Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel

by Lisa L Wiedmeier

  The truck’s engine roared to life, and Lilly pulled away.

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” She wiped her own tears from her cheeks. “We need to focus in on happy things, like your wedding.” She forced a smile. “Come on. I’ll have you work on a few small things, but you’re banned from going out the back terrace or peeking till the big day. Got that?”

  I nodded, and arm in arm again we entered the manor.

  Tomorrow was the day. June twenty-first, the day I would marry Callon. I started towards the terrace doors in my bedroom, only to stop. Lilly had asked me not to peek out onto the back terrace as they were setting things up. She wanted it to be a complete surprise.

  I blew the hair out of my eyes. I’d been banished to my room now that the final touches were being added. It was funny; whether it was in the cabin in Montana or here, it seemed I was always a prisoner of four walls. I’d gotten too used to my recent freedom, and now I was about to go stir crazy. No one could keep me company, either, because Lilly needed them to assist. Not even Callon could come because he and Dex were working out the final details for our security.

  I returned to my pacing, my feet padding on the wood and then carpet. I’d wear a hole in the carpet soon if time didn’t pass any faster. I’d already tried reading, listening to my iPod and even strummed a few notes on the guitar without success…my mind kept running to Colt when I should have been thinking of Callon.

  I stopped and pressed my eyes closed for moment. My throat grew tight, and pain knocked at my heart’s door again. If it had been anyone else, I’d have been upset and angered, but with Colt it was ten times worse. I’d given him my heart in the past, and he’d been careless, yet I’d forgiven him. I thought my heart was crushed forever when I watched him die, but then I found out he hadn’t. The hope I held on to shattered with his betrayal, destroying everything I believed in. This was beyond forgiveness.

  He’d casually crushed each and every member of his family without a second thought, and we were expected to move on…

  A soft knock at my door drew my attention. I wiped away the few tears that had fallen. I needed to be happy; my future was here with Callon, with my family.

  “Come in,” I called.

  Layla, Andre, Bree and Nakari entered, their brows moist with sweat. Apparently Lilly was working everyone hard. A twinge of guilt set in. I should have been helping too.

  “It’s time to get beautified, Cheyenne,” Bree beamed as she pushed past Andre and Nakari, carrying a basket of what appeared to be beauty supplies. “First up on the list is a pedicure and manicure.”

  After hours of being alone with my own thoughts, I was grateful for the lighthearted, happy conversation. Even Nakari seemed to be enjoying herself; there was a different side to her that I was finally seeing. A lighter, carefree side.

  “Geez, Andre,” Nakari said with a twinkle in her eyes. “I’m gonna need sandpaper for your heels! When was the last time you had a pedicure?”

  Andre pulled her foot from the tub of water and splashed Nakari.

  “I don’t recall asking for your opinion, Miss Still-Living-In-The-Seventies.” Andre crinkled her nose and then pointed to her toes. “I think blue polish is the in color for the season.”

  Nakari snorted. “What would you know about in colors? The last time you painted your nails was back in 1950!”

  Laughter broke out.

  “Just because I don’t find it necessary, that doesn’t mean I don’t know fashion,” Andre replied. “I just choose not to voice my opinion all the time, unlike some people.” She stuck her tongue out.

  “She’s only doing it now because of Maes,” Bree chimed in. “She wants to look good for her puppy.”

  “Listen, Mrs. Daniel O’Shea-wanna-be, at least I know where I stand with my puppy,” Andre replied.

  Bree narrowed her eyes.

  “So you’re admitting you have a thing for the dog, huh?” Nakari’s green eyes lit up as she stopped scrubbing Andre’s feet.

  “I’m admitting nothing. I just said I knew where I stood with him,” Andre replied and pretended to busy herself with the bottle of polish.

  Nakari and Bree giggled under their breath.

  “Andre, the one who swore off all men…” Nakari trailed off.

  I smiled. Andre was in deep with Maes, whether she wanted to admit it or not.

  “All done, Cheyenne,” Layla tapped my hand.

