“No! This one has been done too many times. There is no way I can do this one.”
“Sarah, honey, just try it.”
“Damn it, Bucky, how can I sing a song that has been done by the great Etta James and Beyonce Knowles. They have the best voices in the industry, and you want me to try and top them? It won’t work,” she said, getting up to refill her coffee.
“I don’t want you to top them, just sing it. You have a very distinctive voice, and you know it. Nobody can sing like you. I figure you could play around with it a little but keep the basic premise there. Just try it.”
“What about that country song. I don’t even like country music. It won’t work.”
“Oh, I thought ol’ Mister Cowboy in there would get a kick out of that one,” he said, laughing. “So stop your complaining, and let’s get it going. We will start with the country one first.”
Sarah just rolled her eyes and grabbed a glass of water. She accepted the sheet music that Bucky handed her and went to go sit on the stool the boys had set up for her. Facing them, she got comfortable and started going over the lines. After a couple of minutes, she gave them her nod, and the music started to softly play.
* * * *
He woke to sounds of a familiar song with a new, soft, jazzy twist that filled the room, but it was her voice that had him getting hard.
He smiled.
Stretching, he got out of bed and walked toward the beautiful woman he knew was waiting on him. As he walked down the hall, rubbing his eyes, he made it to the end of the hall and stopped. There in the large living room, she sat in front of five men, all smiling at her as they played their instruments, entranced by her. A tall, black man walked over to him and shook his hand. “I’m Bucky. She’s amazing, isn’t she?” he whispered.
Mark couldn’t say anything. He stood mesmerized as she sang one of his favorite songs, “Crazy” by Patsy Cline.
She was even better live and in person. Her twist on the song gave it a seductive, sweltering sound as he imagined her only singing for him. Her luscious voice made him tingle in places he never thought existed. Making his way closer, her voice pulled him, as if she was his only lifeline.
She slowly turned and smiled. He watched her stand and move toward him. Wrapping her arms around him, she sang only to him, and before Mark knew it, they were slowly swaying to the soft sounds in the room.
As she continued to sing, the front door slowly opened, and in walked the rest of the Armstrongs. Quietly they all gathered around the living room and sat, listening to her enchanting voice. All smiling as she sang her heart out to Mark, it was a captivating performance, and though some felt they were intruding, they, too, were all drawn to her.
Mark held her in his arms, enthralled by her. She was more than he ever imagined, and she loved him and only him. As she finished, Mark leaned down and kissed the woman who had enthralled his heart and held it in the palm of her hands.
The sounds of claps around the room broke his special moment, as they both turned and saw them all staring and smiling. Sarah blushed and hid her face in Mark’s chest while he just laughed.
“That was absolutely beautiful, love. Magnificent!” Bucky clapped.
“Yeah, gorgeous. I must admit, that was something else.” Matthew smiled.
“You guys haven’t heard anything yet.” Bucky grinned and walked over to hand her the sheet he was most anxious for her to sing. Sarah took the sheet music and smiled. She led Mark by the hand and motioned for him to sit on the stool, and she took another sip of her water. When she was ready, she gave her nod again, and they all waited on bated breath for her to begin.
The music once again filled the room, and right before their eyes, Mark listened to her sing “At Last” by Etta James.
For the next hour she sang the list of songs, putting her own mark on them. The family gathered around, making a breakfast, laughing and smiling as Sarah entertained them all. When the band had finished and left, the family sat around the table and ate.
Sarah had never felt more alive before in her life.
Looking around, she finally knew.
So this is what it’s like to have a big family?
She marveled in the feeling. It was everything that she imagined and more. The brothers joked around, laughed, and picked on each other. They could be themselves, with no pretenses, no expectations, just themselves. They didn’t hide anything. A feeling of love flowed through her as she watched them all. She had never felt so blessed in her life.
* * * *
“So what are we going to do today?” Mitchell asked the family.
