Sweet but Sexy Boxed Set (64 page)

Chapter Sixteen

A large crucifix hung above the altar. Allison sat in a back pew watching the priest dressed in street clothes give directions. Sarah and Adam held hands asking questions. Heads nodded and hands waved. Sarah and Allison
’s mother moved in and out of the rows, hanging ribbons, bows and flowers. White Calla Lilies wrapped in greenery and navy blue ribbon hung at the ends of each pew. Taller floral sprays adorned the altar. The decorations were simple and elegant.

Sarah had a simple elegance. Traits Allison knew her brother loved. Sarah
’s long auburn hair wound up into a messy bun with soft tendrils framing her face. She wore a light tan pair of khakis, carnation pink sweater set and ballet flats all accentuating her slender build. Allison, along with others in the church, witnessed the bride pointing out places in the church needing attention.

Ryan leaned against the front pew, steps away from Adam and Sarah. He hadn
’t tried to speak with Allison or look her way. The idea of him withholding his attention forced her to look his way more often than necessary.

But Allison was to blame for the lack of attention.

Her grandmother’s ring weighted her hand to her lap. The center diamond appeared to be more than a carat. Never wearing more than an occasional pearl ring, she wasn’t sure how to tell the size of a diamond. Surrounding the round cut, a ring of sapphires sparkled like sunlight hitting the ocean. The jewels winked at her beneath the soft glow of the overhead light.

Allison
’s skin still held a hint of heat watching George rest on one knee as her mother stood close by. She didn’t know what she expected. Her friend taking their agreement to the lengths he went wasn’t what she’d imagined. They were official. She looked to her right and grabbed his hand. He was a good friend. A great friend she began to feel she didn’t deserve. How could she repay him? He not only agreed to the lie but was also stepping into the roll with eyes wide open.

In the church, the urge to jump up and spill the truth was overwhelming. Except now, with a ring, her grandmother
’s ring, wrapped around her finger, she was trapped. Forced to play out what she’d started unless she embarrassed them both, risking their friendship.

“
This is your family’s church?” George whispered.

She nodded, taking in the familiar surroundings.

Allison stretched her legs beneath the pew in front of her and yawned. George patted her leg but the soothing motion did nothing to revive her senses. The long week took its toll on her body. Keeping up appearance was exhausting.

“
You know. If mom catches you sleeping in church, she’ll pinch your ear.” Audrey’s voice leaned in close and whispered. Her familiar lavender scent invaded Allison’s space. “She used to bust you and Adam all the time. I remember one time she scared you so bad you yelled out in church. Thank goodness it was during the singing. I even got in trouble for laughing at you.”

Allison rubbed her ear. As a young girl, she figured if she wore earrings, her mom wouldn
’t think about tugging on her. She was wrong. Wearing jewelry made the situation worse.

“
Seeing you get yelled at made it all worth it.” Allison kept her focus aimed at the front of church.

George leaned forward, staring across Allison.
“We haven’t talked much, Audrey. I’d love to hear more stories about my wife to be.”

“
I’m sure my sister is busy. Maybe some other time,” Allison snapped.

Minutes ticked by as the two sisters watched the preparations around them. The women
’s club of the church hustled around, following their mother as she pointed out directions. Sarah and Adam continued to discuss details with the priest. The remainder of the wedding party milled around waiting to be told what to do.

“
Why didn’t you ever come to me with your problems?” Audrey asked, breaking their silence.

“
What do you mean?” Allison begged for the line of questioning to end. “I…uh.” Her words felt foreign on her tongue when speaking to her sister about anything. She tried to grab George’s hand before he slid to the end of the pew, taking his cue to leave.

Audrey placed her arm along the backrest.
“Like when you were in high school. Why didn’t we have girl talk? Why didn’t you come to me with your boy problems? Instead you went to Adam for everything.”

“
By the time I had boy problems, you were off to college. Adam and I were closer. We shared friends. We hung out together. He was my best friend. I’m sure if he were older and you were younger, it might have been different.” Although, Allison doubted as much. “Besides, we had nothing in common.”

“
That might be true but you never tried.”

“
Yeah, I could say the same about you. Plus, you were too bossy.”

