That night, with only three days until the wedding, a large dinner had been organised to welcome family and friends who’d travelled, both from interstate and overseas, for the wedding. And yet again, Eleanor, her future mother-in-law, had outdone herself with a buffet that could only be described as spectacular.

“This looks amazing,” she looped her arm through the older woman’s. “How did you do all of this?”

Eleanor’s cheeks warmed with appreciation. “I’ve been cooking for weeks, and freezing it all. I did borrow friends’ crock pots tonight, so we could keep the food warm.”

“While I was having a lovely day at the beach, you were working hard in the kitchen. That doesn’t seem fair,” she gave a playful pout. Although she didn’t want to admit it, she’d much preferred her day with Jonah, swimming and surfing, rather than cooking in the kitchen. It was selfish of her but spending time in the ocean had revitalised her and she’d been cheerful all afternoon. A feeling of contentment had settled on her shoulders, reminding her that she was doing the right thing by marrying into the Randall family.

Her mother-in-law-to-be gave her an affectionate smile. “I’m glad you and Jonah had a nice time, and it was so kind of you to drive Aunty and Uncle to Melbourne. They were so grateful.”

She brushed away the compliment with a shrug. “It was a…” she stumbled to find the right words, not wanting to gush about Jonah instead of her fiancé. “It was a lovely day. Oh, and thanks for the snacks. That was really thoughtful of you.”

Eleanor shook her head, the waves in her shoulder-length hair moved from side to side. “Jonah did all of that. I raised my boys to be independent and self-reliant; they know their way around the kitchen,” she said with a roll of her eyes, as though she couldn’t believe Kaylah would consider that she’d help either of her sons prepare a picnic basket.

Kaylah was sure her heart skipped a beat. Jonah had organised the picnic on his own accord. It had been a kind and thoughtful gesture, and she nibbled her lip thinking that she had definitely misjudged him.

Was it worth worrying about now? She scratched her nose. No.

She was marrying Felix, the guy who’d been there for her over the past year. She might not be in love with him, but there was genuine affection, respect, friendship, and honesty. A lot more than most marriages.

Brushing a soft kiss against Eleanor’s cheek, she excused herself to find Felix in an effort to stop thinking about Jonah.

* * *

After dinner, the furniture was moved and an improvised area for dancing was created. Big band music blared from speakers, and couples danced.

“I’ve got two left feet,” she apologised as she danced with Felix. He expertly twirled her around the lounge area, not seeming to care that she’d stepped on his toes a few times.

“If you practise more, it will become more natural for you,” he reassured her, before kissing her nose. “Just remember what I told you,” he said, before counting the steps out for her. “One, two, three.”

Kaylah felt her face burn with embarrassment, as it seemed all the couples danced with ease. Rather than a smile, she knew she wore a look of frustration on her face. If only she were not so clumsy. Gah!

During the song, Felix lifted his vibrating phone from his pocket. Checking the caller ID, he apologised, “I must take this.” He signalled to someone before he walked off, the phone attached to his ear.

Seconds later, she was in the arms of Jonah whose facial expression she struggled to read.

“You ended up with the dud dancer,” she said. “You don’t have to dance with me.”

“I’m not as good as Felix,” he whispered in her ear. “Let’s just wing it.”

Her heart lifted and she gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

A minute later, the song ended and a soulful ballad played and she cringed with trepidation. Not only was she a bad dancer, but she was now being held even closer by the one man who made her think about things she shouldn’t be thinking about.

Unable to help herself, she caught a whiff of his lemony aftershave before leaning into him. He held her with confidence, and the touch of his hands at the base of her spine burned through the cotton material of her dress. He swayed her to the music and she started to relax in his arms, knowing she didn’t have to count steps or worry about looking foolish in front of everyone.

“You must be enjoying seeing your family,” she said, as he held her close.

“It’s nice to be home. I’ve missed everyone,” he confided before twirling her around.

Back in his arms, she asked, “Are you getting the guilt trip from everyone?”

He chuckled. “Of course. Everyone has advice for me, and I’m being encouraged to get married, too.”

“Everyone loves a wedding and I guess they want you to find someone special.” She couldn’t help but grin, knowing his well-meaning family was probably driving him nuts with their “advice.”

“Who says I haven’t?” he said, raising his eyebrow.

An irrational zing of jealousy zoomed along her spine. He had someone special? She mentally slapped herself. Why shouldn’t he have a girlfriend? He was good looking and kind. It was silly of her to think he hadn’t been dating over the past year. “You’ve been seeing someone while you were away?” she asked with surprise before clearing her throat. “Sorry, Felix never said anything.”

“No, I’m not dating anyone,” he replied.

That didn’t make sense, but she decided not to intrude on his private life. He wasn’t forgiving and open like his mother. He was difficult to read and she didn’t feel comfortable asking him. Besides, if he wanted to tell her, he would. It really wasn’t her concern. He was leaving next week, returning to the Pacific island he’d been living on for months while she would be married.

“What have you missed the most from Melbourne?” she asked wanting to steer the conversation to something more generic and less personal.

