“Alright, everyone out. I’m sure you have things to do today,” Bea told her offspring. “Sandy, RJ and I are going to discuss the wedding, so scoot.”
“Ah, Mom, I wanted to help also.” Sarah pouted.
“Plenty of time for that. Right now, I think we just need to get some general thoughts on the table,” Bea told her with a look RJ couldn’t quite interpret. Sarah huffed and grabbed her sister’s arm as they left the room.
The guys had no problem leaving them to wedding plans. Clay kissed Sandy goodbye, running his hand over her hair lovingly. RJ almost sighed seeing them like that. Brand put his hat on and tipped it her direction and was out the door in a flash. Logan looked at her as if he wanted to say something, but then just nodded and followed Brand out the back door.
“Perfect,” Bea said as she sat down at the table with them. “Sandy, I’m going to be direct and ask you an uncomfortable question.”
Bea watched as RJ scooted closer to her sister and laid her hand on Sandy’s. She wondered if RJ even knew she just took that protective posture. It added to her need to know more about their family. Sandy was proud of her sister and never stopped talking about her. But she never talked about any other family. Bea had respected her privacy about that, but now it was time to get some understanding.
“Traditionally, the bride and her family are the ones to plan the wedding. I didn’t want to step on any toes here so I needed to ask about your family. You only ever speak of RJ.”
RJ’s hackles rose. The warmth she felt earlier giving way to a solid chill. Did Bea think they were going to bilk them for money? RJ was already thinking of a budget to help pay for Sandy’s wedding.
“You don’t need to worry about the cost of the wedding. We’ll get it covered,” RJ responded coolly as Sandy gripped her hand.
Bea studied them both. Pride. It was there in spades. Protectiveness, also. These two apparently relied on each other. She couldn’t be happier welcoming someone like Sandy into the family. But her heart went out to RJ. There was a barrier around her that Sandy didn’t have and RJ, metaphorically, pulled her sister behind that wall in a flash when she felt her sister was in danger of insult. Bea wondered who protected and stood in front of her.
“Honey, this isn’t about the money, so let’s put that aside for the moment. I know if Hannah or Sarah were getting married, I’d want to be involved in the planning. I was wondering about your parents. Should we get your mom and dad involved? Where do you want to get married? Here or back home?”
RJ felt Sandy’s grip tighten. As much as she wanted to save Sandy from hurt and embarrassment, this wasn’t her decision. Sandy had to decide what, if anything, to tell Bea.
“I want to get married here,” Sandy stuttered.
“Okay,” Bea said. But she needed more. “And your folks?”
“You might as well know,” Sandy sighed. “I’ve already told Clay, but it’s embarrassing. Daddy’s in jail and even if he wasn’t, I wouldn’t want him anywhere near me or RJ. I don’t know what to do about Mom. I feel horrible. I haven’t even told her I’m getting married.”
RJ’s defensive posture grew as her sister spoke but she remained silent. Bea was convinced she needed to push Sandy on this. Otherwise, it could grow to something that could damage her happiness. And, she knew that would also affect Clay’s happiness. “Okay. I understand about your father. I’m sorry for what he’s put you through. But you aren’t him. His choices are just that, his choices. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you both to live with that. But help me understand about your mother.”
Sandy’s eyes started to tear up. “I don’t know how to explain anything about her other than to say she wasn’t much of a mother. RJ was more like a mother to me than she was. For the most part, she just ignored me. RJ usually dealt with her. I know this sounds horrible to someone like you who has a wonderful family but I don’t like her.” Sandy started to cry in earnest now. “Who says that about their mother? Hell, who says that about both their parents?”
Bea’s heart was breaking for them both. She’d seen a lot over the years but it always astounded and enraged her when she heard about children abused or neglected by those who should have been loving and protective of the innocent. These two young women formed their own family of two. Both came out strong but one was more openly welcoming and loving while the other paid the high price in lacking ability to accept or allow anything to penetrate her protective barrier. A high price indeed to allow the other sister that gift. How could Bea not love and want to help both of these women.
