“What is so good about it?” she asked. “I had no idea so many people were coming. I thought it would be a private affair.”
“Nay, my lady.” Dillon’s soft rich voice floated behind her. “I hope you do not mind that I have taken the liberty to invite some associates and friends.”
Spinning around Caitlin found herself facing a most dashing image. Although he was simply dressed in a white cotton shirt and brown knee length pants with white stockings, he presented a most admiring sight to behold. “Of course, I don’t mind, Mr. Cade. After all, ‘tis your wedding also.”
“We are about to wed in a few hours, perhaps you can start calling me Dillon.”
“I do not know you well enough to use your Christian name.”
“Whatever makes you feel most comfortable, Miss Gallagher.”
“Come now, Dillon, you are being far too generous.” Brogan slapped him on the back. “Cate is only being difficult. You need to have a firm hand with her.”
“’Tis my wedding day and I will behave however I wish.” She crossed her arms, annoyed. Apparently everyone in her family had fallen under some kind of spell, for no one, except her, seemed to care that he was English. Have they all forgotten Dwayne so readily? Forgotten the fighting, and the lives that were lost in the battle for freedom? And what about fleeing for our lives?
They’d uprooted everything and moved to America because England considered them traitors after finding evidence that her brothers were in the United Irishman Organization. The whole family might have been killed as traitors if her father hadn’t been a lawyer with high contacts. Instead, they’d been exiled from their home. And, now, her family was willingly accepting this man with open arms.
“Are you taking a seat, Cate?” Brogan’s voice intruded her thoughts.
“I am not very hungry.”
“’Tis just nerves,” Kathleen insisted. “But you do need some nourishment, and Hilda cooked your favorite.”
“Craklin oat cakes.” Caitlin brightened.
“Aye. With maple syrup.”
“Well, I am a little hungry.” She took a seat. “How did Hilda manage all this cooking by herself?”
“My cook is assisting her as other members of my staff are helping to prepare.” Dillon sat across the table.
“We are having all your favorite dishes and Dillon’s too.” Kathleen smiled. “’Tis going to be a grand marriage feast.”
“Just grand.” Caitlin rolled her eyes.
“What a lovely day for a wedding.” A tall slender girl with dark ringlets cascading down her back joined the family.
“Sarah.” Brogan stood mesmerized by her beauty. Even in a simple blue walking dress, she looked ravishing. “I did not know you were joining us.”
“I am the maid of honor, you goose.” She flounced over to the table, the blue ribbons on her straw hat bouncing with each step.
“I am so glad you’re here.” Caitlin jumped up and hugged her best friend fiercely.
“Of course I’m here. Who else would stand up for you on your wedding day.”
“But I did not ask you,” Caitlin stated confused.
“I took the liberty of asking Sarah, figuring she would be the most logical choice. You were so busy with all the other details that a maid of honor slipped your mind.” Kathleen elegantly lied. Caitlin hadn’t prepared one thing for the wedding. Instead, she chose to sulk for the entire two weeks.
“Of course I would have asked her, had I thought about it.” Caitlin felt a little foolish. She now wished she’d invested a little more time into the planning. “Sit next to me, Sarah.” Caitlin indicated the empty chair.
Dillon and Alin stood, waiting for the women to be seated. Both girls sat down followed by the men.
“So tell me, Mr. Cade how did you manage to snag our dear Caitlin so quickly?” Sarah brusquely asked.
“I…umm…” Dillon cleared his throat. “’Twas the hand of fate.”
“A very forcible hand I might add,” Caitlin sighed.
Sarah frowned at Caitlin, “I guess I just never pictured Mr. Cade as your husband.” Then, smiling at Dillon, she said, “No disrespect intended, Mr. Cade.”
“None taken and please call me Dillon. I consider any friend of Caitlin’s a friend of mine.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cade. I mean, Dillon.” She blushed slightly. “I have known you as Mr. Cade for so long that I may have trouble remembering your Christian name.”
“Do not fret about it. Call me whatever you like.”
“That, sir, could be a dangerous proposition.” Caitlin smirked.
“Depends upon who is calling the name.” His dark eyes held her gaze, his heart skipping a beat.
Sarah’s arrival elevated Caitlin’s mood. They chatted, and giggled while eating the morning meal. Caitlin asked to be excused when she finished, wanting to prepare for the ceremony.
“Might I have a private word with you?” Dillon wiped his mouth and stood.
“Of course.” Caitlin smiled, tautly.
They found a secluded spot in the garden. “I fear there is a matter we must address.”
“What?”
“During the nuptials there is a part where we must kiss.”
“I am aware of that. I have been to a few weddings in my lifetime.”
“How do you want to proceed?”
“I do not comprehend what you’re asking.”
“Should we kiss or not?”
“Oh. I see.” She looked thoughtful for a minute. “I must say that I do feel uncomfortable with all these guests. I had been under the assumption that only immediate family would be at the ceremony. However, since all the guests have no idea that we are marrying in name only, I see no reason why we must tell them. We will proceed with the nuptials as typically planned.”
