by Cara Carnes
“I think they’ll forgive you.”
“Bubba offered to go into business with me. Said we could talk it out. I could bake. He’s been looking to expand,” she said with a grin. “Would you be okay if I said yes? Maybe just part-time? Because I still want to help with the underground.”
“You can do whatever you want, Peanut. I love you.”
“You okay?” Riley asked as she approached.
Ellie nodded.
The woman reddened. “We’ve been a bit crazy lately, and I keep putting this off, but I have to say something. I’m sorry.”
Ellie looked at Jesse, then Riley. “For what?”
“I didn’t know,” Riley blurted. “I didn’t know he called you Peanut. He’d been gone and Dallas and Cord had both just left, and Dad knew I was distraught and missing them so bad. So he got me a horse, and I don’t know why but…”
“Jesus,” Jesse muttered.
“Riles,” Nolan started.
Ellie looked around and realized the Mason men had all swarmed in. “I’m confused.”
Dallas laughed. Kamren swatted at him. “Hush. This has been really bothering your sister.”
“It’s hysterical,” Dallas argued, laughing harder.
“What’s so funny, Dad?” TJ asked.
“Jesus,” Jesse repeated. “Riles, don’t. It doesn’t matter.”
“It does. She needs to know I didn’t know you called her Peanut.”
“Okay,” Ellie said, dragging the word out. Cord stepped away. His shoulders were shaking. Even Mary was smiling. “What am I missing?”
“Dad got her a horse after we all left. She named her Peanut,” Jesse whispered.
Oh. Wow. Ellie blinked. Then laughed. She drew Riley into a hug and laughed harder. “I love you, Riley.”
“I’d better take you out of here before you decide to not marry me,” Jesse whispered.
“Nothing will stop me from becoming Mrs. Jesse Mason.”
25
The wedding would take place at the same spot as Dylan’s—beneath the tree where their grandfather and great-grandfather had proposed to their women. Unlike the other posh affair where most of the tri-county had come, the guest list was limited to family, Arsenal personnel, and whoever else happened to show up.
The latter proved to be more than Ellie expected because, as it typically did in Resino and Marville and Nomad, word got around pretty quick that Ellie Travers was finally marrying Jesse Mason. Another of Resino’s most eligible bachelors was biting the dust.
Ellie wore her mother’s wedding dress, which had been altered by one of Momma Mason’s friends in Nomad. A friend of Riley’s had come out and done Ellie’s hair and makeup. She stared into the full-length mirror and almost cried.
“Don’t you dare,” Bree hissed. “We’ve fixed your makeup three times already.”
“Leave her be,” Mary ordered as she appeared with baby Jessie in her arms.
Any hope of containing the emotional dam imploded at the sight of Jesse’s namesake. Tears spilled down Ellie’s cheeks as she offered a watery smile to the woman.
“I have something for you, but you probably shouldn’t mention it to Jesse until later.”
Oh boy. Ellie tried not to chew her lower lip. She wrapped her hands in the old lace of her wedding dress and waited as the woman handed Jessie off to Rhea. Mary pulled something off her neck and held it out.
“Vi, Zoey, and I chatted. We disagreed on what we should get you, so I went rogue and did this anyway.” The woman smiled as Ellie took the long chain.
Two identification tags were attached at the end. The Arsenal logo was on one side. She flipped them over and swallowed as she read the inscription.
Ellie Mason
Peanut
Jesse’s calm
Ellie blinked past the tears. “It’s perfect.”
Jesse had told her about Riley getting him and Dylan to brush her hair after they’d returned injured from war. The action had given them calm. Riley had been Jesse’s steady presence whenever she sensed the darkness dragging him under.
“No one knows about the calm Riley brought to Jesse and Dylan except them, me, and now you.” Mary wrapped Ellie in a hug. “Thank you for being his calm. I’m thrilled to have you as my sister.”
God.
She squeezed the woman tighter. “Thank you for always having his back.”
