by Donna Alward
He chuckled, down low. “It?” When she blushed, he wanted to wrap her in his arms and hold her close forever. “Sweetheart, this might seem stupid and traditional of me, but I kind of like the idea of waiting for the wedding night.”
Blushing or not, she lifted her chin defiantly. “Well, I can wait a little longer if you can.”
“You still want to go through with the wedding?”
She nodded. “I’m sure, Tanner. We have the place, and the justice of the peace, and I have the dress. It feels right. I want you here with me, and with Rowan.” She touched his face. “I want you to be her daddy, and show her flowers, and teach her to ride a horse and read her stories at bedtime.”
He was so honored, so humbled. Every decision Laura had made in the last year and a half had been for Rowan. For her to choose him, to trust him... “I want that, too,” he said. “And someday, maybe a few more.”
She grinned. “Holy cats. We’re going to do this, aren’t we?”
He nodded, then lifted her up by the waist and held her tightly. “Yes, we are. And we’re going to do it for the right reasons.”
“For love,” she said.
“For love.”
Chapter Sixteen
Every bride wanted a sunny day for her wedding, and at dawn Laura wasn’t sure that was what she’d get. But then around 9:00 a.m., the showers stopped, the clouds drifted away and the sky turned a brilliant blue with a few white puffs gliding along for contrast.
She was getting married today. Today!
The ceremony was at two, with a small tea and sweets reception to follow at her grandparents’ house. They’d insisted on hosting, as Laura’s only family present, and she’d been touched. Now the day would be even more special because she and Tanner didn’t have to pretend to be in love. They were truly in love, and it was marvelous.
After she’d fed Rowan lunch, Laura put her down for an early nap. Then she went to work dressing, putting on her makeup and twisting her hair into a low, classy chignon at the base of her skull. She teased loose a few pieces of hair at the side of her face to give herself more of a romantic look. Inspired, she put on some old shoes and walked through the wet grass to the rosebush. She clipped a couple of blossoms and put the stems in a damp paper towel.
Once Rowan woke, Laura changed her a nd put her in the pink ruffled dress she and Tanner had bought, and slipped tiny white shoes on her feet. With excitement drumming through her veins, Laura tucked the ring she’d bought for Tanner into her purse, made sure the diaper bag was stocked and rushed out the door to make the last stop before the park: the florist.
By the time she got to the parking area near the gazebo, she saw her grandparents’ car and Tanner’s truck already there. Cole and Maddy had arrived, too. Cole was dressed in a suit, but with the customary black boots and hat. She smiled, and then she saw Tanner. He was dressed exactly the same as Cole, and her heart thumped in approval. No matter what he said, he was her cowboy. Everyone was milling about together when Tanner finally noticed their arrival. 3Laura’s new pumps made clicking sounds on the asphalt of the parking lot.
He came forward, all long strides and big smiles. “Hello, bride.”
“Hello, groom.” She had Rowan on one arm and her bouquet in her other hand. Without missing a beat, Tanner reached for Rowan and Rowan put out her arms for him.
“Hello, sweetheart,” he said, dropping a kiss on her head. “You look so pretty.”
He looked down at Laura. “After today, I get to be her daddy.”
“Yes, you do,” she said. “Isn’t she lucky?”
Tanner planted a firm kiss on Laura’s lips.
“Hey, now, you two. None of that until the end of the ceremony. Sheesh. Don’t you know anything?”
Cole was teasing. Maddy smiled beside him, and even Tanner’s parents looked happier about the wedding than they had the last time Laura saw them.
And Gramps—well, he was grinning from ear to ear and held Gram’s hand as if they were twenty again.
They all walked to the gazebo, where the justice of the peace waited. Just before they got there though, Laura paused. “Maybe Gram could hold Rowan during the ceremony? Besides, you’re missing something.”
As Tanner handed off the baby, Laura plucked the wild rose from her bouquet. She’d had the florist bind the stem and substitute it for the white rose boutonniere she’d ordered. The other rose was tucked into Laura’s hair. “Let me pin this on you,” she said, smiling up at him.
The pink was a few shades darker than her dress, but it didn’t matter. They both knew the flowers had meaning, and Tanner held her simple bouquet of roses and alstromeria while she pinned the blossom on his lapel.
“Now I think we’re ready.” She put her hand briefly on his chest.
“I know I’m ready,” he said.
He took her hand and they climbed the gazebo steps together. Made promises, gave each other rings, sealed it with a kiss. It was remarkably short, but Laura committed every moment to her memory. She couldn’t take her eyes off Tanner, and sniffled when he whispered, “I love you” after he kissed her.
But the best part was when they were announced as Tanner and Laura Hudson. That, she decided, felt like victory.
* * *
SHE DIDN’T GET a chance to speak to Maddy until they were drinking champagne at her grandparents’ place. The bubbly had been a surprise, and meant all the more because it came from Tanner’s mom and dad. Laura knew more than one truth needed to be set right, so she found Maddy and offered her a piece of wedding cake.
Laura put down the plate and touched the woman’s arm. “Maddy, there’s something I need to say to you.”
