by Avery Gale
Brandt stepped forward next, clipping a small deep coral heart on to the delicate chain. “This heart represents the joy you have brought into our family. You’ll be loved and cherished by each of us. You’ve shown me there is hope…and I’m counting on you to keep pulling me into the light of your healing circle.” Coral could feel the tears building. Darn it, I’m going to bawl like a baby.
Before Phoenix took her hand he pulled a soft linen handkerchief from his pocket and blotted her tears. His thoughtfulness always humbled her, and she sent up a quick prayer that he found a woman who would cherish that gift. He kissed the back of her hand then added a second coral heart to the bracelet. “My heart is variegated, it means I’m finally emerging from the shadows. Thank you for showing me how easy it is to talk with people if I’ll just take a chance.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Sage gave him an easy smack upside the head and growled something about finding his own woman, making everyone in the room laugh.
Kip didn’t waste any time stepping forward and attaching the light colored heart with darker swirls he’d pulled from his pocket. “My heart represents youth and intensity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet sister because I am no longer the youngest in the family. Finally!” As soon as he stepped back into his place, the room erupted in cheers as she and Sage were introduced as Mrs. And Mrs. Sage Morgan.
Sage had seen Coral stop at the top of the stairway and had a moment of panic thinking she might be reconsidering, until he’d noticed the look of wonder on her face. She was taking in everything around her. He thought back on something he’d heard her say several times over the past year and he knew what she was doing…Coral was making a memory as she took in everything around her. That sense of appreciation was one of the many things he loved about her. She’d only ask for one thing during the entire wedding planning process. Coral had heard through the local grapevine that Colt could sing and she’d asked him to sing something special during the reception and dance.
Sage hadn’t interfered in their conversation, he’d just leaned back in his chair watching her expertly paint Colt into a corner. “Please, I’ve heard such wonderful things about your voice, and you know…since Josie can’t be here, well…I’d hoped to get the next best thing.” He’d wanted to laugh out loud. She’d played the guilt card and the admiration card in one lay-down. Perfect. Telling Colt he was a small step below one of country’s hottest stars had been a brilliant play. But in the end it had been Colt’s love for Coral that made him concede.
Sage had known how disappointed Coral was her childhood friend couldn’t attend the ceremony. She’d understood, but he’d seen the light in her eyes fade a bit the day she’d found out. He’d been thrilled when Josephine Alta contacted him several days ago asking if she was still welcome. The two of them had put together quite a surprise for his lovely wife. It was almost show time, but for now he was leaning back against the wall watching as she accepted congratulations.
“She’s really something, son, you’re a lucky man.” His dad mirrored his pose, and grinned. “In a lot of ways Coral reminds me of your mama. A kind heart, a willingness to put others before herself, and a fresh way of looking at things even when those around her are jaded.” The words seemed odd under the circumstances, and Sage looked over at the man he admired the most in the entire world raising a brow in question. It was unlike his dad to be vague and Sage wondered what was behind his comment. “Don’t look so puzzled, boy. I just want you to guard that sweet heart of hers.” Nodding in Coral’s direction, his dad sighed, “She’ll be your greatest asset if you let her. Teach her to follow her heart and she’ll bring more joy into your life than you can ever imagine. Treasure each moment—even the ones when you think your patience has been tested beyond its limits, because time slips away very quickly.”
Pushing away from the wall, his dad grinned. “Time for me to find my own lovely bride and remind her why she’s my greatest treasure.” His dad waggled his brows making Sage laugh out loud. Before he walked away, his dad looked over at his new daughter-in-law with love in his eyes. “She let your mama plan almost every single detail of this day. The only time she dug in her heels was when she thought we were spending too much.”
Sage hugged his dad and grinned. “Pops, she got the simple wedding she wanted, but I promise I’ve got a couple of surprises up my sleeve.”
His dad laughed. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone blush like she did the other night. Make sure the staff at the resort treats her right.” His dad slapped him on the shoulder and laughed as he walked away.
Coral may have gotten the simple wedding she’d wanted, but she was getting the honeymoon she deserved. Sage had steadfastly refused to share any of the details with her, simply promising her she was going to be spending a lot of time naked. She’d blushed so deep her ears had practically glowed because they’d been having dinner with his parents at the time. His mother had leaned over and whispered, “Don’t be embarrassed, darling. Hopefully it means you’re going someplace warm.”