“
I had to be. I was the oldest and left in charge all the time.” Allison kept her body closed to her sister; her posture stiff. It wasn’t that Allison tried to be rude. The truth was she wasn’t sure how to look at her sister and have a conversation. Especially one so emotionally charged.

“
I’d like to make up for lost time, Allison.” Her sister’s hand rested on her shoulder.

“
That would be nice.” Allison added, knowing in her heart she spoke the truth. The two women weren’t close but they were sisters. “But we don’t have much in common. You’re married with kids. I’m none of those things. I can’t chat about daycares or diapers.”

“
Yes, but you’re engaged now. We can talk wedding, colors and hairstyles. Soon we can talk babies and PTO.”

“
We can try.” Allison’s slid against the polished wooden seat, making the turn toward her sister easy. If only everything involving her sister were as easy.

“
Great. And besides, I don’t talk about daycares and diapers. My kids are in school. They use restrooms like you and me. Geesh Allison, you need to be a little more involved with your nieces and nephews.” She threw up her hands, shaking her head with a smile on her face. “Not that I’m criticizing or judging. Just pointing out a fact to my sister, who I love and care about. That’s all.”

“
Okay.”

Audrey turned her body to face the front of church. Sarah and Adam walked toward the back, hand in hand.
“They really are cute together, aren’t they?”

“
Yep.” Allison’s response was halfhearted. She wasn’t looking at her brother. Instead, her eyes followed the dark haired guy behind them. Why did she let him affect her so much? After all these years, she’d hoped her feelings for Ryan had faded along with the bubble skirts she wore her senior year. Instead, seeing him again standing beside her brother reminded her of all the times the two walked the halls together, tossing a football and goofing off like guys did in high school. Their smiles formed easily on their lips since life was simple. Compared to adulthood, high school was easy.

Sarah stopped at their pew.
“You two ready? We’re going to run through it one time and then head off to dinner.”

“
Okay,” they said together.

The couple passed along with Ryan before Allison and Audrey rose from their seats. Her sister leaned in close and said,
“I think it’s funny how he’s always looking at you like you two have a secret.”

“
Yeah, real funny.”

Allison crossed the paths of the rows of pews to the heavy wooden doors. Wedding music bounced off the high ceilings, drowning out more of her sister
’s opinions.

She took her place in line beside Ryan. Heat radiated along her neck and she wished she
’d worn a turtleneck to hide her feelings. Better yet, a paper bag would have done the trick as well.

Pachelbel
’s Cannon in D flowed seamlessly from the speaker. Allison noticed a head bob up and down behind the church’s piano. She guessed everybody needed practice.

She glanced around the sanctuary, the faces of her family members lit up as the wedding party took their turns down the aisle.

“You ready?” Ryan’s words fluttered with a speckle of mint beside her ear. A chill ran down her spine, erasing the previous warmth. He stepped forward, offering a bent arm. A mix of blue multi-stripes folded into a cuff resting along the crook of his arm. Her hand slid along the cotton fabric, her fingers kissed the skin of his arms the shirtsleeve didn’t cover. The touch sent a flutter of tingles from her hand to her toes. She glanced in his direction hoping for any sign of a reaction on his face besides the tensing of the muscle in his arm. Nothing.

The wedding coordinator pointed to the couple when it was their turn to proceed down the aisle. Allison
’s nerves took hold but she did her best to match Ryan’s rhythm when he stepped forward.

She imagined her own wedding day. Something she hadn
’t done since her sister’s special day. Would she wear white, ecru or eggshell? Hair up? Hair down?

All minor and silly questions when she didn
’t have a who to walk with.

At the altar, Ryan stepped away leaving Allison to find her own place in line with the other ladies. He always seemed to be leaving or walking away from her.

She glanced out across the church where George sat in the back smiling. She focused on his face throughout the practice instead of listening to the priest and wedding planner go over the final details.

When the pretend ceremony ended, the guys and girls once again paired off and made their way back down the aisle. This time when Allison wove her arm through Ryan
’s he placed a hand atop her’s.

“
Wow. That’s a pretty ring.” He raised his hand, peering down at Allison’s newest addition.

