Moonlight Kiss

by LuAnn McLane

  Feeling pretty damned gloomy, he tilted the bottle up to his lips and took a long pull. After the drive the cold beer tasted good, even though it did little to improve his mood. He found the Cincinnati Reds playing Pittsburgh on television and rounded up another beer. “Damn, I’ve got to call Sara,” he said with a wince. She was going to be pissed.

  Taking a deep breath, he picked up his cell phone and called her.

  “Hey!” Sara said, but instead of being on the phone she came walking through the door.

  “Hey, yourself.” Reid stood up and gave her a hug.

  Sara licked her lips in that way that said she was about to ask him a favor. “Um, I have a tiny favor to ask.”

  “Sara, your favors are never tiny.”

  “Okay, I have a big favor to ask of you.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Well, you know this mock wedding?”

  “About that—”

  “The mock groom is … um, unable to come, so I thought maybe you could fill in.”

  “No way. No possible way.”

  “Please? It would mean a lot to me.” She paused and said, “And it would mean a lot to Addison. We’ve been planning this beautiful wedding for the past month and we don’t have a groom.”

  “Absolutely not.”

  Sara sighed and then said slowly. “We don’t want to leave Addison standing at the altar all alone, now, do we?”

  Reid set his beer bottle down. There was something in Sara’s tone, something in her eyes that had his heart skipping a beat. No way … “Sara …” he said softly. “Are you kidding me?”

  She shook her head slowly back and forth. “Do you love her?”

  “Yes, you know I do,” he answered gruffly. He closed his eyes and swallowed. “She consumes my thoughts. But—”

  “She’s not doing the franchise. She never even considered it. Addison loves it here in Cricket Creek. She loves you.” Sara swiped at a tear. “You big idiot.”

  He froze. Well, then, why had he spent the last month being miserable? “But surely she’s pissed at me for leaving.”

  “She figured out why and loves you even more for it. Reid, you gave Addison a choice instead of an ultimatum and she chose you. So, what are you waiting for?”

  Reid shoved his fingers through his hair while his thoughts scattered everywhere. “But other than doing the books and helping out on the farm, I don’t have a job.”

  Sara shook her head. “Well, baby brother, while you’ve been missing in action a lot more has gone on than just planning your wedding. The barn-wedding receptions have taken off like wildfire, and Dad is filling in dates with pig roasts for family reunions. Addison’s shop is out of space for inventory so she’s leasing the smaller space next door for handmade wedding gifts, including quilts made by Mom’s quilting bee.”

  Reid tilted his head. “Wow. But what would I do?”

  “Crunch your doggone numbers. Run the business side of things so we creative types can do our thing. And I’m sure your soon-to-be mother-in-law will have some ideas too.”

  Reid nodded slowly. Everything was falling into place. And the most important part was Addison. “You’ve got it all figured out.”

  “Well, somebody had to. Come on, Reid. You’ve got a wedding to go to.”

  His eyes widened. “But what about the ring?”

  Sara reached in her purse and pulled out a box. “Handcrafted by Nicolina with Addison’s personality in mind. It’s gorgeous.”

  Reid opened the box and smiled. “It’s the ring I had picked out.”

  “I know,” Sara said gruffly, but then gave him a shove. “Before you got all stupid and left.” She grinned. “You do, however, have to pay for it.”

  “But … the preacher? The paperwork?”

  “Taken care of. Jeff and his band are playing at the reception. Wine and Diner is catering the food. Grammar’s did the cake. The flowers, the tux are all furnished. Addison’s dad is taking pictures. All we need is the groom.”

  “But they all think it’s a mock wedding?”

  “Until you get down on one knee and propose.”

  “This is nuts.”

  “Not really. Cody would have been thrilled if all he had to do was show up. Reid, simply ask yourself whether you love Addison and want to spend the rest of your life with her.”

  “Are you kidding me? This past month has been a nightmare. I miss Addison more than I thought was humanly possible.”

  “Then get your ass over to the barn.” She looked at her watch. “I have to go get into my bridesmaid dress.”

  “You’re in the wedding?”

  Sara fisted her hands on her hips. “Of course! I’ve got your tux in my truck. I’ll go get it.”

