One Week to the Wedding--An unforgettable story of love, betrayal, and sisterhood Read online

  “But it’s your house!” Kate exclaimed. She looked up at the beautiful Colonial, not quite old enough to be registered with the historical society, but full of history and charm all the same. Rose had kept the house impeccable, right up until the time of her death last fall.

  Grumbling something under her breath, Bree released her seat belt and popped the handle on the car door. Kate hurried to catch up with her, knowing there was little sense in running in her heels, considering that Bree wouldn’t cross that threshold on her own.

  Her cousin took her time fishing around in her handbag for the key, still kept on a crocheted ring most likely made by Rose herself. They’d discussed the fact that she couldn’t bear to put the key on her regular keychain just yet, back at the visit where they had to hurry over on a particular cold winter day to make sure no pipes had frozen and burst or anything else catastrophic that came with a mostly abandoned house.

  “Have you thought any more about moving in?” Kate asked as she stared down at the half-dead perennials in the planters that anchored the front door.

  “No. I can’t do that!”

  “Because it would upset your cousins?” It had been a sticky situation, of course, when Bree, the only granddaughter of a woman who had borne six sons and never a daughter, was given not just the flower shop but also this house.

  Bree said you could hear a pin drop in the room. If ever the boys had managed to convince themselves that somehow Rose wasn’t the favorite grandchild, the reading of the will was bitter confirmation of pecking order.

  “Oh, they’re over it now,” Bree said tersely, leading Kate to think they were no closer than they’d been last Christmas, when apparently every Callahan had snubbed her vegetarian contribution of a butternut squash side dish.

  Bree wrestled with the key and finally managed to jimmy open the door. “This thing is solid wood,” she said, giving it a sound knock. “Swells in the heat!”

  “They don’t make them like that anymore,” Kate agreed, wondering if her own door was solid wood. She hadn’t considered it before—she’d simply fallen in love with the sunny front room and back stone patio—but now she had the sudden urge to check.

  Maybe this was her problem. She didn’t inspect things closely enough…at least not when it came to matters of the heart.

  They wandered into the hall, which remained intact, exactly as it had been the morning of Rose’s fatal stroke. Even her handbag still sat perched on the console, its zipper open, as if at any moment Rose herself would come around from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, to riffle through it for a stick of gum.

  Kate would never admit it to Rose, but she wasn’t exactly comfortable in this house. Not when it was like this—frozen in time. No wonder Bree was too freaked out to deal with it herself.

  Bree marched into the living room and wrestled with the window, finally managing to crack it a few inches. Without pausing, she marched back into the hall, brushed past Kate, and disappeared into the kitchen. From the sound of her grunting, the back windows were just as challenging.

  “It really is a beautiful house,” Kate said, admiring the built-in shelves that framed the fireplace. “But I understand it would be hard to move in, with all the memories…”

  That handbag! She had to stop staring at it! Was it open on purpose? Was Rose coming or going?

  Just stop thinking about it, Kate.

  “I can’t move in here,” Bree said firmly as she appeared in the hall again. She turned into the dining room and threw back the curtains.

  “Of course. It’s hard to let go—”

  “If I move in here, then what kind of message would that send to Simon?” Bree demanded, officially silencing Kate.

  Kate stared at her cousin, hoping she wasn’t hearing what she thought she was hearing. Did Bree actually think that she and Simon had…a future?

  “I think that would send a message to him that you are a smart, independent woman,” she said carefully.

  But was that what Simon was looking for? Of course not! Simon was looking for a sweet, easygoing girl who went along with whatever he wanted, no questions asked. And unfortunately for her, Bree was currently that girl.

  “I recently bought a house,” Kate pointed out.

  “Yes, but you’ve given up.”

  “I have not!” Kate blinked at the wall. Had she? Sure, she hadn’t gone on any dates in a year, but that wasn’t the same as giving up. She was busy. With other things.

  Better things.

  Christ. Maybe she had given up.

