Unexpected Guest: A Riverton Crossing Novel - Book Three

by Savannah Maris

  “Baby, this whole town knows I’m yours. I’d be surprised if she comes near us, but when you’re alone somewhere is when I worry.”

  “Then I guess I shouldn’t be left alone.” Kayla smiled at Mitchell.

  “I guess you shouldn’t.” He kissed her forehead.

  They all made their way up to the dance floor where the DJ was looking at them. As soon as everyone walked up, the DJ announced their arrival. “Let’s all please welcome the newlywed couples, Evan and Ginger Riverton as well as Mitchell and Kayla Riverton!”

  Applause erupted as Evan made his way to the DJ. “Dude, these are the songs we’d like played for the reception part of the evening, but then please turn it to the street dance. Mitchell and I’d really love to leave with our brides if you get me.” Evan wiggled his eyebrows.

  “Chief, I’d love to help ya out, but that big blond guy over there,” the DJ said as he pointed toward Nathan, “he brought me the girls’ requests. I gotta do what the ladies asked,” he said with a tilt of his head. “Plus, that dude scares the shit out of me. I don’t want him to beat my ass.”

  “What did he give you?”

  The DJ showed him the piece of paper with two songs on it. “Fine,” Evan said.

  “How do you want to handle it?” he asked

  “Mitchell said I should go first since I’m the oldest, so play this one and this one for Ginger and me,” Evan said as he pointed to the songs on the paper. “Then play this one and this one for Mitchell and Kayla. When they finish, Mitchell and I will address the crowd before the last two are played. Thank you,” Evan said as he patted the guy on the back.

  The DJ nodded as he moved back to the microphone. “Ladies and Gentlemen, the next four songs are for the married couples. Please let them have the dance floor as this is their reception. You will be asked to join them shortly in their celebration.” He turned his attention to Evan and Ginger. “Evan, please lead your bride to the dance floor. This is the song she picked for you.”

  “The Woman In Me” by Shania Twain began to play.

  “Evan, I mean these words. The woman in me does need the man in you—today and always,” Ginger said with her face turned toward his.

  “Darlin’, I hope you always do.” He gently kissed her.

  They danced and were lost in each other as her song came to an end and merged with the beginning of his.

  “I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice came on.

  Ginger gave Evan a curious look. “I’ve never wanted to dance before. That night in the living room before you went to meet Nathan was the first time I really wanted to dance with someone, to hold them close to me in a slow dance. Since then, I realized it was because you’re the only one I ever wanted this with.” He watched the tears well in Ginger’s eyes. He moved his hands from her body and cupped her face as his thumbs caught the tears before they could hit her face. “I love you, darlin’.”

  As the song came to an end, Evan and Ginger made their way back into the area where her parents were standing. The DJ announced Mitchell and Kayla as they walked to the dance floor. “Mitchell, this first song is Kayla’s song to you.”

  “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes began to play.

  “Mitch, I needed out of here years ago because I couldn’t breathe, but as long as I thought I had you to come back to, I was okay. But then, I thought I’d lost you. That you’d moved on without me.” Kayla took a ragged breath. “That’s when I knew I couldn’t breathe without you. As long as I have you, I can breathe anywhere. You are what I need to live.” As soon as the words left her mouth, Mitchell claimed it. They were barely moving when her song ended, and Mitchell’s began.

  “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young started to play.

  “You’ve had my heart since I was fourteen, Mak. During that time when we weren’t together, there were so many times I wanted to call you, text you and didn’t, but baby, you’ve always had my heart. I love you.”

  When the song ended the DJ said, “Mitchell and Kayla make your way up to the stage with Evan and Ginger.” As they moved toward the DJ, he said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Evan and Mitchell would like to say something to all of the citizens of Riverton Crossing.”

  When the DJ gave the microphone to Mitchell, he passed it straight to Evan as he shook his head. Evan took it with a cocked eyebrow at Mitchell in a “you’ve got to be kidding me” look. Evan cleared his throat and held tightly to Ginger as he stepped to the front of the stage.

