by Reggi Allder
At three in the morning, Wyatt nudged open the guest room door. “Amy, are you awake?”
“Yeah.” In the faint light, she glimpsed a tentative smile that turned up the corners of his mouth.
“Still upset with me?” he asked.
“No.” Even to her own ears her voice sounded uncertain.
With his hand on the doorknob, he stood staring in her direction. Then he moved into the suite, closing the door. “I understand, no more babies, no how, no way.”
She heard the pain in his voice, but unsure what to say, kept silent.
“Before…” he hesitated. “Before you came back to Sierra Creek, I honestly didn’t care if I got hurt on the rodeo circuit or not. I rode hard and nothing mattered.”
She gasped. “Don’t say that.”
He stepped nearer. “Amy, as corny as it is, you’ve given me a reason to go on. You’re my life. I want to stay healthy and live long enough to become a crotchety old man, but still be with you.”
She laughed.
“No one has ever cared for me as much as you do. I love you, Amy. Can you forgive me?”
“Wyatt, I’m the one who needs to apologize.” She hesitated. “But nothing is different. I can’t change who I am.”
“I know.” He pulled her into his arms.
Grateful to receive his gentle hug, she relaxed against him.
He caressed her face with the back of his hand. “You and Bobby are all the family I need.”
The sway of her body moved with his as he lengthened a kiss and his hand moved to her breast. A fiery sensation sent a wave of yearning racing through her. Without conscious thought, she rolled her hips to meet his and pressed against him as she whispered, “Wyatt, I love you more than I can say.”
“I want you Amy,” he groaned. “Need you, here, now. No kids, just love.”
Lightning flashed sending colors across the sky. She shot a glance at the window, then back to him. “I used to be afraid of storms. But when you’re with me, I’m not scared of anything.”
“Come to bed, honey. We can watch the downpour together from there.” He kissed her again, softly at first and then with more passion. As he touched her breasts, her nipples hardened and she sighed.
Suddenly he pulled away. “No man is as lucky as I am,” he said his voice husky. “Not one.” He released her hair from the ponytail holder. She shook her curls free and let them tumble down her back. Then slowly, he unbuttoned her white cotton blouse and helped it fall to the ground revealing her white lace bra. He slid off her denim skirt and bikini panties in one smooth movement and flashed a hungry grin.
She removed her bra and burned with anticipation waiting for his touch.
“Amy, your beauty takes my breath away.” With ease, he lifted her to him and carried her to the bed.
Propped up on pillows, she enjoyed the view as he stripped his shirt from his expansive shoulders and revealed his tanned chest. Soon his jeans and boxers joined her clothes on the carpet and he applied a condom taken from his pants’ pocket.
His defined abs tightened and his breathing grew more rapid. Powerful legs flexed as his manliness increased when he joined her on the bed. She kissed him and his tongue played with hers, his fingers rubbing her nipples to peaks. She held his head to her breast and he suckled one and then the other. Their hips moved to the rhythm of his body’s music. He stroked her feminine core and she explored the muscles of his firm buttocks.
On her back, her hips rose to meet his touch as he probed until she thought she’d explode with the yearning he created in her. Burning for him, she snatched quick breaths, knowing the pleasure he would deliver. She squirmed under him thrusting upward demanding he sooth her intense longing. If he didn’t deliver soon, fire would consume her.
He entered her gently at first, then with more vigor. His thrusts continued and she held on to him wanting the love he delivered.
“More,” she whispered.
He answered her wish and with a final deep thrust he filled her entirely. She froze as waves of emotion spread throughout her body igniting her whole being. A hum of fulfillment more intense than she’d thought possible flowed within her as he moaned and found his release.
Finally, he rolled onto his back taking her with him. She rested her head on his chest. The only sound in the room was their rapid breathing and the thunder of their hearts beating in unison.
***
It was hard to believe several days had passed since she and Wyatt visited San Francisco. Amy listened to the annoying buzz of the alarm clock. Rolling over she turned it off. She wasn’t sleeping anyway. Nerves were jangled enough on her wedding day without the noise of the timer.
