Here Comes the Groom by Karina Bliss Read Free Book Online

remember.”
    He did up the buttons on the waistcoat. “You suggested the marriage contract when you were drunk. Youhit on me when you were drunk. Maybe your subconscious was trying to tell you something.”
    She scoffed. “Yes, stop drinking cocktails. I don’t get this sudden desire for matrimony. Didn’t you say you’d never get married?”
    â€œNo, I said there was plenty of time.” In the mirror some idiot was standing in jeans, a flannel shirt and a shiny silver-gray waistcoat.
    There was a pregnant silence. “And you learned otherwise,” she said in a low voice.
    â€œYeah, I learned otherwise.” Dan unbuttoned and took off the vest, his fingers leaving faint traces of cold sweat on the satin back.
    As a soldier he’d accepted his mortality. But his mates’ deaths had rammed the lesson home on an emotional level that was hard to bear. “I can’t bring Steve and Lee back but I can honor their memory by making sure I live big for all of us.” Live like it matters. “Quit flitting from woman to woman and make my life count…settle down.” He tossed the waistcoat aside, tried on another one in black. “Jeez, a moustache and I’d look like Wyatt Earp in this thing.”
    Shrugging it off, he reached for a coathanger and replaced it on the rack. “When I packed up my stuff and found that beer mat I got to thinking, it’s not a stupid idea, marrying your best friend. You already know each other’s faults. And all the boring bits are taken care of.” He grinned. “Respect, commitment, loyalty. Which leaves the fun stuff to work on, like hot sex.”
    He looked over at her, his smile fading. “Given a do-over, Jo, I wouldn’t turn you down again.”
    â€œBut you don’t get a do-over.” Her face was pale, hergaze steady. “You said I’d be relieved you rejected me when I sobered up, and you were right.” She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry about the tragedy overseas, but I want to leave our friendship as it is. And as I’ve already said, I don’t want a family anymore.”
    He watched the pulse beating fast in her throat. “I don’t believe you.”
    â€œIt doesn’t matter. I’m not marrying you.”
    Dan picked up the silver waistcoat and rehung it. “You need some time to get used to the idea,” he said. “Here’s the deal. I’ll organize the wedding, all you have to do is decide whether to show up.”
    â€œOf course I’m not going to show up!”
    â€œSee, that’s one of your faults—snap judgments,” he said kindly. “Try and keep an open mind. My failing, as you know, is stubbornness. Which sets us up for one hell of an interesting few weeks, doesn’t it?”
    As she stared at him, speechless, Barry stuck his head around the door. He took silence as safety and came in, holding a take-out coffee.
    â€œAll sorted?”
    â€œNearly,” said Dan. “So, honey, you weren’t serious about our bridesmaids wearing pink, were you?”
    â€œPink!” Barry threw up his hands. “Jo, with your red hair?”
    His bride finally found her voice. “I am not marrying you!” Cheeks flushed, she advanced on him. “Quit fooling around and tell Baz.”
    â€œUh-huh.” Dan put on a top hat, tilting it as he checked his reflection. “I’m practicing being a husband…soothing noises, not really listening.”
    Jo knocked his top hat off, and with a squawk, Barry scrambled to rescue it.
    â€œYou seriously want to play chicken?” she asked incredulously. “With me? ”
    â€œI was thinking tonight we could start working on the fun stuff.”
    She turned on her heel and wrenched open the door.
    Dingalingaling.
    He went to the doorway, waiting until she was fifty yards down the road. “If you really weren’t interested you