Merry & Bright: A Christmas Anthology (Nocturne Falls Universe)

by Fiona Roarke

  “You could have told me.”

  “You’re right. I’ve been living in my own world. I was wrong to shut you out. I wanted to apologize. And…and tell you I’m proud of you, and happy you’ve found a mate.”

  Nathaniel hung his head for a long moment, then looked up and smiled. “Camille is extraordinary. Wait ’til you meet her.” Suddenly a smitten, lovesick expression overtook his brother’s face. “We’re good. We can catch up later. Now, I have to get married.” He tugged on his formal jacket, giving the lapel an extra jerk. Then he closed the distance between them. “Will you stand up with me?”

  Jake was shocked and pleased by the invitation. After all he’d put Nate through, how could he make such an offer? He sighed. His brother was a better man than he. “I’m not dressed to impress.”

  “Doesn’t matter. The ceremony isn’t like that. Everything that’s been done has all been handled long distance by Camille through her friends here in Nocturne Falls and a wedding planner. Corette Williams did the dress. Caroline helped arrange everything out here. Delaney made the cake. Everything has fallen into place. But it’s not a formal deal.”

  A smile tugged at his mouth as Jake draped an arm around Nate’s shoulders, pulling him closer. “Okay. Of course. I’d be honored.”

  He exited the camper in front of Nate. Together they walked to the rear of the seating area and met up with Hank. He wondered if he should make a quick trip to give Telia the heads up that he would be standing with his brother. At that moment, she glanced back at him. He gave her a wave. She smiled warmly, and he thought she understood. She seemed to have an extra sense like that.

  Another golf cart drove up with Camille and Caroline and an unfamiliar woman and dropped them off. The red headed woman was the wedding planner, he guessed given the way she took charge.

  “My brother will be my best man,” Nathaniel informed the group.

  The red-head nodded and didn’t miss a beat as she lined up the procession. “Okay. Jake and Camille. Then Nathaniel. Then Hank and Camille.” Everyone took their places. “Good. We’re ready.”

  “Not quite,” Nate said. “Where’s Spook.?”

  The planner shot him a quizzical glance.

  “Our dog,” Camille enlightened her.

  The woman held up a finger as if to say wait-a-minute. She walked over to the side and came back with a Jack Russell on a leash, extending it to Jake. “Here. You will escort Spook to the front. He has the ring attached to his collar.”

  What the heck? Now he’d seen everything. A dog in the wedding? This woman had altered his brother big time. He wondered how that was possible. Jake peered over his shoulder at Nate who shot him a thumbs-up.

  Slowly, Jake took the leash.

  To his surprise, Spook was well behaved. The music began to play and the dog trotted on Jakes right while Caroline looped her arm in his on the left.

  As they progressed down the aisle, Spook initially stole the show. The audience turned, ooing over the cute pup. Jake couldn’t blame them. Spook was adorable with one brown patch around his eye and a complimenting brown ear on the other side of his head. He walked tall, well, as tall as a Jack Russell could walk.

  When Jake got to the front, he separated from Caroline each taking their places. He peered into the audience. Hugh and Delaney Ellingham, along with Julian and Desi Ellingham, sat in the front row of the groom’s side. That was an unexpected surprise, since they didn’t have family to attend.

  It was nice to see the turnout for Camille. She’d obviously touched a lot of people. The music changed. Nate marched down the aisle, his back straight and head high, acknowledging a few people along the way with an almost imperceivable nod.

  The music altered again, turning soft and melodic. Everyone rose as heads turned to glimpse the bride. They watched as Hank escorted Camille, glowing and radiant, down the aisle. She sparkled in a champagne colored dress. As she took her place beside Nathaniel, Telia marveled at her gorgeous dress. The back was framed in lace that hugged her shoulders and dipped low into a wide V down to her waistline. The skirt comprised of layers upon layers of tulle netting. Corette Williams had outdone herself.

