RINGOFTRUTHEBOOK (1) Read online

  “Oh, I can take her,” her mom said as a chair scooted back.

  “No, I’ll take care of it.” Jake pulled Erin out of her chair and walked her out of the room. He had to stop a couple of times to tell people they couldn’t talk, and finally made it out of the room. “Here, sit down.”

  Erin sat down on a soft couch and kept her head down. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Are you okay?” Jake rubbed her back, soothing her.

  Erin shook her head. “Give me a minute. It was all too much.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.” Jake stayed quiet until Erin was finally able to lift her head.

  “It’s not your fault. Well, I guess it kind of is. But it’s mine too. We shouldn’t have done this. All my family. And your family. What if they find out? What if they disown us or something?” Erin shook her head, trying to clear it. She needed to pull herself together.

  Jake knelt in front of her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Hey, look at me. It’s okay. We can end this whenever you’d like.”

  Erin stared at him for a moment. “Really? You won’t be upset if we tell them early?”

  Jake caressed her cheek, sending a thrill through Erin. “Of course not. I don’t want to hurt them, either. I just highly suggest we don’t do it here. Your cousin probably wouldn’t like it if you took away her happy wedding day.”

  Erin laughed and stood up. “You’ve got a good point. Let’s wait until tomorrow. Your parents have their show tonight, and I don’t want to ruin that for them.”

  “Tomorrow, then.” Jake pulled her into a hug, and they stood like that until a server walked by with the first round of food. “Oh, looks like we’re going to miss dinner. Ready to go back in?”

  Erin nodded. “Yes. Sorry. I haven’t had an attack like this since finals of my senior year in college.”

  “To be honest, this helped me too. I needed to get out of there.” Jake took her arm and they walked back into the reception hall.

  “You haven’t even met half of them.” Erin smiled as she sat next to her mom. “Hey, sorry. I don’t know what happened.”

  “No worries. You’re probably just overwhelmed with everything that happened today.” Her mom patted her arm and went back to her salad.

  “That must be it.” Erin set her napkin on her lap and smiled at the server as they put a salad in front of her.

  As the dinner continued on, the low murmur of conversation helped Erin relax, and she was able to joke with her parents. She finally relented and told her mom they could at least check on the price for the hall. That wouldn’t be until Monday, and by then her parents would know the truth.

  Sam and Kate were called away to visit with the groom’s family, so Erin’s parents grilled Jake about everything from what college he went to down to his favorite sports teams. Erin smiled to herself when her dad welcomed Jake to the family after finding out he was a Yankees fan.

  Jake’s response was drowned out when Emily’s husband stood to start the toasts. While everyone else laughed at the jokes that were made, Erin paid attention to Emily and the look of pure adoration as she watched her husband. That’s exactly what Erin wanted in a marriage. Someone to make her that happy. Would Jake do that? She wasn’t sure. He could make her very happy, but she’d only known him for a few days.

  Emily’s dad stood and took the microphone. “Let’s get the dancing started. We’ll start with the couple’s first dance.”

  Everyone stood and moved to the edge of the room so the tables could be moved. Emily and her husband walked to the center of the room and began the dance. Once others joined them, Jake turned to Erin.

  “Would you like to dance?”

  “Yes.” Erin followed Jake out to the dance floor and put her arms around his neck.

  He held her close as they moved to the music. Erin wanted to deny feeling at home in his arms, but she couldn’t. She felt that she’d always be safe with him. When the song ended, they kept dancing.

  When it was time for the bride to dance with her dad, Erin and Jake broke away. Erin wanted so much to lean forward and kiss him, but Jake kissed her forehead before taking her hand to lead her off the dance floor.

  Erin excused herself and went to find a drink. Her throat was dry, and her head was spinning after the dance.

  “Is everything okay?” Erin’s mom asked.

  Erin jumped, almost spilling the punch she’d just picked up. “I didn’t hear you come up. Yes, everything is fine. Why?”

