Ashley nodded. “My friend Jenny did it with some guy she knew and she got pregnant. She didn’t even love Jeff, she just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. She just had the baby a couple of months ago. A little girl. Her parents wanted her to give the baby away, but she wouldn’t. She had to quit school so she could take care of it.”
Dana nodded. “It happens all the time. On a happier note,” she said, smiling, “I need a maid of honor. Would you like to stand up with me?”
“Me? You want me?”
“Very much.”
“Oh, wow! That would be great.”
“Wonderful.”
“What kind of dress do I get to wear? Something long and pretty?”
“If you want. I was thinking of midnight blue. What do you think?”
“Sounds perfect.” Ashley quickly drank the rest of her iced tea. “Can we look today?”
Later that night, wrapped in Chay’s arms in front of a toasty fire, Dana told him about her trip to town with Ashley.
He chuckled softly on hearing the note of embarrassment she couldn’t keep out of her voice as she related the rather startling conversation that she’d had with Ashley.
“Well,” he said, “she won’t listen to anything I say. Maybe she’ll listen to you.”
“I hope so.” She stared at the flames, thinking how quickly one’s life could change. Not long ago, she had been certain she would never fall in love again.
“Just think, this time next week, you’ll be Mrs. Chayton Lone Elk.”
Excitement bubbled within her. “It sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?”
“I think so.”
She looked up at him, admiring the strong lines of his face, the love she saw in his eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy,” she remarked, “not even the day I won the spelling bee in sixth grade.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“Hey, that was a big day for me.”
Chay grunted. “At least I’m in the top two.”
He looked so crestfallen, Dana burst out laughing. “I’m kidding, silly. I’ve never been this happy in my whole life. Never!”
“That’s better,” he said, and crushed her close, his mouth seeking hers in what she had come to think of as his caveman kiss. It was long and hard and totally uncivilized, and it always made her toes curl.
Chay released her with a sigh. “I’d better get going. I’ve got an early day tomorrow.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “Unlike some people I know, I can’t sleep until noon.”
She punched him on the arm. “I wish! I have a ton of last-minute errands to run.”
“Okay, okay.” Chay rubbed his arm. “Is this the kind of abuse I have to look forward to?”
Looking property contrite, Dana kissed his arm. “There. Does that make it better?”
“No, but this will.” He kissed her until she couldn’t breathe, then rose to his feet, drawing her with him. “Behave yourself, woman.”
“Yes, master,” she said, and stuck her tongue out at him.
Laughing softly, Chay left the house.
Chapter Eighteen
A nd suddenly it was her wedding day. Dana woke with a smile on her face. She lay in bed for several minutes, contemplating the day ahead, silently thanking Rick for leaving her. If he hadn’t been such a jerk, she might be married to him now instead of engaged to the most wonderful man she had ever known.
She glanced at the clock, gasped when she saw the time. Bill Jenkins, one of the ranch hands, would be there in less than three hours to drive her to the church. Throwing back the covers, she hurried into the bathroom. So much to do, and so little time to do it!
Dana was putting the finishing touches on her makeup when Jenkins arrived.
She took a last look in the mirror, grabbed her suitcase and overnight bag, and hurried out the door.
Chay looked out the window of the limo, glanced at his watch, drummed his fingers on the armrest. It was his wedding day. Somehow, he hadn’t expected to be this nervous about something he had been anticipating for weeks.
Derek, his best man, chuckled softly. “Wedding jitters getting to you?”
“Of course not!” Chay snapped.
Derek laughed. “It’s normal. I’ve never known any man who didn’t have a few second thoughts right before the ceremony. Of course, I’ve known a few men who never made it to the ceremony, too.”
Chay grunted. He supposed he was having second thoughts, but not about marrying Dana. He was suddenly afraid that he wouldn’t measure up to what she expected, that she might be disappointed or that, in time, she’d be like Ashley’s mother and take off, declaring she didn’t want to be a ranch wife anymore. Maybe Dana’s mother was right. Maybe they should have waited a while, given Dana a little more time to see what it was like, living on the ranch. Dana had said it herself. She was a city girl, and even though the ranch had all the modern conveniences anyone could ask for and they lived near a good-size town, the big city was a good distance away and he didn’t get there often in the dead of winter.
Chay swallowed hard. Maybe he was just kidding himself. Maybe he wasn’t ready. Or maybe Derek was right, and it was just a case of wedding day jitters. Whatever it was, he didn’t like it.
Where was he?
Trying to appear calm, Dana stood in front of the mirror and made a minor adjustment to her veil. Where was he? He should have been there twenty-five minutes ago. The guests were getting restless. The organist had started repeating her repertoire.
Where was he?
Dana looked at her mother and Ashley. Marge’s expression was sympathetic. Ashley shrugged and glanced away.
“He’ll be here,” Dana said. “I know he will. Something must have delayed him.”
“He could have called,” her mother remarked.
Dana bit down on her lower lip. She wouldn’t let doubts eat away at her. She believed in Chay, believed in their love. He could have been detained at the ranch, his best man could have been late, he could have…
Changed his mind. The words whispered through the back of her mind. She shook them off resolutely. Chay wasn’t like Rick. Chay loved her.
