by Ariana Dupre
"Pleeaaassseee? You've helped me so much with the wedding—you have go with me!"
"Fine, I'll go. Just let me leave a note so no one worries."
They went into the house, left a note for Jared, and then called Alan before driving into town.
Kimmie pushed the glass door open and held it for Angie. Once inside the specialty store, Angie gawked in amazement at the gown on display in the entryway.
"Oh my, Kimmie,” Angie said, grabbing her friend by the elbow. “Have you ever seen such a gorgeous dress?"
"Want to try it on?” a salesperson asked.
"It's beautiful, but I'm not the one getting married,” Angie said, pointing at Kimmie. “She is."
"It wouldn't hurt to try it on, Angie. You can try this one while I try mine. Come on, it'll be fun."
"That's okay, it's probably not my size anyway."
The salesperson was already taking the gown down. “Let's just see then. I think it will look beautiful on you."
"I tagged along to see Kimmie's dress on her. After she's done, maybe I'll try it on.” They followed the saleslady to the dressing room where Kimmie's gown was already waiting. She placed the other dress in a different cubicle.
"I'll go first,” Kimmie said with a wink to the saleslady. “You'll need to help me with the buttons."
"I'll look around over here while you change,” Angie said, angling over to a pair of long lace gloves that caught her eye. They were a perfect match to the gown and veil.
A few minutes later Kimmie came out of the dressing room. “So, what do you think?” she purred, slowly turning around.
"Kimmie, you look beautiful!” Angie exclaimed. The scooped-necked gown glittered with white sequins. Puffed sleeves tapered to her wrists. The back buttoned from the waist to the neck, and the mid-length train twisted around Kimmie as she turned. “Barry's going to be so surprised Saturday."
"I thought...” said the salesperson.
"Why don't you try on the other dress, Angie?” interrupted Kimmie.
When Angie didn't answer, Kimmie gently pushed her into the dressing room. “I want to see that dress on you, now try it on!"
"When'd you get so bossy?” Angie said with a laugh.
"I got it from my mama, girl.” Kimmie giggled, and then closed the door. “Now change!"
"Fine. I don't know why I'm letting you talk me into this."
"Wait until I'm done before you come out.” Kimmie called from the other cubicle.
"Yeah, okay.” Angie put on the gown then emerged from the dressing room.
"Oh my!” the saleslady whispered.
"What's wrong?” Angie looked from one woman to the other. Their eyes looked like they would pop from their sockets any minute.
"Nothing's wrong. You look absolutely stunning,” Kimmie said, circling her. “This dress is beautiful on you."
The strapless satin dress did fit like a glove, hugging the curves of her body to just below her hips then flaring to the ground. She had latched the long train of gathered lace to her wrist and twisted her hair into a knot enclosed by the veil. The gloves finished the look.
Now the salesperson circled her too, a pair of white pumps in her hand. Angie narrowed her eyes at them and laughed. “You guys are like hawks!"
"It's a perfect fit. Here put these on.” She stuck the shoes in front of Angie.
Stepping into the shoes, Angie turned from the women and looked at her reflection in the mirror. “Yes, it is a beautiful gown. Maybe one day..."
* * * *
Chapter 20
The Inn buzzed with activity as the last preparations were made for the wedding. Angie had collaborated with the caterer, musician, and video guys because the Turners were missing in action. She'd even chosen the wedding cake.
Where in the heck are they? Angie realized that she hadn't seen either woman since Wednesday nor had they returned her phone calls.
Now she sat at her desk with the Inn's reservation list and the wedding checklist, going over every little detail one last time.
"Hey, Sis! Jared needs you to help him in the barn with the new horses,” Terri said, entering the room.
"Hi!” Angie smiled at Terri. “I didn't know you were in town."
"I wouldn't miss this for the world."
"Are you invited to Kimmie's wedding?"
"Oh ... yeah ... Come on now, Jared needs you."
Angie pushed back from the chair and followed Terri to the kitchen. “Are you coming?"