“Are you saying that kissing me would not be unfavorable?”
“I shall struggle through it.”
“If it would ease your fears, we could practice before the ceremony.” His dark brows rose with challenge.
“I cannot believe you would suggest such a thing.” Caitlin feigned shock. “You, sir, truly are a cad.”
His deep chuckle glided around the garden like a gentle breeze, settling in her heart. “Merely a suggestion.”
* * *
“What did he want?” Sarah asked once they were ensconced in Caitlin’s bedroom.
“Can you believe he had the audacity to ask me if we wanted to practice our kiss?”
“You’re telling me you have not kissed?”
“You can close your mouth, Sarah. ‘Tis not a big deal.”
“But you are going to be wed in a few hours.”
“And we shall kiss during the ceremony.”
“How romantic,” Sarah gushed. “You’re going to have your first kiss on your wedding day.”
“Only you could find romance where there is none.”
“But Dillon is so handsome. I cannot believe you haven’t kissed him yet. And I most certainly cannot believe you are marrying him.”
“’Tis nothing.” Caitlin brushed it off.
“Nothing!” Sarah’s blue eyes widened. “Every girl in town has had a crush on Dillon Cade, including me. You have captured the most eligible bachelor this town has ever had.”
“And I thought you were pining after my brother.”
“You know that my intentions toward Brogan are true. However, as a young girl Dillon Cade was the object of my fantasies.”
“You can marry him, if you like.”
“’Tis too late. One, my heart now belongs to Brogan, even if he does not want to marry me. And two, you have stolen Dillon’s heart.”
“I would not say that.” A knock on the door interrupted their conversation.
Kathleen swung the door open. “I have come to help you dress.” She brought in two bouquets of red and white roses.
“Mrs. Gallagher, the bouquets are lovely.” Sarah took them and set them on the dresser.
“Thank you.
Now you’d better hurry and get ready. The ceremony will be starting soon.”
Caitlin stood in front of the mahogany cheval mirror admiring the handiwork on her gown, while her mother fussed with the silver shawl. “There. Perfect.”
“You look so beautiful,” Sarah said. “This is the most gorgeous gown I have ever seen.”
“I feel like a princess,” Caitlin said, pinning up a few more curls.
“You look like one too.” Kathleen stepped back, admiring her daughter.
“Your dress is something new.” Sarah observed. “Now we need something old, something borrowed and something blue.”
“Do not forget the six pence in your shoe.” Kathleen held up the round coin.
“Oh, Mama. I do not believe in those silly superstitions.”
“Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt. Now slip this in your shoe.” Caitlin rolled her eyes as she put the coin into her silver slipper. “I also have this.” Kathleen pulled a blue handkerchief from her ridicule. “My mother gave it to me the day I married your father. She carried it the day she married your grandfather.”
Caitlin took the piece of faded blue lace, running her hand over the embroidered flowers adorning the edge. “’Tis beautiful.”
“I stitched your initials and the date in this corner.” She pointed to the letters and numbers. “Here are mine and your father’s. And, that is your grandparents.”
“That leaves the fourth corner for when your daughter gets married. What a great family tradition,” Sarah exclaimed.
“That leaves something borrowed.” Caitlin quickly changed the subject.
“Here.” Sarah took her earrings out and handed them to Caitlin.
“But these are the pearls your parents gave you when you turned ten-and-six.”
“I know. But you are only borrowing them. I expect them back.”
“Thank you.” Caitlin hugged her best friend. “And thank you, too, Mama.”
“But what about something old?” Sarah asked.
“I believe the handkerchief covers both,” Caitlin said.
“I have one more thing to give you. I believe it covers old.” Kathleen handed her a small box. “Twill match perfectly with your dress.”
“Where did you get this?” Caitlin gasped as she opened the package.
“’Tis a present from Dillon.”
“But I threw it at him in the garden.”
“You threw an expensive piece of jewelry like this?” Sarah asked.
“He made me angry.”
“Caitlin Gallagher, that temper of yours is going to get you into trouble someday,” Sarah scolded.
“’Tis true.” Kathleen agreed as she pinned the diamond and silver broach on the middle of the shawl. “I fixed the clasp and sewed the rip in your shawl.”
“This is old?” Caitlin asked.
“’Tis a family heirloom. It belonged to his mother,” Kathleen explained.
“He didn’t tell me that.”
“Did you give him a chance?”
Caitlin responded with silence.
A loud knock preceded Alin’s gruff tone. “Ladies we must hurry. Our guests are waiting.”
Sarah opened the door and Alin stepped inside. He stopped short when he spotted Caitlin. “You look beautiful.” He fought back the tears. “My little girl is all grown up.”
“There is still time for you to change your mind.” Caitlin made once last attempt.
