The Wedding Rescue

by Dianne Castell

  Her dress shimmered in the late-afternoon sunlight, her skin glowed with happiness and her eyes sparkled. “No wonder they call the wedding day the bride’s day.”

  Savannah grinned. “It is a wonderful dress, isn’t it?”

  “It’s not the dress, it’s you.”

  She scrunched up her cute nose. “It’s Nate. Thinking of him makes me this way.”

  Mama came into the room followed by Patience. Charity said to Patience, “You sure do clean up nice for a dirt digger.” Then said to Mama, “The green suit is perfect.”

  “Are you going to be maid of honor in your slip?” Patience asked.

  “I’m working on it. Just give me a minute here. I’m a busy woman.”

  “You think nothing will happen unless you make it happen.”

  She shrugged. “That, too.” She looked at her sisters, then at Mama and put down the clipboard and pulled in a deep breath. “We’ll never be together like this again, just the four of us. Not that it’s a bad thing, just—”

  “Different,” Savannah added in a soft voice.

  “Yeah, different,” Charity confirmed.

  Mama said, “We’ve been there for each other all along, through tears and laughter. When no one else believed in us—” she took Savannah’s hand, then Patience’s and smiled at Charity “—we believed in each other. That’s never going to change no matter where we go or who we marry.”

  Mama went to the cabinet and took down a box, opened it and dropped four gold rings in her palm. She gave one to Charity, one to Patience, one to Savannah and put one on her own pinky.

  “They have a little bow on top,” Patience noted.

  Mama nodded. “Because we’re tied together by love.”

  Patience’s eyes welled as she slid on the ring.

  “Don’t you dare cry,” Charity ordered. “This is a time of great happiness and joy, no tears today.”

  “I was just thinking—” she said as she turned to each of them “—that when I go back to school I wish I could rub the ring and you’d all just be there.”

  They exchanged looks, all wishing the very same thing. Then Mama said, “Well, we have a wedding to go to. Nathan’ll be spitting mad if we don’t get his bride to him on time.”

  Charity headed for the front door, but no one followed. “What’s wrong?” She held up the clipboard. “Everything’s checked off. We’re ready. We did it, we really did it. It all worked out. Savannah’s getting married.”

  Savannah grinned and kissed Charity’s cheek. “Even if my big sister wears a slip, a smile and nothing else, I am, indeed, getting married today.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Charity took her place as maid of honor and looked at Savannah and Nathan. As they exchanged rings and vows, white apple blossom petals floated in the air like fairy dust; the setting sun warmed the earth, and a sky swiped with pinks and purples formed the perfect canopy. Savannah and Nathan were pronounced husband and wife. They kissed and if angels parted the heavens and sang, Hallelujah, it wouldn’t have surprised Charity one bit. Cinderella, eat your heart out.

  “Well,” Tanner said as he took Charity’s arm and led her down the white cloth-covered aisle past hundreds of smiling guests. “They’re married.”

  Charity kept a smile plastered on her own face but arched an accusing brow. “No thanks to you.”

  “Think again, Kentucky Girl. Keeping track of me gave you something to do for the last two weeks. You would have driven Savannah and Nate crazy with getting things organized. I can just see you running around with a clipboard.”

  Her smile faulted. “Okay, who snitched?”

  “You really had a clipboard?”

  “Only a little one. And it helped with all the last-minute details.” Except for remembering to put on my own dress.

  She looked into his brown eyes and a heaviness settled in her heart knowing she wouldn’t be seeing them much longer. “And now it’s all over.”

  “Yeah. It’s over.” They stopped at the end of the aisle and he kissed her lightly on the lips, making her feel sad beyond words. They joined the receiving line, then posed for pictures and more pictures.

  The sun set and there was food and champagne and dancing, and Tanner always seemed to be somewhere other than where she was. Mama came over to Charity as she sat by an ice sculpture of a galloping horse and asked, “Are you still mad at Tanner? You two aren’t spending much time together.”

  “Savannah and Nathan didn’t draw and quarter Tanner for trying to break them up, so I let him off the hook. Besides, I lied my head off to him, so I suppose we’re even.”

