ARKANSAS WEDDINGS: THREE-IN-ONE COLLECTION

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “It’s been a few hours.”

  “Can I give you an answer after I take care of one more thing?”

  Hayden’s eyes widened. “As long as the answer is yes and it comes really soon.”

  “I’ll do my best to bring a special gift.” She traced his jaw with a fingertip, sending a quiver down his spine.

  “You don’t have to get me anything. A yes will suffice.”

  “Not for you, silly. For me.”

  He frowned.

  “I have an overwhelming need to start over fresh, with you. And to do that, I just have one more little hurdle. Two hours tops.”

  Relief surged through him. Not weeks or months. Just two hours. One hundred twenty long minutes. “Guess it’ll have to do.”

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can. Brady, go ahead and open your presents, and I’ll give you mine when I get there.”

  Laken rang the bell, and almost immediately, Sharlene answered.

  “Why, Miss Laken, it’s nice to see you again. I’m afraid your mother isn’t here.”

  “I know. Is Father awake?”

  “Well, yes, but…”

  “I know he’s drinking, Sharlene, but I need to see him anyway.”

  “Of course, he’s in the drawing room.”

  Laken sidestepped the well-programmed maid. “I know the way.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Of course.”

  She tapped softly on the double doors. “Father, can I come in?”

  “Just a moment.”

  A moment to hide his bottle, his glass, his carafe. If he stuck with his old schedule, he’d only been up an hour or so and only consumed three to four drinks. For him, it was like one wine cooler for anyone else. He should still have his faculties.

  “Come in.”

  With trembling fingers, she turned the knob. Father still wore his bathrobe, his face unshaven. His red eyes revealed surprise. “Laken? Is everything all right? Your mother…?”

  “She’s fine.” He seemed sober. “She went to Hayden’s parents’ house for leftovers and to exchange gifts. Collin’s there, and Brady, too. Collin decided not to move Brady to California.”

  “A boy should be with his father.”

  “Collin’s moving here.”

  Father’s eyebrows rose. “He is?”

  “Listen, Father, I thought you might like to go with me to the Winters’. They’re wonderful people, and you can meet Brady and Hayden.”

  “That’s your fella?”

  The warmth of a blush crept up her neck. “He asked me to marry him.”

  “And you said…?”

  “I didn’t yet, but I’m going to say yes.”

  “Then why haven’t you? Did you leave the poor chap hanging?”

  “I think he knows I’ll say yes. I felt like I needed to get everything in order before we can begin our life together.”

  “You think you can get me in order?”

  “No, but I know the One who can.” She squeezed his hand. “I’ve been praying for you, Father. I want our family to be the family we never were. I want us to be close and loving. We can’t be that if…”

  “I’m drunk.”

  Her stomach somersaulted. He admitted it. That had to count for something. “Father, please come to the Winters’ house with me.”

  “I can’t. I can’t let anyone see me like this.”

  For years, she’d been ashamed of him. She’d wanted him to stay hidden away at the house. But now, if she could just give him a glimpse of what he’d missed all these years, maybe he’d want to get well.

  “What if we find my brother? Do you want him to see you like this?”

  Father’s face contorted, his lips trembled. “We’ll never find him.”

  “We might. There’s always hope. When we do, do you want him to see what losing him has done to you?”

  He shook his head.

  “Come with me, Father. Please.”

  Cupping his chin in his hand, he rubbed his fingers over stubbly cheeks. “Let me get cleaned up a bit.” She smiled. “Hurry, they’re probably ready to open my presents by now.”

  A bundled Brady waited on the Winters’ porch as Laken pulled into the drive.

  “That’s your grandson.”

  “Do you think Collin will let me be his grandfather?” Father zipped his coat up.

  “I’m praying he will.” Afraid Father might not have the courage, she got out, went around to open his door, and waited until he stepped out of the car. He took the sack of gifts from her.

  “It’s about time,” Brady hollered. “I didn’t think you’d ever get here.”