She clung to that knowledge, refusing to give in to her doubts.
Ten minutes later, there was a knock at the door and the wedding coordinator entered the room. “The groom’s here at last,” she said, smiling. “And I must say, he’s worth waiting for. Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Dana replied with a smile. She sent a look that clearly said I told you so to her mother, then took up her bouquet and followed the wedding planner toward the chapel.
Chay ran a comb through his hair, blew out a sigh of relief. He had been half-afraid that by the time he made it to the church, Dana would have written him off as a lost cause, packed up and gone back to Ashton Falls once and for all.
He glanced in the mirror, straightened his tie, dusted off his jacket.
“You look fine,” Derek said. “You ready?”
“More than ready,” Chay said, and opened the door that led into the chapel.
A hush fell over the crowd as Chay and Derek took their places at the altar.
Chay took a deep breath. The organist started playing and Ashley walked down the aisle. She carried a bouquet of pink and white roses. She looked lovely and all grown up in a modest dress of midnight blue. He winked at her and then, as the music heralded the approach of the bride, Chay forgot everything else as Dana appeared in the doorway. Sheathed in a whisper of white satin, one hand on her father’s arm, she moved gracefully toward him, her face radiant behind a gossamer veil, so beautiful she took his breath away.
“Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?”
“Her mother and I do,” Mr. Westlake said, and placed Dana’s hand in Chay’s.
His fingers curled around hers.
Caught up in her beauty, Chay scarcely heard what the minister had to say until he came to the part where he asked if Chay would have Dana as his wife.<
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Chay nodded. “Yes.” He cleared his throat. “Yes,” he repeated.
“And do you, Dana Elizabeth Westlake, take Chayton Lone Elk to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
Dana squeezed Chay’s hand. “Yes.”
“Then by the power vested in me, and in the presence of this company, I now pronounce you man and wife. Chay, you may kiss your bride.”
Dana’s heart was pounding like a war drum as Chay lifted her veil.
“I love you, Mrs. Lone Elk,” he murmured for her ears alone, and then he kissed her.
She had warned him about this kiss. It was to be short, just a shadow of a kiss, nothing outrageous. Apparently Chay hadn’t listened. He took her in his arms and kissed her until her toes curled inside her shoes. Kissed her until muted laughter rolled through the church. Only then did he draw away.
Dana tried to glare at him but all she could do was smile.
The minister cleared his throat. “May I present Mr. and Mrs. Lone Elk, the newest couple in our fair city.”
Chay took her by the hand and they walked down the aisle and out of the church. Once outside, Chay pulled her into his arms and kissed her again, and then, with a grin, he swung her into his arms and carried her down the stairs and into the waiting limo.
The driver shut the door and then Chay was drawing her into his arms once again.
“Just a quick kiss,” Dana scolded. “You promised.”
“I know,” he said, nibbling on her earlobe, “but you didn’t tell me you were going to look so beautifully irresistible.”
“You were late,” she said.
“I know, I’m sorry. Derek decided to take a shortcut and we had a flat. His spare wasn’t in much better shape but we got as far as the gas station before it gave out. They didn’t have a new tire that was the right size and it took some time to get the old one patched.” He shook his head. “I was afraid you’d be long gone by the time I got to the church.”
“Never. I knew you’d come. I never doubted it for a minute.”
Chay caressed her cheek. “That’s my girl.”
The reception was everything Dana had ever dreamed of. Though the guests were few, they hadn’t skimped on anything. The tables were set with crystal and fine china, there was food and champagne in abundance, soft drinks for the youth. When the meal was over and the tables moved to the edge of the floor, there was dancing.
Naturally, the bride and groom shared the first dance.
Dana moved into her husband’s arms feeling more confident, more beautiful, than she ever had in her whole life. Chay looked stunning in his tux. That wasn’t surprising, since a tux did amazing things for even the most ordinary men, and Chay was far from ordinary. Just looking at him made her heart skip a beat. She could hardly wait until it was time for them to slip away. Just thinking of being alone with Chay brought a flush to her cheeks.
Later, Dana saw Ashley and Brandon dancing together. Dana smiled as Brandon twirled Ashley around the floor. It was good to see Chay’s sister laughing and having a good time. Dana had always wanted a sister and she was glad that Ashley was staying at the ranch. It would give them a chance to get to know each other better.
She watched as Megan, LuAnn and Brittany clustered around Ashley and Brandon when the music ended. Dana smiled inwardly, thinking of the fun they would all have next summer, and how relieved Chay would be that he wouldn’t have to act as chaperon.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur. They cut the cake. Her father made a toast to their happiness. Chay’s mother also said a few words, her smile warm as she welcomed Dana into the family. Dana danced with her father while Chay danced with his mother.
And then, at last, it was time for them to go. Dana kissed her mom and dad goodbye, hugged Ashley and Claudia, and then she and Chay slipped out a side door to where the limo was waiting.
As soon as they were alone, Chay pulled her into his arms and kissed her, his hands moving over her back, across her breasts.
