“It will end with this one getting a lethal injection, and I intend to be among the people behind the glass wall watching as she takes her last breath.” Caden’s feral grin encompassed what they’d all felt. “Furthermore, in letting Jake go, we ensured you will have a clean conscience, for our sister’s sake.”
Chapter Thirty-One
“I still can’t believe this is happening.” Abby squirmed in her chair as one of the hairdressers finished pinning her locks in a fancy updo and secured the veil in place with its comb.
Five other chairs to her side held McAllister soon-to-be brides. Royden’s home office equated a cramped preparation area but none complained since they were together.
“Stop looking at me, you all. It makes me cry.” Kaylee, the quieter and more empathetic of the women, sniffed and dabbed at her nose with the tissue in her hand.
“Please don’t cry, Kaylee. Caden will stomp in here and scold us all,” Katt chastised. “Then I’ll have to resort to something drastic...Actually, I think I have just the thing—”
“No!” Remie and Megan choked out simultaneously.
“No practical jokes today. We’ve done enough to the men already with the games we’ve designed.” Remie, a medical examiner recently returned to Portland, provided a strong moral compass, and curtailed the more adventurous aspects of Lexi and Katt’s penchant for mischief.
“I can’t wait to see them bust open the piñatas.” Lexi quieted with Katt’s hand on her knee. A conspiratorial wink promised laughter and embarrassment in spades.
“What’d you girls do?” Abby’s nerves couldn’t take much more. After all she’d been through, a multi-wedding of McAllisters promised to unravel her composure.
“Nothing that’ll hurt anyone,” Katt’s venture at innocence fell short of intent.
“It’s a good thing the party is after the wedding, because I can think of at least two brothers who are probably gonna want to tan hides.” Abby directed her meaningful stare at Lexi and Katt.
Behind them, the three hairdressers chuckled at the girls’ antics.
“All right, Megan, you’re ready. What do you think?” The stylist held a large mirror for the veterinarian to see.
“Oh, Megan. You look great.” Remie smiled as she too accepted a mirror to survey the result.
“This is the most memorable day of my life. I wish my mom were alive to see me now.” Megan held her hand up to her eye, careful not to smudge her makeup.
“She’s seeing this. You have to believe that.” Kaylee, sitting next to her, patted her back. “I think it’s wonderful that we’re doing this together.”
Let’s get your dresses on, ladies.” Mitzie smiled at Abby. You all look incredible. Damn, you’re a lucky family.”
“Hey, your time will come. Just wait and see.” Abby stood and hugged her assistant, trying to relieve her friend’s guilt. “Don’t say it, Mitzie. It wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t have known the locket she gave you contained a transmitter.” Abby shook her head. “Hell, we all went out together. Jenna, Havoc, whatever she calls herself, she fooled us all.”
“But never again, right?” Mitzie shook her head when she caught herself chewing on a fingernail. “Trial won’t be for another four months.”
“Never again. Even if she doesn’t get a lethal injection, she won’t see the light of day. She killed at least two people and tried to kill a cop.” Abby didn’t want to think of court, the law, or anything to do with Carrigan. She was finally free.
A young woman dressed in a white shirt and navy skirt knocked on the doorframe and entered. “Abby? Everything’s set. The men are restless and threatening to come in if you don’t get moving.” Laughter infused the wedding planner’s tone.
“Is Rachel ready?” Abby asked.
“Yes. She insisted they didn’t place the piano in the right spot, but we’ve got it all sorted out. I have to say this is the most unusual backyard wedding, er, weddings I’ve ever planned. Not to mention the quickest.”
“Plus, you incorporated all of our family. Even our furbabies.” Lexi smiled then grimaced when looking at Katt. “I’m sorry we couldn’t fit Gila in there, too.”
“It’s okay. He’ll have his part to play during the reception, I’m sure.” Katt grinned and hiked her eyebrows up several times.
The rest of the women groaned, because every wedding needed a ferret.
“Thanks, Kimmie, we’ll be right down.” Abby nodded to her new family.
