A Promise in Time

Nisbet

Chapter 1

You may kiss the bride.

The room filled with laughter when the bride beat the groom to it.

The minister threw his hands in the air. Okay, then. You may kiss the groom.

Now the room was filled with laughter and applause as the bride and groom enjoyed their public display of affection which prompted the guests to suggest that they get a room—immediately.

Three McCullough cousins down, eleven to go, Kelly McCullough Burnett thought to herself. First Sean, then Matt, and now Alex. And two engagements waiting in the wings—Skye and Anne. The only family of cousins that was yet to take the step toward matrimony was hers. And considering that she was the oldest of the three siblings, it was most likely that she would be the first one of the Burnetts to walk down the aisle. The only problem with that was that there was no man in her life. And there hadn’t been for quite some time. Hanging out with five-year-olds all day was not exactly conducive to enhancing one’s love life.

She squeezed through the crowded farmhouse living room to congratulate Alex McCullough Jameson and Cassie Callahan Jameson. All she managed was a quick hug for each before her oversized family of McCulloughs converged on the happy couple.

She stepped back from the crowd but even in the small space where she tucked herself beside the fireplace, she could barely move. Glancing around the room, she determined that it was predominantly McCulloughs with a few Callahans thrown in and a handful of family friends. She couldn’t help wondering if Antonio and Fiona Salvatore were there. Most likely they would be unless they were visiting his family in Italy . . . and their son Ryan who had moved there.

She would say hello, of course. She liked them. Even if their son was a jerk, they were sweet, kind people. And during her high school years when she and Ryan had dated, they had treated her like family. She felt bad that she hadn’t been out to their winery to visit them. She’d only seen them a few times since she’d returned home to Canden Valley to teach school. And those were always at large gatherings where they all happened to be, such as her Aunt Nan and Uncle Grant’s summer kick-off picnic or the McCullough harvest celebration.

Not once had she asked them about Ryan. She wanted to, but she could never manage to get the words out. She was always afraid she’d break into tears just hearing about him and his life with his wife and child. However, she couldn’t completely avoid the rumor mill, especially being a McCullough and living in McCullough country. She had heard that Ryan had gotten divorced and had moved to Italy where he was working at his grandparents’ winery. Whether or not that was true, she had no idea. As tempted as she’d been on numerous occasions to use all the social media at her disposal to determine the facts, she hadn’t allowed herself to. She was disciplined if nothing else. She had been deeply wounded. And apparently was yet to recover.

She smiled when she spotted Antonio and Fiona Salvatore, and a longing tugged at her heart. She adored these people, despite the wounds their son had inflicted on her. And Michael, their other son. Her smile broadened at the sight of him. As annoying a younger brother as he’d been to her then-boyfriend, teasing and tormenting the young couple, she had a soft spot in her heart for him. How could she not? He looked so much like his big brother. Her stomach clenched when she realized it wasn’t only the three family members who were attending the wedding. There was a fourth member in their party.

She stopped breathing and her hands went to her stomach as if to hold her together. Ryan. What was he doing here? She gasped as she reminded herself to breathe. It was okay. She was okay. He had come to the wedding. That was all.

Oh, God, what he could still do to her, even from across a crowded room. Breathe, Kelly, breathe. He was here. After seven years, he was here, in the same room. With her. Inhaling and exhaling slowly, her composure started to return, or at least enough to convince her that she wasn’t going to pass out. Her eyes returned to their target, and she allowed herself the luxury of staring.

She had forgotten how gorgeous he was with his olive skin and deep brown eyes that came from the Italian side of the family and his dusty blond hair that he had inherited from his Irish mother. It was easy to see that he had matured. His face looked slightly older and his shoulders were broader. Only his smile hadn’t changed, the smile that he gave her the moment he looked up and spotted her staring at him.

She didn’t return the smile. If she could have wedged her way out of her tiny space, she would have run. Fast and far. But she couldn’t. Not only was there no path to freedom, but her feet seemed to be nailed to the floor.

Hello, Kelly.

How had he made it over to her? There was no space to move and he was twice her size.

Kelly?

When she heard her name, she realized it was her turn to speak. She forced her mouth to open. Hello, Ryan.

It’s been a long time.

Yes.

I’ve missed you.

Her breath caught before she could respond. Thank goodness. She refused to tell him she had missed him too, that her heart had been aching for him for seven years. That there were times she thought she would die from missing him so much.