"No, you go ahead. I've got to make lunch for the boys."
"All right. I'll see you in a little while,” Angie said, giving Terri a quick hug before walking down to the stable.
Jared was latching a stall when Angie walked through the big double doors. “Aren't they beautiful?” he said, stroking a roan on the nose.
Angie quickly took inventory. Twelve new horses filled the stalls. “Where are Whisper and Thunder?"
"Follow me,” he said, his long strides carrying him through the building and out the opposite side. “Here they are."
Both horses were tethered to a post. “There's no room for them inside?” Angie grumbled, rubbing Whisper's neck.
"Nope. You see, I've owned Thunder for years. He goes home today. Alan bought Whisper for the Inn. But now she belongs to you."
"What?” Surprised, Angie stared over the horse's back at him.
"She's yours.” Loosening the reins, he handed them to Angie. “Alan called and told me to give Whisper to you."
A broad smile quickly spread across her face. “She's really mine?"
"Yep."
Angie hugged the horse's neck. “Did you hear that, girl? You're mine!"
"Burt's taking them to the stables later. Do you still feel up to that ride?"
"More than ever.” Angie mounted a bareback Whisper in a single move. “Wanna race to the creek?"
Jared was in his saddle in a second. “You bet!"
The pounding hooves echoed though the forest as they ran side by side down the dirt road. Angie nudged Whisper harder, beating Jared by a nose.
"I beat you again!” Laughing happily, Angie jumped off Whisper and let her graze near the water. “You need to learn how to ride, Mr. Maxwell."
Jared twisted Thunder's reins to a tree limb. “I ride just fine, thank you.” Reaching in the saddlebag, he took out the box he'd kept locked in his file cabinet. “Aren't you going to tether her?"
Angie washed her hands in the cool water of the stream. “She's not going anywhere."
Glancing over at him, standing there with his hands in his pockets, Angie angled her body from the creek to flick her wet fingers at Jared, sending droplets of the cool liquid over his face.
Quickly snaking his arm around her waist, he wrestled her away from the rocks and pulled her down to the grass. “Think it's funny that you beat me, huh?"
"Actually, I do,” she said smugly. Jared's fingers were tickling her sides in an instant. “Mercy!” she cried out, laughing so hard that her eyes watered.
"Okay, mercy it is.” Jared said, letting her go and lying back beside her. The sunlight filtered through the trees, splattered light on his face. Angie knew she'd never seen a more handsome man in her life.
"Do you remember the last time we were here together?"
"Um-hum."
"It was after you said you loved me at the Davis house."
"I told you those were Ruby's feelings for Clyde.” Her heartbeat quickened. This is it! We've never talked about my declaration of love when he rescued me from Hank.
He turned on his side, propped up on an elbow so he could see her face. Angie quickly closed her eyes.
"Angelina, look at me."
She did as he asked. Studying her for a moment, Jared rubbed a palm against his jeans and sat up. “I want to ask you something."
He pulled her to a sitting position in front of him. “When we were on the steps after Hank had been shot, do you remember what you said to me?"
"Yes.” Oh God! S
he tried to clear her mind. If she wished for it, then it would never happen.
"Did you mean it?” His words caught in his throat so he looked at her hands in his. “Or did you say that out of relief that the ordeal was over?"
"Your turn to look at me,” she said, sitting up beside him. When he met her gaze, she continued. “Yes, I meant it, Jared. I struggled for a long time because you were the man who hurt me in the dream. And I thought you were just a player. But when Hank kidnapped me, I realized I'd misunderstood the dream, and your actions. I've finally accepted the truth in my heart.” Even though I'm still not sure how you feel about me.
She ran her fingertips through his bangs. “You're what kept me going while I was tied up in that barn. I had to escape so I could tell you that I love you more than my own life. I'll always love you, Jared. Always."
There. It was out.
"You're sure?"
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
Jared took her in his arms, kissing her deeply before whispering against her lips, “You make me so happy, Angelina."
