Unpredictable Love Read online

  “Yes, yes, that one. You know which one I mean. The wedding band.”

  “Oh, that’s gone. That one’s been gone for a couple of weeks now.”

  “What? No, no! You told me you wouldn’t sell it. You said you’d wait until I got the money. I’ve got twice what you gave me. I’ll give you five hundred bucks for it! Please, please, Mr. Groman, you’ve got to give me that ring.”

  “I’m so sorry, my dear. Times are hard, you know. Someone offered me three hundred for it, and I took it. I need the money. Gotta pay my rent.”

  “Who? Who? Did you get the person’s name?”

  “You know I never ask for names.”

  “Did they pay by credit card?”

  “I only take cash, my dear.” The older gentleman patted her arm.

  Amber collapsed, sobbing, against her husband’s chest. “No, please. I need that ring.”

  The pawnbroker handed Troy a box of tissues.

  The young man shrugged. “Thanks, Mr. Groman. We won’t bother you anymore.” He plucked a couple of tissues from the box, gave it back to the man, and, with his arm around his wife, steered her toward the door.

  Once they were back in the car, Amber hid her face in her hands. Troy put the vehicle in gear and drove his distraught wife back to Pine Grove.

  “No, keep going. We can’t go to the wedding.”

  “What do you mean? You’re skipping out on your sister’s wedding?”

  “That’s exactly what I mean. I can’t face her.”

  “That’s a lousy thing to do. It’s only a Goddamn ring. Get over it. They will.”

  “No, we’re going back to Orlando.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

  Troy pulled over onto a side road and stopped. “This is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever done, Amber.”

  “You don’t understand.”

  “You think I don’t? I did plenty of crazy stuff to my parents. Broke the window in my dad’s office with a BB gun I wasn’t supposed to have.”

  “Really? You did that? I always thought you were such a goodie-goodie.”

  “Me? Hah!” He laughed. “Dad had to pick me up at the police station plenty. First time when I was fourteen.”

  Amber uncrossed her arms and faced her husband. “How come you never told me that before?”

  “When you’re trying to impress a girl, you don’t tell her you were a juvenile delinquent.”

  “I suppose not.” She took his hand.

  “I know about messing up. People who love you forgive you.”

  “I don’t know. This was…this was…especially bad.”

  “I agree. You were a totally selfish, asshole pig. There, now do you feel better?”

  “Thanks a lot!”

  He stroked her arm. “Baby, you know I don’t mean it. I love you. But you messed up. Everyone does. Come on. You have to be at the wedding. Hell, you’re in the wedding. You’ll really hurt Jory if you don’t show up.”

  “I guess.” She glanced at her hands.

  “You know I’m right.” He leaned over to kiss her.

  “Yeah. You are. You always are.”

  “That’s why you married me,” Troy said, turning on the ignition.

  “That and you’re sexy as hell,” she added.

  He laughed as he pulled the car back onto Route 55, heading toward Pine Grove.

  ****

  September 15th—The wedding day

  Nan Edwards called to Dan MacMurray, her boyfriend. “I need a vodka and tonic, fast!”

  “Why?”

  She glared at him with hostile eyes. “No questions. Just get it and join me in the attic.”

  She climbed the stairs and opened one of the tiny windows to get some fresh air. Pulling up the sheet protecting against dust, she sat on the old sofa that had belonged to the Walker family. After plopping down on an uncomfortable cushion, she wondered why she had been saving it. Neither girl needed it. “Memo to self. Call Salvation Army tomorrow and get this hauled out of here.”

  The sound of footsteps announced Dan’s arrival. He held a drink in each hand.

  “One for me, and one for you?”

  “I was thinking you might need more than one,” Dan replied.

  “Good Lord, why?” She took a beverage from him.

  “Well,” he began.

  Nan held up her palm. “Wait.” She took a gulp. “Okay, go ahead.”

  “The flower guy is here. I told him you ordered pink, but he swears you ordered white. I showed him the receipt you gave me.”

  “Shit! What an idiot! Doesn’t even read his own orders. Nothing we can do now.”