Dance with me?

A quiet but firm no emerged from her lips, emboldening her spirit. She was okay. She had to be okay.

His smile was amused and borderline charming, and she felt herself almost giving in. He had always been able to do that with only a smile or a wink.

Please.

Her back stiffened and she surprised herself when she uttered the words, Not on your life.

Tougher than you used to be, Sweet Girl?

She swallowed hard and channeled her tough female cousins. Definitely tougher and definitely not so sweet.

Ryan felt a familiar pain in his chest that emerged every time his thoughts strayed to Kelly McCullough Burnett. Damn. It was worse. He’d hoped that seeing her again would stop the pain that perpetually tore at his heart. And the regret. And the guilt. Had he done this to her? Had he destroyed the sweet nature that had once defined his childhood love? He shook his head. Nothing could destroy that. She was a McCullough after all.

Please dance with me.

No.

You’re sure?

I’m sure.

Then why are you still standing here?

She frowned and looked around the crowded room that allowed no breathing space whatsoever, except on the designated dance floor in the middle of the room. I’m not. She pushed past him and tried to pick an exit path. Unfortunately the only one that didn’t include stepping on high heeled toes and knocking over little old ladies and men was through the middle of the dance floor. Two steps onto the wood surface and he’d caught hold of her wrist and pulled her into his arms.

Not so difficult now, was that?

Depends if you step on my toes or not.

I’m a better dancer than I was in high school, Sweet Girl.

Not saying much. She bit her tongue when she heard her cutting words and tone. What was it about Ryan Salvatore that was bringing out this nastiness in her? Hmm. As if she didn’t know.

Instead of being rebuffed by her insult, he said, Maybe I’ll have to come up with a new nickname for you with that new sharp tongue of yours.

Why bother? You won’t be running into me again on your vacation home, I’m sure.

That’s what she thought. But then she was unaware that she was the reason he’d come home in the first place. It had been too long since he’d been back to Canden Valley. His family came to Italy often enough so he didn’t miss them so much. But he did miss the place he’d called home for twenty years. So, when his family told him about their invitation to Cassie and Alex’s wedding, it was easy to decide when to make the trip. There was no way Kelly would miss her Cousin Alex’s wedding. She could avoid seeing him by staying away from the valley, but she couldn’t avoid him at a family wedding.

Feels kind of like the old days, doesn’t it? he whispered against her ear just as Kelly’s Cousin Mairi ended the song and slowed the pace even more with the Etta James song, At Last. Appropriate, he thought.

Kelly gulped air when she heard the tune and realized that this was a slow dance, a much slower and much more romantic song. It-it feels nothing like the old days.

Okay, so tell me what’s different.

She tried to pull back, but he held her firmly against his chest, knowing that the only way for her to get out of dancing with him at this point was to make a scene. And one thing he was certain hadn’t changed about Kelly Burnett was that she did not like making scenes. Particularly in front of her family. Particularly at a function as special as a wedding.

I don’t see much difference, he continued the conversation that she seemed determined not to have. We’re both a little taller now, but we still fit together perfectly, just the way we did when we were kids. He brushed her hair with his lips. Actually better.

Darn him. Why was he doing this to her? He had no right to be here—well, maybe he kind of did seeing as how the Salvatores and the Callahans were close friends. But still, he had no right to force her to dance with him and to dredge up old memories . . . and old feelings . . . and . . . . He pulled her even closer and twirled her around as if they were moving as one unit. Oh, God, it felt so good being in his arms again. So good. Just like it used to when they were teenagers and he’d held her in his arms like this rocking back and forth using dancing as an excuse to hold onto each other.

But they weren’t teenagers anymore. They were adults, adults who were practically strangers.

Ryan held her firmly against him, moving her around the dance floor. It was as close to heaven as he could get. Holding the love of his life in his arms. It was something he had only dreamed of doing, but had not really believed was possible. But here he was, holding her, longing to tell her how he felt.

Ti adoro, amore mio. Sei l’amore della mia vita. If he couldn’t tell her in English, at least he could say the words in Italian.

Kelly pressed her hand against his chest, but it had a mind of its own, refusing to push him away. She was forced to resort to her words. Don’t you dare try to seduce me with your Italian, Ryan Salvatore. Don’t you dare.

He smiled to himself. If she was protesting this adamantly, it must be working. Ti amo, mia dolce ragazza. Ti amo.

