Once they made it to the reception and through the toasts, Shannon joined Drew at a small table.
Gary was there, he glanced from one to the other, but in usual Gary fashion, he shrugged it off and concentrated on the women line dancing on the floor.
Katie was one of them, her blond hair bouncing with each move. So far so good, Shannon was able to look the girlfriend part to her family and the coworkers who attended could surmise she was just being friendly to the boss.
Of course there was the complication of Drew being one of the groomsmen, she'd have to figure out how to explain that one later.
Her mother toddled over and looked down at them. "You haven't danced together yet." Her shrewd eyes narrowed on the tabletop where Shannon rested her hands. "Why aren't you holding hands or something? Is there trouble in paradise already?"
Drew leaned into Shannon's side and kissed the side of her head. "Shannon's a little put out with me today. Thinks I flirted with one of the bridesmaids." He winked at her mother.
Donna Aldean seemed to believe it. She smacked the side of Drew's head. "Well then don't flirt." Ignoring Gary's slack jaw look she huffed and walked away. The song ended and Shannon looked up to see Katie standing in the middle of the dance floor staring at them.
She tried to wiggle out of Drew's embrace, but he held tight. "I don't want your mother to smack me again."
"I think we've been outed," Shannon said watching Katie make her way to the table. Gary cleared his throat and lifted an eyebrow, his gaze on her friend.
"Are you dating two men?" Katie asked and of course this was when the song softened and it was quiet enough for the people at the surrounding tables to look over.
"What? No." This time Shannon managed to struggle out of Drew's arms, unfortunately the momentum sent her backward into Gary's chest. The idiot took her shoulders and held her steady...against him. "Let me go, Gary," Shannon hissed and pushed away. When she ended up against Drew's shoulder she gave up and slumped forward.
"I am sort of dating Drew..." she started.
"Drew? You're dating the boss?" Katie's rounded eyes went to Drew and back to her. "Then why did you act like you and Gary were dating?" Katie flipped her hair out of her face and frowned. She didn't seem angry, more hurt than anything.
The people at the tables next to them stopped pretending not to be listening and were now all hunched forward watching the exchange. Shannon glared at her Aunt Myrna at the next table, who lifted her hands in a helpless gesture. "Can we go outside and talk please, Katie?"
"It's okay you don't have to explain anything. I'll just...Ack!" She landed on the chair next to Gary when he pulled her down.
Everyone stayed quiet, not sure what to do next. The nosy people finally began their own conversations, probably about Shannon dating two men.
"It's a wonderful wedding, isn't it?" Gary said.
Shannon moaned and looked up at the top of the tent wishing for a lightning bolt to strike when her cousin Ashley walked up with her arm around Doug's waist. Doug gawked at Shannon his rounded eyes shifting back to Ashley.
"Shannon, Katie, this is my boyfriend Doug." Ashley beamed at Doug who flushed and smiled back at her.
"Hey."
"Hi, Doug," Shannon exhaled and looked around the table. What the hell, may as well just go with it. She motioned to Drew. "Doug, this is my date Drew."
Doug stuck out his hand. "You live here in Longview?"
"Of course he does, he's the new owner of our company," Katie told the couple, then looked at Shannon with a wide-eyed faked innocence.
"Well, that's convenient," Ashley giggled and grabbed Doug closer. "It's a small world, isn't it?"
And somehow this was dumb-ass-Doug's queue to say something stupid. "Ah yeah, I know Shannon well. We...er dated."
"What?" Ashley shoved away from him so fast, Doug stumbled and halfway landed on Katie's lap. "You and Shannon?"
Aunt Myrtle got up and rushed to help. At least that was what Shannon thought she meant to do. "Keep it down, you're making a scene." Unfortunately her high-pitched voice projected and now more people turned to them.
Shannon glanced to where Meagan sat. Fortunately she was surrounded by people and laughing at something.