“Sure.” Her response was much more relaxed than it had been in the past. Laura wondered if one day they might be friends, as well as sisters-in-law. It went without saying that Cole would pop the question one of these days.
“Letting people think Gavin was the father of my baby was wrong. I don’t know why I ever thought it was a good idea, other than I was scared. But I could have found another way. I made you promise not to say anything before, but I release you from that now. If you want to set the record straight about Gavin at any point, you’re free to do so. And I’ll do the same.”
“Thank you, Laura. Though it really doesn’t matter now, does it?”
Laura shrugged. “Someday Rowan will be going to school with your boys. They don’t need to deal with that kind of thing. I’m not planning on taking a page out in the paper or anything, but I’ll do what I can to restore his reputation. He was too good a man.”
Maddy smiled wistfully. “Yes, he was. And now we’ve both ended up with good men.”
Laura laughed and glanced over at Tanner, talking with his brother. “I don’t know what I did to deserve Tanner, but I’m feeling pretty blessed.”
“You truly do love him.”
“I didn’t plan to. Tried not to.” She winked at Maddy. “I hear you know what that’s like.”
They laughed a little, but then Laura sobered. “Thank you, Maddy. For being here today. For being so forgiving.”
Maddy smiled. “I got that from Cole. And I’m glad to see Tanner happy. The rest we’ll figure out as we go along.”
Cole looked over and touched his watch. Maddy sighed. “I’m sorry. I’ve left the boys at my mom’s, but they have plans tonight. We have to dash out.”
“Of course. I’m just glad you and Cole came. It meant a lot to both of us.”
To her surprise, Maddy gave her a quick hug. “Congratulations.”
When Maddy had darted away, Tanner came over. “Mrs. Hudson, did Maddy just hug you?”
She smiled. “Yes, she did. And please, call me Mrs. Hudson some more. I like it.”
“Mrs. Hudson.” His smile was lopsided and he dropped a k
iss on her lips. Then he slid behind her and put his arms around her, so her back was pressed against his chest. She felt safe and secure in his arms. She looked around the room. The people they cared about most were here. Cole and Maddy were just making their way out to pick up the twins. Laura’s grandmother and grandfather were ensconced on the sofa, still holding hands. Tanner’s mom, Ellen, held a very sleepy Rowan in her arms, while John sat in an armchair and talked to Charlie about the ongoing issue of installing a traffic light in town.
“Happy?” he asked.
Laura put her hands over his forearms and held him close. “The happiest,” she said.
And she was.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from TWINS FOR THE REBEL COWBOY by Sasha Summers.
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Twins for the Rebel Cowboy
by Sasha Summers
Chapter One
If she’d been told she’d be spending the evening stranded in a honky-tonk bar, karaoke-ing her heart out to a roomful of truckers, Annabeth Upton would have laughed. She didn’t go to bars and she’d never been a fan of karaoke. But today had been tough. Tough as in her job was on the line, the phone creditors were getting nasty and her car slid across an icy road into a ditch. Tough might be an understatement.
In the past three hours, she’d played a few rounds of dominoes and won a game of pool while waiting for news on her car. And since she had no way home and the storm outside was still pelting the tin roof with hail and sleet, the only options left were karaoke or getting drunk. She wasn’t a big fan of hard liquor, so she’d start with karaoke. After that, and her day from hell, she might need a drink.
Thankfully, her audience wasn’t too picky. People started calling out requests when she finished the first song. Four songs later, she was ready to pass the microphone. But since Etta James’s “At Last” was one of her all-time favorite songs, she wasn’t about to say no to the old guy who requested it. “Last one, for you,” she said.
She cleared her throat, spun the microphone in her hand and waited for the music to play.
She could worry about the car and the repair bill later. And the courtesy call from the school board informing her that the job she was temporarily filling was opening for interviews. Hopefully she’d proved herself during her emergency appointment. Hopefully the whole interview and vetting process was a formality, not something to give her ulcers. She’d wanted to be principal of Stonewall Crossing Elementary since she was a little girl and she couldn’t imagine giving it up. Or how they’d make it if she had to go back to a teacher’s salary. Not that there was a thing she could do about that right this second.
Grandma Flo would tell her worrying would get her wrinkles, a bad taste in her mouth and not much else. She took a deep breath.
“At last—” her voice rasped out, steady and on-key. So far so good. She closed her eyes and let the music carry her.
She kept singing, her nerves easing. She should be grateful. Her accident hadn’t been too bad, and Cody was safe with her in-laws instead of with her. If he’d been in the car when she’d slid into the ditch... Nope, not going there. He was safe and sound and, other than the car, she’d walked away with only a bump on the head.
Her voice grew raw and thick as she continued.
Someone whistled, making her smile.
She fumbled the words as the door opened, blowing in cold air and sheets of ice before it slammed shut. A few people yelled, irritated by her singing or the interruption, she didn’t know which.
She sucked in a deep breath, hoping for a big finish. She held the last note, soaking up the applause from the inhabitants of Ol’ Ned’s BBQ & Bar. She held her long crushed-velvet skirt in her hands, crossed her boot-clad ankles and curtseyed. Then she headed straight for the bar.
