McCade's Wish (The McCade Family Series Book 2)

by McBain, Mara

  “You better be careful, runt. I told you the other night that my little firebrand has taken a shine to me,” Trey said with a wicked grin. “She decided after the fiasco with Catherine that she’s done biting her tongue around my detractors. I’m hoping this weather clears, because I’m almost looking forward to going back into town.”

  Cole choked on a bite of sausage but grinned at Gen. “This should make Sunday mornings a lot more interesting.”

  Blushing, she shook her head as she took her seat. “Cole, you agreed with me before. You said you were tired of people taking cheap shots. I’m not going looking for a fight. I just didn’t care for the way Trey was treated by Catherine, by some of the people in town, and even Pastor Paul. Catherine broke the marriage vows, but because of her tears and lies, Trey was made out to be the bad guy.”

  “I still agree with you, little sister,” Cole said softly. “I was just teasing.”

  “It sounds like I missed quite a bit,” Nate said with a serious frown. “I’d like to hear the whole story.”

  “It’s not a big deal. You of all people know I’ve never been the warm and cuddly sort,” Trey said with a roll of his eyes.

  “Maybe not, but the McCade name has always been good around here.”

  “It still is. It’s not like that,” Cole said flatly. “You know how it is; when people don’t have the facts, they’ll make up their own.” Trey shifted in his seat at the head of the table and Cole took the hint. “Now that you’re feeling a bit better, we have plenty of time to catch up. It’ll give us one more story to tell around the fire this afternoon.”

  Nate glanced at the big guy and then nodded in understanding. He took a bite and stole another look at Trey before leaning toward Cole. “Has this lazy afternoon in front of the fire been confirmed, or is that you being hopeful?” he asked in a loud stage whisper.

  Choked laughter circled the table. Even Gen smothered a suspicious cough into her hand. Meeting Trey’s dancing gaze, Cole nodded slowly.

  “After a little negotiation, the boss has graciously decided to postpone all unnecessary work until after the first of the year. We’re on holiday.”

  “Have I done something to upset you?”

  Adrienne whirled from fire. She had to admit that Nate did look like a different man. He’d teamed a stark white dress shirt with a tobacco colored vest and pants. She wondered if the cuffed sleeves were his effort at appearing casual. He looked ready for church. When had rugged denim and flannel become her preference in men’s fashion? Her lips twitched. Perhaps when she’d seen the way those materials complimented her muscular cowboy.

  “You played me,” she said coolly. “And worse, you did it to hurt Cole.”

  Nate’s face fell and he shook his head, fidgeting with his tie. “I’ll admit that I played on your sympathy so that you would spend time with me. You can’t blame a man for that. The fact that it seemed to annoy Cole was icing. I didn’t realize he loved you.”

  Grimacing, Adrienne turned away. She hugged herself as she paced in front of the hearth. “Maybe I should thank you. Your game helped me realize how much I actually care for him.”

  “Look, you’re a beautiful woman, but I wouldn’t screw over my own brother. That’s against everything that we were raised to believe as McCades. You have to understand that Cole is rarely set on anything. He’s one of the easiest going people I’ve ever met.”

  “What do you mean by that? That he is rarely set on anything?” she asked with a frown. Was Cole not serious about marriage? He’d seemed determined, even passionate about it.

  Nate sat down on the arm of the chair and spread his hands. “I mean that Cole has always been the one to pick last. If there is three of something, Trey and I will take what we want, and Cole takes the one that is left. He never argues or complains about it. It’s just Cole. He’s never cared enough to argue over things before. I thought he would back down like usual. I didn’t realize he was serious about you. If I had I wouldn’t have pushed it but, honestly, I’ve never seen him like this.”

  “You’re lucky you added that last bit in. I was preparing to be offended.”

  Nate threw back his head and laughed. “I didn’t mean to prick your feminine pride, princess. You’re a breathtakingly gorgeous woman, and it’s obvious you have completely bewitched my previously easygoing brother. He’s as surly as Trey where you’re concerned.”

