Magical Weddings (42 page)

He stayed at the park awhile longer, giving Daisy more time to play, then he went home and worked on his student’s papers.

The next morning, he buzzed around the kitchen preparing his and Daisy’s breakfasts. He hadn’t felt that lighthearted in ages and knew it was because he was looking forward to going to the park later and, hopefully, seeing Kya again.

“Boy, you’re in a mood today.” Lyn held Bennie, a rescue that had just come in, while Kya clipped the dog’s nails.

“Why’d you say that?”

“I had to ask you three times if you wanted a coffee before I got an answer, and you were short with the supply vendor. That’s not like you.”

Kya scowled. “I have a lot on my mind, and I’m tired of learning stuff that we need is on backorder. I should just find another supplier.”

Lyn lifted her brows at her. “I don’t think that’s it.”

“Oh, really. Then what is?”

“I’ll bet you’re in a bad mood because you didn’t go to the park last night. Therefore, you didn’t see Devon.”

“That’s ridiculous. Why would that put me in a bad mood? I barely know him.”

“You don’t have to know someone well to know that you click.”

Kya continued to clip Bennie’s nails without answering.

“Do us both a favor, and at least be honest with yourself.” There was a hopeful gleam in Lyn’s eyes.

“I am.”

“No, you’re not. If you were, you’d admit that not seeing Devon is making you miserable. Maybe you shouldn’t run from your feelings, but see where they lead instead, because if you don’t, you might very well regret it, and what then? Better to find out now than after you’re married, don’t you think?”

Kya shook her head and clipped the last of Bennie’s nails. “You’re right, as usual.”

She got the rest of the animals set for the night, and then put the leash on Lucky. “Ready to go?”

That depends where we’re going.
He stared up at her with hopeful brown eyes, and she knew exactly what he meant.

“We’re going to the park.”

He danced around her legs, hitting her with his thumping tail.

“Guess I’m not the only one glad you’re going there.” Lyn chuckled as she headed out the front door.

“See you in the morning.” Kya quickly locked up and then had to practically run across the parking lot to keep up with Lucky.

As she drove to the park, she hoped she wouldn’t regret this decision. Did she really need to complicate her life more? But when she walked across the grass and saw Devon sitting on a bench, she knew she was doing the right thing, or she’d forever be wondering what might have been. As she approached, his face visibly lit up when he saw her.

“Hi!” She sat next to him.

“I missed you yesterday. Daisy did too.” He looked over at the two dogs playing together and laughed. “It’s something how they just took to each other immediately.” He shifted his gaze back to her.

“It sure is.” She looked away as she felt her cheeks grow warm, thinking the same thing could be said about them.

“How are things at the shelter?”

“Good. Crazy as usual. We got a new dog in today, a beagle. Boy, is he a handful. I needed to have Lyn, my assistant manager, hold him while I clipped his nails, and it was still a challenge. He’s young, though, so that’s to be expected. Lyn’s great at training, so I’m going to have her work with him. She’ll get him in shape.” Kya laughed.

“It’s obvious how much you love what you do.”

“Is it?” She smiled at him.

“Yeah, when you talk about your work, you glow. It’s nice to see you so happy.”

Even though she’d only known Devon a few days, he could pick up on her mood in an instant, something Mark still couldn’t do. She hated to compare the two men, but she couldn’t help it.

“Have you had dinner?” she asked, changing the subject. “I made a vegetable lasagna last night, and there’s tons left.”

“Sounds great. I’d love some.”

Mark hated leftovers. She didn’t even bother to invite him over anymore when she was having them, knowing he’d find some excuse not to come. She wondered what she’d do with them once she was married. “I don’t live too far. I’m on Marshall. You can follow me.”

Devon chuckled.

“What’s so funny?”

“I live on Malcolm. Just three blocks away.”

“You’re kidding. I sometimes cut down your street going home.”

“Mine is the white Colonial.”

Kya clapped her hand over her mouth. “With the brick walkway and the wrought iron lamppost?”

“That’s the one.”

“I love that house. I can’t believe it’s yours.”

