by Lynda Rees
Learning through fire how to forgive provided a heavy lesson she’d been steadily working on since Simon. She’d gotten good at it lately. She forgave Dad for dying on his young daughter and found clemency for Mom and Gran. Sam hadn’t done anything requiring forgiveness—but she had.
Resolve fell away, and the misconception righted. Wrongly judging Sam unfairly, she’d taken the coward’s easy way out. She should’ve confronted him.
Sam wasn’t easily forgotten, and she wasn’t over him. She never would be. Thank goodness for his tenaciousness.
“Sam, I’m sorry. I misjudged you. Can you forgive me? You sure you’re not married?” She sheepishly grimaced.
His brilliant smile expressed as much as words could. “Hell no, I’m not married. I’ve never met anyone worth it. Then I met you. There’s nothing to forgive. Considering the strain you were under and how Simon deceived you, no wonder you misinterpreted what you witnessed. I should’ve explained where I went. No big secret, but I didn’t want to share you yet. Instead, my mistake, I kept you in the dark thinking I had a business dinner. Look where it got us. I’m glad it’s cleared up now, before you do something rash.” Holding her hand he stroked her ring finger with his thumb.
Sam had forgiven her. At some other time, Tisha might’ve reacted better, more appropriately. Going through hell at the time and seeing Sam with Clara and Sara had been the last straw. She broke under the strain. Maybe she needed to forgive herself.
“You did a balancing act trying to survive the pit of sin you were thrown into. I should’ve been more sensitive and not left the evening open for interpretation. I screwed up.”
“Stop trying to take the blame, Sam. Thank you for not holding it against me.”
“How? I adore you, Tisha. You’re the love of my life. Don’t marry the dude I saw you with earlier. Marry me.” Reaching into his pocket going down on one knee, he flipped a box open revealing a large emerald-cut sapphire ring with square diamonds on either side.
Her breath caught in her throat, and she blinked back tears of joy.
“Tisha, you’re the woman for me. I bought this while we were in Kentucky before the misunderstanding occurred. I had it designed specifically for you and picked it up a couple days before you left. I meant to give it to you on our next date, but never got to see you again.”
Sam sucked the air from the room. Tisha’s breath came in short gasps, unable to speak, not wanting to break the spell.
“It isn’t a traditional engagement ring, but you aren’t a traditional gal. You deserve something special on your hand. Why don’t you have your engagement ring on? Did you take it off for the ceremony?” He handed the tiny box toward her. “I intended to ask you to marry me before we flew home to New York. Be my wife. Please?”
Tisha accepted the container. Tears fell from her smiling eyes as she gently fingered the sparkling gems.
“When Lola told me you came here, I flew straight from Kentucky. I had to stop the wedding.” He hesitated watching her face. A sly smile started to cautiously form there. “Marry me and make my life complete.”
“Sam, I didn’t come to Vegas to get married. Kelle did.”
“Seriously?” His eyes went wide and mouth opened. “The man I saw you with earlier? This will ruin his Vegas vacation.”
“No Worries! Cory, Kelle’s dad, isn’t here for me.” She smirked amused at his misconception and winked.
Sam laughed. Ease of getting the wrong idea made communication vital. “Sam, are you sure? We’ve known each other a short time.”
“You’re right, but yes, I’m positive. Never in my life have I been so confident.”
Believing him, she allowed him to take her hand. “Pain of being apart has been unbearable.” She swiped a tear with the back of her hand. “No one has affected my heart the way you have. I love you, Sam.”
He slipped the sparkling stone onto her ring finger. Candlelight glistened its blessing in the stone as though grateful finding its home. It fit perfectly. So did Sam—a perfect fit for Tisha.
“So you and he … ? You’re not an item?”
“Absolutely not, Cory’s like a father to me.” Tisha grinned wickedly.
Sam held her hand to his face and kissed the top of it then flipped it to kiss her palm. His lips lingered breathing in her scent and warmed her hand sending sparks of longing to her core.
“This tiny hand holds my heart.” His words sent goose bumps along her arm. She shivered.
