Courted: Hyacinth Brides Box Set

by Bree Cariad

  “Yes,” she squeaked.

  His body started to shake and to her horror she realized he was laughing at her. “It’s not funny!” she said, her eyes slamming open in fury as she looked up into his face. What she saw made everything stop. Gaelic had the largest grin on his face, but he wasn’t laughing at her. No, he looked happy, gleeful, as though she had just given him a huge present. Even his eyes were lighter than normal, sparkling with joy. What was going on?

  “Funny?” he responded, shaking his head. “My dear girl. You have no idea, do you?”

  “About what?” Dora was sure she was missing something.

  “Spanking, while used for discipline, is also a fetish for many.”

  “A fetish? Really?” People got turned on by spanking? That was…Dora stopped herself from thinking strange as she remembered that she was now one. “So…I’m not sick?”

  “No, beautiful. You’re not sick. At all. I wouldn’t exactly advertise it around here given that Hyacinth is so conservative, but no, you’re not sick. And by the way,” he added, wiping her tears away with his thumb, “I get turned on by spanking, so as far as I am concerned. We’re perfect for one another.”

  Staring into his eyes, all she saw was happiness and as she realized he meant what he said, relief hit her. “You really mean it? It’s okay?” she asked to be sure.

  “More than okay, darling. Much more than okay.” Leaning down he gave her a nice, warm kiss before pulling back. “When we’re married, I’ll show you just how much.”

  Life was definitely interesting, Dora thought as she checked in their last guest of the day. The little family went upstairs and she put everything away, glancing up at the clock. It was only 4:30. Thirty minutes before Sally would relieve her.

  Tonight was both a celebration and a sadness for her. Chris and Stephanie had spent the last two days getting everything set and as of tonight would be spending their first night officially in their new home. It had taken over two months to get the last few inspections finalized and complete and three days to decorate. Cami and Dora had helped, with Jerod and Gaelic pitching in when they could. Kathy, even though she and Xan were back in Hyacinth, had been banned from helping as the house was in the painting phase by the time they arrived in town and he wouldn’t allow her anywhere near the fumes.

  But tonight the new home would be filled with friends and family as they all celebrated this wonderful occasion. Dora was thrilled for them, of course. As much as she would miss her two friends, she knew they needed their space, especially with little Bethany Anne on the way soon. Last night she had helped Cami work on the baby’s room. Stephanie had wanted a Winnie the Pooh theme and it was halfway done. She wasn’t due for three months so by then the room should be completely ready.

  “I’m here.”

  Turning her head, Dora smiled at Sally as she walked in. “You’re early.”

  “I thought you might want to go help with the party. I’ll drop in when there’s time.”

  “Thanks, Sally.”

  “You’re welcome. How are things going with Gaelic?”

  “Great,” Dora admitted, knowing she was smiling so much it hurt. Her man was wonderful and every new experience with him just drew them closer together. Two weekends ago they had gone out on the lake with Jerod and Cami to fish. She finally found something Gaelic was bad at. But he took their laughter well as he pulled up the one tiny fish he caught. His sense of humor leaned to wanting to name the fish and put it in a tank which she had vetoed as that meant she would have to try and keep it alive. Pets had never been her forte.

  Sally smiled back. “I’m so glad the right guy found you, Dora. I really am.”

  “Thanks. Me too.”

  Chris and Stephanie’s house was already filled with people. Their friends were everywhere and everyone had brought a dish so two long tables had been put together and were covered in food. From what she could see, Chris had had a hand in putting the food out. It was laid out like a buffet at a restaurant. Salads and then finger foods. Then the main parts of the meal and the desserts.

  “He couldn’t resist.” Stephanie giggled in her ear. “Food placed wrong rubs him the wrong way.”

  “Makes me want to switch a casserole and a salad,” Dora admitted with a grin making her friend laugh.

  “I heard that.” The deep smooth voice in her ear made her smile as Gaelic pulled her back against his chest. “Naughty Dora.”

