Down to the Creek- Book 1 of the Colvin Series

by Heather Morris

  While we are carrying everything into the dining room for dinner, Aiden emerges from the garage and walks to the sink to wash his hands. Suddenly I realize that I am so thankful he wasn’t in the room for that conversation. We don’t really talk about his past with Tracey. He knows it’s too tough for me to talk about. Maybe her dating someone else would be a good thing. But my brother? My brother….

  I walk to Aiden and hug him from behind and fill him in on the Tracey story before we join the others in the dining room.

  “Baby, I’m sorry this is all getting drug back up again.” He says as he turns around and pulls me into his arms.

  “I know it’s just a sore spot for me when I see her. To think she could have been the one marrying you this weekend.” I say pouting, but realizing how close I did come to losing Aiden. Twice.

  “You are my missing piece, remember?” Aiden says as he kisses my forehead. “Can we eat now?”

  I just smile and shake my head as we walk to the dining room hand in hand.

  20

  Friday night I am picked up in a limo by Audrey and a few other ladies. It’s time for my bachelorette party while Aiden is having his bachelor party at the 6AB Ranch with the guys.

  He helped me pick out my dress for tonight and then of course Audrey pulled out something much shorter and much more revealing once we left. As I get the dress on, the limo heads off the ranch and I soon get a text from Aiden telling me he knows she had something else for me to wear and it didn’t really matter what it was as long as he was the one that got to take it off of me at the end of the night.

  I smile and accept the drink from Audrey and toast to an exciting night with the girls for the last time as a single woman. I just can’t wait until tomorrow evening when I become Aiden’s wife.

  “Are you ready for the first phase of the night?” asks Audrey with a suspicious grin from ear to ear. “This is going to be a night you will never forget Karlie!”

  “Audrey, you do remember that Ella Mae and I are with you girls, right?” Amelia says questioning the content of the plans Audrey has made.

  “Yes Mom, I know you ladies are with us too. Are you worried about what I have planned will be too young for your blood?”

  “No young lady I am not saying we are too old for bachelorette parties; just making sure it’s going to be G rated. You can be quite ornery!” Amelia says trying not to crack too big of a smile towards Audrey.

  “Ok Audrey, what do you have planned? Let’s get this night over with so I can get married tomorrow!”

  Audrey looks out the limo window and says, “Looks like we are here. Leave your purses ladies, no money or ID’s needed tonight.”

  Mom, Amelia, Savannah and I look around at each other with an uneasiness that matched from face to face while Audrey sits there looking as if she were a cat who just caught a big fat bird.

  “Seriously Audrey? A bar? Isn’t this tacky?” I say pleading with her as we get out and see that she has taken us to the only bar in town. “This is all you could come up with?”

  “Just keep an open mind would ya? I won’t let you down, I promise.” And with that she heads to the door and we all follow dreading what lies ahead of us.

  “Ladies, welcome to Vegas! Please know that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!” Audrey flings the door open and ushers the rest of us in.

  As we walk into the bar it is spectacularly turned into a casino straight from the Strip. It has slot machines, poker tables, roulette wheels, Elvis, showgirls, mimes, sparkling decorations hanging everywhere, and even cocktail waitresses that greet us with glasses full of bubbly champagne and try to get a grip on exactly what Audrey has done here. It’s amazing and way over the top.

  “Audrey how in the world did you pull all of this off without anyone knowing? This is amazing!” I say not able to keep the smile off of my face and fling my arms around my soon to be sister in law.

  “I just thought it was time the women had a night out on the strip. So I brought the Strip to Colvin! It’s 8:30 now and at 11:30 sharp your next surprise will be here. So please, live it up in Vegas!”

  I decide at that Moment that Audrey did an amazing thing and it was time for us to enjoy every Moment of it. These types of things don’t happen every day and not many brides to be are presented with such an amazing bachelorette party. Time to let go of the uneasiness and live it up Vegas style!

