by Tessa Layne
She bit her lip, worry flirting at the edge of her conscious. “Do I really get to be your wife?”
“For as long as you’ll have me,” he said gruffly, eyes softening.
“Is for the rest of our lives long enough?”
He kissed the tops of her hands again. “Not nearly, but it’ll have to do for now.”
Carolina rose on tiptoe to give him one last kiss, then gave him a gentle push. “Now, scoot. I’ve got to fix myself before my sisters show up.”
“See you at the altar.” He blew her a kiss from the doorway and disappeared.
With a bemused sigh, Carolina returned to the vanity, fingering the necklace Cody had given her. She’d treasure this for the rest of her life. And if she was lucky enough to have a son, maybe she could pass it along to him for his bride.
She was still staring off into space, imagining babies and grandbabies when her sisters barged in.
“Quick, lock the door,” ordered Lexi, Lydia’s twin, home only for twenty-four hours because of a high-profile trial she was working on back in Washington D.C. “Ma’s going crazy down there.”
“You can’t keep her from Carolina.” Cassie unlocked the door. “You’re the one who’s wound up tighter than baling wire.”
“Only because my opposing counsel showed up to visit his sister,” Lexi hissed with a frown.
“WHAT?” all three sisters squealed at once, talking over each other.
“What do you mean?” asked Cassie.
“Who is it?”
“Spill,” ordered Lydia, cradling Bubba. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this.”
Lexi looked like she was about to come unhinged. “I didn’t know about it until I saw him in our kitchen.”
Lydia gasped, eyes going wide. “Wait. That hottie who’s Jamey Sinclaire’s brother is your opposing counsel?” Lydia shook her head. “Caro, I hope you’re serving popcorn at the reception. I’m gonna need a bowl.”
Cassie cocked her head. “How did we not know your opposing counsel in ‘the trial of your life,’” she air quoted, “was Jamey’s brother?”
Lexi turned bright pink. “It was need to know.”
“Sure it was,” “Hmmpf,” “She didn’t want us to know,” chimed in Carolina after her sisters. “You can hide out up here, if you need to, but I’ll be downstairs celebrating with my husband.” She lifted her eyebrows with a grin. “Is it time to get dressed?”
“Yes,” Lexi said emphatically, reaching for the hanger that held Carolina’s dress. “This is your day. I can handle Mr. Shark Attack downstairs, and I promise not to make a scene.”
Carolina slipped on the dress made of the silkiest satin and cut on the bias, so it flowed over her hips in soft folds. Simple and elegant, and utterly luxurious against her skin. But it was the shoes Lydia had made her in record time that she was most excited about. After two pairs of white shoes, she wanted something different, something she could wear beyond today. Lydia had come up with a pair of black and gold tapestry lace-up booties, perfect for the upcoming holidays. Carolina pirouetted in front of the long oval mirror next to the vanity. “I know they don’t go with the dress, but I adore them.”
Cassie pulled her into a hug. “We only care that you’re happy.”
“I am.” Carolina blinked hard, hugging her older sister fiercely. “So happy I have to keep pinching myself.”
A knock sounded on the door, and Dottie entered. “Well,” she huffed, wiping at her eye. “I don’t know how you girls always manage to pull these weddings off in no time, but you look like a vision, sweetie pie. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Carolina looked around at her sisters, beaming at her. “It’s really happening this time, isn’t it?”
Lydia cupped her cheek. “It really is, and you deserve all the happiness.”
“Mama?” Carolina extended her hand, throat thick, and suddenly needing the reassurance of her mother’s touch. “Help me with my veil?”
“Of course, dearie.” Dottie’s hands shook as she tucked the veil into the bun at the base of her neck. She placed a kiss at Carolina’s temple. “I have to go downstairs to help Jamey with the finger sandwiches.” Code for I don’t want anyone to see me cry.
Dottie bustled to the door, then paused, hand on the knob. “I love you, sweetie pie,” she choked, then disappeared. At the same time, a flash followed by a clap of thunder shook the house.
“Oh nooo,” Lydia wailed. “It can’t rain.”
“I already brought the decorations inside. I could see the clouds building up,” interjected Cassie, always the practical one.
“Rain’s good luck on your wedding day,” added Lexi, looking dubious.
“I don’t care where I get married,” said Carolina firmly. “Just so long as I get to say I do. In front of the fireplace will be just fine.”
Another knock sounded at the door. “Come in,” Carolina called, not missing that Lexi looked like she wanted to hide in the bathtub.
