“Why didn’t I ever hear about it?”
“Who would tell you? Every guy around here was afraid of Brody’s temper and having the friends he did, didn’t help. Hell, the Stone brothers, Riley Madison, Trick Dillon, Ryder Wolfe, and Sam were all his friends. Who would tangle with them? And Zach sure as hell wasn’t going to tell you.”
Madilyn stared at her as if trying to absorb it all then handed Sophie back to her. “I need to go.” She stood and faced Emma. “It really doesn’t matter anymore does it? It’s all in the past and no matter how much I love Brody, it’s over. I’ll never see him again.” She kissed Emma’s cheek and left. Emma stared after her. Gabe walked in and sat down beside her. He ran his hand over Sophie’s head.
“You didn’t tell her did you?” Gabe asked softly.
“No, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.” She sighed. “I hated to see the look on her face if I told her. She’s not going to take it well at all, Gabe. She loved Brody with all her heart. In fact, she still loves him.”
Gabe nodded in silent agreement. “Yeah, I heard her. I don’t envy Sam telling her.”
“Poor Sam, she’s always blamed him for Brody going into the Marshals Service.”
“It wasn’t Sam’s fault. Madilyn knows that,” Gabe said.
“She admitted that, but only after Brody left. She honestly thought Brody wouldn’t leave her.” She gazed at Gabe and thought about him leaving her. No one ever thinks it will happen to her until it does. “No one thought he would, but it about killed her. You didn’t see her after he left. I was so afraid she was going to do something stupid. It was that bad. I was with her every day and night for two weeks before she finally stopped crying.”
“I remember not seeing her for a while and being worried about her. Jake, Wyatt, and I went over to her apartment one day to check on her and she seemed fine. A little distant with us, but other than that she seemed on the mend.”
“I feel so bad for her loving him like she does and not having him.”
“Did I hear her say she was dating Johnson?” At Emma’s nod, he went on. “What the fuck is she thinking?”
Emma laughed and shook her head. “I don’t know. If Brody does come back, I can see trouble brewing.”
“Hell yeah! Brody will kill him.”
She stood. “I need to put Sophie to bed and I think I’ll take a nap too. I’m tired.”
Gabe gently kissed her and caressed Sophie’s head. “All right, darlin’. I’m going back to the barn. I have a client coming in fifteen minutes, but I’ll see you later.”
* * * *
A week later, Gabe walked past the living room to head upstairs to grab a shower when he halted in midstride. Emma was standing on a chair while a woman on her knees stuck pins in the gown his wife was wearing. Becca sat nearby on the sofa holding Sophie. When Emma glanced in his direction, she smiled with delight and then frowned. “Gabe? Are you all right?” she asked.
He swallowed hard, and nodded. He couldn’t drag his eyes from the vision before him. “What are you doing?”
Emma grinned as if proud of herself. “My bridesmaid gown needs to be taken in. Isn’t it pretty?”
He nodded. Pretty? It was fucking beautiful. The blue matched Emma’s eyes perfectly and made her skin glow. She had told him Becca had chosen her attendants gowns to match their eyes. He knew Olivia’s gown was amethyst. They were all the same design with skinny spaghetti straps, a tight bodice, and a flowing skirt, but he hadn’t expected Emma to look so amazing in hers. He shook his head trying to push the sudden sinful thoughts away, thoughts, which filled his head and his jeans. He turned toward the stairs. “I need a shower,” he muttered. “A cold one.” He heard the women laugh. Not funny, he thought.
Chapter Thirteen
Everyone was meeting at the church for rehearsal Friday evening. Inside the church, everyone was laughing and having a good time. At one point, Jake threw Becca over his shoulder and announced, “The hell with this, we’re going to Vegas.” Of course, Becca argued against it, even though Gabe was sure Jake was kidding. Afterwards, they all went over to Gabe and Emma’s for the dinner Emma had meticulously prepared. As the party began to wind down, he came up behind his beautiful wife, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her temple.
“I know he’s out there somewhere,” Emma whispered leaning back against his chest.
“Sam will find him. Don’t worry,” he said with stern conviction.