Oh, God, now she was melting just like she’d done when they were teenagers every time he touched her or looked at her from across the room or whispered in her ear—especially in Italian.

It feels so good, Kel. So good to hold you again.

She shook her head but for the life of her she couldn’t push him away.

You feel it too, I know you do.

She struggled to pull her hand from his but he gripped it hard.

Admit it.

No. I don’t. Stop it, Ryan.

Stop what? Making you feel so good?

I don’t feel good. I feel . . . angry.

And totally turned on. He slid the hand that was resting on her back lower and pulled her against him in a sudden motion.

She felt his desire for her pressing against her belly and fought the bizarre and inappropriate temptation to reach down and touch him.

You’re not the only one, he murmured against her hair.

No. You are, she said, her voice raw with emotion.

You’re not a very good liar, Kel.

Not lying.

Yeah, you are.

She swallowed hard and pushed at his chest with her hand that she’d managed to free from his grip. She didn’t care if she made a scene. She needed to get away from this jerk. For all she knew he was still a married jerk. With a child.

She pushed through the crowd and headed for the kitchen, but just as she reached it, he grabbed her by the hand and swept her out the back door.

What are you doing? It’s freezing out here!

I’ll keep you warm.

She rubbed her naked arms. She was dressed in only a soft peach gown that fell to just below her knees. He, on the other hand, had the advantage of wearing winter slacks and a tan V-neck sweater over his oxford shirt.

Uh, thanks anyway. She pulled away and started back into the house.

He grabbed her around the waist and whirled her around to face him. His mouth came down on hers quickly and suddenly. She jerked away from him, gasping for air. Stop it, Ryan! Stop it now! Don’t you—!

But his lips were on hers again, calming and soothing her until she melted into his arms. When she finally came to her senses, she pulled back and shook her head, fighting the tears in her eyes. Don’t, she whispered.

You still want me.

No.

Yes.

No, I don’t, Ryan. I don’t.

You’re lying and we both know it. You’ve never been good at hiding your desire, Kel.

Her mouth fell open at the truth of his statement.

Still innocent Kelly. Still my innocent girl.

"I’m not a girl. And I’m certainly not your girl."

His smile was mischievous. But you’re still innocent?

Damn him.

She tripped over her own feet trying to get away from him. She practically flew through the kitchen door and into the house. She didn’t stop until she was forced to by a male body that was too large to negotiate. She looked up to see her Cousin Anne’s fiancé, Chris Newell, blocking her path. Instead of trying to get around him, she reached up and pushed him toward the dance floor.

Where are we going? he asked.

Dance with me. Please.

Okay? Chris looked across the room at his fiancée and gave her a helpless look.

Anne shrugged. She didn’t know what was going on with her cousin anymore than he did.

What’s up, Kelly? Chris asked.

What’s up? she repeated as she shoved him backwards on the dance floor until they had reached her preferred destination which was as far from Ryan Salvatore as she could get. What’s up is that I don’t want to dance with that jerk.

What jerk?

The one who’s standing behind me, assuming he’s still there. Is he?

Describe him.

Tall, about your height. What are you five feet, eleven inches tall?

Exactly.

Gorgeous olive-colored skin, brown eyes like yours. Even more puppy-dog like than yours. And dusty blond hair.

Chris controlled himself from laughing at the woman who was obviously completely enamored with the jerk. Yep, he’s still there.

You’re sure?

Oh, yeah, I’m sure. He looks like he’s about to walk over here and punch me out.

Well, too bad. She grabbed Chris’s hand that was on her back and forced it to encircle her more tightly.

I’m not sure this is a good idea, Kelly.

Why not? Are you scared of the jerk?

Actually, I’m more scared of my fiancée.

Oh. Kelly forced Chris to turn on the dance floor so she could see her Cousin Anne who looked even more gorgeous than usual in her emerald green maid-of-honor gown. Kelly winked at her, gave her a pleading look, and mouthed the words, Can I borrow him?

For how long? Anne mouthed back.

Kelly glanced toward Ryan, and Anne turned to see the reason her cousin had latched onto Chris. Enlightenment struck, and she gave her the thumbs up. Anything to keep her cousin from falling into the clutches of the guy who had broken her heart when she was sixteen. Anne wasn’t sure her sweet, innocent cousin had recovered yet. The girl had been seriously head over heels in love with Ryan Salvatore. Unfortunately.

