"Perhaps I'll be the one to find someone better," Gwen said.
"You'll never find a better man than Perry, but maybe you can find a man more suited to you."
The string quartet ended their final tune and the harpist began her first song. Heavenly music drifted upstairs and signaled them that it was time for the bride and her attendant to make a grand entrance.
Gwen smiled, then laughed softly. "There's our musical cue. Time for me to go. Count to twenty, then follow me down the stairs. And while you're making your way to your groom, remember that someone might shoot him in the middle of the ceremony."
As she glided down the staircase and took Gram's arm, Manda tried not to think about what Gwen had said, but she couldn't erase the frightening thought from her mind. Although she kept a fragile smile in place, she felt as if her heart would beat its way out of her chest. Only close friends and family surrounded her, but what if one of those trusted people was the person determined to destroy her happiness?
When she reached her groom, Grams placed her hand in his and Reverend Titus began the ceremony. Hunter wore a bulletproof vest under his tux, but that didn't protect him from a head shot. While she made all the right responses and repeated all the right words, she prayed a constant prayer that God would keep Hunter safe.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," Reverend Titus said. "You may kiss your bride," he added in a low voice.
Hunter lifted the veil and gazed into her eyes. And in that one brief moment, Manda's imagination played a cruel trick on her, making her think that she actually saw love in Hunter's expression. The kiss was passionate, but short. Then he slipped his arm around her and they turned to face their guests.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Whitelaw," Reverend Titus said.
The harpist and the string quartet played the recessional as the bride and groom walked down the aisle created by the two sections of folding chairs filling the living room. Hunter escorted her through the French doors and out onto the patio where the reception was being held. As they had been instructed, they went straight to the table where the large, elaborate Victorian wedding cake had been placed. Wolfe appeared out of nowhere, camera in hand and snapped pictures while they cut the cake and took turns feeding bites to each other. In her peripheral vision Manda saw Matt O'Brien once again acting as a member of the catering staff. And she knew that Jack was out front, with the other guys doing the valet parking.
Grams had insisted on a receiving line, so the moment Perry and Gwen escorted Grams onto the patio, Hunter and Manda joined them. Claire and Chris were first through the line and although both wished them well, Manda understood the sad look in Claire's eyes and the hostility in Chris's attitude. Grady had brought a date, an attractive woman Manda didn't know, someone named Constance. And Boyd had escorted Lisa, although Lisa whispered to Manda that she wasn't dating Boyd, but they had decided to come together since neither had had a date for the wedding.
A loud bang stopped everyone dead in their tracks. Manda held her breath; every nerve in her body screamed. Hunter leaned over and whispered, "Relax. That wasn't a gunshot. Someone opened a bottle of champagne."
Mandy laughed nervously and turned to the next person in line. She didn't recognize the woman. A voluptuous blonde in a stunning, street-length dress of hot-pink silk that clung to all the woman's well-rounded curves. Her short, straight platinum hair should have made her look less feminine, but it didn't. Nothing could diminish the raw sexual appeal the woman possessed.
"My very best wishes," the woman said to Manda, then reached over to kiss Hunter's cheek. "Congratulations."
"Thank you, ma'am."
When the gorgeous woman moved on, Manda punched Hunter in the ribs. "Who is she?"
"My boss," Hunter said. "The CEO of the Dundee agency, Ellen Denby."
"She's the head of a security agency?"
"Don't let her looks fool you. Ellen can kick butt with the best of 'em."
"I'll just bet she can." Manda shoved the green-eyed monster back into its dark hole and breathed a sigh of relief that Ellen Denby was Hunter's boss and not an ex-girlfriend.
* * *
Music wafted through the air, a springtime breeze fluttered through the treetops, champagne flowed and a good time was had by all. Or almost all. By eight-thirty, when she changed into her traveling suit, the bride was almost out of her mind with fear. The attack she had been expecting for the past two and a half hours hadn't happened. But they weren't out of harm's way. Not yet.
"A few more minutes and we'll be in the limo headed to the airport," Hunter said. "Once we get in the helicopter and fly off, there's no way anyone will be able to follow us."