  “Sorry, but I brought a special gift.” Laken stepped up on the porch. “Brady, this is your grandfather, Martin Kroft.”

  “Nice to meet you, sir.” Brady offered his hand.

  Father shook it. “So mannerly.”

  The front door flew open to reveal Mother. “Martin, are you all right?”

  “He’s fine. I convinced him Christmas wouldn’t be right without him, so he decided to join us.”

  Mother lunged into his arms, sniffling. “I’m so glad you came.”

  The door opened again. “Come in,” Hayden said. “You’ll freeze out here.”

  “Hayden, this is my father, Martin.”

  “Glad to meet you, sir.” Hayden offered his hand.

  “You’ve done a nice job with my grandson.” Father pumped his arm. “You’re Laken’s fella, too. Sylvie speaks highly of you.”

  “I’ll admit it. I’m crazy about your daughter, sir.”

  A blush warmed Laken’s face.

  “Why’s everyone out here?” Maye clucked her tongue. “Come in where it’s warm.”

  “Can we open presents with Laken now?” Brady asked.

  Everyone filed in, but Hayden stepped in front of Laken, blocking her path. “We’ll be right there.”

  “He’s had three or four drinks, but it’s not enough to even give him a buzz. I hope your mom won’t mind me bringing him in this condition.”

  “She’ll understand, as long as he’s not unruly.” He pulled her close. “Don’t we have some unfinished business?”

  Laken wound her arms around his neck. “I do.”

  “That was easy.” He dipped his head to claim her lips.

  She giggled. “California isn’t lurking anymore, and you trust me enough to spend the rest of your days with me. I’ll marry you anytime, anywhere.”

  “The Romance Waterfalls on Valentine’s Day.”

  Her vision blurred. He knew her thoughts and the desires of her heart. “You could never forget our anniversary that way.”

  He captured her lips with a kiss that left her breathless. “Trust me, we’ll celebrate every year, every month, every day, every hour, every minute, every second. We better get inside. I’m getting tempted to start the celebration early.”

  The door opened.

  “Presents,” Brady whined.

  With Hayden’s arms around her waist, Laken leaned back against him as they peered out the Romance post office window. Outside, a bride and groom in full formal wear exchanged vows on Valentine’s Day.

  “Adrea said there were nine today, but only three here.” A contented sigh escaped Hayden, and his breath stirred her hair. “Two more hours.”

  She shivered and turned to face him. “Two more hours. Remember the first wedding we watched here together?”

  “We were both so broken.”

  “But God mended us and brought us together.”

  “Good thing it’s past closing time.” He kissed her, long and slow, forcing himself to pull back long before he wanted to. He groaned. “There’s more where that came from.”

  She blushed. “Save it for two hours. We’ve got a wedding to go to—that is if my legs will hold me up after that kiss.”

  Warm molasses puddled in his stomach. She was just as crazy about him as he was her. How could he ever have doubted her?

  She peeked out the window. “They’re gone. I’ll
wait outside.”

  His soul just might float right out of his body. In two hours he’d marry this woman who turned his insides to mush. Brady would live with them, and happily-ever-after stretched before them into eternity.

  At least another hour’s worth of invitations piled on the counter. Hayden went over lockup procedures one more time with his replacement for the day and stepped out the side door.

  Standing by his truck waiting, she looked like a modest model in a hot rod magazine. Love for him shone in her eyes, making her even more beautiful. He kissed her temple, not trusting himself to let go if he did anything else, and opened the door.

  With her hand in his, she climbed up and scooted to the middle. “I hope Grace’s matron of honor dress fits. I can’t believe she had the audacity to have a baby this month.”

  “I hope both babies come to the wedding.” He cleared his throat. “So, what did you decide about having kids?”

  Laken leaned her head against his shoulder and coconut shampoo filled his senses.

  “That they better have your eyes.”

  “What if I want them to have your eyes?” He grinned. “I meant, how soon and how many?”

  “Very soon. We should have at least two and cover all the eye color bases.”