Cupping Sam’s face, she eased him to her planting feather-soft kisses on his lips. They rose. Sam snuggled her close; and she came willingly, clinging to him with every part of her being. She loved this man with all her heart.
Having prided herself on not needing a man, being self-sufficient, and not needy she’d been wrong. She needed this man, like she needed air to breath. More importantly, Tisha wanted him. She needed Sam—not to take care of her. She took care of herself. She needed Sam to fully experience the most precious gift life offered—true love. Breaking the kiss breathlessly she eyed her man—relishing the sound of the word.
“Gran voice mailed earlier warning me. It’s unlike her being out-of-pocket. I returned her call it went to voice mail.”
Sam stroked Tisha’s face with the back of his hand. “Your precious cheek is so soft.” He cleared his throat. “She sort of came with me—actually she followed me. I boarded the plane, she was in first class.” He laughed.
“No?” Tisha laughed. “Where is she?”
“She and Frank are playing craps. I promised to call soon as I talked with you. They’re probably wondering what’s taking so long.” Sam smiled from ear-to-ear.
“No kidding? Gran called Frank hot stuff.” Tisha teetered. “It’s code for he can still get a stiffie. They’re actually here?” She glanced around expecting them to pop out of nowhere.
“Yes. Lola worried I’d screw it up. She wanted to come here to fix it if I failed. Let’s get married while we’re here. She’s here and can join the festivities. Marry me here in Vegas?”
“Now? Here?” Tisha eyed him uncertainly. Not the impulsive, spontaneous type, the idea expressed delicious appeal?
“Why not? We’re both sure what we want and both here. Your family is here. Mine is too much to deal with. They can catch up later. Mom will insist on throwing a party in our honor. Believe me, after marrying off five daughters and two sons, Mom won’t bristle if we get hitched while we’re here. She’s had her fill of big weddings.”
“Oh, Sam.” Tisha started to cry. Kelle’s wedding was in a couple hours. Not wanting to mess her makeup, she checked the tears. “Wonderful. Let’s do it. How about tomorrow? Kelle can act as my maid-of-honor while we’re in Vegas.” Sam beamed at the excitement on her face.
“Let’s not spoil Kelle’s spotlight. She deserves to be the center of attention. Today’s about her. We can tell them later. Okay?”
“Sure, baby.” Relief clearly displayed in Sam’s smile. “Anything you want. Tomorrow it is. Frank will stand up for me. He already agreed to.”
“It’s Kelle’s day. Tomorrow is ours.”
“Whatever you want within my power is yours.”
Wheels spun in her mind, getting priorities in order.
“You’re special, my love, so disciplined and thoughtful. I can hardly believe such a spectacular woman will be my bride.”
“I’ll talk with the minister after the ceremony and arrange the chapel for tomorrow after breakfast, if available. Otherwise, I’ll set up a room for the ceremony and a private party.” Tisha smoothed her gown, with events under control.
“Kelle needs me. Go locate Gran and Frank. Bring them to the chapel for Kelle’s wedding. Remember. Tell them not to say a word about us, not until I’m ready to share it. Okay?”
He stole one last kiss then saluted and sped toward the gaming rooms. “You got it, babe.”
♥♥♥♥
Tisha went to work making arrangements for her wedding. Her wedding, she loved those w
ords, and never figured she’d see the day. Checklist completed, Tisha went to tell Kelle about her meeting with Sam and help her don her wedding gown. Tisha explained why Sam had arrived.
“Tisha, I’m happy things are cleared up with Sam, and you were mistaken about him.”
“Me too, Kelle, me too, I can’t believe how much I love him. Knowing I’m free to love him makes all the difference.”
“I’m thrilled for you and relieved. I’ve watched you over the last couple weeks and seen what you’ve gone through trying to rid yourself of him. It’s been brutal for you. I’m happy things have turned around. And now, with Lola and her new boy-toy here for my wedding, and you with Sam, it’s even more special.”
“Yeah, I can hardly believe Gran and Frank hopped on the first plane to Las Vegas to make sure things went well. Slots had something to do with the decision.” Tisha chortled.
“It’s likely. Man, that’s an impressive, stunning engagement ring on your finger.”
