Chapter Eleven

Kelsey popped her trunk and dumped her bags inside. She’d stayed later than usual at school grading homework assignments. Friday night, when she and Drew boarded the plane for Hawaii, she didn’t want thoughts of all the work she was leaving behind bothering her. Nope, when she and Drew left Massachusetts, she planned to focus on them and nothing else. Thoughts of the garage, the house, and everything else would remain safely tucked away in North Salem where they belonged. When they returned, she’d take them out, dust them off, and get back to dealing with life. Drew had been absolutely correct. She needed a vacation. Thanks to him, in a few days she’d start one many people only dreamed of ever taking.

She’d pulled out the tickets half a dozen times since Saturday. Hawaii. She smiled and started her car. It was number one on her top ten places to visit someday, followed by Alaska. The two destinations were so different from each other and the rest of the country; who wouldn’t want to see both. The Scottish Highlands and the Grand Canyon tied for the number three spot.

The sound of an old-fashioned phone ringing kept her from backing out of her parking spot. Drew knew she planned to meet Cat and Ella at her least favorite place on earth, the mall, so the call wasn’t from him. Cat and Ella usually sent text message rather than calling. Kelsey crossed her fingers before she reached into her purse for the phone. Maybe it was Carolina with good news. The real estate agent had received another inquiry from someone interested in the garage. Getting a reasonable offer she could accept before leaving for vacation would be beyond awesome.

“Fabulous news,” Carolina said after greeting Kelsey.

The woman’s words were music to Kelsey’s ears.

“The gentleman who called Sunday made an offer this afternoon after looking at the property. Full asking price.”

Did she hear that right? “Full? Really?”

“Yes. I’ll e-mail the offer to you as soon as we’re done. If you want to accept, all you need to do is sign and fax it back to me. Once I have it, I can get the ball rolling.”

If she wanted to accept? She couldn’t pass up this opportunity. She’d be able to pay off the business loan and the rest of the home equity loan. It was the answer to all her financial problems. Thanks to this unknown buyer, she could leave teaching in June and get back to the life she’d intended.

“I’ll sign and get it back to you before I do anything else tonight.” She’d have to make a quick stop at the garage to use the fax machine, but Ella and Cat would understand if she was a few minutes late. Selling the business had been their idea in the first place.

Usually when she entered the mall, aka her least favorite place on earth, dollar signs and credit card bills flashed through her head. Tonight, she walked toward her friends’ favorite meeting spot with almost a smile on her face instead. If she’d been entering anything other than a mall, even the dentist’s office, it would’ve been a smile. Finally, after almost four years, she was waking up from the nightmare that had started when Ian passed away.

Both Cat and Ella sat outside the first-floor café. Located near the mall’s main entrance, it was a great place to meet. It also helped that the café served outstanding coffee and baked goods. Kelsey waved to them both before going inside to order a little pick-me-up.

“Are you feeling okay?” Cat asked before reaching over and touching her forehead. “You don’t feel warm.”

“I’m fine.” She took out the double chocolate brownie and broke off a corner. “Why? Do I look sick?” She wore a minimal amount of makeup to work, but hated the stuff. When she’d left school earlier, she hadn’t bothered to touch it up.

“You look happy and you’re in the mall,” Cat answered.

Across the table, Ella nodded as she lowered her cup. “She’s right. You’re almost smiling. Did Drew finally say he loves you?”

“No, that’s… well he did, but that’s not why I’m happy. Carolina called. Someone offered full asking price for Bancroft Automotive. Come this fall, I’ll be back at Brandeis.”

Ella and Cat gave her high fives, and she savored the moment by biting into the divine brownie beckoning to her.

“I’m not sure which makes me happier, the news you’re going back to school or the fact Drew told you he loves you,” Cat said.

Without a doubt, she knew which made her happier. Going back to school was fabulous, but being with Drew went way beyond fabulous. She’d waited almost twenty years for him to share her feelings, and she planned to enjoy every moment with him.

“Seriously?” Ella asked. “That’s an easy one. The fact Drew finally got his head out of his butt is the best news I’ve heard in a long time.” Ella turned her gaze to Kelsey. “I’m really glad you’re going back to school too, but in my book love is more important.”