A lump formed in her throat. She desperately wanted to run away and hide. She couldn
’t catch a break. First, he confesses how he wanted her to come into town as a single woman. Next, she molested him on a public street when she’s supposed to be engaged. Third, they apparently had a drinking contest causing him to sleep on her couch. And finally, when she hoped to avoid any more embarrassing conversations or moments with him, he noticed her ring. Was there a sign above her head that said,
hey, look at my finger. I’m a taken woman
?

“
Thank you. My mother gave it to me this morning. It was her mother’s.”

“
That’s nice. Family heirlooms are nice.” His tone screamed he was trying to ease the tension.

“
Listen. I’m sorry about yesterday. Can we just forget about it?” Ryan’s shirt was smooth beneath her rough grasp. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”

His gaze held hers. The blue in his shirt brought out the contrast in is brown eyes. He opened his mouth to speak and quickly shut it before any words sounded. A pause stretched between the two before he opened his lips again.
“Is everything okay between you and George?”

His question caught her off guard. Sure. He
’d assume the only reason she’d kiss him was because they were having problems. Could he not fathom a woman wanting to kiss him because she was stupidly, crazy in love with him?

What would she say? Lie again for the hundredth time. Tell him the truth. Conflicted, she settled on whatever came out first.
“Yeah, I guess. I mean…sure.”

“
You don’t sound so sure.” His face softened and if she didn’t watch herself, she’d be kissing him again.

“
Don’t worry about me. I’m good. Things are good.” She looked over her shoulder to find George waiting by a set of double doors leading from the sanctuary. “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you at the rehearsal dinner.”

“
Okay.”

She didn
’t look back. An engaged woman wouldn’t look back, she told herself. She repeated her words a few times until she wasn’t able to look back to see him.

Chapter Seventeen

Since it was customary for the groom
’s family to pay for the rehearsal dinner, Allison’s parent’s rented out the back room at Finnegan’s. After convincing her grandmother she was no longer drunk from the night before, Allison drove her and George the five minutes down the road from the church to the restaurant.

“
Where are we going again?” George asked from the back seat of Allison’s car, after giving up the front for her grandmother.

“
Finnegan’s. It’s this great Irish American place overlooking the river. Like fifty some years ago, a barge crane operating business used to own the building. They went out of business and the place sat empty for years. As kids, we used to ride our bikes down there and skip rocks across the water from the old docks. Of course, we’d get run off by the police if they were patrolling but we thought we were so cool.”

“
And when you say we, do you mean you, Adam and…Ryan?”

Allison rolled her eyes watching George wink to her in the rearview mirror.

“Anyway. Old man Finnegan bought the spot, put in a restaurant and they lived happily ever after. It’s really the best place in town to eat. They’ve got a large menu which includes all-American dishes as well as Irish fare. A customer could eat a cheeseburger when another guest at their table enjoyed a bowl of Irish stew. Which is really, really good, by the way.”

“
I wonder what your mother ordered for us to eat. I really love their bread. I hope there’s bread.”

“
Grandma, I don’t think you need any more carbs.” Her grandmother clinched the white paper sack on her lap.

Once they arrived, they stepped into the restaurant. A young girl at the hostess stand ushered them toward the party room. A dark mahogany bar stretched along the right side of the building as they walked inside. Keeping the bar noise away from dinning guests, a frosted window divided the space. Holding onto the wood theme, round tables scattered across the plank floor with green wrapped benches staggered along the perimeter for booth seating. Shaded chandeliers in the Ireland flag colors of orange, green and white hung above the booths while the same colors were used in the votive holders sitting on the tables not attached to the walls. Rugby, soccer and Irish football framed posters and jerseys adorned the walls along the left hand side.

The hostess, dressed in a black skirt that hugged her generous hips, swayed from side-to-side ushering the party of three through the main dining room. A wall of glass blocked off by wooden frames creating larger squares, separated the dining area from the party room. Pleasant aromas of spiced beef, dark ale and baked bread filled Allison’s senses as she weaved in and out of tables until they reached the open doorway to the rehearsal dinner. All three walls were lined in floor to ceiling windows offering a colorful view of the opposite side of the riverbank. Long tables wrapped in white linens stretched across the wooden planked floor. Hundreds of white votives in short glass holders scattered across every flat surface sending a warm glow around the room. Everything the light touched softened in Allison’s eyes. It was beautiful and welcoming.

“
There you are. We were starting to worry.” Allison’s mother came up behind her.

