Groom in Training Read online

  Saturday traffic seemed heavier than usual, but he’d left plenty of time to arrive with a half hour to spare. His bad habit had to end. The late afternoon sun filtered through the window, and he turned on the air-conditioning. Evening would cool and be a prefect setting for their reception—and a classy one at that. He’d been to a few events at Oakland Hills Country Club. He’d even had the opportunity to see a major PGA tournament there. His wedding plans with Cara had been simpler and definitely less expensive.

  A light turned red ahead, and Nick put his foot on the brake and slowed. As he came to a stop, his cell phone buzzed in his suit coat pocket. He grasped it and checked the caller. Martin. Martin hadn’t called for anything since they’d had words. Nick’s chest constricted as his mother’s image filled his thoughts. He pressed the phone against his ear. “What’s wrong? Is Mom—”

  “She’s fine, Nick. I hate to do this, but I can’t get home for a few more hours. This shindig is dragging on. Is there any way you can drive by and check on Suzette? She’s been tearing things up when I’m late, and I’m sure she needs to go outside by now.”

  Nick gripped the steering wheel. “I’m on my way to a wedding. I can’t be—”

  “It’ll take a minute, Nick. I hate to ask, but—”

  Only a minute. How often had he heard that? Nick eyed his watch and stretched his mouth to relax his jaw. “If I’m late for this wedding, I’ll be…” He shook his head. “Okay, Martin, but I’ll be in and out of there in a minute.”

  “Fine. I appreciate it.”

  Nick hung up, wishing he’d said no, but his thought wasn’t with Martin but Suzette. She didn’t like being home for lengths of time alone. He hoped that might improve with some training.

  He made a right turn at the light, then turned around and headed back. Martin’s house was only a mile away. A quick run outside for Suzette, and he’d be on his way again. He twisted his wrist and checked the time. No problem. He’d still make it before the wedding march.

  Canon in D filled the church as Steph inched down the aisle, the way they showed her at the rehearsal. If she had her way, she’d run down and get it over with. Molly should be the one taking her merry old time and enjoying every moment. For Steph, the ceremony evoked memories she wanted to escape. The hope she’d felt at her wedding—the wonder, the anticipation of how her life would smooth away the sadness—had caused her pulse to throb and her spirit lift. With her past behind her, Steph knew the warning signs, and she knew Molly’s life had been guided by God’s blessing. She’d watched it unfold, and finally, she’d begun to understand.

  The guests seated in the pews craned their necks to look at Molly, waiting in the back—relatives and friends, mainly in pairs. She had dreaded tonight when she thought she’d be alone, without anyone to share the evening.

  Nick’s face loomed in her thoughts. He’d answered a prayer she hadn’t asked God, although she’d wished it so often. Perhaps God heard wishes and sensed they were prayers. She still had so much to learn and so much to understand, but her heart had opened in a new way. Now she hungered to learn more.

  Steph wished she’d known God all her life. She’d been raised in a home where God hadn’t played a part, although she had blurred memories of her mother attending church alone once in a while. Steph’s mother tried, in her own way, to be a good mother, but more than not, Steph had felt alone. Her father came home from work late. When she became a teen, her mother had taken a job, and her tiredness meant living on fast food. Then, her mother had grown silent. Yet she tried to listen to her children’s needs. On weekends, her father gathered with friends to play cards, eating pizza and drinking beer. Steph missed a sense of family, and she missed the tenderness.

  The organ music covered her thoughts and pulled her back. When she reached the front, she turned and faced Molly’s sister, Stacy, who glided down the aisle dressed in a coral gown, a darker hue than Steph’s pastel shade. They both carried mixed spring flowers and each wore the gold chain and delicate floral charm that Molly had presented them with for being her attendants.

  Facing the congregation, she let her gaze wander down the rows of guests, hoping to spot Nick. She couldn’t wait to see him in a suit. Though he’d sometimes worn sport coats when he dropped by, she could only imagine how handsome he’d be today.

