The Unforgettable Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

“Then get moving.”

  His lopsided, sweet smile tugged at her racing heart. Hunter placed his dick at her pussy opening and plunged inside.

  “Damn, you’re tight.” Slowly, he moved in and out, caressing the sides of her pussy wall.

  She jiggled her hips, taking him in further. “You fill me so well,” she purred.

  He pushed her tighter against the tile wall and increased the speed of his thrusts. She clung tight to him as desire sizzled along her nerves.

  When Hunter kissed her neck, she trembled in his arms. Exquisite heat flamed in her core for this man, and a sense of joy spread like wildfire throughout her body. She yelled his name as her orgasm took her flying into space. Her body shook from the intense ecstasy shooting up her spine.

  Lacey heard Hunter’s yell, and his cock pulsated inside her pussy. Her pussy walls rippled around his dick, prolonging the delightful bliss.

  Hunter let her legs down slowly and held onto her as she regained her balance. He put his arm above her head and his breath came in harsh gasps. Then he looked down at her face and brushed his lips across hers.

  “I’m not sure I can walk,” he said, and grinned.

  “Are you complaining or explaining?” Lacey asked.

  “I’d never complain, honey. I may be taking my last breath and I’d smile.” He moved under the shower and rinsed. When he got out to dry off, Lacey let the warm water wet her from the top of her head to her feet.

  “Here’s a towel. Get out before you drown.” Hunter turned off the water and wrapped her in the bath sheet.

  He carried her to the bedside and rubbed her skin and hair briskly, until she was dry. Then he lifted her onto the bed and got in beside her.

  “Go to sleep.”

  Lacey cuddled close to his warm body and closed her eyes. It seemed only minutes before he was kissing her eyelids.

  “Wake up, sleepyhead.”

  “You just told me to go to sleep. Go away.”

  She vaguely heard him moving in the room and out. A few seconds later a cold washcloth was on her face. She grabbed at it and opened her eyes.

  Lacey frowned at him. “What’s wrong with you? It’s the middle of the night.”

  Hunter walked to the window and opened the curtains. Bright sunlight flooded the room.

  “What time is it?”

  “Nine-thirty. I let you sleep as long as I could, but I’m starving.” Hunter sat on the side of the bed and pulled her into his arms. “You were tired, baby.”

  Her confusion had her mind whirling. “I haven’t slept well in over a year and never past eight o’clock.”

  “See, I’m good for you. Wear jeans and boots today. After we eat, we’ll go to my place and saddle the horses for a ride.”

  Lacey jumped out of bed. He grabbed her hand before she rushed off to take a quick shower, and he hugged her tight. “I like you naked.” He swatted her behind when she started to walk off. “Hurry and get dressed or my hunger will be for something besides food.”

  “Oh no, after waking me, you are going to feed me and give me a cup of coffee.”

  “I can get your coffee right now. I made a pot.”

  “A man who’s handy in the kitchen is very valuable,” she said, and closed the bathroom door.

  * * * *

  Hunter whistled as he poured her coffee. Being with her made him happier than he’d expected. He liked her snappy retorts, and he loved touching her body and making love to her. She was very responsive.

  He carried the coffee cup into the bedroom and put it on the side table. He heard the shower and smiled, picturing her with the water falling over her creamy-white skin and her long black hair falling down her back.

  “Down boy,” he murmured when his cock stirred. “We can’t keep the lady in bed all the time. Although I like the idea,” he said to himself.

  In the kitchen, he cleaned the percolator and his cup. When he saw Smitty’s truck, he went out to speak with him.

  “How’s it going?” Hunter asked.

  “I’m just about finished with the garden. She wants to put in the plants herself. She said she’d call if she needs help. For a city slicker, she’s all right.”

  “Her first twelve years of life were spent here. She didn’t forget what she liked.”

  Smitty pushed his old straw hat back from his forehead and glanced behind Hunter. “And I guess you’re part of what she liked.”

