Chapter Five

 

 

Thursday evening, Katie hauled another box down to the garage from the apartment above. Everything was happening so fast. She’d only become engaged to Ray this morning, and now she had a second job, a new apartment, and a fiancé.  

“Remind me again why I agreed to help you with this.” Brandi asked as she passed Katie on the stairs heading back up to the apartment.

She rolled her eyes. Brandi had given her nothing but grief since she picked up the first box and broke a fingernail. Katie left the box in the corner of the garage and slugged up the stairs. Truth was, this was much harder than she’d expected. When Ray said the place needed cleaning, he failed to mention he was a book hoarder. Too bad he wasn’t here to help.

Brandi heaved the last box into her arms. “I can’t believe Ray left all of these boxes here for you to move.”

“Me neither,” Katie mumbled. She stood in the center of the studio apartment and took in the space now that it was clear of boxes. To the right of the door, a kitchenette with a window that overlooked the driveway had a white Corian countertop and a stainless steel double sink. An apartment-sized refrigerator flanked the lone counter on the far left and a built in oven and stove combo to the right. The rear of the apartment looked like the best option for her bed. Maybe a couple of screens would give her a sense of division from the rest of the room. The center would be her combo dining and living space. Cozy.

Brandi tromped back inside and wiped the back of her hand across her forehead. “I know I’ve asked already, but are you sure about this?”

“You mean moving in here and being Emily’s nanny?”

“Yes. Unless there’s something you left out.” She crossed her arms and raised a brow.

“Why would you ask me that?” She had deliberately left out the fact she and Ray were getting married. If Brandi was this concerned about her moving here to be a child’s nanny, how would she react to a marriage of convenience? She didn’t want her friend to do anything rash, like refuse to move to England to keep an eye on her. She wouldn’t put it past Brandi either. Then again, her friend would find out sooner or later, and not telling her would have worse consequences than telling her. “You’d better sit.”

Brandi looked around the space. “Where?”

“Good point.” She took a bracing breath. “Ray and I are getting married.”

“And you didn’t tell me until now? So he decided to go through with it.” Brandi shook her head as if in disbelief. “How long will you have to stay married to fulfill the conditions of the will?”

“Actually we’re not planning to divorce. I like Ray, and I want to help him and Emily. They need me. And I think I need them, too.”

“Whoa, this is such a shock. Who else knows?”

Katie shrugged. “The guys at the boxing ring. Other than that, I’m not sure. Everything is going so fast. We only decided to get married today and haven’t set a date, but it’ll have to be soon since Ray needs to be married before his birthday.”

“I can’t believe the guys at the boxing ring knew you were getting married before me,” Brandi mumbled.

“That wasn’t my doing. But I get how you feel.”

Brandi crossed her arms. “I promise I won’t ask this again, but are you sure about this? Marriage is a huge commitment.”

“I agree. They need me.” No one had ever needed her. “I want to marry Ray.”

“Okay.” Brandi’s brow crinkled. “Ray’s house isn’t exactly on the bus line. You’ll have to walk several blocks to get to a bus stop. I didn’t say anything before because I thought you’d only be here a short time. It won’t be fun in the pouring rain. That’s the tip of the iceberg of my list on why this is a mistake. But if you’re sure, there’s nothing so big that can’t be worked out with a little ingenuity.”

“Agreed. Besides with the extra money I make taking care of Emily, I could buy a car.”

“Good. I won’t worry about you as much if you have wheels.” Brandi looked sincere. “I’m sorry I’m such a grump today. My best friend is moving out without warning, and I’m going to miss her wedding.”

Katie shook her head. “Don’t forget you started this by moving to England. It’s not like I had a lot of choice. I had to move one way or the other.” She waved a hand. “Let’s make this shine before Ian and Ray get here with my stuff.” They’d brought cleaning supplies with them. It wouldn’t take too long to wash the three windows, vacuum the carpet, and clean the tiny bathroom near her sleeping area.

“Where’s Emily?” Brandi asked.

“She’s staying over at her grandmother’s tonight and tomorrow. I’ll officially start working here on Monday.”

An hour later, the aroma of lemon filled her apartment, which no longer reeked of dust. Footsteps on the wooded stairs leading to the door alerted her to the guys’ arrival. “They’re here. We finished just in time.”

“Good. While they move the big stuff in, you can direct them, and I’ll go get pizza. I’m starving!”

“I only have a bed, a dresser, and a few boxes. Don’t bother, we’ll be finished in a few minutes, and you and Ian can go out together.”

The guys walked inside.

Ray grinned. “This is the best the apartment has looked since I bought the place. I forgot how spacious it is.”

Katie raised a brow at his description of spacious. Without furniture the place looked big, but once she saved money to furnish it, that would change. Or would he want her to move into the house after they were married? Regardless, this space was very livable.