Ol’ Ned was a mountain of a man, covered in a mask of long, thick facial hair. Other than his full lips—which were curved into a smile—he was fairly indistinguishable. He slid a shot glass across the bar to her. “That one’s from Mikey here.” Ned nodded at the older man sitting to her left.
She stared at the amber-colored liquid. Why not? She winced, swallowing the liquid before she could second-guess herself. It burned all the way down her throat. “Thank you,” she croaked to Mikey.
Mikey laughed.
“And the other’s on the house,” Ned rumbled, sliding another shot her way. “Voice like an angel.”
“Ain’t that the truth?” Mikey agreed.
She smiled, flattered in spite of herself. Her all-state choir days were long behind her, but she still loved to sing.
“Looks like one, too,” Mikey added.
Ned spoke up. “She’s too young and too pretty for you, Mikey.”
“Ah, Ned, come on now.” Mikey laughed. “A man’s never too old to appreciate a fine-looking woman. Besides, the missus would skin me alive if I tried to trade her in for a younger model.”
Annabeth’s smile grew. “I’ll try to remember you’re spoken for.” She saluted them both with her second shot and emptied the little glass, welcoming its warmth.
Mikey winked at her.
“Well, hell, darlin’, I’m not spoken for.” Another new voice had her spinning her stool around. This guy hadn’t been here earlier, because she would have noticed him. For one thing, he was under fifty. For another, he was easy on the eyes. But he was staring at her as if she was a prize elk and he was a big-game hunter. “Play?” He held a pool cue out to her.
Yes, she could play. But this cocky guy hadn’t been here earlier to know that. Greg had taught her to play. She was good—good enough to win a little money when she was in college. And right now, with two shots warming her belly, she was beginning to feel a little cocky herself. “Sure.” She took the cue, ready to wipe the confidence off Mr. Ego’s face.
“How about a bet?” he asked, stepping closer. “I’m feeling...lucky.”
You need a breath mint. She glanced at the floor, trying not to giggle. She was going to teach this joker a lesson, and enjoy it. “That’s nice.” She arched an eyebrow. “You’ll need it.”
Mr. Ego laughed, invading her personal space. “And the bet?”
She put her hand on her hip, thinking. “I win, you sing a song.” She winked at Ned, her tequila-infused courage goading her on.
“What do I get if I win?” he asked, looking at her boobs.
She poked his chest with her pool cue. “Eyes up here, buddy.”
“Troy,” he said. “I’m guessing your name is Angel?”
Oh, please. “No. Well, Troy, what were you hoping to get? And we’ll go from there.”
Troy winked. “Your number.”
She bit her lip to keep from laughing. Apparently tequila made her giggly. He was not getting her number. She glanced at Ned and Mikey. Ned’s arms were crossed, his eyebrows dipped so low she couldn’t make out any evidence of his eyes. Mikey was leaning back against the bar, sizing Troy up. So they weren’t Troy fans, either.
“Try again.” She smiled sweetly at Troy.
Troy shook his head. “A drink?”
That seemed harmless enough. After all, Ned and Mik
ey were keeping an eye on things. She was going to beat him, anyway. “Sure.”
He held out his hand, his smile a little unnerving. “Shake on it.”
She put her hand in his, a flick of unease racing down her spine.
“Annabeth?” That was a voice she recognized.
Ryder Boone, all intense and broody, was making his way to her side. She sighed, relieved to have someone familiar show up. But Ryder was staring at Troy, eyes narrowed and assessing. Ryder stepped between her and Troy, putting her eye level with his wall of a chest, and cupped her face in his rough hands. She frowned at Ryder, startled by his touch. Was something wrong? “Ryder, what are you—?”
And then he kissed her. Ryder was kissing her. Ryder Boone was kissing her?
Not just any nice-to-see-you peck, either. His lips always looked full, soft and inviting. Now she knew they felt that way, too. They were like heaven, nipping at her lower lip until she was gasping. She swayed into him, the steel of his arms catching her and pulling her closer. Her head was spinning, too mixed-up to process what she was feeling... Only one thing was absolutely certain—Ryder Boone could kiss. It might have been almost six years since a man’s kiss had every inch of her aching with want, but Ryder had her aching and wanting, desperately. Now.
His lips parted hers, the tip of his tongue touching hers. Her fingers dug into his leather jacket, clinging. His mouth lifted from hers, the rough pad of his thumb brushing across her lower lip.
Ryder. She was all hot and bothered. Over Ryder.
“Ready to go, Princess?” Ryder’s voice was gruff.
She shook her head, trying to shake the fog of desire from her brain. Why wasn’t he kissing her anymore? Wait. What the hell was happening?
“Princess?” he repeated.
Right, he was asking her something. “‘Go’?” she managed, staring up at Ryder. Was he serious? And if he was, did he mean what she thought he meant? They may have flirted for years, years and years, but he’d never touched her. Besides, it would have been weird, since he was Greg’s best friend.