  Rolling her eyes at the mocking endearment, she asked, “How did you ever survive with that mouth?”

  Nate laughed. “If I wasn’t their brother, I wouldn’t have. Fortunately for me, our parents drilled it into us that as brothers we’re always supposed to have each other’s backs. I’ve always gotten along with Cole. He’s a peacemaker. It’s generally Trey and I that butt heads. He drives me crazy.”

  “Why?”

  “He’s just so damn stubborn and old-fashioned. It’s impossible to get him to open his eyes and mind to new things. And as petty as it may sound to you, he was both Mama and Daddy’s favorite. I don’t know if you have siblings, but that rivalry you were talking about gets fierce when it comes to being the favorite. The infuriating thing is that Trey never had to try. What he does, the way he thinks, he’s just the perfect son. He would do anything for them, anything they asked, without question. I’m just not capable of that. I have to think for myself. My brain is always asking why?”

  “Does he know you feel this way?”

  “I doubt it. I don’t think he would understand if I explained it to him. It’s just who he is.”

  “I agree with you for the most part, but he’s getting a little better at listening.”

  Turning to face Cole, Adrienne was relieved to see a relaxed smile.

  “You’ve always had a case of hero worship where he is concerned,” Nate claimed.

  Adrienne winced, expecting a hot denial, but Cole shrugged.

  “Like you were any better,” he said, pushing off the door frame to join them. “The funny thing is that Genevieve has it bad too. She looks at him like he’s ten foot tall and bullet proof. I tease her all the time about it. Adrienne’s the only one that is immune. She’s the giant slayer.”

  His blue eyes sparkled as he caught her fingers and reeled her into his body. Her hand ended up pressed over his heart.

  “You don’t seem afraid of me.”

  “The plan is to keep you happy with me, but if that’s not possible I told you I think you’re stunning when you’re angry. I’ll enjoy the fighting and the making up.”

  “And Nate thinks he’s the smooth one,” Adri said, pushing up on tiptoe for a kiss.

  “You’re learning,” Cole said with a wink.

  Adrienne hugged him, smothering a laugh into his chest. He’d actually blushed at his own jest. His modesty was another endearing trait.

  “I hope you’ll accept my apology. I might not know you, Adrienne, but you make Cole happy and he deserves that. I wish you both all the best.”

  Resting her cheek on her man’s chest, Adrienne studied the youngest McCade for a moment. Cole tipped her chin up with his finger and lifted an eyebrow in question. He was leaving the decision up to her.

  “Apology accepted,” she said, returning the smile that lit Cole’s face.

  “Thank you.”

  “You owe one to Genevieve as well,” Cole reminded him sternly.

  “Already proffered and accepted,” Nate said rolling his hand before him in a stately bow. “She’s much more forgiving than her bigger half,” he continued with a grin. He slid off the arm, making himself comfortable in the chair. “Now that I’ve wheedled my way back into everyone’s good graces, fill me in on what’s been going on with Trey. I get the feeling that it takes a bit to get Genevieve’s ire up and she’s even upset with the clergy. What did Pastor Paul do?”

  “Let me get a refill on my coffee and I’ll catch you up. It’s been a crazy couple of months since Gen joined the family.”

  “Trey said, ‘I keep life interesting,’ ” Genev
ieve said coming in with a tray. “ I’m still not sure how to take that.”

  Cole cleared a space on the low table for the coffee and refreshments and smiled at his sister-in-law. “You were just the spark the McCade farm was missing, and I have you to thank for introducing me to the woman I’ve been wishing for my whole life.”

  Gen and Adri both murmured their pleasure, granting him a kiss on either cheek.

  “You ladies need to spend more time among civilized men if these compliments draw such appreciation.”

  “I’ve listened to more than my fair share of flowery compliments devoid of any sincerity or sustenance. I quite enjoy your brother’s honest attempts,” Adrienne said, still smiling up at Cole.

  “I guess she told you, but in case you didn’t quite catch it, shut it city boy,” Trey rumbled, roughly palming the back of Nate’s head on his way past.

  “Keep it up and no Christmas present for you.”

