Sadie burst into tears. She had been so lonely all her life. How did she end up so lucky?
Luke just held her. He knew what she was feeling.
She wiped her eyes and Luke kissed them. She smiled tremulously. “Yes! I would be honoured to marry you,” she said softly.
Luke grinned as he slipped the ring on her finger, and with a whoop of joy jumped up, pulling her with him, and swung her around as Sadie laughed, her dress floating out around her. They admired the shining ring on her finger, and then he kissed her again and again, holding her tight. Purple ropes of power began to wrap around them as Sadie’s happiness radiated through her, and her magic ignited. Luke groaned with pleasure as her magic coursed through him, heating him up.
“Mine,” he said against her mouth, tightening his arms around her. “Mine, all mine, only mine,” he said, groaning against her neck as he rained kisses on her.
“Me too,” she said possessively, eyes glowing as she slid out of his tight grasp and slipped her dress from her shoulders. It fell in a pool around her feet. She had nothing on underneath.
Luke’s stared at her hungrily. With a flick of her wrist, the door to the room locked. Sadie made short work of his clothes, and his tuxedo fell to the floor.
His mouth and hands roved over Sadie’s slim, naked body. He laughed wildly. “Witch!” he whispered as he grabbed her and they fell to the couch, his weight pushing her into the soft velvet. His skin was hot and flushed against hers…and hard. Very hard.
“Yes,” she said with a sigh of pleasure as she wrapped her arms around him.
The Barrington Bugle
-The Society Page-
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Wonderful News!
Luke Barrington and Sadie Kellar to Wed!
By X. Agerate
It is with great pleasure we announce the betrothal of the dashing Master Luke Barrington to the lovely Miss Sadie Kellar!
The spring wedding will be held in May in Barrington’s own St. Thomas of All Angels Church.
IF it can be scheduled, that is.
The exact date is still to be determined since Father MacGunne has, once again, lost the church’s Booking Book and does not remember, off the top of his head, all the dates for Saturday BINGO.
It’s shameful. Get it together.
The Barrington’s are beside themselves with happiness!
Comment on this article online at www.thebarringtonbugle.com
2 Online comment(s):
The book is no longer lost, Xander. Feel free to volunteer and take care of reservations yourself if you think you can do a better job. See you in church! God bless!
Fr. MacGunne
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There is BINGO at the church? Please post the days and times!
The BINGO Lover
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Chapter 3 – The Wedding
Barrington County, Present Day
The day of the wedding was beautiful for mid-May. The weather cooperated by being sunny and warm with the perfect cool breeze. The church grounds were splendid. The damage Willow Kellar’s presence had caused had been mostly erased. When she held the desecrated church hostage three years ago, most of the church’s plant life had died. Lilac trees had been planted in the newly hallowed ground, and their presence filled the church and yard with beauty and tendrils of delicate scent.
It was almost time. Luke waited nervously at the front of the church while his best man, Dean, told jokes to keep him calm. No one wanted Luke to start hyperventilating. Luke’s younger brother, Max, stood with them and watched as his older brothers graciously escorted the female guests to their pews, leaving their male companions to fend for themselves. He shook his head. Such troublemakers.
At the back of the church in a small, white room set off to the side, Nathalie and Ella waited with Sadie. Nathalie was her maid of honour and Ella her bridesmaid. A large window allowed sunlight to filter into the room, and the girls stared at Sadie with awe as she glowed in her long, white wedding dress.
“He’s waiting for you,” Ella reported softly when she came back from checking the crush of people in the church. She wanted to see if Max was there yet, and had spotted him at the front, his face serious. He had finally grown taller than her last summer, and she’d hoped his physical superiority would change his perception of her as just his best friend, but it hadn’t. As they finished their last year of high school, it looked as if their relationship would remain as platonic as ever, which really sucked, but that didn’t stop her heart from beating heavily at the sight of him.
