by L. A. Miller
Opening her eyes she blinked a few times before focusing. They were driving down a dirt highway with white fencing separating the road and the field beyond. A group of 7 stallions galloped freely across the field and as if sensing they were being watched made a point of running parallel along the fencing.
“Are those Nana’s horses?” Alexis asked and it was Gibbons who replied.
“Yes…she has over 20 horses in her stables.”
“Wow” Tristan said. “Can we ride ‘em?” He asked. “Like him?”
Bailey turned to see a lone rider now coming up fast across the field. She couldn’t tell if he was trying to catch up to the stallions or if he was just trying to exercise the horse he was on. By the way he rode and handled the horse there was no doubt in her mind the man was experienced around horses. He rode low hunched over the neck allowing him to feel the animal and anticipate its move. Even at this distance she could see he controlled the horse with both his legs and the reins. He was ruggedly handsome in his faded jeans and black t-shirt, his black hair flying carelessly in the wind.
“We’ll ask if you can ride but that man has been riding for a long time Tristan...you will have to be content to just let me walk the horse at first.”
“Awww…..but he’s going fast.”
“Yes he is.” She agreed continuing to watch him. He had to be one of her grandmothers stable hands because she knew from her father none of his siblings rode. They were afraid of the horses and she assumed their kids would be the same. Plus while they had gone over the paperwork Graham had given her short run down of her cousins and by his description she anticipated soft stuffed men too used to sitting behind a desk or chasing a skirt around the office. Any strenuous work was left to the staff.
The limo rounded the bend leaving the horses and the rider behind. As it passed beyond the row of trees Bailey got a glimpse of the mansion for the first time. Now she understood where Hollywood got its ideas for the Southern mansions. The home was two stories with a large porch that ran across the entire length of the house. Large white pillars held up the balcony above that also ran the full length of the house. Surrounded by large oak trees draped in Spanish moss Riley felt she had entered another world. Dogwoods dotted the side of the house and jasmine grew along the base. Large pots of colorful blooms were scattered about and wisteria plants ran along the porch railing climbing up the pillars to the balcony above. She counted at least 10 windows upstairs and 8 down along with a massive double door that stood at least 8 feet tall. Wicker furniture along the porch invited guests to sit under the shade and enjoy a glass of sweet tea. As the limo parked she noticed a large black woman come out to greet them followed by two younger blacks. She couldn’t help but think not much has changed in the South. She waited till Gibbons opened the door before she exited followed by Tristan and Alexis. The large elderly black woman reminded Bailey of Aunt Jemima minus the costume and when she smiled her whole face lit up.
“Miss Bailey, my name is Mimmie and I run the staff her at Briar Rose, this is Trixie and she will be your hand maid, anything you need you ask her.” She said referring to the young woman that couldn’t have been a day over 19. Trixie smiled and curtsied. “And this is Selene; she will be tending to Miss Alexis and Master Tristan.” She said referring to older black woman Bailey put in her early 30’s.
Tristan panicked and grabbed Bailey’s hand. She gave it a gentle squeeze as she looked at Selene. “He’s shy around strangers it may take a few days for him to adjust to you.”
“He’s not shy.” She smiled. “He’s smart….he studies before he trusts…I like that.” She said complimenting him. Bailey was surprised to find him loosen his grip. “He and I will get along fine once he feels he’s comfortable with me….I can wait.”
Bailey looked down and saw Tristan studying her. No one had ever talked to him like he was able to think for himself except Bailey. Most grown-ups just treated him like a child and she knew that’s what he hated the most. He was in such a rush to grow up. He thought he was supposed to be the man of the family and felt he was letting them down by always being afraid.
“Why don’t I go show the children to their rooms.” She said offering her hands. To Baileys surprise both of them went with her. Tristan only looked back once and when he was sure Bailey was ok he turned back and followed Selene.
“Trixie will show you to your room now miss.” Mimmie said. “You look plum tired….I was told to let your rest till Ms. Montgomery gets home.”
