Jesse's Brother (9 page)

She knocked on the door and sucked in her breath. Was he there?
     
Where was he? Had he changed his mind about going and couldn’t face her? She knocked harder and could hear Blue rustling inside but no footsteps approached the door. She tried the doorknob. Locked. She waited another minute and turned away from the trailer.

He’d stood her up. Tears began to roll down her cheeks as the clouds started to weep along with her. Tiny raindrops fell on her face. Muddy footprints dotted the carpet on the floorboards. Her hair was now matted around her face from the rain. How could he do this to her?

She sighed as she backed out of the woods and went in the direction of home. She had to go to the wedding but needed to get cleaned up. There was no time for another shower. Going inside with muddy feet would piss off Mom and with things going so well now, she didn’t want that to happen. She jumped out of the car by the house, twisted the knob on the faucet and shuddered at the feel of the cold water over her bare feet. Once they both were clean, she shut the water off again, glanced toward the woods in hopes he would be there. If only he would emerge in his tux to take her to the dreaded event.

“Damn him,” she muttered as she climbed back into the car. Her nightmare was coming true. She’d have to face the happy couple alone. She shot one more glare in the direction of the trailer as she passed the entranceway to the pasture.

Anxiety twisted her stomach into a knot. Not only had Noah stood her up, but now she’d have to see Jackie marry Wiley—alone. Alone or with a date, she did not want to attend the wedding, but Noah would have made it easier.

Sadness weighed her down as she drove to the church. At first she blamed Noah as the reason. By the time she arrived, she knew the cause.

The wedding was about to start, which was the perfect time, as far as she was concerned. She glanced around for a good place to sit. The bride’s side or the groom’s? The back would be best. Then maybe the couple wouldn’t notice her.

She walked up the steps quickly and looked for a row nearly full. A spot away from her mother would be great. A gloating mother wasn’t on her list of favorites for the day. Wiley walked out, followed by his best men, all familiar faces. They lined up at the front of the church and turned toward the guests.

The music stopped and restarted. This time, beautiful bridesmaids in purple walked out carrying bouquets of flowers. Four little flower girls arrived wearing crystal tiaras. The guests gasped as the star princess came into view. Jackie looked stunning in a designer gown, a diamond tiara and her beautiful black hair piled on the top of her head. A few wisps draped down, framing her face. Leave it to Jackie to go all out with her wedding.

Tears welled in Samantha’s eyes and all of her hatred at the situation disappeared. For the first time since arriving in Alban, she hoped the wedding would be perfect. Her heart swelled for Jackie.

Jackie followed the bridesmaids and flower girls up the aisle toward the groom and his men. Wiley was happy before she arrived but once she entered the room, he glowed with love. Samantha had never seen that look on his face when they had been together. Jackie was the true love of his life.

Wiley took her hand as they faced each other. The couple’s eyes drank each other in. Even when the minister was reading the vows or when one of the flower girls started bawling from her mother’s arms, they didn’t take their eyes off one another. Samantha’s heart swelled as she watched them repeat the vows. They had really gotten married. No more what if’s for her in regards to the couple. When Wiley and Jackie said “I do,” Samantha knew in her heart she’d made the right decision when she’d left for school.

Her feelings for the reception changed also. Samantha looked forward to the party. She needed to make peace with them and offer her congratulations.

The reception started an hour later in the park next to the church. It was the only park the small town had and always seemed filled to the rim with families. This time, however, the whole park had white satin ribbon around the perimeter, with a big sign that read,
Congrats, Jackie and
Wiley
in calligraphy writing.

The clouds had parted to let the sun shine bright. Samantha was thankful for the sunglasses she pulled out of her purse and the tall trees that shaded the park. White chairs and tables lined the dance floor. Flowers were everywhere and a stage was set up for a deejay or band to play. Samantha wasn’t sure which one it would be.

A table toward the far corner of the reception area was the best place for her. She felt better than when she’d first arrived but still didn’t want to be the center of attention which was likely, given the circumstances. It seemed like everyone was watching her, waiting her reaction. She smoothed down her dress before taking her seat. A curl fell down her forehead, which she pushed away.

“Hi. Remember me?”

She turned to see Jesse standing behind her.

Chapter 13

Samantha sucked in her breath as she looked Jesse over. He wore a nice gray suit and a wide smile as he pulled out the chair next to hers. “Is this chair reserved for someone?”

“Not at all,” she said, motioning toward the chair. He sat down and turned toward her.

