Unforeseen Read online

  “You too,” I managed to croak out.

  Just then, Rich joined our intimate little gathering. I’d never been so happy to see him as I was in that moment.

  “Everything OK in there?” Brooke asked as Rich approached.

  “Yep, I just wanted to go over a few things with the minister. We’re ready to get this show on the road as soon as you’re ready, Sweets,” Rich said, pulling Brooke in for a tender kiss.

  “Seriously, you two aren’t even married yet,” Blake chortled.

  I smiled, wanting to get in on the jabs myself. “Do you two ever take a break? Get a room.”

  Blake turned toward me. “I like the way you think, Miss Carpenter,” he said with a wink.

  His words made me blush. I never blush. What the actual fuck was happening to me? “Thank you,” I managed to stutter.

  I put my head in my palm, and took a deep breath. I couldn’t let on that this man was affecting me. Brooke would never let me hear the end of it. She turned back in my direction, and gave me a knowing look. I shrugged her off, hoping she would move on and forget about it. Luckily, before she had a chance to get me alone, the minister motioned for us to begin with the rehearsal.

  “You look like you could use a cup of Joe,” Rich whispered as he answered the door.

  “Gee, thanks. I think that’s code for . . . Wow, Cass, you really look like shit.”

  “You don’t look like shit. You just look tired, that’s all. Didn’t you sleep well?”

  “Something like that,” I said, not wanting to tell Rich that I’d been tossing and turning for half the night thinking about his best friend. After several hours and a go-round with my vibrator, I’d finally succumbed to sleep–but, even then, Blake Mitchell had earned the starring role in my dreams.

  “OK, clearly this is a conversation you’d prefer to have with my bride . . . So, if you could just give her this little gift from me then I’ll be on my way. I want to get out of here before she wakes up–all that bad luck and all. Oh, and help yourself to some coffee because you really do look like shit,” he said with a smirk.

  “Fuck you,” I said, picking up one of his shoes and throwing it in his direction. “You’re such an asshole!”

  “Be careful. Brooke will kill you if you give me a black eye on our wedding day,” he joked.

  “You better get out of here then!” I said, chucking the other shoe at him.

  After spending much of the morning primping Brooke while also trying to avoid Blake, it was finally time to come face to face once again. I’d even tried to convince Brooke to change the ceremony structure and just have Blake stand up at the altar with Rich as I proceeded down the aisle by myself.

  “Why would I do that?” she asked. “Let’s just do it the way we rehearsed it last night. Unless there’s really something else going on with you, and you’re just not telling me,” she added, eyeing me suspiciously.

  “No!” I nearly shouted. “There’s nothing going on. I just didn’t want Rich to get cold feet up there alone and run, that’s all.”

  “What would give you that idea?” she asked, panic rising in her voice. “Did he tell you something when you saw him earlier?”

  I sighed, why did I even say something so stupid. A wedding planner like myself should know better. It’s practically in our code of ethics not to get the bride upset seconds before walking down the aisle.

  “No, Rich didn’t say anything like that. He wants nothing more than for you to be his wife. Forget I even said anything. It was a silly suggestion, anyways. Now, let’s go get you married,” I said, pulling her in for a hug.

  Brooke’s dad, David, took his spot next to his daughter. I let them have a moment together before whispering in Kaity’s ear. “You look beautiful, Baby Girl. Are you ready to walk your flowers up to Uncle Rich?”

  She smiled up at me. “I got this, Mommy! I’m almost five.”

  “Yes, you’re right. You’re Mommy’s big girl. Now when those doors open, you start walking down the aisle, OK.”

  “OK,” she beamed, her eyes locked on the giant cathedral doors. She was definitely a girl on a mission.

  Before I even had a chance to step into my place in the processional line, I felt Blake’s presence behind me.

  Pausing, I took a deep breath before stepping back in line. Without even looking up to Blake, I linked my arm with his. Maybe I couldn’t actually avoid him, but I could avoid these feelings I was having if I just didn’t make eye contact.

  “You look beautiful today, Cassidy,” he said.

