Daring the Defender (Wittmore U Hockey #3)

Chapter 26

26

S helby

The grandfather clock ticks quietly across the room, the sound punctuated by the swish of the pendulum in the dark mahogany case. I’m at a small square table that my father often uses to read his devotion or write his sermons. When we were younger, Axel and I would sometimes do homework here, our books and schoolwork spread across the shiny top. Today the table is clear, save for four cups of tea and a leather bound binder sitting in front of my father. The other chairs are occupied by David’s father and then David. It’s the first time I’ve seen David since I returned home, and his first reaction is to dutifully pull out the last seat for me with nothing else but a placid smile on his face. Smoothing my skirt out under my legs, I sit, and brace myself.

It’s time for the meeting.

When I’d showed up unexpectedly two days ago, dropped off by a ride-share at the front door, my mother’s surprise at both my early arrival and the state of my clothing was evident. She’d looked distastefully at the sweater hanging off my shoulder and the snug jeans. But she just hugged me, told me she knew I’d come back, and sent me to my room to change.

I’d done very little since, other than avoiding my mother by sleeping and scrolling my phone for highlights from the Wittmore game. They’d won, but even I could tell it wasn’t pretty. Everyone seemed frustrated when they came off the ice. Reid had taken a major hit during the game and a penalty after. It took everything in me not to text him to see how he was doing, but I’d left for a reason. I’d been way too entangled in Reid Wilder, way too fast.

I needed room to think. A couple thousand miles of room.

I could only hide for so long, and last night before bed I was informed that there would be a meeting with David’s family in the morning. Attendance and appropriate clothing was expected. Which is why I’m in one of the below the knee dresses from my closet, pale blue with small flowers, and both of our mothers are in the kitchen preparing lunch for the families. More than anything that says how they expect this meeting to go. That fact does nothing to lighten the tension in the room. Or maybe that’s just me.

“Thank you for coming,” my father starts, his comments directed toward Reverend Jones and David. “I know this has been a trying time for both families. Your patience is appreciated.”

“Of course,” Reverend Jones’s tone is gracious, “there is nothing we want more than to see this union between our families take place.”

“Shelby, I believe the first appropriate thing to do would be to apologize to David and his father.”

Apologize? I should’ve seen this coming.

I take a deep breath. “Running off was immature and disrespectful,” I admit, even though I’m not sorry about it one bit. “I was feeling overwhelmed by the engagement plans. It was all moving so fast.”

That were being made without any of my input, I don’t add, ignoring the way my heart rate quickens.

My father is fully aware that there was no apology in that sentence, but next to me David gives me a small grin.

“That’s understandable.” Reverend Jones also looks at me kindly. “You wouldn’t be the first young bride to get cold-feet, but it’s important for you to remember you can rely on David. He’ll be the head of your household. It’s his duty to support you.”

Those little details don’t sit well with me, but Reverend Jones seems willing to accept any and all of this if we can just move on.

“I, for one,” my father chimes in, “would like to move from the past and prepare for the future.” He opens the leather binder, revealing a few sheets of paper. “I suggest we formally sign the paperwork and move on with this.”

I stare across the table at the papers but can’t read it. “What is that?”

“Just the marriage agreement.” His tone is dismissive.

“Whose marriage agreement?”

“The one between you, David, and our families.”

That feeling of anxiety creeps up my throat. It’s been weeks since I felt it. I take a deep breath. “I haven’t seen this before.”

“Well, it’s not for you to worry about, sweetheart. It’s between the Jones’ and myself.”

The blood pumping in my body reaches my ears, a steady thump, growing louder with each beat. “So you two, set up a marriage agreement for me and David, without speaking to us?”

“There’s no need for dramatics. It’s similar to a prenuptial but with the values and virtues of our families.”

In a feat of sheer willpower, because it takes everything in me not to go off, I turn away from my father and look at David. “Did you know about this?”

David blinks, but his expression is innocent. Confused. He looks to our fathers for assistance. I lean across the table and grab his face.

“Shelby!” my father exclaims.

“David, did you know about this?”

“I, uh, um…” he stammers.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Did you know or not?”

“That’s enough,” my father roars, his patience and good demeanor worn thin. “That language will not be tolerated.”

“Well, neither will this bullshit!” I snatch the papers off the table and back away as I start reading a section aloud.

“Must live within five miles of Kingdom on approved property.

Must be involved with the church five days a week.

All income and resources must be reported to the business manager of Kingdom.

All future children…”

I stop reading and glare at my father. “You’re insane.”

“No,” my father says, his voice back under control. “I’m being pragmatic. With your brother having fled to live a life of sin and blasphemy, you and David will be the ones to inherit the Kingdom. I’m not just protecting your relationship, but my legacy. I’m aware that you’ve been on a rebellious streak, but it’s time for that to end. Let’s talk about this rationally.”

“There’s nothing rational about any of this!” Something tight in my chest unfurls. “I am an adult. You don’t get to sign anything for me. You don’t get to choose my husband, or where I live, or how many children I have.”

