When Mason and Risk showed up, everyone turned to them and filled them in on what had happened. They’d stayed behind to have drinks at The Baron before coming home.
As the fire was quelled, leaving only half of the three-bedroom cottage standing, everyone right then and there decided the wedding would go on as planned. It was set and ready to go.
They had something else to celebrate, too.
Drew and Lottie’s engagement.
* * *
“I’m sorry for the way things turned out tonight, Drea.” Katie handed her friend a glass of white wine. She happened to know this brand of pinot grigio was her favorite. The Boones had offered them the entire east wing of the second floor of their ranch house for tonight. They sat facing each other on the twin-size beds in one of the guest rooms. “Your dad’s home is nearly destroyed.”
“He’ll rebuild, Katie. It’ll give him and Lottie a chance to build something to their liking. Besides, I think my dad’s happier than he’s ever been. He and Lottie have been tiptoeing around each other for years. Now they’ll finally settle down together. And he got a clean bill of health, thanks to Luke. If he hadn’t rushed in to save Dad, the smoke would’ve gotten him before the fire did.”
“Yeah, Luke’s amazing. I’m happy he checked out just fine at the hospital, too. In that respect we were very lucky.”
Drea smiled. “I saw you two kissing.”
“I finally realized I love him. He’s my guy.”
“So, are you going to tell him everything?”
“I plan to. Very soon. I couldn’t stand the thought of something happening to him before I had a chance to tell him he was going to be a father. It really put things in perspective for me. Our child deserves a loving home.”
“I’m excited for you.”
“Thanks.” She bit her lip. “It’s strange how things turn out sometimes, isn’t it?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you hated Mason for what you thought he’d done to your father. And I wasn’t too keen on Luke, for what he did to Shelly. Now we’re both in love with a Boone.”
“You married one.”
“And you’re about to.” Katie sipped her sparkling cider. “Let’s not forget how much April disliked Risk when he first came back into her life, too. Their fake engagement led to the real thing.”
Drea took a sip of wine. “Well, there’s just something about those Boone brothers.”
“I’ll drink to that.” She finished off her cider. “Oh my gosh, I just realized you probably lost a lot of your things at the cottage, too.”
“I did, but I have what I need. I’ve been staying with Mason at the house, so half my stuff is here now.”
“You’re not panicked so I take it your wedding dress is safe and sound.”
“Lottie picked it up for me from the bridal salon. It’s here, at the house. She was going to bring it by the cottage in the morning.”
“Thank goodness. Tomorrow is going to be a special day.”
“You know, I wouldn’t mind if you decided to wander over to the west end of the floor tonight, hon. Risk is at April’s tonight and Mason decided to spend the night at The Baron.”
“Because the bride and groom shouldn’t see each other before the wedding?”
“Right...and we like the tradition. But tradition doesn’t dictate anything about the best man and the maid of honor not seeing each other.”
“Really...hmm. I wouldn’t want to desert you.”
“I’m starting to get super tired.” Drea put her arms up and yawned. “And I need my beauty sleep.”
“You’re such a bad liar. But I would love to check in on him. Make sure he’s okay.”
Drea pointed toward the door. “Go.”
“Gosh, now I’m getting thrown out of your room.”
“Only because you’ve got something much better waiting for you across the hall.”
Katie stood. “How do I look?” She fussed with her hair and straightened her dress.
“You could be wearing rags and Luke would think you were beautiful. You look great.” Drea shooed her away. “It’s down the hall and the last door on your right.”
Katie blew her a kiss and made her way down the long hallway on bare feet, eager to see Luke again.
She knocked on his bedroom door three times. No answer. He was probably sleeping. Her desire to check in on him was stronger than her worry about waking him up, so she put her hand on the doorknob and opened the door.
As she stepped inside, she told herself she had a perfect right to check on her husband. He could’ve been injured or killed tonight running into those flames. But as she looked around, she found his bed was still made. Had he gone somewhere at this hour of night? She turned to leave, her hand reaching for the doorknob.
“Katie, where do you think you’re going?”
She froze for a second and spun around. Luke was just stepping out of the bathroom, a towel draped below his waist. Moonlight glistened on his wet hair. Drops of water cascaded down his shoulders, falling onto his granite-hard chest. She itched to touch him there, to devour him and show him how much she loved him even though she had yet to tell him. “Luke, I didn’t think you were here.”
“I’m here.” He smiled wide.
“Y-yes, you are.”
He sauntered over to her. “Some nights I like to shower in the dark, with just the moonlight streaming in. It’s quiet and peaceful that way.”
“Oh... I didn’t know.”
“There’s lots of things you don’t know about me, sweetheart. I can’t wait for you to learn all of them.” He moved closer, the scent of his lime soap wafting to her nose.
“I came to check on you.”
He opened his arms wide. “I’m healthy, Katie.”
Her gaze flew below his waist and the bulge hidden under the towel. “That might be an understatement, Luke.”
He laughed, a mischievous sound that got her juices flowing.
“You sure you’re not tired, because I don’t have to stay—”
“You’re joking, right?”