Reaching into his pocket, he took out a small black box. “Angelina Benton, will you marry me?"
Paralyzed, she didn't move, but watched as he lifted the lid to reveal a two-carat square diamond flanked by six smaller diamonds, three on each side. The sunlight caught in the stones, reflecting into her eyes.
Breathe, Angie, breathe, she told herself.
Jared grasped the cold metal of the golden band; then laid the box on the ground beside them. Holding her left hand, he waited for her answer.
After a few minutes of silence, he asked again, “Angelina Benton. Will you be my wife?"
"Why do you want to marry me?"
"Because you make me happy."
Angie's stomach clenched as disappointment coursed through her. Her eyes welling with tears, she tilted her head down, away from his gaze. He hadn't said he loved her.
"I'm sorry, I can't,” she whispered as a tear dropped to her leg. Jumping up from the grass she mounted Whisper, urging the animal into a gallop they sped off toward the house.
"Angie!” Jared called after them. “Wait!"
* * * *
"So how are the horses?” Terri asked, as Angie stormed into the house.
Angie didn't answer, instead she ran upstairs, taking the steps two at a time.
"Boys, I want you to finish your snack; then go play on the porch until I come back, okay? I need to talk with Angie."
"Okay, Mama,” the twins said in unison.
Angie slammed the bedroom door. Grabbing her suitcase from underneath the bed she flung it open then started throwing her clothes inside. When it was full, she pushed the lid down.
"Close, dammit.” But it wouldn't.
Dumping everything out, she folded and started repacking.
Terri entered the room, shut and locked the door behind her. “I don't feel like talking, Terri, so don't ask."
"Want me to help you pack?"
Angie lifted her head in surprise. “Um ... well ... sure, there are some more clothes in the dresser."
Terri took the folded clothes from the drawer then laid them in the suitcase. She picked up a shirt from the bed and folded it.
"Why are you helping me?” Angie asked, glancing at her.
"Because my brother can be a big jerk sometimes and because I like you."
Angie plopped down on the edge of the bed. “He asked me to marry him, Terri."
"I expected as much,” Terri said, placing the shirt in the suitcase and picking up another. “So what did he do? Forget to tell you that he loves you?"
Angie stared at her now. “How do you do that?"
"I know my brother. He's not very good at sharing his feelings.” Terri sat on the bed beside Angie. “He told me that you think he leaves a string of broken hearts behind him."
"Doesn't he?"
"It's more like women throw themselves at him. He's dated his share, but most women chase him for his money. Jared's never given his heart before, until you came along. You're the first one who has really loved him for himself and the first woman he has ever loved."
"No way. I find that hard to believe, Terri.” Angie hung her head, crumpled the shorts she held in her lap. “I don't know what to do."
"You have to follow your heart."
"Angelina!” Jared shouted, pounding on the door.
Terri smiled and gave Angie a quick hug. “Here's my darling brother now.” Crossing the room she paused by the door. “Look in your heart, Sis, and you'll know what to do."
Opening the door, Terri jumped out of the way as Jared bolted into the room. She quietly closed the door behind her, leaving them alone.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Angie slammed the top of her suitcase. “Home."
"Why?” he demanded, putting his hands on his hips.
"Because it's time.” Picking up the suitcase, Angie angled toward the door.
Jared blocked her, held her by the shoulders. “Angie, you didn't let me finish before you ran off.” After a brief struggle, he took the suitcase out of her hand and placed it on the floor. Maneuvering her to the edge of the bed, he asked, “Will you please sit down and hear me out?"
She stood in front of the bed, arms crossed in front of her. “I'm listening."
"You're too damn hotheaded, you know that?” he blurted out in frustration and walked several paces away.
"I thought you wanted to finish, not insult me."
"Angie, I want to marry you. Tomorrow. Right here at the Inn."
"Kimmie is getting married here tomorrow."
"Haven't you noticed Kimmie and Mrs. Turner haven't been around much lately? Didn't you think it odd you've been planning this wedding for the last couple of weeks?"