  My pulse quickened at just the sound of his husky voice. Screw it, I had to see him. “Thank you,” I said, looking up at him. He looked down at me, and a smile formed on his lips.

  “I never thought I’d feel this again,” he mumbled under his breath.

  Before I had a chance to question what he’d said, the doors opened and the melody of Pachelbel’s Canon filled the air.

  I’d vowed to myself when Kaitlyn’s sperm donor left me crumpled over and praying to the porcelain gods that I wouldn’t allow any other man into my life–at least for anything more than a temporary fling. I built a wall that night–an unbreachable barrier around my heart that I needed to protect myself and most importantly to protect my unborn child.

  I never expected one man to be able to weaken that wall with just a single look alone. I knew little about him, but I knew enough to know that I couldn’t go there. I couldn’t let this man shatter my bricks.

  I hadn’t met Blake Mitchell until last night, but Brooke had told me everything I needed to know. He was Rich’s best friend–seriously, that should’ve been my first sign. Any friend of Dick Davis shouldn’t be a friend of mine. Ever since Rich came into Brooke’s life, we’d always had this love/hate relationship. Truth is, I loved him like a brother, but if he ever hurt Brooke again, like he had last year after they lost their baby, then I would be charged with murder. He’d been warned, so I really considered it fair game.

  All kidding aside, Blake was a widower. His wife, Alyssa, whom Brooke adored, was killed in a tragic accident. A drunk driver barreled into her car just weeks before Christmas. She was heading home from the toy store–the trunk of her car filled with packages. Luckily, their young daughter wasn’t in the car that evening, and neither was Blake.

  Alyssa was several months pregnant at the time with their second child, but managed to give birth to their premature son Benjamin before she succumbed to her injuries. According to Brooke, the pediatricians weren’t sure if Ben would survive given his traumatic birth, but the little guy was a fighter. After just a month in the NICU, Blake was able to bring Ben home.

  So, that was Blake Mitchell–a thirty-three-year-old widower, and single father of two. He had enough of his own baggage. He definitely didn’t need to be further weighted down with mine.

  I convinced myself that I was in an overly loving mood. My best friend was finally marrying the love of her life and, for a moment, I thought I wanted that, too. But, I didn’t.

  I’m a wedding planner. I see brides marrying their best friends all the time. Why should today be any different? Why should this best man staring back at me be any different than the hundreds of groomsmen I’ve come into contact with over the years?

  I have Kaity and she’s my world. I don’t need a man to complete me. So, why am I standing here at my best friend’s side with only eyes for the best man? The best man who has suffered so much loss in the past year. The last thing he needs, or wants, in his life is a relationship—especially a complicated relationship with this hot mess express.

  I doubt he’s even noticed me over here pining after him like a lost puppy. But Blake Mitchell makes himself difficult to not notice. For starters, he’s huge. Brooke was right when she described the man as a tree. He’s several inches taller than Rich who I’ve never thought was a short man. His shoulders nicely fill out the sports coat that he’s wearing, and the day-old stubble outlining his chin sent a shiver down my spine. He’d replaced h
is glasses with a pair of contacts which only enhanced his chocolate-colored eyes. Just as I was taking in the rest of him, I noticed his lips curl into a small smile. Shit, I’d been caught–he’d noticed me after all.

  Just as I’d decided to smile back–playing a game of cat and mouse as our two best friends said their “I do’s”–I noticed a glimmer of light dancing across the wall. Following the reflection, I saw it came from Blake’s ring finger–his wedding ring. The same ring that Alyssa had given him as they both vowed their unending love. If that wasn’t the universe reminding me that I couldn’t be interested in this man.

  The sound of Brooke clearing her throat brought me back to the here and now.

  “Earth to Cassidy,” she said. “Can I have the ring? I’d like to get it on my husband’s finger.”

  “Sure, it’s right here,” I said, holding out my thumb where I’d placed Rich’s tungsten band.

  “Thank you. And, don’t think I won’t ask about whatever is going on with you later,” she whispered before turning back to her groom.