She smiled at him. “Y-yes, I think I am. I don’t want to leave.”
Luke opened his arms and she stepped into them. Someone up above was granting her wishes, because as his arms wrapped around her and snuggled her close, her every dream was coming true. There was only one tiny flaw in her plans to be with him tonight, but she shoved thoughts of her family aside. She wanted to be fully in the moment. And as Luke’s lips touched hers, his hard body pressing against her and his desire under the thin towel barrier reminding her of the thrills to come, she washed away everything and everybody but what was happening between them tonight.
“Katie.” His voice held awe and wonder. “This is where you’re meant to be.”
She overflowed with emotion. It was almost too much for her, this roller coaster of a night. She shook, unable to control herself. “Luke, just kiss me and keep on kissing me.”
He gripped her head in his hands and crushed his lips over hers, his expert mouth making every bone in her body melt. She could faint from the delicious sensations he aroused. And soon her dress was off and they were on the bed, under the covers, Luke worshipping her body.
His heat was contagious. She was nearing combustion, but she held on, wanting to enjoy every minute of this night with him. A night filled only with desire. No problems, no issues, just two people expressing their love in the most potent way.
Katie’s body erupted first, her orgasm reaching new heights. “Luke,” she cried out.
And he was there with her, rising above, his hard body tightening up, his powerful thrusts and groans of pleasure beautiful to behold. He held her tight as his release came and she kissed him until his breaths steadied and they both fell back onto the bed.
“Wow,” he said, as
he ran his hand up and down her arm. “Just checking that you’re real.”
“I’m real. Realer than real, after that.”
He laughed and kissed her shoulder. “Stay with me tonight. Be my wife in all ways.”
“I will,” she answered, wanting that so badly, too.
* * *
Luke looked at the empty place beside him on the bed and smiled at the note Katie had left for him this morning on her pillow.
Dear Husband,
Sorry, had to leave early. Today is all about Drea and Mason. See you soon.
Your Wife
Luke rose from the bed, breathing in Katie’s pleasing scent. In his humble opinion, she always smelled delicious and today was no exception. He couldn’t believe she was finally his, after all his years of trying to do right by her, of trying to deny his feelings.
She hadn’t said the words he wanted to hear. She hadn’t confessed her love or told him about their baby yet, but they had made great progress. Finally, Katie thought of him as her husband. She’d come to him last night, and all it had taken was him racing into a house on fire for her to realize she cared about him.
He stepped into the shower, letting the water rain down his body, wishing Katie was here. It’d been a fantasy of his, to have her all soapy and wet with him, but they had time for that. Today, his brother was getting married, and Luke had the honor of being his best man.
He dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, and glanced out the window to the yard below. A team of event workers were constructing an open-air tent to house two hundred and fifty guests. A dance floor was going up as well as tables and chairs. Mason and Drea had opted to speak their vows on the steps of the gazebo Mason had built in the backyard.
Rising Springs Ranch had hosted many events, but this was the first wedding, and the Boones were doing it big.
Luke walked down the hallway and across the bridge that led to the east wing of the house. He heard the girls giggling, Drea and Katie giddy with excitement over the wedding. Warmth spread through his heart as he made his way downstairs.
In the kitchen, Aunt Lottie was drinking coffee with Drew. Early risers. “Mornin’,” he said to them. Lottie and Drew had eyes only for each other.
Then Drew sat up straighter. “Luke, boy, how are you feeling this morning?”
“I’m feeling fit. How about you?”
“I’m...doing fine. Lottie’s making sure of it. She won’t hear of me worrying about losing my place, not today. Much of what I lost can be replaced but today is Drea’s special day. And as long as she’s happy, I’m happy.”
Luke gazed at the loving look on Aunt Lottie’s face and knew instantly these two people were right for each other. “Congratulations again. Seems we’ve got another wedding coming up.”
“Yep, but we’re happy to focus on this one today. Drew’s giving away his daughter.”
“Now, Lottie, I’m not keen on that phrase. I’m not giving Drea to anyone.”
Lottie laughed. “What would you call it then?”
“I’m allowing Mason the privilege of marrying my daughter.”
“And Mason knows it, too,” Luke added. “When’s he getting here?”
“Not until just before the ceremony.”
Luke poured himself a cup of coffee and looked under the covered dishes to see the brunch Jessica had made for the bridesmaids. “Wow, that’s a lot of food for the girls.”
“I agree, so help yourself, and then vamoose for a few hours. The girls need to get all dazzled up. Myself included.”
“And men tend to ruin their party? Is that what you’re saying, Aunt?”
“Something like that.”
Luke got the hint. “I’ll eat fast and then be on my way.”
He had something he needed to do at Red Barrel Rescue anyway.
Something that would make Katie happy.
* * *
Katie stared at Drea in the oval mirror in her room, noting the gleam in her eyes, the joy on her face. All the bridesmaids had already gone downstairs, giving her and Drea some alone time.
“Drea, you are beautiful. I can’t even describe how amazing you look. Now I know what they mean when they say blushing bride. That’s you, and guess what? It’s time to go downstairs.”
