Hooked By Sundown (Canyon Junction: Hearts In Love Book 3)

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  Wade pulled her into his arms when she reached him. “You’re out of this world gorgeous.”

  “You are too!”

  Once the ceremony began, Sophie couldn’t get the smile off her face as her strong, macho man spoke his vows without his gaze faltering. His hand shook as he slid the ring over her finger. His soft lips pressed to her forehead. True happiness beamed forth from within her as she repeated the words to him and slipped a ring over his finger.

  That quick, they were pronounced man and wife. Wind blew the bottom of her dress this way and that around her ankles. Wade’s gaze dropped to the sand as if he’d waited for the soft gown to blow high enough to reveal lace panties he’d no doubt expect her to have on. The man would be wrong. She chose not to wear any.

  Their wedding ceremony came to an end, but this conclusion brought them a beginning. They turned to face the crowd—man and wife—Mr. and Mrs. Emory. Till death do they part, but she suspected this would last forever. The few friends who joined them all wore smiles. Jake, Beth, and his son, Trace, and now Dane with Gracelyn and Noah sat in a semi-circle around the altar with Brenna, Judy, her grandson Will, Emmett, and her dad.

  The little one hadn’t fussed, yet his gaze remained on the extraordinary sand castle. Both boys earlier had their hands into the sand by the grit between Emmett’s fingers when he allowed her to hold his. So had Wade’s by the feel of his warm hand in hers. Noah had sand in his hair and on his white shirt, and a vest like his daddy wore. Sophie nearly laughed out loud. This was her husband. Those were her boys. Sophie peered at Wade who stood with a hip cocked, a folded arm, and he rubbed at his smooth chin.

  “You got some explaining to do, Mrs. Emory. Did I miss the kiss when the preacher said ‘you may now kiss your bride?’ You were somewhere else.”

  “But sweetheart,” she said with a wiggle to her eyebrows. “You were there with me.” She wrapped her arms around him.

  Wade lifted her feet off the ground and grinned ear to ear. Their lips locked in a passionate kiss in front of everyone—the kiss wet and warm, sensual and evocative with gentle probes of tongue against tongue. She didn’t care. Their kiss continued, and she could stay here and kiss him all night.

  “Hey, Wade?” Dane called. “There’s a guy here who wants to see you.”

  She held her breath when their lips parted and glimpsed the man beside Dane. She read the patch on his shirt, Ride of Your Life Hot Air Balloon Rides. “Omigod.” She shook her head no while her husband nodded as if to say yeah, baby. “What have you done?”

  “This is Chris and Sean Sparks. We’re doing this. Come on. They’re waiting for us. Let’s go before the wind dies down.”

  “Uh uh.” She grabbed hold of her dad’s hand like she’d done as a little girl.

  Aaron wiggled away. “Nope, Sophie girl. He’s your husband now.”

  Clay nudged her. “I dare ya. If I can quit drinking, you can get in the basket.”

  “Balloons are made to be released at birthday parties. I can’t.”

  “Yeah, you can.” Wade held eye contact with her, but he displayed an I’m-not-giving-up grin.

  Sophie brought her hands to her face and narrowed her eyes. “No.”

  It became a stare-down. “Yeah.”

  Chris, the balloon pilot or whatever he was, checked his watch. Wade held his hand out. “You can handle this, Sophie. Come on.” Not only their crowd but others on the beach egged them on. He moved in and whispered into her ear, “Hold on to me. Trust me.”

  Sophie peered into his eyes. His sincerity gave her strength though her body shivered in fear. She took his hand. Everybody there cheered. They followed the guy named Chris to the chaser van. “You aren’t going to make me, are you?”

  “No, darlin’. You’re doing it on your own. Trust yourself. You stood up there on that mountain with me back home.”

  Brenna had inconspicuously set aside a pair of white canvas shoes and encouraged Sophie into them per the rules of wearing a sturdy shoe on the balloon since they didn’t know for sure what kind of ground they’d land on. Sophie removed her barefoot sandals.

  Wade said, “Hey, I wanted to take them off ya.”

