Perfect Bride for Christmas, A

by Dyann Love Barr

  Zoe stepped back, a frown marring her pretty face. “How are we going to get a license so quick?”

  Alex laughed. “I know people who know people.”

  He picked Zoe up and swung her around in whirl of joy. “Like I told someone else, we lawyers are a slippery lot.” He brought her back down to earth with a kiss. “I’ll have my perfect bride for Christmas.”

  The doorbell rang.

  “That’ll be Bill. He said it wouldn’t take too long to get here.” His mother got to her feet and picked her coat off the back of the couch. “Keeley, our ride’s here,” she called up the stairs.

  Alex helped his mother with her coat. “Mom don’t tell the boys, let me. Have them come to dinner tomorrow.”

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  A Perfect Bride for Christmas Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Alex watched the entire family, except for Clint gathered in his mother’s family room. The triplets were excited, running around the house like maniacs. He didn’t know four-year-old girls’ squeals could break eardrums, but no one cared. The minute Heath walked in, the girls attacked him with enthusiastic kisses; they chattered non-stop.

  Mom gave Heath a big hug. “I’ve missed you,”

  she said when she released him.

  “I’ve missed you, too. Where’s Clint?” Heath asked. Alex noticed he didn’t acknowledge Keeley.

  “He won’t be joining us tonight. He’s having a rough time.”

  “Is he okay?”

  “He will be. He just needs some alone time right now.” She peered at Heath’s head. “You got your hair cut. I like it.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Now come over here and meet Keeley.”

  Alex watched, curious about Heath’s reaction to this new sister.

  Heath had all the paperwork to prove the claim but once he got a good look at her, it would be impossible to deny Keeley’s parentage.

  Keeley reached out a manicured hand, and Heath reluctantly accepted her offered shake. “I heard you would be the hardest sell of all the King brothers.”

  Heath scowled. “I don’t know you, don’t trust you. If you are indeed my father’s child, then you’re 309

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  proof that he was unfaithful to my mother. I don’t need those kinds of reminders.”

  “Heath!” His mother cried out, horrified.

  “It’s okay,” Keeley offered a smile. “I understand. But you have to understand something, too. I didn’t choose this any more than you did. I’ve gotten to know the rest of your family and I’ve already come to love them. I don’t expect you to warm up to me right away, but I hope someday, we can at least be friends.” She paused on a deep inhale.

  When she spoke again, emotion clung to her voice. “I know you’re hurt, but I am, too. At least you were able to grow up with your father. That’s more than I can say.”

  Alex watched shame flit through Heath’s eyes before his brother gave a short nod. Keeley smiled. It still spooked Alex to see her smile. It felt like Dad was in the room.

  “I tell you what,” Heath replied after a moment.

  “I’m willing to try if you are.”

  “Deal,” she murmured.

  Heath looked at Alex. “So, what’s your news?”

  His eyes went to Zoe and back to Alex.

  Alex draped his arm around Zoe’s shoulder and pulled her into his side. “Zoe and I are getting married.”

  Heath raised dark eyebrows. A teasing smirk tugged at one corner of his mouth. “Does Sydney know?”

  At the sound of Zoe’s laughter, Heath welcomed her with open arms. She slid into his hug, then leaned back to give him a warm smile. “I’d like to ask a favor.”

  “If it’s marrying Sydney in Alex’s place, forget it.” She chuckled. “Nothing that horrible. I wondered if you’d walk me down the aisle.”

  Heath’s face turned red with pleasure, and he 310

  A Perfect Bride for Christmas cleared his throat. “Sure. I’d like that very much.”

  “Thank you.”

  Zoe slipped out of his embrace and stepped back to allow Heath to shake Alex’s hand.

  “Congratulations, man. I think you’re doing it right this time.”

  “Hey, practice makes perfect, right?”

  “You ought to know.”

  Alex gave his brother’s chest a light thump with a nonthreatening fist. “Shut the hell up and let’s eat.” “Daddy, you’re not supposed to say bad words, and hell’s a bad word,” Macy scolded.