Emma sighed. “I’m sure he will, but I can’t help but worry.”
“You two need to get a room,” Gabe said over his shoulder with a chuckle when he noticed Jake passionately kissing Becca in the hallway.
Jake laughed. “We have a room, at home.”
“I’m staying with Olivia tonight, remember?” Becca teased, and then laughed when Jake swore under his breath. Everyone laughed.
When Wyatt grabbed his hat and coat to head out, Gabe stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Be careful,” he told his younger brother. Wyatt nodded his understanding and headed out into the night.
“He’s always going to be a Marine, Gabe,” Jake reminded him.
“He was a Marine?” Olivia asked with curiosity.
“He is a Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine. He was a sniper and the best in his outfit.” Jake glanced at Becca and sighed. “It’s a good thing he was.” he said with a smile.
“Why is that?” Emma asked.
“You didn’t tell them?” Jake asked Becca.
“No.” Becca looked at Emma, and then Olivia. “Wyatt is the one who killed Steve as I was running away from him.” She shook her head as if wishing she could forget that event. “I thought Steve was shooting at me, but it was actually Wyatt shooting Steve. I don’t know how he did it. He had to shoot past me to hit Steve,” Becca told them with an expression of astonishment.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell us,” Olivia exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips in annoyance.
“I was too busy worrying about Jake, and then taking care of him.” Becca shrugged. “Eventually, it slipped my mind, I guess.” She suddenly moved toward the back door.
“Where are you going?” Emma asked her.
Becca smiled. “I never thanked him.” She disappeared out the door with Jake following close behind her.
* * * *
The day of Becca’s wedding dawned with the sun shining brightly down on the town of Clifton. The women were meeting at Gabe and Emma’s home. Stan Watson, the foreman on Becca’s property, was walking her down the aisle and giving her away. Since her parents died six years ago in an auto accident, the only family she had, before meeting Jake, was her best friend Olivia. Now, she had Emma and Jake’s families, as well as the ranch hands at the B and B to call family too. They had all grown close since Becca had moved to Clifton.
Olivia and Emma helped Becca into her gown, and a beautiful gown it was with a tight bodice covered in lace and tiny pearls. The long sleeves were lace, a silk ribbon of green wrapped around her waist, and the skirt was full with a long train behind it. The back of the bodice was open, clasping at the neck so the shape was like a heart.
“You look so gorgeous. Do you want something to drink?” Emma asked her. Becca shook her head.
“Did you sleep well?” Olivia asked her. Becca shook her head again.
“Are you nervous?” Emma asked, trying not to laugh as Becca shook her head yet again.
Olivia took her friend’s chin in her hand and forced Becca to look at her. “Are you just going to keep nodding and shaking your head?”
Becca started to nod, and then stopped. “I’m getting married today,” she said, her voice filled with awe.
Emma laughed. “Yes, we know. We’re in the wedding, remember?”
“I’m not really nervous. I love that man more than I thought possible, but…I’m getting married today,” Becca repeated making Olivia and Emma laugh.
“Come on, let’s get downstairs,” Emma told her, sliding her arm through Becca
’s and steering her toward the door. The women carefully descended the stairs, and went into the kitchen to wait for Stan. The back door opened and Gabe walked in, looking gorgeous and sexy in a black western-cut suit. The jacket hung open showing a black silk vest covering a white shirt with a bolo tie. On his feet were shiny black cowboy boots, and a black felt Stetson sat handsomely and oh so, very sexy on his head.
Emma strolled over to him and kissed him quickly on his lips. He reached for her but she stepped back, and shook her finger at him. “That’s all you get, you’ll mess up my makeup.”
She watched with appreciation as Gabe allowed his gaze to roam leisurely over her. When his eyes met hers, he grinned. “You look beautiful, darlin’.”
She blushed and smiled up at him. “You look very handsome too, Gabriel Stone.”
Gabe chuckled and glanced toward Becca. “How are you doing, Becca?”
“I’m fine. Is Jake all right?” Becca asked fidgeting with her skirt.
“He’s fine and ready to marry the woman he loves,” Gabe told her with a big smile.