  After Sara hurried out the door Reid stood there in the middle of the cabin, in shock. But then a grin spread across his face from ear to ear. He was getting married to Addison Monroe. Today.

  Joy filled his heart. He couldn’t be happier.

  Addison arrived at the beautiful barn wearing the simple but elegant dress of her dreams. Her bouquet of wildflowers shook slightly because she was so nervous. After all, a bride didn’t ever arrive for her wedding wondering if there was going to be a groom. To her surprise, when she stood at the entrance to the barn, her father showed up.

  “Dad, I thought you were taking pictures?”

  “Your mother will be taking the shots of you coming down the aisle with me. Sara asked me to walk you down the aisle. Addison, tell me: Am I crazy or is this actually the real deal?”

  “If Reid shows up.”

  “He did.”

  Addison put trembling fingers to her lips. “How did you know?”

  “I got a sneaking suspicion when Sara asked me to walk you down the aisle. There were tears in her eyes and I pretty much had it figured out. So, you love him?”

  “With all my heart.” She smiled through happy tears.

  “I am so happy for you, Addie,” he said gruffly. He kissed her on the cheek and then offered his arm. “Well, then, let’s do this.” He opened the door to the beautiful barn. A narrow aisle was flanked by neat rows of white chairs. In front of them was a raised altar decorated with satin ribbons. Thousands of lights wrapped around the wooden beams twinkled overhead, and colorful Chinese lanterns of pink and white hung suspended from the ceiling. After the nuptials the chairs would go back around the white linen-covered tables for dinner and the reception to follow. Rustic met elegant, but Addison had eyes only for the man standing at the altar, smiling at her as if he were the happiest man alive.

  As Addison walked down the aisle, Cat Carson, the friend of Mia’s who had recently signed with My Way Records, started singing “From This Moment.” Almost losing her composure at the beauty of it all, Addison clung to her father’s arm. She caught sight of her mother, who was trying to take pictures but was dabbing at her eyes and had to hand the camera over to someone else. Mia, her maid of honor, and Sara both smiled, looking lovely in the dusky pink bridesmaid gowns. Jeff, the best man, and Braden were handsome in charcoal gray tuxedoes.

  When Addison reached the altar, the preacher spoke to the audience. “We’ll commence with the wedding vows in just a minute. But first we have a little detail to take care of,” he said, and then stepped away.

  Addison stood before Reid, who took her breath away in his tuxedo. In that moment Addison knew she had kept her promise to Garret. She hadn’t settled for anything less than undying, all-consuming, everlasting, crazy love. Reid knelt down on one knee, causing a buzz of excitement to ripple through the audience.

  “Being away from you the past month was the hardest thing I’ve ever endured. I love you with all my heart. Addison, will you marry me?”

  With her heart pounding she nodded. “Yes, Reid.”

  “Give me your hand, please.” Smiling, Reid reached in his pocket and pulled out a ring. He slipped an elegant champagne sapphire surrounded by tiny glittering diamonds in a rose gold setting onto her finger.

&nbs
p; “Oh, it’s stunning,” she said, beaming at him while the crowd applauded.

  Reid stood up and took both of her hands in his. “I should have been more specific. Will you marry me … right now?” Laughter filled the room, along with the sound of sniffles.

  Addison felt happiness fill her from head to toe. “Reid Greenfield, I will marry you right here, right now …” She paused to brush at a tear and then gave him a trembling smile. “From this moment my heart will forever and always belong to you.”

  “You’ve made me a happy man.” Reid leaned forward for a kiss, but the preacher stepped in.

  “Not so fast. I know we moved quickly from a proposal to a wedding but we have a few details left before you claim your bride,” he announced with a grin. “In just a few more minutes Addison will be yours for the rest of your life.”

  Reid stepped back and smiled warmly at her. “I can’t wait.”

  “Then let’s begin… .”

  Epilogue

  One year later

  “Mom, that pot roast was amazing,” Reid said, and his mother beamed. “I’m stuffed.”