  Across the lawn, now sporting lawn torches and a dance floor, a shapely blonde hung on Tanner’s every word. “He sure seems to be having a jolly good time,” Charity added through clenched teeth.

  “He’s probably saying goodbye to everyone since he’s leaving tomorrow. He helped a lot of people while he was here and they’re not likely to forget it.”

  “Tomorrow?” Charity cut her eyes to Mama.

  “He called his partner in Alaska. They just landed a big contract. Business is booming.” Mama took her hand. “It may not be the best time to tell you this, dear, but I’ve put it off long as I dare since you were likely to become suspicious and wonder what was going on and—”

  “The real reason Tanner has to get back is because he’s married to an Eskimo beauty and has ten kids.”

  “No, Puck and I got married. And why would you care if Tanner was married to an Eskimo beauty?”

  She stared at Mama, then finally sputtered, “You…you and Puck? Married?”

  Cheeks rosy, eyes sparkling, Mama said, “Got hitched in Lexington when we were there. It all kind of just happened this time. It seemed right.”

  “This time?”

  “He asked me before. Twice. I never thought I had anything to offer Puck but a messed-up life. Then I started getting involved with the horses and the farm and went to Lexington and helped the scientists and vets and…well, I feel better about myself than I have in a long time.” She patted Charity’s hand. “I can make him a good wife now. I didn’t want to marry him until I could.”

  Mama shook her head. “The caterpillars were a near disaster for everyone except me. Funny how things work out. I couldn’t be happier.”

  “Neither could I.” She hugged Mama tight. “Why didn’t you tell us before now?”

  “Didn’t want to take away from Savannah and Nathan’s big day. But I’m telling you now because…”

  She turned red as an oak leaf in autumn and fidgeted. Mama never fidgeted. Good heavens, now what?

  “You see,” she continued. “Savannah will be on her honeymoon and Patience is spending the night at a friend’s, and if Puck and I spend time together…night time together…well…” Her blush deepened. “I thought you should know what was going on. We’ll make a formal announcement next week.”

  Night time? Mama and Puck? Who would have thought? “When Savannah and Nathan get back,” Charity promised, “we’ll have a party, invite everyone. This is wonderful news. You deserve this, Mama. You and Puck deserve each other.”

  Mama kissed her on the cheek. “I’m so glad you approve.”

  “Approve? I’m thrilled to pieces.”

  She laughed. “I hope your sisters feel the same way. I’m off to tell Patience. Then I’ll tell Savannah before she and Nathan leave.”

  “Puck’s been a part of our family since…forever. He just happened to live over the garage.” Charity shrugged and grinned. “And now he won’t.”

  “Thank you, dear. Thank you for understanding. Then again, you always do.” Her eyes misted. “No mother could be more proud of her daughter than I am of you, Charity. Savannah, Patience and I wouldn’t have made it without your strength and drive. You’re the one who pulled us through.”

  “We pulled each other.”

  “It was you, dear. I’ll never forget that.”

  Charity’s throat tightened and she looked at the gold
ring with the bow on her little finger. “That’s why you gave us these, isn’t it?”

  Mama grinned. “There are two more in our family now, but the four of us—the MacKay women—will always have a special bond.”

  She watched as Mama walked off. It was really more of a float, since Mama’s feet never touched ground. Mama and Puck would be happy together just as Nathan and Savannah would be.

  Charity suddenly felt incredibly alone. Mama’s and Savannah’s happiness made her realize that she’d never be happy like that because…because Tanner was leaving and she couldn’t imagine caring for another man the way she cared for him.

  Ah, poop. Who was she kidding? She didn’t just care for Tanner, she was head-over-heels, mind-bogglingly ga-ga in love with the man, and there wasn’t one blasted thing she could do except get over it. And how in Hades was she supposed to do that?

  TANNER WATCHED the full moon as it hung in the west sky and lit the path that connected the MacKay farm to Thistledown. He found the Big Dipper, drew a line from the two end stars and homed in on the North Star. He’d done that very thing as a kid, lying in the fields at night, looking at the heavens and wondering what it would be like to be up there.

