* * * *
“Whenever we make love, it gets better,” Steel whispered.
“I know. I almost want to thank Gregor for sending her running to us. I’d about given up hope of us finding the right woman.”
“But on your birthday, your grandmother told us we’d be married this year. We laughed about her prediction, but tomorrow I’m going to town and buying her the best present I can find and apologize for our disbelief.”
“The three of us will go together to tell my family about the engagement and wedding,” Chayton said. Then we’ll go see yours. I’m sure Dana will tell her parents in the morning.”
“There’ll be a lot to arrange before next Saturday. Which one of us is going to marry her officially? We’ll need to get a marriage license.”
“You met her first. And no marriage can bind her tighter to me than we already are, so the ritual ceremony works for me.”
“Then we’re agreed.” Steel grinned at his best friend. “I was just thinking how we didn’t even like girls when we first met in kindergarten.”
“That didn’t last long. Times changed.”
“They have, and I’m ready to settle down and have our children running around the ranch.”
* * * *
Dana rose and kissed Steel and then Chayton. “Go to sleep. You’ve made all the plans for our future. You’re going to need lots of rest.”
“You were listening,” Steel said.
“How could I not. Your voices woke me. Hush.” She snuggled her head back onto his shoulder and Chayton held her tighter.
“This is so wonderful,” she purred.
“Oh, hell. You have me full awake.” Chayton reached behind him, sheathed his cock, and slid down her backside. He kissed the length of her spine, massaged her sweet ass, and rolled her under him.
She spread her legs, and he slowly pushed his cock into her pussy. “You are hot, wet, and so delightful holding my dick snug.
“You all enjoy yourselves. I’m going to shower.” Steel headed to the bathroom.
Dana pushed her hips up, taking Chayton in deeper. “Come on, cowboy, give me a good ride,” she said in a silky voice.
“I love a demanding woman.” Chayton put his hands on either side of her head and kissed her deeply while his cock stroked the sides of her pussy walls.
A surge of desire shook Chayton’s body as her pussy rippled and throbbed, making his dick harden even more. Pleasure shot up his spine.
His arms tightened around her. Then as his orgasm shook him to the core, she placed her hand over his heart and he heard her low, sensual voice.
I love you and Steel more each day and can’t wait to marry you.
* * * *
Her mother admired her ring. “This is lovely.” She looked at Dana, Steel, and Chayton. “But you want to be married on Saturday? An engagement is to give the couple or threesome”—she raised her eyebrows at them—“time to be sure they aren’t making a mistake.”
“We aren’t, Mom. You can see how much we love each other. This way you don’t have to make a second trip back.”
“I suppose three mothers can arrange a small wedding in that time. It’ll give your father and me a chance to explore the town and get to know the families better.”
Dana hugged her mom and dad. “Thank you both for being so understanding.”
“We know when to stand our ground and when to give in,” her father said and smiled.
“After breakfast we’re going to visit Chayton’s family and tell them. Then we’ll stop over at my parent’s house. You two are welcome to join us,” Steel said to Dana’s parents.
“If we won’t be in the way, we’d like to come along,” Mrs. Wynters told him.
“But how will I tell Gavin I need one more weekend without call? He may fire me. I don’t want to lose my job.”
“He won’t. We’ll call and ask him to the wedding. We’ll explain we’ll wait before taking time off for a honeymoon. At least until you’ve caught up on all the on-call duty you owe him.” Steel put his arm around Dana’s shoulders. “You worry too much. That’s our job now.”
“I’m independent. I can do my own worrying, but you can help me find solutions.”
“Fair enough.”
* * * *
When they returned from visiting all the families and listening to their mothers making the wedding plans, Dana was exhausted. She suspected Steel and Chayton wanted to get outside. “Mom and Dad are going to rest. Why don’t you two go for a ride? Or do something to relax. I’m going to call Angie and ask her to the wedding.”
“You already know when we both need space.” Chayton kissed her. “I’m going to work with the new mare.”
“And I’ll be drawing if you need me.” Steel waved and walked toward his office.”
She waved at Chayton and watched as he took long, quick strides to the barn. Then she took her cell and settled into one of the comfortable chairs in the family room.
“Hi, Angie, how are you?”
“Much better since I don’t have to constantly look over my shoulder. I’m back at work. Dr. Sanders appeared sorry you didn’t return with me. Are you sure about staying in Triple Creeks Township?”
“I hope to be here the rest of my life.” Dana told her about the detective shooting at her and Chayton saving her. “I realized I love these guys, and they’ve asked me to marry them. We’re getting married on Saturday.”
“What? Aren’t you moving too fast?”
“Nope. When you know it’s right, you have to go for it. The reason I called was to ask you to my wedding.” Dana explained how the three mothers were taking care of all the plans. “I have to work this next week. I’ve taken enough time off as it is.”
Angie didn’t answer at first. Then she asked, “Are Russ and Flint going to be there?”
“I don’t know. Russ has been a friend of Steel and Chayton’s for a long time. They all grew up in this area. The last I heard Flint went home with his parents. Do you miss them?”
