Free The Proposal by Diane Craver Page A

nursery
rhyme, ‘Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe’. I thought her shoe was
cool with children spilling out in every spot.”
    “And you insisted
you'd be a better mother and not give our children bread and broth.”
    “I guess we all have
to grow up. I don't want kids spilling out everywhere like the old
woman in the shoe, but I definitely want more than one child. I think
that nursery rhyme made an impression on me because I hated being an
only child. I was lonely when I didn't have you to play with. But
fortunately, Mom and Dad had Alex when I was eleven.” A pained
expression appeared on her face, and she said softly, “I'm so
thankful to have him, especially with losing our parents. I can't
imagine not having any family left.”
    “I know it's not the
same but you have my parents. They love you and you still have your
grandmother.”
    “Losing her only
daughter has been hard on her. Her health hasn't been good. I’m
glad she asked two widow friends to move in with her. That's another
reason I want to get married soon. I might have Grandma walk me down
the aisle when I marry Brad. Or maybe it'd be better to have Alex to
do that honor.” She sighed. “I probably should forget about
having a big wedding. It'll be too sad without Mom and Dad. We could
just get married by the minister and have witnesses.”
    “It's up to you but I
think you should still have a church wedding. I know your friends
will want to attend.”
    She looked up from
staring at her empty mug. “Well, if I do that, would you be my man
of honor? You're my best friend. I thought I'd ask before Brad asks
you to be best man.”
    He wanted to tell her
no way he could watch her marrying Brad. What should I say?
    “Geez, you have to
think about it.” She frowned. “I expected to hear a yes. I
thought you'd be happy. You introduced me to Brad.”
    Yeah, he'd introduced
them all right. When his old college roommate had dropped in for a
visit between flights, they saw Jacqueline at a restaurant. Brad fell
instantly for Jacqueline's beauty and personality.
    He'd inject humor into
his answer instead of refusing to be her main attendant. He grinned.
“I guess I was wondering if I'd be in charge of the bachelorette
party for you. That might be hard being a guy. But hey, do I get to
attend the bridal gown fittings? That might be fun.”
    “I don't think so.”
She gave him a playful nudge. “You won't be going with me to
fittings. I'll spare you that and you don't have to give me a party.
Or you can help the other attendants with the bachelorette party. I
haven't thought that far ahead.” She stood. “How about more
coffee? I'm going to refill mine.”
    He nodded and handed
his mug to her. “If you don't make me wear a dress, I'll be your
man of honor.”
    She smiled. “Since I
can't see you in a dress, I'll let you wear a tuxedo like the
groomsmen.”
    After she left, he
wondered if he should call Brad to find out what birthday present he
planned on giving to Jacqueline. He hated to see her disappointed if
she didn't get a ring, but at the same time, he'd be relieved.
    * * *
    Lifting the coffeepot,
she filled both cups with steaming coffee. What was wrong with Tyler?
They'd been friends for a long time, and she could tell something was
bothering him. Maybe he did know what Brad's surprise was and knew it
wasn't a ring. No, he said that he hadn't talked to Brad. While
carrying the cups, she noticed Tyler running his fingers through his
brown hair. He only did that when he was troubled.
    I wonder if his job
is giving him stress. Tyler was a physician's assistant at a
family practice. She'd been surprised when he came back to Huntington
after graduation from his program. "So how's work?" She
placed his cup on the end table before sitting.
    “It's great. I love
going to work. And this week the doctor is away, so I get to treat
the patients myself.”
    She sipped her coffee.
“So you get to play doctor. I bet the patients are glad to have you
there. You