“Yep, he had it designed specifically with me in mind.” She admired the sparkle as the huge stones catching the light. Adjusting the veil she hugged her friend. “Let’s get you to your groom.”
Kelle’s wedding day—time for her to shine.
CHAPTER 30
Kelle’s wedding went perfect in every way. The bride looked stunning. Her slim, satin gown clung like a second skin making her a tall, slim vision in white. The bodice caressed her breasts in a crisscross of fabric gathered sweeping behind her neck creating a collar. The plunging back met seductively at her waist secured by a row of satin buttons running along the back to her knees. A split revealed slender legs and strappy, four-inch heels. Elegant, spectacular and simple, Kelle exuded sexuality and class.
The beautiful couple exhibited their love for each other clearly on their faces as their eyes met. It warmed Tisha’s heart seeing Kelle deliriously happy.
After a short ceremony and photo shoot, they adjourned to a banquet room to celebrate. Everyone drank champagne, ate a luscious dinner, danced and laughed immensely enjoying the party.
Kelle whispered to Brad. “I’m thrilled Sam is actually the man Tisha originally though him to be, and glad she’s finally happy. I’ve never seen her like this, and I know her better than anyone. She’s always kept a guard up with men. It’s about time Tisha truly fell in love.”
“They do look happy.” Brad nodded over his bride’s shoulder at the couple moving across the dance floor from them. He snuggled her tight against him and kissed below her ear laughing. She shivered with delight.
“It’s great, Sam, Lola and Frank joining our festivities. They’re totally welcome. The old gal is a real live wire. I didn’t think her capable of travel, or I’d have invited her myself. I hope I’m as spunky when I’m that old.”
Nuzzling in again for another kiss on her neck, he whispered against her skin, causing it to prickle joyously. “She is indeed. I’ll work on keeping you fit in the bedroom. It should keep you spirited and energetic.”
She giggled. “Can you see us that age, getting it on in bed?”
“Um, huh, sure can.” He nibbled away at her neck.
♥♥♥♥
Tisha cornered Lola by the bar. Handing her the cocktail she’d ordered she hugged the shorter woman. “You amaze me, Gran. You hopped on the first plane to Vegas knowing Sam headed here. It was sweet of you. I didn’t think you could travel these days.”
“Heck, I’m not dead yet. My hip is better, and I can make it anywhere I want to go with my walker. Besides, the airports have awesome help for disabled folks. I couldn’t let the boy blindside you without being here to pick up the pieces if it didn’t go well.”
“And Frank?”
She waved a hand downward. “He wouldn’t hear of me traveling without him. Besides, we’re having a grand time playing the slots. I won a couple thousand last night, and he’s on a roll too. My man has a thirst for the game.” She smiled sweetly and pursed her lips toward the grey-haired octogenarian watching her from where he chatted with Sam, Brad and Cory.
“How gallant?”
“He’s a charmer, my Frank.” Gran gloated.
“Your Frank? Nice. You gave Sam the impression it was my wedding.”
“Yeah, sort of. He high-tailed it out of there like the building caught fire, I had to follow him. I couldn’t get in contact with you to explain. If he went to the trouble to fly here to break up your wedding, he’s worth saving and truly loves you. I couldn’t stand by and let him f’ things up worse.”
Snuggling her tighter, Tisha smiled at her handsome husband. He finger-waved. “I’m glad you’re here. It worked out perfectly.”
“Me too. Frank and I might have one of them there Elvis impersonators marry us while we’re here. You want to stand up for your old gran?”
“Geez, Gran, are you sure? One can’t take marriage lightly,”
“Hell, Tisha, don’t you think I know it? I’ve never married. Frank and I have known each other for years. We don’t have time to waste. We’ve moved in together back at home. We both gave up our apartments and moved into a larger one together. You want me living in sin?” She chuckled as though the idea delighted her.
Tisha shook her head in wonder. “Gran, I want you happy. Whatever you want is fine by me.
“Don’t worry about your inheritance, babe. Old Frankie is loaded. Daniel drafted a pre-nup to protect you and Frank’s daughters. We’ve signed and faxed it back to him for filing.”