  Bree shot her a pointed look. “He’ll never propose if he thinks I’ve made commitments that don’t include him.”

  Kate pressed a finger to her forehead. There was a lot she could say in response to that, but she decided to pick her battle. “But you own this house. Outright. Why continue to pay rent when you could live here for free?”

  Bree hesitated, but only for a moment. She shook her head as she flicked the metal latch on the window and reached for the handles. “I don’t think it sends the right message. Simon and I have been dating for almost a year. Now isn’t the time to do anything that would mess up our plans.”

  “Oh.” Kate hadn’t realized that things had become serious with Bree and Simon. Last she knew, Simon had still refused to spend a Friday night with her cousin because that was “guys’ night.”

  Bree set her hands on her hips. She was slightly out of breath. “I just…I just need to tread lightly.”

  Kate counted to three, willing herself not to overstep. She could tell Bree that it was obvious that Simon was not thinking of rings or white weddings, but then she’d just be accused of being bitter. And maybe she was. Maybe Simon was a wonderful, devoted, adoring boyfriend worthy of her cousin’s affection.

  And maybe the sun was blue.

  “Are you seeing Simon tonight? Before the bachelorette party, I mean?” It was Saturday, but the festivities didn’t start until seven thirty.

  “It’s his bowling league tonight,” Bree said, frowning. “He’s there all day.”

  Ah, right. His Saturday activity. Co-ed league. Bree wasn’t invited. “Team only” was the excuse.

  Kate opened her mouth to give a heavy dose of tough love and then shut it again. Some lessons just had to be learned the hard way. After all, hadn’t she overlooked the warning signs with Jake? The wandering eye, the disapproving family, the way they had drifted further and further apart at a time when they should have been coming together, planning their wedding?

  Right. No more thinking about that. It was time to focus on the present. Not the past. “Well, I’ll help you with the upstairs windows, but then I have to get back to town. Elizabeth’s future brother-in-law is arriving for the bachelor party tonight, and I want to go over a few things with him beforehand.”

  “The best man?” Bree’s eyes lit up. “Is he cute?”

  “Why? Are you thinking of breaking up with Simon?” Kate asked hopefully.

  Bree frowned. “Of course not! I was thinking of you.”

  “Ha.” Kate shook her head as she reached for the banister rail. “I have enough to worry about without romance complicating matters.”

  Chapter Two

  It was a warm June day, and the downtown streets of Misty Point were filled with tourists milling around, browsing boutiques and antique shops and lining up at the ice cream parlor. Kate made a mental note to pick up a fresh mystery novel at the bookstore before heading home. These days they filled her spare time just fine—plenty of excitement but all the drama neatly resolved by the last page. And no romance. Definitely no romance.

  A wave of salty sea air accompanied her as she tapped along the cobblestone road to the Beacon Inn. She’d personally seen to the out-of-town guest room reservations, and she knew the arrival times of the entire wedding party throughout the week. She couldn’t fight the satisfied smile that played at her lips when she reflected on her diligence. It was because of her attention to detail that she knew the best man w
as arriving from Boston this afternoon for the bachelor party, checking out tomorrow, and returning Friday with William’s father for the rehearsal dinner.

  Take that, Meredith.

  She knew what her boss thought of her these days. Meredith Smith had a comment for everything Kate did wrong lately but never anything she did correctly. Not long ago, Kate was a rising star at Bride by Design, and she was determined to remind herself—and her boss—that she still had what it took to succeed in this business.

  And this wedding was her chance to prove just that. After all, the Montgomery name was a big one in Boston. She planned to submit photos from the event to a bridal magazine.

  The Beacon Inn was an icon in Misty Point and the perfect introduction to their quaint Rhode Island beach town. Kate was confident that guests traveling from all over the country would be impressed with the panoramic Atlantic views and the sweeping front porch dotted with white rocking chairs. Hotel guests relaxed on deck chairs looking out at the iconic Misty Point Lighthouse or played croquet on lush green grass that stretched to the sea, where the waves silently lapped at the white sand. Seeing it now, Kate felt her heart swell with hope in place of nerves. This was going to be the most beautiful wedding she had ever planned. There was absolutely nothing for her or Elizabeth to worry about.

