Elusive Bride

  “Hold on, I’m getting you something to wear.” Weston held out his hand and pulled her to her feet. He slowly started to unbutton the tiny pearl buttons that started mid-way down the back to where the buttons turned into a zipper. He cursed under his breath as he fumbled with the buttons. As the dress fell off her shoulders she clutched the front of it trying to cover her breasts. When her lace panties came into view, Weston stopped and handed her the shirt. “Slip this over your head and let the dress fall.”

  She followed directions and in a few seconds was dressed in the t-shirt. He took her hand to steady her as she stepped out of the discarded wedding gown. Weston gathered the dress and gently spread it across the back of the rocking chair.

  “Call Goodwill. I won’t be needing it.

  “Lay down, Ava.” She obliged as she allowed him to pull a coverlet over her body. “Now sleep!” He ordered as he flipped off the bedside light and left the door open. “I’ll leave it open in case you need anything....during the night.”

  Ava mumbled into the pillow as Weston headed toward Toby’s room. ‘Just one night’ kept repeating in his head as he pulled off his jeans and flopped down on his son’s bed. He needed shut-eye now. He’d figure it all out in the morning.

  *******

  Bright sunlight streaked across the floor in Ava’s eyes. She rolled over and groaned. Her hand went to her forehead as she massaged her throbbing temples. Risking the added pain she anticipated she slowly opened one eye to be met by a set of eyes staring back. A big furry dog was sitting by her bed, “and who might you be?” The dog wagged his tail and licked her hand.

  “The quite type?” Ava pushed back the coverlet and tried to sit up. The ache in her head was relentless, but it was past time to get up. ‘Yikes, where am I? and whose bed is this?’ She glanced around the room, eyes finally resting on her discarded wedding gown. She sank back on the bed and tried to remember how she had gotten where ever she was. Had she undressed herself? She couldn’t recall much about the previous night but the shirt she was wearing wasn’t hers. She couldn’t believe she had been so drunk she had let someone undress her. She had to face that person today.

  A light tap on her door alerted the dog to a visitor and he trotted across the floor, tail wagging to greet Ava’s stranger. A tall, dark-haired guy stood at the door rubbing the dog’s ears. He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt identical to the one she was wearing. “Morning, sleepy head.” His chipper tone tore through her head like a knife. “I see Mutt discovered we have a guest.”

  “Mutt! His name is really Mutt?” Ava spoke softly to keep the throbbing in her head to a minimum.

  “Naw, I call her Mutt sometimes, her name is Sophie. She was almost a goner when I rescued her. She is my son, Toby’s dog.”

  Ava wondered where his wife and son could be so early on a Sunday morning but was too shy to ask. “Your son’s dog?” She massaged her forehead with her fingers again.

  “Yep. Toby is spending the night at a friend’s house.” He didn’t provide any more details and Ava didn’t ask. Obviously, Weston was a single dad. “Headache?” He nodded, grinning broadly.

  “A doozy,” she managed a weak smile and then added, “and my stomach isn’t feeling much better.”

  “Here, drink this,” Weston handed her a glass of liquid, “guaranteed to cure a hangover.”

  “Yes sir!” She did a mock salute and downed the contents of the glass. “What is this stuff?” She wrinkled her nose.

  “An old family recipe. Guaranteed to make you feel like a new woman. Trust me.”

  “I can’t remember if I thanked you for rescuing me last night. I appreciate it. I don’t think I can repay you for your kindness.”

  “Hey, no repayment necessary. You just needed a shoulder to cry on. I was happy to oblige.”

  “Was I a mess?”

  “You weren’t too bad.” Weston winked.

  She felt heat creep up her neck. He was handsome and he had been her prince charming last night. “Did I blabber a lot?” She asked.

  “Nooo, but you did your share of mumbling and snoring on the way home.” The sound of the front door opening broke into Weston’s speech. “Wes, you up there?”

  Weston glanced at Ava, “It’s my brother, Rayland. He lives here, too.” Before he could say anymore Weston’s brother appeared in the doorway.

  “Well, well, well. What do we have here, bro?”

