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

by Paige Cameron

  Lacey told her about the rocky start with the woman, who’d dated Hunter previously, telling the others about her past. “Devin asked her to leave, and she stomped off.”

  “What was her name?” Kyra asked, a worried frown on her face.

  “She introduced herself as Cornelia. I didn’t hear her last name.”

  “How did the rest of the day go?”

  Lacey smiled at the thought of the horseshoe game. She told Kyra all about it and having Sunday dinner with the family.

  “Mrs. Garrison warned me not to hurt Hunter, in a nice way. She said we needed to love each other regardless of what we each wanted to do with our lives. I told her I didn’t want to be a politician’s wife.”

  “Ah, so that caused the disagreement between you two.”

  “His dream of going into politics is our stumbling block.”

  Kyra leaned back in her chair and studied Lacey. “Tell me, did you allow yourself to grieve over your husband’s death?”

  “I know there are many stages of grief. Anger is one of them. So if being terribly angry counts, then yes I did.”

  “Lacey”—Kyra stood and walked around her desk—“if you don’t resolve your anger, you won’t be able to move forward in your life. The experience of last year will affect all your decisions. I think Hunter was wise to step back. You can’t truly love someone else. Not yet.”

  “But how do I get rid of the anger that’s built up inside me since the first time I realized my husband had cheated on me? He said he’d never do it again. But women appeared to enjoy letting me know whenever he had a new girlfriend.” Lacey stopped and took a breath. “Damn it, when he died I wanted to go to the morgue and beat on him.”

  Her face flushed and tears ran down her cheeks. She jumped out of her chair. “I didn’t mean that.”

  “All your anger regarding your husband’s death wasn’t just because he’d died with his mistress in the car,” Kyra said.

  Lacey sat back down. “What do you mean?”

  “You’d known he was cheating on you. It wasn’t a total shock.”

  “No, you’re right. I knew and wanted to believe he’d mature and change, especially since I’d just found out I was pregnant.”

  “Did he know?” Kyra asked.

  “We’d planned to go out to dinner the next night. I’d suggested it, and he’d surprised me by not coming up with an excuse of why he couldn’t go. I was looking forward to telling him.” Lacey looked up from staring at her hands and faced Kyra. “Silly me, I thought it might make a difference, and we’d find our way back together.”

  “Did you get pregnant to try and save your marriage?” Kyra looked intently at Lacey.

  “No. Ironically, I forgot a pill a few weeks before. It’d happened once or twice since we’d been married and nothing happened. I didn’t worry about it since I made him use a condom.”

  Kyra nodded her head. “You did it to protect yourself since you couldn’t trust him.”

  “Yes, you understand.”

  “I do.”

  “Whatever, the condom must have had a tiny hole in it or something. All those things came together to create a surprise baby. I was shocked when the doctor told me I was pregnant.”

  “How long did you carry the baby?”

  “It took me a few days to get used to the idea myself, and then I planned the dinner to tell Ray. I lost our child two weeks after the accident.”

  “Did anyone know, or did you keep the pain inside with no one to share it with?”

  “Doreen knew. I talked to her.”

  “Your anger is understandable. You lost your husband and you were exposed to some hurtful media exposure, and then you had a miscarriage. But to heal yourself you must rid yourself of the anger and look to the future. It’s been a year and you’ve held it tight as a protection from more pain.” Kyra leaned forward and spoke in a soft voice. “I believe you are brave enough to let the anger go and start a new life. I want you to think about what steps you’d need to take to accomplish that goal.”

  “That’s your advice. I have to find a way to rid myself of my anger. I could have figured that out on my own.”

  Kyra smiled gently at her. “I have no doubt you might have.” Lacey grabbed her purse and fled out of the office.

  “Lacey, phone me if you need me. Otherwise I’ll see you Friday,” Kyra called out as Lacey rushed out the front door and ran right into Devin.

  “Whoa, slow down.” He grabbed her by the arms. “What’s happened?” He glanced at the office behind her.

