Something Old (Brides of Cedar Bend Book 1)

by Lena Hart

  His mother sighed and continued rubbing his arm. “Oh, honey. Your heart was in the right place, but what you did was stupid. She had just lost her father. What made you think she was ready for marriage? Because you were?”

  Guy frowned, taking exception to his mother’s accusations. “She could have told me she wasn’t ready. Instead of going through with it then walking out before we had a chance to start anything.”

  “And what did she say when you asked her?”

  Guy tightened his lips and looked away from her. He hadn’t actually asked Mya, but it was something they’d talked about before. He’d wanted to wait until the time was right, until he had the chance to talk to Marvin and ask for her hand. But then Marvin was fatally wounded on the job and Guy had been eager to make her his.

  “You didn’t ask her, did you? That’s what I thought. Now I can see why she ran off to England.”

  “I’m glad one of us does,” he muttered.

  “And if you took a minute to put yourself in her shoes, you would too. She had just lost her father and you thought the smart move was to take off and get married? Someplace where she had none of her friends or family around? That was a really selfish move, Guy.”

  Guy thought about his mother’s words and thought back on that day he’d driven to the county courthouse, with Mya sitting silently beside him. She’d been withdrawn that night, and he had chalked it up to the stress she had been under lately.

  “I thought she needed me,” he muttered.

  “She did, Guy. But she also needed to grieve her father. How was she supposed to do that and be your new wife? Do you honestly think that’s how she wanted to start a new life with you? In mourning? You backed her into a corner, so naturally she panicked.”

  Guy stared up at the ceiling and accepted what a mess he’d made of things. For him, getting married had seemed like the best way for him to show her how much he loved and wanted her. He’d just wanted to make her happy again. To make them both happy.

  Instead, he’d managed to do the opposite. Maybe if he’d given her time and space, he could have saved himself two years of heartache and resentment.

  “You were right, Ma. I’m an idiot.”

  “Like I said, honey. Your heart was in the right place, but a girl like Mya deserves to have a proper wedding day, with your friends and family around to celebrate with you both.”

  Again, his mother was right. He needed to fix this. He thought about the divorce papers—the papers she had signed—and thought about the many ways he could destroy them.

  He wasn’t going to let her go that easy. She was his. And if his near death experienced had taught him anything, it was that he wasn’t ready to live without her.

  Fifteen

  “I can’t believe I’m an accomplice to this. Aunt Gloria and Mya are going to have my head for this.”

  “You’ll be fine,” Guy said, pulling on his shirt carefully.

  Mike snorted. “Not when they find out I’m breaking you out of here.”

  “It’s called checking myself out,” Guy muttered. “I’ve had enough of this bed and the food.”

  “Well, if anyone asks, I going to say you made me do it.”

  “Sure, whatever. Just get me out of here.”

  After five long days, Guy was ready to get back to his normal life. And though he was scheduled to be released tomorrow, Guy hadn’t wanted to wait that long. Not that he didn’t appreciate the coddling, but between his mother and Mya, he felt as if he was suffocating from their constant hovering.

  Today had been the first time he’d gotten them to leave the hospital and look after themselves and the shop. Though what he really wanted was to get Mya alone so they could talk. But his mother refused to leave his bedside, which was just as well. The kind of conversation they needed to have shouldn’t be done while he was flat on his back.

  Luckily, Mike had agreed to come get him, albeit reluctantly.

  In his cousin’s car, Guy maneuvered himself so that he didn’t aggravate his sore shoulder. His arm was in a sling and he was pumped with pain relievers, yet he still felt an occasional twinge of pain.

  But that wouldn’t stop him from carrying out his plan.

  “I need you to make a few stops.”

  Mike glanced at him suspiciously. “Where to? Because I would much rather take you home and let your wife deal with you.”

  Guy’s lips curved up. “Is that really how you’re going to treat your injured cousin?”

  “Yes. You got too used to ruling from the throne that was your hospital bed. It’ll be nice to have you back to reality.”

  Guy chuckled, though he was just as glad to be back to his life, too. He remembered the promise he’d made to Mya in his head the night she’d been at his side. He had been in a state of unconscious reality, probably from the medicine, but he remembered Mya’s words clearly that night as she’d held his hand…

  “Daddy once told me about the time you were called in for a shoplifter stealing groceries. Instead of arresting the man, he said you paid for the stuff. I don’t know if Daddy told you, but he was so proud of you. You are the kind of police officer we need more of, he said. And I knew then that I was madly in love with you. So I need you to get better, Guy, because we still need you.”

  And it had been those words that had seen him through his fog of pain and lethargy.

  “Is everything all set for next week?”

  Mike nodded. “Yep. The contractors looked though the damage and noted all the weak points around the house. Obviously, the stairs are going to be the bulk of the work, but the good news is that the foundation is still solid, so that will cut some time on the repairs.”

  Guy nodded, relieved that the house wasn’t a complete loss. Repairing Mya’s father’s house was an idea he had thought long and hard about. He knew the home had been in her father’s family for a long time. He didn’t know if she would plan to keep it or sell it. He would leave that decision to her. But his hope was that they could restart their lives together in the renovated home—and restore the happy memories and sense of security she had lost.