  Still…better safe than sorry. She pushed through the large front door and stepped into the expansive lobby, helping herself to a piece of saltwater taffy at the front desk. A quick conversation confirmed that Alec Montgomery had not yet checked in, and with a lingering glance around the room, Kate marched back out onto the veranda and settled into a rocking chair. It creaked beneath her on the sand-worn floorboards.

  With any luck, Alec would have a few minutes to spare to go over some details for the rehearsal dinner. She’d use it as her reason for being here.

  Kate checked her watch and bit down on her lip. She hadn’t the faintest clue what Alec even looked like, having only his brother’s dark looks and the less-than-flattering stories she’d heard from Elizabeth to go from.

  Frowning, she knit her brow and riffled through her bag for her notebook. In large, loopy scroll she wrote Alec’s name and propped it against her bare knees, feeling all at once silly and paranoid.

  “Excuse me?”

  Kate jumped in her chair and lifted her chin to face the owner of the voice. Her pulse began a slow and steady drum as she stared at the man before her. With rich brown hair that curled ever so slightly, Alec was a good two inches taller than his brother, but there was little doubt to their relation.

  “Alec Montgomery?” As if that wasn’t glaringly obvious.

  Alec’s dark eyes crinkled with confusion as he scanned her face. The corners of his mouth curved upward into a surprisingly friendly smile that made Kate feel nothing short of ridiculous for being so wary of his motives. “I’m afraid you have me at an advantage. You are?”

  “I’m Kate Daniels,” she said, realizing that probably wasn’t enough explanation. “The wedding planner.”

  “Ah yes. We exchanged a few emails about the bachelor party.” He gave her hand a firm, well-practiced shake. It was hot outside, and even the sea breeze did little to break the heat. She had the unnerving sensation that her hand was a little slick.

  He pointed to the sign. “It’s nice to know someone’s thinking of me.” And then, so quick she couldn’t even be sure she caught it correctly, he winked.

  Wait. Was he flirting with her?

  No. Men didn’t flirt with her. She was too serious, always had been. Even Jake had worked hard to break the ice that first time they’d met. Claimed she made him work for it. That he loved a challenge.

  Her lips thinned. Red flag number one. The man loved the thrill of the chase.

  She cleared her throat, eager to get back to business. He hadn’t winked, she told herself firmly. He probably just had a tic. “I was passing by the hotel and I thought I’d stop by and see if you’d arrived. If the room suited you…” She trailed off with her excuse as she awkwardly thrust the makeshift sign into her bag. Really, she should have just bided her time, checked in occasionally at the front desk, and called up to his room. And she would have done, if she didn’t have another hundred things to accomplish in the span of a matter of days, not to mention the bachelorette party that was only a few hours away, which she’d also taken over planning.

  The paper crumpled under her awkward movement, and Kate had the uneasy feeling that Alec was watching it all. She pressed her lips together and forced herself to look up at him. Yep. There was a decided gleam in those deep-set eyes. She broke his stare, her eyes roaming over the black canvas backpack thrown over Alec’s shoulder and down to the bulging briefcase at his feet. It was time to remember why she was here. “Have they already taken your luggage to your room?” she asked, tilting her head.

  “Got everything I need right here.” Alec smiled as he patted his backpack, and Kate felt that little pinch between her eyebrows deepen.

  “That’s all?” She blinked rapidly.

  Alec shrugged. “I travel light.”

  “And it’s just one night,” she said, reminding herself of his intention to make the seventy-mile drive back to Boston the next evening, something he’d been very clear about in both his emails to her and in his communication with his brother. He’d be back in time for the wedding. That was all she needed to worry about.

  “Actually, change of plans,” Alec said. “I’m staying the week.”