  Devin put his arm around her shoulder, walked her to his SUV, and helped her in. “I’ve just been down the street seeing about listing a place. I don’t know about you, but I need some lunch.” He pulled out and turned back toward Shirley’s.

  “I don’t want anyone to see me this way,” she mumbled.

  “We’ll sit and talk until you feel like getting out.” Devin parked his SUV to the side of the building. “We have some privacy in this spot.”

  Gradually the tears stopped. Devin waited patiently.

  “You’re the last person I thought would want to have anything to do with a hysterical woman.”

  “I have my good moments,” he said, bringing a slight smile to her face. “And I believe I understand a little of what you are experiencing.”

  “How would you?” Lacey gave him a suspicious look. “Has Hunter been talking to you?”

  “No, I haven’t seen him since Sunday dinner. But from your comment, I’d guess you two argued again.”

  “We didn’t argue. We had a sensible discussion and realized we can’t come to a compromise.”

  “Wow, that’s worse than arguing.”

  “Kyra said I have to quit being mad at my deceased husband before I can love someone else or know what I want in life.”

  “She sounds like a smart woman. You know I’m adopted, right?”

  “Sure, but everyone sees you as another son to the Garrisons. No one comments about your adoption.”

  “True. Mom and Dad made sure I became an intrinsic member of the family. They cherished me, and believe me, I didn’t make it easy for them.

  “When I came to live with them, I was furious at the world and especially at my mother and father for dying.” Devin looked out the window. “I didn’t believe my adopted mom and dad loved me. It was all an act, and anyway I wasn’t going to stop being mad.”

  “What happened to change your mind?” Lacey asked.

  He had a pensive look about him, and then he smiled softly. “I was throwing another fit one day, stomping around the room screaming, and I flung my hand out and broke a glass figurine that I knew Mom valued.” Devin stopped and took a breath. “You better not tell anyone else what I’m saying, not even Hunter.”

  “I won’t. I promise.”

  Devin nodded. “I fell on the floor and started crying. Big sobs tore out of my chest. Mom got on the floor with me and put her arms around my thrashing body. She whispered in my ear, ‘Let it all out, son. All the anger you have for your parents because they left you.’ She wiped my face with her apron. Then she added, ‘They didn’t want to leave. They loved you very much. To be certain you’d be all right, they’d arranged with us to take you if the unexpected happened.’

  “We sat on the floor while she explained they’d had a mutual agreement regarding their children. She said each knew if something happened to the other, their children would be loved and cared for as their own.”

  “I’m glad you had such wonderful people to adopt you, but how does that compare to my situation?” Lacey asked.

  “Anger is anger. It corrodes from inside out. You are angry because the man you loved not only left you, but he embarrassed you and destroyed your faith in relationships. I was mad because I thought my parents shouldn’t have gone anywhere without me. They left me behind.” Devin stared out the window for a minute and then he looked back at her.

  “You’re furious because he ruined even the good feelings and
memories you’d had for each other at the beginning. Forgive him, Lacey.”

  “I’ll try, but I don’t know where to start.”

  “Think about it. Listen to the voice inside you. And that is all I have to say.” He grinned at her. “Let’s eat.” When he helped her out of the truck, he leaned close and whispered. “And don’t you dare tell my brothers I talked this long and intimately to you. They’d never let me live it down.”

  She rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek just as Hunter came around the corner. He stopped in shock.

  “Damn, don’t get the wrong idea,” Devin said.

  “Devin gave me a ride when I literally ran into him. Anyway, we aren’t attached.” She walked by Hunter and went inside the diner.

  If she hadn’t walked fast, Lacy feared she’d have thrown herself into his arms. Being held tight to him kept all her hurt and fears at bay, but she couldn’t rely on him or anyone else. She had to find her strength and become the strong woman she once was.

  * * * *

  “Should I punch you?” Hunter asked with a grin.