What’s going on? Chris asked the petite woman in his arms. Why are you avoiding the jerk? And does he have a name?

Long story. Very long story. Ryan Salvatore.

Okay. He knew he would get caught up later on the details of that story. Why do I get the feeling my fiancée just loaned me out?

Kelly grinned up at him. She did. I knew Anne was my favorite cousin.

Chris chuckled. I bet you say that to all of the McCulloughs.

How did you know? I just need a little help here.

In other words, you want to give Ryan Salvatore the wrong impression about us.

You’re not just a pretty face.

Gosh, thanks, Chris said, twirling her around the dance floor so it appeared that they were actually dancing.

Okay, now kiss me.

What?

Kiss me! Please!

Chris groaned. It wasn’t that she wasn’t attractive. She was incredibly attractive, just as all the female McCullough cousins were. The seven of them looked more like siblings than cousins with their thick dark brown hair and their gorgeous blue eyes. But he was taken—by the one with the most beautiful blue eyes of all.

Kelly ignored his groan, stood on her tiptoes and kissed him softly on the cheek, then lightly on the mouth. Chris hugged her in return. He’d do anything for Anne, including helping out a cousin in need.

Is he looking? Kelly asked. Did he see us kiss?

Judging from his tight fists and the daggers in his eyes, I’d say definitely.

Kelly smirked. Good. That should do it.

That should do what?

Convince him that I’m unavailable.

Chris couldn’t help notice the quiver in her voice when she said that. He glanced down at her. Those blue eyes were filled with sadness, and he had a feeling it was a lot more than a long story. Her sigh convinced him that she wasn’t being completely honest with him or with herself.

He kissed her on the top of the head.

Thanks, Chris. I appreciate your help.

No problem. Any time, as long as my fiancée is good with it. Only one question, Kelly.

What?

Are you sure your goal is to convince the guy that you’re unavailable?

Of course. What else would it be?

Chris shrugged as the song ended. My guess is what you really want to do is make him jealous.

Jealous!

Yep. The eat-your-heart-out kind of jealous.

Chapter 2

Jesus, Salvatore, what the hell’s the matter with you? You’re a fricken idiot! A desperate fricken idiot! Grabbing her and kissing her like that! You had no right! Inability to resist her was no excuse.

Shit, he’d practically assaulted her. But, hell, she’d assaulted him first. She had managed, by simply being there, to assault every one of his senses, filling him with memories and longing. He had been at her mercy, wanting her even more than the teenage boy had wanted her. The only difference was, he was a man now. He had no excuses not to control himself. Except his burning desire that had obviously not waned with time.

And confronting her like that. What had he been going for? Shock value? Curiosity was no excuse, even if it had confirmed his suspicions. She was still attracted to him. And she was still his sweet girl.

Too damn sweet for your sorry ass. Always has been. Which is why you left her in the first place.

The guy she was hanging onto was undoubtedly more deserving of her affections than he was. Pain stabbed at his gut, and it seemed to be spreading, directly toward his heart. It was hard enough seeing her again and not being with her, but seeing her with another man? The worst part of all was that the guy looked okay, like a decent guy. He was gentle and affectionate, and he had refrained from pawing her as he himself was tempted to do. Of course her family was spread throughout the room, so that might have accounted for his restraint. But nothing he’d seen while observing them through two dances, had indicated anything but that the guy was a good guy. Shit.

Hey, bro, where you going?

He turned around at the sound of Michael’s voice. Home.

In what? You rode with me.

Oh, right. Can I borrow your car? You can catch a ride with Mom and Dad.

I can, but—

Please, Mikey.

Michael recognized the distress in his big brother’s voice. There was only one person who could have contributed to that. Kelly McCullough Burnett. He’d noticed her dancing with a good-looking guy, one he hadn’t seen before, but then he’d been away for the last couple months so he was out of touch with the latest gossip. But clearly, Kelly had hooked up with a guy. Much to his brother’s consternation. He reached into his pocket, pulled out the keys to his Mustang, and tossed them to Ryan.

Thanks, bro. I owe you.

What do I tell the folks?

That I went home. You can always plead jetlag.

Michael shrugged. Right. And they would immediately know the truth.