  “I’m Ava Andrews. Weston was kind enough to rescue me last night at the bar.”

  Rayland’s grin broadened, “Rescued you, eh? So that’s what they call it now.”

  “Hey, Ray, don’t let that imagination of yours get away from you. Ava needed a place to crash for the evening and with all the extra room we have here, well....”

  Ray continued to grin at his brother, “And how, brother-of-mine, do you plan on explaining this to Maria?”

  “Who is Maria?” Ava asked.

  “Maria is our housekeeper and Toby’s babysitter, but don’t call her a babysitter in front of Toby. He thinks he is too old for a sitter.”

  Rayland turned to leave, “Good luck, big brother. Ma’am,” he tipped his hat and disappeared.

  “Sorry, about that, my brother is a little crazy. Everyone blames it on his career. He is a writer and with that imagination of his, he can turn something innocent into a major story.”

  Ava frowned. “You don’t think he would take my story and turn it into a novel, do you?”

  “Who knows? I’ve told him time and again my personal life is off limits but how could he? I don’t know anything about you but the fact you skipped out on your wedding.” A sadness fell over Ava. Why had he said that? “How is the headache?”

  “Much better. If I did a lot of drinking I would try to pry that secret concoction out of you for future use but I’m sure you’ve already figured I don’t hold my liquor well.”

  “What I figured out is you must have had a good reason for drinking.” He pointed to the discarded wedding gown.

  Ava nodded, “I better get dressed.”

  “Right. I’m going to rustle up some breakfast. Want anything?”

  “Nothing to eat, but coffee would be nice,” she replied.

  “See you downstairs.” She looked at the dress and then down at the t-shirt. She grabbed her suitcase and pulled out a pair of white shorts and a yellow shirt. This will do. It was for our cruise but.....she sucked in her breath. It’s too late to feel sorry for myself she thought as she slipped into the shorts and shirt. She left the bedroom and headed downstairs.

  *******

  Ava followed her nose to the kitchen. Weston was removing a tray of buns from the oven and turned in time to catch her staring at his buns. He grinned.

  Ava felt her face flush as she quickly looked down at whatever was licking her hand.

  “Sophie, stop that!” Weston called out. “She is a sweet dog but when she likes you she makes a pest of herself.”

  “I like her!” Ava exclaimed. “I always wanted a dog when I was a kid but my Dad was allergic so I got a gold fish and a canary instead of a puppy.”

  “Too bad,” Weston replied, “I always had a dog when I was growing up. Ray and I would promise to take turns feeding and watering the dog but I did all the work. I guess that is what helped me decide on my career.”

  “What do you do, Weston?”

  “I’m a Vet. My specialty is small animals but I have been known to make some house calls for a sick horse or cow. I also run a small side business of helping to find homes for abandoned dogs, cats and occasionally run-a-way brides. That’s how we acquired Sophie. I went into the office one Monday to find her waiting on my doorstep. She was so thin and forlorn looking it broke my heart and I decided to keep her. I’m a sucker for a sad-faced female.”

  “You’re telling me! I guess I fell in that category last night”

  “Maybe, but you’re hair is nicer than hers.” He grinned as he patted the dog.

  Ava rolled her eyes.

&n
bsp; “No, you look much better this morning.”

  “The shower helped,” she said as she watched Weston take one of the hot cinnamon rolls off the baking tray and place it on a saucer. “Better eat something. Too much coffee on an empty stomach isn’t a good idea.”

  “Yes, doc.” She did a mock salute. “You are in the medical field, of sorts.”

  “I’ve nursed enough hangovers to know how bad someone can feel the next day.”

  Ava smiled. He smiled back. She seemed to have a way of making him do that. “I’m sure glad you dropped into the bar last night. I think you saved my life.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far but I’m glad I could help. And, by the way, have you thought of someone to call to come get you? I imagine your fiancé is worried.”

  Ava wrinkled her nose. She doubted Tyler was anything more than pissed off at her. Tyler would be the last person she would call. “I never intend to talk to Tyler again, ever!”

  “But what about that rock on your left hand?” Wes pointed to the engagement ring, “plan on keeping it as a remembrance?”