“Mum’s roasts and pizza,” he replied with enthusiasm.

“Your mum is a good cook so I get the roasts, but pizza? Really?” She lifted her brow with mock surprise.

“I love a good pizza,” he said.

“Me, too,” she added with a grin. “Don’t tell your brother but I just love a plain pizza with just tomato and cheese,” she said with a conspiratorial whisper. “He always gets these fancy, gourmet ones but I really like a simple pizza. Thin crust, perfect tomato base and plenty of cheese.”

“My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Felix likes the healthier option with grilled vegetables.”

“I know,” she interrupted, rolling her eyes at their shared dislike of Felix’s idea of take-out. “Grilled veggies don’t belong on a pizza; cheese does,” she said with defiance.

“Jinx, just don’t tell Felix. He’ll have us in foodie jail for a week,” he said.

She relaxed more, enjoying the way he held her with self-assurance, as they swayed to the music, not caring about the couples around them who turned and twirled.

“Thanks again for a lovely day today,” she said.

“I enjoyed myself, too. You should swim more often. It’s relaxing.”

“You live in a tropical paradise, so it’s easier for you. You forget Melbourne can get cold. I’m not swimming when I should be wearing a coat.”

“It’s summer now. You should go to the beach. You looked so happy today when we were surfing the waves.”

“I want to, but we’re so busy. The weekends come and go. Felix is often working or we’re catching up with friends.”

“I guess you do more couple things together,” he said.

She shrugged. “I guess so,” she said. “I like Felix’s friends.” Most were easy to talk to and friendly. Only a few hadn’t welcomed her, which puzzled her as much as it annoyed her.

“Is Megan rude to you?” he asked.

The question made her eyes widen in shock. The one person who’d been rude and unwelcoming to her was Megan, and Kaylah assumed she was a jealous ex. But Felix was never forthcoming about her, and Kaylah had put up with her discourteous remarks and impolite manner. She didn’t want to be the one to break up a friendship.

“What does Felix see in her?”

An awkward look crossed his face, and his lips pressed together. His eyes narrowed as he focussed his gaze on hers. “You didn’t know? They’ve been fucking on and off for years.”

She winced at the crudity, surprised at the disgust in his tone. Her heart sank and a wave of foolishness washed over her. Had Felix been sleeping with her over the past year? No. Belief in him and their relationship made her straighten her shoulders. “I’m sure that’s all in the past. Besides, Felix wouldn’t cheat on me with a woman,” she added, her gaze focussed on the parquetry.

Jonah stilled and, using a finger, lifted her chin so she was looking at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

The muscles in her arms tightened with vexation “If he was with her in the past, then I’m sure it’s all in the past,” she said through clenched teeth.

His eyes darkened to an inky black. “What’s going on with you two?”

“Nothing,” she said removing herself from his arms and taking a step back. “Thank you for dancing with me while Felix was on the phone, but you don’t have to be nice to me anymore,” she said in a cool voice.

“I wasn’t being nice because I had to,” he added. The skin was tight and drawn around his jaw. “I’m almost thirty. I don’t do things because my parents and my brother ask me to.” He looked around, then gathered her close. “Let’s go outside and talk.” He looked around, his gaze seemed to take in the large number of family members in the room. “I don’t need any more commentary on my life,” he added with frustration.

She wanted to say no, that she didn’t care. But she did. She loved the Randall family and would never do anything that would have a negative impact on them. She smiled sweetly, so any observer would not see that she was frustrated and annoyed. She fanned her neck, using her hand. “It’s a little warm in here. Would you mind if we got a cool drink?”

“Of course.” He nodded his head towards her before steering her to the kitchen, and when they were away from prying eyes, he led her out to the empty garden.

“Well played, Kaylah,” he said with honesty.

“I’ve been part of this family for over a year. Do you think I want to upset anyone, especially your parents?” she fired at him.

They stood apart, facing each other. Her with her hands on her hips, him with his arms crossed over his chest. Despite the cranky look in his eyes, he stood tall, and she tried not to remember what he looked like under the smart shirt and tailored trousers he wore.

Despite the darkness, enough light spilled from the house that she could see all the questions he wanted to ask. It was all in his surly stance and the way his eyes had narrowed as his gaze remained on her. “You’d better not be taking my brother for a ride,” he growled.

She pointed to herself. “Me?” She rolled her eyes. “As if.”

He ran his fingers through his dark hair as though he was overwhelmed with the complexity of the situation. “What I don’t get is hearing you talk endlessly about my brother. All I hear is your love for my family.”

“That’s ridiculous. You should be happy that I love your family,” she fired at him, annoyed.

“Let me make myself clear. I don’t want you marrying Felix just because you want a family of your own. I won’t allow it. Marriage is sacred, not something you jump into to mend a rotten childhood. If you don’t love my brother, you need to break it off and leave. I will not have you hurt him.”

Her belly clenched at his ability to see what Felix hadn’t. She’d spelt out her reasons to him, but Jonah seemed to know her better than Felix. The realisation made her heart ache. He’d somehow seen through the charade.