Outwardly Sadie appeared calm, but inside she was breathless with excitement. Luke was waiting for her. She was getting married. Her love…and soon her husband. The thought rolled around her head and heart, making her smile. She never thought she’d have this. She was the witch, the Barrington family’s mortal enemy, who had stolen the heart of one of their sons and lost hers in return.
Sadie’s father walked in and nodded to the girls. He stared at his daughter, his eyes strangely bright. They’d come a long way since that terrifying Halloween when she’d been possessed and about to destroy the town by murdering the town council, their families, and setting a demon free. Sadie was grateful he was there to give her away.
She took a deep breath as the music started and strains of the traditional wedding march drifted to their ears. Grinning, Nathalie and Ella kissed Sadie. Words of “good luck” and “don’t cry your makeup will run” were whispered before the girls slipped out of the room, their dresses swishing and excitement running through them. This was the first wedding of their generation, years earlier than anyone figured there’d be a marriage. There was a lot of gossip that, at only twenty, Luke and Sadie were too young to be making such a permanent decision, but those who knew the couple well disagreed. When you found your true love young it behooved you to take advantage of it.
The girls spread flower petals as they drifted down the aisle in their long, lavender satin dresses, preparing a soft, fragrant path for the bride. Nathalie smiled at Dean as she took her place opposite him. His eyes were hooded as he stared at her, and she watched as his gaze drifted down her neck toward the top of her dress. The dress was tight and pushed her breasts up to great advantage. She smiled smugly to herself as he swallowed and looked away. Dean was still wild for her. She was wistful for a moment, feeling a bit envious of Sadie who was marrying the man she was crazy about. She shook herself out of it. She and Dean had agreed to wait a couple more years. Their time would come.
Ella knew Max watched her as she walked down the aisle and took her place beside Nathalie. He watched her a lot. She wasn’t sure if he had always done that, but she definitely noticed it now. She wished she knew what it meant. Then she noticed her brother and Nathalie staring at each other and rolled her eyes. Get a room, she thought to herself for the umpteenth time since those two had started dating. She smiled at Max who gave her a lazy grin in return. He knew how she felt about sappy romance. Ugh.
Then Sadie appeared, and all the hushed whispering rumbling through the church under the music stopped as everyone stood and the bride began her walk down the aisle. Sunbeams shone on her. Her eyes sparkled like amethysts, her ruby red lips glistened with gloss, and her curly raven hair fell like strands of night down her back.
The groom stood mesmerized at the front of the church as his gorgeous young bride floated toward him.
Fierce joy blossomed though Sadie at the expression on Luke’s rapt face. They were meant to be together. Barrington and Kellar. Born at the right time, in the right century… Luke’s sight allowed him to see his true mate. It was her. Luke’s magic confirmed it, and everyone around them had yielded to that fact.
Her father turned her toward him and gave her a kiss before handing her off to the waiting groom. Luke bowed to him respectfully before taking Sadie’s hand and ascending the steps into the sanctuary where Father MacGunne was waiting. The ceremony was simple but beautiful. Th
e couple held hands and said their vows. The church was so silent you could hear a pin drop. No one wanted to miss the words exchanged in Luke’s low tones, or Sadie’s sweet voice. When they exchanged rings, Sadie’s hand trembled as Luke slipped on the gold band that symbolized their never-ending commitment. Luke’s hand trembled too as Sadie slipped on his ring.
So intently was Father MacGunne watching that it took him a moment to realize the bride and groom were looking at him expectantly. He harrumphed and loudly pronounced them man and wife. Smiling, Luke took Sadie’s face in his hands and covered her mouth with his. They kissed to the cheering of their guests. When he took a breath, Father MacGunne elbowed him slightly. “Nice job, kid, but leave some mystery for the wedding night,” he suggested, looking around at the church full of people.
“I love you Mrs. Sadie Kellar Barrington,” Luke said softly in her ear.
“I love you too,” she said with a smile.