“Thank you.” She said as Trixie led the way. They had just entered the main hall and Bailey stopped to take in her surroundings. The main parlor was done in white tile with two large staircases on both sides leading up to the second floor balcony. As she stood in the middle of the room she noticed the balcony wrapped completely around the room. Selene had taken the stairs to the left and Tristan waived to her from the balcony before heading down the hallway.
“Your rooms are on the West side with your grandmother.” Trixie explained. “The Birmingham’s are occupying the East wing.”
Bailey looked over to the East wing and noticed she was being watched by an attractive gentleman she put in his early 50’s. He was tall and in decent shape for his age. It was obvious this man didn’t sit behind a desk but worked outside for a living by the tan on his face. It wasn’t one of those tanning booth tans so many men chose to visit these days. His face was ruggedly handsome yet he had a gentleness about him the made her feel warm inside. It was the eyes that held her attention though. She couldn’t tell if they were blue or grey but they seemed to study her as if trying to understand her role in this house.
“Ah…dear cousin you have arrived.” A male voice said from behind. Bailey saw Trixie wince and turning she understood why.
The man that approached her was a few inches taller and nearly 10 years her senior. He walked with an arrogant confidence of someone born to money. In his youth he may have been attractive but years of soft living were now evident on his frame and the fake tan of his skin from years of tanning booths left his skin old and muddy. His eyes were glazed over and she could tell he had been recently hitting the bottle. She noticed the way Trixie backed away in fear and frowning she studied this man more closely. He was used to getting what he wanted and at that moment he seemed to want her. When he reached out to embrace her she stepped back and he frowned.
“What, no kiss for your cousin?” He pouted.
“You must be Jasper.” She said gauging by his age. Graham had given her a basic run down of her relatives and who resided in the manor and who did not.
“Ah….I see my reputation precedes me.” He said as his eyes blatantly raked over her body. It left Bailey feeling violated and she lifted her chin defiantly.
“Yes…your years of womanizing and boozing have been brought to my attention.” She smiled sweetly. “Now if you will excuse me cousin.” She emphasized their relationship and how wrong his mental pictures were. “I am exhausted and plan to lie down for a bit.”
Jasper grinned and blocked her path. “Care for company?”
“You’ve got to be kidding!” She said pushing against his chest to move him out of her way. “Even for the South that’s so wrong.”
Jasper grabbed her wrist and painfully twisting her arm behind her back pulled her up against his body. She could feel his desire press against her as she breathed in the stench of his breath. Despite her fear she refused to let him see his effect on her.
“I was told you had no manners.” He said inhaling the lemongrass scent of her hair. “We will need to correct that.”
“Let…me….go.” She demanded trying to pull her hand free. He gripped tighter and she could feel the bruise already begin to form.
“Not before I get my kiss dear cousin.” He said moving his mouth towards hers. She turned her head sideways in time for his lips to make contact with the side of her head and he growled as his other hand grabbed her chin to force her face back to his.
“I believe
the lady asked you to release her.” A lethal voice said from behind them.
Bailey could not see the source but there was no mistaking the deadly undercurrent of its intention. Jasper looked up at the man behind her and scowled.
“This matter does not concern you Birmingham, it’s a family matter and you are not part of the family yet.”
“Any time a man accosts a helpless woman I make it my concern….call it good manners.” He grinned. “Now let her go and I’ll let you keep that pretty face of yours.”
Bailey felt Jasper tense as if he was trying to decide his next move. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the man on the balcony watching the scene below. He had moved from his earlier spot as if he had intended on coming to her aid but the younger voice from behind her had stopped him in his tracks. He seemed pleased with the actions of the other man and she almost believed she saw pride in his eyes. She tried to turn to see who was defending her but Jasper tightened his grip and she cried out involuntarily in pain.
“Last warning.” He threatened. “Release her now!”
