But you might want to watch out, darlin’. This ole country boy has a few tricks of his own.
Chapter Nine
“Thank you so much for letting us get ready at your house, Ruby,” Laken said as the older woman greeted her at the front door. “Especially when you and Arnie just got back from your trip to Branson.”
“Think nothing of it, sugarplum. Being able to take a trip at all is still a miracle to me, and the way my nephew spoils me, traveling is almost too easy. Have you ever flown in Jackson’s plane?”
“I have. Great, isn’t it?” Laken struggled to keep up the patter, but her nerves were shot. “My dress is here?”
Ruby smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist. The tiny woman had a surprisingly strong grip. “Everything is going according to plan. Jeanette dropped off your gown, then ducked out for a minute to check on the courthouse, though I know Brenda has the decorations well in hand. Scarlett will be back from there any minute, and Sophia is—” She halted, glancing into her parlor. “Well, Sophia appears to be a little busy right now.”
Laken peered over Ruby’s shoulder to see Sophia and Gordon locked in an embrace. She grinned. “You kids…can’t take you anywhere,” she called out.
Sophia jumped back, her hands going to fiery cheeks. Laken realized they were wet with tears.
“Are you okay? Oh no—is it that you’re sorry about the wedding?”
Gordon pulled Sophia into his side and shook his head. “We couldn’t be more delighted. This was just—”
Laken’s brows flew. “I’m pretty sure we know what that was. And since I’m a big fan of doing that myself, I’m sure not going to criticize.”
“No, you don’t see—” Sophia’s laughter wobbled. “I—we—that is, Gordon—”
“What she’s trying to say is that I have finally convinced her to marry me. Or remarry me, I should say.” His glance at Sophia was all adoration. “But this time, everything is different. And I’ll make sure it stays that way, I promise.” He never took his eyes off the woman in his arms.
Sophia had eyes only for him, too, and the love between them made Laken want to sigh. “I’m so happy for you. Michael will be over the moon,” she said as she and Ruby crossed the room.
Hugs were exchanged all around.
Then Laken looked at Ruby. “Didn’t I hear you and Scarlett got married at the same time?”
“That we did.”
“You two should join us. It would be great.”
“No—” Sophia was shaking her head vehemently. “No, that wouldn’t be right.”
Laken caught the wistfulness on Gordon’s face. “You should,” she said to him. “We’d be happy to share.”
Gordon looked down at Sophia. They had a silent conversation, then with a small nod exchanged, they both smiled at Laken. “That’s incredibly sweet,” Sophia said, “but we want this to be your day. You and Michael should be the stars of the show.”
Laken pressed one hand to her midriff. For once, her queasiness had nothing to do with the baby. “I’m not sure I’m up to that. Take the heat off me, please?”
Sophia placed one palm on her cheek, her eyes filled with love. “It will be okay, I promise. It’s pretty great, being the bride.” she glanced up at Gordon. “Even if I made a mess of things after, I’ll never forget our wedding day.”
He smiled down at her. “Neither will I. And not just because I learned how much I hate wearing a tux.”
“What I put your through, spoiled brat that I was,” she said.
He bent to kiss her eyelids, one by one, then her mouth. “You gave me my son. And a lot of great memories. Now you’re sharing a second son with me, and soon we’ll have Laken and a new grandbaby. I have no complaints at all.”
“You should have plenty. I wasn’t—”
Gordon silenced her with a kiss. “Enough about the past.”
Sophia smiled softly and turned to Laken again. “Thank you, more than I can begin to say. We would rather wait and have something small and quiet, just family—you’re part of that family, you know,” she said to Ruby. “And maybe a few friends, but we’ll wait until after the holidays. We could even go do a simple clerk’s office wedding by ourselves, but…”
“No quick, impersonal wedding, not for us, love,” Gordon said. “I want to be with you until my last breath, so we’re doing this up proper. But thank you,” he said to Laken. “It’s a generous offer, and we’re grateful that you’d be willing to share your day.”