“Well, I have to call Rachael and make sure she keeps her doctor’s appointment before she decides to have that baby at home. She is determined to have her way, but I want her ass in a clean, sterile environment with a doctor with a bunch of letters after his name. After that I am free,” Michael advised them. “Oh, Sarah, Rachael told me to tell you to hurry and get your butt to Texas. She is eager to meet you.” He smiled.
“Marcus, Mason, and I are going to down to Bourbon Street and get our feel of the local life,” Matthew replied.
“Yeah, maybe we can cause a little trouble down here and show these people how to party Texas style.” Marcus laughed, elbowing Mason, who laughed along.
“Well, since the season is over tomorrow, Mitch is trying to get me to go to California. I figure that is one state which hasn’t had the pleasure of my wonderful temperament.” Bridget smiled.
“Yeah, I give her one hour before the state makes her leave. But at least we will have that one hour all to ourselves,” Mitch said, kissing his wife’s neck. “What about you two?” Bridget asked, looking at Mark and Sarah.
“We have something lined up.” Mark and Sarah grinned, looking at MH who also smiled, as he was apparently in on the secret.
“Your ass is supposed to be at practice at one o’clock. Did coach change the time?” Bridget asked, grabbing her PalmPilot and going through her calendar.
“It’s not an appointment,” Mark advised her.
“Look, Mark, the commissioner was very serious. One more infraction and he will bust your ass,” Bridget insinuated firmly.
Sarah smiled and looked at Bridget. If she only knew what they had planned, she would flip. She learned rather quickly that Bridget Pearson was a high maintenance, highly opinionated, and demanding woman. She liked Bridget a lot. She could be funny at times, but more than ever, Bridget was the pushiest woman she had ever met.
Looking at her now, sitting across the table, Bridget was dressed impeccably. Her crisp pantsuit looked very expensive, and it wouldn’t surprise her one bit if it was actually tailor-made. Her Manolo Blahnik’s were fresh off the runway from New York’s fashion week, and the diamonds in her ears probably cost more than her first home. Yes, it was safe to say that Bridget loved the finer things in life.
But it was her high-handedness and her uncanny ability to make things happen that surprised her the most. Bridget was an intensity that had no end. And at this moment, she was staring directly at Mark, demanding an explanation.
After making love last night, she and Mark stayed awake and talked about how recent events shaped their futures. With the upcoming championships and the unexpected pregnancy, Mark had confided to her that he was ready to take a break from football. He admitted that the love he once felt for the game wasn’t as strong, and he wanted to be able to play with his kids before injuries prohibited that from happening. He told her that after that day in the emergency room, when he thought he had lost her forever, it had changed him. Now, football didn’t seem as important anymore. He wanted to marry her right away and be there for the whole pregnancy, even if or when she went on her first tour.
Sarah wasn’t so sure that he would want to quit football permanently, but she supported his decision if it was what he truly wanted.
As she looked at him, he smiled and kissed her hand. “Don’t worry. He will be on his best behavior,” she said, looking at
Mark and asked, “Shall we tell them?”
“Nope. I want my wedding drama-free, and that ain’t gonna happen with this crowd around.”
Sarah nearly jumped out of her chair when Bridget screamed, but it was the brothers who were the most vocal. The looks on their faces were priceless, but as the realization sank in, the next thing she knew she was being passed around, hugged, kissed, and mauled by all the Armstrong brothers.
* * * *
“Thank you for doing this,” Sarah whispered as she laced her hand in the crook of his arm. She had never been so nervous before in her entire life.
“The pleasure is all mine, Sarah.” MH smiled.
She still couldn’t believe that Bucky had thrown all this together in such a short time. Even with Bridget’s help, this day was going to be something she remembered for the rest of her life.
Standing in the small parish chapel, she waited patiently for the double doors to open. Dressed in a simple white dress, which Bridget bought on a whim, Sarah had never felt so beautiful. Her long hair cascaded down around her, and when Marcus ran up to her handing her a bouquet of yellow daisies, she wanted to cry.