Aunt Myrtle took Doug by the arm and took ahold of Ashley's. "You two go on now. I'm sure Shannon didn't mean to sleep with all these men. Did you, dear?" She smiled at Shannon who groaned and put her head down on her arms. "No, I did not, Aunt Myrtle...I mean no I didn't sleep with three guys...geez."
"Just two?" Drew said, his lips trembling and she narrowed her eyes at him. A slow song began to play and he grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor past Ashley and Doug who stood staring at each other. Definitely chemistry there.
"Come on, if your mother comes back to smack me again, it would be the icing on the cake."
Even though she wanted to run away and hide, when his arms went around her, the sturdiness of his large body made her relax. Shannon closed her eyes when he leaned his cheek against the top of her head.
"I'm sorry. This is such a mess. My family, the situation, everything is...crazy."
"They are entertaining. I'm sure they mean well."
"I wouldn't be too sure. Now Ashley knows I---er dated Doug and Katie is probably never going to speak to me again. I was trying to get Gary to understand Katie has the biggest crush on him long before we found out he was rich. And everyone thinks I'm sleeping with you to get promoted." She stopped talking and laid her head on his chest. "Just kill me now."
His deep chuckle against her ear was reassuring yet annoying. "It's not that bad. Look."
A few feet away, Katie and Gary were dancing. Sure they looked stiff and awkward, both looking anywhere but at each other. But it was a step in the right direction.
"Why are they so awkward?" Shannon said.
"I don't know, I think Gary may have a crush on her too."
She looked up to Drew and sighed. "Maybe it will work out." For them.
It looked bleak for her, after all Drew had agreed they shouldn’t see each other anymore and didn't seem at all phased by it. To him this was all a big game. Yet she had to admit, he handled it all great. Any other guy would have made the scene even worse.
Dancing with him, being held in his strong arms, she was safe from the world. Freedom from reality and the comfort of being cared for filled her each time Drew looked down at her.
If only the song would last a few more hours.
Chapter Twelve
He didn't like seeing the usually peppy Shannon so morose. Even after having caught the bouquet, she'd barely smiled. It rested on her lap, as she leaned against the car door, her face turned away.
"Would you like to stop at Tuesday's and have a beer?"
"I don't think it would be good for you to be seen with the town skank." She pouted and he bit back the urge to smile at the cute expression.
"Sleeping with me does not make you a skank."
Truth was he was not ready for the evening to end. He'd left his bag at Gary's place, so other than dropping her off, he was out of excuses to see her. He pulled up to her house, which was unfortunately close to the wedding reception.
"I suppose you're right. I'm so sorry, this has all been so embarrassing." She lifted her shiny eyes to his and he nodded, his eyes on her lips.
Bzzzz. Bzzzz. His cell phone vibrated and the car display showed his mother's name. It was unusual for her to call so he answered through the car's audio system without thinking, lifting a finger to Shannon hoping she'd not leave.
"Andrew?" His mother's voice came through the speakers. "You must come to Billings immediately. I'm at St. Joseph's. Your father had a heart attack."
In a fog he heard Shannon's gasp, then as if dunked in a tub of ice, Drew began to shake. This was not the time for a panic attack. But he couldn’t stop the flashback of red and blue lights swirling and blinking over and over. His head spun with the sense of the car rolling and he gripped the steerin
g wheel. His father was at the same hospital he was admitted to after the accident.
"Andrew, are you there?" his mother asked, her voice held an angry edge to it.
"Yes, Mrs. Emerson, he's right here," Shannon spoke. "This is Shannon Aldean, we just returned from my sister's wedding. He's on his way."
"Tell him to call as soon as he arrives."
Drew squeezed his eyes shut, but it didn't help. The lights got brighter and the hold on his lungs tightened.
"Drew? Look at me." Shannon pushed his hair away from his face. "Breathe slowly." He met her eyes, but couldn't get a full breath. Shannon put her hands on his face and kissed him. "Think of how corny I looked when I tried to do the chicken dance tonight."
He opened his eyes and looked into her kind ones. "My dad..."
