by Ann DeFee
Only in Texas!
CiCi’s first wedding had been a formal affair and she was determined not to go down that path again. Her intention was good but she hadn’t factored in Mama’s considerable powers of persuasion. And that was why the soirée ended up a cross between a Buckingham Palace extravaganza and a Reba McEntire hoedown.
Yes to the trip to New York to purchase a Vera Wang original. No to a church wedding and a reception at the country club.
CiCi had her heart set on getting married in a field of wild flowers at Jake’s ranch, with a huge barbecue to follow. If Mama wanted that catered, so be it—just as long as the dudes doing the cooking wore jeans and Tony Lamas.
And speaking of boots, Daddy had a friend whose brother-in-law was known as the Van Gogh of boot making. The pair he created for CiCi was a masterpiece. Everyone in the bridal party—Mama included—was fitted for boots. This was Texas in the spring and smart folks didn’t tromp around a field during rattlesnake season without protective footwear.
The big day was finally here, and it was glorious. The sun was shining, the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush wildflowers created a vibrant sea of color, and even better, CiCi was feeling beautiful.
“You’re so lucky.” Mac squeezed CiCi’s hand as they finished getting ready. “This is the beginning of a wonderful ad venture.”
“I am a lucky girl.”
JAKE WAS TUGGING at his bow tie—jeans and a nice button-down shirt were more to his liking, but his mom had always dreamed of a fancy wedding for her son. Between her and Marianne Hurst, all sorts of possibilities had flown out the window—elopement to Vegas, a trip to the courthouse, a quick trip to Mexico, etc.
Even though they’d been living together at the ranch all winter, CiCi had insisted on moving into the guest room last night. She said it was bad luck to see the bride before the wed ding and she wasn’t taking any chances.
Jake’s musings were interrupted by a tap on the door. Without waiting for a response, Cole came in, followed by Dwayne and Darrell. Cole was his usual debonair self. Dwayne and Darrell looked like waiters at an expensive restaurant. And to think, he’d sprung for tailored tuxes. He was reminded of the old saying about making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. If it had been up to Jake, they’d be sitting in the audience, but his mom had insisted they be in the wedding party. And when Mom set her mind on something—
“Are you ready?” Cole asked, adjusting Jake’s tie. “There’s quite a crowd out there. The whole team’s already seated and they brought their wives and children.”
“Have my teenage buddies shown up yet?” Over the winter, Jake and CiCi had established a foundation for at-risk adolescents. He’d set aside a hundred acres of his ranch property for a permanent group of foster homes for kids in need and called it the Haven. The first twenty residents and their surrogate parents had already been selected—Angel and Rondelle were included.
“Yep, all present and accounted for,” Cole answered. “Now, let’s get going. It’s a good day for a wedding.” He chuckled. “I’ve been smelling that barbecue since breakfast and it’s made me mighty hungry.” He rubbed his hands together.
Dwayne patted his stomach. “Me, too.”
“A cold beer wouldn’t hurt, either. Right?” Jake asked. He couldn’t stop grinning.
“You got that one right.” Cole shot Jake a grin. “You didn’t ask about the bride.”
That comment got Jake’s attention. “What do you mean? Is there something I need to know?” He panicked momentarily, then came to his senses.
“Jerk! You’re pulling my chain, aren’t you?”
“Guilty as charged.” Cole’s expression turned sober. “I’m still not sure how your little surprise will go over. Did you clear it with Texas Bob?”
“Nope. If he doesn’t like it, that’s too bad.”
Cole and Dwayne shared a look. “It’s not my neck,” the quarterback said. “I hear the music and that’s our cue.”
Texas Bob had hired an up-and-coming Texas country music band to play at both the wedding and the reception. Nothing was too good, or too expensive, for his baby girl.
Jake was having second thoughts about his secret groomsman. The plan had been hatched over a six-pack of beer. It had seemed like a great idea then, but now he wasn’t quite sure. But it was too late to call it off. Please God, CiCi would find it funny.
“Okay.” Jake straightened his tie for the last time. “I’m ready. We need to get you hitched, too,” Jake told his friend.
“You’ll have to check with Mac on that one.” Cole and Mac had an on-again, off-again relationship. Jake knew his friend was smitten.
“Let’s go,” he said.
CICI CLUTCHED her dad’s arm as the wedding party formed for the trip down the aisle. Mac gave CiCi a hug. “This is so cool. I’m incredibly happy for you.”
“I’m scared to death.”
“Don’t be a ninny. Put a big smile on. There’s a handsome groom waiting for you.”
She was right. Jake was tall, broad shouldered and yummy beyond belief.
“I’m ready. Let’s go, Daddy.”
Texas Bob nodded and the music started.
CiCi was halfway down the aisle, acknowledging friends and enjoying the walk when she stopped stock-still. It took a few seconds to understand what she was seeing, and when her brain finally kicked in she almost died laughing.
Tex—her replacement as the Road Runner mascot—was standing beside the preacher in all his red-crested glory. Lord in heaven, life with Jake Culpepper was never going to be dull. And that was exactly the way she wanted it.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-4850-6
HILL COUNTRY HERO
Copyright © 2010 by Ann DeFee.
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