  “Thank you, Reid. Your father and I look forward to Sunday dinners, but having the entire family sitting around the table is a special treat. Isn’t it, Barry?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Are we ready for dessert?” his mother asked and stood up. “I baked a couple of apple pies.”

  “In a minute.” Reid put his napkin beside his plate and looked at Addison. “We have something to announce.”

  “Okay,” his mother said with wide eyes.

  Reid felt emotion well up in his throat when his mother reached over and took his father’s hand and sank back onto her chair. “Tell them, Addison.”

  “We’re having a baby!” Addison said with a bright smile.

  “Oh! Oh! A grandchild!” Susan shouted with joy. “Oh, Barry, we’re having a grandbaby!”

  “Grandchildren,” Sara added, and grinned across the table at Reid. “Twins like to do things at the same time.”

  “Oh my … oh my goodness!” Susan jumped up, shouted, and raised her hands heavenward. She looked like she might either faint or explode from joy. “Barry, can you believe it? I am simply overwhelmed with happiness!” She did a little dance but then stopped and pointed at Jeff and Braden. “You boys are next. We want to fill this farmhouse with the pitter-patter of little feet, don’t we, Barry?”

  “We sure do,” he answered gruffly.

  A moment later everyone stood up and the room became a Greenfield hug fest. Reid looked over the top of his mother’s head from where she hugged him tightly around the waist and met Addison’s eyes. I love you, he mouthed, and felt a rush of emotion when she mouthed it back.

  It didn’t get any better than this… .

  Did you miss the previous book

  in the Cricket Creek series?

  Catch up now with a teaser from

  WHISPER’S EDGE

  Available now from Signet Eclipse

  wherever books and e-books are sold.

  “WILLIE! NO! DON’T JUMP!” THE LOUD, DESPERATE PLEA frightened social director Savannah Perry into sprinting toward the pool at Whisper’s Edge. Willie’s dangerous plunge attempts had been happening all too often. “Oh, baby, please don’t! It isn’t worth it!” Although the tearful wail had Savannah picking up her already swift pace, she did manage to notice a sleek sports car parked in front of the main office. The sun glinting off the silver hood piqued Savannah’s curious nature but a splash followed by another wail of distress kept her placing one flowered flip-flop in front of the other. The thongs adorned with daisies were the result of last Wednesday’s craft workshop but were not very good for running shoes. “Doggone it!” Savannah nearly tripped as she hopped over the curb but she refused to slow down. Willie was not a strong swimmer.

  Breathing hard, Savannah pushed open the gate that should have been latched and looked past umbrella tables and lounge chairs. “On no!” She spotted eighty-year-old Patty Parsons teetering precariously close to the edge of the water at the deep end of the pool. “Please back up,” Savannah warned, but hard-of-hearing Miss Patty was further hampered by the pink bathing cap covering her ears.

  “I’ll rescue Willie!” Savannah tried again, but Miss Patty’s attention remained focused on her sinking dog.

  “Oh, Willie, swim harder!” Miss Patty wrung her hands together as she watched her beloved basset hound trying to capture a yellow tennis ball that bobbed just past his nose. Willie’s ears fanned out over the surface of the water and, although he doggy-paddled at a furious pace, his short legs and rotund body were no match for gravity. He sunk a little lower.

  “Baby, forget about the danged ball! I’ll buy you a dozen!” Miss Patty wailed but Willie was on a mission and paid his master no heed. Then, to Savannah’s horror, the spry little lady pointed her hands over her capped head and bent her body toward the glistening water. “I’m coming for ya!” she promised, but although Miss Patty was in great shape for her advanced age, Savannah knew from experience that without her flotation noodle, she’d sink like a stone.

  Savannah was about to have quite a situation on her hands. She cupped her fingers at the corners of her mouth and shouted at the top of her lungs, “For the love of God, don’t dive in, Miss Patty! I’ll save Willie!”

  God must have been listening because Miss Patty suddenly straightened up and looked at Savannah across the width of the pool. With wide eyes she put a hand to her chest. “Oh, praise the Lord! Child, pul-ease save my Willie!”

