“Why are you doing this now, right before my wedding?”
Judy covered the short distance and clasped Tory’s upper arms. “Because I’m worried about you. Because I want you to be happy. And if that means with Slade, then great. But I know a marriage must be based on the truth.”
“I haven’t lied to him.”
“But you aren’t telling him everything.”
“I doubt I know everything about him. Who does until they have lived with someone for years, if even then?”
“That’s a cop-out, Tory.”
“No, what I’m doing is what I must do to survive.” Tory yanked away from Judy, sucking in deep breaths of air, her heart pounding against her chest.
“Survive? You—”
The sound of Mindy’s and Slade’s voices drifted to Tory. The slam of the front door followed by footsteps nearing the kitchen prompted Tory to swipe her hands across her cheeks. She spun about, her back to the entrance while she tried to compose her shattered nerves.
She wasn’t the same person she’d been four years ago. She had a right to put that life behind her and move forward. To forget the pain. To grasp on to what happiness she could.
“Tor-ee, I—heard—the ani-mal under—the—house—a-gain.”
Forcing a smile, Tory turned toward Mindy. “You did? She must be making her home there.”
“Yep. I—showed—Dad-dy.”
The questioning probe of Slade’s gaze skimmed over her features. Tory concentrated her attention on the little girl, praying he couldn’t see beneath her false facade. “Was everything all right at the barn?”
Mindy nodded. “You—aren’t—done?” She glanced at the dishes still stacked at the side of the sink.
“Nope. Judy and I got to catching up and forgot to work.”
“I—can—help.”
Tory clasped her shoulders, wanting to drag the child against her and hold on to her forever. “You’ve done enough. I don’t want to tire my best worker out.”
“Besides, honey, it’s time for you and I to get home. The next few days are gonna be plenty busy.”
“Dad-dy—do we—have to?” Mindy straightened her slumped shoulders. “I’m—not—tired.”
Tory brushed her finger under the child’s eye, following the line of a dark circle beginning to form. “Is that so?”
“Well—may-be—a little.” Mindy held up her fingers to indicate less than an inch.
“I need you rested. We have to go for our last fitting for our dresses tomorrow.”
“Oh—” the child’s eyes grew round “—yes!” She grabbed her father’s hand and began to tug him toward the door. “We—better—go.”
Slade hung back and said over his shoulder, “Judy, now you see why I think Tory is perfect for Mindy. She works miracles with my daughter. See you tomorrow bright and early.”
When the sound of the front door closing drifted to Tory, she stiffened, curling her hands into tight balls at her sides. The silence of the house eroded her composure. The seconds ticked into a full minute. She knew her sister behind her was trying to decide how best to pursue their earlier topic of conversation.
Tory whirled about. “I’m through discussing my past, Judy. If you want to stay and enjoy my wedding, then I expect you to respect my decision to put my past behind me and not talk about it. Understood?”
“You’ve made yourself very clear, but—”
“Don’t, Judy. I want you to stay, but I’ll ask you to leave if you continue.”
Judy blew out a huff of air, a frown marring her pleasant features. “Okay, but that won’t stop me from worrying about you.”
“I didn’t think it would. But I’m a big girl now. I know what I’m doing.”
“Do you?”
No! But with God’s help I’ll figure it out. Because I have to. For Mindy’s sake. For Slade’s sake. And most of all, for my own sake.
* * *
His wedding ring gleamed in the sunlight. Slade spread his fingers wide and stared at the simple gold band. Married for an hour. He’d never thought he would ever marry again—not after the way his life had fallen apart with Carol’s death.
On the light breeze his child’s laughter floated to him. He glimpsed his daughter playing with Judy’s children, such joy on his child’s face. He’d done it for Mindy. He wanted her to have as normal a life as possible. He wanted a mother for her.
Searching the small crowd who’d gathered for his wedding reception, he found Tory talking with her parents and his brother, the only member of his immediate family able to make his wedding since his mother was unable to travel due to poor health. Like flames of a fire, her long, straight auburn hair fell about her shoulders, catching the rays of the sun. The soft folds of her white dress swirled about her knees as she moved with her parents toward her sister and brother-in-law. The tailored bodice and delicate beadwork along the scooped neckline emphasized Tory’s petite frame.
She caught him looking at her and smiled. Even across the lawn he saw the sparkle in her gaze as though golden honey mingled with the chocolate of her eyes. Behind that smile there lay a vulnerability that he suspected went deep. It was that very vulnerability that spoke to him and touched his own wounded soul. For a fleeting moment he wondered if it was possible to heal each other’s hurts.
He looked away, his gaze dropping to his left hand again. The wedding ring felt heavy and tight. He twisted the band around, a momentary sense of panic attacking. What had he done? He wasn’t a whole man. All he could offer Tory was loyalty and friendship. There wasn’t anything else left inside.
“It’s a little late to be having second thoughts,” Paul, his friend, said.
“I’m not. This was a good decision. Tory is right for Mindy and me.”
“I have to admit I was surprised by this sudden move. Frankly, I wasn’t even aware you were dating.” Paul peered toward Tory. “Sandy and I want to have you all over for dinner sometime soon. Maybe after the honeymoon.”
“We aren’t going on a honeymoon.”
“Don’t let work keep you from going away.”
“You know I’m in the middle of my plant’s