  “Right. Want me to handle it?”

  “That would be great. You know where they’re supposed to go? Jory’s around. She can help you.” She took his face in her hands and kissed him. “What would I do without you?”

  He grinned. “I have no idea.”

  “Oh, by the way, would you please send Amber up?”

  “Do you want this drink too, or should I take it back?”

  “No, leave it here. I think Amber might want it. Thank you, Dan, dear. You’ve been a lifesaver.”

  Nan pushed to her feet and removed the rest of the sheet. She put it on the floor and out of the way then she went to the window and took a deep breath. A lighter step on the wood stairs indicated a woman approached. Amber entered. She was pale, and her eyes darted around.

  “Sit down, Amber, dear. I think we have something to discuss.”

  The usually loquacious young woman quickly took a seat on the sofa without uttering a word.

  “You can have that drink if you want,” Nan said, before raising her glass to her lips.

  The young woman picked up the vodka and took one swig, then another.

  “Nervous?”

  She shook her head, stopped, then nodded. “Sure. My big sister is getting married.”

  “That all?” Nan cocked an eyebrow at the trembling beauty then eased down on the couch.

  “Of course.”

  Even a cat stops playing with its prey at some point and goes in for the kill. “I know what you did.”

  Amber turned frightened eyes to her aunt. “You’re not going to tell Jory, are you?”

  Nan shook her head once, slowly. “Of course not.”

  “Thank you. Thank you so much, Nan. Thank you.” Amber took the older woman’s hand in both of hers. “We’ll make something up.”

  “We don’t have to lie. I have the ring right here.” Nan fished the small, gold band out of a tiny pocket in her pink, silk jacket. She held it in her palm.

  Amber’s eyes got wide, and her mouth fell open. “Where’d you get that?”

  “A little pawnshop in Oak Bend.”

  “You’re the one who bought it?”

  “I bought it the day after you pawned it.”

  “How’d you know?”

  “Where else would you get the money for that trip?”

  “Huh.” Amber nodded. “But it was in the store. For years.”

  “That’s right. I bought it and asked the man to keep it in the case but not sell it to anyone.”

  “Why’d you do that?”

  “So, if you checked on it, you’d see it was there.”

  “Why?”

  “Keep you calm.”

  “I’m so sorry, Nan. I was selfish and stupid.”

  The older woman patted her arm. “No worries. We’ve got it back. I wanted you to know that I knew.”

  “You scared me to death. Troy and I went over there to buy it back. I’d saved up five hundred bucks, and the ring was gone. I almost had a heart attack.”

  “Hmm, unpredictable love for your sister. Five hundred? Impressive. You’ve made amends. Let’s forget it.”

  “Here,” Amber said, offering the wad of bills to her aunt.

  Nan patted the money. “You keep it, Cookie. Put it in the bank. Save it for a rainy day.”

  “Thank you. Still, I think I should tell Jory.”

  “Th
at’s up to you.” Nan raised her glass to finish the drink.

  More footsteps alerted the women. Jory joined them. “Dan told me you were up here.”

  Amber gulped down the rest of her beverage. “Jory, I have something to tell you. You’d better sit down.”

  Nan squeezed the younger woman’s hand.

  “Wait a sec. Nan, do you have the ring?” Jory asked.

  “Right here,” the aunt said, patting her pocket.

  “It’s about the ring, Jory,” Amber began.

  Her sister gave her a quizzical look.

  “When I was seventeen, I pawned it to get money to go on a stupid trip. I’m sorry. I never should have taken it,” Amber blurted out in one breath.

  “But Nan says she’s got it.”

  “She bought it back before I could. I’m sorry, so very sorry. I never should have done it. We could have lost it, and it would have been my fault.” Amber twisted a tissue in her hands.

  “Since we have it, no harm, no foul,” Jory replied, stepping close to her sister.

  “I’m such a selfish brat sometimes,” Amber said, as tears spilled onto her cheeks. “You deserve a better sister than me.”