“It is,” she said dreamily. “I’m...a little nervous.”
“No need to be. I’ve got your back.”
“Thanks, hon.” Drea gave her a peck on the cheek, making sure she didn’t smudge her pale pink lipstick. “And you look amazing, too. I love your hair like that.” Katie’s hair was pulled up in a very loose updo, with blond curls framing her face. “The band of flowers in your hair makes you look like a princess.”
“It’s a miracle what a hair and makeup artist can do with a hot mess like me.”
“Shush, none of that. You’re not a hot mess as far as I’m concerned. You’re a beautiful mommy-to-be.”
Katie turned sideways and glanced at her reflection in the mirror. “Do you see a baby bump?”
Drea grinned. “Not yet, but it’ll be here soon enough.”
Katie sighed. She still had trouble believing she was having a baby, and then her crazy symptoms would appear to remind her. Today, she’d been lucky: no nausea. Only bliss this morning, waking up next to Luke. She had him on the brain, but she had to remember that this day was all about Drea and Mason. “I hear the violinist playing. It’s time to go.”
“Okay,” Drea said. “You first. I’ll be right behind you.”
As Katie walked out the back door and down the path leading to the gazebo, she found Mason waiting for his bride, an eager look in his eyes. Katie didn’t linger on Mason but rather on the guy standing next to him, his best man, the man she’d married weeks ago. And didn’t Luke look smoking hot in his tuxedo?
Katie couldn’t seem to look away until the music stopped for a beat, and then the familiar wedding march began to play. Drea stood beside her father, their arms entwined. She was holding a bouquet of white gardenias and roses. Everyone stood and then Drea made the walk down the aisle.
Katie teared up, her emotions running high. This was a monumental day. Her bestie was marrying a great guy. And before she knew it, they spoke sweet, funny, loving vows to each other and were then pronounced husband and wife. It was a glorious ceremony and Katie’s tears flowed freely, from happiness for a change.
Mason and Drea were met with great applause and they waved to their friends and family as they made their first walk as a married couple down the aisle. Next it was Katie and Luke’s turn to leave, and she met him in front of the flower-strewn gazebo. He took her hand possessively as they made their way up the aisle and away from the seated guests. Once they reached the reception tent, he stopped and quickly kissed her, his eyes beautifully blue and twinkling. “You look gorgeous.”
“So do you, Lucas Boone.”
His grin made her dizzy. “I expect to dance with you all night long.”
“Don’t I get one dance with the groom?”
His mouth twisted adorably. “One, since it’s my brother.”
Photographers were snapping photos and a videographer was recording the entire event. Katie had a mind to release Luke’s hand and hoped the kiss wasn’t captured on film. These photos were bound to make the newspapers in Boone County. But as she pulled her hand away slightly, Luke tightened his hold, making it clear he wasn’t going to play that game anymore.
It meant she’d have to speak with her mother and sister soon. Like tonight after the wedding, or tomorrow, at the latest.
Chandeliers hung from the high beams and the drapes were parted in strategic places to give the tent an airy feel in the late afternoon. Hors d’oeuvres and champagne were passed around by white-jacketed waiters and Mason and Drea took their places at the head table beside Risk and April. Mason waited until his guests were all inside th
e reception area before he picked up a microphone.
“May I have your attention please? First of all, I want to thank you all for coming and sharing our special day with us,” he said. The crowd settled and all looked his way. “I have an announcement to make. Actually, it’s really a wedding present for my bride.”
Surprised, Drea gave him a curious look, though her eyes were still glowing.
“Tonight, our musical entertainment will be provided by The Band Blue.”
Sean Manfred walked into the tented area, along with the rest on his band.
Drea looked from Sean to Mason, and then tears flowed down her cheeks. “Mason, how did you manage this?”
“He didn’t have to twist my arm very hard, Drea,” Sean said. “Congratulations to both of you.”
Drea gave Sean the biggest hug and turned to Mason. For him, she had a major kiss. It was all so touching and sweet. The Band Blue had played a part in getting Mason and Drea together when they’d all worked on a fund-raiser for the Boone County Memorial Hospital. And now here they were after winning their first Grammy, playing at Drea and Mason’s wedding.
“Pretty cool,” Luke said to Katie.
“It’s a wonderful surprise. Did you know?”
He nodded. “I knew. I helped Mason arrange it. It’s what best men do, right?”
“Yes, but it’s quite a secret to keep.”
“No bigger than our secret.”
“Yeah, about that, we should talk. After the wedding?”
He played with a strand of her hair, distracting her with the loving way he was looking at her. “I’m all in.”
Nine
The Band Blue captured the guests’ attention, their country pop music less drawl and more beat. Most of the wedding guests got up and danced like it was the best party they’d ever attended and some stood by in awe just watching the band do their thing. It was almost as if they were attending a concert.
Luke hadn’t been joking when he said he’d dance with Katie all night long. She’d never had so much fun, but she wasn’t at all sorry when The Band Blue began singing a slow, sexy ballad.
Vegas Vows, Texas Nights Page 14