The anxiety that has been building fades out entirely, turning into something else entirely: rage.

“David,” Reverend Jones says, his voice obnoxiously calm, “why don’t you take Shelby outside for some air. You two talk for a moment.”

“Yes,” I say, grabbing David by the arm, “I’ll go outside with David, but not because anyone told me to, but because we need to talk.”

David still hasn’t spoken, but he doesn’t fight me as I drag him past the table and out the French doors onto the patio. Inside, I can see our fathers trying to figure out what just happened, but I know exactly what just took place.

“What happened to you at Wittmore?”

I spin around and face David and finally take him in. He’s still tall, cute, in those pressed khaki pants and blue sweater that brings out his eyes. He looks both confused and annoyed.

“I guess I had a chance to experience life a little.” I try to make my voice firm. “And I realized that this isn’t what I want.”

“This,” he repeats carefully.

“Yes. You. Marriage at barely twenty-years-old. A house next door to my father. A lifetime of servitude to him, you and Kingdom.”

“This is your brother isn’t it?” he asks skeptically, as though none of those thoughts could be my own. “He got in your head.”

“Actually no,” I can’t help but laugh. “Axel is overprotective and a pain in the ass. He loves me, but he’d keep me in a bubble if he could.”

“I know it was moving a little fast, but you know how our mom’s are. We could probably get them to hold it off for a while.” He takes a step toward me. “We’re good together, Shelby. We could have a good life.”

Good, sure. Boring, definitely. And it may not be fair, but there’s no chance I could settle for a man like David after having a man like Reid Wilder.

Other than sending me flowers, which I can’t be sure my parents didn’t pick out, David hasn’t even tried to fight for us. For me.

“I’m sorry,” I tell him. “I didn’t ever want to hurt you, and I don’t think you’re a bad guy just…” Weak. He’s so freaking weak. I can’t build a life with a man who doesn’t know what he wants and how to take it. I slide my hand into the pocket of the dress and pull out the ring. “Here.”

He takes the ring and frowns down at it. “You’re serious about this?”

I nod, feeling both sadness and relief. “I’m sure there’s another girl out there, probably right here at Kingdom, that will make you a good wife and partner.”

I turn and walk back into the house, ready to tell my father to tear up the paperwork. He and Reverend Jones are no longer alone. My mother is there, along with David’s mother, Carol. They both look up at me when I walk in the room, but my mother grabs me by the arm and drags me into the hallway.

“I understand you’re having an extended tantrum, Shelby, but it’s time to get yourself in check. This is your future you’re talking about–and the future of Kingdom. David is–”

“Not my problem.”

“Excuse me?” She looks aghast.

“The engagement and wedding are off. I’ve broken up with David and returned the ring.”

“Do you know what you’ve done? How this will look?” She doesn’t give me a chance to reply. “It’ll seem like your father can’t manage his own daughter, or the members of his congregation.”

“It will look like he believes in free-will and is letting me choose my own path in life.” I cross my arms. “I don’t love David. I don’t think I ever did. This whole relationship was orchestrated by Daddy and Reverend Jones and was going to continue to be managed by them as well. That isn’t what I want.”

“Since when do you think you get what you want?” A flicker of pain flashes in her eyes. “That isn’t the role of a woman in this world.”

“Well, it’s going to be mine.”

“This is your brother’s fault,” she rants, twisting the argument. “I never should have let you stay out there with him. Living in a house with four men, allowing you to get a job– in a bar of all places. It’s unseemly and inappropriate for a woman your age! Especially when you’re promised to get married!” My mother is a small woman, but right now she feels a million feet tall. Her anger and disappointment making her larger than life. For once, I’m not scared.

“Stop blaming other people for my choices, Mother.” I want to scream in frustration, but I keep my temper in check. “That’s the whole problem here. No one cares what I have to say or think! The decision to go out there was mine, just like the decision to come home and deal with all of this was too. Axel–”

“Did someone say my name?

We both turn to the doorway where my brother stands, hair wild, tattoos and piercings on full display. His tone may be light, but the expression on his face is serious, that jaw locked tight.

I recover first. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to bust up an engagement party, but,” he looks between us, clocking the tension, “looks like I may be a little late.”

“Not funny,” my mother says, but she softens when she sees Axel. My mother may not approve of his lifestyle but he’s still her golden boy.

“Are you sure?” he asks, walking over and slings his arm around my shoulder. “So what did I miss?”

I look up at him, feeling steadier just having him nearby. I have a million questions, but they’ll have to wait. “Just the falling apart of the Rakestraw-Jones marriage agreement.”

He makes a disgusted face. “That sounds terrible.”

“Trust me, it was.”

“That’s enough,” my mother says, glaring at me. “I can’t believe you’re willing to ruin everything over an act of petty rebellion.”

“If that’s all you think this is, Mother, then I’ve got nothing else to say.”

She’s the one that storms out of the room, tossing her hands up in frustration. Axel and I are alone. I take the first deep breath since all of this started and look at him. “Did you really come back to blow up my engagement party?”