Despite the fact he didn’t raise his voice Bailey could feel his steel resolve and Jasper must have sensed it too. Looking now at Bailey he grinned.
“He won’t always be around cousin….we’ll continue this later.” With that he released her and headed for the family room.
“Miss Bailey are you alright?” Trixie said coming to her side.
Bailey saw the fear and shame in her eyes knowing she had done nothing to interfere. She nodded her head as she rubbed her wrist. Evidence of his grip was now appearing on her skin and as she tried to steady her nerves she turned to her protector. She gasped when she recognized the man who was now approaching her as the same she had seen riding earlier. His tight jeans and black t shirt were molded to his frame leaving nothing to her imagination. As she looked up into his eyes she saw his concern for her wellbeing.
“Are you ok?” He asked reaching her side.
She had to look up to meet his eyes as he stood a good 7 inches taller than her 5’7” frame. He had dark hair that was as black as a ravens, high cheek bones that matched the long straight nose. His jawline was strong and it defined a perfect face. It was his eyes though that held her. They were grey yet seemed flecked with blue. She imagined they would change colors depending on the clothes he wore and his moods. Realizing she hadn’t spoken she simply nodded her head.
“Are you sure?” He said taking her hand and examining the fresh bruise.
She saw his jaw tense in anger but his touch was gentle and it sent a wave of electric current all the way down to her knees. She hadn’t realized she was shaking till he touched her and she wasn’t sure how much was due to her brush with Jasper or the direct contact of this virile man.
“You’re shaking.” He said searching her face. Looking at Tilly he immediately took charge. “Bring me a glass of brandy.” He ordered and Tilly jumping obeyed his command.
“Is she ok?” The voice from up on the balcony called down.
“Yeah.” He answered looking up. “A little shaken & bruised but she’ll be ok.” He said now looking at Bailey. Tilly appeared with a crystal glass half filled with a warm golden brown liquid which he took and held out to Bailey. “Drink this.”
Bailey looked at it and shook her head “I don’t drink.”
“Drink it….it will help calm your nerves.” He again ordered as he pressed the glass into her hand while his other hand rested on her arm to steady her.
Looking up at him she knew he wouldn’t take no for an answer and she held the glass to her lips swallowing in one gulp. As the liquid spread its warmth down her body she coughed at its potency. Handing the glass back to Tilly she looked back up at the stranger with tears in her eyes. He waited patiently for the brandy to have its effect then smiled. His whole face lit up in amusement as he revealed his pearly whites.
“You really don’t drink do you?” He grinned.
“Not really….sometimes I have a beer….or a glass of wine.” She said trying to control her breath. Finally finding her manners she smiled. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He said still holding one arm gently. “You’re not what I expected.” He admitted.
Bailey studied him then recalled the words Jasper had used. Suddenly she realized this was the man she was scheduled to marry. He didn’t fit any image she had created and her surprise must have shown on her face.
“So I’m not so much of an ogre as you expected?” He grinned wickedly.
“No.” She said stepping back forcing him to release his hold on her arm. “Um…I’m Bailey.”
“Beckett…Beckett Birmingham.” He said formally holding out his hand in amusement.
Bailey took his hand and when it closed around hers she noticed the callouses on his hand. It told her he didn’t sit behind a desk for a living. Despite his strength he seemed to almost caress her hand as he held it. She wondered how his hands would feel if they caressed her body. Embarrassed at her thoughts she removed her hand and that seemed to amuse him even more as if he had read her thoughts. Both eyes turned as the elderly man joined them. It was obvious he was related and by his age Bailey assumed he was Beckett’s father.
“Dad…this is Bailey Montgomery.” Beckett said making the introductions. “My fiancé you might say.”
Blushing at the circumstances she turned to face the older man. His smile was warm and sympathetic as he took the hand she extended.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you sir.” She said politely and she noticed the way he raise one eyebrow in surprise.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come to your aid but when I saw my son I didn’t feel the need.” He smiled.