  “Hardly, I will mail it back to Tyler with some sort of explanation.”

  “Mmm,” Weston glanced out the back window. Just as he turned to speak the phone rang, “Morris, here,” he shifted from foot to foot as he listened intently to the caller. “I see and what time is your flight leaving? Okay, I’ll run over and pick him up - just give me thirty minutes.”

  “Problem?” Ava asked as she watched Weston searching in his pocket for his keys.

  “My x-wife’s parents had a car accident.”

  “I’m sorry,” Ava said.

  “Yea, they are traveling in Nevada for the winter so Linda has to fly out there to be with them. She has Toby this week so she wants me to change weeks with her. I’ve got to go get him. Will you be here when I get back?”

  “Probably, I don’t have anywhere I can go unless you can take me to a motel.”

  “Sit tight, and we’ll discuss it when I get back.” The screen door slammed shut causing Sophie to look up from under the kitchen table where she had been napping.

  “A nap sounds good to me too, girl,” Ava said to the dog, “then I can decide what I am going to do.”

  Chapter 3

  Ava was running through the parking lot with several men in tuxedos chasing her. She rolled over, opened her eyes and glanced at the clock, I’ve been asleep an hour! She slipped her feet into the white sandals she had purchased for her wedding cruise and held back tears. Twenty-four hours ago there was a wedding, a honeymoon and a Carnival cruise in her future, now - nothing. She had to pull herself together and decide what to do.

  Laughter met her as she pushed the door open to the kitchen and saw a little boy standing in the middle of the floor holding a Frisbee above his head.

  “Toby, don’t throw that in the house!” Weston glanced up at Ava as she stood in the doorway observing the scene. “Come on in, Ava. I would like you to meet my son, Toby. Toby, this is Miss Ava.” The boy stared at Ava, “Are you my new step-mom?”

  “No! Just a friend of your Dads.”

  “Do you like Sophie?” the youngster asked.

  “I do, very much. I was telling your Dad I never had a dog when I was growing up. You are lucky to have her.”

  Toby nodded and turned to his Dad, “Can we go out and teach Sophie to catch the Frisbee?”

  “Go on son, I’ve got to talk to Miss Ava. Stay inside the yard.”

  “Oh, Dad, I’m not a baby.” the boy protested. “Mon’ girl, let’s go outside and play.” The dog bounded across the floor after the boy.

  “Want something to drink?” Weston asked Ava as they watched the boy and his dog disappear into the back yard.

  “Coffee, if you have some made,” she replied.

  Weston motioned to an empty seat as he poured two mugs of coffee. “Have you thought of someone to call or would you rather I drive you back to Nashville?”

  Nashville was the last place Ava intended to go. The pressure of trying to be someone she wasn’t had taken its toll on her and she was pretty sure she had made the right decision last night. It was time for a new start. “Thanks for offering but I don’t plan on ever going back to Nashville. I think I’ll hang around here for a while.”

  “Here,” Weston asked.

  “Not here-here. I meant in town.”

  “But you don’t know anyone here.”

  “I know you, Toby and your brother. And, honestly the people I thought were my friends in Nashville, I didn’t know at all.”

  “Last night you mentioned a brother. I recall you saying he wasn’t coming to your wedding but heck, Ava, siblings have their problems. Ray and I have had our share of differences but we’ve always worked them out.”

  “No!” She snapped. “Skip wasn’t the only reason I ran out on Tyler.”

  “What about parents? grandparents? anyone?”

  “My dad died several years ago. It’s really just my Mom and me.”

  “Didn’t you have a job?” Weston asked.

  “I did work at Tyler’s company but after we got engaged his family decided it wasn’t suitable for Tyler’s wife to work. Ty wanted me to be a full-time wife and mother.”

  Suddenly it was all clearing up. He could understand Ava’s dilemma. Tyler and his family were control freaks and she didn’t seem like the kind that could live with that kind of an arrangement.

  “You are so lucky, Weston. You have a wonderful son who idolizes you and a lovely house and your brother seems nice.”