  “I have everything I want, or I will soon.”

  Trey wrapped Gen in his arms, his hands spanning her belly.

  “Sap.”

  Curling her fingers through Cole’s, Adrienne urged him to sit down on the couch with her. “When you McCade men were discussing distress signals the other night, Gen mentioned Trey rescuing her from a wild pig. I want to hear about that, and if we don’t tell Nate a story he’s not going to shut up.”

  “Genevieve was attacked by a boar?”

  “See what I mean? He’s not going to shut up,” she whispered in exasperation.

  Cole laughed. “Everyone grab your coffee and cookies. It’s story time.”

  Chapter Nine

  Adrienne’s hand tightened on his bicep as they climbed the steps to the church. She was stunning and regal on his arm, but a hint of apprehension flickered in her green eyes. He wanted to pull her off to the side to offer some sort of reassurance, but the wind whipped at her fur coat and she pressed tighter to his side. Hustling her up the last few steps, he held the door and urged her inside. She flashed him a grateful smile that seemed genuine. Helping her remove her heavy fur, he took a moment to lift her raven waves, kissing her neck as he smoothed her hair over her shoulders.

  “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and I’m so proud to have you here with me this morning,” he whispered. “I’m going to ask Pastor Paul to announce our engagement.”

  She shivered, some of the tension returning to her slender body. Swallowing hard, he rubbed her shoulders. Was she having second thoughts? He turned her in his arms. Glancing uneasily at the crowd milling around them, she stroked the front of his coat and vest.

  “Or I could wait if you aren’t ready to make it public. It’s not a big deal,” he said. “I understan—”

  Adrienne stopped him by pressing her fingers to his lips. “It’s a very big deal to me,” she reassured him. “Of course I want to tell the world that I’m marrying you. There’s nothing I would like better.” Her lips twitched and she leaned in closer. “I’m ready to stake my claim. But do you think it will stop the nasty glares I’m getting from all the mamas and eligible ladies or just make it worse?”

  “I couldn’t tell you. I have eyes only for you,” he promised, stealing a light kiss.

  A full-fledged smile lit her face. “I love you,” she whispered, pulling his head down for another kiss.

  He heard the buzz this time. Shaking his head, he hung up his coat and turned to face the stares with Adrienne wrapped firmly in his arm. The hell with them. He knew there was a little swagger in his step, but dressed in his best suit and with his gorgeous fiancée on his arm, he was feeling good. The doors opened and ladies caught their breath with the winter wind that snaked through their midst. Heads turned as Nate stepped through the doors and, just like that, whispers turned as well. Cole almost laughed out loud.

  “I hope your attention isn’t as fickle,” he whispered in Adrienne’s ear as he eased her through the crowd.

  “Remind me to thank your little brother,” she whispered back, pressing into his side. Her hand slipped under his coattail and delivered a saucy pinch. “Never fear, cowboy; you won’t get rid of me that easily.”

  Hearing the amusement in her voice, Cole shook his head at his impish fiancée. Life was never going to be boring with her at his side.

  “Pastor, could I have a moment?”

  “Of course, Cole. It’s good to see the McCades here this morning and looking well. I wasn’t sure you would be able to make it in with the remnants of the blizzard.”

  “It’s amazing what the grace of God teamed with old-fashioned horsepower and McCade stubbornness can accomplish,” Cole said with a chuckle.

  “Well said,” the portly pastor said, slapping his shoulder before reaching to take Adrienne’s hand. “Good morning, Miss Lachance. I hope you’re still enjoying your visit despite the storms.”

  “Thank you, Pastor. I shared a beautiful Thanksgiving with the McCades and even had to marvel at the brutal glory of Mother Nature. Thankfully, the McCade men prepared well for the storm, and we all stayed snug and well fed through the ordeal.”

  “Thank the Lord for his blessings.”

  “Speaking of blessings,” Cole said, giving Adrienne a squeeze. “I’ve asked Adrienne to be my wife and she’s accepted. We were hoping that you would share our happy news with the congregation this morning.”