“You realize this shindig will grow in size as the day progresses, right?” Mary asked with a laugh as she pulled away. She dabbed at her watery eyes. “Dylan and Dallas have increased security around the perimeter, but containing Resino residents when a Mason event happens is like parting water.”
Ellie slid the gift over her head. “I don’t care who comes as long as I’m Ellie Mason at the end of the day.”
Mary smiled, but her attention shifted to Jessie when she started to fuss. “It’s feeding time. I’d best get to that before she starts screaming.”
Ellie chuckled because the baby had a set of lungs that rivaled everyone’s. She wasn’t shy about crying out when needed. The little girl’s bright green eyes held an intelligence Ellie hadn’t ever seen in babies before. She was destined for brilliance.
“By the way, Kamren apologizes in advance. She’s tried to keep DJ and TJ dressed for their part in the wedding, but they’re not fully onboard with the ties. Or the ‘squeaky shoes.’”
Ellie laughed. She couldn’t care less what the two boys wore. The woman left with a wave and shut the door to the cottage they’d procured for preparation. Ellie looked over at the two silent women sitting on the sofa.
Bree and Rhea both dabbed at their eyes. All three of them burst into laughs.
“The makeup is useless,” Ellie said.
“He won’t even notice,” Rhea commented as she stood.
Another knock on the door got a groan from Bree. “I swear you aren’t ever going to finish getting ready at this rate.”
Ellie chuckled because there wasn’t much else to do. She wasn’t the sort of woman who fussed over hair and makeup for hours. Both were semi-done, though the latter was likely a mess right now.
Cord entered when Bree opened the door. His gaze danced with amusement as he surveyed the room. As always, the youngest Mason saw more than most but made no comment. Ellie knew it’d take one hell of a woman to wrangle him.
Without a word, he stepped up and ran a finger along her cheek. His lips upturned in a smirk as he showed her the black on his fingertip. Then he fractured the silence when his gaze settled on the tags Mary had just given her. “Figured she’d go ahead and do that.”
“They’re perfect,” Ellie defended.
“Almost,” he replied as he pulled them off. Ellie almost reached for them but froze when he reached into his pocket and pulled something out.
He palmed whatever it was and undid the end of the chain. Something small slid down and landed alongside the tags. Ellie swallowed as he redid the clasp and put the gift back on her. “Now it’s perfect.”
Damn.
Ellie’s eyes watered as she lifted the tags up. A platinum key with E & J inscribed.
Damn.
“Thank you for bringing him home to us,” Cord said. He clasped the back of her neck, pulled her forward and kissed her forehead. “Welcome to the family, Ellie.”
Ellie hugged Cord. She couldn’t speak beyond the lump in her throat, but no words were necessary. The man knew how thankful she was for him and everyone else in Jesse’s life.
By the time he was gone a few moments later, Ellie was ready to be married. She’d never been a patient person.
Bree sauntered up and looked at the gifts draped around Ellie’s neck. “The tags are cool, but what’s with the key?”
“A private story,” Ellie said. No one needed to know it symbolized the battle they’d waged for Jesse. That was something she and Cord would share. Perhaps at some point she’d tell Jesse it symbolized the war his little brother had started.
The door opened
a few moments later, and Ellie’s mom entered. She wore a curly, dark-haired wig and makeup. For a moment Ellie could almost forget her mom was terminal. The smile on the woman’s face struck her eyes with a twinkle as she made her way into the room and sat in the seat nearest the door. A box was perched on the step of the walker.
“You look more beautiful than I imagined, Ellie-belly.”
“Mom.” She blinked back tears. “I wish Dad were here.”
“He is. No way he’d miss his baby girl marrying the man who won her heart long ago.” She looked over at Bree. “I told Rebecca earlier, but you girls should know I appreciate all the work you’ve put into pulling this together so quickly.”
“It was nothing,” Bree said, her voice soft.
“It was everything.”
Ellie took a deep breath and focused on the happiness of the day—the fact that her mom would see her become Ellie Mason. She’d worn a royal blue dress that brought out the color of her eyes.