  I took in my finger and toenails. They were the same blue of my dress, or at least close enough. It had been ages since I’d taken the time to paint my nails. I’d been too preoccupied with other things.

  “Thank you, Layla,” I replied. “They’re lovely.”

  Layla turned. “You’re up, Nakari,” she said, “Cheyenne needs her hair styled, and we all know you and Bree are the best. I’ll finish up old troll toes over here.”

  “Hey now, they’re vintage,” Andre replied with a small grin.

  “This way.” Bree pointed to a chair they’d set up near a small table and mirror. Irons, pins, brushes and combs had been carefully laid out, along with a good supply of makeup.

  “Don’t worry.” She touched my shoulder while I sat. “We’ll make you look beautiful.”

  I gave a faint smile, not knowing exactly what her words meant. Apparently I was a mess now.

  My head was pulled from one side to the other as Nakari and Bree took turns curling, pinning and arranging my blond locks. Before I could catch a glimpse of what it looked like, they started with the makeup, and it was easier just to keep my eyes closed. I knew I was finally done when I heard Lilly sigh.

  “Oh, Cheyenne,” she beamed, “you look stunning.”

  I smiled and was about to look in the mirror when I was whisked away. It was time to put my dress on.

  “Don’t worry,” Andre said. “You’ll get to see the whole package when we’re done.”

  Carefully I undressed with their help so I didn’t mess up the creation they’d just completed. I stepped into the icy blue silk dress and waited patiently for them to help me get it all set into place. I leaned on Andre and Bree while Layla and Nakari assisted with my strappy heels.

  They all stepped back, warm smiles spreading across their faces.

  “Now you’re done,” Nakari said and pointed towards the mirror.

  “We’re going to get ready ourselves, so stay put until Callon comes for you.” Lilly squeezed my hand. “We’ll see you in a bit.”

  I watched them depart without looking into the mirror. I wanted to wait till I was alone to see what they had done.

  My breath caught when I finally saw my reflection. I didn’t recognize the woman before me. The dress was simple yet exquisite, regal yet refined. It had an empire waistline and a simple v-shaped halter. The bodice flowed seamlessly to the floor and hugged my shape just right, giving the appearance I had curves. I turned to see the low cut back. The silk shimmered as the late afternoon light touched it.

  When I finally looked up, I saw that they’d given me a partial up-do. Not a hair was out of place, each curl placed with care. My fingers grazed my neck. They’d even left a few ringlets to dangle off my neckline.

  I stood and stared at the stranger before me, wondering how she’d gotten to this point, wondering how much she’d overcome. The journey had been long and hard—and was far from over, but she’d made it this far. Scratched and bruised, clawing her way to the light…she’d made it—barely.

  A knock drew my attention, and the door opened. A tall, dark figure loomed in the hallway, fingers grasping the doorknob, staring. Callon.

  He stepped forward, and my heart began to beat faster. I’d never seen him like this before, so breathtakingly handsome. He wore a black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and white tie. His vest was the same color as my blue dress. He’d shaved, and his hair had been cut like Lilly threatened. He’d slicked it back with his natural waves showing their texture. His lips curled in a partial smile, and his eyes danced like I’d never seen before. The mixt
ure of brown, green, and amber were spellbinding tonight. And he didn’t bother to hide his admiration of me.

  He lifted my hand, placing a kiss on my knuckles, and I nearly lost my breath. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

  “There are no words to say what I’m feeling right now, Cheyenne,” Callon’s low voice rumbled. Goosebumps raced up my arms. “To tell you how simply exquisite you are.” He reached into his tuxedo’s pocket. “So I brought you a wedding gift to express my love and gratitude even with my loss of words.”

  He lifted a long black velvet box and turned my hand over.

  “Open it,” he said and I did.

  My breath caught. It was a necklace, but not any necklace; it was made of a blue oval gem that resembled a diamond, and it exactly matched the color of my dress. My finger outlined the large gem and then followed the platinum chains attached to it. They contained smaller gems of the same icy blue color. A pair of blue oval shaped gem earrings lay in the box as well.