  Hunter turned to see a smiling Lacey walking toward them. “I sure hope so.” He waved to the old man and met Lacey halfway.

  She hollered hello to Smitty and then walked with Hunter to his truck.

  “I’m hungry, too. It’s going to cost you,” she said when he opened the door for her.

  “I think I can afford it.”

  Hunter walked around and once in, he asked, “Is Shirley’s okay? There are a few other restaurants in town.”

  “I like her place.”

  “I do, too.” He looked at her intently. His tender expression wrapped around her like a warm blanket. He started to speak, shook his head, and started the engine. “We’ll be at Shirley’s in fifteen minutes.”

  Chapter Nine

  Sunday morning Lacey dressed in black slacks and a pink blouse. She slipped on low-heeled black shoes. Hunter had said they dressed for Sunday dinner. Using two black and silver combs, she pulled her hair back on either side.

  Her stomach tensed, knowing being seen at the family dinner would make them think she and Hunter were serious. He was, but was she?

  A knock on her screen door told her time was up. It was too late to back out now. She grabbed her purse and a light jacket on her way out the door.

  “Hmmm, you smell good and look gorgeous. Mom’s delighted you’re joining us.”

  “What did your brothers say?”

  “I haven’t seen them yet. You and I have spent almost every second this weekend together.”

  “Are you complaining?” she asked.

  He got in the truck and kissed her. Then he gave her a smile that had her pulse racing. “No.” He ran his hand along the side of her face and started to speak, but he sat back and started the truck. “Mom likes punctuality.”

  “I’ll have to ask her how she managed to teach her boys to obey her even after they’re grown.”

  “We love her. Seeing her frown upsets us.”

  As they parked at the home place, Hunter counted the trucks, one car, and Devin’s SUV. “We’re the last to arrive. I hope seeing the whole group at once won’t overwhelm you.”

  “I’m stronger than you think.”

  “Glad to hear it.” He took her hand and walked her to the door.

  His mom must have been watching through the window. She opened the front door before Hunter could knock.

  “Welcome, Lacey, you look lovely.” Mrs. Garrison hugged Lacey and led her and Hunter into the large family room. “I think you know all my men.”

  “Yes, it’s nice to see you all. I can’t get over how big you’ve all grown. When you don’t see people for years, you still visualize them the way you last saw them.”

  Justyn and Joel came over, hugged her, and spun her around. “You grew up mighty fine yourself,” Joel said.

  After them the others came to greet her one by one. A tide of joy washed across Lacey from being in their presence. Mrs. Garrison started to the kitchen and Lacey asked if she might help.

  “Sure. You can fill the tea glasses. We can have a nice cozy talk while we put the food on the table.”

  Lacey hoped the talk wouldn’t be about her and Hunter’s relationship. She followed Mrs. Garrison into the large country kitchen. Glasses had been set by the refrigerator waiting for ice and tea to be added. Lacey headed in that direction.

  They worked quietly side by side. Mrs. Garrison cut the roast into slices and stirred the gravy before pouring it into a gravy bowl.

  “Do you like my son, Hunter?” she asked, breaking the silence.

  “Yes, but we’ve only seen each other a fe
w times since I arrived.”

  Mrs. Garrison nodded and took the roast and gravy to the table. When she returned, she faced Lacey. “I don’t want him hurt. He’s my son with the softest heart.”

  “I can stop seeing him. To be honest I’m not sure I’m ready for a serious relationship. My last involvement ended badly.”

  “What’s holding you back?”

  “Learning to trust again.”

  “One of my boys told me what happened. I don’t like using the computer. I can promise you, not one of my boys, and especially not Hunter, would ever do what that man did to you.”

  “I don’t want be a politician’s wife.” The words slipped out of Lacey’s mouth without thought.

  “Then you’d better end whatever this thing is with Hunter. He’s got his heart set on being part of the state government.”

  “Do you think he’d want to go to Washington?”