They headed down the aisle hand in hand, halting at the front doors of the church. After what seemed like a million pictures, everyone headed to the reception at the newly built Barrington Hotel. With the hex gone from Barrington, the town council had agreed to build the town’s first hotel. John Barrington, the mayor and owner of the hotel, had made sure the hotel was ready in time for his son’s wedding, which would be followed by the hotel’s grand gala opening in a few weeks. It hadn’t seemed possible to finish construction, but nothing was impossible when you had the funds, and the Barringtons had money. The wedding would be the first test for the hotel and its staff.
Appetizers and drinks were being served on the outside terrace on the western side of the building. Behind the hotel, the waters of Lake Mariposa could be glimpsed sparkling in the spring sun. The hotel was approximately a kilometer in from East Road, in the woods behind the Limerick Candy Factory. It was four stories high. The three upper floors had rooms, while the main floor and grounds had rooms, a spa, heated pool, tennis courts, and a mini golf course for entertainment. A large kitchen and fully-staffed dining room and bar served the hotel and its reception halls. The hotel would be the jewel of Barrington County once it opened.
The guests mingled, chatting happily. Once formal pictures were finished, Nathalie and Dean appeared on the terrace looking for refreshments. It was very warm now, the afternoon sun hot and high in the sky. They looked around and saw Tess Smith, one of Nathalie’s good friends. They grabbed drinks from a passing waiter and joined her. She was standing alone at the edge of the terrace, admiring the view. When she saw Dean and Nathalie, she smiled.
Tess was an extremely pretty girl. Her parents owned The Anvil and Hammer Hardware Shoppe, the hardware store in Barrington. However, she had always worked at The Royal Crust Bakery, while the Baker boys had worked at her parents’ hardware store. It seemed fitting to switch kids to match their talents. Tess had applied and gotten a job at the new hotel as one of the bakers. Breads and sweets were her specialty, and after her years of experience apprenticing with the Bakers, she came very highly recommended. John Barrington had hired her immediately, even before Luke and the gang had vouched for her loudly and at length. Tess’ plan was to save her money and eventually go to a distinguished chef school.
“Quite a party,” she said, kissing Nathalie and Dean on their cheeks.
“It sure is,” Nathalie said carefully.
Tess and Nathalie had been the best of friends, but after that summer three years ago, Nathalie and Sadie had become inseparable. Sadie had a way of drawing people to her. Tess had struggled a bit with jealousy at first. She’d known Nathalie since they were kids, and it hurt to have to share her. But in the end, she’d been able to compromise and spent time with both girls. While outwardly friendly, Tess’ inner feelings toward Sadie were still a bit cool.
Tess caught the careful tone of Nathalie’s voice and wasn’t surprised. She knew her resentment had shown at the beginning. Before, Sadie had been the outcast, living with her strange aunt and uncle. That had all changed in a few short months. Now she was married to the wealthy and popular Luke Barrington, was surrounded by friends, and was the talk of the town. If Tess had to admit it, she felt a bit jealous. How come Sadie was so lucky?
She was still single, which did not help matters. She understood now why Hannah Farmer had done what she’d done and then left afterward. If she had been in love with Luke, maybe she’d have done desperate things too.
“A penny for your thoughts?” Nathalie teased.
Nathalie had no idea that Tess still harboured slight feelings of resentment toward Sadie. Anyway, it wasn’t a good idea to say anything negative about Sadie around her fiercely loyal and protective friends. They just jumped down your throat when you did.
“Not a penny,” Dean warned, “ask for another coin.”
Nathalie took his hand and kissed it. “That thing is gone, and his coins with him, so stop worrying.” She understood Dean’s fear. You didn’t easily forget when spelled demon coins changed the people of your town.
“I was thinking about Hannah,” Tess replied, looking around. “Luke married Sadie. That’s gotta hurt.”
Both Nathalie and Dean looked at Tess curiously. What brought that on?
Nathalie frowned. “Mr. Farmer told us she’s been staying with relatives. I doubt she’s going to show up and be a problem. It’s too late now anyway. No one objected in the church.” Although admittedly, Nathalie had been looking over her shoulder all day, unconsciously on guard. “Besides, it was just a crush. I’m sure she’s over it by now.” Hannah had had a nuclear meltdown when Luke and Sadie became a couple, to the point where she’d made dangerous, life-threatening decisions in an attempt to get rid of Sadie. Hannah may be gone, but she would never be forgotten.
