Chapter 21
“You may kiss your bride.”
Mimi’s words bounced around the room, landed in his brain with a thud. His bride. Katie Finnegan. He cupped her chin, his gaze settling on hers. Those beautiful eyes were so bright, her full lips parted. Waiting…waiting…
He bent his head and kissed her; soft, gentle, filled with longing and hope. His wife. Ian broke the kiss, wished they were alone so he could tell her once again how much he wanted this marriage to work. “Katie, can we–”
A slap on the back and a loud, “She’s officially a Finnegan now, though she’s been one of us for a long time.” Jack hugged Katie, held out a hand to Ian. “She’s a keeper.” The blue gaze narrowed, the grip tightened, leaving no doubt the man would be watching him. “Make sure you keep her.”
“Oh my, goodness gracious.” Dolly wiped her eyes with her handkerchief, pulled Katie against her.
“You look so beautiful, and as my grandmother always said, ‘There’s nothing more beautiful than a mother-to-be’.
All will be well.” The too-loud whisper filled the room as she repeated, “All will be well.” Dolly turned to Ian and held out her arms. He was a full twelve inches plus taller than she was, and as she pulled him against her soft, round body, she hugged him extra tight.
“You’re like a son to me. I will always be here for you. ”
Ian cleared his throat, glanced at Katie. I will not disappoint you again. I will not–
Mimi broke through Ian’s thoughts. “Is anyone hungry? I’ve got Chicken Picata in the dining room.”
Katie darted a glance at Ian… hesitated… “Thank you, Mimi. That’s very kind of you.”
Ian let out a quiet breath. His wife wasn’t delirious about the prospect of sharing a meal with him, but she hadn’t said no. He’d take that. In fact, he’d take whatever she offered right now, and maybe–
“Those roads are looking mighty rough, and I don’t plan on sleeping anywhere but in my own bed tonight.” Jack rubbed his jaw, frowned. “I think Dolly and I best be getting on before we’re stuck here.”
Mimi laughed. “Would that be so bad, Jack? I’d even give you two the honeymoon suite.”
A snort, followed by a laugh. “Dang, foolishness. That’s for young people.
Dolly and I been together a long time, and we don’t need none of those fancy cards and such to say ‘I’m not going anywhere’ and ‘I’ll stay by your side like the family dog, even bring you those fancy chocolates you favor.
’ We know who we are…” He shot a look at his wife, his expression softening, his tone matching it. “Don’t we, Dolly?”
His wife’s face turned bright pink, and she fanned herself as she fumbled for a response.
There weren’t many times when Dolly Finnegan didn’t have a string of comments on a subject, but not this time.
“That’s exactly right, Jack. That’s all we need.
Each other.” She reached out to clasp his hand, and damn it all if he didn’t pull her into a big hug.
Quick. Fast. A person almost wouldn’t realize what was happening if they weren’t watching. That was love, Jack Finnegan style.
“Well, if you won’t stay and you don’t want to eat, I guess that only leaves Ian and Katie.
” There was a reason Mimi Pendergrass was the town mayor, negotiator, proprietress of a bed-and-breakfast, keeper of secrets, and trusted friend.
She wasn’t a fool, and while she didn’t push and pull someone into a situation, she did guide them so they could see the logic behind it.
Mimi wanted Ian and Katie to share a meal, and maybe she was offering a room or rooms?
He could hope all he wanted, but it was much too soon to share anything physical.
Even if she agreed to the same bed, he wouldn’t touch her.
Of course, he wanted to, but he wouldn’t.
If and when Katie came to him, it would be on her own terms.
“I am a little hungry,” Katie said. “The food smells delicious, and I’ve been thinking about it since I stepped inside.”
Ian played with his wedding band, waited for her to say more. When he caught her staring at him, he simply nodded. “Sounds like a good plan.”
Katie glanced into the bathroom mirror, stared back at herself.
Katie Finnegan. Wife. Mother-to-be.
She thought about marriage and finding a person to share her life with, and whether she wanted to admit it or not, Ian had always been in the back of her mind…
a challenger for every potential partner.
No wonder they’d all failed, and she could never truly commit.
How could a person have a serious relationship when she hadn’t let go of the only man she’d ever loved?
After the whole secret-investor business, she’d wanted to despise him but couldn’t. Now, she wanted to forgive him, but she couldn’t do that either. It would have been easier if he’d simply disappeared from her life, taking the uncertainty, the pain, and the heartache with him.
