When she stopped crying, he took a step back and held her at arm’s length. “What do you plan to do about your pregnancy?”
She refused to look at him as she put one hand to her forehead. Her breath hitching, she shook her head but didn’t say a thing.
Jimmy waited for some kind of response, but none came. Maybe she wished he’d go away. “Guess you’d like me to leave.”
Kelsey finally looked up at him, tears on her cheeks. “Don’t go, but don’t judge me.”
Jimmy smiled wryly. “I’m not in any position to judge anyone. Didn’t Jesus say the person who is without sin should throw the first stone? My life is far from perfect, so I won’t be throwing any stones.”
A little smile fought with the tears as she shivered. “Thank you.”
“You’re cold. You want to go inside?”
Kelsey shook her head. “No. I can’t go in until I pull myself together.”
Jimmy shrugged out of his jacket. “Then put this on.”
Without any resistance, Kelsey let him put the jacket around her shoulders. He led her to a bench in a sheltered area near the building. He sat down, bringing her with him. They sat there for a moment as the muted music filtered out to where they were.
“What about the father? Does he know?” Jimmy immediately wished he could take the question back.
Kelsey’s big blue eyes filled with tears again. Her shoulders shook as the waterworks spilled down her cheeks, but not a sound came out of her, as she held a hand in front of her mouth. Her silent cry shattered his peace.
“I was so stupid. He’s a horrible man.” She closed her eyes.
Jimmy stared at her. He touched her arm. “Why do you say that?”
Kelsey opened her eyes and stared back at him. “He lied to me about everything.”
“You want to tell me about it?”
“What good would it do?”
“It might help you figure out how you’re going to handle this.”
She looked doubtful, but she said, “Okay. I really should explain so you don’t think I’m this…this…”
“I’m not going to think anything. Remember—you asked me not to judge.”
Despair imprisoned her expression. “I know, but I’m judging myself and not finding much to like right now. I didn’t intend to tell you or anyone, so I want you to understand what happened.”
“How did you meet this guy?”
Pain radiated from Kelsey’s eyes. “I worked part time for my dad last summer at the long-term care facility where he’s the administrator. Brandon delivered medical supplies there. He asked me out, and we dated through the summer. We’d go out on Friday’s after he finished his deliveries. I should’ve gotten a clue when that was the only time we went out.”
Jimmy knit his eyebrows. “Why do you say that?”
“He lived in Spokane, but he never took me there for a date.” Kelsey pressed her lips together as if she was going to cry again, but she took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “There’s a lot more to do in Spokane than in Pinecrest. I kept telling myself that it was just inconvenient for him to have to drive me to Pinecrest, then drive back to Spokane.”
“That’s a reasonable thought.”
“Yeah.” Kelsey twisted her hands in her lap and lowered her gaze. “Then I went back to college in the fall, and the drive was even further between Spokane and Pullman, where I go to school at Washington State University. I kept trying to convince him to come to Pullman for a football game, but he said he couldn’t get away.”
“Was he lying about that?”
Looking up, Kelsey blinked back more tears. “I should’ve recognized his lies when he refused to go to a game that was actually held in Spokane, but I believed him when he said he had to work.”
“Why did you continue to believe him?”
“Because I thought I loved him.” Misery carved a frown across her face. “But he broke up with me. He said the long-distance romance just wasn’t working out.”
Jimmy frowned. “If you quit dating, how did the pregnancy happen?”
Kelsey hung her head. “My idiocy.”
Jimmy wasn’t sure what to say. People in love often did stupid things. Like the way he’d acted when it came to Whitney. He hadn’t gotten her pregnant, but his careless behavior had fostered a feud with Mitch that was finally coming to an end. He’d hurt Mitch, Whitney, and himself with his actions.
“You want to explain that?”
Shrugging, Kelsey looked at him as if she’d just realized she was telling her secrets to a man she barely knew. “I’ve told you this much. I might as well tell you the whole sorry tale.”
Jimmy held up his hands. “Your call. You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.”
“You’re easy to talk to. I thought that from the moment I met you last fall.”
Her timid smile and compliment turned his heart inside out.
“Brandon had just broken up with me right before I went to Nashville. You made me feel a whole lot better that night.”
“I’m here to help.” Jimmy didn’t want to admit that her praise was a big boost to his ego.
“And you have helped.” Kelsey touched his arm. “I didn’t realize how good it would feel to actually tell someone what’s happening with me.”
Jimmy swallowed hard as he tried to tamp down these crazy romantic feelings. She was pregnant with another man’s child, and here he was wishing he could kiss her. He had to get a handle on his wild thoughts. She didn’t need another guy coming on to her. “Glad to make you feel better.”
