Baking Love Page 4

  “Her mother and I.”

  “Walter,” Maryanne’s voice penetrated the reverence. “At this point, you’ll lift Cecilia’s veil and she’ll give you a kiss, then you can take your seat.”

  “Understood.”

  Kate held her breath. Please don’t tell me I’m supposed to kiss him.

  <1.0" encoding=p>Walter’s gaze met Kate’s. “Good luck, young lady.” He released her arm and made his way down the tiers.

  She exhaled quietly in relief.

  With Walter now sitting next to Loraine, and the wedding party cascading down the tiers, only Kate and Eric remained in front of Reverend Wilson. As they stood side by side facing him, Kate could feel Eric’s arm against hers. Other than the hug he’d given her when they’d reunited at the bakery, this was physically the closest she’d been to him in years. Funny, I feel as comfortable as ever.

  “Before we continue, I want to reposition some of the bridesmaids and groomsmen so their heights match better,” Maryanne spoke again.

  “Hey, you,” Eric suddenly whispered.

  Kate couldn’t stifle a grin. “Hey, yourself,” she whispered back. Just like old times.

  “How ya doing?”

  “I’d rather be sitting down.”

  He chuckled.

  “I should be asking how you’re doing. You’re the only one up here who’s actually getting married. I’m just your baker.”

  “You’re more than my baker. You’re my friend.”

  Kate’s brows flinched. Did he seriously just call me his friend? Does he really think breaking off all communication with someone for no apparent reason defines friendship? Kate tried and failed to hold her tongue. “Was I still your friend when you stopped calling me three years ago?” I shouldn’t have said that.

  Eric choked. “I can explain.”

  “You don’t have to. That question was out of line.”

  “No, it wasn’t. It was hones have a boyfriend.”inCt—which is how we talk to each other, remember?” He nudged her arm. “We’re picking up where we left off.”

  Kate looked over and met his gaze. “We are?”

  “Yeah.”

  She smiled. He’s right.

  Eric cleared his throat. “Remember when I emailed you to say I’d started dating a woman I’d met at school?”

  How could I forget? It was the last time I heard from you. “Yeah.”

  “Well, she didn’t like the idea of me having a girl friend while she was my girlfriend, so she gave me an ultimatum: you or her.”

  Oh…and you picked her.

  Eric scoffed. “I should’ve picked you.”

  “Alright, Eric,” Maryanne’s voice sounded. “It’s your turn.”

  Wait, let him finish!

  Maryanne came up beside Reverend Wilson. “The Reverend won’t go through the actual words of the ceremony today,” she told Kate and Eric. “After all, we don’t want the two of you to end up married, now do we?” She laughed.

  Poor humor, Maryanne. Just…poor.

  Maryanne looked at Eric. “On the day of the wedding, Reverend Wilson will read several passages of Scripture before giving a brief message about love and marriage. When he’s finished with the message, you and Cecilia will turn to your best man and maid-of-honor for the rings, then face one another and prepare to repeat your vows after the Reverend. Are you with me?”

  Eric nodded. “Yes.”

  He’s nervous.

  “Let’s practice this part,” Maryanne said. “Do we have the rings with us today?”

  “No, they’re not ready yet.”

  “That’s okay. We can practice without them.” She motioned for Kate and Eric to turn to their respective attendants.

  Kate turned to face the woman who had walked down the aisle ahead of her. Cecilia’s maid-of-honor, no doubt. The woman pretended to hand Kate a ring, which Kate pretended to accept. Kate glanced at her empty hand while turning back around. The only thing worse than a pretend bride is a pretend ring.

  “Eric, once you say your vows, you will put Cecilia’s ring on her finger.”

  Eric’s gaze slid from Maryanne to Kate. Without warning, he took Kate’s left hand and pretended to slide a ring on her finger.

  Kate froze. Eric just practicing putting a wedding ring on my finger…and I’m not the woman he’s marrying. Did anyone else find that borderline inappropriate? She glanced at Maryanne and Reverend Wilson; neither of them appeared fazed. I wish I could see Jess’s face right now.