  Jory hugged her. “It’s okay, Cookie. I know you. I love you, and I wouldn’t trade you for anything or anyone.”

  Amber rested her head on her sister’s shoulder.

  “Is this what’s been bugging you?” Jory asked.

  Amber nodded. “Troy said you wouldn’t be mad for long.”

  “He’s a gem. I like him. And he’s right.”

  “But it was mama’s, and it was meant for you. And you deserve it.”

  “I know. But if it was gone, Trent and I would still get married.”

  “But Mama…”

  “Mama loved us both. She’s here with me. I can feel her. No ring, no object, can take her from my heart. So yeah, you shouldn’t have done it, but it’s okay. And if Nan hadn’t bought it back, we’d have the ceremony without it.”

  “I saved five hundred bucks to get the ring back. But it was already gone.”

  “Gave her quite a fright too.” Nan chuckled.

  “Damn right. I almost had a heart attack.” Amber rested a hand on her hip.

  Jory smiled. “Then, I guess you paid for your mistake, didn’t you?”

  “Guess so.”

  There were hugs all around and smiles too.

  “I promise never to do something like that again.” Amber blinked at her sister.

  “I know you won’t. You’re forgiven, Cookie. By the way, Troy is a keeper.”

  “Isn’t he great?” Amber smiled. “I have the best sister, the best husband, and the best aunt in the world.”

  “I think there’s a wedding happening soon. And this young lady needs to get dressed,” Nan said, heading for the stairs.

  The women traipsed down the steps to Jory’s old room to prepare the bride for her big day.

  ****

  Nerves made Jory pace in the pastor’s study in the Pine Grove Community church. Pastor Carlson had visited, and now, the bride waited for the guests to be seated. I’m doing the right thing, then why am I so nervous?

  Her aunt entered the room carrying an open split of champagne and one glass. “I bet you could use some of this,” she said, pouring some into the flute.

  “You’re a lifesaver. How did you know?” Jory took a healthy sip.

  “I was a wreck when I married your uncle.”

  “Ben? But you two were a match made in heaven.”

  “Marriage is a big step. It makes people nervous. It’s supposed to.” Nan smiled.

  The bride took a long slug of the bubbly. “I’m a wreck.”

  “You don’t have any real doubts about Trent, do you?”

  Jory stood still, cocked her head slightly, and paused. “No, I don’t. He’s the right guy.”

  Nan blew out a breath. “Good. He’s a great guy. I think you’ve made a good choice.”

  “Sure was weird how we started out. Can you imagine if someone asks how we met?”

  They looked at each other and burst out laughing.

  Amber slipped in and shut the door behind her. She was dressed in a dark rose colored, long dress. Nan wore a lighter color pink suit.

  “You look beautiful, Jory,” her sister said.

  Jory turned in front of the long mirror. “Not bad.”

  The full-length gown was white brocade. It hugged her torso with a sweetheart, scalloped neckline and short sleeves. At the hip, the dress fell loose, allowing plenty of room to move. A white, taffeta slip swished as she walked.

  Her chestnut locks were done in an elaborate do, pinned up, showing off her long neck. She wore white pearls borrowed from Nan and a blue garter supplied by Amber.

  Three knocks on the door meant the guests were seated, and they were ready to begin. Amber picked up her white bouquet. A large bouquet of pink flowers on the Pastor’s desk awaited the bride. Nan was going to give Jory away.

  Amber hugged her sister. “Break a leg,” she said, and then went out. Strains of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons drifted into the room. Jory took several deep breaths. The music stopped, and the two women headed for the door.

  “Ready, sweetheart?” Nan cocked an eyebrow at her niece.

  “Ready.”

  The mellifluous notes of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March met Jory’s ears. She swallowed, linked her arm with Nan’s, and walked toward the aisle.

  “Remember, don’t run,” Nan whispered. “Give everyone a chance to see how beautiful you are.”

  Jory shot her aunt a grin before her gaze went to the altar. Her nerves were on high alert until she spied Trent. There he stood, shifting his weight, looking outrageously handsome in a black tuxedo. Relief flooded through her.