  To do that, he had to do one more thing…

  “Actually, I need to make two more stops then you’re off the hook.”

  Mike sighed. “What do need now?”

  Guy grinned. “I need to buy a ring.”

  * * *

  “So when are you going to tell your mother?”

  Mya shrugged. “Maybe tonight.”

  She knew she was putting off the much-needed conversation, but after Gloria’s reaction, she wasn’t looking forward to it more than ever. She and Gloria had just gotten back to the way things had been between them before she’d found out about their secret marriage. It wasn’t the way Mya would have liked Gloria to find out, but it was finally out in the open and she needed to do the same with her mother.

  She’d learned the hard way that secrets helped no one.

  “Well, I’m sure she won’t be happy with how you two handled things, but at least she’ll be getting an awesome son-in-law. And the sooner she knows, the better.”

  Mya agreed, except she didn’t know how soon after she would be announcing their impending divorce. She and Guy hadn’t had a chance to talk about the signed divorce papers in his dresser drawer. She had placed them there when she’d stopped by his home to pick up a change of clothes for his release tomorrow.

  As much as she didn’t want to dissolve their marriage, she didn’t want him to feel forced to carry out a promise—or commitment—he no longer wanted. She would help see him through his recovery, and then after… She could only hope he found real happiness with someone else.

  Tears filled her eyes at the depressing thought, but she quickly blinked them away.

  The bell chimed on the door, signaling an arriving customer. Mya turned with a greeting on her lips, but it immediately fell away when she saw Guy walking toward her with Mike following right behind.

  “Guy!” Gloria exclaimed. “What a
re you doing out of the hospital?”

  Mike pointed at Guy. “He made me do it.”

  While Gloria lit into her nephew, Mya kept her gaze on Guy. He looked better, healthier than he had before, though he was still a bit pale for her liking. But to see him walking around again, despite the sling around his arm, filled her with such relief. He really was going to be all right.

  He stopped in front of her and said in a low voice, “Can we go for a walk?”

  “I have two hours left on my shift,” she murmured. “I would have to ask Gloria.”

  He shook his head, came around the counter, and pulled her to his side. “Ma, I’m taking Mya out for a walk. We’ll be right back.”

  “A walk?” Gloria sputtered. “You’re barely out of the hospital and you want to exert yourself. Mya, talk to him!”

  Mya looked up at him and saw the mysterious gleam in his green eyes. She couldn’t help but smile. “You look good.”

  He grinned. “I feel good. Now come on.”

  Ignoring his mother’s grumbling, he led Mya outside into the crisp spring air. She forgot how fast March had arrived, but was grateful for it. Soon the flowers would bloom along Main Street and their small town would come alive with the signs of new beginnings.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  He hesitated then said, “Promise Lane.”

  She frowned. “Why?”

  “So I can do things over. Do them right.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  But he said nothing as they walked down the cobbled path to the arched bridge of Promise Lane. Soon the path would be brightened with colorful flowers and rich green leaves. But for now, the branches were bare, with the lingering signs of winter.

  They came to a stop in the middle of the path and Mya stared up at him. He appeared a bit nervous, and unconsciously, Mya squeezed his hand.

  “Guy, what is it?”

  He cleared his throat and began, “Three years ago, on this spot, I promised to love and protect you. Always. I meant every word of it then and I do now. But I haven’t done a very good job of that.”

  Mya bit her lip, trying to control the slight trembling in them. “You fell through a flight of stairs for me, Guy. I think you’re doing a fine job.”

  The corner of his lips curved up. “If it wasn’t for me, we wouldn’t have been in that position in the first place. I shouldn’t have pushed you away like that. I love you, Mya. And I need you in my life.”

  She stared at him searchingly, her heart filling with love. “I need you in my life too, Guy. When I left here, it had nothing to do with you or us. I always wanted to be your wife. I just need to find me first so that I could be that for you.”

  “I know, babe. And if I could do that day all over again, I would have waited to do it the right way.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He reached out and trailed his finger along her jaw. “You deserve the best, and I promise I’ll do everything in my power to give that to you.”

  “Oh, Guy, all I’ve ever wanted was you. That’s all.”

  He grinned then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box. She frowned in confusion before realization hit her and she sucked in a sharp breath.

  Suddenly, he struggled down to one knee, and she tugged at his good arm.

  “What are you doing? Get up before you fall!”

  He chuckled. “Too late. I’ve already fallen for you, babe. Hard. Now, let me do this the right way.”

  “But Guy…we’re already married,” she said in a fierce whisper.

  He gave her a lopsided grin. “And I want the whole world to know it.”

  Mya covered her cheeks with her hands, surprised by the small crowd that had suddenly gathered. She was embarrassed and delighted all at once.

  Snapping the small ring box open, he held it out to her, but Mya barely noticed it through happy tears that blurred her vision.

  “Zamya Daniels, will you do me the honor of officially taking my last name?”

  A bubble of laughter burst from her and she threw her arms around his neck, careful not to jolt his injured shoulder.