“This is best for everyone.” Alin held out his arm. “Come, I have a daughter to show off.”
* * *
Caitlin nervously walked down the path that had been formed by the chairs, grateful for her father’s sturdy presence by her side. Sarah and Brogan were already at the altar offering more support. Mustering enough courage she glanced at Dillon and felt her breath stall. He looked like a typical dandy, clad in an ivory satin frock with black beads embroidered in a swirl design along the edge of the jacket and cuffs. A matching waistcoat was closed with block buttons, and he’d tied a black cravat around the collar of his white, silk shirt. His satin, ivory breeches ended with white stockings and black, square toed shoes. The magnificent craftsmanship of the suit paled in comparison to the stature of the man wearing it. The tailored jacket spanning the width of his shoulders narrowed revealing his thin waist and hips. She wondered if he wore a corset to achieve that perfect waistline as some men did.
Dillon breathed a sigh of relief when Caitlin came into view. Although she’d been pleasant during the morning meal, he wondered if she might back out at the last minute. So far so good.
His heart swelled with pride as Caitlin walked toward him. She seemed to outshine the sun, which danced and played with the fiery curls dangling beneath the silver headdress. Although she appeared to be a most willing bride on the outside he saw the hesitancy and anger residing in her eyes. He only prayed that God would alleviate her apprehension someday.
Alin pecked her on the cheek and whispered, “’Tis for the best. I love you.”
“I love you too, Papa.” A tear teetered on her long lashes. The unspoken plea, don’t make me do this was squelched when Alin passed her gloved hand to Dillon and took his seat. Handing her bouquet to Sarah she placed both hands into Dillon’s grasp.
He gave her hands a gentle squeeze for reassurance, which ignited a tingle that spread through her body turning her pale cheeks pink. Her first instinct was to pull away, however she’d have to wait until the end of the ceremony.
The sun stood high in the sky warming the fragrant air that swirled around the occupants in the garden. The tinkling of water from a large fountain spouting crystal liquid into a small pool served as the backdrop for the couple. The red, gold, and yellow color scheme of autumn further complemented the choice of cream satin for the bride.
She stiffly smiled as they went through the ritual, reciting the sacred words and praying. When it came time for the ring, she slipped her glove off and gasped when Dillon slid the huge diamond on her third finger. After a few words of instruction the preacher pronounced them man and wife and told Dillon to kiss his bride.
Caitlin felt the heat from his body as he stepped closer, placing an arm around her waist. A smile played upon his lips, “Are you ready, my sweet?”
“Make haste and get it over with,” she groaned. The corners of her mouth turned down, but her head obediently tilted up. She closed her eyes bracing for the kiss, however both were unprepared for the spark that charged between them when their lips met. Caitlin’s eyes flew open and she would have backed away if the steel arms around her waist hadn’t tightened, keeping her anchored to that spot. He kissed her tenderly at first, gently moving his mouth above her own, producing sensations that were overwhelming and exciting. A soft moan escaped as her mouth responded to his lips.
The gnawing in the pit of Dillon’s stomach grew like wildfire causing his desire to quickly burn out of control. He deepened the kiss forcing Caitlin’s mouth open and greedily tasted the treasures inside. His kind, gentle lips turned fierce with longing and passion. Pulling her soft body even closer against his hard muscled chest produced emotions that rampaged through his soul, tormenting his body.
Caitlin hesitantly complied at first, but soon found her own hunger quietly abiding behind the reluctant facade. She wound her arms around his neck inching as close as possible. All other feelings fled leaving behind a craving that only his touch would quench. Eventually, confusion emerged from somewhere deep in the crevice of her heart, reminding her that Dillon was her enemy.
Managing to find some strength in her feeble limbs she pushed at his rock hard chest breaking the mysterious spell they’d fallen under. A shaky hand flew to her mouth touching the warm wetness left behind. She was thankful he didn’t immediately withdraw his hands from her waist or she’d have toppled over. His kiss seemed to suck the strength from her body and mind. She felt a little embarrassed. Having never been kissed like that before, she didn’t know if her reaction had been appropriate.
Dil
lon vaguely heard the crowd cheering as his senses slowly returned. Remembering they were still in front of their wedding guests, he wondered what they thought of such a passionate display. He’d only meant to give her a little kiss to seal the vows. How had it turned into an ardent demonstration of emotion?
Chapter 3
“Wow! That was one heck of a kiss.” Brogan slapped his brother-in-law on the back.
“’Tis only for pretense,” Caitlin declared.
“It looked real to me.” Sarah stated handing Caitlin the bouquet.
“Looks can be deceiving,” Caitlin insisted, although her legs still felt unsteady.
“I am practically out of breath from watching you.” Sarah blushed.
“Why, Sarah, I do believe your cheeks are as red as your dress,” Caitlin teased.
“Your cheeks have a glow as well.” Sarah pointed out. “And it makes you even more beautiful.”
The Unwilling Bride Page 4