Ella had a romantic streak a mile wide and a mile deep. Everyone knew it. “On this one, I agree,” Kelsey said. “But the other is a close second, followed by the fact I’m leaving for Hawaii the day after tomorrow.”

“Did you find someone to cover your shifts?” Ella asked.

“Yup, and I finished correcting every homework assignment and test I have.” Drew had been right. Annie and Penny had agreed to cover her shifts the moment she asked them.

Cat tossed her napkin into her paper bag. “Then all that’s left is shopping.” She rubbed her palms together and wiggled her eyebrows. “Ladies, let’s get started.”

Across the table, Ella raised her coffee cup in the air. “I second the motion. Time to have some fun.”

Oh, man. She was in for it now. “Guys, I don’t want to go crazy. A few pairs of shorts, some T-shirts, and a new bathing suit will be sufficient. I’m only going to be away a week.”

Cat and Ella looked at each other and then her. Both laughed at the same time. “You’re going to paradise, Kelsey. Splurge a little. And you need at least two bathing suits,” Cat said before she took the final sip from her coffee cup.

“Two bathing suits? I can only wear one at a time. I don’t need two.”

Ella rolled her eyes. “Trust us, you do. You need a suit good for swimming in the pool or the ocean. And you need another for lounging on the beach and making Drew salivate.” She looked at Cat for confirmation.

“My thoughts exactly,” Cat said. “I know the place to look. Sand and Water sells every style suit imaginable. It’s on this level. We can start there and work our way upstairs.”

When it came to shopping, Ella and Cat knew their stuff. Arguing with either was futile. “Okay. Today, I’ll follow your lead.”

***

Drew considered it a productive day. He’d driven into Boston and picked up the engagement ring and stopped at his house in Weston to pack what he needed for their trip. Afterward he’d called and made them reservations for an evening luau, because if you visited Hawaii, attending at least one luau was a must. He’d actually been to several during his many visits, but the one held at the Sherbrooke Hawaiian Village was by far his favorite. He considered booking them a helicopter tour too, but decided against it. He’d let Kelsey decide what she wanted to do on this vacation. No matter what she picked, he’d go along with it, even getting married.

The crazy half-baked idea had come to him in the shower. The Sherbrooke Hawaiian Village consisted of numerous stores and restaurants. Nestled among them was a wedding chapel. While his older brother had had an intimate church wedding followed by a large reception, Drew didn’t care what kind of wedding ceremony he had. The only thing he cared about was getting the ring on Kelsey’s finger.

They’d never discussed it, but Drew’s gut told him Kelsey wouldn’t want a large wedding like his younger brother and fiancée were planning. Maybe she would’ve at one time, but not with her parents and brother gone.

He’d let the idea roll around for less than half an hour before making his decision. He’d propose and work his idea to get married before they left into it. If she agreed, the chapel had already promised they could fit them in. He’d called and checked before leaving Weston and coming back to North Salem.

Yup, if everything went according to plan, he’d fly home either engaged or married.

Married to Kelsey. He’d expected to get married someday and maybe have a few kids. He’d never imagined it would be to Kelsey Bancroft. Even when Ian made his request, he hadn’t thought it would lead him to the altar.

He didn’t regret his decision.

Drew checked his cell phone before he got out of the car. He’d heard it beep as he turned onto his brother’s street. Since Kelsey was out shopping, he’d accepted Cody’s offer to watch the basketball game at his house tonight.

You’re girlfriend accepted my offer, the message from Jack read.

Drew responded and then leaned his head back against the seat as another brick of guilt landed in his stomach. He kept telling himself she’d be happy about this later. That he was doing this for her. None of his arguments changed the fact he was tricking her. Maybe not outright lying, but doing something very close. Neither action belonged in a relationship. Both could easily come back to haunt him down the line if she ever learned the truth.

He shoved the cell phone in his jacket pocket. “She won’t find out.”

A barking dog followed by his nephew’s voice reached his ears before the front door even opened.