“I just feel bad for her at times. Some girls have all the luck, that’s all.”
“Oh Tess—”
Nathalie didn’t finish her sentence. They were joined by Gabriel Barrington, one of Luke’s older brothers, and Rain Parker, his girlfriend and Nathalie’s older sister.
“Hey guys,” Rain said casually, smoothing down her dress with one hand and grabbing a drink from a passing waiter with the other.
Gabe kissed Nathalie, shook hands with Dean and looked at Tess. “Tess Smith, right? Gabe, nice to meet you,” he said, shaking her hand and kissing her on both cheeks. “That’s a very pretty dress you’re wearing,” he said, eyeing her with an appreciative stare.
Tess blushed an attractive pale pink. Her dress was a light, flowing material, pale green and slim fitting, with jeweled straps and trim. She looked like a beautiful elf queen with her long blond tresses curled and flowing down her back, and her pale green eyes were striking in the sun.
Rain smiled at Tess. “Tess always was a pretty thing,” she said after taking a sip of her drink. “Your dress is really stunning. Did you get it at The Dress and Shoe Barn?”
“Yes, through a special order,” she replied. Tess watched as Rain nodded and curled her fingers around Gabriel’s when he reached for her hand. Gabriel was tall and handsome like all the Barrington boys, as well as accomplished and smart.
“Let’s go back to our room so I can take off this monkey suit,” he said to Rain, tossing back a drink he’d grabbed off a tray.
“You can’t change out of your tux, Gabe,” Rain said, tossing the rest of her own drink back. “There are more pictures to take. Plus, you look great in it.” They handed their glasses to Nathalie, who juggled them along with her own.
Gabe kissed Rain. “Well, I meant I’d take it off for a little bit,” he said suggestively.
Rain laughed. “Okay, just for a little bit,” she agreed, her cheeks slightly red.
“Good Lord, TMI people,” Nathalie said.
Dean looked confused.
Tess watched enviously as the sexy Gabriel left, dragging a giggling Rain behind him. Some girls were so lucky.
Sadie and Luke came out on the terrace and everyone applauded.
It was time for dinner.
Later, Ella and Max drifted to the edge of the dance area and watched Sadie and Luke take the floor.
“Do you want to dance?” Max asked Ella, watching as couples joined the bride and groom after a few minutes. He felt flushed, a bit tipsy, and if he were honest, strangely fearless. Damn his brothers. He suspected they’d been spiking his drinks all night.
Ella’s heart beat fast at his question and she blushed, hoping the dim light hid her flaming, tell-tale face. “Sure, why not,” she said offhandedly, trying to make it seem as if she didn’t care one way or another.
Max took her hand and led her to the dance floor. He took her in his arms and they were swept away into the crowd. He held her closely as they followed the dance. Max was a great dancer and he moved her expertly. Ella wasn’t the most graceful of girls. She was just starting to lose her tomboyish nature and exhibit more ladylike behavior. Ella was sure Max had grown another inch this spring, and gained some weight, according to her arms, which were holding on to him tightly. She looked up to comment on this and found him staring at her. Their eyes met and the sound of the music and the press of the other dancers faded as Max studied her. He must have seen something in her eyes, she thought feverishly, because when the music stopped, and before the next song started, Max had taken her hand and was pulling her toward the terrace doors leading outside.
Before they could make their escape they were stopped by Katie Fairchild, Ella’s nemesis, and she suspected, a competitor for Max’s affection.
“May I have this dance?” she asked, smirking at Ella as Max’s gentlemanly nature took over and he agreed.
“Give me a minute,” he whispered to Ella, kissing her hand before letting it go. “Stay right there.”
Ella stood watching as Max and Katie took the dance floor, jealousy churning through her as he swept Katie through the dancers.
Malice Page 5