  “So, who wants to play poker? The men aren’t the only ones who can play poker tonight!” I say smiling and gesturing for the others to join me at the table.

  ***

  After too many glasses of champagne, several pulls on the slots, and several hands of poker which my mother surprisingly won every one of, it is nearing 11:30 and I turn to Audrey to see what she has planned next. Just as I start to say something to her, the music changes and out come men dressed as policemen, firefighters, executives, cowboys, etc. What has she done? I do not want to see naked men!

  “Audrey, please tell me these aren’t male strippers! You know this is not something I want to do. Audrey, please no.”

  “Karlie, you really don’t want them? I thought it would be funny. I didn’t mean to upset you. Do you want me to tell them to leave?” she asks and we both turn to see my mother sitting on the policeman’s lap with a smile the size of Texas on her face. “I think your Mom would disagree!”

  “Oh my. Yes, I’m afraid you are right. You know what? Call all your girlfriends and have them meet you here. Someone might as well enjoy themselves. I would rather go home and see Aiden anyways. Is that ok with you Audrey?”

  “You and Aiden have something that everyone is looking for. Go home and be with him. Just remember, you can’t stay with him tonight. He can’t see you before the ceremony. I will make sure your Mom gets home okay.”

  “I love you Audrey. Bye!” I run off towards the waiting limo. “Take me home please.”

  When I arrive home I see that the lights are all still on up on the hill at the 6AB so the bachelor party must still be going on. Oh well, I would rather be home than with those half naked strangers anyways. I will just wait for him to get home. Surely he won’t be long.

  I decide to grab a glass of wine and head out back on the deck and can’t help but stare at the creek. I wish my father were here to enjoy the wedding festivities. Most of all I wish he were here to walk me down the aisle. Mom would love to have him here too I am sure to share in the parents of the bride role. It seems like just yesterday that I talked to Dad about Aiden. He must have known all along that this day would be coming. Even when we were so blind. He always knew. Always hoped.

  I start to relax and let the memories flood me and start to feel comforted knowing Dad will always be here at the AK even if only there on the creek bank.

  ***

  I know my little sister had a much sexier dress for Karlie to wear out tonight, but Audrey doesn’t need to know that I do. As long as I get to take it off Karlie, whatever she wears is fine. Tomorrow she becomes my wife and I can’t wait.

  As I watch the limo drive away carrying the most important women in my life I realize how blessed and excited I am to be exactly who I am. I wouldn’t change a thing that has led Karlie and me up to this point. Yes, it was a bit of a mess but we are getting married tomorrow. Now if I can just get through tonight and to the ceremony so that I can see her. We haven’t spent any nights apart since I flew to LA to tell her I loved her and proposed to her.

  I climb into my pickup and head towards the 6AB up on the hill. The lights in the barn are bright and I can hear lots of male laughter and smell cigar smoke before I enter. As I do, I see Dad, Austin, Jonathan, and even Aaron has made it home from his business trip to New York in time. Everyone is here and ready to get some poker on.

  “Let’s get the cigars burning and the cards shuffling! I have a bride to get to tomorrow!” I say smiling and slapping my hand on the poker table before sitting down. “Thank you all for coming. It means the world to me.”

  “Aide
n, we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here with you. We are very happy and relieved to know you and Karlie are finally on the same page. We were beginning to think your books were from different genres for awhile!” Austin says as he sits down takes a big swig of his beer. The rest of the men follow suit and the cards are dealt.

  ***

  “You do know that once you say “I do” tomorrow things are going to change right? No more freedom. Karlie will have you just where she wants you.” Says Jonathan with a wicked grin on his face as he raises the bet.

  “Jonathan, your sister can have me anywhere or anyway she wants me!” I say laughing so hard I spill my beer on my lap. “And I don’t want freedom; I have wanted your sister since I was five. It’s about time I get what I want right?”

  “Sure man. You keep telling yourself that! I am never getting tied down by one woman no matter what!” Aaron says while he and Jonathan agree and toast their mugs of beer together.

