No, Jericho finally answered, forcing a grin. I was the best friend and glad about my buddies hooking up and being happy together. I was also the friend who stood by Macy when Tim got sick and died six years ago. And today, Im the friend whos going to marry her and give Tims teenage son a new father.
Yeah, you are. And right friendly of you, too, bro. But as you said earlier, you and Macy arent in love. Whats the real deal? Im not buying this friendly daddy-stand-in story.
Jericho wasnt sure he could explain it to someone like Fisher, a guy whod never had anybody depending on himexcept, of course, for the men in his squad. Well, okay, his brother probably would understand loyalty and honor, but not when it came to women or kids or best friends. Fisher had never let any of those things into his life.
The real story is that Im not in love with Macy.
You said that already.
ButI do love her and want the best for her. And that kid of hers and Tims already seems like family to me. Im his godfather, and I think I can make a bigger difference to his life as his stepfather. I mean to try.
T.J. was the foremost reason Jericho had been so determined to go through with this wedding when Macy had brought up the subject. As kids,
Fisher and he had done without a mother after theirs had abandoned them. But theyd had the firm hand of a father to raise them right. As a tribute to his dad, Buck Yates, still by far the best father in the world, Jericho would bring T.J. into the family and do for him what Buck had done for his two sons. Give T.J. the greatest start possible.
Act like a best man, why dont you, and just shut up about love and real stories. He poked Fisher lightly on his dress-uniformed arm. We need to waste a few more minutes out here, bro. If youve gotta keep yakking at me, tell me what your plans are for after your leave is over.
Just inside the Community Church, waiting behind closed doors in the vestibule with her maid of honor, Macy Ward fidgeted with her dress. What do you think everyone in town will have to say about me wearing offwhite? Maybe I shouldve worn a light blue dress instead.
The dress was of no consequence, but Macy didnt want to say what she really had on her mind. Her maid of honor, Jewel Mayfair, was also her boss. And although she really liked Jewel, being too honest in a case like this might not be the best idea. Even though Macy was about to be married, she still needed the job.
So as devastated as she felt by the nasty looks shed received from Jerichos brother at the rehearsal last night, and as much as she would love to pour her heart out to another woman as kind as Jewel, she would instead keep her mouth firmly shut on the subject of Fisher Yates. Anyway, he was about to become her brother-in-law. So the two of them would just have to find a way of getting along.
But Macy felt nervous and jittery about more than just an irritating old boyfriend in uniform. She was dwelling on something much more important. Her son T.J. had been giving her fits over this upcoming marriage. Hed said he didnt want anyone to take his fathers place. Though her boy liked Jericho well enough, and eventually Macy felt sure he would come to love and respect the man as much as the rest of the town.
What was not to love? Jericho Yates was the best man she knew. He was kind, loyal and so honest it almost hurt her heart. His honesty had recently made her feel guilty because she had not been absolutely honest with him or anyone else in such a long time.
Whats wrong, Macy? You dont look happy. You should be ecstatic. Todays your wedding day.
Im okay, Jewel. Honest. Its just She decided to confide in her boss, at least a little. Jericho and I arent in love. Not like a man and woman who are about to be married are supposed to be.
No? But then why get married?
My son. Macy plopped down in the nearest chair, disregarding the possible wrinkles to her dress. T.J. needs a father badly. And Jericho will make such a great dad. Im the one who convinced our poor county sheriff to take pity on an old friend and do me the honor. I knew he would never tell me no.
But now youre having second thoughts?
Second, third and fourth thoughts actually. Im about to ruin a good mans life and saddle him with a wife he doesnt love and a kid whos a handful.
I like Jericho, she added hastily. A lot. I dont know if I can do this to him.
Jewel knelt on the carpet beside Macys chair and spoke quietly. If you ask me, hell be getting the best part of the deal. You dont seem to understand how really beautiful and special you are, and Im not sure why you dont get it. Youre a terrific mother and a fine employee. Im both your boss and your maid of honor, a double threat at the moment. So Im the one whos here to remind you of what everyone else already knows. If you decide not to go through with this wedding, itll be Jerichos loss, not yours.
Macys eyes clouded over with unshed tears, but she bit them back. Jewel had become the dearest friend. But when everything was said and over, Macy just could not go through with this sham wedding. At least not today.