“Well, then, that’s that,” Bea stated deciding she’d pushed far enough for today. “We’ll have the wedding here. We’ll deal with your mother when you feel it’s the right time. And if you don’t have any objections, Hannah, Sarah and I would be honored to help you and RJ plan the wedding.”
“Oh, Bea, that would be so much fun,” Sandy exclaimed turning to RJ. “Are you okay with that?”
RJ’s smile was a little stiff, but she nodded. Bea suspected RJ wasn’t used to sharing her sister. She had heard rumors that Sandy wanted Logan to entice RJ to spend more time at the ranch this summer by offering work on new promotional pictures. Knowing her son, he was dragging his feet on that one so she decided to take the ball and run with it.
“Wonderful. Let’s start after dinner to at least get an outline of what you’re thinking. RJ, I understand you have a successful photography business back in Denver which is why you can’t spend the summer with Sandy. But would you consider coming up as much as possible? You could stay here or at the cabin Sandy uses as a front to spare me from thinking about her and Clay actually living together at his house.”
That brought a more relaxed smile from RJ and an embarrassed giggle from Sandy. “I’m trying to work my schedule to allow that. I appreciate the offer. It would bust my budget to get a hotel room all the time. I’d be more comfortable at the cabin, though.”
“Perfect. Now I have another business proposition for you. We are in need of some new photos for all the businesses’ marketing materials. Hard copy for print items and new updated ones for websites, etc. Plus, I would love some new family photos. Would you be interested? You could use your time up here to help with the wedding and working.”
RJ could hardly control her surprise that Bea offered up exactly what she was daydreaming about earlier. But excitement was running through her. This project could offset the lost business and income coming up here to help with the wedding would cause. A little bit suspicious about the offer she asked, “Do you really need these photos or are you just trying to make it easy for me to come up here?”
Bea wasn’t one to lie. “Both.”
Laughing, RJ agreed.
They spent the rest of the day organizing dinner then outlining both Sandy’s ideas for the wedding and the family business photo concepts. Logan and Brand were the only ones absent as there was apparently some issue with part of their cattle herd. RJ was relieved, as it allowed for her to get to know the MacBride women better. Clay, being the single male in the gathering, escaped to watch a ball game once he gave RJ his input on pictures for the Rocking Bar brand.
When she was ready to head back to the hotel, there was still no sign of Logan. She was surprised when all the ladies hugged her goodbye. Outside, she hugged her sister promising to call as soon as she had things arranged to return. Excited about the work she was offered, she wanted to get back to Denver early and start organizing things. She was planning on leaving first thing in the morning.
“Please tell Logan thank you for me. I appreciated the tour this morning.”
Sandy hugged RJ again. “I will. Drive home carefully. I love you.”
“Love you, too,” RJ called out as she got into her car.
7
Logan stomped into the mudroom located in the back of his house behind the kitchen. He’d spent the day checking the water sources on the land and was in dire need of a shower and a cold beer. Kicking off his boots, he decided
the beer could go with him in the shower. Grabbing a cold one from his fridge, he checked the clock. He had a half an hour to get over to the main house.
Stripping his clothes, and throwing them in the hamper, he chugged the beer as he waited for the water to hit the right temperature. Stepping under the stream, he let it sluice over his head and down his aching back.
His mom was having a family dinner tonight as RJ would be arriving and planned on staying for a few days. The thought of seeing RJ again had him reaching for his beer.
He was still frustrated that he hadn’t seen her last Saturday night before she left town. And the number of times he thought or dreamt of her during the week caused him to wonder if he needed a visit to Grand Junction for some female company. Unfortunately, that thought lost its appeal as quickly as it came. There was something about RJ that captured his senses.