  Instantly parts of her clenched that had never done so until him. She had the feeling he took delight in turning her into a pile of goo. Looking over her shoulder at him, she grinned at the twinkle in his eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m a good girl.”

  Stephanie, who hadn’t heard his comments but had heard Dora’s, laughed. “You really are, Dora. Time to let loose. Come on, mess with my husband’s mind.”

  Giggling and unable to resist, Dora switched a few platters and then, hand-in-hand with her man, walked around to talk to a few people. The next time she turned around, everything was back to how it should be. So she switched a few more things. And they got switched back. About the fourth time this happened, a pair of strong hands grasped her shoulders. “Are you trying to torture me?” Chris asked dryly as she laughed.

  “Is it working?” she taunted gleefully.

  “Yes. So stop it.”

  “You’re gonna miss me,” she said as she turned away from the table.

  “Already do. But I still get to pick on you daily. And if you switch another plate, I’m going to start putting the check-in list in a different spot every day.”

  “You wouldn’t!” she gasped indignantly.

  Winking at her, he nodded. “I might anyway. Could be kind of fun.” Reaching over, she pinched his abdomen making him jump. “Stop that.”

  Giggling, she shrugged. “Ready to be a daddy?”

  “Like you wouldn’t believe. Bethany is gonna be a daddy’s girl. I’ve already decided.”

  “That’s the way it should be,” Dora agreed, smiling. “After all, your example will help her get ready for the right guy.”

  Putting an arm around her shoulder, he gave her a rough hug. “Thanks, Dory.”

  “For what?”

  “Everything. Truly. The last couple years have been the happiest of my life due to Stephanie and you.” Leaning over, he kissed the top of her head. “Be happy.”

  Leaning against him, she looked up at Gaelic who was smiling at her across the room. Dora felt utterly content in that moment. Everyone she loved was there except for her mother. A movement out of the corner of her eye made her jerk and Chris chuckled as she spotted her. “Mom?”

  “Hello, honey,” her mother said, hugging her. “What a party! This whole room must break at least a few fire codes.”

  Giggling, Dora had to agree. Chris’s living room was wall-to-wall people. “What brings you to town?” She hadn’t known her mother was coming, but was thrilled to be able to introduce her to Gaelic as they hadn’t met yet. As if he knew, he strode toward them through the throng.

  “Oh, George had a break from mini-golf, one whole weekend off, and I suggested we come see my daughter. Now, where’s this scrumptious piece of man you keep telling me about?”

  Chris barked a laugh as Gaelic joined them right in that moment. “Right here,” Dora said, turning several shades of red. “Gaelic, this is my mother, Darcelle Leighton. Her husband George is around here somewhere, I assume.”

  “He’s outside,” her mother said. “He doesn’t handle crowds well.” She held out her hands to Gaelic. “So nice to meet you. Dora has nothing but good things to say as do Stephanie and her husband Chris. Add in the raving recommendation you’ve received from your uncle and I’m very pleased to meet you.” Dora shook her head. At times like this she remembered just how blunt her mother could be.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Mrs. Leighton,” Gaelic said with a warm smile. “You raised an amazing girl.”

  Darcelle beamed. “Why,
thank you. I agree. Dora’s a sweetheart.” She opened her mouth to continue speaking but the sound of tinkling glass drew their attention to the end of the room where Chris and Stephanie stood.

  As soon as he had everyone’s attention, Chris put the knife and glass down. “I’m not about to make a huge speech, but Steph and I want to thank you for coming to share this wonderful event with us. Moving in here is something we had planned for a while but wondered if we would ever get it done.” A few chuckles rounded the room and he smiled. “Now, I’m going to let you go back to chatting, but first, there’s someone else who wants to say something and I know you’ll want to hear it.”

  Dora looked around, trying to see who might be making an announcement. Kathy and Stephanie were pregnant and Cami’s twins were only a few months old, so it couldn’t be any of them, but she still was interested to find out what it was.