  Her attempt to scan the guests ended when Stacy reached her side, and Steph knew the bride would be next. She caught Brent’s gaze, his eyes glowing as if he’d waited for this moment all his life.

  The music shifted to a triumphant march. The congregation stood, and ahead of her, Molly, on her father’s arm, moved down the aisle, her satin gown draped softly to the ground with a veil in a matching design; beneath the veil, Molly’s flawless face—that creamy youthful skin that she’d always envied—radiated her happiness. She’d found her soul mate. She’d found the man that Molly said the Lord had created just for her.

  A flutter ran through Steph’s chest. Nick’s glinting eyes and full mouth curving in a playful smile warmed her. She searched the guests again with no sign of Nick. She focused on Molly as her father and mother gave her away. Brent took her arm, and as they stepped forward, Steph scanned the crowd one more time before she turned, disappointed.

  Nick pulled into Martin’s driveway and rushed inside. The silence struck him when he called for Suzette. No response. Normally the dog greeted him at the door. He paused at the living-room archway. Toss pillows lay on the carpet, one with some stuffing visible near a seam. He squinted. Maybe a tear.

  “Suzette?” The quiet disturbed him as he sprinted to the kitchen. A trash can lay on its side, its contents strewn across the floor. “Suzette?”

  His gaze flew to the outside door. Closed.

  A whimper captured his attention, and he skidded around the kitchen island. His heart stopped as he fell to the floor on his knees. Suzette lay on her side, drool dripping from her mouth to the floor with streaks of red. Her labored breathing drove his pulse higher.

  He eyed the trash. Chicken bones. His concern turned to fear. He tried to look in her throat, but she wouldn’t let him pry open her mouth. Instead, he lifted Suzette into his arms, placed his fists beneath her rib cage and compressed her abdomen and released it three times. The dog’s deep rumble and sharp cry stopped him.

  With no room for error, he grabbed his cell and hit Martin’s number. He needed to find the dog’s veterinarian. Any animal hospital. The ring went into voice mail. Nick dropped the phone into his pocket, then tore through the cabinet where he thought Martin kept the phone book. His fingers trembled as he flashed through pages. Upholsterers. Vacation rentals. Veterinarians. His pulse raced. He scanned the listings. Rochester, finally. Crooks Road.

  Suzette’s shallow breathing filled him with terror. He drew in a breath and hoisted the dog in his arms. Her ninety pounds of deadweight caused Nick to stagger, but he found his bearing as he ran down the hallway and outside, shutting the door and hoping it locked. He managed to open the SUV door, laid Suzette inside and jumped into the driver’s seat.

  “Hang in there, Suzette.” His eyes blurred as he headed down the street, fearing the worst but praying a blessing.

  As the pastor spoke, Steph’s gaze rose to the stained-glass window, depicting a risen Jesus. His index finger pointing upward as if extending peace to the world. Peace. Did faith provide peace? Peace would be a gift. Steph longed to feel complete.

  She lowered her eyes and realized Molly and Brent had stepped closer to the minister. His words washed over her, words about faithfulness and cooperation, words of encouragement and Scripture that stated man and woman should not be alone.

  Their vows were spoken and Brent’s nephew Randy, almost thirteen, handed him the rings for the exchange. Molly’s diamond glistened in the church light as Brent slipped the band on her finger, studded with a row of twinkling diamonds.

  Prayers rose, and Steph listened, joining in the hope for a truly blessed and solid marriage for her two friends. And a famil
y, something she’d never had. Brent had raised Randy following the tragic death of the boy’s father, and Molly had been a great influence on him. Molly would make a wonderful mother.

  With the final kiss, music resounded from the organ with Ode to Joy. Molly and Brent recessed down the aisle watched by family and friends whose faces shone with happiness. Steph searched the crowd, hoping to find Nick’s smiling eyes while emotions battled within her. Late again or had something happened?