“How does it feel having three women in your kitchen so early in the day?” Olivia teased.
Gabe laughed. “Three beautiful women,” he said as if correcting her. “One is my wife, one is my future sister in-law, and then there’s you.” He pointed at Olivia. “I haven’t figured you out yet.”
Olivia laughed. “You never will.”
Emma gazed up into his gorgeous face. “You need to get going so you can get Jake to the church on time.” He nodded, gave her a quick kiss, and then she watched as he walked over to Becca, and stopped in front of her. He took her hands in his.
“You look absolutely amazing. Jake won’t be able to breathe.” He leaned down and in a voice too loud to be a whisper said, “It’s not too late to back out.” The women gasped and Gabe laughed. “I’m kidding.”
Becca grinned. “There is no way I’m letting my cowboy get away. I love him way too much.”
Gabe kissed her cheek. “Good. Just keep that beautiful smile on your face.” After kissing Emma quickly once more, he headed out the door.
She looked to Becca. “Are you ready?”
Becca nodded just as Stan walked in the back door. He looked so handsome in his black suit. He walked over to Becca and took her hands in his. “Hattie would be thrilled to death that you’re marrying Jake. She loved you both so much.”
Emma saw tears well up in Becca’s eyes and quickly handed her a tissue. “Don’t ruin your makeup.”
Stan put his arm out for Becca to loop her hand through, and following behind them, Emma and Olivia headed out to see their best friend wed. Stan’s car awaited them. Becca sat in the front with Stan while Olivia and Emma took seats in the back. She glanced over to Olivia and smiled. Her friend looked beautiful in her purple dress. Her bouquet rested in her lap just as Olivia’s did in hers. The bouquets consisted of white Calla lilies, purple and blue roses with ivy, and baby’s breath. Becca’s bouquet matched theirs only larger. Madilyn had done an amazing job on the flowers.
The ride to the church was over quickly. There was a crowd of people standing outside the church waiting for them. Emma laughed at the sight.
“What is this?” Becca asked in a nervous voice as she gazed out at the crowd.
She reached over the seat and touched Becca’s shoulder. “These are the people who couldn’t fit in the church. Since you and Jake didn’t send out invitations, everyone came.” Since neither Becca nor Jake had much in the way of family, they just let people know when they were getting married and anyone who wanted to attend was more than welcome. She knew the turnout shocked Becca, but Emma also knew the little town of Clifton, Montana would want to see one of their own get married. Stan got out of the car and strolled around to open Becca’s door. When she climbed out, the crowd roared. When she and Olivia got out more cheers went up. Olivia burst out laughing. Emma had to admit it made her feel a little like royalty. They walked into the church, and went to the room where they would wait for the wedding to begin. Becca sat on the edge of a sofa gazing toward the window.
“Were you nervous on your wedding day, Emma?” Olivia asked.
“No. I was too pissed off to be nervous,” she muttered, making Olivia and Becca laugh, breaking some of the nervous tension filling the room.
When they heard the music begin, they all knew it was time. The women left the room and moved to stand at the entrance leading into chapel. Emma and Olivia both hugged Becca before they took their positions in front of her. Emma took a deep breath and started walking down the aisle. Her eyes searched the space at the end and immediately found Gabe. He looked scrumptious. His gaze locked with hers then he winked. She smiled and continued down the aisle. Her gaze shifted to Jake. He had the biggest smile on his face, and then she looked to Wyatt. She mentally shook her head. The man was drop-dead gorgeous. Wyatt glanced at her and smiled, but the momentary grin left his lips when he looked to where she knew Olivia was following behind her. She saw his jaw clench, and she nearly laughed. No matter how he acted around Olivia, he was most certainly interested. It was like Gabe had remarked about his little brother, Wyatt didn’t want to be but he definitely was.