She could see in him, despite the stroke that had left him with a permanent limp, the tall, strong, handsome cowboy Sophia had fallen in love with so many years ago. They’d been through heartache and spent half a lifetime apart. She hoped she and Michael would be able to avoid that sort of terrible rending, not that she wasn’t sure they’d go through rough patches. She was too hardheaded not to drive him crazy sometimes. Though Michael had all the patience in the world, she knew she stretched it thin at times.
“You’re very welcome. I should thank you.”
“For what?”
“For about a million things, including your willingness to make me part of your family, but right this minute? You’ve steadied my nerves. Poor Michael…he’s lost his mind to want me, hasn’t he?”
Sophia’s smile was fond. “No, he’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him. A few nerves of his own, though.”
“Really?”
“Mostly that you won’t be there at the wedding.”
“I may be neurotic, but I’m not stupid. He’s the best man in the world, and I’m not letting him get away now. Too late, sucker.”
Everyone laughed.
Then Sophia turned to Gordon. “Guess this is where we part ways. Go help my son—our son—get ready. I’ll make sure Laken shows up.” She winked at Laken.
But Gordon caught her arm as she was leaving. “Just a minute more.”
Ruby grinned and Laken grinned back. “Come on, sweetheart. We can get started on our own.”
Laken wanted to thank Gordon again before he left, but a quick glance backward showed that Gordon didn’t know anyone but Sophia was in the room.
“Isn’t that sweet?” She patted her heart and sighed. “I have no idea what’s happened to me, Ruby. I’ve gone all mushy.”
Ruby led her to the stairs. “Sweetgrass has happened to you, dear. That’s the short and long of it.”
Laken stopped at the foot of the stairs and turned to the little woman who’d refused to let Sweetgrass die. “Thank you for saving Sweetgrass for all of us. So many hearts have found their way home here.”
Ruby hugged her. “You sure know how to make an old woman feel good, but I didn’t do it by myself.”
“Not the way I hear it.”
Ruby’s cheeks reddened, and she waved off the conversation. “Let’s go get you into that beautiful gown. I’m going to enjoy watching Michael’s eyes pop right out of his head.”
“They’d better,” Laken replied.
Laughing, they climbed the stairs.
Michael was tying his tie in the makeshift dressing room for the groom’s party at the courthouse when he heard Ian’s voice. A second later, his brother walked in, clapping Gordon on the back. “Way to go, Dad. That is awesome news.”
Gordon’s weathered face bore a sheepish smile. “Thank you. Uh, Michael…”
“Dad and Mom are getting married again—” Ian beamed. “Sorry, Dad. Should have let you tell him.”
“Not exactly a surprise that you two are crazy about each other, Gordon.” He crossed to the older man, hand extended. “But congratulations.”
“You’re okay with it, you sure?” Gordon asked.
“I’m more than okay. You and Mom want to do it tonight with us?”
Gordon clapped Michael on the shoulder. “Funny, Laken offered the same thing. Thank you, truly, but we’ll wait our turn. This is your big day, you and Laken. We’ll do something small, sometime after the holidays.” He paused. “I have to admit, I’m relieved
to know you don’t mind.”
“How could I? I’ve never seen my mother happier.”
“I never stopped loving her. And the blame is on me, all of it. We should never have—”
“Let’s not go there. The past is the past. I can’t fully regret it, since I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t split up, but I’m pretty sure she never really stopped loving you either, Gordon. She made a good life with my dad, but…I like who she is now. She’s freer and more joyful. With you, she…blossoms.”
“That means a lot, son.” Gordon’s voice was rough. “I know you’re not really my son, but…it feels that way sometimes.”
“You might not have been the man who fathered me, Gordon, but if Ian doesn’t mind sharing, I know I’m real happy to have you in my life, too.” He grinned at his brother. “And after this one here got past wanting to cold-cock me for simply breathing, he turned out to be pretty okay himself.”
Ian grinned back. “Little brothers need to be smacked up the side of the head now and again, I hear.”