  Maryanne turned to Kate. “Cecilia will then say her vows and put Eric’s ring on his finger.”

  I’m not Cecilia! I’m not the one getting married! “Is it really necessary for me to practice this part?”

  Maryanne appeared taken aback. “I want Eric to know what to expect on his wedding day.”

  Guess that’s a yes. Without meeting Eric’s gaze, Kate took hi have a boyfriend.”inCs left hand and pretended to slide a ring on his finger. She quickly released his hand. Cecilia would’ve kicked my ass if she’d seen me do that.

  “At this point, we’ll have a solo. Eric, you and Cecilia will light the Unity Candle during the piece.”

  The pianist and soloist started to perform “Ave Maria”. Eric offered his arm to Kate, which she reluctantly accepted. They walked over to the candelabra, removed their individual candles, and joined them over a larger, central candle. After returning the candles to the holders, they took their places again in front of Reverend Wilson, standing face-to-face as the solo continued.

  I want to know what Eric was going to say before Maryanne interrupted him…and this is the perfect time to find out. Kate subtly leaned toward Eric. “What else were you going to say?”

  Maryanne cleared her throat.

  Kate noticed Eric lean in as well. “I should have called you after I broke up with my girlfriend.”

  “Yeah, you should have.”

  Maryanne sniffed loudly.

  “I thought about it. I wanted to.”

  “Why didn’t you?”

  “A few months had passed since I’d last emailed you, and I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about me contacting you out of the blue.”

  “Wish I could hear the soloist better,” Maryanne muttered.

  “I even thought you might be mad at me and not want to talk to me again,” Eric added.

  Kate frowned. “Mad at you?” We lost three years of friendship because you thought I was mad at you? She shook her head. “I wasn’t mad.”

  “You weren’t?”

  fused, yes.” Brokenhearted, yes. “Not mad.”

  “I’m mad,” Maryanne mumbled.

  “Why didn’t you call me?” Eric asked.

  “You abruptly ended our friendship with an email. Why would I call you after you’d sent me a message like that?” No pun intended.

  He lowered his eyes and ran his hand through his hair. “You’re right. I wouldn’t have called me, either.” His gaze returned to hers. “I screwed up.”

  There’s regret in his voice.

  “Okay!” Maryanne clapped her hands.

  Kate startled and turned to the woman.

  “The solo has concluded, so we’re ready to round out the ceremony.” Maryanne looked at Eric. “You and Cecilia will kneel in front of Reverend Wilson for a blessing. Once you stand back up, he’ll pronounce you husband and wife—and you may kiss your bride.”

  Don’t even think about it.

  “After you kiss, you’ll face everyone so the Reverend can introduce you as Mr. and Mrs. Eric Wagner. Cecilia will take your arm, Eric, and you’ll escort her up the aisle.” Maryanne nodded at Kate.

  In the interest of getting this over with, Kate slipped her arm through Eric’s without debate. When she did, the pianist and trumpeter erupted into “Wedding March”, and the audience broke into applause.

  Newsflash: we didn’t actually get married.

  While making her way up the aisle ar exchanged a high-five.lldum in arm with Eric, an unbidden smile slowly crept a
cross Kate’s face. She tried to force it back, but it refused to oblige. I know I shouldn’t be smiling because Cecilia is probably puking in a toilet somewhere, but I can’t help it. I’m caught up in the moment. Kate glanced at Eric.

  He was smiling, too.

  Her stomach twisted. I need to take my own advice. This isn’t a real wedding. I’m not a real bride, and Eric is not my groom.

  They reached the end of the aisle and stepped out into the foyer, where Kate didn’t hesitate to unhook her arm from Eric’s. I’ve got to get out of here. “Bye,” she muttered, before taking off toward the front door.

  “Kate.”

  She stopped, but didn’t turn around. “What?”

  “A bunch of us are walking over to the tavern tonight. You’re welcome to join us.”

  You’re caught up in the moment, too. She turned to face him. “Why are you inviting me?”

  “I’d like to finish our conversation.” He quickly continued. “Bring Jess and Mark with you. I’d love to catch up with them as well.”