  “Thank y’all for coming out today. It means a lot to Mitchell and me as well as Kayla and Ginger, but more importantly, it would’ve meant the world to our parents.” Evan paused as the crowd applauded the mention of his parents.

  “Riverton Crossing isn’t just a place to live. It’s a home. Our parents knew this community was a good place to raise two rambunctious boys.” He paused as laughter moved through the people.

  “Mitchell and I are honored to still be a part of this town, to get married here, and to raise our families here. We’re honored you’ve taken time out of your lives to help us celebrate our wedding day. Thank you.” Cheers again rang out.

  “The next two songs will mark the end of the wedding reception and the beginning of the street dance. Please join us on the dance floor as we honor our parents by playing two songs they had picked for us long before this day occurred. They both have special meanings to Mitchell and me, but tonight makes them even more so. “When I Fall In Love,” by Nat King Cole was the song my mother picked for me. It goes to show how well she knew me because,” Evan looked at Ginger and pulled her close, “this woman has my heart, body, and soul.” He kissed her as he handed the microphone to Mitchell.

  “On that note,” Mitchell chuckled and shook his head. “Seriously, this town is a part of the history Mak and I share—most of it good, but five years of not-so-good. My mother gave me this song about five years ago when the not-so-good days started. “You’re My Soul and Inspiration” by the Righteous Brothers because she knew what Mak meant to me,”

  Mitchell pulled the mic away from his mouth and cleared his throat. “I was reminded of this song last week. I was nothing when Mak left Riverton Crossing, but I also know I can’t live without her.” When he looked at Kayla, she had tears running down her face. He gently kissed her then said, “Please, join us on the dance floor.”

  The songs started as soon as the newlyweds made their way to the dance floor. Within a few beats of the first song, several couples had joined in. When they finished, two cakes were brought to the edge of the dance floor, and the DJ announced, “I was reminded of a couple more activities that need to happen before we let the Riverton boys whisk their brides away. Let’s make some room to cut the cakes and toss the garters and bouquets.”

  Kayla and Ginger looked at each other with doe eyes. Neither had brought their bouquets with them, but when they looked at the cakes, there sat smaller versions.

  The couples made their way to the cake tables. Evan gave Ginger a mischievous grin that said he may try something. She whispered, “Please don’t.”

  “What do I get if I don’t?”

  “Anything you want once we’re in the mountains,” she said with a demure smile.

  Evan looked as if he’d been given the keys to brand new car. “Deal.”

  “Mak, if you smash that into my face, I’m going to spank your ass right out here in front of everybody.”

  Kayla gave him the most innocent look as she placed her hand on her chest and batted her eyelashes. “Mitchell Riverton, I would never do that to you,” she cooed.

  “Oh, yes you would, and you know it,” Mitchell said half laughing.

  Kayla’s expression turned serious. “I won’t. I promise.”

  The couples cut their cakes as the photographers snapped several pictures, followed by more pictures of the champagne toasts. Finally, they were to Mitchell and Evan’s favorite part—the garters. Thomas brought two chairs out into the middle of the cleared area where the girls sat. The DJ p
layed a sexy tune while the guys got in position in front of the girls.

  “Please be nice,” Ginger pleaded with Evan, “My parents are here.” Evan wiggled his eyebrows up and down not giving anything away.

  Mitchell laughed until Kayla said, “Mitch, please get this over as quickly as possible.”

  “You won’t let me get it with my teeth?” Mitchell asked.

  “Oh, please tell me you’re kidding.”

  The guys looked at each other and grinned. They leaned down as if they were going for the garters with their mouths, both licking their lips as they made eye contact with the girls. But at the last second, the guys just slipped their hands under the hems of the dresses to grab the garters with a collective sigh from the girls.

  Everyone watched as the guys stood with their backs to the crowd and launched the blue satin and lace garters, one with an M and the other with a G stitched on them, into the air. By the time they turned around, Thomas was holding one and so was Daniel. The guys laughed then Mitchell said, “Daniel, you’re too young to play this game.” The men around Daniel laughed and slapped him on the back.