  As Alex’s face flooded with heat, laughter burst through the room.

  ****

  “Come on, girls, time to go.” Zoe called out. “Alex,” she turned to her husband to be, “Would you help me corral this mob? We’ve to go shopping for dresses for the ceremony tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” Alex ran into the living room after a squealing Macy. “Come here you little monkey, and your monkey sisters, too. We’re going shopping.” A great amount of galloping and noises followed.

  “Don’t go yet.” Amelia waved her over. “Keeley, would you get that garment bag out of the hall closet?”

  Keeley opened the closet and returned with a long, black plastic, zippered bag. “Here you are.”

  “No, give it to Zoe.”

  Zoe took the bag from Keeley. She didn’t know what her future mother-in-law wanted. “What’s this?”

  “Open it up.” Amelia held her breath while Zoe pulled the zipper down. Whatever it was, it seemed important to Amelia.

  A flurry of lace spilled out. Zoe shook the ugly plastic bag away from a gown that might have come 311

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  straight from a fairy tale. “Oh, this is beautiful.” The dress fell in soft folds of lace, the long trumpet sleeves and bodice glittered with dainty crystals.

  “It’s over forty years old, but the style still holds up, or at least I think it does. I had Bill run Keeley into town to get it cleaned. She had to check out of the hotel anyway.” Amelia’s face lit up. “Isn’t it wonderful? I can’t believe she’s going to stay with me for a while.”

  “I want to investigate some architectural firms around here. If that doesn’t work out, I might start fresh.” She flushed with excitement and smiled down at Amelia. “Amelia said I could work out of Hollyfield. It would be a shame to sell this gorgeous house. It needs to stay in the family.”

  “Does Alex know?”

  Amelia shook her head. “No, I’ll spring it on him and the boys later. They’ve all got other things on their minds.” She motioned towards the dress. “But let’s get back to the dress.” Amelia gave Zoe a saucy smile. “I used to be a little fuller in the chest when I first met Frank, so it might not have to be let out so much. There’s enough in the hem to give you another inch or two in length. Amy Taylor, Bill’s wife, said she come over to do any alterations. She can be here in later this afternoon, after you’ve done your shopping.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say yes.” Amelia’s eyes pleaded with her. “It would mean so much.”

  Zoe nodded. “Then yes, I’ll be honored to wear your wedding dress.”

  “Good, good.” Amelia glowed with pleasure.

  “There’s a veil and some jeweled pins to secure it in the bottom of the bag. They should be there in a little box.”

  “This will be my something borrowed.” She put the dress back in the bag and zipped it before 312

  A Perfect Bride for Christmas leaning down to kiss Amelia’s cheek. “Thank you so much.”

  “Why don’t you go on and get the girls their dresses. Keeley and I will take care of the rest.

  You’ve already made the food.” Amelia laughed. “I’m glad you didn’t do burgers and fries.”

  Zoe flushed at the memory of Alex’s preference only a couple of days ago. “The girls will be heartbroken, but they’ll live—as long as they have cake. Oh my gosh, I didn’t think about the cake.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.” Keeley
piped up. “Amelia had me order one from a bakery downtown. It will be ready in time. If not, it’s those chocolate cupcakes with the little white swirls on top for everyone.”

  “That sounds more like Alex as well,” Zoe picked up her purse. “But you better make that white instead of chocolate. I don’t want the groom sick on the wedding night.”

  Alex came through the door with the triplets in tow. “What sounds like me?”

  Amelia gave him a sweet, motherly smile.

  “Cupcakes.”

  ****

  The hours dragged by for Alex. Who knew it took so much to set up even a small wedding? Sydney’s type of wedding took months of planning but this one should be just stand in front of the judge and say I do.

  But no, Mom had turned the whole thing into a three-ring circus, and she held the whip.

  Finally, he had a moment alone with Zoe. He leaned back on the couch with her cuddled next to him. The girls were asleep upstairs. “I can’t believe how tiring three kids could be.”

  “They’re wound up about the wedding tomorrow.