  “Don’t give me that. Something isn’t right. You two are clearly crazy for each other, but you’re so formal. Did you have an argument on the way here?”

  “We’re fine, really. Just tired from how crazy things have been.” Erin just wished she actually felt that way.

  “I hope so. I’d hate to see you let him get away.” Her mom walked away with a smile, leaving Erin even more confused than before.

  She made her way back over to him just as the next song started. “Having fun?”

  Jake stood. “Now that you’re back, yes. Would you like to dance again?”

  “Sure.”

  They danced a few more songs before they announced that it was time to cut the cake and throw the bouquet. Erin laughed with the rest of the crowd while they smeared the cake in each other’s faces, but the whole time she kept thinking about the man who stood next to her.

  Soon, it was time to throw the bouquet, Erin stood in the back of the group. She hoped someone else would get it, but the bouquet went right to her. She reached out and grabbed it so it wouldn’t hit her in the face. She laughed and took a picture with Emily before it was time for the garter.

  Jake stood behind the other guys, but jumped up to grab it as soon it was thrown. It helped that he was taller than everyone else, because he reached above them all to snatch it out of the air.

  Erin caught the excited whispers as everyone pointed out that it was the engaged couple that had caught them, and they became the center of attention again. Erin wanted to crawl into a hole.

  “Let’s get a picture of you two together.” The photographer gestured for them to stand next to each other.

  Erin stood next to Jake, but smiled at the camera instead of acknowledging that he was there.

  “Come on, you’re engaged. Show it.” The photographer handed his camera to his assistant and walked over to them. “Put your arms around each other with the garter and bouquet in front of you. Like that. Perfect.”

  Erin looked into Jake’s eyes and smiled for a few of the pictures before the photographer stopped again.

  “Okay, one more. You two kiss. I want a big one.”

  “What? No. You got enough.” Erin pulled away.

  Emily laughed and came over to stand next to the photographer. “Come on. Just one. It would be fun to put in our album.”

  “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” the photographer chanted. The group started in until Jake pulled Erin toward him and leaned down to kiss her.

  The kiss started out soft and sweet, shooting warmth through Erin’s entire body. She leaned into the kiss, no longer caring that everyone else was watching. She just wanted make the kiss last forever.

  Jake finally pulled away, leaving Erin breathless. She shook her head to clear it and handed the bouquet and garter back to Emily. She was aware that everyone around them was cheering and clapping.

  The crowd slowly dispersed as Erin went back to gather her things. She needed air again, but she couldn’t think straight. She stayed at the table until she felt more under control, and then went to find Jake and her parents.

  “There you are. We’re ready to go.” Her mom slipped on her jacket that Erin’s dad held out for her. “We planned to go back to your place for a while, but I’m exhausted after the day we had. Will you be upset if we just head back to the hotel?”

  “No, I think I might go straight to bed when I get home, too.” Not that she’d be sleeping any time soon. Not after what had just happened.

  “All right sweetie. We’
ll see you tomorrow morning.” Her mom kissed Erin on the cheek and followed Bill out of the reception hall.

  “We’re leaving as well. Would you like a ride to your apartments?” Sam asked.

  Erin looked up at Jake pleading him to say no, and he put his arm around her, pulling her close.

  “I think we’ll take a cab. Your hotel is the opposite away.” He kissed his mom’s cheek and hugged his dad. “See you tomorrow?”

  “Of course. I hope to see you as well, Erin.” She smiled and walked toward the exit with Sam.

  Jake stood next to Erin. “I guess it’s just you and me again.”

  “Yep, I guess so. I have my purse, so we can leave whenever.” Her stomach had butterflies around him after the kiss. It felt like a high school crush all over again. Except that high school crushes didn’t maker her knees go weak like this.

  “Sounds good. My parents already left for the hotel. I could use a little quiet tonight as well.” Jake took Erin’s hand and they walked outside to flag down a cab.