“Our men are an impatient lot. And we’ve been waiting on Abby for months. I think Billy was starting to lose hope until he figured out why we all held them at bay.” Remie smoothed the fabric of her dress and surveyed the group. “Ready, ladies?”
Abby took a deep breath. “This time, it’ll be legal.” Outside, the piano music changed to a more traditional tempo, their signal to get moving. Though she’d spoken her vows, she wanted this, not only for herself, but also for her family and friends.
Once in the kitchen, she took another deep breath and checked her gown’s train. Her father stood by the slider, his arm out, waiting for her nod.
Though Lexi and Remie didn’t have fathers to walk them down the aisle, each had close friends to perform the honor.
The air smelled of spring flowers and budding leaves, fresh and clean from the previous night’s sprinkle. During the weddings’ planning stages, each bride-to-be conveyed the same desire. To have a natural and memorable affair.
Abby was the first to walk the red carpet situated between rows of occupied chairs. Her father’s forearm shook slightly beneath her hand, but his resolve remained solid.
Ahead, Royden stood between Matt and Billy, with enough room for her in between. The grooms waited several feet apart under the massive trellis festooned with white wisteria and red roses along with smaller flowers tucked in sporadically.
The guest list consisted of close friends and family, less than two hundred in all. The hush falling with the start of the wedding march had demonstrated their anticipation as much as the small gasps and wide smiles.
Each McAllister waited, Ethan and Matt shifting their weight foot to foot. Billy and Caden stood still, but their gazes roamed the crowd, ever returning to the home’s back door in search of their brides. Lucas grinned like a Cheshire cat, his stance open and relaxed.
Beside each man and in keeping with the women’s requests, their four-footed furballs sat waiting. Abby’s new pup, a long-coat shepherd, remained on leash but sitting quietly by Royden.
Royden’s focused intensity reminded her that she was his world from beginning to end. When close, he held out his hand, accepting her from the eldest McAllister with a gracious nod.
Kaylee came next, her father’s grin proclaiming him proud and secure with his daughter’s choice.
One by one, each woman glided down the aisle to stand by her man. The line of grooms dressed in dark navy suits added a spectacular contrast. Several photographers took pictures from various angles, capturing the mood on film.
Six weddings for six McAllisters went faster than Abby could focus on. With the last “I do,” came a roar from the crowd.
Time for the festivities.
ABBY LEANED BACK against Royden’s chest, relishing the heat and strength surrounding her. “I think Kaylee’s mom might have a heart attack if she witnesses too many of the events. I don’t believe she understands why we all changed into jeans and casual clothes.”
“Hmm, I wouldn’t be so sure. She’s been a cop’s wife for forty years. But I’ll give her dad a heads up before the balloon pop race.”
“Better tell them now. Kimmie just signaled for the toasts.” She couldn’t contain her happiness. The fact all her brothers married on the same day, combining the reception into one gigantic party overwhelmed her.
On the other hand, she and the other brides had secretly added their own amusements to the mix, wanting to keep their men off guard and see them loosen up. Matt proved to be the universal target.
&nb
sp; The DJ set up near the house and now tapped his mic for all to settle. The men had chosen the songs and arranged for the yard’s center to become the dance floor once the chairs were cleared away.
With the announcement of the father-daughter’s first dance came the initial strains of the song Abby had chosen. Her father, so tall and strong, escorted her to the middle of the dance area among the other brides.
“I’ve waited so long for this day, baby girl.” Moisture brimmed the gaze of the man Abby had always tried to emulate.
“I love you, Daddy.” She rested her head against his shoulder, listening to him praise her strength and character. The music was soft, the temperature mild, and the air full of sounds and scents of spring. Their family had not just survived each catastrophe but thrived and found their mates.
All too soon, the dance ended, and another song began. Royden was there, tucking her against his chest and holding her gently.
“You’re overthinking again, sweetheart. Tell me what’s warping through your mind.” Concern deepened his voice.
“Just thinking about all we’ve been through. Everything has led us to this day, this moment.”