“I’m proud of you for standing beside him. You’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I’d like to think I had a hand in that, but a lot of it came out of necessity because I didn’t do the best job raising you,” her mom admitted.
Ellie closed the distance and crouched. She took her mom’s hand and squeezed. “You are the most amazing mom. I love you so much. Don’t ever doubt that.”
“I’m finally at peace.” The whispered statement struck the room with its finality. Ellie didn’t fight the tears spilling from her eyes. Makeup didn’t matter. “For the first time since the diagnosis, I’m at peace because the wrong I committed has been undone. You’re finally getting the life you deserve to live, the love you deserve to enjoy, Ellie-belly.”
“Mom.” Ellie leaned in and hugged her mother. “I’ll never regret the choice I made. That wasn’t a wrong you committed. It was a decision I made because I love you and family comes first. I could’ve gone against your wishes and told Jesse why I was staying.”
“You never would’ve stifled that boy’s dream.”
No. “Everything happened as it should have, Mom. We’re together again. We’ve learned the hard way that tomorrow isn’t a guarantee, so I’m not wasting a single second looking back at what could’ve been—not when I’m staring into my happily ever after.”
“I’m finally at peace because that boy will give you everything your heart desires and keep you safe at his side where you belong.” Tears fell from her mom’s watery gaze. “I can’t wait to tell your dad all about him.”
Oh God.
“I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too, Ellie-belly.” She patted Ellie’s hand. “Enough of the waterworks. I need you to make me a promise.”
“Anything.”
“Don’t waste a second more hiding from your dreams. You make them happen because that boy will move Heaven and Earth to help you.” Her mom pointed to the box. “I found that in the trash bin a couple months after he left. That’s when I knew I’d broken you. I broke my sweet Ellie-belly’s heart.”
“Mom. Don’t. You needed me more than I needed what was in the box. That’s when I learned we don’t always want what we think we do.”
Ellie didn’t look at the box. Her mind listed all the things she’d thrown away years ago. Her scrapbook of recipes. Her swatches of tablecloth patterns and wall colorings. Sketches of possible restaurant layouts and logos. Names.
“The day your dad put a ring on my finger, he swore to give me the world. And he did.” She stroked Ellie’s face. “I took that away from you, but you’re finally getting it back today.”
She was. Jesse was all she wanted. She didn’t need a bakery as long as she had the man she loved.
“Promise me you’ll see your dream through. Bubba will be asking about that box. I told him so someone would hold your feet to the fire. Love you, Ellie, but you’re a might stubborn about putting yourself first. Bubba and Rebecca are gonna see to it you get your bakery up and running.”
Ellie didn’t want her mom worrying about anything right now. But the woman’s gaze glinted with the same stubbornness Ellie had inherited. “I promise, Mom.”
“Good, now let’s get your makeup fixed. I’m thinking they’ll send drones in after you if you’re late.”
Ellie laughed because she could picture exactly that happening. But there was no chance she’d be late because she was about to become Mrs. Jesse James Mason.
“You’re holding up better than I expected,” Doctor Sinclair commented.
Jesse looked around at the packed area around the large tent they’d constructed and grumbled, “Half the county is here.”
“A few thousand less than at mine. Be glad,” Dylan said dryly as he took a drink of his beer.
Jesse was finally married to Ellie.
Ellie Mason. She wore the dog tags proudly around her neck. He’d have to find out who gave them to her and thank them. It was the perfect gift. His heart was so full it’d almost burst when the ceremony ended and he got to kiss his wife.
His face hurt from smiling. He hadn’t been able to contain the elation.
Love. He looked at Dallas and Dylan, who’d stayed close to his side most of the day. Nolan and Marshall had tackled crowd control while Cord worked security with Gage and Fallon.
“How do you two ever get anything done? I can’t stop thinking about Ellie. I want to drag her away and spend my life with her wrapped around me.”
Dallas smirked. “Sounds like big brother’s sorted a couple things out since we last spoke.”
He had, but he wouldn’t ever speak to them or anyone else about it. Except Logan.
