Page 12 of Her Inconvenient Wedding Date (Unexpected Dates #2)

Hunter

“Marriage is like a mystery novel. You never know what’s going to happen next, but you’re pretty sure it’ll involve food.” ~Unknown

Lily didn’t kiss me back.

That’s all I can think about as I unload her luggage that we just picked up from her place and bring them inside my house. As much as I’d like to dwell on the fact that the circumstances are pushing us closer to one another, the reality is that my wife and I aren’t on the same page.

Yet.

Those three letters give me reason to pause and hope.

I’m still committed to treating her like the queen that she is, but I decide I need to practice patience and restraint.

I dislike those two words as much as pineapple on pizza right now, but for Lily’s sake, I’ll embrace them.

I’m in this for the long haul, just like the vows I made to her earlier today.

To have and to hold, till death do us part.

Let’s just hope her close proximity doesn’t do me in first .

“This will be your room, Lil.”

She squeezes past me as I stand in the doorway to the guest room.

It takes everything in me to not pull her close and dip her again as I remember how it felt to have her in my arms. With her curves pressed to my body and my mouth on hers.

Her lips were as soft as I’d imagined they’d be, but they were also sadly, unexpectedly nonresponsive.

The memory gives me the reality check I need to pull me back to the present.

“This is nice, Hunter! The bedding even matches the curtains.” She runs a hand down the leaf print duvet cover. “I love the earthy tones you chose. You have a good eye for color.”

“I can’t take all the credit. My mom helped me pick them out.”

“She has good taste.” She glances outside the window that overlooks the backyard before turning back to me. “I didn’t get a chance to ask you, but what did your parents say when you told them about you getting married? Or did you not tell them?”

“I did tell them. There’s not much that I don’t tell my folks.” What I don’t mention to Lily is how much I told my parents about my feelings for her. “They were supportive, and they said they’d pray for us.”

“They’re okay with you helping me out in this unconventional way?”

I nod, leaning my back against the door frame. “They trust my judgment.”

“They sound so supportive. How about your sisters?”

“I haven’t told them yet. Not that I don’t tell them things, but they’re a little too helpful sometimes.

” I smirk and make air quotes around the word helpful .

“They like to set me up on blind dates with their friends’ younger sisters or cousins or random women they meet at the store or at church.

I’ve learned that the less they know about my love life, the better. ”

She grins. “They sound sweet though. What are you going to say if they try to set you up on another date?”

I’d like to think Lily’s asking this question because she doesn’t want me going out with anyone else, but I know it’s wishful thinking. Her tone is neither jealous nor concerned. “I haven’t thought about it yet. What do you think I should say?”

“Hmm. You could say you have a project to finish, and you won’t be free until January.”

“That’s not too far from the truth.” My stomach twists with disappointment. Those brownies sound like a good consolation prize. “Why don’t you unpack and get settled? I’ll let you know when dessert’s ready.”

I spend the next forty-five minutes baking and cooking until the smell of chocolate and Italian spices permeate every corner of the kitchen.

By the time I pull the brownies out of the oven and take the cast iron pan of seafood pasta off the stove, my shirt is untucked, and my sleeves are rolled up.

I’ve probably got flour on my face, too, but I’m in too much of a rush to care.

I plate the food, then bring everything, along with the utensils and drinks, to the dining table.

The spread looks so good, I give myself a little pat on the back.

Lily’s my first—and most important—guest in this home, so I want to be sure everything is top-notch for her.

“Wow,” she suddenly pipes up behind me. “Don’t tell me you made the pasta from scratch?”

I turn around to find Lily looking comfortable in black leggings and a sweatshirt.

Her smile tells me she’s impressed with the meal I put together, which fills me with relief.

“Hey, you’re just in time. Have a seat. And no, I didn’ t make the pasta from scratch this time since I was making brownies, too. I hope you don’t mind.”

She laughs as she sits down. “I would never complain about someone cooking for me. Thank you for all of this. It looks and smells delicious.”

I take off my apron and hang it on the back of my chair before sitting across from her.

Extending my hand, I offer to say grace.

She takes a beat to respond, but when she does, her palm fits securely against mine.

For a moment, I pretend we’re husband and wife in more than name only as I close my eyes.

I pray for as long as possible, thanking God for everything about this day and, truth be told, so I can hold Lily’s hand a little longer.

When I finally open my eyes, I’m surprised to see her studying me.

There’s a glint in her deep brown eyes that makes me swallow hard.

“You look like you either have a brilliant plan or a scary one,” I say as I push the plate of brownies toward her. “Which is it?”

“Brilliant, of course. Oh! This is brilliant, too!” She points to the brownie that she took a bite out of and practically cradles it against her chest. “The pumpkin flavor cuts the bitterness of the cocoa just enough.”

“I’m glad you like it.” A smile appears easily on my face. Watching Lily enjoy the brownie is like the perfect sugar high for me—all the sweetness without the inevitable crash. “We should make eating dessert first a habit in our marriage.”

Her eyes widen. “That sounds pretty official. But I suppose we could since this is all temporary anyways.”

Ouch, right. It looks like I will be crashing after all.

“Back to my brilliant plan,” she continues. “I’ve decided to do something for you in return for everything you’re doing for me. I’m going to help you find a girlfriend. ”

I almost spit out the brownie bits in my mouth. “You’re going to do what?”

“Help you meet women, so you can meet the woman of your dreams.”

I was right to be worried about that glint in her eyes. “I don’t need help meeting women, Lil. I don’t say that to brag or anything, but that’s not a concern of mine.”

“That’s true.” Her expression turns thoughtful. “So, you don’t need help meeting women, but maybe you could use some practice talking to them?”

“That’s not really an issue either.” I spear a shrimp with my fork and start digging into my pasta. “I have two sisters I talk to on a regular basis.”

“That’s different. I’m talking about practicing what you would do if you were on a date with a woman who’s not your family. And what better person to practice with than me—a woman?”

I pause mid-chew and digest Lily’s words.

The idea she’s throwing out is better than anything I could have come up with.

What better way to romance my wife than to date her?

God, You’re a genius! Not that the Lord didn’t know that already, but I’m continually blown away by how He works everything together for good for His children.

Keeping my tone nonchalant, I ask Lily, “What you’re suggesting is that we role play going on dates together?”

She nods. “Practice makes perfect, right? What do you say?”

“I say let’s start tonight. I’ll pick you up at six.”

Now it’s time to plan the most romantic date ever.