The Bridesmaid's Baby by Barbara Hannay Read Free Book Online

his neck burn hotly.
    Jake smiled. ‘You look as miserable as I felt four months ago, before I sorted everything out with Mattie.’
    ‘This is totally different. More like a mystery than history,’ Will muttered glumly.
    ‘Perhaps. But, in the end, it all comes down to the same thing.’
    Will glared at his friend. ‘I didn’t realise that a marriage ceremony turned a man into an instant relationship guru.’
    Jake’s smile faded. ‘Sorry. Was I sounding smug?’
    ‘You were.’ Will gave another shrug. ‘But I’d probably be smug too, if I was in your shoes.’
    ‘Except that you’re right,’ Jake said, looking more serious now. ‘I know nothing about you and Lucy.’
    A heavy sigh escaped Will and he realised that, despite his fierce reaction, he’d actually been hoping that his friend could reveal some kind of magic insight that would help him to clear the air with Lucy. Anything to be rid of this gnawing guilt he still carried.
    ‘I think we’re heading off soon,’ Jake said. ‘I guess I’d better find my wife and finish our farewells.’
    They shook hands and Will wished his mate all the best and it wasn’t much later before the guests started gathering on the footpath to wave the happy couple off.
    In the light of a street lamp, Will could see Lucy’s golden hair shimmering palely as she kissed Mattie and Jake, before she drifted back to watch their departure from the edge of the crowd.
    Mattie was laughing as she stood at the car’s open door and lifted her bouquet of white roses. Will saw Lucy backing even further away, almost trying to hide.
    Then the roses were sailing through the air in a high arc. There were girlish squeals of laughter and hands rose to try to grab the flowers, but Mattie’s aim was sure. The bouquet landed square on Lucy’s nose and she had no choice but to catch it.
    A cheer went up and Lucy gave a bashful smile and held the bouquet high, no doubt knowing that all of Willowbank would love to see their favourite vet married.
    But she was probably grateful that everyone’s attention quickly returned to the bride and groom. Jake was already helping Mattie into the car.
    Over the heads of the crowd he sent Will a flashing grin and Will answered with a thumbs-up.
    The car’s exhaust roared as they took off and the rear window was covered in ‘just married’ signs written in toothpaste, which only served to prove how old-fashioned this town really was.
    Will, however, was watching Lucy. She stood in the shadows at the back of the throng, clutching the wedding bouquet in one hand while she used the other hand to swipe at her tears.

CHAPTER FOUR

    L UCY wished the ground would open up and swallow her. It was bad enough that everyone knew the bride had deliberately thrown the bouquet to her. To cry about it was beyond pathetic, but to do so in front of Will Carruthers was more embarrassing than she could bear.
    Turning her back on him, she gave one final swipe and an unladylike sniff and she willed her eyes to stay dry. It wasn’t a moment too soon.
    Will’s voice sounded close behind her. ‘We can leave whenever you like,’ he said.
    She drew a deep slow breath and turned to him with a smile on her face. Any number of people would have given her a lift, but she was determined to show Will that his comments about the two of them being a pair of old loners had not upset her.
    ‘Could you give me just a moment?’ she said. ‘I’d like to say goodbye to a few people.’
    ‘By all means. I’ve said my farewells. Let me know when you’re ready.’
    ‘I shouldn’t be long, unless Mrs Carey needs my help with anything else. Shall I meet you at the truck?’
    ‘Sure.’
    It was crazy the way her stomach tightened as she crossed the road to Will’s parked truck. Crazier still the way her heart thrashed when she saw his tall figure waiting in the shadows beside the vehicle. He stepped forward when he saw her and the white shirt beneath his jacket glowed in the