“Right.” She twisted her fingers together, striving for calm. “Sadly we have to do it in a hurry to appease certain people, and that can’t be helped. It would be nice to get married in your church, although we have almost decided to get married at Chance and Callie’s ranch because of Fisher. Rory would like you to marry us though. I’ll understand if you can’t do that.”
“I’m not saying that at all, dear girl. I told Rory I wanted to make sure you were both well suited which is what I do for all my weddings, regardless of where they’re held. If I think you are, we can get a license and go ahead. Now is there any reason why I wouldn’t marry you, do you think?”
Gina looked to Callie for help, taken aback by the question. “I um, look, to be honest I really don’t know. I know he will provide for us and he’s already a great father figure to Fisher.”
“What about you, child? What is he to you?” Father Thomas looked at her, a small semblance of a smile on his lined face.
“Well, he has quickly become the man I’ve fallen in love with. I guess you know the story anyway, he was prepared to give us a home and his name without meeting me in person. I figure that alone makes him a nice guy with our wellbeing at the forefront.” She looked down at her hands, twisting the small ring around on her finger. “We fell in love though. It was pure and simple. He makes me very happy and I know he feels the same way.”
The father smiled and patted her hand. “That’s all I needed to hear. I’d be honored to marry you both wherever you see fit. Now, how would you like to join me in a cup of coffee? I know just the perfect place to celebrate.” He stood up. “You’ll have to get a license of course. That shouldn’t be too difficult and then you can let me know what date you have planned. I’m sure Rory can arrange that through the courthouse himself, and they can give it to you on the same day as long as you have the correct paperwork.”
“I’m pretty certain we have everything we need.” She reached for Fisher’s hand, holding the little fingers in hers. “A coffee sounds wonderful. I’ve been a bundle of nerves this morning worrying about everything.”
Reverend Davis led them out of the church and across the street to the Java Café. They settled outside in the sun at a small table and ordered.
“Now tell me, ladies, have you met your father-in-law yet?”
Callie and Gina shared a glance. “No, we haven’t, but I’m open to the idea even if Chance isn’t.”
“Going against your husband already, Callie?”
She sat up straight and Gina smiled. She was so easy to stir up. “Not at all. We both have different ideas of what is acceptable and what isn’t, is all. I lost my parents in an accident and believe me, if it was only my mother who’d died and Dad hit the bottle, I could understand it.” Callie gave a small sad smile. “I’d probably do the same so I have no reason not to feel for Chance’s father.”
“And you, Gina. Do you feel the same way?” Reverend Davis glanced at her.
“Yes, I suppose I do. I don’t remember my mother. Dad was there for me when I needed him until he passed away. I’d give anything for him to be back with us now.”
“Well, I’m pleased to hear it. I know Jock would love to meet up with you so maybe I can arrange that sometime.” The waitress brought out coffee and placed it on the table in front of them. “Thank you. Now, do you think you’ll be inviting him to the wedding, Gina?”
Chapter Nineteen
“Do you want him there then?” Rory watched her face as she handed Fisher over.
“I think it’d be nice, don’t you? I mean, if my father was here he could give me away but he’s not, so I thought maybe…”
“If that’s what you want, I have no objection to it. You might want to meet him first though. We can go and call in on him once we get the license sorted out. I want to tell Chance first so he doesn’t have a fit over it.”
“He said he would try.”
“I know he did, it would be polite to forewarn him about it though. Just think it would be a good idea is all.” Fisher plucked at the badge on Rory’s shirt, drool dripping down his chin.
Gina reached up and wiped up the dribbles with a tissue before throwing it in the bin. “Poor little man is teething again. If he starts to fret too much, call me and I’ll come back and get him.”
“We’ll be fine won’t we, young buddy?” He kissed Gina on the lips and winked at Callie. “You ladies have fun and buy something stunning. My bride is going to look incredible on her wedding day regardless of how many people are there.”
“She will, trust me on that one.” Callie smiled and grabbed hold of Gina’s arm. “Come on, we have shopping to do. See you guys later.” She waved and pulled Gina out of the office.
“I have no idea of where to start first.” Gina looked down the street both ways and sighed.
“Well, if you go down there, you have the dress boutique and they have a mix of all kinds of clothes or go right down the street to the bridal shop. I think that’s your best bet. If we head the other way there’s a cute little dress shop, I haven’t had a chance to go in and look yet.”
“Bridal shop it is then.” Gina hooked her arm through Callie’s and they hurried down the street. “I have no idea what I’m going to buy, no idea at all.”
“Let’s wait and see what they have and we can see what takes your fancy first.” She laughed. “I’m so not a girly girl so you’ve picked the worst person possible to go dress shopping with, I tell you.”
“No, I haven’t. You’re my friend and I value your opinion. And I know you’ll tell it like it is.” They both burst out giggling over Callie’s trademark saying, lightening the mood and soothing Gina’s frazzled nerves.
Married in Marietta stood out amongst the other shops. Baskets of flowers soaked up the sun on the path in front of the large bay window. They stepped through the open door into a feminine room filled with mannequins displaying dresses in soft colors and a wide variety of fabrics and styles. The smell of vanilla filled the shop and soft music played in the background.