Coral’s face had brightened immediately at his mother’s comment. She was still adjusting to the Montana’s harsh winters and he could hardly wait to see her enjoying one of his few indulgences. He’d purchased a beautiful bungalow inside one of his favorite Maldives resorts several years ago. His unit was over the water next to the one his parents had owned for years. The resort’s manager had been thrilled to learn they’d be spending their honeymoon there and Sage knew the staff would pull out all the stops to make the love of his life feel welcome.
Their wedding ceremony hadn’t been elaborate, Sage appreciated the quiet simplicity with which their lives had been joined. He’d never believed the hype that wealthy people needed to spend lavishly to put their money back into circulation—he preferred to spend it behind the scenes, funding local disadvantaged kids’ education was one of his favorites. Looking at the light in Coral’s eyes, he could hardly wait to introduce her to the work the Morgan Foundation was doing with at risk youth. Her background made her a perfect spokesperson—kids would be able to relate to her in a way they rarely could with other adults.
Hearing his brothers’ comments during the ceremony made him proud of the men they’d become. He’d been touched when Brandt suggested the addition to the ceremony shortly after they’d become engaged. Sage suspected Coral would always share a special bond with his middle brother simply because they’d hit a bump in the road in the beginning. Phoenix gave him the signal from across the room and Sage began making his way to his bride. Taking her hand in his, Sage grinned down at her. “I have a surprise for you, pet.” Pulling a white silk scarf from his pocket, he tied it around her eyes before scooping her up in his arms. When she squeaked in surprise, he laughed. “I don’t want you tumbling down the stairs—I have wicked plans for you later, and they don’t involve spending any time with Doc.”
Coral was giddy with excitement as Sage carried her down the stairs and into the large open area near the pool. She could almost feel the energy pulsing nearby as excited whispers surrounded her. Whatever he’d planned had their guests wound up tight. He set her down with her back to the stage where the D.J. was set up. When he removed her blindfold, the grin on his face was pure joy and made her wonder if this was what he looked like a child. She could only imagine how many times this particular grin had gotten him out of trouble. He kissed her sweetly then said, “I’m told this song holds some special memories for you, my love.”
She watched Sage nod to someone behind her and the first notes of a familiar song started to play. There was only one person in the whole world who would know the memories tied to Thank You for Being a Friend. Coral and Josie had adopted the Golden Girls’ theme song years ago. Pretending their hairbrushes were microphones, they’d sung the song hundreds of times before settling in to watch the antics of Betty White and friends. Jumping up and down, Coral screamed as she spun around to see her friend waving her forward.
Josie pulled her on stage
and handed her a hairbrush. They sang, laughed, and cried their way through the song before collapsing in a fit of giggles. “I can’t believe you’re here.” Coral felt her eyes fill with tears, she couldn’t imagine what it had taken for her friend to change her schedule.
“It killed me to think of missing your wedding…soooo, I made a couple of calls, got Sage’s number and I’m here to tell you, that man can move mountains when he wants to…I’m trying to hire him to manage my tour.” Coral looked over at Sage, the pink tinge on his cheeks made her want to laugh. Josie still chattered so quickly you had to be paying close attention or you missed big chunks of the conversation. Coral grinned, because her sweet friend was right…Sage was the best thing that had ever happened to her.
Josie sang several of her hits, treating their guests to a private concert unlike any other they’d ever be able to attend. When Josie finally persuaded Colt to join her on stage, everyone in the room felt the magic as their voices blended together seamlessly. It sounded as if they’d been singing together their entire lives. And talk about off-the-chart chemistry—holy shit those two looked seriously hot together.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur. It was the most fun Coral had ever had at a party and everyone around her seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. She danced so much she’d finally kicked her shoes off and continued dancing until she was about to collapse. Brushing back the long tendrils of hair sticking to the sides of her face, she smiled at the youngest of the Morgan brothers. “I have to stop, Kip. I’m done in.” When she started to step back, he shook his head and turned her into her husband’s waiting arms.
“One more dance, my love. This song is from me to you. I want you to listen carefully to the words, and rest assured each word is exactly what my heart wants to say to yours.” When she realized Colt was standing on the small stage singing Everything I Do by Bryan Adams, she felt tears fill her eyes. Laying her head over his heart, she let herself melt into the dance. The lyrics whispered to her soul and she knew in that moment her heart was forever bound to his. Their future lay before them in a sparkling panorama and the view was breathtaking.