Emma took her place at the altar and turned back to look to where Becca stood. Olivia took her place beside her and turned toward Becca. The wedding march began, and Becca moved slowly down the aisle with Stan escorting her. Emma kept glancing over to Gabe. He was watching her. Even as everyone else watched Becca come down the aisle, Gabe watched her. She wanted to believe his gaze was on her because he was in love with her and no other woman mattered, but she knew the truth. She blinked back tears remembering their own wedding. She loved him so much. It didn’t matter what kind of wedding they’d had, because for however long it lasted, he was her husband, and they had a beautiful baby girl. Sophie was with Stacy today and she missed her already.
Jake stepped forward, took Becca’s hand, and led her to the altar. Stan stepped back and then took a seat. Emma’s eyes filled with tears as she listened to them exchange their vows. The entire time Jake never took his eyes off Becca. His thumb rubbed the back of her hand. After Jake slipped the band of gold onto Becca’s finger, he kissed the back of her hand. It sounded like every woman in the church sighed all at once. When the preacher pronounced the two officially husband and wife, Jake lifted Becca’s veil, scooped her into his arms, and kissed his bride. Emma’s tears slid uncontrolled down her face. She was so happy for them. Someone cleared his throat when the kiss went on for what may have been more than proper for church. Everyone laughed when Jake looked up, and grinned. The couple turned to face the people of Clifton, and everyone cheered. Emma laughed along with Olivia. Jake and Becca walked down the aisle followed by Olivia and Wyatt, and then her on Gabe’s arm.
* * * *
Gabe sat beside Emma at a table at the reception in the Town Hall listening to the music filling the large room. The band was in full swing. Everyone was awaiting the arrival of the bride and groom, who were still at the church having more pictures taken. The rest of the wedding party had arrived a while ago, but folks were getting impatient to begin celebrating. When the bride and groom finally arrived, everyone stood and cheered. Jake took a bow and Becca curtsied, and then he swept her into his arms for their first dance as man and wife.
Gabe watched as Emma’s eyes filled with tears when the band started playing one of her favorite songs, Anything for You by Jake Owen. He suddenly wished he could have made sure she had a wedding like this.
When the bridal couple’s dance ended, the dance floor filled up with couples. He glanced at Emma who was dabbing at her eyes with a napkin. “Would you like to dance, Emma?” he asked, hoping she’d agree.
Emma nodded and stood. She placed her bouquet on the table and walked to the dance floor with him. The band was playing an old Hollies song, All I Need Is the Air That I Breathe, and it was a definite slow dance. As he listened to the words, he realized it was true for all he
needed in life was to love Emma. Tonight would be the perfect time to tell her. He’d waited long enough. Emma and Sophie Ann were his entire life and he’d die if he lost them. He pulled her tighter against him and rested his cheek on the top of her head. Hearing her chuckle, he pulled away from her to gaze down into her eyes and raised an eyebrow at her. “What are you laughing at?”
“Olivia’s dancing with Ryder and Wyatt’s glaring at them something fierce,” Emma told him in a low voice.
He glanced around and saw his younger brother standing at the bar with a beer in his hand. He was definitely watching Olivia and Ryder with more than a casual interest. Gabe shook his head. “I don’t understand him. Olivia’s a gorgeous woman and she’s let him know she’s interested yet he won’t take her up on it.”
“So…you think Olivia’s a gorgeous woman, huh?” Emma gazed up at him.
Shit! “Uh, well…not as gorgeous as you, Emma,” he said with a quick smile.
Emma burst out laughing. “I’m teasing you, silly. Liv is gorgeous and I would have been more suspicious if you hadn’t said so.”
He growled. “You’ll pay for that, Missus Stone. Maybe not tonight, but you will pay for it.”
Emma giggled. “I can’t wait Mister Stone.” She gazed around him and laughed again. “If looks could kill, Ryder would have hit the floor long time ago.”
He chuckled. “If those two ever get together, it’s definitely going to be too hot to handle.” Emma laughed and leaned her cheek against his chest. Lord, he loved her so much. How did he ever survive without her? He couldn’t imagine his life without her and their beautiful daughter. Sophie meant so much to him. He’d never let either of them go. He felt Emma flinch in his arms when people outside the Town Hall began screaming. Gabe pushed her behind him.
“What’s going on?” Emma asked in a shaky voice.
Gabe (Men of Clifton Montana Book 2) Page 15