“Can I help you, ladies?” A petite sales assistant walked up to them.
“She’s on the hunt for a wedding dress.”
“Lovely, I’m sure I can help out. I’m Lisa, by the way.”
“Hi. This is Gina Taylor and I’m Callie Watson, Chance’s wife.”
“I heard he’d brought back a bride. So nice to meet you both. Now, what exactly are you looking for? A short, long, or evening type of dress?” She stood with her hands clasped in front of her waiting for Gina to answer.
“Um, look to tell the truth, I have no idea. I’ll know it when I see it.” She glanced around and found herself sadly overwhelmed by the dresses on display. “I’m sorry I’m not much help. It’s going to be a small wedding at home so nothing too over the top.”
“Let me see what we have in your size then. I’m guessing a six?”
“Yes.”
“Right, you go into the dressing room and I’ll start bringing in the dresses I think might be suitable. We can try every dress in the shop if you like, until you find what you’re after.”
Callie pushed her toward the back of the shop and into the dressing room. “Strip.” She stood at the door and waited for the first dress to arrive before handing it over to Gina.
“What do you think?” Gina gazed over her shoulder to see how the back looked and pulled a face at her reflection.
“Nah, not you. If it was, you would know right away. Here’s the next one.” She passed in a frothy bundle of baby blue tulle and stepped back. When Gina was dressed she eyed it critically. “Nope, next one.”
Gina was desperate for a drink of water by the time they’d gone through eleven different dresses. “This is really pretty.” Callie handed her a cream dress with a wide flowing skirt of lace and thin straps over the shoulders.
A wave of relief rolled over her. This was it, the dress she wanted to get married in. Gina stepped into it and pulled the straps up over her shoulders. She
turned to the mirror as Callie did up the zipper for her. The color brought out highlights in her dark hair, and she twirled to get the effect of the wide skirt.
“It’s you, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“That looks really pretty. I thought it would.” Lisa stood at the door clasping her hand to her heart. “I love it when I see the right dress on someone.”
“How much is it?” Gina reached for the tag, but Callie quickly turned it over so she couldn’t see it.
“I have instructions that you aren’t to know that part.”
Gina didn’t try to argue because she knew it would be pointless.
“How about shoes to match? I have some lovely stilettos that color.” Lisa hurried out and came back with a couple of different sizes for Gina to try on.
By the time they had the dress and shoes packaged up, Gina was missing her little boy. She let Callie use the credit card Rory had given her to pay for the purchases while she looked the other way as instructed. If that was all it took to make her new bestie happy, it was the least she could do.
They walked back toward the sheriff’s office to collect Fisher, relaxed and happy that the two things on their list today had been achieved without spilling blood or having to beg.
They found Rory standing on the steps watching the passersby, chatting with the locals. Fisher sat snug in his arms taking it all in. When the girls arrived Fisher squealed and reached for his mother. She passed her parcels to Callie and took her son. “How is Mama’s little man? Been working hard?”
“Yeah, he sure has. Been charming the ladies like you wouldn’t believe.” Rory leaned down and gave her a smoldering kiss.
“Taking after your daddy already.”
Rory grinned and puffed out his chest. “Been showing him a thing or two. Little fella is a keen learner. So, I see by the parcels that you had a successful shop.”
“Yes we did, thank you. I have my dress and shoes and Callie even made me buy new underwear.” She sighed. “And she wouldn’t let me see how much money I spent either.”
“Get over it, Gina. It’s for your wedding day so make the most of it.”
“Exactly what I said when I told her to go with you.” Rory winked at his sister-in-law. “You don’t need to know. We got the license too. Should be ready to pick up later today so I’ll get it on the way home and then we can set the date.”
Gina closed her eyes for a moment, blinking to clear her mind.
“You okay?” Rory had his hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes.
“Yes. It just got real. Silly of me I know. Before it was a possibility, now we have a license and a dress.”
“And shoes and sexy underwear.” Callie nudged her arm. “And now we have to organize the food and you know how good I am at that.”
“Call into the diner, ask for Paige. I’m sure they can put together a spread of finger food or something. If she can’t do it, I’ll call the Long River Cookhouse and talk to them. You’re not doing it, ladies. You’re having the day off from cooking.”
“I can do that, though.” Gina watched helplessly as her future husband and sister-in-law organized the rest of the wedding. Callie offered to deal with the flowers as well and suggested a new suit for Fisher.
“He should be dressed the same as you, Rory. Show me what you’re wearing and I’ll get onto it.”
“There’s no holding you back, is there?” Her enthusiasm made Gina pale as more nerves set in.
“Gotta make up for what I missed out on. Not saying it wasn’t fun or anything, but there’s a big difference with Elvis marrying you and that guy across the street with the Irish accent.”
“What about your family, Rory? Do you want to ask them to come?” Gina knew they were all close, and the next youngest brother, Evan was still living away from the town. She wanted to give him time to come as well.
“I’ll call, but I really don’t think we have the time to wait according to Layla. Don’t worry about it. It’s not the end of the world. Getting married to you and making a home for this little man is more important.”