“Chay!” She glanced at the driver, wondering if he was watching them or the road.
“It’s one-way glass,” Chay said. “He can’t see us.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure, darlin’,” he said, his voice low and seductive. “Come here.”
She lifted one eyebrow. “What do you want?”
“What do you think I want?”
“I truly don’t know, sir,” she said with mock innocence. “I’ve never been married before.” She paused. “I’ve never been intimate with a man before.”
But that was about to change. The thought sent a rush of heat spiraling to the deepest core of her being. She only hoped she wouldn’t disappoint him. “Have you been with a lot of women?”
“A few,” he admitted, “but they weren’t you.”
“Have you ever been in love before?” she asked, and wondered what perverse demon had made her ask such a question at such a time.
“I’ve been in serious lust a few times.” He brushed his lips over the tip of her nose. “But I’ve never been in love. I know now I was waiting for you.”
Sweet words that warmed her inside and out.
“We’re here,” he said as the limo pulled over to the curb in front of the Wardman Arms Hotel.
Like everything that carried the Wardman name, the hotel was first class all the way, from the etching on the glass doors to the expensive carpet in the lobby.
The driver opened the door for them. He winked at Chay, smiled at Dana, then opened the trunk and carried their bags inside.
Taking Dana by the hand, Chay led her into the hotel lobby and signed the register.
“Mr. and Mrs. Lone Elk,” the clerk said, handing Chay a key. “I trust your stay will be a pleasant one. Your bags will be sent up to your room immediately.”
Chay nodded his thanks. Dana gasped when Chay swung her into his arms and carried her across the lobby toward the elevator.
“I can walk.”
“I know you can,” he said amiably, “but I like this better.”
Since it was useless to argue, she settled into his arms, her head resting on his shoulder. It was rather enjoyable, being held in the arms of a strong, handsome man.
Inside the elevator, he nuzzled her neck, sending shivers of anticipation racing down her spine.
He carried her down the hallway to their room, slipped the key card into the slot and carried her over the threshold.
“Here we are, Mrs. Lone Elk.”
She nodded, feeling suddenly shy.
A knock at the door announced the arrival of their bags. Reluctantly Chay put her down and opened the door.
The bellboy put their bags in the bedroom, then pointed out the features of the room.
Chay tipped the young man and walked him to the door.
“Enjoy your stay,” the young man said. “If you need anything, just let me know.”
Chay glanced at Dana. “I’ve got everything I need right here.”
“Yes, sir!” the young man said, grinning, and closed the door.
“Now,” Chay said, “where were we?”
“I believe you were about to kiss me.”
“I believe you’re right.”
She smiled as he drew her into his arms.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you are, and how happy I am that you’re my wife?”
“Not yet.”
He chuckled softly. “You’re beautiful, darlin’, and I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
“I think you’re beautiful, too,” she murmured.
“Handsome,” he corrected.
“All right, handsome, if you insist.”
“Enough talk,” he said. And then he kissed her with all the love in his heart, and each kiss was a promise of forever.
“I need to get out of this dress,” she said when he broke the kiss.
“Let me help you.” He turned her around and began unfastening the back of her gown.
His fingertips were warm against her
skin. He slipped the dress over her shoulders, let it fall to the floor, then turned her to face him again. “Beautiful!”
She flushed with pleasure and a hint of embarrassment at standing there clad in nothing but her underwear and high heels. “I’ll be right back.”
He nodded and she hurried into the bedroom to slip into her nightgown. It was long, white and sleeveless, and so sheer it was like wearing nothing at all.
When she returned to the other room, the look on Chay’s face told her the gown had been worth the exorbitant price she had paid for it.
He whistled softly, his whole body coming alive at the sight of the vision standing before him. She looked like a naughty angel, innocent yet provocative, Eve before she bit the apple, Pandora before she opened the box.
“Well?” She tilted her head to one side.
“I’m speechless.”
She smiled as she glided toward him, then tugged on his jacket. “Are you going to wear this to bed?”
Chay laughed as he shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it over a chair. His tie and shirt followed, then his shoes, socks and belt. Clad only in his trousers, he swung her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.
Putting her on the bed, he began unfastening his trousers.
Dana’s eyes widened. “Aren’t you going to turn out the lights?”
“Do you want me to?”
She thought about it for the space of a heartbeat. “No.” Wide-eyed, she watched him take off his pants. If she’d had any doubts about whether he wanted her or not, they were soon put to rest.
Still wearing his shorts, he slid into bed beside her and drew her into his arms. He showered her with warm, sweet kisses, murmuring that he loved her, adored her. Ah, the wonder of his kisses. Somehow, her nightgown disappeared and she reveled in the touch of his bare skin against hers.
Her fingertips glided across his broad chest, feathered over his strong, flat belly, as she marveled at the sheer beauty of the man. His skin was like copper, warm and smooth. His muscles rippled as she caressed him, making her stomach flutter. He let her explore his body to her heart’s content, her hands moving a little lower each time until he obligingly removed his shorts. She found that part of him that made him a man as impressive as the rest.
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