“Hi, Uncle Drew,” Joey said while he held on to the dog’s collar. “Are you going to watch the game with us?”

“He’s going to watch the game with me and Uncle John.” Cody joined them at the door. “You’ll be in bed.”

“But, Dad, you promised I could watch the next game with you.”

Drew entered the house but wisely kept his mouth shut.

“No. I promised you could watch the next game the Celtics played that wasn’t on a school night. Either you forgot, or conveniently didn’t hear everything I said.”

Joey frowned and released the dog’s collar. “It’s not fair. Brady has a later bedtime.”

He remembered having similar arguments with his parents at Joey’s age. The look Cody gave him said his brother remembered them as well. They’d always lost them just like Joey was about to.

“We can revisit your bedtime in June when school is over. Until then it’s eight o’clock on school nights. So, go finish getting ready for bed. I’ll be up in a minute to tuck you in.”

“Fine.” Joey stomped off, the dog following right behind him, and Drew struggled not to laugh.

“Remind you of anyone?” Cody asked when Joey went into another room.

“Yeah, you.” Drew hung his jacket on the coat tree.

“Me? Try again. You and John were the ones always whining about your bedtime.” He headed down the hall.

“Sounds like Joey isn’t the only one to forget things. You did your fair share of whining, bro.” Drew followed his brother into the family room. John was already in there watching the sports announcers discuss the evening’s game. “When did you guys get a dog?”

Cody brushed off Drew’s first comment. “Back in January when we moved here. Joey had been bugging us for a long time. Khloe and I figured he was finally old enough to help take care of one. So far, so good. Joey feeds him twice a day and lets him out whenever he goes to the door.”

“You should let Joey watch some of the game,” John said. “So what if he goes to bed an hour late? It won’t kill him.”

Cody narrowed his eyes. “And how much parenting experience do you have? He’ll be a bear in the morning if he stays up late. Wait until you have kids, and you’ll see what I mean.”

Growing up, Cody and John had butted heads the most. As the middle child, sometimes he egged it on and other times he’d tried to defuse the situation. Tonight he was more in the mood for defusing. “Flying solo tonight too?” he asked John.

“Yeah. Val and Khloe went to a ladies-only paint night at some art studio in Danvers.”

He didn’t know about Khloe, but Drew knew Val was a fantastic artist.

“Where’s your new roommate?” John asked.

Drew hadn’t told anyone Kelsey moved in with him following the fire. It hadn’t been necessary. The North Salem grapevine had done it for him.

“Shopping for our vacation.” He accepted the beer Cody held out, and then scratched the dog who had jumped up on the sofa next to him.

“I didn’t believe her, but Mom was right. You’re not just letting Kelsey stay with you because of the fire.” Cody grabbed a handful of popcorn. “After you took what’s-her-name to Hawaii, you said you’d never take a girlfriend on vacation again.”

His brothers would know soon enough. “After the last few years Kelsey’s had, she deserves a vacation.” Drew took a swig from his beer. “While we’re away, I’m going to ask her to marry me. Picked up the ring this morning.”

He waited. His brothers liked Kelsey and would welcome her into the family. That didn’t mean they wouldn’t question his plan to propose so suddenly.

Their reactions were simultaneous. John choked on the beer he’d swallowed and started coughing. “She’s pregnant, isn’t she?” Cody demanded, his voice reeking of big brother authority. “Damn, Drew, it’s not hard to use a friggin’ condom.”

One, two, three. Drew silently counted before he answered. “Kelsey isn’t pregnant, Father Cody.” Okay, the last part wasn’t called for, but he couldn’t help himself. Sometimes Cody could be a little too self-righteous.

John elbowed Cody in the side before their older brother said anything else. “Then what’s the rush? Before last month, you rarely ever talked to her.”

No one, not even his brothers, knew he’d been calling Kelsey once a month since Ian passed away. He didn’t intend to share the information now either.

John raised his beer toward his mouth again. “Either the sex is outstanding, or you’ve got a reason for asking so soon.”

He should’ve waited until after she had the ring on her finger to tell them. “I want to marry her, and unlike you, I see no reason to wait.” John and Val had been together for six years, and he’d only gotten around to proposing the previous Thanksgiving.

