The Brides 0f Purple Heart Ranch Boxset, Bks 1-3

by Shanae Johnson

  “But you have to smash the wedding cake in Uncle Reed’s face,” said Rosalee. The little girl was perched across from them on the other side of the table. Her plate was heaped with fried foods, barbecue sauce, and chips.

  Down at the other end of the table, Sarai caught sight of the two-tiered cake that Dylan and Maggie had picked up from the local grocer. One of the first things Sarai had learned was that her new friend, Maggie, wasn’t ever allowed near a kitchen. Just looking at the sugar-laden, calorie-packed, preservative rich cake made the buttons at her back strain.

  To one side of the cake, Sarai caught Dr. Patel eyeing her. He said nothing with his mouth. He was busy helping himself to the barbecue and macaroni salad. But his eyes spoke volumes.

  That’s one thing Sarai didn’t miss about therapy. The scrutiny.

  Dr. Patel never put her down or judged her outwardly with harsh words. But his quiet, compassionate gaze that said I care, said it way too loud.

  She didn’t want Reed to hear that look. She didn’t want any of these new people that were eager to be her family to see the judgment in Dr. Patel’s eyes. Sarai’s entire body tensed. Her fingers clutched Reed’s.

  He winced and twisted his hand inside hers. She was sitting at his right side now, and she was holding on to his flesh and bone.

  “Sarai looks too beautiful to have cake smushed in her face,” said Reed.

  “Probably ‘cause you want to kiss her face,” said Carlos, Rosalee’s older brother. No sooner had the words left the teenager’s lips did he immediately turn red.

  A chorus of manly chuckles and feminine giggles spread around the table. The dogs, who sat at everyone’s feet, barked and yipped with glee.

  The cake was handed out. There was inevitably a bit of smushing. Carlos smashed a piece in his sister’s face. Rosalee ran after her brother threatening a sweet treat in retaliation. Sarai relaxed inside of Reed’s embrace as she watched the cake move farther and farther away from her.

  “How did I get so lucky?” he whispered in her ear.

  She wanted to tell him that she was wondering the same thing. She couldn’t remember ever being this happy. Not when she got her first modeling contract. Not when she took her first steps on a Parisian runway. Not when she booked her first magazine spread.

  From the moment she walked to Reed at the altar, he hadn’t let her go. He hadn’t stopped telling her how beautiful she looked. And she was starting to believe him.

  The afternoon turned to dusk, and she never left his arms. They sat and talked. They swayed on the dance floor. They stood and they laughed with others. Reed introduced her to all the dogs, including Soldier who danced between Sarai’s heels. As she and her husband danced and laughed, Sarai forgot to feel self-conscious in her dress.

  Soon, Sarai and Reed left their friends, the dogs, and the food behind as they walked the path to his house. Her new home. Her new life.

  “I’m sorry no one from either of our families could be here,” said Reed.

  Sarai shrugged. “I’m excited to get to know the family that showed up.”

  The residents of the Bellflower Ranch, or as they preferred to call it, the Purple Heart Ranch, were all proving themselves to be a group of genuine individuals who truly cared for one another. And, over the last two days, it seemed they were open to bringing Sarai into their caring circle.

  “They can be a handful.” Reed’s tone was ominous, but the smile on his face softened the blow.

  “I don’t mind.”

  “Famous last words.” Reed chuckled.

  Sarai felt the rumble of his laughter as it rolled through his body and straight to her heart. She’d heard him laugh many times during their talks. Watched it a couple times when they’d video chatted. Today, she’d felt it rush through her, over and over again as he sat next to her, held her in a loose embrace, and now walked beside her.

  It was an addictive feeling. One that she planned to glut herself on. Unlike her relationship with food, this addiction wasn’t one that could hurt her.

  Reed would never hurt her. Of that, Sarai was sure. She just needed to make sure she didn’t disappoint him.

  “This is us,” said Reed as they stopped in front of his door, their door.

  Reed turned the knob. It was unlocked. There was no reason for it to be locked on a ranch where everyone was family.

  Sarai looked down at the threshold. It was customary for the groom to carry the bride into their new home. She certainly hoped Reed wasn’t thinking that. Not with her weight.

  He reached out his arms as though he were going to attempt it.

  Sarai stepped back. “Reed, don’t you dare.”

  “I could,” he looked defiant. “I could carry you in my arms. This thing is plenty sturdy.” He held up his prosthetic.

  Sarai tried to hide her grimace. It was the first direct mention he’d made of her weight. But as comments went, it wasn’t the worst she’d ever heard. “I am a big girl. I don’t want you breaking your back over some silly tradition.”

  “Hey?” He chucked his finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his. “I don’t want you to ever feel you’re settling for less because you married someone with only one good arm.”

  Again he held up his prosthetic, indicating that was the good arm. It did the trick. A bemused grin made its way onto Sarai's face.

  “Sarai, I’m going to get everything I ever wanted because you married me.”

  They held for a moment. His finger under her chin. Her head tilted back. It was the perfect moment for a kiss. It was the logical thing to do in the circumstance. Her husband did not disappoint.

