“We can find you space in Charleston to conduct your classes. Maybe I’ll even sign up for a class. With Amya and Kai. See, you already have three students.”
His words sparked a smile from her. “I just might do it,” she said. “Thanks for the gentle push, Ryker.”
* * *
They spent the rest of the evening planning their wedding. For the most part, Ryker was taking care of everything. Somewhere deep inside, Garland wanted this marriage to be a real one. They had great chemistry. But it could easily evaporate after the wedding, she thought. She forced herself to be more optimistic.
Wouldn’t it be so much better if they fell in love? Then they could be a real family.
* * *
Four days later, on Saturday, their wedding day dawned bright and sunny. Her pastor was scheduled to arrive in four hours and then their ceremony would begin.
Garland’s stomach was churning and she was shivering uncontrollably. Wedding jitters? She had no idea. Her breathing came out in short pants.
On hearing of the wedding, Ryker’s family had displayed mixed emotions. His twin cousins were delighted; his sister voiced her reservations about the marriage but vowed to support the decision because of the girls. His mother was displeased and made sure everyone knew it. His father decided to simply congratulate them and leave it at that. Her mother’s shock was evident, but she thought it a good idea. Angela’s parents were worried that he was moving much too soon and would forget all about his late wife.
Garland fingered the simple ivory gown that would serve as her wedding dress. She would soon be Mrs. Ryker DuGrandpre. It was a dream come true for her...almost.
He was not in love with her.
Her feelings for Ryker were strong, but she also could not classify them as love. But Garland knew that loving him would come easy for her, though she would be mindful to keep her heart guarded.
A knock on her door ripped Garland out of her reverie. “Ryker, you can’t come in.”
“It’s me.”
She rushed to the door, opening it just enough to let in her visitor. “Mama, when did you get here?”
“Just a few minutes ago,” she responded. “Everything downstairs looks beautiful, sweetie. This is a really gorgeous house.”
“Did you see Ryker?”
She nodded. “He’s down there barking orders to everyone. He wants everything perfect for you.”
Garland smiled. “It’s really sweet, but I told him that we didn’t need to have a wedding. I wanted to go to the justice of the peace—just the two of us—but Ryker wasn’t having it.”
“I’m glad he did it this way. You’ve always wanted a wedding.”
“I wanted one where everyone would be happy for the bride and groom. Ryker’s mom is anything but happy about this union.”
“Hon, enjoy your special day, regardless of that woman.”
“I need to check on the girls,” Garland responded as she opened the door.
Jordin was in the hallway. “Ryker can’t see you before the wedding. Stay in your room. I’ll bring the girls to you after I get dressed.”
“Thank you for everything, Jordin.”
She hugged her. “You’re good for my cousin. My sister and I could see it. And soon the rest of the family will see it, too. Don’t let Aunt Rochelle get to you. This is your day.”
“Same thing I just told her,” her mother interjected.
Jordin embraced her. “Welcome to the family, cousin.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m going to get the little ladies ready,” she said. “See you in a few.”
Garland was close to tears. She needed and wanted a family so much. Now she would have that, albeit in name only. This was a start, something for her to hold on to.
A few minutes later her eyes filled with tears at the sight of Amya and Kai in matching kiwi-colored dresses with frothy, full skirts and flowers in their hair.
“Jordin, they look so adorable. Thank you.”
“Mommy, gimme kiss,” Amya said.
“I want kiss, too,” Kai stated.
“C’mere, my babies,” Garland told them. “I have enough kisses to go around.” She hugged and kissed them both.
“Okay, Mommy has to get ready for her wedding,” Jordin announced. “She’s marrying Daddy today. Yay!”
“Yay!” the girls repeated in unison.
Garland laughed. “They have no idea what is going on.”
Jordin checked her phone. “Jadin just texted to say that she’s on her way up to help you get dressed. I’m going to take the girls downstairs.”
“Thanks again for all of your help and the dresses. They really are gorgeous.”
“You have to thank Robyn for the dresses,” Jordin confessed. “She found them and had them shipped in time for the wedding.”
“She is so wonderful. I’ve been thinking about making her the manager of the boutique so that I can spend more time with Ryker and the girls.”
“I think it’s a great idea.”
It was time for Garland to get dressed. The twins had taken her to a spa the day before for a complete makeover from head to toe. When she looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror, Garland barely recognized her reflection.
She turned around slowly in a circle to see herself. The dress was simple but perfect for the ceremony.
The hour soon arrived for Garland to make her entrance. Her mother escorted her down the stairs and into the living room, where family members had gathered. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw Ryker standing near the pastor. He was stunning in a classic tailor-made suit with a crisp white shirt.
Jordin and Jadin were grinning at her as she slowly made her way down the aisle. Garland deliberately avoided looking at Rochelle DuGrandpre because she wanted the ceremony to begin on a bright note.