  The trip back to Erin’s apartment was silent. The kiss had shown Erin that Jake meant a lot more to her than what she thought. She could still feel the press of his lips against hers. It was almost a relief when they pulled up to the curb. Jake paid the driver and climbed out behind her.

  “I figured I’d just walk the rest of the way,” he explained. He ran his fingers through his hair before he continued. “Look, about tonight.”

  Erin’s smile slipped a little. Apparently her feelings were different than his own. “You know, it’s fine. It didn’t mean anything, right?”

  Jake’s expression went from surprise to hurt. “Oh. Yeah. Right. I’ll see you tomorrow? When we tell our parents?”

  “Okay. I’ll see you then.” Erin realized she’d just totally messed things up. “Jake?”

  He turned back. “Yeah?”

  “Thank you. For everything. Helping me out with the dates. It means a lot. And—” Erin hesitated before running to him. She reached up and kissed him.

  Jake cupped her face in his hands and kissed her with an intensity that left her breathless. He pulled away and brushed his thumb across her cheek. “Good night.”

  “Good night.” She hesitated. “Unless …”

  He turned around. “Yeah?”

  “Well, I have this Nintendo someone gave me, and I could use some help setting it up.” Erin smiled up at him.

  “I think I could help with that.” He smiled and took her hand as they walked up to her apartment.

  Chapter 10

  Jake rolled over in bed, wondering why the world seemed so awesome that morning. Memories of the night before came flooding back. The dancing, the kiss. That dress on her. It had all been so perfect, he wondered if it was a dream. Except his dreams were never so vivid.

  He took a quick shower before going into the kitchen to grab some breakfast. His parents wanted him to go to church with them that morning, so he’d need to get ready soon. His mom had found some small chapel nearby that they were dying to check out for the ceremony, and figured going to the service would be the best way to do it.

  Right. The wedding. Jake took a bite of his cereal and stared off into space. What was he supposed to do with this whole mess? He knew he was falling hard for Erin, but while she’d returned the kiss, she was adamant that they break all this off today. That meant only a few hours and he’d be back to being single.

  He could fight it. He could insist that they go through with it instead of letting go of the relationship, but was it worth it? The answer was yes, but he had to convince her of that. Thoughts of Melody flashed through his mind without warning. He’d been so sure they’d be together forever, and he thought she felt the same way. Until the day she ran off with some biker who had wooed her the summer after graduation.

  Except that Erin wasn’t Melody. She was sweet, sincere, and knew what she wanted. Melody had been so flaky. Jake shoved the last bite of cereal in his mouth and set the bowl in the sink, then filled it with water.

  Jake changed into a suit and found a tie to wear. The doorbell rang, so he grabbed his shoes and headed out to the living room.

  He opened the door to find his parents standing in the hall. “Hey, you’re early.”

  “We wanted to have time to walk. It’s a beautiful day and it’s just around the corner.” His mom straightened Jake’s collar and finished tying his tie. “There you go.”

  “Thanks.” Jake slipped his shoes on and made sure he had his keys before leaving the apartment.

  They walked down the street toward Erin’s apartment, but took a right and headed down two more blocks. The small chapel was nestled among the tall buildings. The opening hymn echoed through the hall as they walked inside. He found a pew at the back of the church and slid into it. He took in the architecture around him. It had the perfect acoustics for the music that was playing while the congregation sang.

  The pastor stood and began speaking on service. Jake tried to pay attention, but his mind kept turning to Erin. He hated to think of what this evening would do to their friendship. Jake shook his head to get her out of his mind, and scanned the crowd for other distractions. He noticed a family from his complex sitting a few rows up. He smiled at the boys playing airplanes instead of listening. That had been him when he was young.

  Another woman wrestled her two young children while her husband snored softly next to him. And there was—Jake blinked. His eyes had to be playing tricks on him. No, that had to be Erin. She sat near the front with her head bowed. It was the way she held herself, and that silky brown hair. Jake willed her to look up so he could get a better look at her.