Most of the night she’d lain awake. Various disastrous scenes that might happen at the church had plagued her. At last, she’d tumbled into a fitful sleep, but in the middle of the night she’d awakened to the cold night air, wishing for Wyatt’s warmth. Even so, she smiled. After the marriage ceremony he could finally join her in bed.
To make sure he didn’t catch sight of her before the ceremony, she’d asked Wyatt to stay the night at Manny’s place, no bad luck needed on the wedding day.
The service was only a few hours away. Would Sophie come? If she attended could the woman ignore Manny? As the best man, he’d promised to hold his tongue even if she provoked him. That was easy to say, but could he keep his pledge? What if Sophie called Manny’s father a murder? Amy shuddered to think how that would make him feel and how the other guests might react, especially if it was said in the church.
The minister might call off the ceremony under those circumstances. Maybe Wyatt could act as a peacemaker long enough to get through the wedding vows. That wouldn’t make it the kind of occasion she’d imagined for their special day.
“Wes,” she groaned. What about him? Would he be the person to speak up with a reason why she shouldn’t marry Wyatt? Did he hate her that much?
Her hands tingled and her heart raced with fear thinking about everything that could go wrong. Why hadn’t she and Wyatt gone to Reno for a quickie marriage? What had she been thinking, wanting the big church ceremony? Sure, it had always been her dream, but reality was never equal to a daydream, was it?
Suddenly light headed, she thought about eating. Out of the question. It’d never stay down with her nervous stomach. What about a cup of coffee? No way.
Bobby ran into the bedroom and jumped on her bed. “Today’s the day I get a real daddy.”
Amy laughed. “Yep. We’re becoming a family in the eyes of God and all our friends.”
“Goody.” He jumped off the bed. “Can I eat breakfast now?”
Despite her worry, she grinned. Leave it to Bobby to put things into perspective. Everything was good. Wyatt had said he was the luckiest man in the world, but she was the fortunate one.
“Can I, Mommy, eat?”
“Sure, big guy,” she said calling him the name Wyatt always used. “I’ll scramble eggs. First you better take a quick bath. I’ll lay out your good clothes, but use your bathrobe. Don’t get dressed until after you eat. Got to keep your clothes clean for the church.”
“I get to carry the ring down the aisle on a pillow, like we practiced?”
“You sure do. We can’t get married without your help. You’re going to do great and be the best-looking guy at the wedding.” Next to Wyatt of course. She kissed her son’s cheek.
“Aw, Mommy.” He wiped his face with the back of his hand. “I’m too old for that. I’m a big guy now.”
“Oh sorry, sometimes I forget.” She forced a serious expression for her five-year old. “You sure are big. If you get in the tub and I’ll start breakfast.”
“Okay.”
Her tattered chenille robe hung on the back of her bedroom door; she grabbed it and threw it on. After the ceremony today, she’d retire the old thing. That is if the wedding happens. Where did that come from?
She was in the kitchen before she realized she was trembling. Stop. This is yo
ur day. Yours and Wyatt’s. So why couldn’t she stop shaking?
She caught a glance of her reflection in the window, frizzy hair, and dowdy silhouette in a bathrobe even her granny wouldn’t have worn. Why does Wyatt love you?
Thank goodness Vanna had talked her into shopping for a trousseau including sheer underwear, slinky night gowns, and high heel slippers. What would Wyatt think when she wore the form-fitting full length satin gown, backless and with a plunging neckline and in black no less? When she’d first tried it on, the fabric had slithered down her body and she’d felt like a temptress. Her cheeks burned thinking about what she might offer Wyatt tonight, their wedding night.
“Mommy, where’s my breakfast?”
She startled and was brought back to the present. She hoped Bobby didn’t notice her cheeks. They must be bright red. “Eggs will be right up. Why don’t you get the apple juice out of the fridge?”
“Hey Amy, time to get ready for the big day,” Vanna shouted from the front door.
