Goody Two Shoes (Invertary 2)

“Josh McInnes. Language.”

He rolled his eyes at her. “I forgot about a honeymoon.”

“Seriously?” Caroline’s voice came from the doorway. “You only had one job.”

He couldn’t help but grin at the way Caroline was standing. It was as though she was afraid to move any part of her body. She was dressed in the same clothes as yesterday, although now they were crushed. Her face was pale. Her hair was ruffled and her feet were bare. She was adorable.

“The one job I had was to get the rings.” Josh resisted the urge to smack himself on the forehead again. Then he made a mental note to get the damn rings.

“Yes. You’re right.” She still hadn’t moved from the doorway. The look on her face told him that she thought taking another step would be akin to climbing a mountain. “I’ll sort out the honeymoon.”

“You will not,” Helen said loudly, then flinched. “That’s the groom’s job. It’s tradition.”

Caroline smiled wanly at her. “Nothing else about this wedding is traditional. Why start now?”

“I can sort the honeymoon,” Josh told them both. How hard could it be? He’d call someone and get them to make arrangements. “Where do you want to go?”

Caroline put one hand on the wall beside her, while the other rubbed her temple. “Surprise me. I’ve never been anywhere.”

“You’ve never been out of the country?” His mum seemed surprised.

“I went to London with Josh last week.”

“I don’t think that counts, baby,” Josh told her softly.

In his head he put Paris and Venice to the top of his list. He couldn’t think of two more romantic locations. Perfect for a honeymoon. He stopped short. Why was he thinking about romance? This wedding wasn’t about romance. It was about commitment. He gave himself a mental kick in the behind. Still. Paris was always nice. He looked at Caroline. She’d like Paris. And he’d like showing it to her.

“I’ll sort out the honeymoon. And the rings.”

Her eyebrows shot up her forehead. “Tell me you already have the rings.”

“Of course I have.” He tried to cover his gaff with a fake laugh.

The two women glared at him, making it clear that no one was fooled by his declaration. “Okay, I forgot. But I’ll get them. There’s plenty of time. The wedding is a week away.”

“Yeah,” his mum said with heavy sarcasm. “Loads of time.”

Josh ignored her. “Do you want coffee, baby?”

“No. I don’t like it. I just came in to tell you that I’m going home.” She looked down at her feet. “As soon as I find my shoes.” She looked back up at him, the effort in making every movement clear on her face. “Do you think they’ll come if I call for them?”

Josh grinned. “I’ll get them. Then I’ll walk you home.”

She shook her head, then her hands flew up to hold it on. “I’ll walk home alone. I need some time by myself. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Josh didn’t like that one bit. “I’m coming with you.”

“Please. I need some time alone. Just tonight. Okay?”

Josh growled before relenting. “I’ll stay here tonight, but I’m coming back to your place tomorrow.”

“Okay.” She was clearly relieved.

“But I’ll get your new bodyguard to drive you home.”

“New bodyguard? What happened to Gary?”

“Turns out he was an idiot.”