  “You have been seeing a lot of Tracey, what are you spouting off about?” I say knowing I couldn’t keep the grin off my face. “Looks like you are close to being tied down.”

  “I am enjoying her company yes, nothing more. I leave for Iraq again in a couple days so this is definitely not the time for a relationship. And who wants one woman?” Jonathan says while folding his hand.

  “I have been married to the same woman for over 35 years Jonathan. I have to say it’s better than what you are picturing or have heard. Your ma and pa were married for almost that too so where did this sour notion of relationships come from?” my Dad says breaking his silence and snuffing out his cigar.

  “I have just seen so many couples not survive the separation that being away at war brings. So many of the guys I see every day and every night have received divorce decrees in their care packages. They are crushed and seem to change from that Moment. It’s just too much. Maybe after my time is up, but for now, no thanks.”

  “Ok, so let’s do one more round and then I would like to go home and see my bride to be. At least I hope Audrey has let her go by now. She brought the skimpiest dress for Karlie to change into after they left. I would hate to miss seeing that thing on her.” I say smiling and so excited to go home to Karlie. “Aaron, would you mind taking me home?”

  “Sure little brother. It’s about time you got home to Karlie. You don’t want to miss your last rendezvous as a single man and single woman.” He says while slapping me on the back and heading for the door.

  “Thanks guys for coming, see you all at Ella Mae’s house tomorrow!”

  “Could you get a smaller car Aaron? How does this one handle the dirt roads anyway?” I ask as I slip inside and shut the door just as he has done the same and started the engine.

  “She really purrs doesn’t she? She does just fine on the dirt road and no more often than I am on them, who cares?” Aaron says with a smile as we head towards my part of the ranch.

  “You ever going to move home full time? You have to be sick of the big city Aaron. Dad could really use your help on the ranch you know since Austin has taken on so much more responsibility at the nursery and with me having my own ranch too.”

  “Aiden, you know I love being in the big city and would hate being here full time. The country life isn’t for me. Never has been. If Dad needs help, hire new guys. Surely others would love to work here. I can help screen applicants before I go back to Denver.”

  “Night brother. See you tomorrow. Thanks for the ride. And thanks again for all the amazing work you did on KAB.” I say shaking his hand and jumping out to run inside very anxious to see Karlie. As I do, I see that she is home too. I walk inside and see her standing on the back deck looking out at the creek.

  When I get closer I see her turn around and I am stricken with how beautiful this woman is. She is standing there skin aglow and chestnut hair falling over her shoulders wearing a tight and short, very short, black dress with sparkles all over it. Her high strappy heels accentuate her great long legs and I notice she is wearing no jewelry except my ring on her left hand. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and feel so dizzy knowing I get to go to sleep beside her every night and wake up to her every morning for the rest of my life.

  I walk to her and wrap my left arm around her waist pulling her close as I put my right hand behind her head and touch my lips to hers. I convey in this kiss just how much I feel for this woman and for our future together.

  “How was your night?” I ask finally breaking off the hottest kiss I have ever felt. “I didn’t think you would be home this early.”

  “I wanted to see you before I went to Mom’s. You can’t see me after tonight until I walk down the aisle.” She says wrapping her arms around my waist and laying her head against my chest.

  “I have to spend the night alone?” I ask pleading with her to change her mind with a kiss and pulling her against my hard body so that she can feel how she is affecting me.

  “I have a bit of time before it gets too late. But then I do have to go.” She says as she steps back and takes off her heels one foot at a time smiling sexily.

  I walk up to her and turn her around and start to unzip her dress and kiss her shoulders and bare back. She whimpers and I drop the dress to see her gorgeous body clad in only a matching lacy bra and panties. I can’t take much of this so I pick her up and head upstairs to make the most of our last night before we become husband and wife.