***
After breakfast, they hurried upstairs to the master bedroom and Vanna displayed her wares. “While I was in Hollywood, I learned a few tricks of the acting trade concerning managing hair and makeup. Don’t worry. Your curls will be soft and controlled. I own a magic elixir.”
“What?”
Vanna laughed. “You don’t drink it. Your hair does.”
“Okay.” Amy hesitated. “I trust you. You always look gorgeous, but your hair is straight and mine is so...
“I got this. Would I do anything to ruin my best friend’s wedding day?”
Chapter 20
Forty minutes later, Amy stood in front of her bedroom mirror and viewed someone she didn’t recognize. Freckles nearly invisible, smooth strawberry curls framed her face. “Vanna, you’re a miracle worker.”
“I had a great model to start with. I’ll help you with your gown in a second.”
“All right.”
Amy paced wearing only her silk underwear, impatient to dress and leave for the church.
“How do I look?” Her friend came out of the bathroom and spun around allowing Amy to view her from all sides.
“Gorgeous. Vanna, you look like a movie star.”
“Thanks.” She curtseyed. “This the prettiest dress I’ve ever owned.” Vanna hesitated. “I honestly wasn’t sure about the color when you picked mint green. Now I like it so much I’m going to find something else in this color and the tulle skirt and I adore the sweetheart neckline.”
“I’m glad. I remember hearing stories about a maid of honor who hated the gown she had to wear.”
“No worries here.”
While Vanna steadied her, Amy stepped into the retro style, tea length gown with the tulle skirt and the strapless lace bodice and plunging back, created in the palest antique white.
“I’d forgotten how beautiful it is.” Amy smoothed the tulle skirt. “Can you help with the zipper?”
“Amy, turn to the side.”
“To think I wore jeans and t-shirt the last time I got married. You think a strapless gown is okay?” She checked out the back of the dress. “Is it too low? I mean there really isn’t one.”
“Relax. Everyone’s going to love the dress.”
Amy’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I don’t look like—me.”
“Wyatt’s going to go crazy when he sees you.”
“You think so?” She wandered around the bedroom then peeked into the closet. “Where are my shoes? Dear God, I’m so anxious I can’t remember where I put them.”
“Here they are.” Vanna pulled two shoe boxes from under the bed. “Mine are here too.”
Amy drew on the pink suede cowgirl boots. “They’re beautiful. A little silly, but…” She did a short line dance to imaginary music moving across the bedroom floor. “I love them.”
Vanna stepped into her satin pumps, dyed perfectly to match her green dress.
Together, they stood staring into a mirror.
“We cleanup pretty good.”
“You got that right,” Amy agreed. With her smart phone, she took a “selfie” of the two of them and set the phone back on the nightstand. “OMG, I feel like I’m going to the high school prom. Of course, I didn’t wear a veil then.” She giggled.
She placed the headband and veil in a box. “It’ll be safer in there on the way to the church. I need Granny’s crystal heart. She’d want me to wear it.” Amy fastened the silver chain around her neck and let jewel dangle just below her neck.
“What about Wes? What if he causes a ruckus?”
“Hey, it’s doubtful he’ll show. He hasn’t come to any other family events. Has he?”
“No. I guess he won’t,” Amy agreed. “Is your mom coming?”
“Is Manny?” Vanna countered.
“He’s the ‘Best Man’. I couldn’t say no to Wyatt. Manny’s a good guy.”
“Yeah.” Vanna blushed and a strange expression spread across her face. “I talked to my mother. Did everything to smooth the situation. Even so, I wonder how she’ll react when she sees Manny. Maybe it’d be better if she doesn’t show up.”
“I’ll miss her,” Amy said sadly. “But you might be right.”
They stood in silence.
A car drove up the driveway. Amy glanced out the window.
“Your mother’s here.”
Vanna joined her at the window. “I’m surprised.”
Sophie and Manny would be in the church together. Could they manage their tongues and keep the peace long enough to let her marry? Or would the past loss of Sophie’s husband, caused by Manny’s father’s, be more than the woman could handle?