"I think you could at least tell me where we're going."
"We're going somewhere quiet and peaceful and secluded. Somewhere we'll be safe."
"I don't see how following through with the honeymoon will do us any good in trapping the person who hired that hit man to kill you."
"If our nutcase doesn't strike before we leave today, then while we're away, he's going to spend the week plotting our demise and building up the courage to carry out his plans," Hunter said.
"Oh, gee, something to look forward to when we come home."
He kissed her forehead. "I'm glad to see that you haven't lost your sense of humor."
The crowd awaited them when they walked down the stairs. She carried her bouquet because Grams had said she simply must follow through with tradition, even though she had refused to wear a garter for Hunter to pitch to the bachelors in the crowd. When she was halfway down the stairs, Manda stopped to give the single women a chance to gather up front and prepare for the big production.
Manda turned her back, lifted the flowers above her head and threw the bouquet down into the bevy of giggling females. She turned around just in time to see Lisa jump into the air, catch the bouquet and then lose her balance. She fell backward, straight into Perry, who opened his arms and grabbed Lisa to prevent her from hitting the floor. Lisa turned in Perry's arms and smiled.
Hunter led Manda down the stairs, through the foyer and out onto the porch. As they began their march down the sidewalk, well-wishers tossed birdseed at them and in the distance church bells rang, an announcement to the town of Dearborn that Manda Munroe was married.
When they reached the white limousine, Jack Parker opened the door. She noticed that he wore a chauffeur's uniform. After she and Hunter were secure in the back seat, she wasn't surprised in the least when Jack got behind the wheel. Nor was she surprised to see Wolfe riding shotgun.
"I'd say we have plenty of protection." Manda relaxed for the first time all day.
"Look behind us," Hunter said.
Manda did. A dark sedan followed them. "More Dundee agents?"
"Matt and Ellen. All four agents will stay with us until we reach the airport, then Matt will pilot the helicopter which will take us to our honeymoon destination."
"Can't you tell me now where we're going?"
"Want to venture a guess?"
She and Rodney had planned on a Paris honeymoon. Mike had booked a honeymoon in Hawaii. "The Caribbean? Since we're going by helicopter, it can't be Europe or the South Pacific."
"Nothing so exotic," he said. "But somewhere much safer, where we can be alone."
Manda wished that this was a true honeymoon and not one planned and executed to convince the killer that her marriage was real. But they had come this far—had actually gotten married—so they had no choice but to continue the farce. Regardless of the reason for their honeymoon, the fact remained that she would be alone with Hunter for an entire week. Together without danger and fear plaguing them. If only this were a real marriage, she would be looking forward to these days secluded with her husband.
Her husband. Hunter Whitelaw was her husband.
Was it possible that during a week alone with him, she could make him love her, make him want to stay married to her for the rest of their lives? She didn't
know if that dream could become a reality, but she had seven days to seduce, entice and persuade. And she intended to make good use of her time. Even if she didn't win his heart, she could make enough beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
* * *
Chapter 14
« ^ »
When Matt set the helicopter down on a lighted landing strip, Hunter opened the door and hopped out, then reached up to help Manda. Slightly unbalanced, she fell against him as she emerged, but he caught her shoulders to steady her. Matt tossed their luggage out to Hunter, who caught each item and placed it on the dirt runway.
Manda had no idea where they were. All she could see from where she stood was the small well-lit airstrip and utter darkness beyond that point. Even though it was mid-May, there was a chill in the air that made Manda suspect they were in the mountains somewhere, probably the north Georgia or eastern Tennessee mountains since their trip from Dearborn had been relatively brief.
Hunter handed Manda the overnight case, then lifted the other bags and nudged her into motion. They hurried to the edge of the airstrip. The minute Matt lifted off, a black Jeep appeared as if out of nowhere.
"There's our ride," Hunter said.
"Our ride to where?" Manda asked.
"To our honeymoon hideaway."