  Sophie smiled. The shoes were a tad loose. If not, she might’ve hiked up her dress and ran away.

  Moments later, they arrived at the launch site with their wedding party following behind them. The balloon crew began inflating the balloon. Sophie signed the release paper without reading about what could go wrong. “OH! It’s huge. Ummmm—”

  Wade pulled her in, placed a kiss on her temple, and whispered, “Honey, don’t be telling everybody about my anatomy.”

  Sophie burst out laughing. Members of the crew gave them and the spectators a safety briefing. To her surprise, Clay, Dane, and Jake had become part of the crew. Wade probably stayed with her for fear of her running. She might! The balloon became bigger and bigger and taller and taller. While their crowd stood with them, their pilot went through his pre-flight inspection now that the balloon stood upright. All ninety feet of it, it looked like. Judy wrapped her arm around Sophie. “It’ll be okay, honey. You have a strong man, a good man, here to protect you.”

  I said until death do us part, but I didn’t mean for it to be today. Sophie wrung her hands until Wade wrapped one of his around them. “I can’t.”

  “Go check it out, Emmett.”

  Sophie widened her eyes when Emmett went forward. Noah didn’t move and leaned against Dane’s leg.

  Emmett came to a halt at the basket, looked up inquisitively but jumped at the sound of the burner and backed up slowly to stand near Noah. Emmett peered at Trace then at Sophie. “Have fun, Mom.”

  “I’ll have all kinds of fun.” Not. Sophie reluctantly let Wade lead her. “You better not die on me today. I’ll never forgive you if you do.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.” Wade lifted her over the side and into the basket. He got inside. Sophie covered her eyes. Wade drew her in close. She buried her face into his chest. “Why did I agree to this?”

  “Because we’re in love.” She jumped at the big whoosh from the burners. “No.” The balloon lifted off, swaying as it went higher. They must’ve been as high as the heavens. Those down below cheered. Vehicles left the launching area. Mmm, Wade smelled so good. She twisted the ring around on her fisted hand with her thumb. Her heart beat so fast. Her legs might give out. A dry throat made swallowing…gulping, difficult.

  Wade ran his hand up and down her back. “You have to see this.”

  They floated faster. Any minute she’d die of fear. “I can’t do this.”

  He squeezed her. “Honey, you are doing this. It won’t seem so bad if you see where we are.”

  Wanna bet? Sophie lifted her head and opened her eyes to peek. They weren’t floating as fast as she thought. She lifted her head from his chest but clung tight to him.

  “You’re brave, honey.”

  “You married a crazy woman.” She observed the magnificent scenery—different colored patches of land, the highways, buildings and hotels—sand meeting sea—meeting sunset. She stood straighter. “I…I can’t believe where I am. Omigod, Wade. What did you make me do?” Tumbling in the pit of her stomach, and the spinning of her brain reminded her of how high they were. She’d like to be high right now all right. But she endured it thus far. In fact, it wasn’t so scary drifting as they were. Landing would be another thing.

  “Come here.” She kissed him while tears fell.

  He widened his eyes. “What’s the matter? How come you’re crying?” he asked softly. “It’s a little late for second thoughts. Are you that scared?”

  Sophie glanced out at the quiet and surreal landscape before them. “I’m fearful but…kind of okay. You’ll never have to worry about second thoughts. I’m beyond happy. My heart is fuller than it’s ever been. I mean it, but darlin’, I have to tell you something. Goodness, I’ve put it off long enough. I can’t think of a more special time.”

  “Oh oh. Is it good or bad
because I don’t want bad news when I’ll soon be taking my wife to bed.”

  Sophie slipped her arm around his waist and patted his back. “You aren’t listening.”

  “Oops, that’s been a bad habit I’m trying to break. Are you okay? Do you need to lean over the side?”

  “No. Never in my dreams did I think I’d ever say this to a man again.” She gave him a moment to let that sink in.

  After a few inquisitive brow furrows, Wade draped his arm around her shoulder and drew her close. “Sophie? Are we, you—”

  “Pregnant.”