Epilogue
Brandt Morgan leaned against the wall watching his new sister-in-law and her friends dance. He couldn’t hold back his smile, damn they were having a great time. His personal contribution to the wedding festivities had been the rental fee for several vans and their drivers. The shuttles had picked up many of the wedding guests at their homes and would return them home safely. He hadn’t wanted to risk losing any friends on the twisting mountain road leading to the ranch. Driving under the influence was not only illegal, it was dangerous, and preventable.
Brandt watched Joelle Freemont step over to a nearby table to take a gulping drink of her bottled water. When he’d offered to act as her designated driver, she’d shaken her head explaining that she didn’t drink and riding with him would be “too dangerous.” He wasn’t sure she’d intended for him to hear her words, but there wasn’t much about her he allowed to slip by unnoticed.
“She’s beautiful, but damned spooky, that one.” His younger brother Phoenix tipped the top of his beer in Joelle’s direction and grinned. “What do you think her story is? Her record is so clean it squeaks.” Brand understood exactly what his brother was saying—anything that scrubbed had to be created. Damn, the Feds usually don’t make that sort of mistake—unless they’re trying to get someone killed.
“I have been wondering about that myself, but I’m afraid to ask too many questions. I don’t want to draw attention to her if she has a reason to hide, and I don’t want to spook her either.” If she ran, he knew he’d never find her and there was something about her that drew him in. Hell, she was the first woman he’d been interested in since he’d moved home. Oh, he’d dated and he’d topped subs at the kink clubs he visited, but Joelle was the first woman he’d wanted to spend time with when they weren’t both naked.
“She’s way smarter than she wants anyone to know.” Brandt raised a brow in Phoenix’s direction in question. “It’s in the way she speaks, the way she puts words together. Listen closely and you’ll hear it.” God damned Mensa brother. Why hadn’t Brandt noticed that? Maybe because you’re too busy trying to figure out how to get her into your bed.
“Word on the street is one of the boys from the Dennison Ranch has taken an interest in Joelle.” What the fuck? Phoenix nudged him. “Don’t sit on your hands too long brother, she’s a sweet one even if she’s a mystery.” His brother stood straight and grinned over at him before moving back to the bar. Brandt stayed in the shadows watching as Joelle darted down the hall to the powder room. The little minx had been avoiding him all evening, but that was about to end. Moving to the end of the hall, Brandt stepped to the side and waited.
Joelle looked into the mirror and sighed. Damn that man had been watching her all evening. She’d managed to stay one-step ahead of him, but she suspected her time was running short. Brandt Morgan didn’t appear to be a man who would be dissuaded for long. His dark eyes always seemed to be tracking her…like a wolf watching a lamb.
They’d shared a table at the local diner on several occasions and she’d been surprised to discover the normally stoic sheriff was actually fun to talk to. He was well read and had traveled extensively as a Navy SEAL. He’d been as open about his military service as she suspected he could be, and the few times she’d asked something sensitive he’d just shaken his head no without answering. She’d appreciated the fact he hadn’t given her that cheesy line about having to kill her if he answered the question. Wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that line.
Brandt Morgan was straight up sex on two legs. The man exuded confidence on every level, but she’d seen flashes of vulnerability in his eyes more than once which made her wonder how many layers lay beneath the swagger. Walking back down the short hall, Joelle couldn’t hold back her smile. Holy shit, who’d have ever thought Coral Williams would turn out to be childhood friends with Josephine Alta? Or that the singing sensation would perform at Sage and Coral’s wedding celebration?
Joelle had learned years earlier there was nothing to be gained by regret, but seeing Brant’s blatant interest in her made her wish things were different. What would it be like to have the freedom to pursue her interest in the local sheriff? Taking a deep breath, Joelle firmed her resolve to resist the temptation he represented. When she stepped back into the room, Joelle gasped in surprise when warm fingers wrapped around her wrist before spinning her against his chest, “Dance with me, minx.” Oh brother….
The End
Books by Avery Gale
The Wolf Pack Series
Mated – Book One
Fated Magic – Book Two
Tempted by Darkness – Book Three
Masters of the Prairie Winds Club
Out of the Storm
Saving Grace
Jen’s Journey
Bound Treasure
Punishing for Pleasure
Accidental Trifecta
Missionary Position
The ShadowDance Club
Katarina’s Return – Book One
Jenna’s Submission – Book Two
Rissa’s Recovery – Book Three
Trace & Tori – Book Four
Reborn as Bree – Book Five
Red Clouds Dancing – Book Six
Perfect Picture – Book Seven
Club Isola
Capturing Callie – Book One
Healing Holly – Book Two
Claiming Abby – Book Three
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