“More than I want to admit. I’ll get over them, but it will take time.”
“You’re afraid to see them,” Dana said.
“Not afraid, but if they are at your wedding it might stir feelings I’m trying to forget.”
“I don’t know what to say. You’ll have to decide. I’ll be disappointed if you aren’t here for my special day.”
Angie chuckled. “Why don’t you make me feel guilty? I don’t want to miss your wedding. I’ll be there.”
“I’m so glad. You can be my maid of honor. I’m not ready to tell my sister and brothers about my unusual wedding. I’ll talk with them later, individually. My brothers will be surprised, but my sister will be shocked. I’m sure she’ll give me a long lecture on the evils of what I’m doing.”
“The first time I met her, I noticed she wasn’t much like you.”
“That’s an understatement. Still I love her, but I don’t want her upsetting me when I’m getting married.”
“Can I use your apartment while I’m there?”
“Sure. Come by the office, and I’ll give you the key. I can’t wait to see you.” Dana clicked off her phone. All their plans were coming together. But she had one more item to discuss with Steel. She peeked in his office door.
“Come in. I’m always glad to see you.”
“I wondered what you thought about my suggestion regarding the pictures.”
“I agree I should share them with my family and see if my grandmother wants the picture you mentioned.
“Still, with all the excitement of the wedding I don’t want to take away from our big day. I promise, a few weeks after we’re married, I’ll show my grandmother the picture and see how she reacts. If she wants it, I’ll give it to her. Then I’ll share the drawings with the rest of my family.
“You’d better be by my side since you’re the one who convinced me to do this. It’s sort of like sharing your baby and hoping people will like it.”
“I suspect
many creative people feel the same way. Of course I’ll be with you.” She went and sat on the side of his desk.
Steel ran his hand up her thigh. His touch on her sensitive skin filled her with an inner excitement. “I’m thinking I’m tired of being alone. How about you?” she asked.
“I don’t want to visit any family. But I’d sure like to take you to bed.”
She caught hold of the front of his shirt. “Then what are we waiting for?”
Chapter Eighteen
Dana drove home fearing she’d find a wedding dress with lots of lace and frills hanging on the back of her bedroom door. Whatever, she’d wear it. There wasn’t time to be picky. Today, the mothers had continued their hunt for her wedding gown. They planned to drive to several larger towns.
The week had gone by fast. She and Steel had gotten their marriage license on Monday. The mothers had been busy decorating the gazebo at Chayton’s grandparent’s house and making all the other arrangements.
Since it was a small wedding and only close friends and family were attending, they’d decided to have both ceremonies the same day. Invitations were made by phone.
Holt Ramm’s grandmother, Nana, as everyone called her, had agreed to perform the ritual bonding. A local magistrate who knew both families would join Steel and her in the official wedding ceremony.
Dana parked her car at the back of the ranch house.
When she walked in, their mothers were in the dining room having tea. Chayton’s mother got up and insisted Dana sit.
“You’ve been working all day. I’ll get you a cup of tea and a slice of my apple spice bread. Then we’ll show you the gowns we bought. We’ll take back the one you don’t choose. We couldn’t decide between them.”
“It does feel good to sit. We were busy as usual. A lot of colds and sinus problems.” Dana smiled at her mom and Mrs. Randolph. “Did you all have a good time?”
“We did,” Steel’s mom said. “We’ve become great friends, and your mom has promised to visit often.”
Mrs. Kane came back with Dana’s tea and sweet bread. “After you eat you can try on the gowns.”
“I believe you three are as excited as I am,” Dana said. “Hmm, this is good. Will you promise to still bake for us occasionally? I’m sure the lady we’re hiring will be good, but this is super delicious.”
Chayton’s mom beamed. “Of course, I will.”
Dana hurried with her tea. She wanted to try on the wedding dresses. When she finished, she carried one large white box to her room. Her mother followed with the other one.
“I’ll help you fasten them.” Her mom took the gown out of the box she’d brought to the bedroom. Dana undressed to her bra and panties. Her mother let the wedding dress drop over Dana’s head, and then she fastened the back row of satin-covered buttons.
They’d surprised Dana with their choice. She stood in front of the floor-length mirror. The creamy satin gown had a sweetheart neckline and long sleeves that ended in a V on the top of her hand. The material hugged her midriff and the top of her abdomen before flaring into a long skirt with a short train. It was simple and elegant. The only lace edged the neckline and was sewn into the middle of the sleeve to the V.
“I like it. You all did well with your shopping.”
“Wait until you try on the next one before deciding.” Her mother helped her out of the first gown and pulled the second out of the box.
The white satin held a hint of pink as her mother held it up. “It’s an unusual color.” Dana ran her hands over the soft material. She slipped the dress over her head. The embroidered neckline was high and fastened around her neck, leaving a good portion of her back bare.
A golden chain fastened from the dress’s collar to the zipper at the top of her buttocks. The gathered material swung out into a half circle. In the front, the satin fit smoothly over her breasts and down to her hips where an embroidered satin band connected the top portion of the gown to the bottom. Long sleeves made the front of the dress look very demure, but one glance at the back made it a much more sensual gown.