  Once the cheers and laughter subsided, the girls stood and turned their backs to the crowd to toss the bouquets as the single women shuffled to the front.

  “On the count of three,” Kayla said. “One, two, three!”

  The bouquets went into the air. As Kayla and Ginger turned around, the bouquets landed in the hands of Cat and Jamison.

  Cat and Thomas stared at each other with love in their smiles while Jamison stared dreamy-eyed at Thomas, and Daniel walked away with his arm around his girl.

  38

  As the dancing and wedding games started, Nathan inserted an ear piece into his ear to be in communication with all of the officers. He moved around the perimeter of the crowd when he spotted a couple across the square. Nathan knew exactly who they were.

  The man had a tight grip on the upper arm of the woman. They didn’t appear to be a couple in love. When they were stopped by a curvy blonde, the man released the woman, and the scowl on his face softened as a smile stretched his lips.

  Nathan eased closer but stayed within a crowd to be less conspicuous. The blonde walked off, and the man sat the brunette at a table. He appeared to whisper in her ear, but she jumped at the words he was saying. When the man walked off, Nathan followed him at a distance. He stood behind a tree with a perfect view of the man…and the blonde in an alley.

  The man shook his head as he wiped the tears from her face and softly kissed her. The gentleness Nathan saw in front of him starkly contrasted how the man treated his wife, so he snapped a picture with his phone when he saw the man’s hand venture up the inside of the woman’s dress as he leaned in for another kiss. He turned from the scene and walked back to the brunette.

  The woman sat there with her hand covering the side of her face. “Vanessa?” Nathan asked when he was close.

  The woman looked around. “Nathan, you can’t stay here. It’ll only make things worse.”

  “Worse? Your husband sits you here like a dog that he told to stay,” Nathan points in the direction he just came from, “while he’s around that corner with the curvy blonde you just spoke to—together. Believe me, he’s treating her the way he should be treating his wife. So please tell me, Vanessa, how can it get worse?”

  When Vanessa moved her hand, Nathan saw the bruise on the side of her face as Sam's voice sounded in his ear, “Nathan, man, Evan needs you to stay with Ginger.” The bruise may as well have been a gut punch to Nathan because he couldn’t breathe.

  “Did he do that because you’ve been working with me?” Nathan asked as he pointed to the bruise.

  “It doesn’t matter the reason. There’s always a reason.”

  Nathan swallowed hard. “Vanessa, please tell me you’re going to press charges.”

  “You just need to go before he sees you,” she pleaded.

  “Vanessa—”

  “Go,” she said a little louder as she pointed her finger.

  Nathan took a couple steps backward before he turned toward the dance floor. I’m going to kill that son-of-a-bitch. “Nathan?” Sam said again.

  “Tell him I’m on my way,” Nathan snapped as he walked with angry purpose to his destination.

  He knew Evan would call when Ben showed up. There were only three people Evan trusted to watch over Ginger: him, Sam, and Mitchell. Mitchell was busy with Kayla, and Sam was going with Evan, so that left Nathan with Ginger. Even though the stalker turned out to be Ginger’s brother, Evan didn’t trust him yet.

  When Nathan walked up, Evan said, “I just need five minutes. Keep her on the dance floor, but where I can see her.”

  Nathan signaled the DJ to play a song he’d requested. “Sugar, I think it’s time for my dance,” he said. As they made their way to the side of the dance floor, “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” by Lady Antebellum started to play. When Nathan pulled her into his arms, he said, “Déjà vu?”

  Ginger giggled. “This song will always remind me of the night we met.” They swayed to the music, and as they turned she asked, “Why were you so upset when you walked up?”

  Nathan’s hands tensed. “Just something I need to take care of,” he said with a smile.

  Ginger turned her head to look out across the people. “Who is that man with Evan, Ben, and Sam?”

  Nathan turned in the direction she'd indicated. “Ahh. He must be the Secret Service agent Ben is bringing in.”