  “Actually, Ray and I inherited this house jointly. Our parents left us equal shares with a slight stipulation. Whoever finds the perfect mate and marries first has the option of buying out the other brother.”

  “That is odd.” Ava mumbled to herself. “Why do you think they did that?”

  “I think it was because of my marriage to Linda. It was unpleasant from the start and it impacted my folks. They were married 48 years and they had a dream their sons would fill their home with grandchildren. When Toby came along they were both ill and died shortly afterwards.”

  “Tyler wanted a house full of children.”

  “And you? Did you not want a family?” Weston asked.

  “I’d always dreamed of being part of a large family since I only had one brother and we were never close.”

  “Ray and I were practically inseparable when we were kids,” Weston said.

  “I wanted children but I wanted to wait a couple of years. I wanted time to adjust to married life.”

  “Sounds reasonable.”

  “But, it didn’t work out like I’d dreamed it would,” Ava added sadly. “You see my brother worked for Tyler and when I discovered what he’d done, I had to get away!”

  “Your brother worked for Tyler, too?”

  “Yes, Skip, had been stealing from the company but since he was the manager of the accounting department he’d covered his tracks but when the company hired an outsider to come in and transfer all the books over to disc they discovered irregularities and when they confronted Skip he admitted his wrongdoings. I expect they will press charges and send him to jail.”

  “Are you sure you have all the facts?” Weston asked.

  “Oh, I have all the facts. A courier service showed up at the church with a written confession signed by Skip and when Tyler saw that paper....I know he hates me! Since I couldn’t change anything my brother had done, I ran away. So, do you see why I couldn’t go back?”

  “I see why you think you can’t.”

  “I can’t!” Ava repeated.

  Weston started to speak when Rayland opened the door to the kitchen, “Morning guys, what’s up?”

  “Nothing, we were just talking,” Weston replied. “So what’s up with you, bro? What are you doing today?”

  “Hangin’ out but I need to work on my bike. I’m also going into town later to visit my lady.”

  Weston decided to change the subject, “Did you hear if Mrs. Swanson ever
rented that room she had empty?” Not giving Rayland a chance to answer, Weston turned to Ava, “She dropped by the office last week and mentioned she was looking for a boarder.”

  Ava looked hopeful, “Did she mention the rent?”

  “No, but she did put a flyer up on our community board and if I recall, it said it was a by-the-week room. I just thought if you are determined not to go back to Nashville, you might check out her room.”

  Ava smiled and nodded. “I like that idea.”

  “So, let me call her now,” Weston smiled as he reached for the phone. A few minutes later he ended the call and turned to face Ava. “You’re in luck, Ms. Swanson said the room is still vacant. She is anxious to meet you.”

  Ava nodded. “Great! I’ll go get my things.”

  Rayland leaned over and whispered, “Geez, bro, you sure seem anxious to get rid of her.”

  “I can’t let her stay here, Ray. You know Linda. She would pitch a fit if Toby mentioned I had a woman living here.”

  Rayland nodded. “Tell Ava I’ll be out back working on the bike when she’s ready to go.”

  “I’ll send her out when she comes back down. Hey, go easy on her. She’s been through a lot the last couple of days. She is at a critical point right now.” Weston said as he watched Rayland head out the back door.

  Chapter 4

  A week had passed since Ava had moved to Mrs. Swanson’s house and Weston could still feel her presence in the bedroom. She had left so quickly that afternoon she had forgotten her comb and brush and the wedding gown was still draped over the chair. The one she had told him to call Goodwill to get but she had been so torn-up that night he decided to wait. He wondered how such a brief encounter with her could occupy so much of his thoughts. The expensive gown of Ava’s was quite a contrast from his wedding attire. He recalled he’d worn his best jeans and Linda had been dressed in a sundress when they’d stood before the Justice of the Peace in Nashville with two strangers as their witnesses. What a catastrophe that marriage had been and except for Toby it had been a disaster until the day they divorced.

  *******

  Although Ava had been at Mrs. Swanson’s for only a short time she felt safe. The older woman had made her feel like family. “Dear, someone is here to see you,” Mrs. Swanson called from outside Ava’s bedroom door.