  21

  Opening my eyes I can see the sun’s rays fighting their way into the room. Looking around the room, the room I was brought to as a newborn, I see my life and self in a new way. I was very fortunate to have two amazing parents and brother to show me all that I am. I am so sad that Dad won't be here to walk me down the aisle. I always dreamed that he would be. I guess every girl dreams of that. I know today is going to be hard on all of us knowing he isn't here. My heart aches thinking about Mom being alone through this and since I moved to the AK but at least Jonathan is here for now. Maybe he will be back home soon. I am very thankful he is here today to do Dads job. My Dad can’t be here then Jonathan is the next best.

  Thinking of my wedding this afternoon makes the butterflies start to flutter and I can't help but smile. I didn't think I would ever get to this day and say "I do" to Aiden. I will finally be his wife. And to that a big smile covers my face.

  Knock. Knock. Knock

  "Come in." I say as I hear the familiar three knocks that Jonathan has done for as long as I can remember.

  "How's the bride doing this morning? Nervous?"

  "Great and no, actually."

  "We weren't sure you were going to stay here last night when you weren't here when we both got home." He says with a wicked smile. "I can't imagine where you were."

  "No where important." I say smiling so big my face hurt.

  "Ya right. After Aiden left his own bachelor party early I didn't expect to see u at all! Mom was a bit nervous with the superstition and all." Jonathan says while pulling something out of his pocket. "I want you to have this pin today for your something borrowed, old and blue. Dad gave this guardian Angel pin to me before I left for boot camp and I thought you would like it for today. You can't keep it since I’m going back to Iraq and all but I will loan it to you for today."

  "Jonathan I love it!!! I will pin it on my bouquet and will carry you and Dad with me with pride! Thank you so much!!" I say and jump up to give him a big hug.

  "I love you Karlie Mae. I'm so happy for you and Aiden. I'm also very honored to be the one taking Dad's place walking you down the aisle to Aiden." Jonathan says and kisses my forehead and walks out my door shutting it behind him.

  I stand here looking at this angel pin and I envision Dad giving it to Jonathan. I remember the day he left like it was yesterday. Dad was so proud of him while Mom and I just cried.

  I wonder what Dad would say to me today if he were here. I know he would be happy I am marrying Aiden. I'm just sorry it took us this long.

  ***

&n
bsp; "Ok, so I just talked to the caterers and the band. They are all set. Reverend Lowell will be here about 3:30 and the tables and chairs are being set up now. Austin said the flowers are ready to deliver too from Stampley's Nursery so I believe that is the last of it."

  "Breathe, Mom. It will all be fine. But thank you so much for all you have done. Now it's time for you to sit down and enjoy the day." I give her a big hug and try to calm her frazzled nerves. "I thought it was the bride who was supposed to be stressed out today?"

  "Karlie Mae I just want everything to be perfect for your big day. Without your father here it's important to me to make it as special as he and I had always talked about."

  "It will be perfect Mom, don't worry anymore. Let the professionals do what we have paid them to do. Let's get you some lunch!" I say heading to the kitchen to make us all some food. "Where's Jonathan by the way?"

  "I'm not sure; he said he had some things to take care of before the wedding. He said he would be back in plenty of time to walk you down the aisle."

  "Hmmmmm. Turkey or ham, Mom?" I ask knowing I have too much else to worry about than what my brother is up to.

  ***

  Ding dong. Ding dong.

  Who would he here this early? I told Mom I would come up there to get ready for the wedding. It's barely noon....

  Opening the front door I see its Jonathan. "Hey man, what's up? Is something wrong with Karlie or Ella Mae?" I say a little worried.

  "Everyone is fine. I just wanted to stop by today before all the hoopla starts." He says with a smile. "I was hoping I could go down by the creek a bit if you don't mind."

  "Of course, you don't have to ask. Your sister lives here and after tonight it's going to be her land too. Even though you are always welcome. I know that's where you both feel Gene the most, so you go anytime you like." I say knowing today is hard for everyone without Gene.