She could hear the organ playing a soft melody, and then when her nerves couldn’t take anymore, the doors opened.
“You ready, sweetheart?” MH asked.
“Yes,” she whispered softly.
Walking down the short aisle, Sarah looked up and smiled. Mark was standing there in a beautifully tailored blue suit, hair trimmed, and he was smiling. His brothers stood beside him, all lined up from youngest to oldest. Damn, they were a handsome bunch.
Never in her whole life had she thought this day would finally come. Living alone, she had resolved herself to the fact that just maybe she wasn’t cut out for happily ever after. That was until she met Mark. He showed her that if she wanted something badly, she should go after it, never giving up.
And he never did.
He pursued her and fought for her when many would have just walked away. He was her rock, someone she could lean on when things got too bad. She loved him so much, sometimes she felt her heart would burst.
The love she saw in his eyes was more than she could take. Her heart burst with joy at the thought of living her life with this man. In the short time they had been together, he weaseled his way into her heart. He was a good man, a loving man, a compassionate man.
And he was about to be hers.
Reaching the front of the church, MH turned and kissed her check, whispering, “Welcome to the family, sweetheart.”
Smiling, Sarah felt her eyes tear.
She was part of a family. No longer on the outside looking in, she was part of something grander than her. She wasn’t alone anymore. She had Mark.
Reaching out for his hand, she looked lovingly up into his eyes. There were so many things she wanted to say to him, but words were not enough.
“You sure you want to chain yourself to this crowd?” Mark smiled, pointing back to his brothers.
Sarah giggled. “Absolutely.”
“Well padre, you heard the woman. Get’em hitched before she changes her mind.” MH smiled, slapping Mark on the back.
Laughter rang out as the preacher started to speak.
Chapter 18
It was the day of the national championship game, and Mark woke, relaxed and at peace. For the first time in his life, everything seemed to fall into place. Worries of the past were forgotten, and he looked forward to his future.
Rolling over, he looked at his sleeping beauty. He still couldn’t believe she was actually his. He kissed the tip of her nose then her forehead, smiling when she snuggled deeper into the bed.
Getting up, he headed into the bathroom and started running the shower. His whole body felt alive. He couldn’t believe a whole night of making love could be so physically fulfilling. Stepping into the shower, the hot water felt good against his body as he let it pelt him. He could feel himself begin to relax as he heard her walk in the bathroom.
“Mornin’, wife.”
“Morning, husband. You going to be in there long?” she asked sheepishly.
“Just got in, why?”
“Move over. I’m not waiting,” she said as she moved the shower door out of her way and stepped into the warmth. Mark moved to allow the water to hit her, and she purred. “Oh God, this feels good.” She stood there under the warm running water as Mark grabbed the shampoo and meticulously washed every inch of her body.
Paying special attention to her abdomen, Mark playfully trailed little circles around the area. He laughed every time she giggled as it tickled, and then as if he couldn’t help himself, he got down on his knees and did something that surprised her. There on his knees, he kissed her stomach.
“You’re not mad?” she asked him.
Mark looked up at her and questioned, “Why would I be mad?”
“I just thought that maybe you would think it was too soon.”
“Sarah.” He smiled, getting to his feet. “I am overjoyed. I am so happy I feel like shouting it to the world.”
“Are you sure?” she asked again.
“I love you, wife,” he began. “I am so happy right now, you have no idea.”
“Really?” she said, about to cry.
“Yes, you crazy girl, yes!” He laughed and hugged her. “But are you happy?” he asked.
Sarah looked up at him and smiled. It was an honest, heartfelt smile that reached her eyes. “I am happy, but I have to be honest, I am a little scared.” She worried, touching his face.
“What are you worried about?” He grew concerned.
“What’s going to happen when the media finds out?” she asked.