  Kate studied Eric’s face. I believe you. “Alright. We’ll meet you there.”

  “Great. See y’all then.”

  Kate turned and resumed her pace across the foyer. This isn’t what I signed up for.

  * * * *

  Kate and Jess sat on a leather sofa at the Wynnfield Tavern. The tavern was rustic, cozy, and adorned with antique sporting paraphernalia, including shotguns, saddles, and trophies. Soft jazz music flowed through the speakers in the ceiling, and low light glimmered in the sconces on the wall.

  Jess sipped her martini. “Mark and Eric seem to be having a good time.”

  Kate looked across the room at the two men talking and laughing over a game of pool. “I bet Eric is trying to decompress from the pre-rehearsal.” She tossed back the last of her whiskey sour. I know I am.

  “Speaking of the pre-rehearsal, you did a good job up there.”

  Kate scoffed. “Yeah, maybe too good.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She met Jess’s gaze. “It felt so…real.”

  “I can see how it would.”

  “I think it felt real for Eric, too. Did you see him pretend to slide a ring on my finger?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Did you find it strange?”

  Jess’s brows furrowed. “Strange?”

  “Maybe ‘inappropriate’ is a better word.”

  Jess tapped her nails on her glass. “Honestly, I think the guy was just trying to get all the practice he could.”

  Kate’s chaos of emotions subsided ever so slightly. “Really?”

  “Yeah. I mean, some men simply don’t get wedding stuff.” Jess nodded in Mark’s direction. “Take my fiancé, for example: I guarantee he’ll have to practice putting a ring on my finger. Unlike with Eric, though, we’ll have to make sure there’s a real ring available for Mark to use when we practice.”

  “Does putting a ring on someone door and came out behind the counter, where6Po ’s finger really necessitate practice?”

  “Not for you, it doesn’t, but put yourself in these guys’ shoes. They haven’t paid a lick of attention to any wedding they’ve ever been forced to attend, and now, they don’t have a clue what to do at their own.”

  Kate relaxed. “That makes sense.”

  “It absolutely does.” Jess drank the last of her martini. “It’s unfortunate, but it is logical.”

  Kate met her friend’s gaze and smiled. “You put my mind at ease. Thank you.”

  “That’s why I’m here.”

  She took the empty glass from Jess’s hand. “To show my appreciation, let me buy you a drink.”

  “I’ll be sure to put your mind at ease more often.”

  Kate laughed. She walked over to the bar and set their glasses down. While waiting for the bartender, her gaze inadvertently slipped to the man sitting on a nearby stool. One of the groomsmen. His gaze met hers, and she quickly averted her eyes.

  “Hey there, bride!”

  Damn—not fast enough.

  The guy picked up his beer and moved over to the stool beside where Kate stood. “What’s going on, good-looking?”

  You mean other than your alcohol-laden breath? “Not much.”

  “I’m Matt.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Did you catch the insincerity in my voice? Kate noticed the bartender looking her way, so she waved to get his attention.

  “Your drink is on me,” Matt informed her.

  “Thanks, but I’ve got it.”

  The bartender came over to Kate. “What can I get you?”

  “She’ll have a ‘Sex on the Beach’,” Matt interrupted. “I’ll have another beer.”

  “Uh, no,” Kate told the bartender. “I’ll have a dry martini and a whiskey sour.”

  “Coming right up.”

  Matt whistled. “Two drinks.”

  “One’s for my friend.” Not that it’s any of your business.

  He leaned toward her. “Is this friend male or female?”

  I would say something ugly to blow you off, but I don’t want Walter and Loraine to hear about it. “Good night.”

  Matt frowned. “Where are you going?”

  Kate turned to walk away empty-handed and nearly crashed into Eric. Instinctively, her hands flew to his chest. Did I do that to catch myself, or because I’m so glad to see him right now? She quickly lowered her hands.

  “You okay?” he asked. She noticed him glance at Matt.

  “Eric, my man!” Matt piped up. “I’m getting to know your lovely lady friend.”