  “They’re Blue diamonds,” Callon added knowing I wasn’t sure. “Very rare.” He eyed me as I stared at them. “Here, let me help you.”

  Callon took the box from my hands and stood behind me. Ever so slowly he lifted the necklace and placed it around my neck. His fingers lingered on my back while an involuntary shiver rippled through me.

  I stared at him through the mirror, as he reached around and adjusted the diamond so it sat perfect around my neck, resting on my chest. His fingers traced the oval, and I found myself leaning back up against him as they too followed the smaller diamond down the trail of the chain.

  Butterflies erupted in my stomach as he stopped just at the neckline of my dress and a warm kiss touched my shoulder. I closed my eyes, afraid of, and yet thrilled at what might come next.

  “Stunning,” he whispered near my ear as he kissed my earlobe.

  He placed an earring in each ear before another sultry kiss touched my neck. He stepped away, his warmth leaving me, but not before his hand ran down my bare back and stopped at the plunge.

  “Shall we?” He leaned in closer and kissed the corner of my mouth.

  My eyes fluttered open to see the warm satisfaction in his. I wanted to speak, but his kisses were still too warm on my skin. I nodded instead; afraid my quivering voice wouldn’t answer.

  “Tomorrow,” he whispered once again near my ear as his hand on my bare back pushed me forward. “Tomorrow we’ll be together, forever.”

  Chapter 22

  With one hand around my waist, Callon and I headed down the darkened hall. We paused at the top of the stairs. The warm glow of candles lit the entry and gave everything a soft glow.

  Lilly had adorned the rails with wildflower garlands; the scent of daisies and cosmos lingered in the air. I stood still for a moment, admiring their simple beauty, before Callon nudged me forward.

  I lifted the corner of my dress while Callon maintained his hold, and we descended the stairs. Soft music reached my ears, along with the low murmuring of voices. We rounded the corner into the sitting room, and the last rays of the evening sun streamed through the terrace doors.

  Regardless of the fact that this was just family, my stomach was still doing somersaults. I’d never been to a formal dinner with dancing, let alone a whole event planned out in honor of Callon and me. I gripped his hand tighter as we stepped onto the terrace and blinked, completely amazed.

  We passed through an arbor overflowing with bleeding hearts that draped down in a mixture of deep pinks and ferny green leaves. A sweet scent swirled around us as the flowers kissed my shoulders.

  The music continued in the background, soothing and elegant. We took the terrace steps slowly, ensuring I didn’t trip, and I was in awe of the canvas tent in front of us, holding a dance floor and seating for our dinner. I smiled and looked up as we passed through the tulle covered entrance. Hundreds if not thousands of small twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, creating a dazzling glow that created the most beautiful pallet of colors.

  Lilly had again taken the wildflowers and created garlands that adorned the pillars, along with small simple arrangements on the tables. She had outdone herself. I inhaled the sweet scent and looked up at Callon. He smiled.

  “Lilly did this for you, Cheyenne,” he said quietly. “She knew, just as I did, that you loved wildflowers.”

  Tears swam near the surface; they’d done this for me.

  Andre and Maes stepped closer, and I had to blink twice to take in Andre’s shimmering lavender gown. Her skin glowed with color, and her black hair had never looked more beautiful with it pulled up in ringlets. Her blue eyes danced with warmth and radiance.

  But Maes was an even bigger surprise. His jade-rimmed eyes, normally harsh and warrior-like, had softened into something I’d never seen before, something that appeared to be affection and love for the woman whose hand was resting on his arm. Andre.

  Maes wore a tux just like Callon’s with a crisp shirt, and black tie, but his vest was the same lavender silk of Andre’s dress. His black hair was pulled back neatly into a ponytail. He smiled and it reached his eyes.

  “Mon espoir.” His accent thickened. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so beautiful.”

  I was stunned into silence as he bowed slightly before us.

  I looked at Callon, who had his own twinkle in his eyes.

  “You should probably say thank you,” Callon chuckled.