Kelly released Chris from her grip and breathed a sigh of relief. As far as she could tell, Ryan had left the wedding. A twinge of guilt struck when she realized that she might be responsible for his premature departure. She quickly self corrected. It wasn’t her fault that he expected to pick up where they’d left off. It wasn’t her fault that he was the same old Ryan Salvatore, smooth talker, seductive kisser, and gorgeous charmer. And it certainly wasn’t her fault that he’d gotten jealous over her dancing with Chris. Well, maybe she’d contributed a little to that one. But she hadn’t told him to leave. That was his choice.

You okay? Chris asked as they moved across the room to join the wedding party.

Fine, she mumbled. And thanks for helping me out.

No problem. Do you think it would be okay if I dance with my fiancée?

I think I can part with you now. She reached out and hugged Anne and whispered a thank you.

No problem, sweetie. Anything to keep you out of that slime’s clutches. When did he get back?

No idea.

Is he moving back or is he just visiting?

No idea.

They turned to Cassie who knew his family better than they did. The blushing bride who was now two months pregnant shook her silky black hair behind her shoulders and turned her head slightly so she could hear them better above the din.

What? Cassie asked the cousins.

Kelly glanced over at Anne, obviously reluctant to even say the man’s name let alone inquire about him.

Anne did it for her. What’s up with Ryan Salvatore? Why was he at the wedding?

Long Ago and Far Away had ended, so Cassie didn’t have to yell. Our families are close friends, you know that.

Right, but—?

Oh, of course. Cassie had forgotten the history between Ryan and Kelly. She’d been off at college when the big breakup had occurred. He’s visiting his family, I think. Didn’t really have a chance to talk to him. She glanced around the room. Where is he?

The cousins shrugged in unison.

Cassie laughed. You chased him away?

Another shrug.

Okay, so what do you want me to find out?

If he’s really divorced. Anne was very adept at speaking for her reticent cousin. Rumor has it, he is, but it would be nice to confirm.

Kelly shook her head. It doesn’t really matter. She tried to sound indifferent. I just want to know how long he’s here for. And how long she’d have to avoid coming to Canden Valley. Once again she was very grateful she’d rented a small apartment in Winslow when she’d landed the kindergarten teaching position at the K-3 school on the highway between the small town and the tiny village. She figured there would be more to do over there, and that it would be good for her to have a little separation from her family. So what if she came to the valley a couple times a week to see her parents who owned The Village Pub? Her brother Kieran was off living elsewhere, and her sister Kayleigh was away at college. She didn’t want her parents to get lonely. And besides, she preferred the lemonade they served at the local pub to any she could get in Winslow. And she did enjoy visiting with her multitude of cousins who still lived in the valley. And playing checkers and having tea with her grandparents. And going horseback riding at the McCullough-Jameson Ranch. Still, she’d made the right choice to live in Winslow. Definitely the right choice.

Not sure what his plans are, Cassie answered. But I can find out. She snatched up the hem of her vintage wedding gown that had been worn by her mother and grandmother before her, and marched off to find the Salvatores.

Kelly smiled at the image—feisty cowgirl wearing a vintage gown. She turned to Anne. Not sure this is a good idea. They’ll know why she’s asking.

No, they won’t. She’s the bride. She’s visiting with the guests. She’s being polite asking about the family.

I suppose.

So, how are you feeling? Anne asked, raising her voice slightly as their Cousin Mairi started singing again.

Fine.

Anne’s look was questioning. Fine? Is that why you were using my fiancé as a shield?

Kelly’s hand went to her stomach. Okay, not so fine. I guess I kind of fooled myself into believing I’d never ever have to see Ryan Salvatore again as long as I lived.

That bad?

Yes, it was that bad.

Not what I meant, Anne said. I meant you’ve still got it that bad.

No! No way! I’m long over him. I just don’t care to subject myself to his company.

Did he kiss you?

Kelly’s mouth dropped open. When had her cousin turned physic? How did you know?

Hunch. So, how was it?

Terrible! I can’t believe he kissed me! He’s a married man for God’s sake!

Not anymore. Cassie had woven her way back through the crowd, her wedding gown in tow.

No? Kelly’s voice was suddenly weak. What happened? Since when?

I just asked how long Ryan was here visiting and if his wife and child were with him. His mother got this really sad look in her eyes and said no, that they were divorced. The subject seemed to upset her, so I didn’t persist. They’re sweet people, Fiona and Angelo.

They are, Kelly agreed. Very sweet.

Yep, Anne concurred. "It is a mystery