The next day, Katie waited to be released from the hospital with Mitch at her side. “Déjà vu time,” Mitch said, squeezing her hand.
“No kidding. The doctor won’t be in quick enough to check me out. I can’t stand to stay another night. My back’s sore but, overall, I feel fine.” Katie rolled sideways in her bed to face Mitch. “How did you know Kevin was in the office?”
“A report on my desk this morning from Boise said to look out for an armed man matching Kevin’s description. The gun he had was stolen from a pawnshop in Boise and the car he was driving was stolen from Mountain Home.” He looked up at the TV and saw a news break come on with information on the Green Health Insurance standoff the day before. “You’re at the top of the popular list.”
“Not what I want.”
Mitch nodded. “Thankfully, my partner and I were in the parking lot across the street at the mini mart this morning. We were sitting in the car, eating our breakfast, when I saw Melanie and Kevin park their cars in the Green Health lot. Melanie walked inside as Kevin got out and grabbed something from the trunk. Then he got back into the car and lay down in the backseat so no one could see him.”
“I saw his car when I pulled in. I recognized Melanie’s, but not his.” Katie adjusted her position to get more comfortable.
“When I saw him get out of the car with the gun, I called for backup. I told them the situation and they sent the best. We didn’t know if it would be a shootout or what.”
“What could have happened if you didn’t know? How would you have known it was Kevin who,” Katie took a deep breath, “killed me?”
Mitch placed his hand on her cheek. “We won’t think of what could have happened, only of what did happen.”
“Can I ask you about Kevin and Melanie? Is Kevin dead? Where’s Melanie?
“Kevin was shot in the arm. We didn’t want to kill him. He is on floor two with a guard in front of his door. He should be out in a couple of days.”
“Out? Meaning he’ll be set free?”
“No. He will be in prison for a long time. Melanie will be there too, but not sure for how long. It all depends on what the judge says.”
The doctor walked in then, said all was fine with Katie, and released her. Mitch drove her home.
“My stuff is at your place,” Katie said.
“Taken care of. I brought it over before I came to see you. I figured you’d want to be at your place and not around some old folks.”
“I like your family.” Katie didn’t want to be alone.
“You can come to dinner if you want.”
“Sure your parents won’t mind? Don’t they want a break from me?”
“They hardly saw you.”
“Let me change my clothes at my place first.”
***
“I’m so glad you came for dinner, Katie. Please don’t be a stranger now that you are back at your place. We love having you over,” Ann said. “We would love to have you and your family over for Thanksgiving as well. The more the merrier.”
“Speaking of being merry,” Wendy said, “David and I set a date. We’re getting married the first weekend of December.”
Mitch gave her a look of surprise, remembering the deal his sister made with him. He hadn’t agreed but knew he would now get pressure from Wendy to propose to Katie.
“How exciting,” Katie said. “Have you picked out your colors? Where will you have the service?”
“Five weeks isn’t enough time to find a good place and get invitations out, but we can make a list after dinner,” Ann said with excitement. “I’m so happy the time has finally come.”
“We have a place in mind, the old empty church building on Wagner Street. And we want to keep it a small wedding. Close friends and family. Colors will be simple. I’d like it white and black. So if you don’t mind, Katie, I’d like you to be my maid of honor and wear a white dress with black trim and sash.” She looked at Mitch. “And David wants you to be his best man and wear a black suit with a white shirt. Pretty cool, huh?” She smiled.
“I’m speechless. I’m sure you have a close friend you’d want to stand by you instead.”
“Stop it. My friends are married with kids. I’m too old for big weddings. So what do you say?”
“I’d love to. Thank you.” Katie smiled and her entire face lit up with joy. She got up and hugged Wendy.
Mitch hadn’t said a word the whole time. He knew what his sister was doing. He smiled and told Wendy congratulations. Dinner went on as Wendy talked about the wedding and where they were planning on going for their honeymoon.
“With David’s job, he can work from home, so he wants to find a bigger place to live. His apartment will not do.” She put her hands on her hips. “We’re hoping to find a small house close by here at the first of the year.”
Mitch knew what his sister wanted and had some news to share too. During dessert, when the excitement of Wendy’s wedding calmed, he finally spoke up. “I got the job.”
Bill nearly chocked on his drink. “You did?”
“Congratulations, my boy,” Ann said.
“What job is this?” Wendy asked.
“I’m now a detective.”
“Congrats.” Katie smiled. “Here in Shelburne?”
“Yep.” He grinned.
They spent the rest of the evening talking about Mitch’s new job and Wendy’s wedding. It was getting late and Mitch saw that Katie looked drained and in pain. “It’s time to take you home.” He stood and helped her to her feet. “Too much excitement for my gal.”
Bill and Ann offered a bed for Katie to sleep in, but knew she would be more comfortable at her own place. Katie didn’t say much on the ride home. She was tired and the pain meds had worn off. She hurt.
Mitch walked Katie to her door. “You going to be okay staying here tonight by yourself? You’re on the quiet side.”
“I was thinking about your new job.”
Katie opened the door and Mitch followed her in. “Do you want a drink?” She walked to her pantry. “I have peppermint and chamomile tea, hot chocolate, or plain jane ice water with a drop of preserved lemon if you want it.” She put ice in a glass with water for both of them and drank some of hers. “Now you’re quiet.”
Mitch looked around the kitchen and back at Katie. “How would you feel walking down the aisle at Wendy’s wedding?”
“I’m excited. I can’t wait to see her get married. Why do you ask?”
“How about walking down the aisle a second time?”
Katie looked puzzled. “We only do it once before the bride does.”
Mitch had a hard time asking the question. “I mean, switching places with Wendy.” He put his hands in his pockets.
“What? Wendy being the maid of honor? But for who?” Katie wanted to make sure she knew what Mitch was asking.
“For you.” He took a couple steps to get in front of Katie. “I know it’s short notice,” he grabbed both of her hands, “but will you, Katherine Nelson, be my wife?”
“Are you sure you want me?”
“I’m more than sure.” He gave her a quick kiss. “So, what’s your answer?”
She swung her arms around him. “Yes, oh yes. I want to be all yours.” She looked into his brown eyes. “I love you.”
“I know.”
Mitch was Katie’s knight in shining armor, the person she’d fallen in love with by not wanting to. He understood her troubled emotions and believed the past was the past and the future was a new beginning.