“Give Mom and Dad that excuse,” Cody said, not accepting Drew’s answer. “You’ve got another reason.”

On the television, the Celtics and the Lakers took to the court. None of the men in the room paid any attention. His brothers weren’t stupid. If either put some real thought into it, they might deduce his reason for rushing.

“Something to do with Ian maybe,” John said, offering up his theory.

Cody’s brows furrowed as he considered John’s suggestion. “If she’s not pregnant, it makes the most sense.”

Heat crawled up his neck and hit the base of his skull. His reasons for marrying her were his own. He didn’t need his family’s opinion on the matter. He only needed them to keep their theories to themselves and welcome Kelsey to the family when the time came. “I’m asking because I want to.”

“I’ve known Kelsey as long as you, and I like her. But don’t marry her because she’s Ian’s sister. You’ll find yourself in front of a divorce lawyer before you know it,” Cody said. “Trust me, you don’t want to go through that.”

Drew didn’t disagree with his brother’s last sentence. He’d seen the hell Cody had gone through when he divorced his first wife. From the beginning, everyone but Cody had seen they didn’t belong together. The marriage had lasted six months.

The heat on his neck spread across his scalp, and tension set into his shoulders. His marriage to Kelsey wouldn’t end up like Cody’s first one. “It’s not why. I love her. End of story. Now can we watch the game?”

Cody and John exchanged a look. Neither completely believed him. As long as they kept their big traps shut, he didn’t care what they believed.

“I’m happy for you, bro.” Cody raised his beer in a toast. “Good luck. I hope she says yes.”

That made two of them.

John lifted his beer too. “Make sure the wedding is after mine in June. Mom is stressing enough about it. She doesn’t need more to worry about.”

If everything went the way Drew planned, they’d be married before Mom and Dad even knew he’d proposed.

***

Despite the uncomfortable conversation regarding his plans, Drew enjoyed hanging out with his brothers. Their schedules made getting together often difficult, especially before Drew and Cody’s moves back to town. With them all living in North Salem again, it would be easier, at least until football season started. Then it’d make the most sense for him and Kelsey to live at his house in Weston. Both the stadium and Brandeis University were much closer to Weston than North Salem. And in the fall Kelsey would definitely be back at the university. Thanks to Jack’s cooperation, her return was guaranteed regardless of her answer to his proposal.

Several bags littered the king-size bed. He’d seen Kelsey shop and expected her to come home with a handful of items. Judging by the haul on the bed, that wasn’t the case. She’d splurged tonight.

The bathroom door opened, and Kelsey walked out dressed for bed in a pair of flannel pants with the periodic table decorating them. She’d paired them with a New England Rebels T-shirt. He’d never seen the bottoms before, and guessed she’d picked them up during her shopping trip.

“Hey, you’re home.” She started collecting the bags on the bed. “I thought I’d get this cleaned up before you got here.”

Drew kissed her before grabbing the last few bags on the bed. “Did just a little shopping, I see.”

“Ella and Cat are a bad influence.” She piled the bags up near the nightstand. “We got carried away. Even they couldn’t resist adding a few things to their wardrobes. But it’s okay, because now I won’t need to go shopping for summer clothes again anytime soon.” Sitting on the bed, her expression grew serious. “I accepted an offer for Bancroft Auto today.”

Unable to meet her eyes, he peeked in the bag he held. “You’re happy with this decision, right?”

“Yes and no. I’d hoped someone local would buy it, but the buyer is from New York City. He offered full asking price though, so when the school year ends, I’m officially done teaching middle school.” She shrugged, and the shirt slipped down her shoulder. “It’ll take a while, but I’ll get used to someone else owning it. And first chance I get tomorrow, I’m going to call the university and see what I need to do so I can return in the fall.”

Drew kissed her bare shoulder and began a path up her neck. “Good. Let’s celebrate.” Slipping a hand under her T-shirt, he cupped her breast and rubbed his thumb over her nipple.

Kelsey unbuttoned his jeans and pulled the zipper down. “I like the way you celebrate.”