  “Is that right?” Eric’s gaze dropped to Kate’s. “Is he hitting on you?”

  “Yes…and failing miserably.”

  Eric cut his eyes at Matt. “Knock it off, man. She’s not interested.”

  He tossed up his hands in a surrendering motion. “Easy! I was just being friendly.”

  “I’ll bet.”

  Matt mumbled something the cake,” Mark mused.S, then slid off his stool and shuffled away.

  “I’m sorry, Kate,” Eric said, his face flushed in seeming embarrassment.

  “Don’t worry about it. I know he’s drunk.” Although I doubt he’s any more charming when he’s sober.

  “Where are you headed?”

  Kate looked over at Jess and saw Mark now sitting with her on the sofa. They held hands and appeared to be having an intimate conversation.

  I’ve had enough of being reminded how single I am for one day. “I’m headed back to the inn.”

  “I’ll walk with you.”

  Kate blinked. “Really?”

  “Yeah. I’m tired of this scene—plus, I need to check on Cecilia. I’ll grab my coat and meet you outside, okay?”

  “Okay, yeah. Thanks.” This is unexpected. With excitement in her step, Kate hurried to the sofa and started putting on her coat.

  “You leaving?” Jess asked.

  “Yeah. Eric’s walking back with me.”

  “Alright. Y’all have fun.”

  “You, too.” Kate picked up her purse, then made her way around several groups of people to the tavern door. She pushed it open, and the cold night air rushed in to meet her. She stepped outside and buttoned her coat. Wow, it is quiet out here. She couldn’t hear sounds from inside the tavern or road noise or even an animal scurrying by—just perfect silence. She shivered. Come on, Eric.

  She heard the tavern door open, and her apprehension subsided. “Did you get what you needed?” she asked with a smile.

  “Not yet.”

  Her smile faded. I know that voice…and it’s not Eric’s. The unidentified figure stepped out of the darkness cast by the tavern’s awning and into the light cast by the full moon.

  Kate’s blood ran cold. Matt.

  “Good to see you again.” His eyes scanned the parking lot. “What are you doing out here all by yourself?”

  Eric, where are you? Kate forced her voice to stay steady. “I’m waiting for Eric. He’ll be here any second.”


  Matt sauntered toward her. “Well, he’s not here now—which is great.”

  Get away from this guy. “I’m going back inside.” Kate tried to walk past Matt, but he reached out and grabbed her arm.

  “Actually, why don’t you stay here with me?”

  She struggled to free her arm from his grasp. “Let me go, you jerk!”

  “Soon enough.”

  “No, now!”

  “Matt!” another voice pierced the night.

  Kate exhaled sharply in relief. Eric! She felt Matt release her arm.

  “Hey, man,” Matt said nonchalantly. “My new friend and I were talking.”

  Eric came to Kate’s side. By the light of the moon, she could see anger burning in his eyes. “Was Matt harassing you?”

  “Eric.” I don’t want to make a scene.

  “He was, wasn’t he?”

  She didn’t answer and glanced at the screenreo . I’m shaking.

  Eric turned to Matt. “What the hell, man?” he shouted.

  “What?”

  “You know damn well what!”

  Matt smiled smugly. “Like I said before, I was just being friendly.”

  Eric lunged at him. “Get the hell out of here before I knock that stupid smile off your face.”

  Matt snickered. “You wish you could.” He stumbled back toward the tavern, uttering words Kate couldn’t make out.

  Eric turned to her. “Are you okay?”

  Stop shaking before he notices. “I’m fine.”

  Eric kicked a rock across the parking lot. “I can’t believe that guy! It took everything I had to keep from punching his lights out.”

  “It’s not your fault.”

  Eric met Kate’s gaze, and his expression softened. “You’re shaking.”

  “I’m cold.”

  “You know better than to lie to me. Come here.” He took her hand and gently pulled her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her face against his chest. His heart is racing. She took several slow, deep breaths to try and calm them both.

  “You think you know someone,” Eric mused.

  “Yeah.” Why do I feel like I could stand here all night? “You’re a good friend.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  Kate frowned. “Why would you say that?”