“No date?”

“He didn’t show up,” she said.

“Weddings scare men off a lot. The whole commitment-crammed-in-your-face-all-at-once type of thing.”

“That’s what I was thinking. Where’s your date?” She looked around, expecting to see a beautiful woman coming over to snatch him away. All she spotted were several smiling couples dancing with each other. Nobody even looked in their direction.

“I don’t have one,” Jesse admitted.

“No way. You look way too handsome today to not have a date.” There she was again, actually flirting with Jesse. She tried to shift her gaze but his dark green eyes drew her own back to his.

“Thanks. Too bad you didn’t give me a call, we could’ve come together.”

“That would have been great, even though I didn’t know I was dateless until I was leaving for the wedding. Who are you here for? Bride or the groom?”

“I know the bride.” He nodded toward a group of Jackie’s family that had crowded around a nearby table. “What about you?”

“The bride, also,” she answered. Had she known Jesse? She knew almost every member of Jackie’s family but she was sure she had never even met Jesse. There was no way she would have forgotten him.

“Why so serious?”

“I’m trying to figure out if I’ve met you before at Jackie’s. How do you know her?”

“I was her father’s lawyer. I handled the will when he passed away not too long ago.”

“Ah, yes, I was surprised to hear he was gone,” she said softly.

“Did you attend the funeral?”

“No. I was away at school. I recently learned of his death. He was a great man.” He had been like a second father to her. She was even closer to Jackie’s mother than her own and was sure that Jackie’s mom hadn’t seen her yet or she would have been engulfed in a great big hug.

“Yes, he was. Would you like to dance?” He stood and held his hand out toward her. She put her hand into his and followed his lead to the dance floor.

He was lean, and as strong as Noah. Jesse obviously did not spend much time outdoors. They were so similar in some ways but so different in others. Stop comparing them, she thought. She sighed as she turned to face him and he slid his arm around her waist. The day wasn’t so bad after all. She rested her head on his shoulder and he held her close. It was as if she had known him her whole life.

Through three songs, they slow danced. Even when the beat was fast, they continued to hold each other in their arms. She knew people were watching them. All negative thoughts were pushed

away as she floated along with Jesse as if they were alone in their own heaven.

Wiley and Jackie were standing together, watching her snuggled in Jesse’s arms. When the song ended, he directed her to the newlyweds. Why hadn’t they announced the couple like at most weddings? Maybe they had, but she’d been in her own world with Jesse.

“Samantha,” Wiley’s deep voice broke the ice. “I heard you were here. We wanted to see you before they announced us.”

“Congratulations. The wedding was beautiful.”

“We’re so glad you came, Samantha!” they both exclaimed.

Samantha looked from one to the other. Happy to see her? “It’s great to be here,” she said softly. An apology was in order, but not at this moment. Not while Jesse was by her side, watching the conversation take place.

What she’d done was unintentional and something she’d never do again. Besides, by missing her they’d been able to find each other. If she’d stayed, it would have been her wedding day. But she wasn’t meant to marry Wiley.

They’d forgiven her, but more importantly, she’d forgiven herself.

“We weren’t sure if you would actually come,” said Jackie, motioning for Samantha to come close for a hug.

It was so comforting to be able to step into Jackie’s arms. Like she’d found a long lost sister.

“Of course, I would be here. I’ve missed the two of you terribly.”

“Oh,” they both said and looked concerned at each other.

“We thought you might be upset by us getting married.”

She shot Jesse a smile before leaning forward to Wiley. Any feelings she’d once held for the man were gone. “You should have been together from the start.”

The music stopped and a voice came from the speakers.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to announce the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Day!” The guests turned to look at the newlyweds and shocked whispers about Samantha’s appearance carried over to them. They walked forward and joined together on the dance floor. The two of them looked so graceful dancing together in each other’s arms. She looked up at Jesse.

“I’ll explain later,” she whispered.

He slid his hand over her cheek, then gently brought his lips to hers. “Over dinner tonight?”

He took his hand from her face and brushed it down her bare arm until his hand reached hers. Their fingers entwined. “I would love to.”

“Dance with me.”

* * * *

Jesse chose a small formal Italian restaurant halfway between their towns for their impromptu dinner date. The décor was done in rich mahogany and mauve colors. There were no booths, but tables with cream-colored satin table cloths and mauve roses in crystal vases. Each table was separated by a row of plants to guarantee a private and romantic dining experience. A man in a suit