"Well, yes, but I thought they were busy with other stuff."
"Angie, Kimmie is getting married here on September first, opening day. We're getting married tomorrow, that is if you'll agree to marry me."
"What!” she shouted. “Why would Kimmie trick me?"
"She didn't trick you, I did,” he admitted. “I wanted this whole thing to be a surprise. Kimmie only agreed because I begged her ... and paid for her invitation corrections."
Jared moved toward her. “She's your friend, Angie. She wants you to be happy."
Angie stood her ground. The nerve! The gall! How dare he! “You were so sure I'd say yes that you've had me secretly plan my own wedding?"
Anger would have been mild. Rage, calm.
"Yes, I wanted it to be a surprise—a romantic story we could tell our kids."
The ticking time bomb exploded. “Just who in the hell do you think you are? You cannot control a person's life! You think that because you have money you can buy someone's love? I said I loved you. Wasn't it enough?” She poked him in the chest with her finger. “Couldn't you have trusted me to plan my own wedding? You want our kids to think their mother is a pushover? I don't think so, buddy."
Frantically, Angie paced the room. Calm down! Get hold of yourself, girl. A deep breath and she turned, picked up the suitcase, reached for the door handle.
Jared picked her up, suitcase and all; then tossed her in the middle of the bed. The suitcase bounced off and landed on the floor, bursting open, it's contents spilling out. “Not this time, you little spitfire. You're going to hear me out, not run away."
She slammed her fists into his chest as he leaned over her. He caught them, held her arms high over her head. “I only did all of this because I wanted this to be a romantic surprise. Damn it, Angelina, I did all of this because I love you. I thought it would make you happy."
Immediately, Angie grew still. She stared up at him. “What did you say?"
"I said I did all of this because I love you. I've never said those words to anyone, ever. Please Angie, don't be upset."
"Say it again.” The rage gave way to the intense happiness only Jared could give her.
Smiling, he stood an
d pulled her off the bed. Reaching in his pocket, he took out the ring box and bent on one knee, then took her hand in his. “Angelina Benton, I love you with all my heart and soul. It would be my greatest honor if you would agree to be my wife. Will you marry me here at the Inn, tomorrow afternoon?"
"I love you too, Jared, and yes, I'll marry you."
"You just made my wish come true."
"What wish?"
"I wished on a shooting star that you would fall in love with me and we'd get married. And then, when Mary's spirit welcomed you to the family, I took that as a sign and decided that we were supposed to be together—forever."
Taking the ring from the box, he slipped it on her finger. Kissing her hand, his lips scurried up her arm to her neck, across her chin to her lips. “I love you, Angelina Benton,” he whispered; then kissed her soundly.
When he drew back Angie raised her hand behind his back and looked at the ring. “Oh my God, Jared!” She giggled. “It's a rock!"
He laughed. “There's no point in having money if you can't spend it on the people you love."
* * * *
Six o'clock Saturday morning Angie sat astride Whisper in front of The Variety Vine. A little over two months ago, she'd seen Aunt Martha's spirit on the front porch. Would she see her again?
Tethering Whisper to a tree on the side of the house, she went to the front porch.
With a stick in hand, she took a deep breath then started up the steps. This time she removed the spider web before it hit her in the face. She waited at the front door but nothing happened.
More than a little disappointed, Angie tossed the stick away. “Aunt Martha, I need to talk to you.” She sat in her Aunt's rocking chair.
Silence.
"I'm getting married today, Aunt Martha. I wish you could be here with me, but I'll have you in my heart. I hoped that by coming here you might appear to me again."
Angie waited, just in case.
A cricket chirped.
"I gave Alan the letters. You were right, you know. I knew when the time was right, just like you said I would."
Angie waited for several more minutes but nothing happened. “Oh well,” she said, walking to the bottom of the steps and looking around. “I love you, Aunt Martha. You'll always be my mother in my heart."