  “No, I’d like her as a sister, but she’s not my type, and we don’t take each other’s women.”

  “You heard her. She’s not my woman.”

  “Give her time. Will you join us for lunch?”

  “I saw your vehicle and was coming to ask you to eat with me. Let’s go sit with Lacey.” Hunter grinned. “I like her sassy side.”

  It’d only been a few days, but Hunter had missed her more than he wanted to admit. She gave him a cautious look when he sat across the table from her beside his brother.

  “Neither of you have any bruises, so I guess you didn’t act like Neanderthals.”

  “Not today.” Hunter smiled. “Devin said you were crying.”

  “Yes, we talked and I feel better. And don’t get a big head. It wasn’t about you.” She raised her chin and met his gaze straight on.

  “I told Devin I like your feisty side.”

  “May I get your orders?” The waitress stood beside the table. “Do you need menus? You guys usually know what you want.”

  “I’ll have the roast beef, mashed potatoes, and green beans,” Devin said. “And add a piece of blackberry pie to my order.”

  “You must be hungry,” Lacey said.

  “Dealing with a crying woman is more tiring than riding an ornery bull,” Devin said, but he had a grin on his face.

  “I’ll take what he’s having, only make my pie lemon meringue,” Hunter added.

  The waitress turned to Lacey. “What about you?”

  “The same as them.” She nodded at Hunter and Devin. “It sounds delicious. But I’ll have apple pie with ice cream.”

  “And to drink?” the waitress asked them.

  “Coffee for us,” Devin said.

  “Iced tea, please.” Lacey smiled at their waitress.

  “I’ll be back with your drinks.”

  “How’s the garden coming?” Hunter asked.

  “I planted most of my seeds yesterday. Muscles ached that I didn’t know I had. I’m out of shape. I saw an exercise gym on the edge of town. Is it good?”

  Hunter nodded. “From what Mom says, a lot of the ladies go there. Check with her. She’s goes with a group of friends twice a week.”

  “I will. I’d be more apt to keep up with going if I’m meeting others there.”

  “Did you call the college?” Devin asked.

  “I went online. They’re sending me an application and a list of courses I’d need to take.”

  “It sounds like you plan to be here for a while,” Hunter said.

  “At least ninety days.” She nodded at Devin. “He has me locked into a three-month lease.”

  “Thank goodness,” Hunter said. Their eyes met for a brief second.

  He wanted to take her in his arms and comfort her. He saw the confusion and pain deep in her eyes. Whatever had happened upset her.

  Yesterday, he’d called a woman he’d interviewed before Lacey arrived. She was going to be his campaign manager. He’d put her on hold, hoping Lacey would do the job, but it wasn’t going to happen. Magdalena would be arriving at three to discuss plans.

  Hunter hated having to decide between Lacey and the career he’d dreamed about. You might as well accept it. She isn’t going to change and neither are you.

  After they ate, Hunter offered to drive Lacey to her car. Lacey walked outside with him and Devin.

  “Thanks, but I need the exercise after the big meal I ate. I’ll see you two around.” She crossed the street and didn’t look back.

  “Why can’t I get her out of my thoughts?”

  “You’re in love.”

  “What are you, a psychic?”

  “No, Hunter. But I know you, and I’ve never seen a woman twist you into knots. The old Hunter would walk off.”

  “Damn it, I’m afraid you’re right.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I’ve got an appointment at three. I’m going to run home for a few minutes. Do you have time to stop at my place for a beer on your way home tonight?”

  “I will. However, what Lacey told me was in confidence. If you’re hoping to find out why she was crying, that’s not going to happen.”

  “I won’t ask.”

  “See you around six, then.”

  Hunter got in his truck and headed home. He wanted an hour alone to think before his meeting.

  * * * *

  Lacey drove back to the ranch. She opened all the windows to let in the breeze, checked her garden, and stood in the warm sunshine watering her seeds. Hearing a noise, she looked down the drive and saw Smitty in his old truck.

