A Wedding in December Page 34

  She didn’t share the fact that her exhaustion had a different cause. This new spirit of openness was all well and good, but there were limits. “Thanks again for listening. And for saying all the right things.”

  “Parenting.” He kissed the top of her head and stood up. “There’s nothing to it. Now go and lie down, close your eyes and dream about a future that excites you. And if your mother happens to ask how it went, don’t forget to tell her I aced it.”

  Laughing, she gave him a push and watched him leave.

  Why had she dreaded that conversation? She should have had it sooner.

  She still didn’t know what she was going to do, but she’d given herself permission to at least think about it.

  And she was glad her parents were still together. Pleased they were happy.

  An image of Jordan flashed into her mind. She’d never felt as comfortable with anyone before. Never talked and shared so openly. The closeness had added a layer of intimacy she hadn’t known before.

  Was that how her parents felt when they were together? And Rosie and Dan?

  She felt an ache deep inside her. For a moment, she imagined a different kind of life. A life that was balanced and varied. Instead of coming home half-dead from exhaustion with nothing left to give, coming home to someone who cared about her.

  And what? She saw herself doing that with Jordan?

  This whole thing with Jordan hadn’t been real.

  It had been one night, not a whole life.

  Her phone pinged and she saw a message from her sister.

  Guess what? I’M GETTING MARRIED

  Katie closed her eyes. Relief made her weak. Thank goodness. She didn’t know the details, and she didn’t care. All that mattered was that it was going to be okay. She hadn’t ruined her sister’s life. She felt a rush of emotion so powerful it almost knocked her flat.

  She blinked back tears as she texted back.

  So happy for you both.

  The wedding was going ahead. Which meant she needed to pull herself together.

  She needed to smile, and focus on being happy for her sister. She could figure the rest of it out later.

  It was Christmas. This was her favorite time of year.

  So why did she feel so low?

  She was going to close her eyes for five minutes and see if that helped.

  She was halfway to the bedroom when there was a tap on the door.

  “Oh for—” She turned and saw Jordan standing there.

  Her heart lurched. She wasn’t sure she could handle him right now.

  She wanted to tell him to go away, but if she did that he’d think she was brokenhearted or something equally embarrassing, and she’d suffered all the embarrassment she could handle for one day.

  She waved him in. “Hi, Jordan. Is something wrong?”

  “Dan and Rosie seem to have fixed whatever was bothering them.”

  “She messaged me.”

  “I’m guessing you had something to do with the fact it’s back on.”

  “If you’re asking if I spoke to Dan, yes, I did, although it was more of an apology really, since it was my interfering that almost broke them up in the first place. But in the end they fixed it themselves. Was there anything else or did you just come to talk about Rosie and Dan?”

  “I didn’t come to talk about Rosie and Dan.” He closed the door behind him. “There are some things I need to say.”

  She was too tired for this.

  “Let me save you the effort. I interfere, I know I do. Am I sorry? A little, maybe, for the way this played out but I am never going to stop looking out for my sister, so it would be disingenuous of me to pretend I’m going to change much. I know I’m not your favorite person, but we have a wedding to get through so I vote we suspend hostilities until the celebrations are over. After that I’ll fly home, and you never have to see me again.”

  Jordan stood there. “Are you done?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, because now it’s my turn. About last night—”

  “I’m stopping you right there.” She raised her hand in a stop sign. “You played me at my own game.”

  “I wouldn’t say so.”

  “You wouldn’t?”

  “No.” He strolled into the cabin. “For a start, my name really is Jordan. And when you ask me for my number, I’m going to give it to you. My real number. Every digit correct.”

  She gave a half smile. It was the best she could manage. “Why would I ask for your number?”

  “Because it’s going to be hard for you to contact me without it.”

  “Why would I need to contact you? Oh, I get it—” She nodded. “You’re worried I might be pregnant. Relax. That’s not going to happen.”

  “That’s not the reason.”

  Then what was the reason? “It’s fine, Jordan. We spent a night together and probably won’t see each other again once Christmas is over, it’s no big deal. In fact, it’s how my relationships always turn out. You don’t have to worry. You’re not dealing with some dreamy princess who thinks life is a series of happy-ever-afters.”

  “That’s good to know, because dreamy princesses aren’t really my type.”

  “No?” She picked up a few of Rosie’s clothes that had been strewn around the living room. If she kept busy and didn’t look at him, she could get through this, she knew she could.

  “This is the part where you ask me what my type is.”

  Did he have no tact at all?

  “Sorry, I haven’t memorized the script.” She kept it light. She also kept her back to him. “What is your type?”

  “That’s the strange thing. If you’d asked me a few weeks ago I would have said I didn’t have a type, but it turns out I’m partial to a certain moody doctor with a brain as sharp as the business end of a scalpel and an impressive knowledge of anatomy.”

  She didn’t move.

  “Katie?” His voice was rough. “Look at me.”