  The chance didn’t come until the service ended an hour later. Jake couldn’t remember a single word from the sermon, and brushed off his mom’s questions as he scooted past them to get to the woman ahead of him.

  “Erin?” He asked as he got closer.

  Erin whipped around, her eyes wide. “Hey, Jake. What are you doing here?”

  He gestured to his parents behind him. “They wanted a service to go to, and figured this was a good chapel because it was so close. And because they wanted another venue for the wedding.”

  “The wedding? Here?” Erin laughed. “I guess this would work. If it was going to happen.”

  Jake cringed. “Yeah, I thought so too. It’s nice.”

  “Oh, Erin. I didn’t know you belong to this congregation. Jake, did you know she goes to this church?” his mom asked.

  “No, I had no idea.” Jake put his arm around Erin, hoping she wouldn’t mind. This wasn’t the best place to admit to their lie.

  “It’s so perfect. We really need to have your wedding here. Erin, do you think they’ll mind?’

  Erin smiled. “I don’t think they’d mind at all. They’ve done several here.”

  “Great, let’s go talk to them.” His mom turned and headed toward the pastor with his dad following after her.

  Erin looked up at Jake in horror. “She’s doing it right now ?”

  “My mom is persistent. And they’re leaving today. Come on.” He grabbed her hand and darted around a few groups of people who were still talking, but it was too late. Jake’s mom was already introducing herself and gestured toward him.

  “Oh, there you are. This is Reverend Thompson. He would love to officiate your wedding. After an interview, of course.”

  Jake glanced between them before shaking his hand. “Hi, I’m Jake. I assume you already know Erin?”

  “Yes, of course. You’re very lucky to have found such a kind and giving woman.” He then shook Erin’s hand.

  Jake nodded. “She really is amazing.”

  Erin’s face went to an even brighter red than it already was. “Okay, okay. That’s enough.”

  The Reverend laughed. “Fair enough. Now, when were you thinking of holding the ceremony?”

  “We haven’t really thought of a date. I guess it depends on when you’re available.” Jake groaned inwardly. This was not the best wa
y to get to know a pastor. Hi, I’m new to your congregation, and I’m already lying to you.

  “I’ll look at my schedule and get back to you.” He put his arm on Jake’s shoulder. “Welcome, again. I hope you feel like you can be a part of this congregation.”

  Jake could see the guilt in Erin’s eyes, and knew she felt the same way he did. He put his arm around her and they walked out of the church while his parents chatted behind them.

  “I know. We’ll fix this,” he whispered. “Where are your parents?”

  Erin sighed. “They had to take an earlier flight. There was an emergency at his firm back home.”

  “Emergency?” his mom said from behind them. “Did I hear that right? Is everything okay?”

  Erin turned. “Yes, things are fine. One of his accounts is trying to back out, and he’s going back to fix things.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad. I was hoping we could do brunch together. Oh, well. We’ll have plenty of time for that. Would you two like to come with us? We have one last chance to tour before we have to leave.”

  Erin smiled sadly. “You can go on without me. I’m worn out from last night, and I need to get a few things done for tomorrow. It was really nice to meet you both. Thank you for dinner the other night.”

  “Is everything okay? Are you sure your dad is fine?” His mom leaned in, concern etched in her face. “Did we say something wrong?”

  “No, I’m fine, really. You’ve been so sweet.” She hugged his mom tightly and then hugged Sam. “I’ll see you later, Jake.”

  “I’ll call you tonight.” He leaned down and kissed her, surprising himself. It had been out of instinct, but it felt so natural. He wanted to go with her, but knew she needed some time alone. He felt the same way.

  She walked off, her head down. Jake watched until she was around the corner, and then turned to find his parents whispering.

  “What’s going on?” he asked.

  “Your mom is worried we scared her off.” Sam scratched his chin. “Did we do something wrong? Push too hard?”

  “No. It’s just …” Jake stopped Not yet. Not at the church. “Last night wore her out, like she said. She loves you guys. So, where are we going?”