Hunter opened the Jeep's back hatch and tossed their luggage inside, then opened the door and lifted Manda up and into the back seat. The minute he got in and slammed the door, the driver turned to them and smiled.
"Hi, I'm Elizabeth Landry." She looked first at Manda and then focused her gaze on Hunter. "Reece went down to the cottage to build y'all a fire in the fireplace. It's a bit chilly tonight."
The incredibly beautiful brunette introduced herself as if Manda should know who she was, but she didn't have the foggiest notion of who their hostess was or where they were. "Nice to meet you. I'm Manda Munroe."
"Manda Munroe Whitelaw," Hunter corrected.
Elizabeth laughed as she turned around and headed the Jeep Cherokee up a winding gravel road. "You'll get used to the new name and all that goes with it soon enough."
Manda knew better. She and Hunter wouldn't be married long enough for her to become accustomed to being Mrs. Whitelaw.
"I hope Sam explained that the only way to the cottage is on foot," Elizabeth said. "And there's no electricity."
"No electricity!" Manda gasped. "Where are we, in the wilderness?"
"Didn't your husband tell you anything about his honeymoon plans for y'all?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, ma'am, I didn't," Hunter said. "I wanted it to be a surprise."
"I see. So, Manda, do you have any idea where you are or who I am?" Elizabeth kept the Jeep on the narrow road that wove and twisted around the side of the mountain, taking them higher and higher.
"I'm afraid I don't," Manda replied.
"Well, you're in the mountains of northern Georgia and my uncle arranged this honeymoon for you. And before you ask, my uncle is Sam Dundee, the owner of Dundee's Private Security and Investigation."
"Hunter's boss," Manda said.
"Our place is off the beaten path, totally secluded and very private," Elizabeth said. "My great-grandfather built the honeymoon cottage as a wedding present for his bride. They spent their wedding night there and every anniversary for the rest of their lives. Reece and I are doing the same."
"Then you don't live out here, you just come for your anniversary every year?" Manda tried to assimilate all the information as quickly as Elizabeth gave it to her, but she still had a dozen or more questions.
"Oh, no, we live here. That's our cabin up ahead. The honeymoon cottage sits in the middle of the woods and is a ten-minute walk from our place. I've stocked the cottage with essentials and if y'all need anything, all you have to do is let us know."
When Manda glanced through the windshield she saw an enormous, sprawling, two-story log cabin with lights shining in every window and illuminating the huge wraparound porch. A tall, dark-haired man stood on the steps, a large German shepherd at his side. Manda assumed this was Reece, Elizabeth's husband. When the Jeep stopped, Reece came forward and opened the door, the dog at his heels.
"Hello, there," he said. "Would y'all like to come in for a while or do you want to go straight to the cottage?"
Before either Manda or Hunter could reply, Elizabeth said, "This is their wedding night. I'm sure they want to go straight to the cottage. Why don't you help Hunter with the luggage?"
Laughing heartily, Reece undid the hatch and lifted out the suitcase, overnight case and leather bag. "Want me to carry these for you or do you want to take them yourself?"
Once they were outside, Hunter met Reece at the back of the Jeep.
"I think I can manage. Thanks."
"I can take one of them," Reece said. "I'll have to guide y'all down to the cottage since it's nighttime. We don't want our guests getting lost."
"Thanks." Hunter handed Reece Manda's suitcase.
"You and your wife just enjoy your honeymoon and don't worry about a thing," Reece said.
Elizabeth petted the German shepherd who leaned against her leg. "This big baby is MacDatho. He's getting to be an old man. He'll be ten soon."
"I have a one-year-old springer spaniel," Manda said. "My brother is taking care of him while we're gone."
Suddenly, without a prelude, without a warning, Elizabeth reached out and took Manda's hands into hers. The woman's actions startled Manda so that she couldn't disguise her surprise.
"It's all right. Don't be frightened," Elizabeth said. "I know that you've loved and lost, that your heart has been broken and you think there is no happiness for you. But you are wrong. Great happiness lies ahead for you and Hunter. You must not give up hope."