  She turned. “I’ve told you—”

  “You’re not interested in relationships, I know, but hear me out.” He kept his gaze fixed on hers. “I didn’t keep you in that cabin because I wanted to give Dan and Rosie time together, although I did think they needed time together. I kept you in the cabin because it wasn’t safe to leave.”

  “Rosie said—”

  “I’m telling you Rosie was wrong. Think about it, Katie. When have you and I held back on telling each other what we think? Not once. You’ve been speaking your mind since I gave you a ride from the airport, and I’ve been speaking mine. So why would I concoct some elaborate plan to keep you away from your sister? If that was the reason for keeping you in the cabin, I would have said so. I would have told you right out that I wasn’t going to let you go home and interfere. I would have locked the door and put the key in my pocket. We would have fought. With luck, you would have wrestled me for it.” There was a gleam in his eyes that she hadn’t seen before.

  “We really were snowed in?”

  He shrugged. “Could I have got us out? Maybe, but not without risk to life. I’m not sixteen anymore. Taking risks like that doesn’t have a whole lot of appeal.”

  “I thought you were adventurous.”

  “There’s adventure, and then there’s stupidity. Even if I’d been willing to risk my life, and that of the rescue teams who would undoubtedly haul themselves out to search for us, I wouldn’t have risked yours.” He paused. “In the spirit of honesty, I ought to also admit that I wanted you there. If the snow hadn’t cooperated, I would have found another way.”

  She felt warm for the first time all day. “You—would?”

  “Yes. Was that your dad I saw leaving?”

  “Yes.” What exactly was he saying? She wasn’t sure. Wasn’t experienced enough at this to interpret his words.

&nbs
p; He strolled across to her. “You talked to him? Are your parents okay?”

  “They are. Seems they’re not getting divorced, and this whole pretend thing is part of the reason. Which means the sex was, in fact, real. And that’s something I’m trying not to think about.” She rubbed her fingers over her forehead and stiffened as he took her hand.

  “Headache? That’s lack of sleep. And stress of course. Have you taken something?”

  “No.”

  “You’re a doctor. Aren’t you supposed to know how to treat yourself?”

  “I’m right at the back of the queue.”

  “I can see that self-care isn’t high on your agenda. You might want to think about that, Dr. White.”

  “I intend to. I intend to think about a lot of things, including my career.” She stared at his chest. “Thanks for listening, by the way. It helped to talk about it.”

  “I’m pleased you felt able to talk to your dad.” He slid his fingers under her chin and lifted her face to his. “So have you decided what else you’d like to do?”

  “No. I might resign, and take some time to think about it. Sleep in late. Go to yoga. Buy a horse.”

  “A horse?”

  “Never mind.” She smiled. “I have no idea what comes next, and in a way that’s scary but it’s also surprisingly freeing. Turns out I like the idea of a clean slate.”

  “You’ll go back to London?”

  “Where else would I go? I could stay with my parents in Oxford, but as they’re rekindling their relationship I think that could be uncomfortable for everyone involved.”

  He has the bluest eyes, she thought. The bluest eyes.

  “I’ve never been to London, but it doesn’t sound like a peaceful place. Not an easy place to think. Also, you’re a Rottweiler, and Rottweilers need exercise and stimulation or they get into trouble.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Mm. You might be better somewhere with more outdoor space. Like a cabin in the mountains, for example. Somewhere cozy. Wooden walls, great views, log fire. When the snow melts it’s surrounded by spring flowers. You can walk all day and not meet another person. And the air is fresh and clean, no pollution.”

  Her heart beat a little harder. “It sounds great. Do you know of a place like that?”

  “As it happens, I do.” He cupped her face in his hands. “Stay, Katie. If you have thinking to do, then do it here. I can guarantee you won’t find a better place.”

  Her mouth felt dry. She wasn’t sure what he was offering and she didn’t want to clarify because she was so afraid she’d got it terribly wrong. “Are you offering me use of your cabin? Where will you go?”

  His eyes creased with laughter. “Funny.”

  “Your place didn’t seem big enough for houseguests. You only have one bedroom.”

  “How many bedrooms do we need?”

  Her heart was hammering. “We?”

  “I’m asking you to stay. With me. And I realize you’re at a crossroads of your life, which might mean you’re vulnerable and shouldn’t be making rash choices, or it could mean it’s time to make rash choices.”

  She felt his heart beating under her palm. “Are you a rash choice, Jordan?”

  “Maybe.” He lowered his head until his mouth was almost touching hers. “All I know is that I don’t want to drive you to the airport.”

  “Because you’ll miss me when I go?”

  “A little. Mostly because you’re a particularly annoying passenger and another five hours in a car with you just might kill me.”

  She laughed, and she would have carried on laughing except that he kissed her, crushing her mouth under his and reminding her of all the reasons that night in the cabin had been special.

  When he finally lifted his head she wrapped her arms around him. “I thought you hated me.”

  “You really have no experience with men, do you, Karen?”

  She grinned. “You’re going to have to guess my phone number. Ten digits.”

  “I don’t need your phone number. I have you in person.”