  Usually Cherri is here to help with the madness. She has me spoiled.” She straightened a bit and glanced 313

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  up at him with a smile. “Do you want Cherri to continue on as a nanny?” Zoe ran her hand over his chest. Tired as he was, his libido raced with the power and urgency of a sixteen-year-old kid.

  “As long as she doesn’t keep me from chasing my wife around the kitchen table. I think I’ve mentioned how fond I am of that table.” He traced a finger down her nose, over the tender softness of her lips until it came to rest under her chin. Alex couldn’t resist a taste of Zoe’s mouth, the deep, dark luscious flavor of her.

  Her arms crept around his neck, drawing him nearer. His tongue scraped against the roughness of her teeth and stroked the sensitive flesh of her lips.

  “Mmmm,” she purred, the sound so seductive he wanted to take her on the couch with only the light from the fire clothing her body. He started to make a move, but she scooted out of his hold with a smile. “I want to save it for the wedding night. My real wedding night.”

  “Oh, you are evil.” Alex sat back up and squirmed around, trying to get his dick under control. “But I guess I have to humor the bride. So we what were we talking about before we got distracted by the kitchen table?”

  “I have a thought about that.” Zoe scooted out of his hold and leaned against the armrest of the couch with her arms around her legs. Her chin rested against her knees, her eyes sparkled in the firelight as pretty as the tourmaline on her finger. “I’d like make some changes to the house. First, do you want to live here with us, or do we buy something else?”

  Alex surveyed the tall ceilings with the original molding, the hominess of the room, and a couple of toys stashed on a shelf next to the fireplace. No, this was the girls’ home, now it would be his.

  “Do you have room for some of my things?”

  “Of course.” She raised her eyes to his. “I like 314

  A Perfect Bride for Christmas the idea of man stuff in the house. Whatcha’ got—an old recliner?”

  “Yeah,” Alex had to smile. “That and some furniture. A couch and a couple of club chairs. But I’m getting rid of the dining room table. The one in your kitchen—”

  “Nope,” she interrupted and wagged her finger at him. “Our kitchen.”

  “Okay, then I’d like to live here with you. It wouldn’t be right to move the girls again. They have a big yard, a park nearby. Everything’s copasetic.”

  “Good. Here’s my idea.” She moved to snuggle against him again. “I’d like to change the back bedroom, add a bath and separate entrance for Cherri. Make it a real apartment, maybe with a kitchenette. That way she can come and go as she pleases.”

  “How did she take the news?”

  “Stunned, happy.” Zoe’s face fell for an instant.

  “She asked about Sydney.”

  Alex smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. It was his attorney smile. “Lyle packed her off to Europe or Greece. I don’t know, and I don’t care.”

  Zoe nodded, “Cherri said she felt sad she won’t be here for the wedding. Now I don’t have a bridesmaid. Keeley’s helping Amelia, and to tell you the truth, the few friends I have left in the area already made plans for the holiday. This happened way too fast.”

  “I think Mom’s afraid you won’t make an honest man out of me.”

  Zoe’s laugh filled the living room. The sound went straight to his heart, filling him to the brim with love.

  “What about Jesse?” Alex asked. “She’s my friend, but I think you’ll love her as much as I do.”

  “Okay, I’ll call her in the morning.”

  He pulled her close, taking in the wondrous feel 315

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  of her in his arms, the scent that belonged to her alone, and the soft hair tickling his nose.

  Alex thanked God for the long winding road that brought Zoe back into his life.

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  A Perfect Bride for Christmas Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Zoe dialed Jesse’ number and waited for her to pick up. She hoped Jesse wouldn’t think her forward for asking such a big favor but Alex seemed to think Jesse would be delighted.

  “What?” Jesse’s tone didn’t sound too promising.

  She hesitated for a second, debating whether to forget about the whole thing. “Jesse?”

  “Oh. Zoe. Sorry.”

  Jesse sounded tired and a little sad. “You okay?”

  “I had a long night.”