  Ginger looked at Nathan, but he just shook his head. When she looked back, she asked, “Why are they talking to Cat and Thomas?”

  Nathan took a deep breath. “You should really ask Evan these things.”

  Ginger gave him the doe-eyed look that he knew would cause him to tell her. He closed his eyes. “Evan is asking her to be an informant for us inside the bank. Sugar, you better not get me into trouble with Evan.”

  She smiled. “Shouldn’t the Sheriff be included in that meeting?”

  “He’s sick. That’s why Sam is there.”

  She nodded as Nathan turned them again. With Ginger’s back to the meeting, Nathan said, “I guess Thomas doesn’t like the idea.”

  “What?” Nathan turned her so she could see. Thomas and Cat were off to the side, and Thomas’s hands were animated enough that Nathan knew he wasn’t happy. “Oh no,” Ginger whispered.

  A few moments later, Thomas turned and walked away from Cat. The anger on his face was evident as were the tears rolling down Cat’s cheeks.

  “Nathan, please make sure Cat gets home safely.”

  “No worries. I’ve got her.” The words had no sooner left his mouth when a movement caught his attention. He stopped moving and watched over Ginger’s head. Charles Harper shoved Vanessa into their car and squealed the tires as he left. Is he in a rush to beat the shit out of her again or to get to his little blonde?

  “Fuck,” Nathan mumbled.

  “Nathan, are you okay?”

  “Yeah, sorry, sugar.”

  The song had changed, but they were still dancing. Nathan knew Evan would be there soon, so he kept them on the dance floor. Another turn of direction and Nathan saw the curvy blonde walking toward some cars. “Sugar, do you know that girl?”

  Ginger turned her head. “That’s Linda Gregory. She’s Kayla’s cousin. I’ve met her once and didn’t like her,” Ginger said as she scrunched up her nose. She poked Nathan in the chest. “Stay away from her.”

  Nathan chuckled. “Don’t worry. Not interested.”

  “What are you laughing about?” Evan asked as he cut in on the dance.

  When Nathan turned, Cat was there with a tear-stained face. “Why don’t I take you home, Cat?”

  As Nathan walked Cat toward his car, he noticed the other girl who’d caught a bouquet had followed Thomas to his car. Nathan kept his body between Cat and the scene at Thomas’s car because he didn’t think she needed anything else to worry about right now.

  BONUS SCENES (PART ONE)r />
  Mitchell and Kayla

  Kayla looked around the room at the Harbor Inn in Charleston while Mitchell tipped the bellhop. The king-sized, four-poster bed was in front of her with French doors on the far wall that opened to a small balcony. To her right was a fireplace, and she made a mental note that they needed to come back in the wintertime just to use it.

  She turned to her left to walk into the bathroom. The tub was easily big enough for two people. She smiled thinking about the tub in Mitch’s apartment, but then a shudder ran through her. She didn’t think she could ever look at it again and not go back to that night. Maybe we should get rid of it…

  Strong hands and muscular arms wrapped around her waist. “Penny for your thoughts?” Mitchell kissed the top of her head.

  “Just thinking about the tub in your apartment.”

  “Mak, this is our honeymoon. Let’s not go there. That’s in the past, and you’re safe now.”

  “I know.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Look at this tub. It’s even bigger.”

  “Is that what you want? To start with a bath?”

  “Yeah, the last few weeks have been crazy. I want to relax in that bathtub with you and some bubbles.” She turned in his arms and wrapped hers around his neck. “What about you? What do you want?”

  “You. I just want you happy and safe…and pregnant.” The smile that stretched across his face was breathtaking.

  “I guess we need to work on that, then.” Her smile was bright, and her heart was full.

  Mitchell held her tight, and she slowly closed her eyes when she saw his flick down to her lips then his face moved closer to hers. When she felt his lips press against hers, her entire body relaxed. Her hands moved up the back of his head while her fingers wove into his hair. Right here, in this position is where she felt the most safe, the most loved, the most cherished.

  Mitchell caught her bottom lip between his teeth and pulled back. “Mak, we have on too many clothes,” he whispered.