She wagged her finger at him in an attempt to hide how surprised she was at his question. “You finished with your holier-than-thou speech? Your brother is older than you and is a good and decent man. We’re engaged. We talk about everything.” She stressed the word “everything” so he would stop firing questions at her.

“You didn’t know about Megan,” he said in a clipped tone. It was a comment directed at her, implying she and Felix didn’t have a good relationship.

It made her mad. Jonah had been away for a year. What business was it of his to question her? “She’s in the past. So what if he’s had sex with her?” She waved her hand in front of his face for emphasis. “We’re in our late twenties. I would expect him to have had relationships before he met me. Just like I had.” She said the final sentence in a firm but low voice. What was the matter with him? What was it with Megan? Not once in the past year had she been worried about him being with Megan. In fact, she recalled a time they spoke about her after a party. Felix had agreed that Megan had been curt to her and agreed to see less of her. And they had. Kaylah couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen Megan. Besides, they’d been too busy organising their wedding and working.

“I love my brother but know he and fidelity don’t usually go in the same sentence. I’m just wondering if you’re prepared to look the other way when he screws around just to get the family you wanted,” Jonah said.

Kaylah felt her blood chill as the air emptied from her lungs. Bingo. He was right but not entirely.

Standing straight, she felt her jaw tighten. “I adore your brother and your insinuations are unwarranted. It’s three days before the wedding. I thought while you were here we’d get to know each other. But it seems you have nothing nice to say to me. Your accusations are hurtful and disrespectful to Felix and me.” She took a steadying breath. “You have no right, having been away for a year, to come in and throw your weight around, so to speak. My relationship with your brother is none of your business. I repeat, none of your business.” She waved him away with a flick of her hand. “You’re going back to your charity work in Samoa. What’s it to you? It’s not like you’ve cared about us over the past year.” She tossed the final line at him because it was true and also she didn’t want him to ask any more questions. It was becoming too personal, too uncomfortable.

Time to change the direction of the conversation, and if it meant sounding like a cranky shrew. So be it.

Jonah looked at Kaylah and clenched his fists. She stood in front of him, her eyes blazing. She was virtually steaming with anger and he was resisting taking her in his arms and kissing her. She was going to be his sister-in-law, the wife of his brother, and all he wanted to do was whisk her off to his room and make love to her. He’d been crazy in love with her for the past year, but he’d talked himself out of it, reminding himself that he’d only known her a short time and grown men did not fall in love within an hour of meeting someone.

That was for fairy tales and mushy movies, not for a practical bloke like him. But since he’d spent the day with her, listening to her talk, laughing with her, his poor heart hadn’t stood a chance. When he’d seen her in a bikini, he was sure his heart would stop. Not only gorgeous but down-to-earth and interesting.

But she was Felix’s. He loved his brother so much, and he would never do anything to jeopardise his happiness. So instead of being polite to Kaylah, he’d been blunt, snappy and abrupt. He could only blame the jealousy swirling in his belly that was making him act out of character.

In that moment, he made a decision to stay away from her. He was acting like a love-sick teen, not a grown man who knew better.

His belly tumble-turned. Felix wouldn’t have cheated on Kaylah with Megan. His gut told him he was right, but he was struggling with the resentment he had towards his brother. The brother who’d always been there for him. He swore under his breath as he ran his fingers through his hair.

“I’m sorry,” he said with sincerity. And he was. Envy had turned him into a bitter man and it wasn’t her fault. It was his. “You’re right. You’re both old enough to have a past, and I’m sure you’ve talked about it. Forgive me for implying otherwise.”

“It’s fine,” she said dismissively. He could see she wasn’t accepting his apologies and he deserved her anger. He’d been so rude to her.

“And I apologise for speaking so crudely about Felix and Megan. You have every right to dislike me,” he bowed his head as the words swirled in his brain.

Taking a deep breath, determined to fix things, he looked up and caught her gaze filled with frustration and animosity.

“I just don’t get you. Today, I had such a wonderful time with you. You’re smart, interesting and so likeable. Tonight, you’ve snapped at me, spoken rudely and accused me of marrying Felix to fill my need for a family.” Her hands rested on her hips. “Why can’t we be friends?”

“I’m trying,” he said in a low voice. And wasn’t that the truth. The hurt of watching this wonderful woman marry his brother was akin to a knife being plunged into his gut. He didn’t know how he was going to get through the next few days.

He thought he was over her, able to be happy for her and Felix. He was wrong.

She snorted with disbelief. “Am I so horrible that you can’t make an effort for your brother’s sake, if not for mine?”

He shook his head, scared to speak and say the wrong words. Look at how incorrect he’d already got it.

Her finger poked his chest, annoyance had warmed her cheeks and he could see her muscles were tight with indignation. “Talk to me now or I’m leaving.” She threatened. “Why can’t you like me and make your brother happy?”

“That’s the problem,” he confided. “I do like you. I like you a lot. I like you way more than is decent and proper.”