“You didn’t hear it from me.” Then he grinned. “So what are we waiting for? I need to get my woman hog-tied before she makes a break for it.”
“I got an advance glimpse of her,” Gordon offered. “And if I had any heart pills, I’d give you one. You’re gonna need it.”
A thrill of pure desire zipped up Michael’s spine. “She may be nervy and easy to spook, but there is no question I got me one fine-looking woman.”
“Pretty sure your eyes are gonna roll right out of your head, but you’ll just have to deal.” Gordon clapped Michael on the shoulder. “Let’s go get your girl.”
With Ian and Gordon flanking him, Michael steadied the surprising flutter in his stomach and walked downstairs.
Laken waited outside the closed doors as her wedding party gathered. Sylvie was traveling again with Gabe but had insisted on giving Laken and Michael a party once they returned from Europe. The other Book Babe Luisa was here with her children and had stopped off to give Laken a hug. “He’s a good man,” she’d whispered into Laken’s ear. “You deserve him.”
Laken wasn’t so sure, but she was absolutely positive she needed him more than air.
“Hold on a second—” Steph called out, racing toward them. “Here. You almost forgot this.” She proffered Michael’s wedding ring.
“Thank heavens!” Scarlett said. “I realized as we headed over that I’d left it on the dressing table. Thank you for going to get it, Steph.”
“Amen, Steph—glad I didn’t know,” Laken said. “Good that you’re here. Did Gavin come with you?”
Steph scowled. “No. Why would he?”
Laken shook her head. Sometimes Steph was way too much like her. She bent closer. “Please. Don’t let your fear rob you of your chance.”
“Chance for what?” Steph whispered back. “There’s nothing to lose.”
“There’s everything.” Laken gripped Steph’s arm. “I know what it’s like to think you can’t do it, that you’ll mess up a good man. But here’s the thing about really good men, Steph: they don’t break. They stick. Even when we’re basket cases. He’s good for you, Steph, and you deserve a good man.”
Steph shook her head. “Alone is better for me. He doesn’t see that I’m doing him a favor.”
“Are you? Or are you letting fear win?”
Steph frowned. “I’m not. I just don’t see how…”
“You may not be able to see. I couldn’t. But Michael could, and if Gavin can, let him. Give love a chance.” Her throat filled. “If I’d let my fear send Michael away, my life…it’s an empty life, Steph, being too afraid to love. It’s not safe, it’s just…lonely. Please. Listen to your heart. And give his a chance.”
“Laken? Are you ready?” called out Jeanette.
Steph stepped back. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”
“You’re not, but I’m going to hope he won’t let you keep running.” Laken took a deep breath. “I want this for you, Steph. All of it.”
Her friend looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.
But Laken knew better. She’d finally found her mind. And her heart. “I’m ready,” she told Jeanette.
The doors opened, and Jeanette stepped out onto the aisle first, gorgeous in a maternity little black dress of her own creation, a single stem of bird-of-paradise bound into a striking bouquet that Brenda had created.
Scarlett stepped to Laken’s side and kissed her cheek. “Here we go, Sis.” She smiled and stepped out next. “Follow Mommy, Georgia, and stay close to Maisie, okay?”
The six-year-old went stiff with pride as she gripped two-year-old Georgia’s hand, the two of them in black velvet dresses with white lace collars and cuffs, more white lace at the hems. In her free hand, Maisie held a white lace basket filled with the red petals they’d be dropping to mark Laken’s path. As they walked forward, Georgia called out. “Mommy, see my petals?” With extreme attention, she dropped them one by one, then picked them up and replaced them if she didn’t think they were quite right. Maisie rolled her eyes and gently urged the toddler to keep moving, but Georgia held firm.
The crowd tittered. Georgia was, in many ways, the child of the entire town, the sweetheart of all assembled. Much of the town had been present the night Scarlett had gone into labor and nearly died giving birth, Georgia in danger right along with her. So she held a special place in all their hearts.
