Broken Vows

Chapter 14

Erin studied her calendar as she crossed off the notation for her final dress fitting.  Two weeks had passed since Bates’ wedding and it had been a whirlwind of planning for the next one.  She’d met Kelly at the dress shop that morning to make sure the last alterations were correct.  She’d been relieved to bring the dress home and be done with the process.  Now she only had the wedding to look forward to, which would be the following Saturday.

“You know, I’m not one to rush time, especially since September is going to be busy.  But I’m glad this week is over.”  She closed her schedule book and looked across her kitchen table at Brody.  “Although I’m sure Tyler will come up with even more antics next week.”

Brody gave her a sympathetic smile.  “I wish I could be more helpful.  But short of marrying you, I have no idea how to get him to back off.”

Erin sighed.  She didn’t know either.  What she did know was that Tyler was going to drive her nuts.  He seemed to be looking for ways to insert himself back into her life.  On Monday she’d come home to find him sitting at her parents kitchen table, talking with them as Alyssa munched on cookies and milk.  He’d called and offered to bring Alyssa over so Jane didn’t have to pick her up from daycare.

And then last night, when she’d gone to drop Alyssa off for the weekend, he’d invited her to stay for dinner.  Alyssa had enthusiastically agreed with that idea and, unfortunately, Erin had no legitimate excuse with which to escape.  Brody had been working late at the deli and she’d had no other plans.  So, instead of looking like a complete jerk in front of her daughter she’d endured dinner with her ex-husband.

She closed her eyes and began massaging her forehead with her fingertips, willing the niggling headache to go back to its corner.  She wanted to enjoy her evening with Brody, not fight a migraine named Tyler.

Brody reached across the table and took her hands, forcing her to look at him again.  “We’ll handle it Erin.  I realize this stresses you out, but eventually he’ll get it.  And until then, I’ll be right here.  We’ll deal with it together, okay?  Besides, I’ve got these new friends who believe in the power of prayer.  Tyler’s no match for them.”

Erin cracked a smile.  “Thank you.  Though I don’t know how you can be so cool about it all.”

“Because I love you Erin and you love me.  And because I know that nothing he can do will change that.”

Erin studied his face and his easy, confident smile.  She wished she could be so nonchalant about Tyler’s advances.  But each time he did something new, she just got mad all over again.  Even if he accomplished nothing else, he had managed to get under her skin.

“You know, I never would’ve guessed that the guy who made me wear a bikini at the beach would turn out to be so solid and mature.”

Brody shrugged.  “Just because I like to have fun doesn’t mean I can’t take life and responsibility seriously.”  He gave Erin a childish grin.  Then in his best Shrek imitation he added, “I’m like an onion.  Onions have layers.”

Erin had to grin.  “You’ve been hanging around Alyssa too much.”

“Made you smile.” Brody pointed out.  “But speaking of Alyssa, I wanted to talk to you about her.”

Erin’s eyebrows went up in question.  “What about her?”

“I’d like to spend more time with her, get to know her a little better.  It’s been great having you all to myself for so long, but if we’re headed in the same direction as my sister and Kel – and I think we are -,” he said, interrupting himself and giving Erin a smile, “then I want her to get to know me as more than just Mommy’s boyfriend.”