  Telia tried to imagine the style of dress she’d choose one day. She’d heard that Corette used her witchy abilities to match the perfect dress to its bride. She would do alterations on the spot. Camille’s dress did indeed look like it was perfect for her, and her alone.

  Telia sighed in longing and appreciation.

  The ceremony was performed by Jake’s cousin who introduced herself. The couple recited the vows they’d written. Then Nathaniel called Spook to him, taking the ring from a pouch attached to his collar. The vows were said and the rings exchanged. The tiny lights dimmed in a magical wave. It took a few seconds for Telia’s eyes to adjust. Above the mist of the falls, a moonbow showed in full splendor. Soft colors washed over them.

  “You may kiss your bride.”

  Telia’s breath caught at the beauty of the moment. The soft light of the moonbow ensconced the couple as Nathaniel gathered Camille in an embrace that culminated with him twisting her to the side in a dip and bending over her.

  A collective sigh whispered through the audience. Slowly the miniature lights grew bright. The music played and the crowd clapped as the couple moved happily down the aisle.

  Her eyes met with Jake’s. He seemed more relaxed than she’d ever seen him. As if knowing his brother was happy lifted his spirits.

  “Please join us for the reception inside the tent,” his cousin said.

  Jake waited for Telia at the back so they could go to the reception together. He worried how she’d feel since he had joined the wedding party. Would she be upset because he’d deserted her during the ceremony? That hadn’t been his plan, but he couldn’t say no to his brother. Surely she would understand.

  “That was beautiful,” Telia said as she approached him.

  He set a hand on her shoulder and ran it along her arm. “I’m sorry I couldn’t warn you about standing with my brother. It was unexpected.”

  “No big deal. I figured it was something like that.”

  “Thanks for understanding.”

  “Really, you don’t owe me an explanation.”

  He shrugged. “Yes, I do. I asked you to come with me.”

  She shook her head. “It’s not like it’s a real date, you know.”

  He left that comment alone. He had some explaining to do, he supposed, as to why he quit asking her to go out. He had wanted to call her a hundred times since those few dates. But he’d been in a wheel chair then, plus his head wasn’t in a good place. He hadn’t even known how to make a move on her then. She deserved more than someone with his level of problems. But now…He thought about the idea a moment. His recovery had occurred over the past six months. Actually, he didn’t understand his new situation, however he was thrilled.

  He’d been given a second chance for a full life. He intended to make the best of it. And hadn’t his feelings for her been the driving force to asking her to accompany him to the wedding?

  Don’t waste this chance.

  He turned his head to watch her as they walked and slipped a hand to the curve of her spine. He wanted to touch her more. Spend more time with her. Love her more.

  But was he deserving enough?

  Chapter Four

  “Don’t you need to get pictures taken?” she asked when they arrived at the reception area.

  “I don’t think so. Nate didn’t mention anything about pictures.” He glanced around, observing the layout. “Would you like a drink?”

  “Sure. Red wine, please.”

  He nodded giving her a lopsided grin. “Coming right up.”

  She watched him as he strolled to the bar that was set up in a back corner. He was the same man she’d dated six months ago, yet different. She’d like him then. He was kind, playful, and sexy as hell, even in his wheelchair. He oozed charisma. Still did. And she was still smitten.

  But he’d droppe
d her once, so she wasn’t ready to go running back to him. She couldn’t take this not-a-date too seriously.

  On an exhale, she turned her focus to the reception. The tent was huge, candles burned on tables draped in white linen, more miniature lights twinkled like fireflies around the edges, disappearing into the surrounding foliage. A DJ played music from one corner. A dance floor occupied the center with round dinner tables positioned around the perimeter. All very elegant and perfectly done.

  Jake returned and handed her a glass of wine.

  “Thanks.”

  “Let me introduce you to my brother.”

  “I’d like that.”

  He guided them to the bride and groom standing near a table set at the front of the make-shift room. “Nathaniel, congratulations again, brother,” Jake said, shaking Nathaniel’s hand, drawing him into a half hug and bumping shoulders.