  He peered out toward the setting sun’s reflection on the distant ocean. “We are? You’re pregnant? For sure?”

  “You didn’t notice I avoided the champagne at dinner last night and the wine and Prosecco at home?”

  “I’m was too infatuated with your beauty. But you had a drink—”

  “It was a fake drink only to wet my lips.” Sophie placed her hand against his chest and peered into his eyes. “I took two over-the-counter tests. They were both positive, so I took another, a different brand. I believe it’s safe to say we are having a baby. We’ll have three kids. I can’t believe it. Yours, mine, and ours is really going to happen.”

  “Told you. Strong swimmers.” Wade grinned proudly as the fading sun’s glow spread across his face.

  “I’m going to be a father again? I’m not used to being a father once, but lovin’ it.” He said loud enough for Chris and Sean to hear, “We’re having a baby! I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “Why?” she asked still enjoying the view.

  “No pregnant women are allowed to fly due to… Well, you must not have read it on the release form. It’s due to a possible rough landing or—”

  “Oh, well, too late now, but don’t tell me any other reasons why.” The warm glimmer of sun, set the horizon ablaze with reds and rust colors and reflections. Lighter golds and yellows reflected on the clouds. She cuddled into him as they drifted. “Where do you think we’re going?” And are we landing soon?

  “Don’t you know, darlin’?” He nodded forward. “Straight ahead is where our forever lies. Look, we’re almost there… A bit farther, here it comes…” Wade took a big step forward to the side of the basket and pulled her hand until she hopped up beside him. He smiled. “Here we are, Mrs. Emory, and we’re meeting it head-on.” He swept his hand forward. “We found it.”

  Sophie slipped her arms around his waist. “It found us, honey. Our future found us.” She turned around and snuggled her back up against Wade’s hard, working-man’s body. His strong arms embraced her. “How much longer does this last?” she asked Chris.

  “We’re going down. The wind is fading.” He looked over the side. “Our chaser team is close behind and near the proposed landing site.”

  “Thank you for a lovely flight, Chris. Sean.” She smiled at Wade. “Thank you.”

  “You’re so beautiful in this light.” He pulled a small digital camera from his pocket and took a picture of her, and then of both of them. Sean offered to take their picture as they leaned against the side of the basket. He moved in close enough to get the background as they lowered in elevation. “We’ll take more after we land.”

  Wade nudged her when the guys took care of landing. “Did you buy the second dress you mentioned?”

  “I did, and now I need to go change into it for dinner.”

  “Yeah? I know you aren’t wearing anything underneath this dress. We might even make it to the restaurant.”

  That would be fine with her. They stood arm in arm as they observed the world from a different prospective, but the ground came closer. She relaxed her tense shoulders, a bit. “From now on I’m flying in a plane.”

  “This is quieter. Maybe Chris and Sean can fly us home to Arizona,” he whispered.

  “I’m having fun, but don’t push it, buddy.” Sophie raised up to kiss him as they dropped lower and lower. “Ooohhhh…” She buried her face into his chest again.

  “I love you, Sophie. You’re my wife. One in the same with the woman who hooked me before the sun set over the Pacific.”

  She exhaled. “I’m with you on that and with this balloon ride.” Believe it or not, she meant it…now that they were going down.

  Wade beamed with pride. “I wasn’t going to force you.”

  “You couldn’t have forced me if I didn’t want to. I knew I married a man who liked a little adventure now and then.” She drew him in closer. “I’ll always be in your arms.”

  “That’s the right answer.” Wade whispered, “We’re going to have an exciting future, darlin’. All four… Wait. All five of us.” Wade gave her a high five.

  He took her into his arms and leaned in. “Come in here, Mama.” Their lips met as the basket fell, then touched down with a thud and tilted sideways a teeny bit, scooting along. She clung tighter. Kissed harder. Voices around them grew louder. They came to a stop as the crew scrambled to tie the balloon down. Spectators clapped.

  He’d distracted her through a landing she’d surely not be able to handle. Their kiss ended and Wade gave his famous charming grin. After that kiss, her breath had been taken away by this handsome man she now called husband. “How I love you.”