“I’ll have to have you over so you can see the inside.”

“I’d like that…very much.” The way he was looking at her made her shift her gaze over to the dogs. “Come on, guys,” she called. The two dogs looked over at them and then came charging. “Time to go home.” She clipped the leash on Lucky’s collar, and Devon did the same with Daisy.

Already.
Lucky moaned.

“Devon and Daisy are coming over.”

Lucky jumped in the air and gave a little woof of joy.

“I’d swear he knew exactly what you said,” Devon remarked.

“You’d be surprised by how much Lucky knows. He’s one smart dog.” Kya patted his back and headed for the car.

****

When Devon learned that Kya lived on Marshall, he’d expected it to be in one of the large Tudors on the street. Instead, he discovered it was a small yellow Cape. Although charming, it was quite modest compared to the other houses. The more he learned about Kya, the more she surprised him.

He parked behind her in the driveway and then followed her into the house. The inside was just as lovely as the outside. The walls were a pale yellow. Her furniture was traditional in style, with numerous antiques sprinkled throughout the room.

Lucky bolted into the kitchen with Daisy close behind. The two dogs gulped down some water from a stainless steel bowl in the corner, then Lucky went to the back door. Kya opened it, letting the dogs out into the fenced-in backyard.

She turned to him with a smile. “Would you like a glass of wine? I have a nice Pinot Noir.”

“I’d love one.” He glanced around the kitchen as she poured them each a glass. “You have a lovely home. Not at all what I’d expected.”

She handed him a fluted glass. “Thank you for the compliment, but what did you expect?”

He took a sip of wine before answering. “I expected you to live in one of the Tudors, like the one next door.”

“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it? I do love them, but my style is simpler. I like things cozy. Besides, I don’t need a huge house. It’s just me…”

The way her voice trailed off reminded him that it wouldn’t be that way much longer.

“I fenced in the backyard as soon as I moved in here…for Max. He was the sweetest black Lab. I got him from a shelter when he was four months old. That’s when I knew I wanted a shelter of my own someday. I was fifteen. I guess you could say we grew up together. It was a wonderful thirteen years.” She turned her back to him, walked over to the refrigerator, and took out a serving dish covered with tin foil. “He died ten months ago, and I haven’t been able to bring myself to get another dog.”

“I’m sorry. I know how difficult it must have been. I don’t know what I’d do without Daisy.”

She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, then set the dish on the counter and turned on the stove. “He was my best friend.”

“Maybe that’s why you found Lucky. It might be time for another best friend.”

She shrugged, and a slight smile formed on her full lips. “Lucky really is a special dog.”

“It’s obvious you two have a very tight bond already.”

“Yeah, we have. I’m just afraid to open my heart fully, in case his owner shows up to claim him.”

The oven beeped, indicating that it was preheated, and Kya stuck the dish inside, then she walked over to the table and sat down. “I can’t believe we’ve been neighbors all this time, and we’ve never run into each other. I’m surprised I haven’t seen you walking Daisy.”

His heart clenched, and he took a big drink of wine. “My wife always walked Daisy. She was more her dog. After she died, it was easier to bring Daisy to the park. You see, I wasn’t the only one brokenhearted. Daisy was too.”

Kya reached across the table and took hold of his hand. “I’m sorry.”

He curled his fingers around her hand and squeezed. “It feels good to talk to you.”

“I’m glad.” They sat in silence for a moment before she asked softly, “What happened?”

Devon thought back to that fateful day and wondered if he’d be able to find the words to retell it. Somehow, though, when he started talking, they just rushed out. “Char taught music at Lakewood Academy. She not only loved animals, she loved children too. It was the night of their spring recital. She’d come home from school to change clothes and feed Daisy. We were going to go back together, but I got held up at the university. I called and told her I’d meet her there. She wanted to wait for me, though.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “If only she’d gone on ahead…if only I hadn’t been running late, she’d still be here…but she waited. By the time we left, we had just ten minutes to get there. Normally, that wouldn’t have been a problem, but it started to pour. I mean the rain just came down in sheets, making it nearly impossible to see the road. Neither one of us saw the truck headed straight at us until it was too late. The last thing I heard were her screams. After that, I woke up in the hospital with a concussion and my hand stitched up. But Char… She was gone.” His voice broke. “I wish it had been me that had been taken.”