"Shhh. Breathe, now again." She coached him until he released his hold on the steering wheel. "Have to go to Billings." He raised a shaky hand to the keys and she pushed them away.
"It's best if I drive. Switch seats with me."
Thankfully the streets were not as busy as one would think for a Saturday night, but then again they stayed away from the city center where all the restaurants and bars were. Shannon drove well, her hands steady on ten and two. Every once in a while she'd glance in his direction and ask him a question.
Finally they arrived and she pulled into the front entrance of the hospital. "Go ahead. I'll park and find you in a few."
His world was surreal, the same hospital smells and sounds rushed back to him. Drew forced one foot in front of the other and then looked over his shoulder to see his truck pull away. He should have waited and asked her to come inside with him. He must have looked like death warmed over because a nurse at the first station motioned him over. "Sir, do you need a wheelchair?"
"No. Thank you." He attempted to straighten and walk steadier, but failed and fell against the wall as soon as he rounded the corner. "Damn it," he mumbled and continued toward the elevators.
On the third floor, the doors opened with a quiet swoosh and he exited to find his mother sitting in the ER waiting room with his father's brother and wife. They all looked up at him entering. His mother then looked straight ahead to the doorway. He neared and spoke to his uncle. "Any news?"
"Not yet. He's in surgery right now. They said it would be a few hours," his Uncle Martin replied. He resembled his father except for his personality. He was always more relaxed. Right now he looked more like his father with the tension lines around his mouth.
"What happened?" Drew asked and wiped a hand across his wet brow.
"He was working late. Thank goodness several of the others were as well. They called 9-1-1 when he clutched his chest and passed out," his mother informed him.
His uncle's heavy hand on his shoulder steadied him. "You look sick. Relax. Your dad's going to make it. I'm sure."
The elevator opened and Shannon stepped out. The sight of the pretty redhead in her green bridesmaid dress settled him. She went straight to him and peered into his eyes. "You okay?"
His mother took in Shannon. "Andrew, this is not the time to bring a date." Her narrowed eyes scanned Shannon and she pursed her lips. "You should go."
"Shannon drove me here because I could not. She's staying," Drew replied, hating his mother in that moment. Did she even care her husband could possibly be dying? All she ever seemed to focus on was her parties and gatherings. Never had a kind word for anyone.
"Would you like some tea, Jacqueline?" His aunt attempted to sooth his mother who shook her head.
His uncle introduced himself to Shannon who kept her attention on Drew, barely glancing up before shaking hands.
Drew wasn't sure how he felt at her seeing him at his worst, but he was thankful for her presence. Shannon didn't ask any questions nor did she try to make conversation with his relatives, she just remained by his side holding his hand.
About an hour later, Matilda arrived carrying a large thermal bag. After hugging his mother and then him, she pulled out a large thermos and poured. This time his mother accepted the offering and drank. "There's shortbread in here if anyone has an appetite." Matilda neared and smiled down at him and Shannon.
"I'm Shannon." His companion released his hand to hold it out to Matilda. "A friend of Drew's."
"Hello, sweetie," Matilda replied then gave him a once over seeming to instantly surmise he'd had another panic attack. She made a second cup of tea and gave it to him. "It's the best thing for nerves, honey."
Feeling like a complete weakling, he took it and drank the hot, sweet liquid.
Two hours later the doctor finally came through the doorway. Everyone crowded around his mother to see what the man would say. The physician's kind hazel eyes met each of theirs before speaking. "Mr. Emerson will be in recovery for another hour or so. I will allow a couple of visitors, but he will be out of it until morning." He smiled at Drew's mother. "He did well and will recover, but I recommend several months rest. He will not be able to return to work in the foreseeable future."
After promising to send a nurse to fetch Drew and his mother, the doctor left. His mother's flat gaze turned to him. "You have a decision to make."
The words echoed in his head. Any alternative, his plans to grow the company in Longview and a life separate from Emerson Ranching vanished.
Chapter Thirteen
Drew entered his father's bedroom with a folder full of papers for him to sign. It was good to see him seated by a window, the Business Daily in his hands.