“You say the sweetest things, Rory Watson. Is it any wonder I’m head over heels in love with you?”
Chapter Twenty
Rory watched the girls drive away and headed back into his office. He had a pile of paperwork to sift through before the end of the day and needed to get stuck into it. He poured a mug of coffee and sat down at his desk, reaching for the first task. The phone ringing startled him and he glanced at his watch. For over three hours he’d been sitting at his desk and the soreness in his shoulders could attest to that.
Rory picked up the phone. “Deputy Watson.”
“Hey, Rory, it’s Layla. Listen I want to run something past you before I call Gina.”
“Sure, I appreciate this. She’s kind of flustered over the wedding at the moment.”
“Okay, here’s the thing. I went in with guns blazing like I said I would. The way I see it, and I hope you agree, is that Aden basically used her as a means to an end. Not a pretty thing to say but there’s no point beating about the bush here. I want to win this before it goes to court.”
“I agree. Do what you have to do to bring this to a close.” He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes listening to the lawyer.
“Right, so I had a meeting with the other side’s lawyers. I know them from different cases and we managed to have a fairly honest chat about it all. I did point out that she was the innocent party here and had no idea what Aden was up to or who he was. His driver’s license, which the police held, proves that he was using another name.” She took a breath. “I also pointed out that with the evidence we have, including Gina’s drug test which came back negative, they don’t have a case worth dragging through the courts. It’s fairly obvious he was doing everything to get away from his family and that isn’t her fault, and I refuse to let them punish her for that.”
“Thank goodness for that. Did they agree?” He pinched the skin between his eyes, hoping this would turn out right.
“No and I didn’t expect them too, either. We have to play the game here, it’s how it’s done. What they did offer is this: visiting arrangements in the holidays and alternate Christmases if she agrees to hand Fisher over now without dragging it through court.”
“What? No way!” His stomach clenched, he gripped the phone tight. “That’s ridiculous. No way will either Gina or I agree to that.”
“Not your call, Rory. I’m only telling you this because you are the one that hired me initially. I have to put the offer to Gina.”
“I can tell you what she’s going to say. Can you give me a day or two to try to sort something out on my end? There has to be a way to stop this. I don’t want her upset more than she already is.”
“Not exactly a good idea, Rory.”
“Please, Layla? I have something in mind that may help. It’s worth a shot at least.”
“Fine, then. Giving you 48 hours to get back to me and then I have to call her.”
He picked up the phone and called Chance.
“Brother, I need to call in another favor. Meet me for a coffee?”
A couple of hours later he sat at the Java Café with Chance and relayed his conversation with Layla, getting the same reaction he’d given lawyer when the offer had been put forward.
“Look, you have plenty of contacts still with the media, right?”
Chance tilted his hat back and nodded his head, raised his coffee to his lips. “What were you thinking?”
“I want someone to start digging deeper into Aden and his reason for leaving dear old mom and dad, changing his name. There has to be something in there Layla hasn’t found or she would have said so.”
Chance grinned. “I’ll see what I can do. Leave it with me for a day or two.”
It only took Chance’s contacts less than twelve hours to get back to them. The brothers met down at the barn the next morning before Rory headed off to work.
“See
ms dear old dad has some skeletons in his closet. From what I can gather, his wife was prepared to overlook his ‘outside activities’ to keep her marriage together. Aden didn’t approve.” Chance patted Sultan on the nose.
“Hmm. I wonder what Layla can do with that?”
Chance smiled at Rory. “It sounds to me as though they like their private life to stay that way because this was buried quite deep, according to my source. I doubt they would like us to air it so I suggest you get onto Layla this morning and give her the gossip. She’s pretty savvy, she’ll use it to our advantage.”
“I certainly hope so. Gina’s a bundle of nerves wondering what their next move will be.” He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck.
“Tell me to mind my own business but it won’t make any difference. Are you sure about this? You really do want to marry her? I don’t want you to regret it once the deed is done.” Together they walked out of the barn and stood watching the cattle grazing in the paddock.
“If you’d asked me last week, I might have said I could go either way.” Rory picked a piece of grass and shredded it with his thumb nail. “I carried around so much guilt when Cindy died. I know it wasn’t my fault but to my way of thinking, I was still here enjoying life and she wasn’t.”
“Enjoying life? That’s a crock of shit and you know it.” Chance tipped his hat down over his eyes and looked out at his cattle.
“Yes I do now but that was how I felt at the time. It took a lot to get me over that and if it wasn’t for Gina and Fisher, I’d probably still be moping around feeling sorry for myself. They give me a reason to live and I know Cindy would agree.”
Chance slapped him on the back. “Good. Now go and ring Layla and get her onto it.”
Rory received a phone call later that afternoon. He’d been on tender hooks all day waiting. “What did they say? They’ll drop the case?”
“I don’t have an answer to that yet, although they have stipulations to begin with which I think are fair enough under the circumstances. Fisher is their only living relative, and as much as they might be hurting over all of this they are still his grandparents.”
The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (The Watson Brothers #2) Page 15