“It would’ve been fun.” He shrugs. “But you forgot something and I figured you may want it.”

“But you have a game this weekend! The big one.” I shake my head. “What could be so important that you came home right before the playoffs–” My jaw drops at the same time my heart surges up my throat. “You didn’t.”

“Up in your room.” He nudges me down the hall. “I’ll go distract the parents. Go.”

“And you’re okay with this?”

“As okay as I’m going to be with you dating anyone.” He worries the ring on his bottom lip. “I don’t know what’s going on with you two, but I know Reid’s a good guy. If you’re not serious about him, let him down easy, okay?”

I lunge at my brother and he catches me in those big, tattooed arms.

“I love you, Ax.”

“Ditto, sis.”

He squeezes me once more and sets me on the ground and without another look back, I head up the curving staircase to the second floor. Downstairs, Axel handles the parents and I open the door to my bedroom.

Sure enough, he’s here. Reid is standing in my room, among the pile of clothes and boxes. He’s studying the books and trinkets on my bookshelf. He turns when I open the door, apprehension written on his face.

“What are you doing here?” I ask first, rushing in and closing the door behind me. I turn the lock.

“Well,” he says, setting a figurine of a pig back on the shelf, “I thought I was coming here to make a grand gesture by swooping in and stopping your engagement party.

“Oh yeah?”

“Mmhmm. I was going to sweep you off your feet–not literally, because this bruise from the game the other day is about to kill me–but if it wasn’t we’d ride away into the sunset on your horse.”

“I don’t have a horse?”

His forehead furrows. “Really? Isn’t this Texas?”

“Yes.” I bite back a laugh.

“Doesn’t everyone in Texas have a horse.”

“No.”

“Shit,” he rubs the back of his neck anxiously. “I did all of this wrong.”

“No. Not all of it.” I cross the room, desperate to get close to him. “The good news for you, is that it was already called off, so no need for a horse.”

A smile hooks the right side of his mouth. “That is good news.”

“And this seems like a pretty grand gesture to me. Flying out to Texas, sneaking into the preacher’s daughter’s room.” We close the gap. “We may not have a horse but Daddy definitely has a gun safe.”

“Good to know.” He reaches for me, but I catch him wince and mutter a curse under his breath.

Bending over, I push up his shirt. The bruise is awful. “Oh my god. Are you okay?”

“Nothing that won’t heal.” His arm wraps around me. “And it sure as hell isn’t something that can keep me away from you.” I look up at him and see his Adam’s apple shift. “If that’s what you want.”

“I’m sorry I ran out like that.” This is a man I’m willing to apologize to. “You and Axel were both right. I had stuff to deal with here, and avoiding it any longer wasn’t right. It was time to face it head on.”

“I assume that since the engagement is over you did that?”

“I did, although no one is happy about it.” I take his hand, threading my fingers with him. “And I don’t give a shit, which is something I never would have done before.” His eyebrow lifts and he’s so freaking handsome. “Meeting you opened up something inside of me that I didn’t know existed. You showed me parts of a life that had always been either out of my reach, or I was taught to feel ashamed of. You helped me trust in myself, and know what it was like to truly be wanted.”

He brushes the hair off my cheek. “I did all of that?”

“You did.”

He dips his head down, grazing his nose on mine. “I never wanted you to leave.”

“I know.”

“And I meant it, I love you.” The weight that Reid carries seems heavy on his shoulders. “I’ve spent my lifetime not being good enough for people and searching for my place. I found that with my adoptive family, and the team. I thought I had it with Darla and I was wrong. I couldn’t handle being wrong about you too.”

“You’re not wrong,” I tell him. “You’re the best man I know, Reid Wilder. The kind of man I want to build a future with.”

“Yeah?”

“I don’t care if you’re an artist or a hockey player or anything else. I don’t care about all of that. I just want to be with you.” I link my arms around his neck. “I love you.”

He tilts his head and kisses me. It’s the best kind of kiss. The only kind of kiss I ever want to experience again, and I think I knew it the very first day we met.

We part slowly, and he looks around my room. “Your room is a lot messier than I expected.”

“That’s because I’ve spent the last two days cleaning and packing.”

His eyebrow lifts. “Packing?”

“I didn’t just come home to deal with my family and David. I also came to pack up the rest of my belongings.” I nod over to the desk where a heavy coat is draped over the chair. “I needed a coat.”

“So you’re…” he prompts.

“Coming back to Wittmore. I know I can’t stay at the Manor permanently, but since Mike said I can come back to work, I figure I can save money to get my own place.” He grins down at me. “You know, if you guys are willing to let me stay for a while.”

“GG, there is nothing I want more than for you to come back to Wittmore, but I’m not sure about you staying on the porch–”

“Oh. Sure.” I interrupt. “I understand.”

Axel would probably lose his mind anyway.

He lifts my chin, those brown eyes warming as he looks at me. “If you’re coming back to our house you’re staying in one place.” His hand splays across my lower back, keeping me close. “And that’s my bed.”