  I sighed knowing that she would never let this go, but she had to let this one go—we both did. Besides, it was nothing–absolutely nothing. Thank you, Universe, for the subtle reminder.

  Blake

  IT’D BEEN NINE days since I’d met Cassidy at Rich and Brooke’s wedding, yet I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Lord knows I’ve tried. I felt guilty–an undeniable heaviness in my chest. My head knew I wasn’t cheating on my wife, but my heart felt otherwise. Another woman hadn’t even sparked my interest since Alyssa’s death. Truth be told, I hadn’t even looked at another woman since the day I met her.

  Rich had been on my back for the last few weeks about getting out more, but I didn’t see a point. I knew he didn’t want me to forget Alyssa, but he was worried about me. I understood; I just didn’t care.

  For the last ten months, I’d been walking around as if in a dense fog. The first month after Alyssa’s death was all such a blur. After her funeral, I’d taken a leave of absence from my position with the Times. My only focus was on Ben and getting him well enough to come home. After spending a little over a month in the hospital, I was finally able to bring my baby boy home to meet his big sister. It should’ve been one of the happiest days of my life–instead it was filled with such sadness because their mother wasn’t with us.

  Every day since then, I’ve questioned how I’m going to do this alone. I’ve told myself repeatedly that I’ll make it through–because as hard as it sounds to do it alone, the thought of doing it with someone other than Alyssa had been unbearable–until I saw Cassidy. And, for the first time in nearly a year, the heaviness had subsided.

  For over a week, I’d been replaying the brief time we’d spent together. As much as she tried acting like she wasn’t interested in seeing me again, I could tell I’d had the same effect on her as she had on me.

  I’d been a groomsman in several weddings, and I’d never looked forward to the usually awkward bridal party dance–until now. I held Cass tighter than I probably should have as we swayed back and forth to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. I had to give Brooke credit, at least she’d chosen something slow instead of a party song where I wouldn’t have been able to get my hands on her best friend. I’m a man. I think with my dick–I can’t help it.

  We danced in awkward silence with the rest of the bridal party for a few minutes before I finally worked up the nerve to tell her how I was feeling. The song was nearing the end and I knew it was now or never.

  “I’d like to see you again before I head back to New York,” I whispered in her ear, so only she could hear.

  “Well you certainly don’t waste any time, do you?”

  “If I’ve learned anything over the last ten months, it’s that you never know how much time you have. So why waste it?”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry,” she said, shaking her head,

  “Don’t be sorry. Just say you’ll see me again,” I asked for a second time.

  “I don’t think that’s a very good idea,” she said, staring up at me.

  “Why not? I saw you staring at me during the entire ceremony. You can’t deny this chemistry between us.”

  “I can’t,” she said, pausing. “But that still doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Brooke has told me what you’ve been through, Blake. I’m not in any position to fix you. I can hardly fix myself.”

  “I don’t need anyone to fix me. I just need someone to make me feel, and I can’t explain what’s happening, but I’ve felt more since I met you yesterday than I have in almost a year.”

  I could tell she was fighting with herself. Her body was saying yes, leaning closer into my chest, but her head was saying no. “I just–I just can’t. I’m sorry. I’m not the right person for you. I wish I was, but I’m not.”

  Before I had another chance to convince Cass otherwise, the song ended, and Brooke motioned for her. I didn’t see Cass again for the rest of the night. I’d assumed she snuck out after Brooke and Rich left the reception to take off to their tropical paradise.

  The newlyweds had just returned from their honeymoon, and I’d stopped by their place to bring them sushi for dinner–a welcome-home gift, of sorts. Truthfully, I just hoped I’d run into Cass. After all, she hadn’t seen her best friend in nearly two weeks. I didn’t think women could usually go that long without a little “girl time.”

  After the wedding, I’d made the last-minute decision to stay in Michigan for a few weeks. The kids loved spending time with Rich’s niece and nephew so it seemed like a pretty reasonable thing to do. I’d also offered to stay and check on the house and collect their mail while they were in Fiji. I think Rich believed my reasoning, but I wasn’t so sure that I’d convinced Brooke.