  Wade released her and chuckled as he stepped over the side. “I love you too. Come on, honey. Get your land legs back.” He lifted her out, and they strolled away from the basket hand in hand.

  Once the balloon had been taken down, champagne corks popped, glasses clinked, and Sophie subtly partook of sparkling non-alcoholic wine that had been offered to non-drinkers. She wasn’t ready to tell their wedding guests the news yet because she wanted to tell Emmett first and had told Wade as much. Clay came over grinning, and he whispered into her ear, “I know why I’m drinking a non-alcoholic beverage, but why are you?”

  He’d noticed. Her smile must’ve said it all.

  Clay hugged her. “Your secret’s safe with me.” He turned to glance at Wade then laughed and rubbed his jaw. “Who woulda thunk it. He throws a damn good punch, that one.”

  “Those days are gone, bro. Enjoy the party. We’ll be a little late.” Sophie winked and strode over to her husband.

  Later, on the way to the chaser van for the ride back, they strolled behind everyone else. “I can’t wait to get this dress off you. I have a one-track mind, don’t I?”

  “You’re a naughty man, Emory.”

  “Remember? You love it, Mrs. Emory.

  She had to admit it. “Yes, yes, I do. Don’t ever stop.”

  “I don’t see that as being a problem, darlin’.” Wade chuckled and draped his arms over her shoulders.

  The combination of adrenalin, pregnancy hormones, and this man’s persona aroused her, and she wanted him to know a sexy beginning awaited him the moment the door to their hotel room closed. “I told Clay we’d be late for dinner.” Sophie caressed his face and stroked her thumb over his soft lips. She unbuttoned three more buttons on his shirt then slipped her arms around his waist. “Mmm, I can’t wait to get you out of these clothes.”

  “You’re a naughty woman, Sophie Emory.”

  “You love it, Mr. Emory.”

  He drew her closer, whispering, “Yeah, yeah, I do. Don’t ever change.”

  The last glimmer of sunlight sank beneath the horizon, casting its final glow on the darkening landscape around them. Sophie looked skyward and smiled. “If you’re involved, showing my sexy is a given, darlin’. I hope you can handle me.”

  “I can.” Wade brought her to a stop a few yards from the van. He gave her a gentle kiss then raised his hand to point upward. “I’ve never been happier than I am this moment. Just think… One journey ended. Our biggest adventure begins…right now.” He smiled. “Ready, baby?”

  Sophie nodded her approval and returned his smile. “Oh, I look forward to the adventures our little family will experience. I’m ready for it all as long as you’re by my side.”

  He sealed the deal with a kiss before getting into the van
. “That’s the only place I want to be.”

  *****

  Thank you so much for reading.

  Please scroll forward for a Note to Readers, other books by Mary, and more.

  Note to Readers:

  If this is your first book by me, I’d like to thank you for taking a chance to begin a new series with a new-to-you author.

  Thank you for reading Hooked by Sundown. You briefly met Jake Lawton in this book. You can read his and Beth’s story now in Whispers of Forever: Mending Christmas, Book #1. You also met Dane Carlson and some of his family. He has his own story to tell in book three in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight.

  This is a spin off series to the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight—the series where you’ll read about Jase, Tristan, Dane, Judy, and their good friend, Randy Drake. Randy may not be a Carlson, but they treat him like family.

  Why did I create a spin off series? This spin off series takes us off the Double Dutch Ranch and into the lives of others who are either acquaintances or friends in Canyon Junction. A newcomer will come around now and then. And who knows. They could be the star in an upcoming book in either series.

  To stay updated about new books, you can sign up for my Mailing List. I don’t bombard your inbox with newsletters, and only send one on occasion to keep you updated with a cover reveal, a new release announcement, excerpts, or a book update, so if you sign up, be sure to tick off the boxes for Targeted Book Updates and Email.

  If you have a question or comment, please contact me at my website at Contact Mary. On my website, you’ll also find my current blog posts. Thank you again.

  Website: http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com

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