Groom Wanted. Debra Ullrick

She slapped him on the arm. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

      “Just teasing you, Leah.” He winked at her.

      Winked. She couldn’t believe her friend just winked at her. Even more befuddling...she couldn’t believe how her heart leaped in response to his wink. What was going on with her? Whatever it was, she wasn’t sure she liked it. “Yes, well, um. I’d better get home now. I have much to do before Phoebe’s wedding. So, I’ll see you later, Jake.” She brushed past him, scurried to her buggy and climbed aboard.

      “What’s your hurry?”

      “Me? I’m not in a hurry,” she answered without meeting his eyes.

      Jake hiked a brow and stared at her. “Okay, Leah. Something’s wrong. What is it?”

      Her hands shook and her insides weren’t any better, but she forced herself to not show any of it. “Nothing’s wrong. I just have a lot on my mind, that’s all. And I really do have much to do before the wedding.”

      His eyes searched hers, though she wasn’t really looking at him. She couldn’t. If she did, he would see everything.

      He shook his head. “Not buying it, Leah. But neither will I push you into talking about what’s bothering you.” Hurt and disappointment marched across Jake’s face. “You got a right to keep your own counsel, I guess.”

      Anger with herself for handling it all so badly trounced over her. Gathering her courage, she looked down at him. “Jake, I’m honestly not sure what’s bothering me, or I would tell you.” She looked him right in the eye, wanting to ask but not sure she should. “Do you ever feel like something’s wrong but you don’t know what it is?”

      “Yep. Lots of times.”