“Thank you….I’m just glad he was there.” She said shaking involuntarily again
“We’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again.” Beckett frowned seeing the darkening shade of the bruise.
“Bailey…Bailey come see our rooms.” Alexis cried as she dragged Tristan behind her.
She froze at the top of the stairs seeing Bailey with two strange men. It was Tristan’s reaction that surprised her. Letting go of Alexis’s hand he ran down the stairs and stood in front of Bailey as he sized up the two men. Both Beckett and his father seemed amused at his protective stance. Beckett decided to take the lead. Kneeling down so he was at Tristan’s level he held out his hand.
“Hello…..my name is Beckett.”
Tristan eyed him then took his hand squeezing hard like Matt had taught him. “My name is Tristan.”
Beckett groaned under the grip which caused Tristan to smile satisfied he had made his point.
“Wow….no one better cross your path.” He smiled as Tristan released his hand. “You must be a super hero.”
“No he’s not.” Alexis laughed as she bounced down the stairs. “He’s just a boy silly.”
Bailey saw Tristan’s confidence deflate but Beckett quickly came to his defense as he whispered. “That’s ok….we all know superhero’s have to keep their identity a secret even from their family.” He winked bringing a smile to Tristan’s face.
“This is my brother Tristan….and my sister Alexis.” Bailey said making the introductions “This is Mr. Birmingham” she said addressing Beckett than looked at his father. “And this is his father Mr. Birmingham.”
Alexis thought that was funny and laughed. “Mr. and Mr. Birmingham.”
Beckett laughed with her. “I guess you should call me Beckett than so we don’t get confused.”
Alexis looked at Bailey for permission and she nodded. Alexis beamed as she approached them and curtsied as she had recently been taught.
“I am very pleased to meet you.” She said with perfect charm.
Beckett put his hand over his heart and faked a swoon before looking at Tristan. “You better keep an eye on her….the boys will soon be lining up at the door.”
Tristan rolled his eyes as Alexis’s squealed in glee. She was obviously taken by the charms of Beckett and it showed
when she blushed. Bailey was surprised her image of both him and his family were totally misplaced. He looked up at her and seemed to have once again read her thoughts as he stood. Feeling her own blush spread across her face she looked for a reason to escape.
“If you’ll excuse me….I guess I need to go see their rooms.” She said as Tristan grabbed her hand.
Alexis grabbed the other suddenly excited to show off her new discovery. She turned to Beckett.
“Do you want to come?”
Bailey watched as Beckett seemed to consider the offer then he politely declined. Bailey didn’t know if she was glad or disappointed. She met his glance then turning she let the kids lead her upstairs towards their room. Once at the top she looked down once more to see Beckett had been watching. She felt her heart flip flop as he smiled to her then turning he left the room with his father. She watched him walk away and mentally she tried to will him to look back wanting to get one more glance at his eyes. Impatient now Alexis tugged at her hand and only after Beckett had disappeared from sight did she let her sister lead her away.
Chapter 6
When Beckett had learned his intended bride was arriving that day he needed to find an escape. He had arrived with his brother and parents a few days earlier and after spending a day going over the books Beckett had come to realize none of them had any real understanding how badly the Montgomery boys had tarnished their reputation. They had their work cut out for them. The worse was going to be in dealing with the Montgomery family on a daily basis. Both the father and sons all had an over inflated sense of their talent. They looked down on his family as if they weren’t even qualified to share the same dust in the room. Regina had been graceful and to his surprise she and his mother had gotten along quite well. She ruled her family with an iron grip but the moment Regina left the verbal sneers started. If they were any indication of his future bride he knew this next year was going to be a challenge. Having to play the loving husband to a snooty bitch without strangling her would be the true test of his resolve. Finding the stable he had chosen one of Regina’s black Percherons enjoying the challenge in the struggle for each of them to control the other. In the end he won out and when he returned he was ready for what lay ahead.