Finishing off his beer, he scrubbed off the day’s grime. When he was ready, he hopped in his truck and drove over to the main house. This past week he’d hoped to learn more about RJ from his mom. She knew something, but was closed lipped. She even had the audacity to laugh at him when he’d asked. Ask her yourself if you’re so interested, she’d told him.
He was getting ready to turn onto the lane that led to his mom’s when a UV came barreling down one of the paths. Cursing, he braked to make sure they didn’t collide. His eyes widened when he saw it was RJ and Sandy, and RJ driving. He wanted to yell at them, but the laughter on RJ’s face was riveting. Deciding to forgo a lecture, he followed them to the house. Pulling up behind the UV, he hopped down and walked.
“Hey, Logan.” Sandy called out, as both sisters jumped out of the vehicle.
“Hey,” he said in greeting, then turned his attention to RJ. He drank in the sight of her. “Having fun?”
RJ looked sheepish, but adorable. “Hi. Sorry about that. I got a little carried away.”
“I can see now where Sandy got her reckless streak. I’ll forgo the safety lecture this time. How was your trip?” He studied her face. There was definitely something captivating about her. And when she had her guard down he felt the pull even stronger.
“It was fine.”
He could feel her walls coming back up. He wanted to keep them down so he decided to yank her chain with a little honesty. Leaning down, he tapped her lightly on the nose and said, “I missed you, Rizz.”
Yep, those walls just dropped all the way back down. She looked like he just socked her in the jaw. And while she regained her composure quickly, the walls were still down.
“No one calls me, Rizz.” she said with squinted eyes.
Tugging her along by her arm he started to walk her to the front porch. “I do.”
Smiling at her dumbfounded expression, they followed an amused Sandy into the house. With the weather warming up they were going to barbeque. The back of the house had a big covered patio just off the kitchen area that was now full of family.
Calling out a greeting to everyone, and giving his mom a kiss, he realized he had gone from holding RJ’s arm to holding her hand. A little stunned that he did so naturally, and unconsciously, he looked at her to see her reaction. She was smiling at his mom, but it looked a little forced. But the grip on his hand was tense. There were definitely nerves under that calm of hers.
“Want a beer?” He asked.
“We have some wine, if you’d rather,” Bea offered.
RJ’s smile relaxed a little. “Wine would be great. White if you have it.”
Logan reluctantly release her hand to comply. “Be right back. Mom, you need anything?”
RJ watched as Logan went out to the patio to get their drinks. She wasn’t sure if her nerves were humming because he riled her up, or because, well, because she’d spent a lot of unwanted time thinking about him.
“I’m glad to have you back out here for a while. Sandy said you could stay until Thursday?” Bea asked, interrupting her thoughts.
Turning back to Bea, RJ smiled warmly. She really liked Bea MacBride. The woman raised a family that adored her, and was so casually gracious you knew she meant what she said.
“Yes, I have a rehearsal and wedding starting on Friday. And I was fortunate to reschedule a couple of my evening appointments to Sunday. If all goes well, I’ll try to be back up here the following Monday.”
“I’m glad. It’s nice to have you around,” Bea told her. “Are you eager to get started on the wedding and photo project?”
RJ’s eye lit up. “Oh, yes to both. I’ve had so many ideas for the photo shoots.”
Their discussion on her ideas was interrupted when Logan came back and handed her a glass of white wine. “Hope you like this. It’s a Rocking Bar Pinot Grigio.”
Taking a sip, RJ approved and thanked him. She was thrown off balance when he grabbed her hand again. She couldn’t help but notice Bea’s raised eyebrows.
“Mind if I steal RJ, Mom?”
“Not at all. Go. I’ll get Brand to start the grill.”
RJ found herself being led back out onto the front porch.
Logan stopped and leaned against the wood railing.
“Would you stop dragging me around? And, let go of my hand.”
“No.”