Maisie tried for a distraction. “My daddy is singing, Georgia. Isn’t he good?”
Country music superstar Walker Roundtree, as Sweetgrass tradition held, was singing while he and Henry Jones played guitars. Walker looked at Maisie and winked.
“Uh-huh,” Georgia replied, reaching for another rose petal.
Laken couldn’t help grinning. At this rate, she’d have time for a nap before her own turn.
Then Georgia’s head rose, and she spotted Ian at the front. “Daddy! See me, Daddy?”
Ian, standing beside his brother, grinned. “I see you, honey. You’re doing a great job.”
Georgia turned to Maisie. “Let’s go see our daddies, okay?”
“Georgia, we can’t—” Maisie began.
But Georgia was not descended from two determined women for nothing. Maisie’s words fell on deaf ears as Georgia took off running to her beloved father.
Ian chuckled and picked her up, pressing a kiss to her cheek and cuddling her close while Georgia nestled into his broad shoulder.
Maisie looked back at Laken. “Sorry.”
“No big deal. Can you finish?”
“I can.” Her shoulders squared, and she took over for her absent partner.
Laken’s best friend Ava stopped in front of her and cupped her cheek. “I’m really happy for you, Laken. Michael is exactly as wonderful as you deserve. Be happy, my friend.” Eyes shimmering and a fond smile on her face, she started her own steps down the aisle as matron of honor.
Don’t you dare cry, Laken cautioned herself. But her heart was so full it could burst.
“Ready?” Gordon asked from beside her.
“Do I get to call you Dad?”
Gordon blushed. “If you want to.”
“I want.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Take me to Michael, Dad. I can’t wait a second longer.”
“Then we won’t.”
The music changed, the assembly stood and Laken entered on Gordon’s arm, not at all sorry to see Michael’s eyes pop wide when he spotted her. Then he grinned and patted his chest over his heart.
I love you so much, she mouthed. So much she could barely breathe.
Michael started forward, then halted.
“Might as well go after her,” Jackson called out. “I went after Vee.”
Laughter rolled over the crowd, and Laken wondered why she’d ever resisted being taken to the bosom of this amazing little town.
“Do you mind?” she asked Gordon.
“Not a bit.”
So she let go of him and raced
to meet the man she would love for the rest of her life.
When he swept her up, whirled her around and held her almost too tightly to breathe, she held him right back. “Thank you,” she whispered in his ear, “For being smarter than me. For not giving up on me.”
“There’s nowhere for you to hide, babe. I caught you fair and square.”
She leaned back and cupped his cheeks. “Not so fair. You blinded me with love. But I’m okay with that.”
“Good.” His eyes glowed.
“But maybe we should let Judge Porter do his thing now. And you might be wrinkling my dress.”
“It’s one hell of a dress.”
“It really is.” She bent closer. “Wait ’til you see what’s under it.”
“You’re killing me.” But Michael let her down gently, never letting go of her hand. “Let’s do this.”
She smiled up at him. “Let’s do.”
When they reached Judge Porter, he just shook his head. “Am I ever going to get to officiate at a normal wedding in this town?”
“Doubtful,” Ian chimed in. “Do you really mind?”
“Not a bit. All right, you two. Behave for a minute now.” He cleared his throat. “Dearly Beloved…”
Laken and Michael barely heard a word.
But they never stopped looking into one another’s eyes or holding hands until it was time for the rings. At last it was done.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride,” Judge Porter intoned.
Michael wasted no time.
“You’re my best Christmas present ever,” she murmured as he drew her into the kiss and the assembly applauded.
“And it’s only Christmas Eve,” Michael answered. “Imagine what Santa might bring if you’ve been a good girl.”
Laken grinned wickedly. “Want me to show you just how good I can be?” Her eyebrows waggled. “And what’s under this dress?”
Michael groaned. “You are evil.” He grinned right back. “I love that about you.”
He picked her up in his arms, kissing her as he carried her away, cheers and jeers following them.
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