  “Don’t worry, Cheyenne, I had the same reaction when I saw him too,” Andre giggled. “I was wondering where he’d found such a good poodle salon.”

  “It’s amazing how much the Irish love their pets.” Maes winked. “I can’t say I was too disappointed with my date, either.”

  I smiled, still unsure what to think of the new Maes when the rest of the family began to gather around us.

  Layla swished forward in her pale yellow silk gown, which brought out more of the gold tones in her bluish green eyes. Her black locks were pulled up on the side and pinned with pearl-coated combs that were probably a family heirloom. Brogan followed close behind her, he too wearing a tux and a vest matching Layla’s dress.

  “You look lovely, Cheyenne,” Layla said, the warmth showing in her eyes.

  “As do you, Layla,” I replied, finally able to speak again.

  Brogan nodded, but said nothing as he gently pulled Layla back, allowing others to greet us.

  Clayton and Skylar escorted Nakari, whose green silk dress hugged her body, accentuating her already perfect curves. Her long auburn hair drifted down her back in long cascades. Skylar and Clayton’s tuxedo vests matched her dress as well.

  “Cheyenne,” Nakari said, bowing her head slightly.

  I nodded, but didn’t reply, uncertain how I felt about the glance Callon had given her. He approved obviously, or the smile wouldn’t have emerged for me to catch out of the corner of my eye. He made no other gesture, but that was enough to bring back my insecurities.

  Skylar stepped forward, his blue eyes holding a tad bit of mischief.

  “Don’t forget,” Skylar said winking, “you owe your instructor a dance tonight.”

  “Of course,” I replied.

  “I may not have been your instructor, but I get one too,” Clayton added and squeezed my hand. “It will be a fun-filled evening indeed.”

  They stepped back with Nakari, but not before she gave Callon a second glance.

  Daniel jumped himself and Bree before us next. Bree wore a stunning burnt orange gown that looked like the deepest, richest sunset I’d ever seen. The golden hues shimmered in her eyes, and I couldn’t help but see the spark she held for Daniel.

  Daniel leaned forward and kissed my cheek.

  “In another day you’ll officially be my sister, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me,” he said.

  I squeezed his hand, his warmth and peace spreading through me.

  “I couldn’t be happier myself,” I replied. I looked towards Bree. “And I look forward to having you as a sister-in-law one d
ay too.”

  Bree’s eyes grew wide, and she glanced at Daniel. His face flushed, and quickly they disappeared further into the tent. Whether Daniel wanted to believe it or not, I’d seen the way he looked at Bree when she didn’t notice. He had strong feelings for her, but didn’t know how to express them yet. It was cute.

  I caught sight of Lilly as she began directing waiters to the tables. She was in party planning mode, and nothing was going to distract her at the moment. Her gray flowing gown swished as she moved back and forth with purpose, her fingers brushed back the stray black hair that fallen down already from her up-do. Her blue eyes caught mine for just a moment and she smiled, before returning to her task.

  “She won’t stop till later, Cheyenne,” Dex’s voice said behind us.

  We turned. Dex too was in a tux with a silver vest matching Lilly’s dress. His brown hair was combed back.

  “She wants to make this perfect for the two of you, especially since we couldn’t invite other clan members.” He stepped closer and drew me into a hug. “Your parents would have been proud of the woman you’ve become. I’m proud of the woman you’ve become.” He pressed a fatherly kiss to my cheek and pulled back slightly. “I wish I was the one walking you down the aisle, but I know Daniel will do a grand job.”

  “Thank you, Dex,” I said, feeling a bit of his sadness. “I wanted it to be you as well, but you can’t be in two places at once. You’re the holder of the Braid and that’s more important.”

  He nodded and Callon squeezed my waist. They’d explained that Dex had to hold the Braid in secret until right before the ceremony. Daniel had offered to escort me in his place, and I accepted.

  I searched the tent. Someone was missing.

  “Where’s Koda?” I asked.

  Callon grinned. “He was fighting Lilly until the last minute about getting a haircut. She didn’t hold him down, but came close to it.”