  “A whole baseball team. Now you’re talking.”

  She giggled and punched him in the ribs. “That might be a little much.”

  With all their family and guests packed in and around the two pavilions overlooking the Romance Waterfalls, Laken hadn’t realized they had so many friends. Cooing among the gathering were two new members, Adrea and Grayson’s little Ashley Sara and Grace and Mark’s son, Hunter Graham.

  As Grayson said the closing prayer, blessing their marriage, her mind strayed to Hayden. Standing beside her, he looked scrumptious in a gray, tailed tux.

  “In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

  Laken raised her head and couldn’t help her gaze going straight to Hayden.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Hayden, you may kiss your bride.”

  The sweet kiss was too short, but tactful for their guests. The assembly erupted in applause as the keyboardist trilled a joyous wedding march. Laken’s stomach did a little leap as they turned toward their guests. With her hand tucked in her husband’s elbow, she retraced her steps down the aisle.

  Though the blossoms surrounding the grounds were mostly silk, it was beautiful. The perfect wedding with the perfect groom. Hayden and Laken Winters. Mrs. Hayden Winters. It had a nice ring.

  They greeted their guests in the reception line, with hug after hug. Laken could barely move in the yards of satin dress.

  When the line finally ended, they cut the cake topped with white, feathery doves, and went back to the gushing waterfalls for pictures. First with her matron of honor, svelte-as-ever Grace, and Hayden’s best man, Brady. Their nephew was way too cute wearing a smaller version of Hayden’s tux. They posed alone on the balcony, with the falls in the background, and farther down on the rocks.

  After dozens of shots, the photographer called for the family. Father had given her away. She still couldn’t believe it. Though he still hadn’t sought treatment, he hadn’t had anything to drink today. But it was beginning to show as a steady tremor moved through him.

  Collin’s arm around her waist felt natural, comfortable. She leaned her head against his shoulder and smiled for the camera, thankful for his change of heart. Over the last few months, his bitterness had slowly melted away. He’d moved into her rental house and occupied Brady’s weekends.

  “Isn’t that enough yet?” Collin moaned. “This paparazzi blitz is killing me.”

  She punched him in the shoulder. “I want to remember everything about this day.”

  The camera captured their sparring, and he managed another smile for another round of photos.

  Maye, Paul, and Brady completed the family pictures of Winters-only shots, then both families together.

  As soon as the photographer flashed the last shot, Hayden whispered, “Did you bring your jeans like I asked?”

  His closeness sent a shiver over her. “I did, but I’ll admit I had something dressier in mind for my traveling clothes.”

  They neared the gate and more hugs ensued.

  Collin engulfed her in a bear hug. “Sorry I’ve been such a pill.”

  “You came out of it. And thanks for Hawaii. That’s some kind of wedding gift.”

  “You deserve it.”

  “Ready, Laken?” Hayden grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the gate.

  Just outside the heart-shaped archway, an older woman held something covered with a white satin cloth.

  “Oh Hayden, you didn’t.”

  “I did.” He grinned, waiting until their guests followed them, then nodded at the woman. She removed the cloth to reveal two white doves inside a wicker cage.

  “I’ll go first.” Hayden cupped a dove in gentle hands.

  She reached in the cage, and the remaining bird fluttered into her fingers.

  “On the count of three,” Hayden whispered. “One, two, three.”

  In unison, they lifted their hands, releasing the birds. The doves flew toward the heavens in a flutter of white wings.

  “Beautiful.” Laken breathed the word.

  Hayden hugged Brady. “Good job.”

  The boy accepted a kiss on the cheek from Laken.

  “Come on.” Hayden grabbed her hand.

  Laken blew a kiss to the gathering, and they ran to Hayden’s truck in a shower of birdseed, shouted good-byes, and teary-eyed congratulations.

  She climbed up into his amazingly clean truck. “No streamers? No shaving cream? No clattering cans?”