  He could always tell where he was from that star. So why did he feel so lost now? He was going home, to Alaska, and should be happy as a lizard on a sun-washed rock.

  He reached the end of the path and eyed the clapboard house, then the barn. Misty Kay was due to foal anytime and Charity MacKay would be there…probably with her clipboard. He smiled into the darkness, then headed for the foaling barn, a dim light visible through the window.

  “Charity?” he whispered as he entered.

  “Over here.” She sat on a hay bale, flashlight beside her, knees to her chin. “What are you doing here at 2:00 a.m.?”

  He sat next to her and nodded at the extra-large stall where Misty pawed at the hay. “It’s closer to four. Think tonight’s the night?”

  “Trying to predict Mother Nature is tough, but just to be on the safe side I wrapped her tail and washed her down. All the signs are there. Calcium and magnesium levels are up, sporadic eating. She lay down once and I thought, This is it, then she got back up. I’ve chewed every fingernail to the quick and ruined a very expensive manicure.”

  “Are you expecting problems?”

  She shook her head, her hair shining in the moonlight that filtered through the window. He shoved his hands into his pockets to keep from reaching out and touching it…just one more time.

  “I don’t want to leave anything to chance.”

  “Is that why you left the reception early?”

  She spread her hands, palms up in innocence. “Hey, I was there to miss the bouquet.”

  “You dodged it. Savannah tossed it right to you.”

  “I slipped.”

  She looked at him, starlight in her eyes, her lovely mouth soft and welcoming. But this was not the time for kissing. This was the time to say goodbye. “Word has it you’ve got yourself a new stepdaddy.”

  She nodded, smiling into the night. “I knew Mama would tell you before you left.” Her eyes darkened as they focused on him. “When are you leaving?”

  Her voice was low, sad, searing his heart. He shrugged because he suddenly couldn’t get the words out. He cleared his throat. “First light. My partner’s swamped. I’ve left Grady in a mess taking off like I did, not that he’d ever complain. He’s got some help, but it is my business, too.”

  She touched his cheek and a shudder of pure ecstasy flowed through him.

  “What’s he like?”

  “Grady? Built-in radar system, could find his way across Alaska blindfolded.” He winked. “The perfect guy for Patience.”

  “Who gets lost on her own farm.” Charity smiled. That was good, there wasn’t much to smile about right now. Quiet surrounded them except for the soft whinny of the mares and the croaking of frogs down by the creek that flowed through both farms.

  Tanner thought of the blue stone he kept in his pocket and how he’d grabbed it from there on impulse seven years ago when he’d left. He’d been in a hurry to leave then. Things were different this time. Way different.

  Charity gasped and her eyes widened. She looked to Misty’s stall and whispered, “She’s down.”

  Tanner and Charity quietly made their way to the stall, staying outside, peering over the top. Tanner said, “Does she look okay?”

  Charity held up her hand and crossed her fingers. Worry clouded her eyes and her jaw was clenched. He draped his arm around her, tugging her close. “Hang tight, Kentucky Girl. Misty’s going to be a good mama.”

  They waited and watched.

  “I wonder how long this will take.”

  Tanner checked his watch. “It’s been ten minutes.”

  “Seems like ten years.” She gripped his hand as the water bag appeared, then broke.

  “So far, so good.”

  “There’s a foot.” Excitement charged her voice. “And another…and the nose and head. It has a star on its head.” Tears slid down her cheeks as she held his hand in a death grip. The foal’s back slid into view. Then there was a pause.

  “Ohmigod.”

  “What?”

  “The rest is taking too long. This isn’t normal. Her hips are locked.” Charity slipped into the stall and knelt beside Misty’s head, stroking the mare. She said to Tanner, “You pull on the foal, and I’ll keep Misty calm. I’ve got to keep her down. If she gets up, we’ll have a disaster.”

  Tanner took one look at the foal’s helpless face, fought off the urge to say, I don’t know anything about birthing horses and got into the stall, hunkering down beside the foal. “What do you want me to do?”

