Needing Happily Ever After - Elena Aitken Page 0,46

“He would have been so proud of you. You just finished your degree and now…you’re a remarkable woman, Katie, and I’m sure he would have given anything to be here today.”

She was silent for a moment, letting the emotion run its course, and he didn’t push her as the tears rolled down her cheeks. Finally, she sniffed loudly and wiped at her tears. “I’m sorry, Damon. I don’t know what came over me.”

“I do.” He tried a small smile. “It’s still new, Katie. It’s okay.” It was still new. Her father had only passed away a few months ago and she’d just gotten married without him giving her away. Of course, she hadn’t been worried about it before, because it was all meant to be fake. Just the way he’d thought about his mother more than once throughout the day. She would have loved to know that he was marrying Katie. Damon hadn’t given it much thought before, but now that there were real feelings involved…it was different.

And just as he couldn’t have imagined a few days ago that there might be some very real feelings involved with a marriage that wasn’t ever supposed to be real, now, he couldn’t seem to imagine it any other way.

Chapter Twelve

Damon took the trail that led from the cottage and away from the main house, avoiding it the way he had since he’d moved in. It was ridiculous, he knew that, especially now that he was actually married to Katie and they’d pulled it off. Not that he was even thinking of it that way anymore. Not really. It had been two days since they’d said their vows, and as crazy as it all was, it felt a little more real every day.

There really was no reason to avoid the main house, or his father. Not anymore.

Even so, Damon continued on the trail that led him to the hills, and farther away from his dad.

Before turning the corner that would take him out of view, Damon glanced back toward the guesthouse at the thought of Katie. He knew she was inside, writing out plans for her new store, and he couldn’t help but be impressed by her drive and dedication. She was so excited about the opportunity, and that excitement was contagious. He knew he’d been distracting her from her plans, but as long as he was in close proximity, he couldn’t seem to help himself.

Once he’d had a taste of her, he couldn’t seem to get enough. Katie was like a drug he’d never known he’d needed. And just like any drug, there was a very real danger of becoming addicted. He just needed to be careful, that was all. Because as much as he was enjoying himself with her—and he was—he needed to make sure he kept things in perspective. Not that he really knew what that perspective was anymore. They’d discussed the idea of actually staying married and he hadn’t really thought she’d agree, but when she did…well…maybe giving in to his addiction for her wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

They’d stayed mostly holed up in their cottage for the last few days, and they’d been some of the happiest days Damon had had in a really long time. Marrying Katie might just have been the best decision he’d ever made. Although, despite the lightness that came with the newness of a relationship, there was still a small part of him that couldn’t shut out the reality of the situation and the nagging feeling that he’d actually ruined things between them because he’d pushed for more. After all, wasn’t it historically a bad idea to sleep with your best friend?

Only if it didn’t work out.

His inner dialogue just wouldn’t shut up.

Damon focused on the view of the valley below. It never failed to calm him. He picked his way along the pathway that had become overgrown since the last time he’d taken it. Which, admittedly, must have been years ago. His dad likely didn’t come out this way. He’d never been much of an outdoorsman, preferring to enjoy the view from inside looking out. And now, with his health and the nursing care he needed—for what?—a flicker of guilt snapped through him. He hadn’t actually asked his dad how his health was. He hadn’t asked his dad much of anything. Not that they’d ever been big at communicating. But still, Damon should have tried harder. Reluctantly, he looked toward the house and decided to stop in on his way