A Tricky Proposition(52)

“Are you two doing that communicating-without-words thing again?”

Ming hadn’t noticed Missy stop beside her. With her red hair and hazel eyes, Sebastian’s wife wore chocolate brown better than anyone Ming had ever met.

“I guess we are.” Ming’s gaze returned to Jason.

“Have you ever thought about getting together? I know you were engaged to his brother and all, but it seems as if you’d be perfect for each other.”

“Not likely.” Ming had a hard time summoning energy to repeat the tired old excuses. She was stuck in a rut where Jason was concerned, with no clue how to get out. “We’re complete opposites.”

“No one is more different than Sebastian and I.” Missy grinned. “It can be a lot of fun.”

Based on the redhead’s saucy smile, Ming had little trouble imagining just how much fun the newlyweds were having. She sighed. Prior conversations with Emma, Missy and Rachel had shown her that not everyone’s road to romance was straight and trouble-free, but Ming knew she wasn’t even on a road with Jason. More like a faint deer trail through the woods.

“He doesn’t want to fall in love.”

Missy surveyed the three Case men as the minister guided them into position near the front of the church. “So make him.”

Rather than lecture Missy about how hopeless it was to try changing Jason’s mind about love and marriage, Ming clamped her lips together and forced a smile. What good would it do to argue with a newly married woman who was a poster child for happily ever after?

As she practiced her walk up the aisle on Nathan’s arm, she had a hard time focusing on the minister’s instructions. Casting surreptitious glances at Jason, standing handsome and confident beside Max, she fought against despair as she realized there would never be a day when the man she loved waited for her at the front of the church. She would never wear an elegant gown of white satin and shimmering pearls and speak the words that would bind them together forever.

“And then you separate, each going to your place.” The minister signaled to the organist. “Here the music changes to signal that the bride is on her way.”

While everyone watched Rachel float up the aisle, her happiness making it appear as if her feet didn’t touch the ground, Ming stared down at the floor and fought against the tightness in her throat. She was going to drive herself mad pining for an ending that could never be.

Twenty minutes later, the wedding party was dismissed. They trooped back down the aisle, two-by-two, with Nathan and Ming bringing up the rear.

“How’s Emma doing?” she asked. Nathan’s wife was five days past her due date.

“She’s miserable.” Nathan obviously shared his wife’s discomfort. “Can’t wait for the baby to come.”

“I didn’t see her. Is she here tonight?”

“No.” A muscle jumped in his jaw. “I told her to stay home and rest up. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.” Nathan scowled. “But if I know her, she’s working on the last of her orders to get them done before the baby arrives.”

Nathan’s wife made some of the most unique and beautiful jewelry Ming had ever seen. Missy’s wedding set was one of her designs. From what Jason had told her, Max and Rachel’s wedding rings had been created by Emma as well.

“I’m worried she’s not going to slow down even after the baby arrives,” Nathan continued, looking both exasperated and concerned. “She needs to take better care of herself.”

“Why, when she has you to take care of her?”

Nathan gave her a wry grin. “I suppose you’re right. See you tomorrow.”

Smiling thoughtfully at Nathan’s eagerness to get home to his wife, Ming went to fetch her purse. When she straightened, she discovered Jason standing beside her. He slipped his fingers through hers and squeezed gently.

“I missed you this week.”

Shivers danced along her spine at his earnest tone. “I missed you, too.”

More than she cared to admit. Although they’d talked every day on the phone, their conversations had revolved around the dental practice financials and other safe topics. They hadn’t discussed that Evan was in love with Lily, and Ming wasn’t sure Jason even knew.

“I don’t suppose I could talk you into coming home with me tonight,” he murmured, drawing her after the departing couples.

Although tempted by his offer, she shook her head. “I promised Lily we’d hang out, and I have an early appointment to get my hair and makeup done tomorrow.” She didn’t like making up excuses, but after what she’d started to suspect earlier, the only thing she wanted to do was take the pregnancy test she’d bought on the way to the church and see if it was positive. “Tomorrow after the reception.”