Her pastor began by saying, “Dearly beloved...”
Garland stole a glance at Ryker and smiled.
He returned her smile as they listened to Pastor Holly talk about the sanctity of marriage for better or worse. She heard every word he said and wondered what was going through Ryker’s head in that moment. Garland knew he’d probably never expected to hear those words again as a groom.
Will he ever love me? she wondered as her eyes connected with Ryker’s gaze.
* * *
It took everything in Ryker not to run up and hug Garland. He turned his head a fraction to look at his daughters. They were so radiant and all grins. His heart flipped at seeing the toddlers holding hands. They were sisters.
“Do you, Garland Ashton Warner, take this man, Ryker Jacques DuGrandpre...” Pastor Holly began.
“I do,” she said, repeating the vows that meant forever while gazing into his eyes.
“Do you, Ryker Jacques DuGrandpre, take this woman, Garland Ashton Warner...”
“I do,” he responded in a strong, confident voice.
When they were pronounced husband and wife, everyone applauded except for his mother. If Angela’s parents had chosen to attend the wedding they likely would not have clapped, either. Ryker was disappointed they hadn’t come, but he knew that Garland most likely felt relief at their absence.
They were married. Garland was his wife.
The newlyweds celebrated with a catered dinner in lieu of a grand reception, much to his mother’s dismay. She’d wanted them to have a huge formal dinner to announce Ryker’s marriage, but Garland had balked at the idea.
Rochelle was controlling and a force to be reckoned with, but he admired Garland for refusing to let his mother intimidate her.
“Your bride certainly looks happy,” Rochelle stated in a low whisper, cornering her son. “She should be, since she’s won what is equivalent to the lottery.”
; Ryker sent her a sharp look. “Mom, don’t start.”
“What are you thinking, son? No prenup?”
“There was no prenup when I married Angela, either,” Ryker pointed out. “I’ve told you before that Garland is not interested in our family’s money. Her business is doing quite well.”
Rochelle sighed in resignation. “I guess you’ll have to learn the hard way.”
“Let’s not do this today, Mom. It’s my wedding day.”
“Fine. Can I take the girls home with me tonight?” she asked. “You should spend your wedding night alone with your bride, even if it’s not a real marriage.” The expression on his face prompted her to add, “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded, Ryker.”
“I’ll check with Garland and let you know,” he told her.
He found his new wife sitting on the sofa with Trina. He smiled and joined them. “My mother would like to have the girls spend the night with her and Dad, so we can spend our wedding night alone.”
She gazed at him. “Is this what you want to do?”
“Sure,” Ryker responded. “Do you have a problem with it?”
“Of course you two should be alone on your wedding night,” Trina quickly interjected.
Garland wanted to protest, but she would only be doing so to place a barricade between herself and her new husband. Instead, she said, “Your mom may not like me, but I know she loves Amya and Kai. It’s fine.”
As Garland’s mother approached, Ryker stood and said, “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you, Mrs. Moscot.”
“I had to be here for my little girl. You know you don’t have to be so formal with me. You used to call me Mom Elaine.”
He embraced her. “I have really missed you and I’m sorry I didn’t come around much after...”
She nodded in understanding. “I know. No apologies needed.”
“Well, I guess I’ll be seeing you more now that I’m your son-in-law,” he said with a smile. Then he turned to Garland. “I guess we should make our rounds once more before saying good-night to everyone.”
Trina laughed. “I think we’re about to be kicked out.”
Elaine nodded and smiled.
“I would like to spend some quality time with my bride,” Ryker confessed.
Garland looked surprised for a moment but recovered quickly. She walked over to her mother-in-law and said, “Thank you for offering to keep the girls tonight. Ryker and I really appreciate it.”
“You’re quite welcome.” Her tone had its normal chill to it.
“I know that you don’t agree with our decision to marry, but it was nice having you attend the wedding. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
“The ceremony was sweet,” Rochelle uttered. “However, I don’t want to see my granddaughters get hurt when your marriage to my son falls apart.”
“Enjoy this time with your grandbabies, Mrs. DuGrandpre,” Garland responded before walking away. She was trying her best to get along with this woman, but Rochelle was not making it an easy task.
After everyone had gone, Ryker joined her in the family room.
Garland was watching a movie on Lifetime. He sat down beside her on the plush sofa, sinking into its comfort.
She turned off the television. It was their wedding night, after all. What does he have in mind? Garland wondered.
“I’m glad your mother understood our decision to get married,” he said as he settled back against the cushions.
Garland heaved a sigh of relief. She could make conversation. “It seemed like the perfect solution to her, as well.”
“I hope that I didn’t rush you into something you didn’t really want.”
She met his gaze. “We did rush into this marriage, but it makes sense.”