“Where should the bed and dresser go?”

Katie pointed to the back wall.

They deposited the bed then returned with Brandi’s couch.

“That’s not supposed to be here.” Katie shot a panicked look toward her friend.

“I thought you could store it for me while I’m living in England. It makes more sense to leave the big stuff here. Do you mind?”

“No.” She’d hoped to make this feel like her own, but it would be nice to have at least one piece of furniture to get her started, at least for now. Brandi and Ian were supposed to be in England for eighteen months. That would give her plenty of time to save money and plan how to decorate the space in her own taste, unless she ended up moving into Ray’s house. That was a conversation for another time. “What about you? Where are you going to sit? Your wedding is still nine days away.”

“I have the table and chairs. I’m giving those to my sister. She’ll pick them up on Friday. You’re actually doing us a favor by taking it.”

“Okay. If you’re happy, then I’m happy.”

A short time later, Katie was completely moved in. “Thanks for the help.” She walked her friends to the door, hugged Brandi, then Ian. “I’m going to miss you guys.”

“We’ll see you next Friday night at the wedding rehearsal if not sooner,” Brandi said.

Katie nodded, not trusting her voice. For the first time since Ray proposed, the enormity of what she’d agreed to do hit her.

Ray hung back. “Can we talk?”

She nodded, turned, and eased onto the couch.

He sat in the opposite corner. “I’ve been doing some footwork regarding our wedding.”

She cleared her throat. “And?”

“I’ve booked the boxing ring.”

She laughed. “Sorry. You have no idea how ridiculous that sounds. I can’t believe we’re going to get married in a boxing ring.”

“Why not? People get married in all kinds of places. Hot air balloons, under water—”

“Gardens, churches, courthouses.” She grinned. “But your boxing ring is fine as long as the gloves are off.”

He chuckled. “Promise. What do you think of the apartment?”

“I like it. Although you could have moved the boxes of books before we got here.”

He smacked his forehead. “I completely forgot those were up here. I’m sorry. Were they a pain?”

“Oh, I’ll feel them tomorrow.”

He stood and walked around to the backside of the couch. Before she realized what he was doing, his hands were kneading her tired shoulders. “How’s that?”

“Nice.” She closed her eyes and allowed the tension and tiredness to melt away. “You’re good at this.”

“Thanks. We should talk about how things are going to play out over the next few months.”

Relief surged though her. “That would be great. What’s your plan?”

His touch on her shoulders lightened. “I was hoping we could work that out together.” He stopped massaging her shoulders and returned to his seat on the couch.

“Okay. I vote for a small wedding. I won’t be inviting anyone.”

His eyes widened. “Why not? Are you ashamed to marry me?”

“What? No!”

“Then what’s the problem? Why won’t you invite any guests? Is it the cost? I’m paying, so don’t worry about that.”

She sighed. “Ray, you’re one of the kindest men I have ever met. And you’re incredibly good looking, and I enjoy being with you. So, no, I’m not ashamed to marry you.”

 

 

Whoa! He had no idea Katie felt those things about him. He couldn’t stop the grin that slid across his face.

“What?” Katie’s cheeks pinked.

“I didn’t know you felt that way about me. For the record, I feel the same about you. There aren’t many women who’d marry a guy they didn’t love simply to help him out. Of course, I hope that we’ll love each other at some point.” This had to be one of the most awkward conversations he’d ever had. But it was necessary if he ever hoped to have a true marriage with Katie.

“I agree. A loveless marriage would become a burden at some point and make us miserable. Plus, we have Emily to consider.”

“Yes.” His precious niece had had a rough time since her parents’ death. He’d found a grief counselor to help her process and hoped the sessions would soon help. The poor child had cried herself to sleep every night since he’d told her about her parents. He swallowed the lump in his throat.

The couch shifted, and he turned toward Katie. She’d moved closer and tucked one leg under herself to face him on the cushion beside his. Concern filled her eyes. “Are you okay?” She reached for his hand.

He took hers in his and gave it a squeeze. “Yes, I was thinking about Emily. She’s not doing all that well.”

Katie nibbled on her bottom lip. “Kids are strong. I should know. She has a loving family, and that’ll go a long way in aiding her.”

“I’m so glad I have you to help me. I have no idea what I’d have done without you.”

She pulled her hand away, and before he realized her intent, she had her arms wrapped around his neck. “It’s going to be okay, Ray. Not today or tomorrow, but someday things will feel right again. Trust me. I know.”

He had no idea what to do with his arms. If he hugged her back, she’d end up in his lap—not a bad thing, but probably a bad idea. He patted her back. “Thanks. Would you like to get breakfast with me in the morning? It’s a Friday morning ritual.”