  It sounded like more than a long night. Zoe recognized that timbre of voice. There had to be a man involved but she didn’t want to prod. Maybe when she knew Jesse better. “I’m sorry if I woke you up, but I didn’t know who else to call.”

  “Is everything all right?”

  “No. Yes.” She paused, then in a near squeal, she gushed, “I’m marrying Alex tonight. Again. At the house. I need a bridesmaid. You’re so close to the family, I’d like you to stand with me.” Zoe barely paused long enough to draw breath. She waited for a response from Jesse. The few seconds seemed like years. “Jesse, I know it’s short notice. I understand if you can’t. It’s Christmas Eve. I’m sure you and Ethan have plans.”

  Jesse finally let out a heavy sigh. “I’ll be there. I need to find something to wear. What do you want me in?”

  “I really don’t care. Something pretty. I’m not picky. Alex pulled some strings at the courthouse, so 317

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  it’s small.” She took a deep breath, held it. “Oh, Jesse, I’m so happy. The girls will have their father.

  I have Alex. This is like a dream come true.”

  “I’m happy for you, Zoe. Really happy.”

  “And the girls are bouncing off the walls. I’ve never seen them so excited over something.”

  “That’s great, Zoe.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Zoe heard the forced enthusiasm. “You sound… off.”

  “I’m fine, but I need to get on the search for a dress. I don’t have anything here. What time do you want me there?”

  “Amelia said around four thirty. She’s got a dinner planned for the reception. She took everything out of my hands, except for the food I’d already prepared. Oh! And she wanted me to ask you if you’d still be willing to help with the cleanup.

  She’s going to keep the girls, and Alex and I are going back to my place.”

  “Sure.”

  “Oh, Jesse, thank you! Thank you, so much!”

  “Anytime. I’m going to go now. I’ll see you later this afternoon.”

  The rest of the morning and early afternoon zoomed by, directed by Hurricane Amelia. Clint showed up long enough to growl and help set up a few tables before he left to look in on his mare. The same bug that infected Jesse had gotten up his butt as well.

  Jesse showed up, dressed in a gorgeous, beaded blue dress and a smile plastered on her face. Z
oe stood in Amelia’s wedding dress and looked at the clock. In less than a half hour, she’d be Mrs. Alex King. Nerves fluttered in her stomach. Her heart raced.

  Three fairy princesses danced around the room waving sparkling wands with whips of white tulle and fluttering pink ribbons.

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  “Look, Mommy.” Mia laughed with glee.

  “I see.” Zoe tugged at the long lace sleeves. They reminded her of dresses from the medieval period, coming to points that hung down in graceful folds.

  Jesse adjusted the flowing lines of Zoe’s lacy dress, smoothing it down for the hundredth time. “I can’t believe Amelia’s dress fit you. She’s shorter and a thinner in the bust, but somehow, it works. You look beautiful.” Jesse’s eyes were over bright as she straightened up.

  Zoe ran her hand over the scoop neckline, tracing the delicate line of pearls and sequins.

  “Amelia said she was a little bustier when she married. I feel so—beautiful.”

  “Amy Taylor did a great job with the alterations, didn’t she?”

  “I could say the same to you.” Zoe looked at Jesse’s blue beaded dress. “That dress does wonders for you. I’ll bet Clint went crazy when he saw it.”

  Jesse turned away too quick, her face like stone.

  Zoe frowned. Had she said something wrong?

  “Are you okay?” Zoe hadn’t known Jesse long enough to ask personal questions, but she sense her husband’s best friend hurt. “Alex said you were getting close to Clint.”

  Jesse gave her a wry smile. “I’m sure he didn’t put it quite like that. If I know Alex, he said I was boinking his brother.” She pulled a matching lace veil from the dry cleaner’s bag. “I’m fine, really.”

  She looked anything but fine, however, Zoe didn’t press her further. Clint had frowned all morning long, and if the alcohol fumes rolling off him were any indication, Clint had gone on a real bender last night. Zoe expected it had to do with Jesse. She hoped Clint would be in shape to stand up with Alex as best man.