  “Thanks.” Nathaniel stepped back. “Have you met my wife Camille?” He laughed, low and rumbling. “I’ll have to get used to saying that.”

  “It’s a pleasure,” Telia said “Everything about the wedding is gorgeous. You are stunning. What made you have the wedding here instead of at the new wedding chapel.”

  “The new wedding chapel is fabulous with its themed rooms and all, but I wanted an outdoor wedding. Plus the falls is my favorite place in the area.”

  The DJ announced the couple and called for the first dance. Nathaniel and Camille took center stage and struck a pose. What a stunning couple. The sound of a tango filled the tent as they twirled around the dance floor. They had chosen the perfect dance.

  “I recall them dancing at the Mardi Gras Ball. They had captured everyone’s attention.” She pinned Jake with a look she hoped said she expected him to take her a time or two around the dance floor.

  “Oh, no. Don’t look at me like that. I’m not dancing.”

  “You don’t have to do the tango. Just shuffle your feet and hold me,” she said, her tone far more sultry than she’d intended. But she wasn’t sorry. Her body tingled at the thought of being kissing close to Jake. She hid her boldness behind finishing the remainder of her wine.

  He leaned in closer to her. “If I hold you, I won’t let go this time.” His eyes held hers, intense and serious.

  She wet her lips. “Promise?” Her voice wasn’t pleading but challenging, a dare.

  The music ended and another slow, melodic tune began. To her surprise, Jake set his cane on the back of the nearest chair, put their empty glasses on the table, and held his hand out for her to take. Her lips spread into a wide smile.

  Dragonfly wings, yes. She placed her hand in his and followed him onto the dance floor. His left hand went around to her back, and felt warm and secure, his right hand warmed her palm and held it curled inward close to his chest. They danced as a number of other couples joined them. But to her…they were the only couple there.

  His lips brushed her forehead. After a while she worked up the courage to ask, “Why did we stop dating?”

  His feet paused, then resumed. “I’m not the right guy for you.”

  This time she stopped. “You do recall that I can sense emotions, don’t you? What you said isn’t true. You don’t believe that.”

  “I thought your gift was only with objects.”

  “Partially correct. But your jacket is something you’ve touched and holds your imprint.”

  “I see.” He thought for a moment. “Well, then, I didn’t want to burden you.”

  “Okay. That’s more like it. But you should have let me decide what is a burden and what isn’t. I really lov…liked you.” She caught herself before she said the big “L” word.

  The notes of the song drew out and faded. He leaned closer, taking her lips in a slow kiss. And just like in the romance novels she marketed, her toes curled. Her recollection of what they’d been discussing got all jumbled.

  “Don’t do that again,” she said.

  “What? Kiss you?”

  “No, leave and not call. I moped for weeks waiting for your call.”

  “I’m sorry. I was a jerk.”

  “Yes, you sure were.” She laced her fingers in his hair and drew him down to kiss her again.

  “I understand, though. Dealing with emotions sometimes isn’t easy.”

  Just then, something wedged in between them, forcing their legs apart. Telia glanced down as a dog wriggled at her ankles. “You did an excellent job taking care of the dog during the wedding.”

  “His name is Spooks.”

  “Cute. His name goes with your brother’s town. It’s Terror, Minnesota, right?” She led the way to a table and selected a seat.

  “Yes. That’s where I grew up. And if I recall, you’re from Atlanta?”

  She was pleased he remembered some details they’d shared when they had dated. “My parents still live there.”

  Dinner was announced and the guests sought tables according to place cards. Hugh and Delaney Ellingham were at their table, along with Pandora Williams and Cole Van Zant, and Hank and Ivey.

  Pandora slid into the seat beside Telia. “Look at that, two red heads at one table.”

  Telia smiled awkwardly. She didn’t consider her strawberry-blonde hair red, but she knew her mother and others did.

  Pandora winked, leaning close to Telia, saying confidentially, “I knew you two would hit it off.”