  “Yes. If you insist.”

  He looped his good arm around her and pulled her close. “Yes, baby, I insist.”

  His lips fitted neatly against hers, as if they had found their home, and she released a soft sigh filled with an indescribable bliss.

  Epilogue

  Six weeks later…

  “Mya, honey, you can’t be late to your own wedding.”

  She glanced at Gloria but was immediately reprimanded.

  “Zamya, hold still, else you’ll end up with raccoon eyes.”

  “Sorry, Mum,” she muttered. “And Gloria, stop worrying. We have time. After all, they can’t get started without the bride.”

  “That’s right,” her mother agreed and Gloria just harrumphed.

  Mya held back a smile, not wanting to mess with the work her mother was creating on her face. She was thrilled, not only because today was her wedding day, but because she had the two women she cared most about at her side. Her mother had made the transatlantic flight alone just to be at their small backyard wedding.

  With the money Guy was investing in the repairs to her father’s house, their wedding had turned out to be a modest affair, but she didn’t care. She was about to profess her love and commitment to the man of her dreams, in front of her friends and family, and that was all that mattered to her.

  “Okay, all done, sweetie. Take a look.”

  Mya held the mirror to her face and gaped at the woman staring back at her. Thanks to her mother, she was breathtaking.

  She jumped out of the stool and gave her mother a tight hug.

  “Thanks, Mum!”

  “You’re welcome, darling. Now let’s get you into that dress.”

  Gloria pulled down the simple vintage gown from the hanger and brought it to her. Mya’s heart skipped at the sight of it.

  The ivory-colored wedding dress was her mother’s, worn during her second marriage. It was exceptionally beautiful with its vintage embroidered lace along the solid cap-sleeved bodice. A few floral lace patterns accented the airy A-line tulle skirt, but was subtle enough to leave the dress exquisitely simple.

  Mya’s sentimentality got the better of her, and she began to tear up. It wasn’t just from the opportunity to start a new tradition in her family by someday passing the dress down to her own daughter. For her, the old vintage dress symbolized the true second chance that she and Guy would have.

  “No, no, no.” Her mother grabbed a tissue. “Save the tears for after the ‘I do’s.’”

  Mya dabbed around her eyes, trying not to laugh.

  “Claire’s right,” Gloria said. “Today is a joyous day for all of us.” She cupped her face. “I finally get to have you as a daughter.”

  Tears brimmed her eyes again but she blinked them away. On a day like this, when she was missing her daddy fiercely, she just needed to take a moment to appreciate what she was gaining.

  A new family.

  Mya stood in front of the tall mirror in Gloria’s bedroom as they helped her into the delicate dress. It was a perfect fit—after a bit of tucking and pinning.

  Her mother came from behind her and slipped a small bedazzled comb into her crown-twist updo. “There. Now you have something blue.”

  “Mum, does anyone even follow that tradition anymore?”

  “Those who want nothing but happiness and bliss in their marriage follow it. Now, your dress is old, your shoes are borrowed. You just need something new…”

  “What about my ring? It’s new.”

  “Brilliant. Now you have everything, love.”

  Mya smiled, willing to indulge her mother with the old tradition. She already had everything she needed, though she loved the idea of eternal happiness with Guy. She knew that nothing—not even the deepest of loves—was without its challenges, but what she and Guy shared was special. No matter what life threw thei
r way, they could withstand anything.

  “Mya, honey, are you ready?”

  With one last look in the mirror, she nodded. The three of them made it out to the backyard, and her mother and Gloria went to take their seats in the front among her close family and friends.

  Mya was grateful the spring weather had decided to behave. The sun was high and the trees were in full bloom. The light breeze served to cool the sun’s bright rays, and the blush-pink paper lanterns swayed from their delicate perches along the low-hanging tree branches.

  An intense energy surrounded her, and Mya instantly felt her father’s presence as she glided down the fuchsia-pink aisle runner. Under the decorated wedding arch stood her husband and the minister. She was unable to tear her eyes away. Guy was impossibly handsome in his black and white tux and with his hair slicked back like that.

  A stunned expression flashed on his face before he broke out into a wide grin. When she reached his side, he leaned down and whispered in her ear.

  “You’re one of a kind, Mya. How did I get so lucky?”

  She laughed softly. “Just wait until tonight.”

  Desire flashed in his eyes and he grinned. “Ready to do this?”

  “Oh, yeah.”

  The minister began the ceremony and Mya found herself lost in the moment as she recited the vows that would lay the foundation of their union.

  They had come a long way to get here, but today marked a new beginning for them. No more looking back or wallowing in regrets. Though they had decided to still wait to start a family—a subject they would revisit once the renovations to her father’s home were complete and they were settled in.

  Besides, they still had much they wanted to accomplish in their professions. She was close to launching her online store and he had only recently returned to work after his recovery. His absence from the department had been felt throughout the station and town, which Mya believed had compelled Mayor Warren to announce Guy’s promotion to sheriff of Cedar Bend. Of course, he was still find ways to connect all things positive back to his campaign. But whatever the mayor’s purposes, she was happy Guy got to continue doing the job he loved.