  As her eyes cast over the crowd, Gaelic knelt in front of her and every eye turned on them. In that instant, the rest of the room faded into the background and the only person who existed was him.

  Chapter 7

  “Dora,” he said in a calm voice. “I never expected to find such an amazing woman. Smart, witty, with a big heart and the ability to make anyone around you comfortable within moments. The first time I saw you, I thought you were the most beautiful girl in the world. Four years later, you are even more beautiful today than you were then.”

  A small cry came from somewhere in the crowd, but Dora couldn’t tear her eyes off him.

  “I-I know that making a life with me will change everything. I travel a lot of the time and that will require you to be away from Hyacinth, the place you love, because I’m selfish enough to want you with me. I promise to love you every day for the rest of our lives and beyond, to be with you in the good times and the bad, and to take care of you. Dora Jane Lexington, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Looking into his eyes, Dora felt tears trickle down her cheeks. This man was amazing and she could not imagine a day without him. Marrying him did mean leaving Hyacinth but right now in this moment, that didn’t seem scary. In fact, it was exhilarating knowing she would be with him no matter what country he was in. No late night phone calls and missing him for days at a time.

  “Yes,” she whispered and leaned forward, their lips touching softly. After their kiss, he stood up and pulled a small box out of his pocket. When he opened it up, her eyes widened. It was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. A huge heart-shaped diamond sat in the middle with smaller diamonds and sapphires dotting each side. He removed it and slid it over the fourth finger of her left hand, pressing a kiss to her hand before beaming at her.

  The moment the ring was on her finger, the quiet crowd went a little wild. Arms reached from everywhere to hug and congratulate the two of them and for thirty minutes, it was bedlam. It was all getting a bit much as two smaller hands grabbed hers and tugged. When she found herself in the baby’s room with the door shut and facing her three friends, she grinned.

  “So happy,” Kathy said simply, hugging her. “You and Gale make a great couple.”

  “Finally, my friend will live her dreams and travel the world!” Cami squealed, pulling her into a hug after Kathy was done. When she was done, Dora turned to Stephanie who had a brilliant smile on her face.

  “I’m so happy for you, Dora. I knew the right guy was out there somewhere. I know you won’t be married for a few months, but I’m going to miss you. You have to promise to come back and visit. I want Bethany to know her Aunt Dory.” At that, all three converged and hugged her at the same time.

  In that moment, Dora realized she had never been happier and that this was just the beginning.

  When the party wound down and it was just the eight of them—Chris, Stephanie, Xan, Kathy, Jerod, Cami, Gaelic, and Dora—they cleaned up and then made themselves comfortable around the small living room.

  “When do you want your wedding?” Cami asked, leaning against Jerod.

  Dora turned to Gaelic and he shrugged. “It would be nice if we could have it by November. I have some huge contracts starting in December that will make it difficult to come back here very often.”

  “Another fall wedding,” Stephanie said with satisfaction.

  “What’s with that?” Kathy asked with a yawn. “I was the only June bride.”

  The conversation was slow and easy after the rush of the party and before they left, they had set a date of November tenth for their wedding. Dora had no idea how to plan such an event, but she assumed her friends would help her.

  “I wish I was able to design it,” Stephanie said as they walked into the shop. “Bad timing.” With her baby due so soon, she had worried she wouldn’t get the dress done before Bethany came into the world. And afterward, no doubt she’d be too exhausted. Dora was quite happy with something off-the-rack, so wasn’t troubled at all. Today they were shopping for her dress and for some reason she had thought it would be easier than it had turned out to be.

  All the dresses she had tried on so far had been pretty. White and lacy, they had all looked good. However, her friends wouldn’t settle for good. It seemed they were looking for a special something, though they wouldn’t tell her what that was. This was the fourth bridal shop they had been in and Dora hoped they could find something here. She was kind of getting tired of trying on dresses.