“My father used to tell me that logic and emotions don’t always take the same route. I wanted to get married again one day. I wanted Kai to have a mother. Now that I have Amya and you, I’m a happy man,” Ryker stated. “Arranged marriages have worked, you know. I believe that if we work together, we can make this one work.”
Garland became silent.
“What’s that look for?” he questioned.
“Making our marriage work lacks emotion and passion. I know that we’re not in love, but I really don’t want this to be a business merger—more of a friendship. I can deal with that label.”
“You must know that I care for you, Garland.” Ryker held out a hand to her. “You are my wife now. I don’t take that for granted because marriage means something to me.”
She placed her hand in his and felt his fingers tighten. Garland silently acknowledged that it would not be hard to love Ryker. The determination to make their marriage a real one and his caring reminded her of the man she’d crushed on all those years ago.
They sat with their hands intertwined. Garland’s heart seemed to pound so hard that it was audible. She gazed over at Ryker, noticing a glint in his eyes that warmed her from head to toe.
“You’re welcome to make any changes to the house,” he stated after a moment. “This is your home, too.”
“Thank you, but everything is so beautiful already. Though I would like to add some of my artwork and sculptures throughout.”
“Have at it,” Ryker said. “We can start from scratch if you want.”
Garland could not remember how long it had been since she had felt anything like this. She had dreamed of being with Ryker but simply figured he was out of her league.
She sat there chewing on her bottom lip.
“I know that we said this marriage would start off in name only, but I expect that to change at some point,” Ryker stated. “I won’t rush you, Garland. We will consummate our marriage when you’re ready.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. “It’s been a long day. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired,” Garland said with what she hoped was an apologetic smile. “I think I’m going to bed.”
He kissed her gently on the lips. “Thank you for agreeing to be my wife.”
“I’m glad we did it.”
Ryker smiled. “Good night, Garland. Sleep well.”
She ascended the stairs to the second level, new hope for her family bubbling in her chest.
Chapter 16
Ryker knew he was not alone in hoping that he and Garland would find love. He was not alone in wanting to love. He wanted to believe that they would find it together. He looked forward to coming home to delicious scents of dinner cooking, the laughter of children and relaxing evenings with his wife.
With Garland.
This would be a nice change of pace for Ryker. Life just seemed so much easier when he was married.
Except tonight.
Tonight was his wedding night and he was alone in his king-size bed. Deep down, Ryker had hoped Garland would want to move into the master bedroom. He had hoped that she had some passionate feelings about him.
Ryker intended to keep his word about not rushing her to make love. But he could not ignore the yearning within or the guilt he felt for wanting her.
Angela was gone, but he still felt as though he was betraying her somehow.
He reminded himself that he could not allow his emotions to take over. Ryker did not want to hurt Garland in any way. They were taking their marriage one day at a time.
* * *
They had been married a couple of weeks and things were good between them concerning the girls. And Ryker was careful to stay within the boundaries he had set for their marriage, Garland acknowledged.
It was a struggle for her to be in the same room with Ryker. He had always been that guy for her. However, he had also been off-limits. Now they were married, but it was not exactly a dream come true for Garland.
From where she was in the kitch
en, she could hear the garage doors going up. Ryker was home.
“Traffic was crazy, but I made it home,” he announced, coming through the side entrance from the garage.
Garland turned from the oven with a welcoming smile. “Girls,” she called, “your daddy’s home.”
The seconds ticked by as they stared at each other.
Ryker made a move toward her, planting a kiss on her cheek.
Little feet thundered down the hallway and Ryker found himself surrounded by two little giggling girls.
Garland stepped out of the way so that the girls could properly greet their father. Their eyes connected once more before Ryker picked the girls up one by one, planting kisses on each of them.
A few minutes later, Amya and Kai disappeared as quickly as they had come, leaving him alone with Garland.
He went toward Garland, who was stirring something on the counter. “What’s that?” he asked.
“I’m making cornbread to go with the roast chicken and collard greens.”
“Everything smells good.”
“We can eat as soon as the bread is ready,” she said.
* * *
Ryker wanted to kiss her nape in the worst way. What if he just went over and kissed her passionately? They were married after all.
Celibacy had been no more than an occasional irritation until now. He was very aware of Garland in the house.
She was bustling around Ryker as if he were not even there. If he had been eyeing her lustfully, he was sure that Garland had not noticed.
Despite his hunger for her, Ryker was thrilled to come home and find dinner cooking. It was also nice that the girls had been able to stay home with Garland today instead of going to school.
The truth was that he was glad not to be alone anymore—that it no longer was just him and Kai.
At the dinner table, Garland said grace.
“Are you okay?” he inquired after she remained quiet afterward.
She met his gaze. “Yeah, why do you ask?”
“You seemed troubled or something.”
“They’re too young to know what’s happened,” Garland murmured. “How do we explain this stuff to them when they’re older?”
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