Kelsey’s sad expression belied her smile. “I thought I was over Brandon. Everything was going well at school. I went home Valentine’s weekend so I could babysit my little brother, Noah, while Dad and Maria went out on Friday night. My twenty-first birthday was the next day, and after a family dinner, I went out with some of my high school friends.”
“And I’m guessing there might have been a little alcohol involved in the celebration?”
Kelsey let out a halfhearted laugh. “Yeah. My friends took me to the local steakhouse and insisted that I have a drink.”
“And that’s all?”
“That was all until Brandon showed up unexpectedly.”
“I thought you said he lived in Spokane.” Jimmy did some mental calculations and figured she must be barely a month pregnant.
“Yeah, he does, but he said he had to make Saturday deliveries to Pinecrest because his route had changed and he’d stopped to grab a bite to eat before he headed back to Spokane.”
“Another lie?” Jimmy asked.
“That part might have been true.” Kelsey’s breath hitched again. “My friends insisted that he join us, then found excuses to leave. And Brandon said he’d drive me home. They knew how much I liked him, and they thought they were doing me a favor by leaving us alone. It didn’t turn out that way.”
“So what did he do?”
Shaking her head, Kelsey closed her eyes, as if trying to shake away a bad memory. “He told me just what I wanted to hear. That he’d made a mistake when he broke up with me. He wanted to start over.”
“So wasn’t that good, or was that another lie?”
“Yeah, he wanted to start over—start over by telling me he still loved me—a complete and utter falsehood.” Kelsey’s voice broke. “If I keep crying, I’ll never be able to go back inside. I hope Amanda doesn’t miss me and come searching.”
“You don’t have to continue if it’s going to upset you.”
Kelsey sat up straighter. “I want to tell you so you won’t think I’m an awful person.”
“Okay.” Jimmy wanted to tell her he didn’t think she was awful, but right now he just needed to listen.
“First, he ordered me another drink.”
“Are you saying he tried to get you drunk?”
“I’m not sure.” Kelsey shrugged. “Just as I finished the drink, I got a call from my dad. Noah had suddenly spiked a really high fever, and Dad and Maria were taking Noah to the hospital. I was upset and told Brandon I wanted to go to the hospital.”
“So he drove you there?”
“Yeah, and waited with me until the doctors decided to admit the baby. Maria and my dad intended to spend the night and told me to go on home. So Brandon drove me home and insisted he walk me to the door. I slipped on an icy spot in the driveway, and he reached out to save me from falling, but we both went down. I scraped my knee and got a big hole in my pants. He helped me inside.”
Jimmy got the picture. This Brandon character had seen his opportunity to get Kelsey alone and took full advantage of it. Jimmy remained quiet and just let Kelsey talk. She needed a sounding board.
Kelsey twisted her hands in her lap. “I changed out of my torn pants. Doctored my knee and hand. When I came back into the kitchen, where Brandon had waited, he had made us some hot chocolate. He led me to the couch in the living room, where we sat and talked. He said all the things I longed to hear, then started kissing me. It was like I had no power to resist him.”
Kelsey closed her eyes as she pressed her lips together.
Jimmy wondered whether the man had put something in Kelsey’s hot chocolate. Jimmy reached over and held her hand. “You don’t have to go on. I understand.”
“But that’s not all.”
“Did he force himself on you?”
She took in a shaky breath. “I don’t remember saying no, but I’m afraid I was a bit tipsy. I’d never drunk alcohol before. I was always the good girl who followed the rules. So a couple of drinks certainly made me less in control. The drinks, the warm room, and his persuasive words definitely lowered my resistance to his advances.”
“When do you plan to tell him about this baby?”
“I’m not.”
Her expression told Jimmy he shouldn’t argue, but he didn’t want her to make another mistake. “Are you thinking of terminating your pregnancy?”
She covered her mouth with one hand and stared at him, her eyes wide. “Why do you care?”
“I used to not have an opinion one way or another about abortion. But after seeing my sisters’ ultrasounds, I know it would be wrong to make that choice. I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret and make you feel worse than you do now.”
Kelsey stared at him in the dim light. “You don’t have to worry. I considered that option only for a day or two after I found out Brandon is married.”
Jimmy had to count to ten to keep from shouting. It was a good thing this Brandon guy was nowhere near, or he might have a black eye. “Married? He certainly is a liar.”
Kelsey hung her head. “That’s why I was so devastated about being pregnant and considered ending the pregnancy, but in the end I realized it would just compound my problems.”
“How did you find out he was married?”