Kya held both his hands now. “You mustn’t wish that. It won’t do any good to question why things happen, and you certainly shouldn’t blame yourself. It was an accident. You couldn’t have predicted what would happen.”

He closed his eyes, trying to shut out the picture of blinding headlights, the crash of glass and metal, and Char’s frantic cry. “I know, except nothing takes away the guilt.”

“It’s not your fault. You need to know that.”

Devon was regretting his decision to talk about this. The pain was too intense. Thankfully, Daisy and Lucky were scratching at the door to come in, switching the focus off the accident.

“That lasagna smells great,” he said, getting up from the table to let the dogs in, while Kya took a potholder out of the kitchen drawer, then opened the oven and pulled out the baking dish.

“Where are your plates?” he asked. “I’ll set the table.” He didn’t miss her surprised look.

“Thanks, but you don’t have to—”

He cut her off. “Which cabinet?”

“Above your head, second on the left.”

He reached up and opened the door, revealing a milky-white set of porcelain plates with scalloped edges. He took two out and set them on the kitchen table.

“Silverware is in the drawer right there.” Kya pointed her finger straight ahead. “And napkins are in the pantry—the door on your right.”

She took the foil off the baking dish, letting loose an aroma so delicious it made Devon realize he was far more hungry than he’d thought.

Being preoccupied with the food had shifted both their moods to a happier place, and they were able to enjoy the dinner by keeping the conversation light. When they were finished, he pushed his plate back. “That was so delicious. I ate so much that don’t think I could force another bite. You’re an amazing cook.”

“I don’t know about that, but I do know how to make a good lasagna. It’s my grandmother’s recipe.”

Devon wiped the corners of his mouth with his napkin. “I can’t remember the last time I had a home cooked meal. I could get used to eating like this.”

Kya smiled. “You’re welcome to join me for dinner anytime.”

But then as quickly as her smile had appeared, it left, and he wondered if she was thinking the same thing he was, that her invitation stood only until her wedding day.

He looked at his watch. “I should get going. I’ve got lots of papers to correct when I get home.”

She walked him to the door. “This was nice. Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you.” His gaze traveled over her face, and he searched her eyes. Something intense flared between them, making him forget everything. He took her in his arms and sought her mouth hungrily. She responded with a passion he hadn’t expected. When their lips parted, they both stared at each other for a moment without speaking, then he found his voice and said, “Kya, I, I never meant for that to happen.”

Her bottom lip trembled. “Me either. I don’t know what to say.”

“I think we both just got carried away by the moment.” He dropped his hands to his sides. “It won’t happen again.”

A blush ran over her cheeks. “You’re right. We can’t let that happen again. Ever.”

Devon looked away, scanning the room for Daisy. He found her lying by the back door next to Lucky. “Come on, girl. Time to go.” After she came to him, he put on her leash, then shifted his gaze back to Kya, but he didn’t look directly into her eyes. “Well, good night. Thanks again for dinner.” He opened the front door and hurried outside toward the car.

What an idiot he was! He knew better than to kiss Kya. Now things were awkward between them, and she just might decide it was best not to see him again. That thought left him with a nauseating feeling of despair.

He let Daisy jump into the passenger seat, then walked around the car to the driver’s side. As he slid into the seat and started the ignition, he glanced back at the house. He thought he saw Kya in the window, but couldn’t be sure.

****

Kya watched Devon drive away. She let the curtain fall from her hand as she turned away from the window. She ran her fingers over her mouth still warm from his kiss. It had happened so quickly and unexpectedly, yet it was exactly what she’d wanted—to feel his hard body pressed up against her and his mouth on hers. A tingle had shot up her spine when he kissed her, despite knowing it was wrong to have let that happen. What now? Things had changed between them. They’d gone from friends to something more, and that was a road she couldn’t go down, not with her wedding just weeks away.