  She was right in questioning my motives. I really cared more about spending some time with her best friend than the safety of their mail. Problem was, after Cassidy turned me down, I hadn’t been able to get her cell number. And, although I’d tried running into her several times throughout my stay, I’d been unsuccessful. I was hoping that today would be my lucky day.

  Knocking on the door, I waited a few seconds on the porch before Rich answered. I eyed him suspiciously as he began buttoning his shirt.

  “Seriously, Hot? You two were gone for two weeks–presumably fucking like rabbits–and you couldn’t keep your hands off her for one evening?” I asked.

  He glared at me before answering, “You could’ve called first. I texted you this morning, so I know your cell is working.”

  “I suppose I could’ve, but knowing that you have a monster case of blue balls is much more entertaining,” I said with a smirk.

  “You’re such an asshole,” he snarled.

  “Is that a way to greet your best friend who just wanted to welcome you and your wife home? After all, I got your mail and, look, I even brought you some sushi for dinner. I figured you wouldn’t have much food in the house after being gone for so long.”

  He looked down at the covered tray of Japanese cuisine I was carrying, noticing it for the first time. “Actually, I suppose that was nice of you. You can leave it, along with the mail, on the counter and get the hell out now,” he said, patting me on the shoulder. “I’ll call you tomorrow. We can catch up then. Maybe a round of golf?”

  “A whole round,” I asked, sarcasm evident in my tone. “You can actually go for four hours without getting laid?”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right. Maybe we should just shoot for the back nine,” he joked.

  Just as I was about to give into Rich’s demands and get out of his house, Brooke called out from the bedroom.

  “Rich, who was at the door?”

  “It’s just Blake. He was just bringing us some sushi for dinner. He’s on his way out now!”

  “Oh, that’s so sweet,” she yelled. “I’ll be right out. Blake, you should stay and eat with us. I need to hear all about those babies. I’ve missed them so much!”

  I threw my head back in laught
er, “Well, anything for you, Brooke! I’d love to stay.”

  Rich let out an audible sigh. “Well, since I’m not getting laid tonight, how about a beer? I think we still have some of those in the fridge.”

  “Sounds good, Man. I could use a cold one,” I said, following him into the kitchen.

  As Rich was leaning into the refrigerator, I noticed Brooke’s phone sitting on the counter. Since Cass wasn’t at their place, it was time to put Plan B into motion.

  I reached for the phone only to find the fucking thing was passcode-protected. It was like the world was telling me to give up on this girl–good thing I’d always been up for a challenge.

  “Hot, what’s Brooke’s passcode for her phone?”

  “Why do you have my wife’s phone?” he questioned, turning toward me.

  This was going to be good. “Clearly so I can put a picture of my dick as her wallpaper,” I deadpanned.

  Instantly, I witnessed his rage brew from within. His jaw ticked and his face reddened. I could no longer stifle the laughter I’d tried to contain. “Relax, Hot. I’m just giving you a hard time. Give me a little credit. I’d like to think I’m a little more mature than that,” I said, still laughing at his caveman antics.

  “Oh,” he said with a roll of his eyes. “I just figured you were trying to pay me back for all those stunts I pulled when you first started dating Lys.”

  I momentarily stilled at the mention of her name.

  “Sorry, Man. I didn’t mean to stir up those memories,” he said, apologetically.

  “Don’t even worry about it. It’s fine,” I said, trying to reassure him. And, for the first time, it wasn’t a lie. I really did feel fine. In fact, instead of the sorrow plaguing me for the last several months, I’d found hope. I wasn’t exactly sure why, but I suspected it had something to do with a feisty blonde.

  “Seriously, though, can I get Brooke’s code? And, don’t worry, it’s not for a dick pic. I wouldn’t want her to see what she’s missing out on,” I laughed, ducking to avoid the newspaper he’d just flung at me. “You’re too easy today. Clearly, you’re off your game. I just want to enter my mom’s number in here in case she ever needs it in an emergency–you know, if she has the kids and needs it.”