"Did your uncle … did Mr. Dundee tell you about why Hunter and I married, about—"
"I know that Hunter has brought you to our cottage for more than one reason. You will find what your heart has longed for and what your soul desperately needs."
"I don't understand." Manda stared into the woman's deep, pure blue eyes and a shudder of awareness passed between them.
"You will find happiness, Manda. Someday you will have children. Strong, healthy children." Elizabeth pulled Manda closer and whispered, "But first you must free yourself of the obsession that a loved one feels for you. This person means you and Hunter great harm. You must not trust those closest to you, for among them is your enemy."
Manda jerked free. She stood there and stared at her hostess. "Who are you really? And what are you?"
"I'm a clairvoyant, with strong psychic abilities. My powers are my curse and my blessing. They are the reason we live secluded in these mountains."
Hunter came up to Manda. "Are you ready to head out?"
With her breath caught in her throat after hearing Elizabeth's admission, Manda managed to only nod.
"Just follow me," Reece said.
"Let me know if you have any problems," Elizabeth said. "And don't worry about the children coming down there to bother y'all. I keep a tight rein on my brood."
"You have children?" Manda asked.
Elizabeth beamed with pride. "We have three. Boys, six and three. And a girl, one."
"How wonderful." Manda sighed, a tinge of envy in her heart.
Ten minutes later Reece left Hunter and Manda on the porch of a small Victorian cottage that seemed totally out of place in the middle of the woods. Remembering distinctly that Elizabeth had said the cottage had no electricity, Hunter wondered if there were a hundred candles burning inside the house. The cottage shimmered with light and warmth, each window afire with a golden glow.
Hunter swept Manda up into his arms, opened the door and carried her across the threshold. She kept her arm around his neck as they entered the cottage. Two kerosene lamps burned on either side of the wooden mantel and another gave off more light from its position in the center of a green wicker table. Floral cushions rested in the seats of the antique wicker furniture. A crackling
fire heated the room.
Getting his bearings, Hunter realized that there were four rooms—living room, kitchen and two bedrooms—and probably only one bath. He had to guess which bedroom their hosts had prepared for them, but since only one door stood wide open, he figured that was it. He strode straight to the open door, stopping only when they were inside the chosen room. One kerosene lamp cast a shadowy, gilded radiance over the cream walls, the moss-green iron bedstead and antique mahogany armoire in the corner. The bed had been turned down for the night and flower petals covered the pillows and sheets, as if they had cascaded down from the sky and landed haphazardly over the soft cream linens.
"Does this meet with your approval?" Hunter asked.
"It's beautiful," Manda said.
"The bed looks sturdy."
"Hmm."
He sensed the tension radiating from her and wished he could ease all her fears and give her a few days of peace and contentment—before putting his plan into action. He wouldn't tell her tonight, maybe not even tomorrow. Not until it became absolutely necessary. When he and the Dundee agents had devised the "honeymoon plan" to trap Manda's maniac, Perry had reluctantly agreed, but only after Hunter assured him that Manda would be protected at all times. No matter what came down when the killer showed up, Hunter would guard Manda, keep her safe, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. But for now, for a few brief, idyllic days, they would both be completely safe because no one except the Dundee agency knew where they were.
He wanted to give Manda an unforgettable honeymoon. But did he have the right? Their marriage was destined to end and when that happened, she would be free to find a real husband, a man she could build a future with, have children with and love forever. But regardless of what the future held for her, Manda wanted him now. He knew that as surely as he knew the sun would rise in the east tomorrow morning. But he also knew that if they shared a real wedding night, nothing would ever be the same again. Not for Manda. And certainly not for him.
Hunter eased Manda to her feet, inch by slow torturous inch, his body aching everywhere she touched him. He was hard and hurting, wanting this one particular woman in a way he had never wanted another. No matter what lies he told himself about his relationship with Manda, one truth could not be ignored—she was his fantasy and he was hers. He had judged every woman he'd ever met by Manda. Had she done the same, comparing all the men in her life to him?
WHITELAW'S WEDDING Page 17