  Savannah kicked off her flip-flops, losing a hot-glued daisy in the process. “I will,” she promised and, while holding her nose, she jumped fully dressed into the pool. Although she’d cranked up the heat for afternoon water aerobics, the sudden plunge still felt shockingly cold. Ignoring the discomfort, Savannah bobbed to the surface. She lunged for Willie and managed to wrap her arm around his midsection.

  “You got him,” Miss Patty shouted, but her glee was short-lived. Although Savannah kicked with all her might, she and her canine buddy sank beneath the water. Willie, apparently sensing doggy death by drowning, wiggled away. With a gurgled protest, Savannah followed in swift pursuit but Willie swam like a manatee while underwater. He didn’t, however, manage to paddle his way back up to the surface and started sinking closer to the bottom.

  Although her lungs protested, Savannah knew her only hope was to get beneath Willie and push him upward. She lunged forward and gave his furry rump a huge heave-ho, repeating the action while using her legs as a springboard off the bottom. The old Olympic-sized pool was deep and Savannah was short, so by the time she and Willie reached the side of the pool, Savannah was struggling. Her lungs burned but she somehow managed to give Willie one last hard shove closer to where Miss Patty was bent over paddling the water as if that would somehow help.

  The effort sent Savannah sinking backward but she pushed off the bottom and stroked as quickly as her tired arms would allow. Savannah broke the surface and took a huge gasp of much-needed air. Wet hair obscuring her vision, she dipped under the water to slick the long dark red tresses back from her forehead. Just as she raised her head above water, another splash had her cringing. Not again! Savannah was flailing around in a circle, trying to get a bead on where Willie landed when, to her surprise, a strong arm snaked around her waist and pulled her against a hard body.

  “Don’t worry. I’ve got you,” the owner of the hard body said next to her ear. Savannah tried to twist to see his face but his firm grip prevented her from budging. “Stay calm and put your arms around my neck. I’ll get you over to the edge.”

  Savannah obeyed but then felt silly. The words I’m not drowning formed in her head but the exertion, coupled with the lack of oxygen, scrambled Savannah’s brain. She attempted to talk once more but unfortunately only a breathy drowning got past her lips.

  “Don’t worry. I won’t let you,” her knight in soggy clothing promised in a whiskey-smooth voice laced wit
h a touch of the South. Savannah loved accents because they represented a sense of home, and roots, something she’d never had until landing the job at Whisper’s Edge. “Hang on and you’ll be just fine.”

  “Okay,” Savannah managed. She tightened her hold, forgetting that she didn’t really need assistance.

  “We’re almost there.” His warm breath near her ear sent a delicious tingle down her spine, and when he tilted his head back, Savannah was able to see his tanned face. “Don’t worry.” He gave Savannah a reassuring smile that was utterly gorgeous. In that brief moment when their eyes met, Savannah felt an unexpected flash of longing she couldn’t quite explain. He must have felt something similar because his gaze dropped to her mouth and lingered. Time felt suspended and unfolded like one of those slow-motion movie moments that needed Maroon 5 music in the background. Savannah tilted her face slightly closer but before she could do something incredibly insane like lean in and kiss a perfect stranger, he turned his head and started swimming toward the ladder. “Thank God …” Damn … didn’t mean to utter that out loud.

  “Almost there,” he assured her in a soothing tone of voice.

  Savannah could see the hot pink silk zinnias adorning the top of Miss Patty’s flip-flops. Several of the ladies had squabbled over favorite flowers during craft time, and Savannah had had to make them draw straws.

  “Here you go.” With firm hands circling her waist he gently guided Savannah to the rungs of the ladder. She could feel the heat of his body pressing against her back and the urge to lean against him was almost too strong to resist. Luckily, Willie’s deep bark startled some sense back into Savannah’s befuddled brain. With a quick intake of breath she gripped the metal handrails and hoisted herself up while hoping that her wet sweatpants clinging to her body didn’t make her butt look big. Belatedly, Savannah realized she wore a swimsuit beneath her clothing and wished she had taken the time to shed it before rescuing Willie. Too late now …

  Trying not to think about her butt, Savannah sloshed her way up the ladder, but when she tried to stand, her shaky legs gave her trouble. To her acute embarrassment, she stumbled sideways like a drunken sailor.