“
Sorry, dear. We had to make a stop.” Grandmother Daughtry answered, stepping in the room and placing her purse atop the table.

Allison
’s mom gave her a questioning look.

“
She wanted to stop for donuts,” Allison offered with a shrug.

“
At night?”

“
Yeah, there’s Valley Donut Shoppe in town that’s open until late at night. I think it’s because of the meth labs out west and I tried to tell her those kinds of people like to eat their sweets late at night. But she waved me off and said I was full of nonsense. So we stopped. And she bought a dozen cake donuts.” Allison turned to her grandmother who set her purse in the chair George pulled out for her. “And they weren’t even the good ones, either. I mean if you’re going to make me stop, you can at least grab a custard-filled one. But plain cake donuts. Those will be hard as rocks in the morning. And who knows what a few hours in my car will do to them.”

“
Who did you buy all those donuts for? You know we don’t eat that kind of stuff for breakfast, especially on the day of Adam’s wedding.” Allison’s mother used a firm tone with the elderly woman.

Grandma turned facing her daughter-in-law.
“I bought them for myself. You know I love my sweets.” She lifted the empty glass from her spot at the table to a passing waitress.

“
Eileen! What about your diabetes? You can’t eat a dozen donuts.”

She waved her hand at the two women standing beside her chair.
“I’ll be fine. A pastry never killed anyone. Besides, you only live once.” She sipped the glass of wine the waitress handed her. “Plus, I think Allison here needs to witness a woman letting loose. I might teach her something. Now, let’s get this party started. My sleeping meds kick-in in a few hours. Although, if I fall asleep, maybe one of these hunky men will carry me out.” She pointed a shaky finger at a group of groomsmen standing across the room. “Or our Georgey can carry me.” She patted his arm. “And Allison, if I get home before you and there’s a sock on the door, please stay out.” Grandma ran a hand down her floral print dress and sauntered as best she could on orthopedic shoes toward the men standing at the bar.

Allison
’s mother’s jaw dropped along with her eyes like large globes as she glanced at her daughter. “Oh my. I can’t believe some of the stuff that comes out of that woman’s mouth. I’m just glad she’s not my mother, although, I don’t think your father pays much attention to her.” Her mother stepped closer, grabbed George and her daughter’s hands and gave them a squeeze. “Will you two please make sure she makes it home tonight? Alone.”

“
Yes Mom,” Allison replied with a chuckle. When her mother turned and walked away, Allison couldn’t help but shake her head. The idea of her mother thinking her grandmother could actually bring home one of the wedding rehearsal guests was beyond funny.

Throughout drinks and dinner, Allison kept her distance from Ryan. His concerned words about her relationship with George struck a chord. Uneasiness forced her to find him every few minutes and make sure there were at least five people between them. She was sure she
’d spill the beans if he confronted her again. A few more hours and she’d be home, in her bed, safe from wandering eyes.

After dessert of either chocolate mousse or strawberry shortcake, Sarah
’s maid of honor presented a slide show. The lights dimmed leaving only the glow of the candlelights as images of Sarah and Adam as babies began the show. Displayed before everyone were cherished family photos. Oos and awws filled the room. Allison’s brother grew up before her eyes again. From toothless smiling pictures to photos of him trying to act mature and not smile. There were family photos, sport pictures and eventually images from dances. A showcase of good times with the past several years shared between the couple.

The final photo appeared of Adam and Sarah. Allison hadn
’t seen the picture before and when the words, “and they lived happily ever after” scrawled beneath the close headshot the room erupted in claps and whistles until the waitress turned the lights back on.

“
That was so lovely, don’t you think?” Her grandmother asked from her side.

“
Yep,” Allison said with a lump in her throat.

Her grandmother looked over at her as if she noticed the change in the young girl
’s voice. The grandmother’s face turned from its usually light, blissfully unaware expression to close drawn eyebrows. “Are you all right, dear?” she whispered.

Allison swallowed, clearing her throat and smiled at the woman. She loved how her eyes were a brilliant shade of green, which she thought brought out the darkness in her hair. Allison always wished she
’d taken after her and her father when it came to eye color. She’d been happy with a muted shade or even hazel. Instead, she looked more like her mother with dark brown hair and eyes.