  “Yes. We see each other every now and then,” Telia said, shooting a glance at Jake.

  “Delaney, I saw the wedding cake. It’s beautiful. You’re so talented,” Telia remarked, striving to turn the attention to someone else.

  Pandora agreed, “I don’t know how you find the time with the new little one.”

  “Thank you,” Delaney said with a slight blush rising to her cheeks.

  “How is the baby doing,” Telia asked.

  Delaney’s smile widened. “Oh my goodness. He’s all cuteness and love. And what an appetite he has. Auntie Tessa is watching him this evening.”

  “It must be nice to have so much family around,” Jake said.

  “Yes, it sure is,” Delaney replied. “I don’t know what I’d do without them, or my fabulous husband.” She placed her hand on Hugh’s arm. “Having the right person by your side means the world.”

  Telia could feel the contentment oozing from the couples at their table as they all unanimously agreed. Each couple leaned into one another, each seeming to relive their own story and wedding. Telia caught Jakes eye. Could he be the one for her?

  The flutters she felt in her tummy thought so.

  A few minutes later, the food was served. She recognized several of the servers from Howlers that were working, placing elegant entrees of fish and chicken on the tables. “I wonder if Bridget is expanding her business to include catering?” Telia said. “She seems to have done a number of weddings lately.”

  “I don’t know but she always does such a super job,” Pandora added.

  Everyone agreed as they dug into their food. Telia followed suit. Although she was less concerned with eating and the reception and more interested in getting Jake alone to perhaps see if the chemistry they’d shared before was still there.

  Chapter Five

  Jake had a dilemma.

  He wanted to rekindle the relationship he’d so carelessly thrown away months ago. It had not been his best move. He realized now that part of the reason he’d been so miserable since the end of summer was because he’d ignored his heart. Falling for Telia had not been one of those head-over-heels deals. Instead, it was more fitted to absence makes the heart grow fonder. He had missed Telia. Nothing showed him that more than being with her now.

  Perhaps they would cut out early. The guests had finished dinner and were dancing and celebrating. But before he could leave, he needed to do one more thing.

  Speak again to Nate. He wasn’t going to let his brother leave this time without having a meaningful conversation with him.

  The bride and groom were mingling separately. He leaned to the
side and spoke into Telia’s ear, so she could hear him without raising his voice over the music. It was a good chance to be close to her. He inhaled her floral scent. “I’m going to talk to Nate. Feel free to join the group on the dance floor.” He grinned at her as he stood, stepping back.

  “Oh, I will. Don’t worry about me.” She could feel his longing to seek some sort of forgiveness from his brother. He wanted closure, she thought.

  There was another emotion wafting off of him. Desire. And he seemed to have something else on his mind, too. Her.

  Telia slid away from the table, standing. She looked amazing in her long, dark-green dress. She sought out Agnes Miller on the dance floor, along with the group of witches from the Nocturne Falls coven. Camille and Caroline joined them in a rockin’ all-girls dance.

  Nathaniel stood to the side watching the women. Jake approached him, leaning on his cane more than he would have liked. That one dance he’d had with Telia had been exhausting on his muscles, with the control it required to keep his steps in tune with hers and his balance in check. But he wouldn’t have missed holding her close, feeling the pure pleasure of having her warm and soft against him for anything.

  “I really appreciate you being here,” Nate said.

  Jake nodded. “We’re family. Listen,” he held his arms out, cane in hand. “The healing started to kick in about six months ago…about the middle of July. When you were here in February, I was still totally in the chair. But even then, I’d been living my life, pushing myself, entering wheel chair races, doing rock climbing, going parasailing, doing whatever I wanted to do.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. But you never came home.”

  “It wasn’t because I blamed you. I don’t. I just couldn’t stand the guilt you were carrying. It ate at me. The war, the accident…none of that was your fault.”

  “I know.” He glanced across the space to the women dancing. “Camille has made me realize a lot of things. One of them is, I can’t control everything.”