Because he’d made love to Ellie more than once. That first erection hadn’t been a fluke. He’d never dared dream he could have that aspect of his life back, but he did because Ellie was the most magnificent treasure in the world. He wouldn’t go a single day without telling her and showing her however he could.
Sex wouldn’t ever be a huge component of their marriage because their relationship was so far beyond the stratosphere of the physical. But damn, he loved making love with her. The gentle stroke of her hands, the way she took control and brought just the right amount of firm to her grip when she…
Wow.
Jesse ran a hand through his hair and chuckled when Dylan’s gaze swept downward. Big brother’s eyes watered, but he made no comment. He glanced at Dallas and saw the same emotion in his gaze.
Doctor Sinclair stood there silently and watched the byplay. Doc always saw more than most.
“Thanks for everything, Doc. I couldn’t have made it to this day without you.”
“You and everyone here at The Arsenal make me glad I do the work I do.” Doctor Sinclair looked over her shoulder at Sara, who approached with Ariana. “Actually, I need to speak with you and your wife a moment.”
Wife. Jesse grinned again.
Ellie appeared at his side. He snaked an arm around her waist, leaned down and nibbled at her ear. She shivered against him and sighed. “I can’t wait to get you home.”
She splayed a palm on his chest and rested her head against him. “Hey Doc. Dallas. Dylan.”
“Hey, sis,” Dallas said with a grin. “Never gonna get sick of saying that.”
“Never gonna get sick of hearing it,” Ellie whispered.
“I know this may not be the optimal time to do this, but Sara is insistent.”
Jesse tensed and looked at the young woman. “Are you okay, Sara?”
“I’m fine.” The girl’s eyes were watery. “I just…”
Doctor Sinclair wrapped a protective arm around Sara. “Go ahead, sweetheart. It’s okay. If you’re sure…”
“I am.” The girl took a deep breath. “I’ve watched you two. I didn’t know about you being together before or anything, but I saw the way Ellie looked at you. And the way you looked at Ellie. I knew you would get together even though…”
Even though everyone—including him—hadn’t ever thought that was possible. Marria
ges were about far more than a sexual relationship, though. He’d be eternally grateful for learning that firsthand. He couldn’t imagine a life without Ellie at his side. In his bed. Wrapped around him every night.
“I’m not ready to be a mother,” Sara blurted.
Shock stilled Jesse as he assessed the situation. He glanced at Sinclair, who bit her lip and nodded, as if sensing his silent question. This couldn’t be what he’d somehow jumped to.
But it was.
Sara pulled a sheaf of papers from beneath her shirt. “I spoke with my attorney. She drew everything up, but Doc says you’ll want to have time to look through everything.”
“Sara, honey? What is this?” Ellie asked as she drew away from Jesse and closed in on Sara.
Jesse remained close, at Ellie’s back. He rested his hands on her hips and kissed the top of her head, near the healing bald spot she hadn’t tried to hide. A crowd had gathered, as if sensing the tension of the moment. Though no one else seemed to have connected the dots, Jesse was glad his family was here, surrounding and protecting his wife.
Jesus.
His eyes burned as he glanced away and forced a deep, even breath. Ellie would fall apart. He had to be here to make it safe for her to let go. Sara’s watery gaze collided with Jesse. She smiled.
“I can’t be the mother Ariana needs, but you will be, Ellie.” Sara licked the tears near her mouth away and continued. “And Jesse…you’ll be the kind of father I would’ve wanted for her if I’d had a choice.”
Gasps echoed around them, but Jesse kept his attention on Sara.
And Ellie.
His wife buckled, but Jesse roped an arm around her waist and drew her close. He leaned down and kissed the shell of her ear. “Breathe deep, Peanut.”
“This isn’t real. Jesse. These are…”
“Adoption papers,” Sara said. “And parental termination paperwork. I don’t understand all the legal stuff, but my attorney assured me it was all in order. I trust you can help work through whatever else we need to do. I want Ariana to be a Mason. To be yours.”
“Honey, my God.” Ellie trembled. “You’re already a part of this family. No matter what, you are always a part of this family.”