  The assistant talked with them, asked about the wedding and particulars and after writing it all down, said she would go look in the back if Dora would change in the dressing room into the strapless bra and ruffled petticoat they had. Her friends took chairs in the mirrored area they had near the dressing rooms and she slipped into the large room to remove her clothes and put on the uncomfortable bra. Soon enough, the girl returned with six dresses. One after another, she tried them on and went out to show her friends. Each time, she looked at herself in the mirror and turned to look at them and they shook their heads.

  She had no idea what they were looking for. The dresses were all similar. Couldn’t she just choose one and get on with it? After the sixth one, the assistant paused, looking at her. “I have an idea. Hold on. There’s a dress back there. It isn’t the style you said you wanted but I think it would look lovely on you. Willing to try?”

  “Sure.” Dora assumed it wouldn’t work either and wondered what she was going to do.

  “Okay, remove the petticoat and bra. This dress comes with its own.”

  Confused, Dora removed everything except her panties and waited, feeling exposed but too tired to care. Whistling softly, the lady walked back in with a gown in ivory silk. She helped Dora into a thin camisole top and then had her step into the skirt which took a while to button up and then she pulled out the top, a corset in the same material with rosettes over the top of each breast. Afraid to look in the mirror to see how stupid she looked, Dora kept her eyes down, lightly fingering the pretty material. Unhooking the spaghetti straps of the camisole top, the assistant pressed them inside the dress. “All right.”

  She opened the door and Dora walked out, stepping up onto the dais before standing up straight and looking into the mirrors. “Oh,” she gasped, her hand covering her mouth as tears pricked her eyes. This was it. This was her dress. For the first time in her life, Dora felt regal. The corset top accentuated her chest but instead of looking busty, it just emphasized her hourglass figure.

  “Dora,” Cami gasped, tears running down her cheeks too. “You look amazing! Look at you!”

  It was obvious they felt the same way.

  “This is it,” she whispered. “This is the dress.” Turning to the assistant who was beaming at her, she asked, “How much?” Dora had a budget for the wedding and anything more than $1500 wouldn’t work.

  “This gown is $5700,” the assistant said with a smile. “It’s gorgeous on you.”

  $5700? Dora stared at her in horror. That was more than her entire wedding budget. “Oh.” Her heart dropped. Keeping her eyes from the mirrors as she didn’
t want to keep looking at the world’s most perfect dress knowing she couldn’t have it, she turned toward the dressing room. “Okay, we’ve still got so much to do. If you’ll help me change?”

  Each lace being undone on the corset felt like it ripped her heart out and by the time the assistant left the room, Dora was ready to go home and wallow. It didn’t matter which of the boring dresses she got now. No dress would live up to the one she had just worn. Whispers from her friends danced on the air but she didn’t listen as she put her clothes back on and met them by the mirrors.

  “Ready?” Stephanie asked, standing up. She didn’t look anywhere near as downhearted as Dora felt, but then maybe they hadn’t realized how much she had liked it.

  “Yeah. I’m tired. Can we just go home?”

  “Soon,” Kathy said. “Let’s go get a coffee. I don’t know about you guys, but I could use the caffeine.”

  “What would Xan say?” Cami teased, hustling Dora toward the door.

  “Don’t drink coffee,” Kathy said sourly. “Fine. Tea for me. I’ll just get high on the coffee fumes.”

  There was a coffee shop nearby, so they walked in and as Cami and Dora found a table and sat down, Kathy went up to order. “Where’s Stephanie?” Dora asked, looking around.

  “Bathroom.”

  “Oh.”

  The conversation stayed away from wedding topics. They must have realized she was too tired to want to discuss anything remotely wedding-ish right now. Maybe tomorrow Dora would just go buy a dress. After all, it was the day that mattered, not the dress she was wearing. The man who would take her hand…Thinking about Gaelic brought a smile to her face. He was the important part. The dress didn’t matter.

  The drive home from Longdale was quiet. The three of them seemed as tired as she felt. When they got to her house, she climbed out, figuring she would go inside, heat herself up some soup, and go to bed early. Gaelic was out of the country at the moment and so nothing exciting existed for her tonight. With him out of town, she kind of disliked her days off.