His father looked over his bifocals at him and nodded in greeting. "I need to look over the weekly report. Why wasn't it sent to me?"
"You're not supposed to be on the computer yet. I've ordered everyone not to send you any correspondence. And before you get upset with me, the sooner you recover, the faster you can come back and take the helm. So don't test me on this."
Elliott released a breath and held out his hand for the folder. "Got a pen?"
"You're doing a great job from what I see," his father's compliment took him off guard when he handed the folder back. "I hope you decide to stay after I return."
"I'm not sure we can work together, Dad. You expect me to be too much like Adam."
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
This was not the time to get upset, so Drew released a breath. "It's how I feel. Yes."
"We know you're not like Adam." His mother stood by the door. Drew turned to find her watching him as if seeing him for the first time. "But to be fair, you've always tried your best to distance yourself from us. Adam did the opposite."
It hadn't occurred to him that perhaps he'd hurt their feelings by always preferring to be away, Bozeman and now Longview. He'd never explained his reasons. Of course they saw it as him not wanting to be around them.
"I wanted to prove to myself I could be successful without having to rely on you." He looked at his father. "Unlike Adam, I didn't have a clear place here."
"Andrew, you have always been more hands on inclined. You're the reason for the ranching engineering branch," his father told him with brows drawn. "When you insisted on moving away, I made a position for you in Bozeman and suspended the plans for your portion of the work."
Ranching engineering branch. He didn't realize it until just then. How much had he missed?
His mother shook her head. "I suppose you'll move to Longview as soon as your father gets better."
"It's what I planned. Yes."
The look his parents exchanged spoke volumes and he never stopped to think how hard losing Adam has been for them. Not only had they lost their oldest, but also he'd moved away. Yes, they were not the warmest of people, but it didn't mean they didn't have feelings.
His mother regained her demeanor. "I'll check on dinner."
"Wait," Drew told her and touched her arm as she turned. "Since Adam died, everything about Bozeman, this house, even you two, remind me so much of him. One of the reasons I can't stand to be here for long. It hurts so much." He took a strengtheni
ng breath. "I have been selfish. To not consider your feelings."
"You are all we have left." His mother shocked him by answering first. "It's been your choice to remain distant. We only get to see you twice a year."
"So you respond in kind?" Drew replied instantly regretting his words when his mother stiffened visibly.
When her eyes met his, for the first time he saw something more than coldness, something he'd always ignored. Caring. "It's good to have you home, Andrew. Even if it's only for a couple of months."
Again she headed to the door. "Dinner is at seven."
Chapter Fourteen
It had been a long time since Shannon rode her bicycle to work. Her messenger bag bumped against her leg and her scarf flapped behind her. She couldn't resist, it was a beautiful sunny day and she made the decision as soon as she looked out the window that morning.
For the last two weeks all she'd done was think about Drew. Wondered what he did and what he planned to do with the plans for expansion in Longview.
From what she could tell, he did not want to assume control of Emerson Corporation, but as the only living son, it was his responsibility.
On one hand it made sense and from the little bit she'd witnessed, he was a competent and strong leader. But at the same time, knowing he would remain in Bozeman hurt. She'd fallen for him and although he would always be out of her league, at least if he lived in Longview, it would have been nice to see him daily.
She waved at Mr. Collins, the grocer, who sprayed his front sidewalk with a hose. When she rode through the gates at Longview Ranch Supply, her heart skipped a beat at spotting Drew's truck in the parking lot. He'd not come by to see her, but of course, they'd discussed not seeing each other before the call about his father.
A few minutes after she sat in her office, Katie dashed in and closed the door. "Did you see who's here?"
"Yes," Shannon replied and shrugged. "What do you suppose is going to happen?"
"I don't know. Mr. Havers is acting all fidgety." Katie sat and crossed her shapely legs. Shannon was glad her friend was no longer mad at her. And though she'd not mentioned anything about Gary, Shannon got the feeling they kept in touch.
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