The Sometime Bride by Baird Ginny

Author:Baird, Ginny [Baird, Ginny]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2013-09-22T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Mike took the winding country road that snaked through the open tract of undeveloped land. As per Carrie’s instructions, he started counting mailboxes when he got to the top of the hill. When he hit number four, he made a hard right and steered down the gravel drive that led through a covering of trees. And then his passage through the cluster of woods spilled out into open pasture. A huge purple-blue sky draped with lazy clouds danced high above the nearby mountains. The scenery took his breath away.

Mike spotted the small white-stucco house nestled back against the edge of the property. And, as he drew closer, he spied its immaculate gardens forming a meticulous border around the cottage’s outside. Boxwoods and azaleas, tastefully interspersed by wild flowers, lavender, and zinnias. And nearer the railing of the small wraparound porch, towering sunflowers strained skyward to catch their last glimpse of the fading day.

Up on the porch there was a swing, patently built for two. Mike sighed, taking in the idyllic picture, thinking the only thing that would make it complete would be a passel of kids playing in the grassy yard that butted up against the neighboring orchard.

Mike suddenly looked down at his watch, realizing he’d been sitting there daydreaming. Daydreaming about a home and a houseful of kids. His kids, he realized with vibrant shock. His and Carrie’s.

Mike scrambled from the car, warning himself to take things slow. Follow through with his premeditated plan. For all of his previous slipups, this was one thing he was going to get right.

Mike stepped up onto the porch, straightened his tie, then rang the doorbell. When nothing sounded inside, he tried waiting a few moments, then knocking instead.

A few seconds later, Carrie pulled back the door. “Oh, I’m sorry, did you try knocking? I’ve been meaning—”

But Mike stopped her with a deep, rumbling, “Wow! Carrie, you look like a million bucks.”

Another point she’d made plans to discuss with him, Carrie reminded herself, making space for him to scoot by her into the room. “Thanks, you look terrific too.” And, boy, did he ever. Very stylish in his charcoal gray with muted pinstripes.

Carrie shut the door behind them and looked down at her dress. “You sure this isn’t too much for tonight? I mean, I didn’t really know how formal the dinner-dance was going to be.”

“You look perfect,” he assured her, a panther-like look in his eyes. “Absolutely perfect. In fact,” he said, pulling her into his arms, “if I hadn’t already promised you dinner…”

“Mike!” she protested, pushing back on his shoulders, “you’ll muss my hair!”

“That won’t be all,” he said, kissing her sweetly but then pulling back when she exploded in laughter.

“Have my skills deteriorated that badly?” he asked, offended.

“Oh no,” she said, laughing as she reached for a tissue from the entrance table and dabbed his lips. “It’s just that you’re wearing my Magenta Rose.” She chuckled again. “And, I’m not so sure that’s the impression you wanted to give at this reunion.

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