  “I spotted Brady a twenty to guard our ride.” Hayden turned toward Rose Bud.

  “Shouldn’t we get to the airport? Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.” He clasped her hand. “I have a surprise for you.”

  Seven miles of anticipation passed as she peppered him with questions. Finally, he turned into the drive of his house. “Go change.”

  Laken scurried inside to the bathroom and quickly pulled on her sweater and jeans.

  “Hurry. Our chariot awaits,” Hayden called. “I’ll be waiting outside.”

  A few minutes later, she grabbed her jacket and stepped out.

  He’d changed into jeans and a sweater, too, topped with a heavy sheepskin-lined coat. Looking like the hero straight out of a cowboy romance novel, he stood with Buck. Hayden mounted the horse with ease then patted the seat behind him.

  “This should be graceful.” Taking the hand Hayden offered, gingerly, she slipped her foot in the stirrup and tried to throw her right leg over. Hayden had to tug her on up.

  Heat washed over her face and she righted herself, trying to get comfortable.

  She wound her arms around Hayden’s taut middle and whispered in his ear, “Mmm, I like riding double much better.”

  “Me, too.” He clicked his tongue and urged Buck into a trot.

  “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see and it’s not far. Just hold your horses.”

  Buck trotted into the woods and through a gate. Another five hundred yards or so, and Hayden reined the horse to a stop in the middle of a clearing.

  “Why are we here? Remember what happened the last time we were in the woods?”

  Hayden swung down and held his arms out to help her off. “Don’t worry. I’ll avoid scorpion-infested logs if you’ll avoid poison ivy, and we’ll get to the airport just fine. Bob promised to take care of Buck.”

  She leaned toward him, bracing her hands on his muscled shoulders.

  “I’ve got you.” He swung her around, but instead of setting her down, he cradled her in his arms and started walking.

  “Hayden, what are you doing? You’ll break your back.”

  “I’ve hauled mail sacks a lot heavier than you. Shh, I just carried you over our threshold.”

  Her eyes widened as
he finally set her down. “But you already have a house.”

  “Yes, but it’s Brady’s. If you approve, I’ll buy this five acres from Bob. He’s agreed to finance, so I could make payments, and by the time Brady is grown and able to live on his own, this place will long be paid for. Then I’ll build you a house.”

  Better tell him. “Umm…” She nibbled on her lip. “Did I ever mention my trust fund?”

  Hayden did a sitcom-style over-the-top hard swallow. “Trust fund?”

  “My grandparents set it up for me. I get it on my thirtieth birthday. I’m not sure how much, but probably a pretty penny.”

  “And why am I just hearing about this?”

  She giggled. “I didn’t want you to marry me for my money.”

  “Laken, I—”

  Pressing her fingertips to his lips, she grinned. “I’m just kidding.”

  Gently, he moved her hand. “Shouldn’t I have signed a prenup or something?”

  “That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you. I knew it would make you uncomfortable. And I knew you’d want a prenup, and I don’t believe in them, because we’re forever. I only told you now so you’ll know I can help pay for our house.”

  “I still plan on paying for the house.” Stubborn pride oozed from his tone. He winked. “But you got the forever thing right.”

  Could a man be any more perfect?

  No.

  She turned in a slow circle and leaned back into him as his arms came around her waist. From this angle, she saw nothing but rolling hills, woods in the background, and the highway in the distance.

  “It’s perfect. Let’s plant my gladiolas here this spring.”

  “Do you really like it? ’Cause if you don’t, we can find something else.”

  Turning back toward him, she wound her arms around his neck. Her very own calendar-worthy hunk. “I love it, and I love you.”

  “I love you, trust-fund-I’ll-never-touch and all. Got any other bombshells I might need to know about?”

  She tapped a forefinger against her chin and grinned. “Not that I know of.”

  Their lips met and several minutes passed before they came up for air.

  “I’m thinking…” Hayden’s voice was hoarse. “We could head back to my house, spend a little time there, and still get to the airport in plenty of time.”