Marriage by Mistake

asked. No, he'd stopped well short of demanding anything substantial.
    Dean's frown deepened. But, then, he hadn't intended to demand—or expect—anything from Kelly. That had been his whole plan. Not to expect.
    But now he wondered...maybe his plans hadn't matched his desires. Maybe he wanted to demand something from her.
    More.
    A flicker of fear flashed through him, something old, almost forgotten. He wasn't supposed to want more. That was dangerous, unrealistic, reckless.
    He didn't want anything more from Kelly, Dean assured himself, curbing an urge to jump out of the bed and pace. He didn't need more. All he needed was Kelly's commitment to making an effort. And that was exactly what he'd gotten. A body couldn't ask for more than that.
    Dean closed his eyes. He told himself that everything was fine. Quite all right. Deliberately, he planned the drive home the next day. Once they'd picked up Robby they could stop for lunch at an old farmhouse restaurant he knew. Dean imagined Kelly's face when she saw the vegetarian sandwiches they could put together. She loved vegetarian sandwiches.
    It would be a good time.
    Dean's breathing calmed. His heart rate slowed. Everything was all right. But it was a long while before he managed to fall asleep.
    ~~~
    "Too much air-conditioning?" Dean asked. He glanced from the road to Kelly as he steered the 4 x 4.
    "Hm? No. I'm fine." Kelly gave him a bright smile. They'd been walking on eggshells around each other ever since they'd gotten out of bed at the fancy resort that morning. She wasn't exactly sure why. Maybe it was because something had been said the night before, but not enough.
    Yes, yes, it had been enough for her, enough for right then, but not enough for either of them to feel completely secure.
    First thing in the morning they'd packed, had a quick cup of coffee, and then driven straight over to the outdoor camp to pick up Robby. Dean's half-brother had acted as if he'd been away for a month instead of two nights. Kelly had felt her nerves calm in the ebullient joy with which Robby had greeted them.
    Dean, too, had seemed to loosen up under the onslaught.
    He does love the kid, Kelly had thought, watching Dean hook an arm around Robby's neck. He was capable of the emotion. She'd felt the scared places inside of her soften. Dean knew how to give love. He didn't quite know how to receive it, that was all. That's why he'd stepped back from a real proposal, one including an avowal of love. Despite his apparent confidence, he was still wary of Kelly's response.
    In the car now watching the summer countryside roll by, Kelly wondered once again if she ought not take the initiative. Maybe she should tell Dean that she loved him.
    Or would that be a disservice? Perhaps it was better to let Dean believe in himself enough to take the plunge. Waiting for Dean might take time, it involved some risk, but it could turn out better in the long run.
    Kelly was still pondering the matter an hour later when Dean turned the car through the big iron gates of the estate. As he drove down the long, winding road toward the house he made a small, strange sound.
    Kelly glanced over. "What?"
    Dean only pressed his lips together and shook his head. Meanwhile in the back seat Robby stirred. "Hey," he muttered. Then he shot forward against his seat belt. "Hey!" he exclaimed, full volume. "Dad! It's Dad !"

    CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

    Kelly craned her head to see the house. Coming out of the huge double doors was a tall, trim man with a crown of thick white hair. He stayed on the top step, feet apart, hands on his hips—a picture of lord of the manor.
    Handsome. Oh, from a hundred yards away Kelly could see he was the very devil of a handsome thing.
    Dean said nothing as he pulled up in the circular drive. Robby was bouncing up and down in his seat. It was clear that despite Kirk's prolonged absences—or perhaps because of them—Robby adored his father. As soon as Dean stopped the car, Robby was out of it, running. "Dad! Dad !"
    Kirk laughed and grabbed Robby up in his arms. He whirled around with the boy. Dean, meanwhile, turned off the motor.
    Kelly swiveled to look at Dean. He was staring past her at the man still twirling the boy by the front door. He didn't say a word as he popped open his car door.
    Um, okay , Kelly thought. She'd guessed the relationship between Dean and his father was troubled. It seemed she was about to see exactly how bad it was, and from a front row seat.
    Dean came