  She leaned her head against his chest. She’d never said I love you to a man, but if she did ever say those words she imagined it would be to someone like him. “I’ve had so many options running through my head, but staying here wasn’t one of them.”

  “And?”

  “Can I think about it? Not because I don’t want to do it, but because I have to think about everything. It’s who I am.”

  “I know.”

  “A cabin in the forest sounds wonderful. Especially as it comes with room service.”

  He kissed her again. “That room service is the best you’ll get anywhere.”

  “I believe you.” She hugged him. “Can we talk about this later? There are things I need to do now.”

  “Like break up a wedding?”

  She smiled. “I was thinking more of making this wedding the best it can possibly be.”

  Rosie

  Rosie stood in the pretty anteroom with her family. She felt as if a flock of butterflies were playing volleyball in her stomach.

  They could hear the sounds of the string quartet wafting through from the main room, along with the low hum of conversation.

  Everyone was waiting for her.

  “Do I look okay?” She touched her hair, which had been cleverly styled to allow a few curling strands to fall over the shoulders of her dress. “My hands are shaking. If I confess I’m nervous, will you all assume I’m changing my mind?”

  “Us?” Katie pressed her palm to her chest. “Whatever would make you think that? We’re all rational people here.”

  It felt so good to be able to laugh at it. She’d been afraid of a rift, but she knew that she and her sister would always heal any rift. Their relationship was too important not to. “I can’t believe this is happening, after everything.”

  “Me neither. I mean, I scared the crap out of the man and he’s still marrying you? It has to be love. But remember, it’s not too late to change your mind.” Katie ducked as Rosie took a swipe at her with her bouquet.

  And then they were both laughing and Rosie pulled Katie into a hug. “I’m going to miss you when you go back to London.”

  “Er, about that—”

  “What?” Rosie stepped back. “You’re thinking of staying here to comfort me if my marriage falls apart by Friday?”

  “I’m thinking of staying, yes, but not because of you. I happen to like it here. A lot. It’s pretty, the air is fresh, the pace of life is slower and—”

  “And Jordan lives here.” As the answer came to her, Rosie smiled. “You finally agreed to a second date?”

  “I’m not sure date is the word I’d use, but yes, I’m planning on staying awhile. I still have a few weeks before I have to be back. I thought I’d spend it here, doing some thinking. Mostly about my career.” Katie slipped her arm through Rosie’s and reached out to their mother who stepped forward and wrapped them both in a hug.

  “That sounds like a good decision to me. And if you need to talk it through with myself or your father, or need space—whatever you need, we’re here for you.”

  Rosie closed her eyes, enjoying the moment of closeness with her mother and sister.

  She was lucky to have this. She knew she was lucky.

  Katie sniffed and pulled away. “We’re going to mess up Rosie’s makeup. Also, the groom might have a panic attack.” She smoothed her dress and turned to their father. “How do we look?”

  Nick studied them and Rosie could have sworn his eyes were shiny. “Not bad for a pair of reprobates.”

  Maggie tutted. “Ignore him.”

  Nick cleared his throat. “I’m proud of my girls. You both look beautiful. Of course you have your mother’s genes, so that’s to be expected.” He winked at Maggie. “How am I doing? Admit it, th
at was smooth.”

  Maggie rolled her eyes. “If you didn’t expect praise after every compliment, it would be smoother.”

  “You do look beautiful, Mum,” Katie said and Maggie turned to look at herself in the mirror.

  “Catherine helped me pick it out. Turns out losing your luggage can in fact have a good side. And talking of Catherine, if you three are all ready, I’d like to join her at the front. She’s probably thinking about Dan’s father, and how much he would have wanted to see this day. I want to give her moral support and make sure she knows we’re here for her. We’re all family now.” She kissed both the girls, and Nick, and then walked out of the room.

  Rosie took a steadying breath.

  She felt her father take her hand and slide it into his arm.

  “Ready?”

  She nodded, and tightened her grip on her father’s arm. Together they walked through the door to the main room with its picture windows and stunning mountain views. The chairs faced those windows, the snowy forest and snowcapped mountains providing the perfect backdrop. The floral designer had worked with Catherine to produce a perfect winter wedding. The flowers in the room mirrored those in her delicate bouquet—silver dollar eucalyptus, dusty miller, and pure white lisianthus.

  It was everything she could have wanted, and she was pleased she and Dan had decided to keep their wedding small and intimate, close friends and family only.

  As the music changed, heads turned to look at her and she felt a flutter of nerves.

  And then she saw Dan, standing at the front with Jordan.

  He smiled, and she walked toward that smile, oblivious to everyone but him.

  It didn’t feel scary. It felt like the start of an exciting adventure.

  She spoke her words, and heard him speak his. Later, she’d think about those words, but right now everything she needed to know was right there in his eyes.

  She heard Catherine sniff behind her, or maybe it was her mother, and then Dan was kissing her and she was kissing him back.

  “Well, Rosie Reynolds,” he said against her mouth, his eyes laughing into hers, “it’s too late to change your mind now.”