“
Yes, Grandma. Just choked up by the memories.” She quietly responded. The room once again filled with sounds of talking and laughter. Music played in the background through black speakers hanging from the ceiling.

“
I saw a few of you in there.” George’s body leaned close with his arm hanging on the back of her chair. She wondered if they looked like a couple. Could people tell if something were off with them?

“
And you can never share what you saw with anyone,” she joked.

“
Aww, but honey bunny. What would the fun in that be?” His wink pinched his cheeks. A red flush filled his face and she wondered if it were his turn to drink too much.

Grandma Daughtry pushed herself up from the table.
“Well. I think there are a few gentlemen at the bar that I haven’t met yet. If you’ll excuse me.”

“
Just be careful what you say to those guys. Some of them might take you seriously.”

“
Pst. I’ll be fine. Everybody acts a little silly when they’re drinking. Heck, look at your mother. She likes to talk about boobs. I swear. Some of the stuff that comes out of that woman’s mouth. I love her and all but I’m glad she’s not my blood.”

Her grandmother walked away with a wine glass clutched in her hands. Allison shook her head and smiled thinking how the two women were more alike than they knew.

“Hey,” Audrey slid into the seat her grandmother vacated. “Bill took the kids home and I’m free the rest of the night. Let’s go get our drink on.” She grabbed Allison’s hand and pulled her from the seat.

“
I don’t know.” Images of margarita glasses danced in her head. Her stomach rolled thinking about lime juice and salt.

“
Come on. I thought we were trying.”

“
And drinking is your way of doing that?”

Audrey fisted a hand on her hip.
“Alcohol loosens people up and it’s a start. So let’s go. I’m crashing at the house anyway.” Her fingers dug into Allison’s arm, wrinkling the material of her shirt. Allison’s heal caught a few times against the floor, trying to keep up with her sister’s forceful hold. Thankful for George who kept a gentle hand ghosting along her waist. After an almost face plant, he muttered something. She grabbed her
sister’s hand, allowing her to pull her to
the little satellite bar set up in the party room. George followed behind muttering something about not wanting to miss this.

Outside darkness fell all around, blocking out the images of trees and brilliant colored leaves. Now, blinking lights from passing boats shined across the ripples in the water. Faint stars popped up in the sky around the moon hanging high, casting a white glow. Back in their private room, candles still danced across the tables, reflecting in the wall of windows. Allison wondered what it looked like from the outside with all the candlelight dancing across the tables.

At the bar, her sister ordered two shots of tequila. “Starting off a little tough, aren’t you.” A voice asked from behind her. She glanced over her shoulder to find Adam with a raised eyebrow. “Didn’t you learn the last time?”

“
Those were margaritas. These are shots. Besides. This,” she waved a hand across the two short glasses of liquid, “is Audrey’s doing. In fact, you should join us.” She turned back to the female bartender. “Can we get another one, please?” Holding her glass of clear liquid, she tipped her drink at her fiancé and winked. “George?”

“
No, I’m good. I think this is best kept in the family.” His smirk spoke volumes of the amount of fun he was having at her expense. He was due she figured.

“
I don’t think so. I don’t want to get trashed the night before my wedding.” Adam chimed in, mimicking George’s sentiment.

“
So don’t drink more than one,” Audrey said with a saltshaker ready in her hand. She licked the back of her palm, shook on some salt and passed the condiment to her sister who did the same. She was vaguely aware that the alcohol in margaritas was the same as what she planned on consuming. But seeing Ryan standing across the room looking handsome in his striped shirt and black slacks stirred up more than a burning below her belly. His dark hair falling haphazardly across his forehead accented the deepness in his eyes. The alcohol would dull her senses enough to keep her from running over to him and spilling her secrets, embarrassing herself and George.

She grabbed George
’s hand, giving it a squeeze. When she looked into his blue eyes, she made a private promise to make things up to him when they returned to Chicago.

Allison released his hand and held out the shaker to Adam, she stared at him and stuck out her bottom lip.
“Please.” She fluttered her eyelashes.

“
First, that crap doesn’t work on me and second, if I’m sick tomorrow, I’m blaming you both. This is like harassment or something. You’re ganging up on the young kid. Totally not fair.” He snatched the salt from Allison and followed her lead.