“Anybody home?”
“Sophie, we’re upstairs.” Amy shouted from the landing and returned to the bedroom. Please God, let the day go smoothly.
Vanna’s mom entered the room, dressed in a dove gray, A-line, boat neck, suit and silver flats. Amy knew Vanna helped her with the fashion choices. The color was perfect with Sophie’s naturally rosy completion. Her gray hair was gone and now the warm brown hair was done in a chignon with a silver ribbon fascinator. She looked younger and more sophisticated than Amy had ever seen her. Silver earrings and a sequined clutch bag finished the outfit.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Don’t be silly.” Sophie blushed.
She hugged the woman, the closest person to a mother, now that granny was gone. “Thanks for coming.”
“Honey, your grandmother would never forgive me if I missed your wedding” The woman sniffed and touched the corner of her eye with a tissue.
Amy blinked back a tear too.
“Enough of this.” Sophie smiled and opened her bag. “Your grandmother understood you’d want to marry again. I brought this New Testament for you. Granny gave it to me just before she passed. I thought you might like to have it with you when you walk down the aisle.” She patted her eyes again and sniffed.
Amy turned the small blue, leather bound book in her hands and recalled her grandmother had always carried it with her when she attended Sunday services. “In a way, she’ll be with me today. I can’t thank you enough.” Amy held the little book to her heart and swallowed a sob.
“No sadness, girl.” Sophie patted her hand. “She’d want you to smile on your wedding day.”
“Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. This takes care of borrowed and blue.”
“Your veil is old and your dress is new. You’re good—come on you guys,” Vanna said. “We’re going to be late. Mom you and Bobby go ahead in your car and we’ll be right behind you. Bobby, you okay about that?”
The little boy had come into the room with Sophie.
“Yeah,” he said, a serious expression on his young face.
“Thanks,” Amy gave him a quick hug.
She waved to Sophie and Bobby as they drove down the driveway.
“Let’s collect the veil and then we’re out of here,” Vanna proclaimed.
“I
’m ready. I promised myself I wouldn’t be late to my own wedding.” Amy picked up the box with her tulle veil. Please let everything go smoothly.
“It’s the bride’s prerogative to arrive when she pleases.”
“Not when I’ve been such a stickler about people being on time for everything. If I turn up late what will Wyatt think?”
“I don’t know, but there is one positive point.”
“There is?”
“Yeah. They can’t start the ceremony without you.” Vanna laughed.
Despite her worry, Amy chuckled
“Is it hot today, or am I nervous?” Amy adjusted the car’s air-conditioner’s fan to blow in her direction.
“I’m warm too.” Vanna drove the Toyota down the two lane road. “No traffic, thank goodness.”
“Everybody who lives around here is invited to the wedding. It took me so long to get ready, I’m going to the last one to arrive.”
“You won’t.” Her friend pressed on the gas pedal. “Where are you and Wyatt going on your Honeymoon?”
“He’s surprising me.”
“You’re kidding.”
“No. I couldn’t decide. I didn’t want to spend much money, with the farm expenses and all. I didn’t make a choice, so he did. It’s exciting.”
“You really have no clue?”
“Well, he said the weather’s good and to bring a swim suit. I’m betting on Carmel, beautiful and no airfare. We can drive.”
“The right front tire!” Vanna screamed.
Horrified, Amy saw the road turned to the left. The little sedan didn’t.
Chapter 21
The seatbelt grabbed and slammed Amy against of the seatback as the Toyota veered off the road and into a ditch. The airbags inflated when the vehicle came to an abrupt stop.
“Uh,” Amy groaned. “My God, Vanna, you okay?”
“I think so.” Her friend turned off the engine and slowly released her seatbelt. “I’m sorry, Amy. Something happened to the tire and the car pulled to the right. I couldn’t control the direction.”
Amy peeked out of the passenger side window and tried to open door. The vehicle slid further into the trench and tilted as if the auto might fall over.