“I had no clue. He had sent me flowers and texts at school, telling me how much he cared about me. I was feeling really happy about our relationship. The first Saturday in March, I had to go into Spokane to pick up my dress for the wedding. When I stopped to get lunch at this pizza place, I saw Brandon sitting there with this woman and a baby. I thought it was his sister because he’d mentioned having a sister. I walked over to say hi.”
“What did he do when he saw you?”
Kelsey frowned. “The look on his face was one of pure terror. I knew immediately this woman wasn’t his sister. Then I saw the wedding ring that he never wore when we were together.”
“What did you say to him?” Jimmy could just imagine the devastation Kelsey had felt.
“I tried to be as calm as I could be and said hi. His wife introduced herself and their little girl. I could tell he was just waiting for me to get angry and reveal his secret life to his wife. But I saw this happy woman with her sweet baby, and I couldn’t ruin her life with this information. I hope he straightens out and takes care of his family. That’s why I don’t want to tell him about this baby. I don’t want to tell anyone.”
“But you told me.”
Sadness filled her eyes as she shrugged. “I wasn’t intending to, but it just came out. Guess I had to tell someone…someone who isn’t family. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I just can’t tell my dad. He’ll go ballistic. I’ve always been the one who followed the rules. Did all the right stuff, while Amanda was the troublemaker.”
“So you’re feeling like you’ve let everyone down?” Jimmy wanted to gather her into his arms again and tell her everything would work out okay, but he couldn’t make that promise. He had no idea why he was feeling this way toward her. Maybe because he was the only one who shared her secret.
Kelsey nodded. “Let’s just not talk about this anymore. I want to go back inside and dance the night away and pretend just for now that my life is normal. Not the mess it is.”
Standing, Jimmy took Kelsey’s hand. “Then let’s go dance. I’ll be glad to be your partner.”
Kelsey popped up. “I’m feeling much better, thanks to you. I’m all yours.”
Although Kelsey’s statement was only an expression, it made Jimmy’s heart twist. He had this crazy feeling that he wanted it to be true. She wasn’t his in any sense. They barely knew each other. But he’d let her confession and her compassion for Brandon’s wife and little girl go to his head and his heart.
As they stepped into the room, Amanda rushed over and gave Jimmy a speculative glance before taking Kelsey’s arm. “There you are. I couldn’t find you anywhere. We’re about ready to cut the cake.”
Kelsey smiled over at Jimmy. “We were just getting some fresh air. It’s a beautiful night, but I’m ready to watch you cut that cake. You don’t need my help, do you?”
Amanda propelled Kelsey forward. “No, but I want you to be here.”
“I’ll be standing right here next to Jimmy.” Kelsey looped her arm through his as she smiled up at him.
“Okay. That’s great.” Amanda hurried off to join Mitch.
His pulse zinging, Jimmy looked over at Kelsey. “You didn’t have to stay here with me.”
She turned her head toward him. “You said you’d be my partner, and I’m holding you to that.”
“It’ll be my pleasure.” Jimmy bowed.
Arm in arm, Jimmy and Kelsey watched as Mitch and Amanda cut the cake and had a little fun feeding each other. The DJ then invited everyone to have cake and do some more dancing.
Jimmy motioned toward the cake table. “What’s your pleasure? Cake or dancing or both?”
“Dancing. You know what might happen if I eat something.”
“You do have to eat.” Jimmy took her in his arms as a slow song played over the loudspeakers.
“I know, but I’m afraid to right now.”
“Have you seen a doctor?”
Kelsey shook her head. “I thought we weren’t going to talk about that subject.”
“Okay.” Jimmy pulled her close as they swayed to the music.
He liked the way she felt in his arms. Could he help her somehow? At that moment, he saw Graham Cunningham smiling in their direction. Realization popped into Jimmy’s mind. He had the perfect solution for Kelsey. He banished the crazy notion. Then snatched it back just as quickly.
What would her reaction be if he asked her to marry him? He needed a wife, and she needed a father for her baby. When he’d met her last fall, he’d wished she lived closer so they could get to know each other better. She’d punched all the right buttons for him. Fun. A good sense of humor. Smart. Could hold a conversation without dominating it. And she was good looking as well.
As far as wife prospects went, she scored at the top.
He’d been brought up to believe marriage was for life. Would a marriage like this work, or was he completely out of his mind for thinking such a thing? Would he be using her just like Brandon? No. They would be helping each other. At least that was how Jimmy wanted to frame it.
There was one way to find out. Ask her. But she didn’t want to talk about it anymore tonight. He would talk to her tomorrow. Besides, sleeping on the idea was probably best. Tonight he would help her forget her troubles. He would deal with reality tomorrow.