One by one, each McAllister took his bride in hand and led them to circle her and Royden. She looked around, feeling unworthy of such luck and love. Guests watched from a short distance, waiting to join them.
Matt stopped and held his hands up. The music screeched to a halt as the DJ waited for direction. Everyone quieted.
Matt’s grin held a secret. The prearranged departure from the expected routine so unlike him.
“Royden? What’s going on?” The realization that her eldest brother was breaking character accelerated her heartbeat.
“Ha. You girls aren’t the only ones who modified the plans.” His smile held equal parts mischief and excitement.
“Okay, folks. This is a celebration!” Matt chortled in anticipatory glee, contentment in his gaze when taking his wife’s hand. “Let’s celebrate!”
The starch ever present in Matt’s spine melted with the first loud beats of a footloose melody. Game for adventure, Katt grabbed her man and swung into the fast rhythm, followed by the rest of the McAllister couples who stepped back and circled their eldest brother and his bride.
Except for the music, an odd hush fell over the crowd as Matt and Kathryn showed off their dance moves in the circle’s center. Bystanders took up the rhythm, clapping in time as the couples cut loose.
After a bit, Matt and Kathryn melted back to the perimeter as Billy and Remie took center stage, once again proving how little Abby knew her brothers.
When her turn came, Royden twirled her to the center, matching her moves then flipping her over his arm. Breathless with excitement and laughter, they ended the dance and held each other tight as the next song began with a slow soft melody.
The crowd roared.
Abby gasped at having seen her eldest brother dance. “Damn, he’s got moves! When the hell did that happen?” She, nor anyone else, had ever seen him let off steam as he did now. Laughter bubbled up as she shook her head. “Now I realize you haven’t been distracting me with your own moves. You were practicing.”
“Yep.”
Abby studied her husband’s expression as he swayed her to the softer pace. “You knew all along what he was going to do?”
“Of course. I encouraged it, too.”
The next dance ended with brides and grooms still out of breath and laughing. A glance at Megan, Kaylee, and Remie declared them equally surprised. Not much got past Lexi and Katt.
This time when the DJ tapped his mic for attention, Kimmie, the ceremony’s planner, waited until all quieted before speaking. “Okay, ladies and gentlemen, let the games begin. For those willing to play, it’s time for truth or dare.” An apologetic grin toward the men preceded her continuing.
“For those who’d rather sit back and observe, enjoy the good food, music, and entertainment.” Kimmie gestured to the more mature folks gathered near the back of the house. “We have life-size checkerboards for those that would like to partake. Also, there’s a jar in the center of the food buffet table. Feel free to add your best idea of what a good date-night might be.”
Billy groaned when his gaze met Remie’s. “That had to be your idea. You probably filled guests’ heads with all kinds of wild suggestions.”
Remie smiled up at her husband. “Most of which I think you’ll enjoy.”
Kimmie motioned the bridal party to one side where special tables were set with twelve shot glasses. Bottles of liquor surrounded the ornate floral centerpiece.
The McAllisters gathered around, each man with his arm about his bride’s waist or shoulders. Abby smiled at Royden, wondering what secret he could’ve hidden.
“Since Matt is the oldest, we should start.” Katt turned to her spouse expectantly, the devilment in her eye earned a plastic smile and groan from her new husband. He obviously regretted his part in this particular activity.
Selecting a folded slip of paper from the bowl on the table, he read, “What is the worst thing you’ve done to your partner.” Matt scrubbed a hand over his eyes, ignoring the rest of the McAllister’s guffaws. “She has so much to choose from.”
Katt paled a little then shrugged a shoulder. “Well, last week when you gave me a hard time about Gila,” she patted the ferret draped over her shoulders, “I put a used tampon in your sock that you’d set out for the next day. And—I made sure to tuck in the string so you wouldn’t see it till you tried to put it on. Lucky for me, you set your clothes on the bathroom sink while taking a shower.”