“No? Listen up, bud.” That was as far as she got before Logan yanked her hard towards him and kissed her. All thoughts flew out of her mind as the heat of the kiss caught her off guard. He still held her by the one hand and the wine glass in the other prevented her from using it. When she felt his other arm wrap around her and pull her flush to his body, she felt herself melt against him into the kiss.
Logan was lost in the taste and feel of her. He had been on edge ever since he’d met RJ. When he’d walked back into the kitchen with her drink and saw her, at ease and smiling, talking animatedly with his mom, the edge moved to need in one beat of his heart. His one thought was to get her alone. But when her temper caught, his baser instincts kicked in.
He was rapidly losing control. She felt so right in his arms. Her curves seemed to meld perfectly into all his hard angles. The feeling was so unique he could only imagine how they would fit in bed. Slowly, he lifted his head. His gaze met her gradually focusing eyes.
“I’d say we have something to explore, Rizz.”
RJ blinked several times trying to get her brain to work and mumbled, “No one calls me Rizz.”
Kissing the tip of her nose Logan said once again, “I do.” Then he dragged her back into the house to rejoin the others.
RJ was able to separate herself from Logan once they were back on the patio. Everyone was talking about something or another with the exception of Hannah. She seemed quiet and removed from the group somehow. Since the Lavender House was the first on her list for photos, she walked over to join her.
“Hey. Have a minute?”
Hannah shifted to look at RJ and smiled softly. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”
RJ watched as that smile transformed Hannah’s face. Her soft beauty was stunning. “I was hoping we could plan some time tomorrow to outline the photo shoot for the Lavender House. I have some ideas after looking at your current website and marketing materials.”
“Sure. I start early to take care of the plants. When are you thinking?”
Considering for a moment RJ responded. “I’d like to start when you do and follow you around. That way I can take some general shots to get a feel for things.”
“I start about seven. Do you know where my work shed is?”
“I think so. Last time I was here Logan gave me a tour.”
Hannah laughed. “That was probably the shortest tour on record.”
“Actually, you’d be surprised at what your brother knows about your business.”
“Should I wear anything special?”
“No, I think we should capture you naturally.”
“Great. I was panicking about having to figure out my wardrobe,” Hannah said as she looked over RJ’s shoulder. “Looks like dinner’s ready.”
Hann
ah looped her arm through RJ’s, and went to join the family at the large farm style picnic table. RJ took a seat across from her sister. When she saw Logan approach she was glad that Hannah and Brand were on either side of her, but to her utter shock he elbowed his brother out of the way and sat next to her. Sitting stiffly, she stared at her sister who just raised her eyebrows at her.
“Is that all you’re going to eat?” Logan asked.
She frowned down at her plate. It had a hamburger with no bun, a helping of potato salad and some baked beans. “Yes, is that a problem?”
“Nope, just never understood why women don’t put their hamburgers on buns.” He shrugged, causing their shoulders to brush together slightly, then started eating.
The man made her nervous. That kiss rocked her system and she was still trying to recover. Deciding to ignore him, she turned her attention to the rest of the discussions going on at the table while she picked at her food.
She was truly enjoying the family meal. This was nothing like the family meals her family had. Which was a good thing. She was lulled into relaxing when a discussion about some ranch operations between Logan, Clay and Brand got heated.
As the argument got louder, RJ felt the old tension seep into her, washing away her good mood. Her stomach tightened into a knot. She put her fork down and clasped her hands under the table. Sandy caught her eye, smiled, mouthing, it’s okay. Nodding at her sister, she tried to relax. When Logan reached over under the table to lay his hand over her clenched ones, she almost jumped out of her seat.
“Are you okay?” he whispered in her ear.
Taking a deep breath, she found she could only nod at him. He didn’t say anything else but pushed his hand between her two firmly gripped ones sliding his fingers between hers and fully clasping her hand. He gave it a squeeze and then just held tight.
“Alright boys, you can decide the best option later. We have wedding plans to discuss. There’s only seven weeks and lots to do,” Bea instructed.
The MacBrides Page 4