Free Love in a Fix by Leah Atwood Page A

attention drawn to the nuptials. Only Mark’s parents knew, plus Shep’s parents because he’d decided last night that keeping it a secret from them was wrong. They’d wanted to come, but Shep had pleaded her desire for privacy.
    Yet, she didn’t have assurance in her soul about that particular decision. Too late now, the time’s passed for invitations.
    Josh inched closer to the door. “Can I go downstairs now?”
    “Go on.” She chuckled and watched him leave, then picked up several die cast cars from the floor and put them in the toy box.
    On the way out of Josh’s room, her concentration focused on the afternoon wedding. Josh was happy and supported the union as much as a four-year-old could. His agreement was important. Had he been completely against it, she couldn’t have continued with the marriage. Regardless, or especially, because of his young age, his opinion mattered since her actions directly affected his life in a significant manner.
    Lost in thought, she slammed into a well-defined chest. Warm hands immediately grabbed her arms to brace against the impact.
    “Are you okay?” Shep’s masculine voice washed over her.
    “Yes. Sorry about that, my mind was elsewhere.”
    “You don’t say.” A quick wink complemented his jovial tone.
    “I was thinking…” She cut herself off, licked her upper lip.
    “We should invite Gary and Portia,” Shep finished.
    She jerked her head to the side. “How’d you know I would say that?”
    “I just did.” He rubbed his hands up and down her arms with slow strokes. “Face it, there’s a strong connection between us.”
    Unable to bear the undeniable truth, she looked away. “I should get downstairs.”
    Rough hands contradicted themselves with a soft touch to her chin. Shep guided her face back to him until they locked eyes. “Neither of us expected this, but it’s there nonetheless.”
    “It scares me.” The confession opened the floodgates. “I’m not having second thoughts on marrying you, but my head’s spinning from how fast it’s happening. It’s not even that really.”
    “Then what is it?” His head tilted as he peered at her with interest.
    She felt the telltale blush creep up her neck. “The other night, when we kissed, we never talked about it afterwards. You acted like it never happened.”
    They would be married in a few short hours, but she couldn’t bring herself to tell him how that kiss had affected her, nor the confusion about the avoidance of mentioning it.
    He nodded his understanding, and she was grateful she didn’t have to explain further. His thumb caressed a spot just below her lips. “You had a shocked look in your eyes, and I thought I’d asked too much too soon, after I said you’d set the pace.”
    “I could have stopped you from kissing me.” She swallowed, building her nerve. “But I didn’t want to.”
    “I’m glad.” His relieved sigh tickled her cheek.
    She inhaled more courage. “If I looked shocked, it was because I enjoyed it. A lot.”
    “Many of life’s best gifts are those which are unexpected.”
    “A gift,” she murmured, meditating on what he’d said. Shep had a way of putting her issues into perspective. “I like that.”
    “I can’t picture our exact future, but I know this marriage is blessed by God and a gift from him.” Confidence touched every one of his words.
    “Even though I believe that, it’s a gift that’s hard to accept when my heart’s been shattered once before.” After that kiss, she’d realized how easily she could fall in love with Shep, something she’d promised herself to never do again. The aftermath of pain was too much, and she’d never survive a second loss.
    “If anyone can understand, I can.” Drawing his head closer, Shep’s gaze never wavered. “Life grants no guarantees, but here in this moment, and for as long as we both live, you’re not alone anymore and don’t have to do this on your own. Let me be your strength. When you’re