Least Likely To Wed. Judy Christenberry

Pete’s car.

      “Don’t you start on me, too. I’m trying to avoid marriage, not fall into the trap.”

      “Gil seems mighty happy.”

      “Good. I’m not Gil. I’ll apologize to Mary, but I’m not going to take up fatherhood.”

      Pete set the car in motion. He could barely see the cab on the next block. He hoped Rafe had been wrong about what he’d heard. Pete would feel badly if there were an accident because of his rudeness.

      The women were out of the cab and almost to the top of the stairs when he stopped the car in front of their building.

      “We’d better get up there to make our apologies before they go to sleep,” Rafe urged.

      “Maybe I should wait until tomorrow morning,” Pete suggested as the women closed the door. “You know, I could bring flowers, do the apology right. That would be better, wouldn’t it?”

      Rafe stared at him. “You’re stalling.”

      His succinct statement cut right through all Pete’s words.

      With a sigh, he said, “You’re right. Okay, come on, let’s go.” He opened his door and got out of the car. He didn’t want to face either Kelly or her mother again tonight, but he couldn’t face his mother if he didn’t. She’d be mortified if she heard of his behavior.

      Rafe joined him as he stepped on the first stair up.

      “I guess you won’t ever forget this date, will you?” Rafe asked. “You ever been dumped before?”

      “Not quite as efficiently. I don’t think Kelly likes any man. Not just me. I wonder why?”

      “You don’t want to marry. I guess she has the same right,” Rafe pointed out.

      “Yeah, but I like women. I just don’t want to marry one,” Pete explained.

      “You’re spoiled,” Rafe told him with a grin.

      Suddenly the door to the apartment four steps up flew open, and both women poured out. Panic was written on their faces.

      “What’s wrong?” Rafe asked.

      “Drew’s in the emergency room!” Kelly practically screamed, trying to shove her way past Pete.

      He grabbed her arm to keep her from falling. “Come on. I’ll drive.”