  He parked and got out dressed in his overalls as usual, with his suspenders. Smitty ambled in her direction.

  “I gather you planted your seeds.”

  “Yesterday. Are you here to check on the animals?”

  “Yes, but first I need to talk with you.”

  “I have a jug of sweet iced tea and a coffee cake I baked last night. Sit on the swing. I’ll bring you some.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” He continued around the edge of the house to the back porch.

  Lacey cut him a big piece of coffee cake and poured two glasses of iced tea. She carried them out to the table near the swing.

  Smitty got off the swing and sat at the table. After a few bites, he smiled. “You’re a good cook. Aren’t you going to have some of the cake?”

  “I had a huge meal at Shirley’s Place.”

  Once he had eaten the last bite, he suggested they sit on the swing while they drank their tea.

  Neither spoke at first. The swing moved gently back and forth.

  “I remember having a swing when we lived here,” Lacey said. “I loved to sit on it in the evenings.”

  “Your dad built that swing.”

  Lacey head jerked around, and she stared at Smitty. “I didn’t remember him building it.”

  “He did. He wasn’t a good father, but he had his moments.”

  “You like him,” Lacey stated.

  “Yes. I respect how he straightened out his life.”

  “It was too late for my sisters and me.”

  “It’s never too late unless you’re dead.”

  Lacey stared at him. She stood and sat at the table, facing Smitty. “What did you want to tell me?”

  “He’d like to see you.”

  “He, meaning my biological father?” A headache began to form at the back of her neck.

  “You know who I mean. Forgiveness is good for the soul.” Smitty’s words hammered into her heart.

  “I seem to be hearing that a lot lately. I’m to forgive my cheating husband, and a father who left my mother with three babies to raise on her own.”

  “I suspect there isn’t a man in this world you trust, little lady. How can you live not trusting half the population?”

  “Are you through?”

  “Yep, I said what I had to say. I’ll go see to the animals. But if you decide to see him,
I’ll arrange the meeting for you.” He sauntered off before she could answer.

  Lacey wanted to hit something. She’d turned off the hose when Smitty drove up, so she went inside and got out the ingredients to make bread. She’d seen a fairly easy recipe in one of Mrs. Francis’s cooking books.

  Once she had the dough mixed, she pounded on it, time and again until her hand was sore and tears ran down her face. She cried for the loss of her father when he left the family and for the marriage that didn’t work, and especially for her baby she lost. She thought about a baby with Hunter’s dark hair and blue eyes. The thought of trying again both excited and frightened her. What if she miscarried a second time? But if she decided to marry Hunter she’d hope they had children. She glanced down at the dough and winced. After dumping it in the trash, she started over. This time she didn’t beat the bread dough as hard.

  To cover up the emptiness and quiet, Lacey turned on the television. With the bread in the oven, she sat to watch a comedy, but really to let her brain rest.

  Her cell rang when she’d started to relax. She glanced at the number. It was her mother. She hesitated and then answered.

  “Hi, Mom, what’s up?”

  “I might ask you the same. We haven’t heard from you since your first call saying you’d arrived.”

  Lacey told her about renting the house and starting a garden. She kept the conversation light and short.

  “I’m glad you decided to rent instead of buy. I still believe you’ll want to come home. And the reason I called was to remind you that Alex and I are having our anniversary party two weeks from today, and your sister Josephine’s thirty-third birthday is soon. We’re having a family party for her the next day. I do hope we can count on you being with us.”

  “It’s a long trip back. I’d have to ask someone to drive me to the nearest big airport, and I’m just getting settled.”

  “Lacey, the whole family will be here. You must come.” Her mother’s voice was cold and exact.

  “I’ll see what I can arrange. I’m not promising.”

  “We’ll expect you to arrive at least a day before the activities.” Her mother hung up.

  Lacey clicked off her cell phone. She hated it when her mother became demanding. She couldn’t fly to Washington for every occasion.