“I wasn’t the least bit worried, Gran. I’ve got more than enough for a lifetime. Spend your cash and pack as much fun into your life as you can find. It’s what I plan to do.”
“You’ve got it right, my girl. Aging takes its toll and ain’t for the meek at heart. My new motto is more fun faster.”
♥♥♥♥
After an evening of celebration with everyone spent the bride and groom prepared to leave. Tisha drew Kelle aside.
“Kelle, your honeymoon starts tomorrow, but I have one request. Would you consider standing up for me tomorrow at my wedding?” She grinned conspiratorially.
Kelle squealed, looking shocked.
“What? You’re getting married—tomorrow? How? Why? What’s the rush? How will you swing arrangements so quickly? You’ve been running around like a chicken with your head cut off arranging for my wedding. How did you arrange for your own with no notice?”
“It’s Vegas, baby. What’s one more wedding? I worked out details as I finalized yours. There isn’t any rush, but no need to wait either. Sam and I wasted enough time. We want to be together. You’re here. Gran’s here. Why wait?”
“You’re a miracle worker, darling.” Kelle mimicked a southern drawl.
“It’s natural and right, being with Sam. We’re perfect together. We waited all our lives to find each other. There’s no reason to wait longer.”
“Tomorrow morning, what time?”
“Eleven a.m. in the chapel. Everything is arranged. You’re my maid-of-honor. Frank stands up for Sam. Gran gives me away.” She glanced across the room. Sam, Frank and Brad smiled as they talked quietly. The way Sam eyed her, Tisha knew she was able to accomplish anything with him around. “We’re ready.”
Kelle hugged her. They broke away both shedding tears of joy. “I wouldn’t miss it. I’m happy for you, Tisha. I like your Sam. It required guts hunting you down and showing up thinking you came here to wed. I love how he sought Lola’s help. He’s a brave one. She can be scary. He’s quite a man and a looker, too.” Kelle wolf whistled leaving them in stitches. Their men laughed from across the room, likely figuring themselves the topic of conversation.
“And if you’re up to it, Gran and Frank plan an Elvis quickie marriage. It should be fun, and you’re welcome if you want to join. I assume sometime tomorrow.”
“Whoa, the old gal is definitely something special.” Tisha’s mouth flew open.
“Indeed, she is. Now scat.” Tisha swatted Kelle’s slender butt. “Go make love to your gorgeous
husband.”
Tisha sauntered seductively across the room to her destiny.
CHAPTER 31
Tisha purchased a dress at the hotel wedding shop in the lobby. Everything under control and ready, including Tisha, she wanted this more than anything ever.
Smiling, she admired the amazing fellow across the room. A sight to behold, strong, sensitive and charming, he spoke with Frank and Gran. Obviously Gran loved him too. They waited for her to walk toward them, to pledge her life and love.
Tisha could depend on this man. He knew and understood her and sincerely wanted her—not a life-sized doll on his arm. Sam wanted the real woman she was and loved her completely.
When she reached them the minster spoke. “Who gives this woman?”
“I do.” Gran smiled and kissed her cheek as she bent to the shorter woman. Then Gran moved to her seat to watch the nuptials. Sam cradled her hand as she handed her bouquet to Kelle.
Finally time arrived for vows. “I take you, Tisha, for my wife, to have and hold for the remainder of our lives. We’ve been through the fire and can face anything together. I will devote my life to making you happy. With this ring, I thee wed.” He slipped a platinum band of diamonds on her finger.
“I take this kind, gentle, giving and protective man as my husband. I vow to be there for you, Sam, as you always are for me, cherishing our love for the rest of my days. I’ll do everything in my power to bring you happiness and prove how much I care. You’re an incredible part of me, in my soul; and I want you there, my love. With this ring, I thee wed.” He’d been there for her, like no one had.
Later, as guests milled around Tisha smiled confidently across the room. Sam chatted with Cory. They were fast becoming friends.
It’s my man, so dammed adorable. Sam gazed Tisha’s way, as though hearing her thoughts. He winked. Tisha warmed inside and winked back.
She would never second-guess his love again. Her chance at enduring love for a lifetime—her time to be loved, they were meant to be. Tisha had never been so sure.