  An icy fear shivered down her back. Nick had a problem with being late, but not always, and this event was important. She longed to slip away from the receiving line and look at her cell phone. He may have called.

  Or maybe not if something serious…

  The possibility unsettled her, and she pressed a smile to her face, hoping Molly wouldn’t see the truth.

  One by one the guests filed past and made their way to the parking lot and their cars where they would head for the reception. Steph made a sharp turn, aiming toward her cell phone.

  “The photographer’s waiting.”

  A voice cut through her distraction, and she followed the others back down the aisle where they posed and smiled, posed and smiled. Her smile felt like clown makeup, a smile on the outside with heartbreak inside.

  Steph glanced at her watch. How many more photographs?

  Relief came as she hurried back to the bride’s room. Her purse lay beneath the skirt she’d worn to the church. She shifted the coin purse and pulled out her cell phone.

  When she flipped it open, she read “One missed message.” Her heart raced as she pressed the button and heard Nick’s voice.

  “Steph. It’s a long story, but I’m at the vet’s with Suzette. She’s going to be okay, I think, and I finally got hold of Martin. He’s on his way here, then I’ll leave. I’ll see you at the reception and tell you about it.”

  Suzette? Steph’s mind conjured what might have happened. Her concern shifted from Nick to Suzette, then back to Nick.

  She would plaster on a smile until she learned what had happened. She talked to herself and hoped that God would hear her. She wasn’t certain if he knew her name.

  Relief filled Nick once he rolled down the long driveway of Oakland Hills Country Club. Though his thoughts clung to Suzette, he couldn’t help but admire the club’s sweeping green lawn and white columns stretching along the lengthy entrance of the building. The grandeur could intimidate the most confident individual.

  Nick entered the elegant windowed foyer as the sound of a string ensemble drew him toward the spacious dining room. Through the windows, a veranda extended along the rolling hills of the fairways, spotted with floral gardens and trees. Nick didn’t fit in this elegant setting. Though his business might one day grow to allow him to pay the membership fee, he would never feel a part of this.

  A table near the door held name cards placed in small silver picture frames. He found his name among the ones still there. Table seven. Before moving on, he located the bridal table and looked for Steph. He hoped she’d gotten his message rather than think he was late again because he was thoughtless. Disappointed he couldn’t see her, Nick edged his way through the chairs and guests until he located his table. To his relief, he recognized a familiar face.

  Frank Capatelli, Brent’s company business manager, rose and extended his hand. “Good to see you, Nick.”

  Nick grasped his palm with a welcome shake before he was introduced to Frank’s wife and two others at the table. When he settled into a chair, he eyed the bridal table again. Steph still wasn’t there. He sipped ice water from crystal stemware as he scanned the guests, hoping he’d see her among them. Finally, he spotted the groom and excused himself. Brent Runyan turned as Nick approached, and his face spread to a smile. Nick extended his hand. “Congratulations, and thanks for inviting me.”

  Brent clasped his shoulder and gave it a shake. “Thanks for coming. I hear you know Molly’s friend Steph.”

  “I do.” He craned his neck again. “Where is she?”

  Brent glanced toward his table, then scanned the guests. “The girls went to comb their hair, I think.” His eyebrows raised and he gestured toward the dais. “Molly’s back. She’s beckoning me to the table. Dinner’s about to be served. I’m sure you’ll have a chance to say hello to Molly after dinner.” He gave his shoulder another pat and made his way to the bridal-party table.

  Nick sank back into his seat, longing to talk with Steph, but spoons clinked on china, and Nick looked up to catch Brent give Molly a sweet kiss. Soon the toasts began. Listening to the best man, Nick’s gaze swept to Steph, his pulse running a race. She looked amazing. He tried to catch her eye, but hers were directed at the best man. He shook his head, disappointed.

  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.

  Chapter Nine

  Steph 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 linge
red 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.