Chapter 13

Jarrod stepped through the front door, then stopped in pleasant amazement when Katelyn came to greet him.

"Hi there," she said, smiling warmly.

He'd expected her to be dressed differently for the evening, and was mildly concerned that she was still wearing the clothes from earlier and her hair was slightly wet. He was looking forward to seeing what she had picked out to wear - but that thought fell away when she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Mmm. Nice! The kind of greeting a man could get used to. He knew her mother must be close by for such a display of affection, but he held her tight and made the most of it all the same.

He pulled back and held her at arms length, smiling as his gaze took in her full attire. "That wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I said 'dress for dinner'."

She smiled again, but he noticed this time that it seemed a bit forced. "I was distracted by our company, dear."

Kate was definitely tense and a tickle of alarm shot through him. "Where's your mother?"

Through gritted teeth, still smiling, Kate said, "She's in the parlor." Her look was pointed. "With your family."

"My...what?" He stared down, sure he had heard her wrong. What would his family be doing here? The pleasure he had felt a moment before was sucked from him, a gnawing panic gripped the pit of his stomach.

"Jarrod."

He spun at the sound of his mother's voice. Sure enough, she stood there, watching him and Kate with raised eyebrows. "I have a bone to pick with you, son." Her voice was light and without malice.

Jarrod's focus went from Katelyn's concerned face then back to his mother's as she approached. She was really here. His mother was here, in his townhouse with - dread filled him - with his wife.

"Mother, whatever are you doing here?" Still in a bit of a daze, he let go of Katelyn and stepped into his mother's embrace for a hug.

"No hello? No how are you? It's great to see you?"

"This is just so...unexpected."

Now, that was an understatement! And the surprises just kept coming, for there, behind his mother, was his brother Nick.

"You've been keeping secrets." His mother glanced at Katelyn with adoration. "She's wonderful. I'm so happy for you."

Nick held out his hand. "Congratulations! Sneaking off and getting married to the prettiest girl in town, no doubt."

Jarrod shook his brother's hand, looking back at Kate and smiling a bit.

"Did I hear you say something about dinner?" Nick's smile was broad. "I'm starved!"

Jarrod watched in dismay as his family took charge. Before long, they were all heading to their rooms to change for dinner while Jarrod, at his mother's direction, reluctantly sent word to change the reservations from three to five people. As he made the changes, he saw all his plans and hopes for the evening flying right out the window.

Katelyn, the last to get ready, stopped in front of the full length mirror in the bedroom. She wore a beautiful emerald green gown that showed every curve perfectly. As she stared at her reflection she thought, The pearls would have looked great with this dress.

She joined the others and noticed the approving look in Jarrod's eyes. She had been a bit nervous that her dress would not be good enough, but the look in his eyes told her he was more than pleased.

Jarrod also looked handsome in his dark suit. She had seen him wearing it before, but his eyes seemed so much more vibrant and she almost blushed at the way he was watching her.

Both seemed lost in their own world as they stared at one another but were brought back by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

"If you don't mind, we need to get going. We have reservations after all," Nick's deep voice said. Victoria and Carol were smiling at the couple and Katelyn did blush then.

Jarrod held out his arm to Katelyn, which she gladly took. Nick in turn escorted his mother and Carol out the door.

As the maitre d' at the Crystal Swan led the way to their table, Jarrod noticed Katelyn's awe of the lavish interior. Ornate crystal chandeliers hung above the dance floor as music from the orchestra floated around the room. Her quick intake of breath let him know he had succeeded in impressing her.

After seating Katelyn, Jarrod ordered a bottle of champagne. When everyone's glass had been filled, Nick proposed a toast.

"To my brother and his lovely bride."

The glasses clinked and all took a sip of the sparkling liquid. After their orders had been taken, Nick walked around behind Katelyn's chair and asked, "May I have this dance?"

Katelyn looked at Nick with a smile. "I - uh..." She glanced at Jarrod. Jarrod smiled at her, but she thought it looked slightly strained.

"It's up to you darling, if you want to risk your feet with ol' elephant toes."

"Don't listen to him. He's just jealous because I'm better looking," Nick said with a smile and wink. "And as for dancing, let's just say I'm adequate. I promise not to run you into anything or step on your feet."

Katelyn stood and accompanied Nick to the dance floor. Jarrod knew it was irrational, but frustration washed over him that she was going with Nick. He had planned to ask Katelyn to dance, but Nick had beaten him to it. It took every ounce of self control to stay in his chair, silent. He knew that Nick would not do anything inappropriate with his wife so he shouldn't worry -

Your what? A little voice inside his head asked.

He swallowed hard at the reminder. Katelyn wasn't really his wife. There was nothing that bound her to him. She could dance with whomever she pleased. Which also meant she could fall in love with whomever she pleased. And that fact was driving Jarrod crazy.