But that hadn’t happened either, and the fierceness in his vows, and the expression on his face said he wasn’t leaving—he was not giving up on them.
She glanced at the ring on her finger. So beautiful, so…
perfect. Her right hand slid to her belly.
Life was complicated and messy, but there were moments of pure joy, and that’s what she felt when she thought of this child.
Pure joy. Pure love. Could she ever feel that for Ian again?
Deep down, her heart told her she already knew the answer, but what she didn’t know was if she could take that risk again.
Katie waited another few minutes and then joined her new husband in the dining room.
Jack and Dolly had left twenty minutes ago, and the snow hadn’t let up.
She heard Mimi singing “Deck the Halls” in the kitchen, and there was no missing the joy in her voice.
How a woman who’d seen so much heartache could still find happiness in life was a true miracle.
Ian stood near the China hutch, holding a beer, his wedding band glinting under the light.
She’d considered not getting one, but Mimi had made her rethink her position.
Follow your heart, dear. Don’t let pride get in the way.
Don’t let tradition or expectations make your choices, either.
Do what you want to do. So, she’d visited the jewelers with Nick Borado, because he and Ian looked like they had similar ring sizes, and she’d guessed.
It seemed like there was a lot of guessing going on in her life right now.
“Katie? Are you okay?”
She blinked, blinked again. “I’m fine. You know, I wasn’t hungry until I walked in this place and smelled Mimi’s cooking. When has anyone ever been able to refuse that woman’s cooking?”
His lips pulled into a slow smile. “Exactly. I’m glad I’m staying at Max and Grace’s. Imagine if I’d decided on the Heart Sent? Mimi would’ve added ten pounds on me by now.” A laugh as he patted his flat belly. “All in the wrong places.”
“I know the feeling.” She’d already gained a few pounds, and while some of those pounds had to do with the baby, others were because of excuses to eat ice cream whenever–
“You look perfect. And you can’t really tell you’ve gained any weight.” His face flushed, and he stumbled over an apology. “I…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
Ian Finnegan in an uncomfortable position? Interesting and touching. “How much do you know about pregnancy and whatnot?”
The flush downshifted to paste. “Not much.” He rubbed the back of his neck, corrected himself.
“Nothing.” A clearing of his throat, more stumbling.
“But I have read three books, and I’m on my fourth.
Of course, they’re only books. I did watch a few videos but when it got to the childbirth part?
” He closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I’m sorry but I had to stop. It was a little too… ”
“Graphic?”
A quick nod, a mumbled, “Right.”
Katie moved toward him, placed both hands on her belly.
“You can’t start at the end. It’s a slow process.
Even the strongest men don’t always do well.
” She lowered her voice, realized she liked the vulnerable side of him.
“When Ben and Gina Reed were having their first child, he passed out.” A chuckle as she recalled hearing about the incident.
“He said it was from low blood sugar because he hadn’t eaten, but everybody knew that wasn’t the reason.
Gina knew it too, but she never said a word.
It’s okay because labor can be a long process, from what I hear.
It’s a very emotional time. But please don’t tease him or mention it because he wouldn’t like that. ”
Ian stared as if trying to process what she’d just told him. “Ben’s not the kind of guy you tease unless you know him really well, and even then, I think Cash Casherdon is the only one who might be able to pull it off.”
“Yes, Cash could do it, but he wouldn’t like the repercussions because Ben would throw it right back at him, and if he didn’t, Nate Desantro would.”
He’d been about to comment when Mimi entered carrying two plates, heaped with salad.
“I hope you’re both hungry. The pasta is almost finished, and the Chicken Picata is extra tender tonight.
” She placed the salad in front of them.
“The snow’s not expected to stop until morning, and that’s going to leave us with a big mess. ”
“I’m happy to snow blow or shovel, just let me know how I can help.”
Mimi’s face lit up. “Thank you, Ian. That’s very kind of you.
Jack or Nate usually plow me out, but they might be needed elsewhere for a good part of tomorrow.
I’d be grateful for the help.” She pointed in the direction of the garage.
“The snowblower’s ready to go, no shoveling required. We’ll talk about it in the morning.”
“Whatever you need, Mimi.”
“Will do. I’ll be back soon with the rest of the meal.”
Katie waited until Mimi disappeared into the kitchen to ask, “You know how to operate a snowblower?”