  Mrs. Garrison stopped on her way to the dining room. “Don’t marry my Hunter unless you love him enough to accept who he is and his dreams. I’d expect the same from him regarding you.” With those words she took more dishes to the table, and Lacey followed with the glasses. It took one more trip before Hunter’s mom called the men to come eat.

  Hunter came to her side and pulled out her chair. He bent and whispered in her ear. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes. The food smells wonderful.” She bent her head as Mr. Garrison said grace, and then they started passing the platters around.

  One by one the brothers told their father how they were doing in their businesses. Cort, being foreman of the ranch, went into more detail than the others. Fletcher, the overall ranch manager, also discussed the business side.

  “I’ve talked to Heath. I’m sorry he didn’t get here this weekend. But we discussed having a financial person work at the ranch. Heath would be their boss and keep in touch with them.”

  “I’m not sure I like his idea,” Mrs. Garrison said. “He’d come home less often than he does now.”

  “He knew you’d say that, Mom,” Fletch grinned. “Heath promised he’d come as often, and he wouldn’t have to work while he’s here. You’d get more of his time and attention.”

  “Heath is clever.” Mrs. Garrison gave Fletch a hard look. “I’ll talk to him, before you start hiring. If he promises me, he can’t renege.”

  “I’m sure you are cleverer than Heath, Mom,” Fletch said, and the rest laughed.

  “He’s got you there, honey,” Mr. Garrison said.

  Lacey loved the camaraderie around the table. She ate and said little until Devin put her on the spot.

  “You’ve been quiet,” Devin said. “What are your plans for your future in Pleasure Valley?”

  “Give her time,” Hunter said. “She hasn’t been here long enough to know what she wants to do.”

  “I have some ideas. Maybe you all can give me some input. I have no desire to do political work and there isn’t much in this area of Wyoming.” She glanced at Hunter.

  “I’m considering going back to college and studying for my master’s in history. My BS is in history with a minor in political science. Then I’d get my teaching certificate and hope to get a job in the local middle school or high school.”

  “I can see you as a teacher,” Mrs. Garrison said.

  “You’d have good hours, too,” Hunter added. “If you married and had children, you’d have the summers with them.”

  He studied her expression to his words. But Lacey kept her reaction neutral, although her heart soared when he talked about children.

  “Do the rest of you agree with my tentative decision?” Lacey asked, and looked around the table. They all smiled and nodded. “Then I’m going to call the college in Mountain Gulp and see what it takes to register. I’m hoping they have online courses and that I don’t have to drive there often in the winter.”

  “Don’t worry, if you do I’ll drive you, or if I’m not available one of my brothers will. We don’t let Mom drive that far when the weather’s bad, and she’s used to it,” Hunter said.

  “I don’t want to put anyone out.”

  “Honey, you let my boys help you. You aren’t putting them out at all. We help each other in Pleasure Valley.”

  “I guess I could go back to Washington and get my degree. My mom would be happy. Still, if I did, it’d be harder to get away from the family and come back.”

  “If you want to be here, stay. As I said, my boys will help you in the winter with whatever you need.”

  “Thanks. I can’t tell you how much I’m impressed with your family.” She looked at Mr. and Mrs. Garrison. “You’ve done a good job.”

  “All except none of them are married. I want to be a grandma.”

  Joel bumped Justyn’s shoulder. “I told you she couldn’t go one Sunday dinner without mentioning the word marriage. Pay up.”

  “You bet on me?” Mrs. Garrison frowned at her twins.

  “Not exactly, Mom,” Joel said, looking sheepish as his mother gave both of them a stern look. “Justyn, you will not pay your brother.”

  Justyn grinned.

  “Don’t smile too soon,” his mother said. “I’m sure Cort can use some help cleaning out the barn.” She looked at Cort.

  “Yes, ma’am. They can go home, change clothes, and start today. It may take more than one day.”

  “That’s what I thought. You two are excused to go home and change,” Mrs. Garrison said.

