The Reluctant Bride. Anne Duquette Marie
you describe it, then?” Anita teased.
“Call it destiny, and leave it at that,” Karinne said lightly. “Max and I grew into each other. He’s the man for me.” Karinne darted a quick glance at her friend. “But we all can’t be as lucky as you and Cory, the perfect couple. Even miles apart, you’re happy.”
“We’re not perfect,” Anita said. “And I am happy. But I’d be happier if I could be with him all the time.”
“So would I. With Max, I mean.” She and Max were at a stalemate about the subject of one of them relocating. Karinne appreciated that Max loved his job, but so did she. Not only that, Jeff was too ill to be moved, or, at least, claimed he was.
She remembered their argument the last time she’d postponed the wedding.
“You’re using your father as an excuse, Karinne. With his heart, he should be in an assisted-care facility. Your living at home is no substitute for professional care.”
“He’d be miserable at some nursing home!”
“He’d have a fuller, healthier life than he does right now. We can move him up near us if you want. And no—” he held up a hand when she would have protested “—he isn’t too ill to be moved. He just says that because he doesn’t want to leave his home. But it’s time, and his doctor agrees,” Max insisted.
“How would you like giving up your home?” Karinne countered.
“If I had to, I hope I would do it gracefully. But that’s not the issue. You know how hard Cory and I have worked to make our concession a success. Do you want me to give it up when I’ve finally become profitable? And ruin Cory’s finances in the process?”
“No, but—”
“I’m not trying to be heartless, Karinne. But Cory and I still have to make a living. Support our families, if we have any. You were the one who wanted Jeff to see his grandchildren,” he reminded her.
Karinne flushed. “I know.”
That last argument had convinced her to take the week off and spend more time with Max. Their weekends were usually filled with loving reunions in bed, and lately talking seemed to make things worse. Now Anita and Cory were coming along—but it was Cory’s business, too.
“Well, all four of us will be together this weekend,” Anita continued. “I’m glad you don’t mind me tagging along. If you need privacy, just let us know. Maybe we can split up into pairs. I can catch a mule down with Cory,” Anita suggested. “I’ve never ridden a mule.”
“Mules are usually booked six months in advance. Unless you grow wings, we’re all hiking.” Karinne’s well-worn hiking boots were in the car trunk.
“Cupid’s wings are the only wings we’ll be seeing,” Anita teased. “What with your wedding and all.” She paused. “I wonder why your father hasn’t remarried after all this time.”
“Dad can’t get remarried! He’s…” Widowed? Still married?
“What?” Anita asked.
“Too old,” she quickly substituted.
“I didn’t think you’d mind if he did.”
“If the circumstances were right, I wouldn’t,” Karinne replied. “Let’s please get through one wedding at a time, okay?”
“You shouldn’t make it sound like a chore. This is your future we’re talking about.”
Karinne exhaled. “You’re right. I’m nervous, that’s all.”
“Let me be the nervous one. I just got fired and I have to find a new job. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck,” Karinne said sincerely, trying hard to hide her envy.
I can’t believe it. I’m jealous of Anita—even though she lost her job. She gets to be with her husband.
“You really mean it?” Anita asked. “You might be losing a roommate.”
Karinne nodded. “Of course.”
“Wouldn’t it be great if you could work in the Grand Canyon area yourself?”
“There aren’t any jobs for sports photographers and I don’t want to freelance doing nature pictures. Too much competition and not enough money. There’s no sense wishing for the impossible.”
Even if she wanted things to be different.
Grand Canyon Village parking area
LEANING AGAINST his car, Max eagerly watched the incoming traffic for Karinne. He and Cory had taken a single vehicle to meet the women. Lodging vacancies were scarce and traffic was heavy, despite the overcast sky and “sometimes-yes, sometimes-no” sun. The Grand Canyon was open all year, and according to the visitor count, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Thousands swarmed to see one of nature’s true great wonders. The temperatures inside the canyon desert were warm year-round, even when desert tundra winter cold enveloped the land at rim level. But summertime in Arizona was peak season for tourists and locals alike to experience the rainbow of colors the Colorado River had etched through rocks a mile high. The South Rim parking lots overflowed with trolling cars and frustrated drivers. The Hunter brothers fortunately had employee parking passes.
“I want to visit with Karinne, too,” Cory reminded his brother. “Try not to hog her too much.”
“Can’t promise anything,” Max said with a grin. “Besides, I expect you and Anita to be holed up in your tents getting reacquainted. Like Karinne and I will.”
“That should be them,” Cory said.
“Where?” Max asked, excited about seeing his lover and fiancée for the first time in months.
Cory jerked his chin toward the arrivals area. Two women climbed out of a parked vehicle, but Max only had eyes for Karinne. He’d recognize her anywhere, and his pulse quickened at the sight. She traveled light—no camera slung over her shoulder—and was clad in a worn pair of denims and her gray sweatshirt. The blond hair he remembered from childhood had long ago deepened to a darker blond, although her green eyes remained the same. Bare toes peeped out from casual summer sandals, and the sweatshirt didn’t hide the curves beneath. But his eyes lingered on her face.
He didn’t call out her name. He enjoyed anticipating her beautiful smile of recognition. When she finally caught his gaze, that smile always rewarded him.
“Max!” Karinne shouted. The four gathered together. Max hugged Karinne, loving the feel of her against his body. Then Karinne hugged Cory.
“Isn’t this great?” Karinne said. “The four of us together again.”
Cory kissed Anita on the mouth, then both cheeks. Glossy black hair around a bronze face with dark eyes and high cheekbones reminded Max of Spanish nobility in the early days of Mexico. Anita was exquisitely beautiful. Max appreciated beauty and was the first to acknowledge it—but his sister-in-law had never tickled his hormones like Karinne.
“Karinne, why don’t you ride with me in the Jeep? Cory, you and Anita can follow, okay?”
Max hugged Karinne’s shoulders with one arm as the other pair split off. They sauntered toward his vehicle, and got in.
“How was your drive up?” Max asked, his hand resting on her thigh, her fingers entwined with his.
“Too long and too wet. I’m glad I’m here.” She squeezed his fingers.
“So am I.” Max stopped at the intersection light. He took the opportunity to kiss her before the light turned green.
“I’ve missed you,” he said, watching the traffic as he gradually accelerated. “How’s your father?”
“Fine.”
“And you?”