She released him and sat back in her own space. “I’d like that. Thanks. It’s been a long day. Do you mind if we finish this conversation another time?”

He stood. “That’ll be fine. Although I warn you, once Emily is here, there will be little time to ourselves.”

She nodded. “Before you go, I have one quick question.” She laced her fingers in front of her and didn’t make eye contact with him. “Once we’re married, where will I be living?”

Like a punch to the gut, he let his breath out in a whoosh. “I hadn’t thought that far ahead.” At least not enough to come up with a concrete conclusion. “Where would you like to live?”

“I’m thinking that for Emily’s sake I should move into the house. It’s a three bedroom right?”

He nodded.

“Don’t you think it will be difficult for her to understand why her aunt doesn’t live with her uncle?” She tipped her head and caught his eyes.

“I guess we have a lot to consider. I’d like for our marriage to be a real marriage, but I don’t want either of us to feel pressure.”

“Sure. I understand.” Her tone sounded distant as if he were suddenly a stranger. She strode past him and pulled open the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night, Ray.”

His shoulders sagged—clearly he hadn’t handled that as well as he should have. He paused in the doorway and looked toward her. She stood with her arms crossed. “Good night, Katie.” With heavy feet, he trudged down the stairs to the driveway below. Unfortunately two steps forward and one step back seemed to be his norm with Katie. Somehow he had to do better. Maybe Ian had an idea.

He picked up his pace and slipped into his house via the kitchen door that was next to the garage. He pulled out his cell. One ring. Two.

“Hey, Ray. What’s up? Did we forget to bring something over?”

“Not that I know of.” It occurred to him, he hadn’t told Ian about his engagement. “Funny thing, I forgot to mention something earlier.”

“What’s that?”

His neck heated. “Katie and I are getting married.”

“You’re kidding!” Ian chuckled. “I sure didn’t see that coming—although now that I think about it, I should have. Are congratulations in order, or is this a marriage of convenience?”

“Ah, both?”

“Interesting.” He sounded confused. “Maybe you better fill me in from the beginning.”

Ray told him everything. “The thing is, I need Katie, and I can see us having a great life together. But I don’t want to marry only a friend. I want to marry someone I love. I can’t believe she’s been there all along, and I didn’t notice her.”

Silence greeted him.

“You there, Ian?”

His buddy cleared his throat. “Uh. Yeah. I’m speechless. I thought you were a confirmed bachelor. So what do you need from me?”

“Advice. How do we fall in love?”

“You don’t ask easy questions.”

“If it was easy, I wouldn’t have asked.” He grinned, knowing his friend was likely doing the same.

“First off, love is a choice. Brandi and I did pre-marital counseling with our pastor, and that’s something he hammered into us. He said that there will be days or weeks or months when we don’t feel the love, and we must choose to love each other.”

“Hmm. Okay. What else?” He’d never considered that love was a choice, but perhaps it was.

“You need to make each other a priority. She needs to know you care about her and vice versa. Make her feel special.”

“Like with flowers?”

“That’s a start. It doesn’t have to be big. Brandi says it’s the little things. Like remembering to clear my dishes when she has me over or putting the toilet seat down.”

He chuckled. “Interesting. Okay. Anything else?”

“Pray together. Maybe even do devotions together.”

His friend’s words could not have surprised him more. Although they both went to church, they rarely, if ever spoke about spiritual things. Was he even capable of being that vulnerable? The idea of praying out loud and sharing his deepest thoughts with Katie knotted his stomach. He loved the Lord, but expressing himself in that way would not be easy. “Ah. Okay. I guess that’s enough. Thanks.”

“No problem. I’m sorry I’ll miss the wedding.” Ian groaned.

“What’s wrong?”

“Brandi. When she finds out she won’t be there for her best friend…Let’s just say, it won’t be pretty. I don’t suppose you could move up your wedding so we’ll be around?”

“Move it up? From what Katie says, what we’re trying to do is nearly impossible as it is. There’s no way we could pull off a wedding in a week.”

“Yeah. I suppose you’re right. Brandi’s been going nuts with all the preparations. I’m sorry we won’t be there. Hold on a minute. Brandi’s trying to tell me something.”

A moment later, his buddy laughed.

“Hey, what’s going on over there?” Ray asked.

“Sorry. It appears Brandi already knows about the wedding. And I was right. She’s not happy about missing it.”

“It won’t be the same without my best man.” Were they doing the right thing to wait? Maybe they should get married right away, but Katie wanted him to get to know her. He could hear Brandi talking to Ian. “Sounds like you’re busy. I’ll let you go.” He set his phone on the kitchen counter then walked to the kitchen window and glanced up at the apartment above the garage. Should he suggest moving up the wedding? Katie had been upset Brandi wouldn’t be there, too, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to sign on the dotted line, so to speak, so fast.