  Their gazes met, and he smiled warmly, stepping a little closer. She looked briefly at the people in the packed church. The many familiar, grinning faces gave her courage. As she neared the front, Trent stepped forward and held out his hand.

  “Who gives this woman in matrimony?” the pastor asked.

  “Her mother, her father, and I do,” Nan said, her eyes full.

  A sharp pain shot through Jory at the mention of her parents. Her eyes watered, but she blinked the tears back. Trent took her hand and supported her elbow too.

  “Are you all right?” He moved closer, slipping an arm around her waist.

  She leaned against him for a moment then took a deep breath. When she righted herself, she gripped his forearm. His brows knitted.

  “It’s okay. I’m fine now,” she whispered. She hoped he would always be there to support her when she faltered.

  They squared up in front of the clergyman. Amber moved closer and took Jory’s bouquet. The bride laced her fingers with Trent’s as the ceremony began. The touch of his fingers on hers soothed her. He looked down at her, his brow knitted. She smiled, and he returned it. Although she could have used a hug.

  Jory held up her palm. “Pastor Carlson, could you stop for a moment?”

  There was a buzz from the crowd as the reverend halted and looked up. “Of course, Jory.” He closed his book, using his finger to keep his place.

  Trent turned worried eyes to his bride. “What’s up? You okay?”

  “I just need a hug. A big one,” Jory said, her voice quivering.

  Trent took her in his arms and held her tight. “Just tell me when you’re ready,” he whispered.

  Jory’s eyes drifted shut as she rested her cheek against his chest. He smelled of fresh soap, aftershave, and man. The protection of his embrace calmed her. Her strength returned. She leaned back to gaze up at the retired Marine about to become her life partner.

  “I’m ready.”

  “Fine,” he said, releasing her and resuming his place.

  “Ready, Jory?” the minister asked, his eyebrows raised.

  “Yes.” She smiled and nodded, gripping Trent’s hand.

  “We are gathered together…” the pastor continued.

&nb
sp; Most of the ceremony was a blur to Jory. The couple had decided to forego writing lengthy, gooey vows. They agreed that keeping their feelings for each other private was more their style.

  When Reverend Carlson cleared his throat, Jory snapped to attention, catching the end of what he had said and sputtered, “I do.” Trent was paying closer attention and came in right on time with his “I do.” A few more words, which could have been in Kurdish as far as Jory was concerned, were said, and then the ring exchange.

  When Trent produced her mother’s ring, two tears slipped down Jory’s cheek. “Ma,” she whispered, before offering a trembling hand to the staff sergeant. After slipping on the heirloom band, he lifted her hand to his lips.

  His touch and the understanding look in his eyes warmed her heart. He got her. Their silent communication reassured her that this wedding was the right move. When the service started again, Jory’s thoughts were on Trent. Mentally extolling his good qualities, she almost missed the pronouncement that they were husband and wife.

  “Huh?”

  He cleared his throat. “Are you listening now?”

  She nodded, feeling the flush of embarrassment steal up her chest at the titter from the audience.

  “Good. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  The groom sported a wide grin as he leaned down to give her the kiss of a lifetime. The crowd laughed, clapped, and cheered. Jory heard a few war whoops as she rested in the arms of her new spouse.

  When they broke, the organist played the recessional. Amber returned the bouquet to the bride. Jory and Trent exchanged happy, relieved looks as they started back up the aisle. No need to hurry now, the deed was done. They stepped out into the early autumn sunshine. A limousine awaited them. Trent helped her negotiate the church steps in her long gown. Frustrated, he finally swooped her up in his arms and carried her to the car. The onlookers cheered and laughed.

  “I hope Laura’s got everything set up,” she remarked.

  “Laura Dailey? You gotta be kidding me. She’s the most organized person in the entire county, I hear,” Trent said, taking her hand and waving out the open window. Shopkeepers stepped from their stores to greet the newlyweds as they drove by. Once at the house, Jory marched through to the backyard, only to be blown away by the scene before her.