  The jovial smile faltered and the pastor blinked at him in surprise before looking to Adrienne. Clenching his teeth, Cole willed the clergyman’s eyes back to him. The pastor’s forehead wrinkled, heavy jowls twisting, as he seemed to struggle with words. Cole didn’t have any of his own, and he could feel Adri starting to tense up again.

  “I take it from your stunned expression Cole told you his good news,” Trey said from behind them. His hand landed on Cole’s shoulder. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Adrienne into the family. When Father Patrick put Genevieve and me in contact, who knew a couple of letters would change our family so much? O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.”

  “Romans 11:33,” Paul murmured, nodding his head. “Very appropriate, Trey. As it says in James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. Let us take a moment to pray together and thank the Lord for his hand in this,” he said, taking their hands.

  Cole stole a quick look at Adrienne. She was looking over her shoulder at Trey, eyes sparkling and bow lips pursed in suppressed amusement. Bowing his head, he closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on the pastor’s words, but his focus was on the weight of Trey’s hand on his shoulder. He owed his big brother. When they were done, it was Adri who thanked him. Catching his tie, she tugged Trey down as she pressed up on tip toe to kiss his cheek.

  “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure, little sister,” he said with a wink.

  Cole shook his head at the difference these women had made in Trey and in their lives. Adri smoothed his brother’s tie before stepping into a hug from Genevieve. The pastor words flashed to mind and he smiled. They were a good gift, a perfect gift.

  Temper simmering; Trey studied those sharing his pew as Pastor Paul droned on. Nate was staring straight ahead in an effort not to catch the eye of any of the young ladies looking his way. Cole and Adrienne’s fingers were laced and resting on his brother’s thigh. They stole sidelong looks at one another when they thought no one was watching. It didn’t seem as if the pastor’s awkward reaction to their engagement had caused any friction between them. It was like Cole to assume everyone would be as thrilled as he was, but Trey had already had his run in with the preacher. He’d suffered through the clergyman’s doubts and probing questions when he’d stopped in to make arrangements to wed his mail-order bride. With the dogged way he’d championed the eligible local girls, Trey had wondered if the man received a finder’s fee for each one he married off. Only a blunt reminder that there were other churches in town that would welcome his family and
tithing had stopped the censure that time. He wasn’t about to let the man bully his brother.

  He looked down at Gen’s touch and was instantly lost in her dove grey eyes. Despite the pastor’s concerns at the haste of their marriage, he wouldn’t trade his freckled beauty for the world. She searched his face. He gave her a reassuring wink and nodded his head toward the pulpit. A pale pink stained her cheeks as she forced her gaze back front and center. He wondered if their child would find it as difficult to sit through a sermon as his wife did. The thought made him grin and drop a kiss on her copper head.

  When the congregation was dismissed, people gathered around Cole and Adrienne to offer their congratulations or get introductions if they hadn’t met her. Leaving Gen in Nate’s care, for both their safety, he searched out the pastor.

  “I need a minute, Paul.”

  The rotund man shot him a nervous glance, but immediately waved a hand to step clear of the crowd.

  “You made your reservations concerning my marriage to Genevieve quite clear, and it seems you might have some of the same where Cole and Adrienne are concerned.”

  The pastor opened his mouth, and Trey waved a hand to silence him.

  “It doesn’t matter. It’s not up to you to decide if they’re right for each other, or how long you think they should court before getting hitched. That’s between them. I don’t know what your thing is with wanting us to marry local girls, but it doesn’t seem to be the McCade way. Daddy brought Mama from Texas, and she was happy to settle in and be a part of this community. I expect Genevieve and Adrienne to be granted the same welcome.”

  “We’ve had our differences, but in that instance my heart was in the right place, Trey. It is a pastor’s job to look out for his flock, to help them make the right decisions in their journey. After your marriage to Catherine, you were wounded. I didn’t want you to rush into something for the wrong reasons. I apologize if I came across too strongly.”

  “It was a little late for your concern by that time. I was the one that was wronged, and you chose to comfort the adulterer, leaving me on the outside looking in.”