Macey McCaslin, who Carolina had asked to help with the flowers, stepped in carrying a bouquet of white and green hydrangeas. “We’ve moved everything inside, but not to worry, the radar says this will pass within an hour.” Macey handed her the bouquet and whispered in her ear. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Me too.” Carolina beamed. “I hear maybe there’s a wedding in your future? The rumor mill’s been churning.”
Macey rolled her eyes, turning pink. “No weddings for me. Only rumors.”
“We are totally having lunch again when Cody and I get back from our honeymoon.”
Macey made a face partway between a grimace and a secret smile. “Nothing to tell, but I’ll still take you up on lunch.” She looked at Carolina’s sisters. “Brodie Sinclaire’s already pulled out the beer. You might want to get this show on the road.” Macey gave her shoulder an encouraging squeeze. “Enjoy every second, it goes by too fast.”
She disappeared out the door, and only her sisters remained.
“Ready?” Cassidy asked.
She nodded. “More than ready.”
“I’ll bring up the rear,” Lexi volunteered.
“You’ll do no such thing.” Lydia dragged her twin through the door “Tits up, sis. Show whatshisface what you’re made of.”
The rain on the roof sounded like a drumline as Carolina stepped into the hallway. Taking a deep breath, she marched down the stairs, first focusing on her dad, who gave her a misty smile, and then on Cody, as she took her father’s elbow and walked the dozen steps to the mantel in the living room. Macey was right, the next seventeen minutes passed in a blur, and too fast, but when the judge said husband and wife, a great clap of thunder shook the house. “I guess that’s your cue to kiss your bride,” he said to Cody.
And he did, bending her back in an embrace fit for the movies. “Are you ready for a new adventure, Mrs. Hansen?” her husband asked, raising his eyes to hers, giving her that wicked grin she loved so much.
“So long as it’s with you.”
THE BEGINNING OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER
If you enjoyed reading Cody and Carolina’s story, hang onto your hat, because things really heat up between Macy McCaslin and her secret lover in Mr. Pink. Order Mr. Pink now so you don’t miss the explosive chemistry between Macey and Austin.
Austin
You know why banned books are always best-sellers? Because everyone wants what they can’t have. Macey McCaslin is off-limits. So far off-limits my brother Jason, might kill me if he found out about us. He thinks I’m nothing more than a skirt-chasing manwhore not worthy to lick the dirt off her sexy little feet. And I’m definitely that, but ask me if I care? Because Macey’s pussy is so sweet, I’m not staying away.
Order Mr. Pink Now
Acknowledgments
Twelve books. I’ve written Twelve books. WOW! I have absolutely loved every minute of bringing this world I conceived on a cross country trip with my daughters to life. I love these characters and this town so much, and I can’t wai
t to bring you more hot hot hot stories as the Prairie Universe expands into Kansas City and Steamboat Springs.
The spark for Prairie Redemption came while I was undergoing PT for reconstructive knee surgery. And during the endless hours at the gym, my mind wandered, and wandered… and wandered. If you get my drift ;) My undying gratitude goes to my PT Ken and my trainer Kerstin, for your patient answering of my millions of questions.
My heartfelt gratitude to my many yogi friends and instructors- Lisa, Heather, Traci, & Stacey. I learn so much from each of you every day. Namaste <3
To my rockstars and the people who keep me from losing my shit - Kara the world’s most badass editor, Chas & Erin. So grateful you’re a part of my world.
Lastly- to Mr. Cowboy. I love waking up to your sweet smile, your cups of coffee, and your blue eyes that still make me melt. Thank you for all you do to help me keep my deadlines and stay on track. xoxoxo
And while you’re waiting…
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN… COWBOYS OF THE FLINT HILLS
PRAIRIE HEAT
PRAIRIE PASSION
PRAIRIE DESIRE
PRAIRIE STORM
PRAIRIE FIRE
PRAIRIE DEVIL
PRAIRIE FEVER
PRAIRIE REDEMPTION
The Heroes of Resolution Ranch
A HERO’S HONOR
A HERO’S HEART
A HERO’S HAVEN
A HERO’S HOME
Coming in 2019… Hang onto your hats! The bad boys are coming to Prairie
MR. PINK
MR. WHITE
MR. RED
Subscribe to my Newsletter for updates, sales, book recommendations, and release information for Mr. Pink, and the rest of my series.
Join my reader group on Facebook – The Prairie Posse this is where I post my sneak peeks, offer giveaways, and share hot cowboy pics!