“I can’t believe three mothers chose this gown for me.”
“It is rather risqué, but so is your marriage.” Her mother grinned. “Actually this was our favorite.”
“Well, I’m stunned by that remark and pleased because it’s my favorite, too.”
Steel’s mom and Chayton’s were standing in the doorway watching her try on both gowns. When she chose the gown they liked best, they clapped.
“You were beautiful in both, but Steel and Chayton won’t forget seeing you in this one,” Mrs. Randolph said.
They stepped inside the room. “One more day and you’ll be our daughter-in-law.” Chayton’s mom hugged her and so did Steel’s.
Dana heard a noise. “Shut the door. The grooms can’t see my dress yet.”
Mrs. Kane went out to stand guard. Mrs. Randolph and her mom helped Dana out of the wedding gown. Dana put her jeans back on with a sweater, and they went out to join Chayton and Steel.
* * * *
Angie arrived just as Dana got off work. “I decided I’d spend the night at the apartment with you,” Dana told her. “The guys weren’t happy, but Mom supported me in my decision.”
“Great. Let’s get pizza and wine and celebrate.”
“I’ll drive. It isn’t far, but I want my pizza to be hot when I eat it.” Dana led Angie to the truck she was driving.
“Driving a truck means you’re already a local,” Angie teased.
“I like the town very much, so I don’t mind the label at all.”
Once they had the pizza, they stopped at the general store for the wine. Mrs. Sidney was at the register.
“I hear congratulations are in order. Someone finally hooked those two handsome men. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see it happen.” She grinned at Dana.
“I’m very lucky.”
“How do you like your job?” Victoria Sidney asked.
“I love the town, the job, and the people. I’m going to be very happy living here. I hate to rush, but my friend, Angie, and I have a hot pizza in the truck.”
“Have fun.” Mrs. Sidney waved. Dana and Angie hurried out.
“Whew, she’s an inquisitive woman.”
“She doesn’t mean any harm. The ladies love to gossip, but it’s not spiteful.” Dana unlocked the door to the apartment and put the pizza on the living room table in front of the couch. She opened the wine and grabbed two glasses while Angie got napkins.
“This is delicious,” Angie said wiping her lips after the second slice. “The owner said they use homegrown vegetables.”
Dana rinsed her pizza down with the merlot. Then she studied Angie.
“What?” Angie asked.
“You haven’t asked about Russ or Flint?”
She lowered her eyes. “I told you I’m not interested. I’m trying to forget them completely.”
“I don’t know why, but I don’t believe you.”
Anger flared in Angie’s eyes. “Why do you care?”
“I don’t like seeing the sadness you try to cover up. And I thought I’d prepare you for tomorrow. Russ Elden is going to be at the wedding. Steel said when he asked him, he also mentioned Flint. Russ said Flint’s back at work and probably won’t take the time off.”
“Thank goodness for small favors,” Angie mumbled.
Then she perked up. “Show me your gown, and tell me all about your proposal, and how your parents reacted when you told them you were marrying both men.”
Dana told her what had happened since she left, and the rest of the evening they kept the conversation light. At midnight they turned off the lights and went to bed.
I wonder which of us is more restless. Angie is squirming around on the other side of the bed. I’m kept awake by all the excitement building inside me.
She glanced at the clock for the umpteenth time. It was two a.m. She got up and made hot chocolate. Then she took hers and a cup for Angie into the bedroom.
“I know you aren’t sleeping. Drink this hot chocolate. It might help. I’m not sure which of us is more nervous about tomorrow.”
Angie sat with her back against the headboard and took the offered cup. “Thanks,” she said, but she didn’t admit to why she was anxious.
* * * *
Angie peeked out of the bedroom window. “It’s going to be a beautiful day for your wedding. Let me help you with the zipper.” She stepped around the gown and fastened it. “Wow, it’s really sexy from behind and so demure from the front. I love the color, too.” She sat on the bed and leaned back on her hands. “We never expected you’d find the men you’d want to marry when we got you out of town that day.”
“Another man in my life was the farthest thought from my mind. Still, opportunities present themselves and I couldn’t resist. I didn’t want to.”
“I’m so glad you’re happy and it all worked out well. I can hardly believe the detective tried to kill you. It’s been in all the papers and other well-known men have been arrested since Gregor’s house was searched. Ironically, the detective’s name wasn’t on any papers they’ve found so far.”
Angie helped Dana put pink flowers in her brushed hair. Dana had left it down on her shoulders, and her blonde hair with the strands of red and gold glistened in the sunlight shining through the window.
“I always envied you for your hair. Mine is such an ordinary black color.”
“Silly, your hair shines and it’s curly. Mine’s only wavy,” Dana said.
“I’ll wait for you in the living room. I want to enjoy the view of the mountains.” Angie closed the bedroom door behind her and wandered toward the windows. She stopped at a table and picked up the picture she’d noticed last night. It was one they’d asked a customer at the diner to take of the six of them standing together.
I’m between Flint and Russ. We’re all smiling and Flint’s glancing at me.
Captivating Cowboys [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 15