Mark knew that was going to be a problem, and he was already preparing for it. He, Bridget, and his father had a plan, and if everything went well, nobody would know. He had made a promise to her when she was in the hospital, and he was going to do everything in his power to keep it.
He watched as her expression of worry turned to fear. ‘Sarah, when you’re ready, we will issue a press release, but not until you’re ready. I don’t want anyone upsetting you. I won’t allow it,” he affirmed, hugging her. “Just relax and let me take care of it. Okay?”
“Okay,” she whispered.
“Come on, let’s get dried off and go eat something. Bridget told me you didn’t eat anything yesterday.”
* * * *
They were eating breakfast when a loud knock at the door made her jump. Her heart began to race, and for one moment Mark actually thought she was going to run from the room. He gently placed his hand on hers and smiled. “It’s all right. It’s just my family.”
“Sorry, I just keep expecting this all to end,” she said, trying to calm herself.
“Just relax, Sarah. We’re married now. Let me take care of this. I have it covered,” he said and went to go let them in.
“Hey, brother!” Michael said, slapping him on the back. “Ready for the big game?” he said, walking over to Sarah and kissing her cheek. “Morning, gorgeous.”
“Hey, move over, Mikie. It’s my turn to kiss my new sister,” Mitchell said, shoving Michael out of the way. “Hey, beautiful!” he said and kissed her right on the lips.
“I saw that, asshole,” Bridget said, slapping him on the back of the head.
“Ignore them. They have been at it all morning. How are you feeling, darlin’?” Matthew asked, kneeling before her and checking her pulse and coloring. “You’re a little warm.”
“Just anxious,” she replied.
“Why? Don’t worry about Mark. He’ll do just fine today,” Mason said, kissing her forehead. Marcus walked over and punched him right in the arm. “You dork, she wasn’t talkin’ about the doofus!” he shouted and turned to her. “Hey, Sarah. Want some coffee? I can make a fresh pot. The stuff they serve here sucks,” he asked.
“Uh, no thank you,” she said, looking at Mark then MH.
Mark just shook his head no, knowing what she was asking. It did
n’t take but one second for Mitchell to catch the exchange between the two of them. “So,” he drawled out. “What’s the big secret?” he asked, walking closer to his twin.
“Bridget, can’t you control your husband?” Mark asked, getting annoyed at his nosey twin.
“Can you?” she countered.
“Oh, I’m drooling. Come on man, spill it,” Mitchell said, grabbing Mark by the shirt.
“Mitchell Ross Armstrong! You leave him alone. You hear me,” Bridget shouted at him. Mitch looked at his wife, and when she smiled, he knew she knew. “Aw, come on. She knows!” he said, looking at his brother.
“So do I, and I suggest you listen to your wife. For once I agree with her,” MH said, sitting next to Bridget.
“She knows, because she will take it to the grave or her ass is fired for real!” Mark said, looking at the smiling blonde woman.
“My lips are sealed,” she replied with a smile. “Now we have five hours before you have to be at the stadium. So I suggest you eat and relax.” She began giving orders as usual, and as usual most of the Armstrong men groaned and covered their ears. “Sarah, have you taken your meds yet?” she asked.
“No, I was just about to,” she replied, getting up.
“You just sit your butt back down. I’ll get them. Are they still on the counter in the bathroom?” she asked, walking toward the bedroom, and stopped when her phone rang.
“Yes,” Sarah replied softly.
“I’ll go get them,” Matthew offered and quickly disappeared into the room.
Sarah turned to watch Mark hurdle the couch, yelling at Matthew. “Mattie, you stay out of that bathroom!” he shouted, running into the back room.
That was all it took for the remaining brothers to run after Mark to find out the big mystery.
As Sarah sat there petrified, waiting for the inevitable, it didn’t take long before she heard them all shouting their congratulations.
Bridget walked over to her and sat down “What a bunch of idiots! And to think I am now forever shackled to the biggest idiot of them all.” She huffed.
The Texas Rebel [The Armstrong Brothers of Cedar Creek 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 23