The table, along with nearby guests, erupted in fits of laughter. Matt dropped his chin to chest and sighed. “This is gonna be a long marriage, but at least I’ll never get bored.”
Royden squeezed Abby’s shoulder before murmuring. “Your turn, sweetheart. And thank god you don’t have that type of ornery streak.”
He paled with her confession of, “You sure about that, cowboy?”
Her thoughts turned maudlin, having wanted to address the issue for two weeks but unable to figure a way to bring it up. Regret filled her heart as tears brimmed her eyes. He would never know how much she regretted hurting him. “The worst thing I’ve done to you—I’m sorry I didn’t marry you the first time you asked. I should’ve said yes in the caverns. I’m so sorry.”
A hush blanketed the crowd as Royden gathered her in his arms. “Sweetheart, I understood. Really, I did. In addition, I respect your need for independence. It’s one of your strengths I admire most.”
The soft brush of his lips across her own accompanied the oohs and ahs from the crowd. He didn’t stop with a simple kiss. The depth of his emotions crowded all thoughts from her mind. If not for others present, she would’ve let him undress her on the spot.
His hands brushed down her spine as he backed her up, gently, until a tree trunk prevented further movement. He had no such reservations about stopping if the tongue in her mouth twisting her desire into an uncontrollable inferno was any indication.
A vague awareness of guffaws and backslaps combined with Royden’s sudden stiffening focused her thoughts on the present and their surroundings.
“Damn it, guys.” He stepped aside and held his hand out, shaking his head and trying to brush something off his back. “What is that crap, anyway?”
All gazes fell to Katt, holding a super-sized water gun. Royden’s advance on her ended with them nose to chest, with the plastic gun between.
“It’s Gila’s special blend of flavored water, honey, and a little booze.” Her eyes widened as Royden snatched the toy away.
When he turned to set it on the ground, the ferret jumped from her shoulders to his back, now covered with the mixture. Frantic clawing ensued as the animal tried to gather his favorite treat.
“Hell! Get the damn thing off me. No wonder Matt calls it a monster.”
Taking mercy on them all, Matt lifted the ferret off and held him close to his chest. “Ow! Damn thin
g bit me—again. Time out in your cage, buddy.” Swift strides took him into the house for a quiet time.
The games proceeded without further incident. Abby’s gaze traveled over the crowd. Calmer folks danced to the sedate music or enjoyed some of the tamer games. Corn hole, horseshoes played with toilet seats, musical chairs, or a scavenger hunt. Some even ventured into playing volleyball.
Matt and Billy balked at the balloon popping relay game, claiming discrepancy in height, but the women soon coerced them into participating. Each bride tied a balloon to her husband’s back waistband and stood behind them. They formed two lines, Matt, Ethan, and Lucas with their brides on one side, Royden, Billy, and Caden with their respective brides on the other.
Twenty yards ahead, two wooden-back chairs sat facing away. The men at the front of the line ran to the chairs and held onto the wooden slats while the women came up behind them, grabbed their hips, and pulled back while jerking their own bodies forward in an effort to pop the balloon in between.
The grooms had to stoop to correct for differences in height. All in all, each had the time of their life, until the next game commenced.
Six porcelain bowls sat on top of a large, round waist-high table. Each piece of ceramic consisted of a round upper half that tapered to a smaller bottom attached to an oblong base. The crowd watched as Kimmie’s assistants poured several gallons of clear carbonated soda and alcohol in each one. “Okay, folks. It’s time to bob for donuts. This is a team effort. I’m placing specially covered donuts that will take cooperation between partners to retrieve and consume.”
“Staples for any cop,” Kaylee shouted.
“They won’t dissolve unless you drop them after taking a bite, and even then, it will take time. Now, each of you must keep your hands behind your back. Pair off, husband and wife each to a bowl. Bobbing for donuts will now begin, ending with the first to finish their dessert. Remember and consider the size of the donut. Each couple will have to work together so as not to drop their treat back in the bowl. Don’t worry, they won’t dissolve quickly.”
McAllister Justice Series Box Set Page 52