  Kate twitched with panic. “I didn’t know, or I would have made sure they kept your room available.”

  “Don’t worry,” Alec said easily. “I straightened it out.”

  “Good. Good.” Kate nodded. So the best man was sticking around for the entire week, after all. Well, that would certainly put all of Elizabeth’s concerns to rest. She was just about to mention that she’d be sure to drop off an itinerary of the week’s wedding events when her eyes drifted to that backpack again. There was no way he could have stuffed a suit into that bag. Much less a pair of shoes. The wedding attire would be taken care of, but what was he planning on wearing for the rehearsal dinner?

  Her mind raced with the implications of this problem as her eyes latched on to the briefcase sitting quietly at his feet. She could take him shopping, or direct him to a few appropriate stores…but if a man was this helpless when it came to proper clothing, chances were she’d have to guide him through it. If she switched around a few appointments the day after next, she could squeeze it in. She chewed on her thumbnail, trying to think through the tight schedule.

  “I’m kidding!” his voice boomed, and Kate lifted her eyes to see Alec laughing and shaking his head. “The bellhop is taking my luggage upstairs. I checked in a couple of minutes ago and thought I’d come out here for a coffee.” He gestured to his briefcase. “This is just full of files. Business stuff.”

  “Business?” This week was supposed to be about the bride and groom. “What do you mean, business?”

  Alec shrugged. “I can’t be expected to put my life on hold simply because my brother’s getting hitched, can I?”

  “It’s only for a few days,” Kate said archly. “And we have a lot of fun activities planned for the guests who are arriving early.” She shifted on her feet and began to defensively cross her arms across her chest, stopping herself just in time. No need to catastrophize here.

  “A few days too many,” he continued with a sigh. “I’m a busy man. Too busy to spend my time driving back and forth from the city, so I’m here for the week.”

  Of course. His priorities were crystal clear. Honestly, one would think she would know better by now! Been there. Done that. Never to be repeated.

  “If you have a few minutes, I thought we could quickly go over the plans for the rehearsal dinner.”

  Alec looked at her in surprise. “Right now?”

  “Your father doesn’t arrive until later in the week, and I need some last-minute input. Since your family is hosting, I thought
you might have a few personal things to contribute.”

  Alec glanced at his watch with a look of impatience. “What time is the bachelor party tonight again?”

  “Eight,” she replied.

  Sensing his hesitation, Kate took the opportunity to flash her biggest grin. Guilt was always a last resort, but one she fell back on all too often in heated situations like this. “I know it means so much to William that your family is hosting the rehearsal dinner.” She didn’t bother to add that it was also, typically, tradition.

  Alec frowned at her. “And how do you know that? You’re just—”

  Kate interrupted before he could say something that would cement her displeasure with him. “I’m Elizabeth’s best friend.”

  Alec’s brow creased as he studied her. “I thought you were the wedding planner.”

  “I am. And I’m also Elizabeth’s best friend. And the maid of honor,” she added, maintaining her smile. “So, as best man, you should expect to be seeing a lot of me for the next few days.”

  And that, she realized, was something she didn’t know what to make of anymore.

  * * *

  Elizabeth’s best friend. He should have known there’d be a catch. It was no secret that he and the bride had gotten off to a rocky start. Seeing as his brother had sprung his engagement—and exit from the family business—on him completely unawares, he actually thought he handled it all pretty well, all things considered.

  Still, did he really want his brother living in Misty Point, marrying this woman he hardly knew? If he was being honest, no.

  Alec looked out to the ocean, suddenly feeling like an outsider during this wedding week. He’d have to muster up some level of enthusiasm to fit in. He didn’t want to ruin this time for his brother; he just wanted to…stop it. William had gotten sidetracked, caught up in a pretty girl and a laid-back lifestyle, but Alec saw the situation objectively, and he knew that whatever happiness he’d found here was as fleeting as the tide coming in over the sand.

  William belonged in Boston. And like it or not, Alec needed him back in Boston. More than anyone could ever know.