The Sometime Bride

move on it quickly, somebody else would, she knew. The location was just too hot.
    And, if after all her trouble, Mike hated the idea? Had completely changed his mind, and no longer wanted to move to the Caymans? Well, then, she’d just have to cross that bridge when she came to it. The shop would be a surprise, a wedding gift. And if he didn’t care for it, Carrie would just have to find someone else, another entrepreneur, to take advantage of the opportunity. But that wouldn’t happen. She was sure of it. Once Mike was advised of all the particulars, he was going to be over the moon.

    Mike sat at his desk mooning over a picture of the house he was about to purchase and wondering how soon it would be available for occupancy. Colleen had already phoned the owners with his offer and would be letting him know that detail along with their counteroffer, when it came.
    Now, if he could preoccupy—and be in within a month—that would be even better. He’d asked Colleen to inquire about the possibility. Mike couldn’t wait to get started on a life with Carrie. Real stroke of luck she already had the wedding arranged. Though they hadn’t talked it over officially, he guessed since he hadn’t proposed “officially,” Mike assumed that was what they would do. Go ahead and use the facilities and services Carrie had already arranged. She’d never canceled them, as she’d threatened to do earlier. Grandma Russell had told him so. It made his heart spring-dive just to think she’d forgone canceling those arrangements because she’d held out hope for a future with him. With him! And, holy cow, it was happening.
    The house he’d found was perfect, so perfect that…
    Mike stopped congratulating himself as his blood ran cold. Oh my goodness. What if he’d done the wrong thing? What if Carrie became incensed at him making such a major decision for the two of them? Without even consulting her first?
    What if she didn’t even want to live in Virginia but had someplace else in mind entirely? They hadn’t even had a chance to discuss those kinds of future plans. Mike had just seen the house, the white picket fence and—whammy! He’d gone and done something huge, something impetuous, something nearly irrevocable. Holy cow. Mike blew a hard breath and sat back against his chair as fear settled into his belly.
    Surely, Carrie wouldn’t fault him for a wedding gift? Yes, that was what he’d call it. And, if she didn’t like it…? Well, though they couldn’t exactly return it, they could surely work something out. Find renters, resell after a while. But Mike didn’t want to resell. He absolutely loved the place. And Carrie would too. He just knew it.

Chapter Eighteen

    Carrie nervously bit into her bottom lip, smearing her lipstick against her teeth. Darn it! She’d have to start all over again. Ever since Mike had called this afternoon, she’d suspected something was up. There was an urgent expectation to his voice. No, it couldn’t be tomorrow; it had to be tonight. Even though Carrie had loads to do at the office and was expected to work late, she’d come home early, showered, and put on a fresh sundress. And he wasn’t even expected until seven thirty! Seven thirty. What was Carrie going to do with herself for the next forty-five minutes while waiting for him to come?
    Her stomach rumbled, reminding her she should probably eat something. No, she was going to throw up. Carrie raced to the toilet, thinking she was going to lose her lunch. But after a few moments of staying still, the clench in her belly eased.
    Criminy! She was a wreck. Didn’t even know for certain tonight was the tonight.
    Like hell she didn’t, Carrie thought, racing back to the bathroom.
    The telephone rang, and she limped into the bedroom to pick it up, all the while clutching her midsection.
    “Darling?”
    “Oh, Grandma Russell, thank goodness! I am such a wreck. Such a wreck . Mike called and said—”
    “Hold on there, child. Slow down. Can’t make out a word you’re saying.”
    “I’m, um…” Carrie sat down on the bed and started to cry. “Oh Grandma, I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.”
    “Calm down. Just take a deep, deep breath.”
    Carrie inhaled.
    “Now let it out.”
    She did.
    “Go on, a few more times. In and out. I’m not going anywhere; I can wait.”
    Carrie wiped the moisture from her cheeks and sat up a little straighter.
    “Now, you still with me?” her grandmother asked. “Or should I