  Joel and Justyn plodded out the door. They heard Justyn snap at Joel. “You would speak in front of Mom. You’re doing the hardest work.”

  Once they were out of hearing range, the rest of the brothers laughed heartily. Hunter turned to Lacey. “See what I mean about her frown?” he whispered. “There are always consequences.”

  After they said good-bye, Hunter drove down the road to his house. He helped Lacey out. “Shall we have a cola and sit on the back porch?”

  “I’d like to sit and talk.”

  “I figured Mom said something when you two were in the kitchen. I’m learning to read your expressions.” He opened the door and they went to the kitchen. He took out two large glasses and filled them with ice. Then he held up two cold cans, one a cola and the other an orange drink.

  “Do you really drink that stuff?” Lacey nodded to the orange soda pop.

  “I like it. So do several of my brothers.”

  Lacey grinned. “Make mine cola.”

  “I don’t expect you want any more to eat, but Mom did send cookies with us.”

  “I might find room for one of her chocolate chip cookies.”

  “Go on out to the porch and sit. I’ll bring the drinks and cookies.”

  She went through the family room to the long porch. There were two tables with soft cushioned chairs. She stopped at the closest and sat. A cool breeze blew around her. Lacey started to go get her jacket, but she didn’t want to move.

  Instead, she thought about the conversations with Mrs. Garrison and the others around the table. Hunter’s mom was right. She must love Hunter without reservation or stop seeing him.

  Hunter came through the door. He set the tray with the drinks and cookies on the table, took her jacket from where it hung on his arm, and placed it around her shoulders.

  “I suspected you’d be cold.”

  “Thanks, I was too lazy to get up.” She picked up her drink and shook her head at Hunter’s orange soda. “It appears there are more interesting tidbits I don’t know about you.”

  “I drank this”—he held up his glass—“when we knew each other as kids.”

  “I know, but most kids choose a different drink when they’re grown.”

  “Maybe I’m stuck in my twelve-year-old persona when I’m eating and drinking.”

  “Whatever, you’re cute.”

  “Cute? Not handsome, enticing, sexy?” he teased.

  “Perhaps.”

  “I need to work harder.” He moved his chair closer and put his hand on her thigh. “Does this do
anything for you?”

  “It might.”

  “There are times I hate pants on women, like now. I can’t rub your soft skin.”

  Lacey straightened and drew away from him. “We need to talk. You mother and I had an interesting discussion. She was right about us.”

  Hunter leaned back in his chair. A line of worry creased his brow. “What did she say?”

  “That we must love each other completely, regardless of what we want to do or our dreams. I’d told her I didn’t want to be a politician’s wife.”

  He stared out at the mountains and didn’t speak for some minutes. Lacey got restless and worried.

  Finally, he faced her. “I’d thought, given time, you might change your mind. Being my wife would be different than your first marriage, no matter what my career. You can see how important my family and I are to each other. I’d want to keep that closeness. I’d never move away from Pleasure Valley for good. But I might go temporarily during the time required by my elected office. That is where I stand. Do you think there’s a possibility you might be able to live with my decision?”

  She knew from his drawn expression he was serious. He wasn’t going to change his mind. A pain gripped her in her middle.

  Hunter took her hand. “If we continue dating, we may find we only want to be friends, but I think we’d both want more. I’d promise to not make decisions without your input, and if you had reasonable concerns we’d address them.”

  “Reasonable?” Lacey raised her eyebrow. “And who decides what’s reasonable? You? I think you’d better take me home.”

  He didn’t try to talk her out of it. Hunter was polite and pleasant and gave her a quick kiss at her door. She watched his truck until it went out of sight and her heart ached. She’d have a lot to talk about with Kyra during their next meeting.

  Chapter Ten

  Kyra greeted Lacey and motioned for her to sit. “How was your weekend?” she asked as she walked around her desk to her chair.

  “The party and weekend went well, but as usual Hunter and I had a falling out on Sunday evening.”

  “Let’s start with the party. Tell me about how you felt meeting old and new friends.”