  “Gently pull the foal in a downward direction toward Misty’s heels. That will relieve the lock.”

  Tanner felt his heart jump to warp speed as adrenaline and terror kicked in. Damn, why hadn’t he paid attention when his father had tried to teach him? He would be much more help to Charity now if he hadn’t been so stubborn then. Charity was right: he was a hardhead like his father and it had cost them both dearly.

  Carefully, Tanner took hold of the foal, slippery little devil, and pulled. Somewhere in the back of his mind he offered a prayer that his father’s sure hands would guide him now.

  “That’s it, not too hard, a little more…” And suddenly the foal slipped out, knocking Tanner off balance and landing flat on top of him. The foal looked down at him with the biggest brown eyes Tanner had ever seen.

  “Don’t move.”

  “What do you mean, don’t move? I have a horse on top of me.”

  “It’s only a little horse and the blood from the cord is flowing into the foal. Just stay still for a few more minutes. I have to keep Misty down for a while or she’ll injure herself.”

  He oh, so gently stroked the foal’s forehead and muzzle. “I think we’re bonding.”

  “How does Tanner’s Pride sound to you for his name?”

  Tanner’s heart tightened. This foal was Charity’s hopes and dreams and more hard work had gone into bringing this little guy into the world than Tanner cared to think about. That she had named her foal after him touched him deeply. “I’m thinking Charity’s Pride.”

  “Without you, this foal wouldn’t have made it. Besides, when I start to train him it will be nice to say, ‘Tanner do this’ or ‘Tanner do that,’ and, wonder of wonders, he’ll do it.”

  The foal suddenly found his legs, wobbled and stood. Tanner sat up, amazement filling every inch of him. This was what Charity and his dad and every other horse farmer lived for. They were the protectors, the caretakers of the horses, the land, and Tanner hadn’t really understood that till he’d seen it through Charity eyes. She’d taken him by the hand and said, Look at this. It may not be your life, but it is wonderful and you can appreciate it. She never demanded he be anything other than himself. He grabbed a towel and rubbed the foal. “He’s a beauty, Charity.”

  She beamed a
s she studied the foal. Another tear slid down her cheek. “He’s a contender, I just know it. I can feel it.” She wiped the tear. “And I owe you new pants and shirt. You’re a mess.”

  He stood as the foal teetered on long spindly legs. The light outside hinted pearl-gray as Puck and Mama strolled through the open doors into the barn.

  “Well, I’ll be darned,” Puck whispered, looking like a proud papa. Mama leaned over the stall. “Look what we have here.”

  Tanner came to Charity and kissed her hair. Then her gaze met his and a bone-numbing chill of desolation more potent than anything he’d ever experienced in Alaska fell over him. “I’ll be back at Christmas.”

  She forced a smile. “Christmas.”

  Things would be different then, and that was good because saying goodbye was tearing his heart out. Slowly, he turned and walked from the barn. What else could he do besides leave?

  MORNING INCHED TO NOON as Charity tried to fight off the gloom that ate at her. Even though Tanner’s Pride was the most handsome foal she had ever laid eyes on, Tanner’s leaving made her spirits lower than a snake’s belly.

  She pitched fresh bedding into the stall as the foal hobbled here and there and suckled like a pro, even though he was only ten hours old. “Keep eating like that, Tanner, and you’ll be one fine stud.”

  “Already am.”

  Charity turned and saw Tanner—the man, the very fine man—in the doorway. Gloom evaporated like steam off a hot cup of coffee. “Why aren’t you in Alaska, or at least on your way?”

  “Trying to get rid of me?”

  She shook her head, not trusting her voice for a moment. Having him walk off was tough; having him do it twice in the same day was agony.

  “I wanted to give you something before I left. Something for my namesake to enjoy.” He nodded at the foal, then handed her a piece of paper.

  “It’s the deed for the fifty acres.” She shut her eyes and opened them again and reread the paper. “What did you do to Billy Ray to get this? I can’t even imagine what you could offer him. I tried money and…” She felt the blood drain out of her body. “Tell me you didn’t do what I think you did.”