“You’re asking that question to a guy who tears apart and rebuilds engines for a living? Makes them faster, better, supercharged?” He continued to expound on his expertise. “I could have that thing torn apart and put back together before you count to fifty.”
Katie hid a smile. “I’m sure you could name every part of the snowblower’s engine, probably a lawn mower and rototiller, too, but that’s not my question.
What I want to know is, can you operate one?
You know, blow the snow, cut the grass, till the soil.
” The jaw twitching gave her the answer she suspected, but she couldn’t quite let up.
Not yet. “So?” They looked at each other and burst out laughing.
Big, deep, belly laughs that brought tears to their eyes.
Ian grinned. “I didn’t do a very good job selling it, did I?”
“The jaw twitching and the emphasis on your engineering capabilities gave you away.” She picked up her fork, stabbed a hunk of lettuce. “Plus, how many snowblowers are in Los Angeles?”
“Good point.”
She should not torment him, but the mood had turned light and she wanted it to continue. “Besides, I’ll bet the only snow you’ve ever seen is on a ski slope.”
Those blue eyes shifted to silver. “Busted. However, it appears I’ll need to learn how to operate one of those machines. Will you give me a lesson?”
Oh, she enjoyed the lighter side of this evening. Relaxed, enjoyable, fun. She wished it could continue so she didn’t have to think about tonight or tomorrow, or…
“Ian? Katie? I’m sorry to bother you, but…” Mimi stood in the doorway, tears streaming down her face.
Ian jumped up from his chair, rushed to her. “What’s wrong?”
Katie slid back her chair, stood. “Mimi?”
She bit her bottom lip. “It’s Dolly. She’s… she’s…”
“Mimi, what happened to Dolly?” No mistaking the fear in Ian’s voice.
“They’re at the hospital now.” She sniffed, swiped at her tears. “They made it home, and Dolly stepped out of the truck because she can’t get out when it’s pulled into the garage… Jack has all sorts of projects in there and doesn’t leave much room for…” Her voice drifted off, fresh tears fell.
“Mimi.” Ian placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice soothing when he spoke. “Tell us what happened.”
“She fell on the ice and landed on her wrist. Hit her head, too. They’re running tests now.”
Ian glanced at Katie. “Do you mind if I take Mimi to the hospital?”
Emotion swirled through her as she watched him with Mimi. “Of course not. But I’m coming with you.”
The frown said he didn’t like that idea. “I think you should stay here and rest. You haven’t eaten and…”
She moved toward her new husband, matched his frown. “If you’re going to the hospital, I’m going too. Aunt Dolly and Uncle Jack are family.” She placed a hand on Mimi’s arm. “And so are you, Mimi. Why don’t you freshen up a bit while Ian gets the truck ready, and I’ll pack a snack for us.”
The woman who ran the town with grace and ease nodded.
“Yes, I think that’s a very good idea. You’ll find containers and plastic silverware in the cupboard beside the stove.
” A small piece of the “organized” Mimi kicked into place.
“Pack extra paper plates because we can’t have Jack passing out on us, and he’s not going to leave Dolly alone.
” She managed a weak smile. “Thank you for doing this. I’ll just be a few minutes.
” And then she turned and headed toward the stairs.
When she was out of sight, Ian spoke. “You really don’t mind going to the hospital? I need to make sure she’s going to be okay.”
“Of course I don’t mind. I want to be there.” Katie didn’t miss the paleness beneath his tan or the furrowed brow. She clasped his left hand, her fingers touching his wedding band. “Dolly is exactly where she needs to be. The doctors will take care of her.”
“I know, but I think about surgery and how she’s probably not the greatest candidate right now because of her health conditions.” His voice cracked. “I can’t…”
“You love her, and you don’t want anything to happen to her.” She eased her arms around his waist, laid her head on his chest. “I’m here.”
He pulled her to him, held tight. “If anything happens to her, Jack will never recover. He won’t…”
“One step at a time,” she murmured. “We’ll get through this.” She sniffed, tried not to cry. Uncle Jack and Aunt Dolly had given Katie and Ian so much, and now they needed them. She pulled away, looked up at him. “Let’s get moving, because something tells me it’s going to be a long night.”
His features relaxed, his voice dipped. “It’s going to be a night to remember…”
She reached up, stroked his bearded jaw. “We’re helping people who’ve done so much for us.” A smile, a soft “This could be a wonderful story to tell one day.”
“I hope so.” He reached for her hand, kissed each knuckle. “I truly hope so.”