  Reed tilted Sarai’s head back a bit more. Then he leaned down and covered her lips with his. This kiss wouldn’t make it past the Disney censors. Not when Reed’s tongue slipped out to taste the top of Sarai’s lip.

  A warmth began in Sarai’s gut. It was a powerful hunger. It pushed and shoved its way up her chest and into her throat. When Reed broke the kiss, her craving made itself known with a long, gluttonous sigh.

  “Let’s go inside,” he whispered.

  Sarai gulped. She continued to tremble. Not because of the cold air. Not because of the after-effects of the kiss. It was the anticipation of what happened next.

  She was no virgin, but she hadn’t been with a man in years. Certainly not while in her present condition.

  But this was Reed, her husband. He couldn’t back out of the relationship now that they were married. Not even when he saw her thunder thighs or her love handles or the flab at the backside of her arms.

  “Today was amazing,” he said, as he led her down the hall toward the bedroom.

  “Yeah.” At least she thought she said yeah. Her mind was fixed on problem-solving.

  Perhaps she could convince him to keep the light off? Maybe she could feign modesty and ask him to leave the room while she changed? Then she could sneak under the covers and he’d be none the wiser.

  “Wait?” They came to a halt, and she jerked back to the present. “This isn’t your bedroom.”

  Reed’s bedroom was across the hall. She knew because she’d peeked in there earlier this morning when she’d arrived.

  “I know,” he said.

  “So … we’re … you …?” She didn’t know what question she was trying to ask.

  “This is technically our second date,” Reed said. “I don’t know about you, but I’m not that easy.”

  His response was so unexpected that Sarai blurted out a laugh. He was right. This was only the third day that they’d been together in real life. In her past dating life, even in the fast and loose lifestyle of a fashion model, Sarai had never slept with a guy after only a handful of dates.

  “I told you,” Reed said. “The plan is to meet you—check. Then to woo you—”

  “Trust me, I’m wooed.”

  “I’ve already married you. I just need to check off courting you from the list. Can I take you out tomorrow, Mrs. Cannon?”

  “Yes, Mr.
Cannon.”

  “We may have rushed the marriage, but we’re not going to rush the relationship building. We’ll build a strong foundation. This is forever. So, we’ve got a bit of time.”

  And with a light peck at the corner of her mouth, Sarai’s husband left her standing there hungry for more.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Why? Oh, why had Reed left his new wife at the spare bedroom door last night?

  Because she’d been nervous through the ceremony and reception. Because she’d stiffened a couple of times while they were dancing when he’d pulled her close. Because she’d trembled when they’d crossed the threshold to their home, and he’d hinted at lifting her into his arms.

  Dr. Patel’s warning came to his mind as the new day’s sun broke into his bedroom window. There was something about her that he didn’t know, something she hadn’t told him. Reed had no idea what that could be? He’d bared his soul to her. Didn’t she trust him to tell him any and everything, no matter how dark?

  Apparently not. But that was okay. For now.

  He’d just have to work extra hard to make sure she knew there was nothing that would scare him away. He’d let her keep her secret for now. Whatever it was wasn’t putting a wedge between them.

  Reed didn’t want anything coming between them. He wanted nothing more than to pull her closer. To hold her in his arms. To press his lips against hers.

  Sarai had enjoyed the kiss that had turned them into an official union. She’d sighed into their second kiss as well. She’d been disappointed as much as she’d been nervous when she’d realized they wouldn’t be sleeping together on their wedding night.

  Reed knew consummation of a union was a requirement for marital legitimacy. It was necessary to sleep with one’s spouse or face grounds for divorce. That didn’t worry him. He had no doubt that this marriage would only be dissolved by death. He and his wife would only get physical once there was total trust between them and that included his wife telling him all of her secrets.

  With that thought, Reed rolled out of bed. He left off the prosthetic today as he dressed. There was no need to hide who he was. He’d lead by example for his family.

  Reed opened his door at the exact same time that Sarai opened hers. She was dressed in track pants and a sweater. She looked lovely even though her curves were hidden.

  The two newlyweds stared at one another. Then grinned. Then looked away.

  “Hi,” he said.

  “Good morning,” she said.

  With the pleasantries out of the way, Reed didn’t know what to do next? Should he go up and kiss his new wife? Should he only hug her? Should he keep his distance since this day, the first day of their marriage, would ostensibly be their third date?

  They both took a step forward at the same time and nearly collided. So, they both took a step back. This waltz of uncertainty was getting them nowhere.

  Finally, Sarai stepped up. She reached for his hand. Without thinking, Reed lifted the left one. Before he could pull his stump back, Sarai placed her hand on his flesh. Warmth flooded through his entire body. Until she jerked her hand away.

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “Is that okay?”

  “Of course it is.”

  He offered his stump again, and she placed her hand gently on his mangled flesh. With his right hand, Reed pulled his wife into a hug. Sarai fit him so perfectly. There was nothing between them. In his mind, Reed began revising his courtship plan and its duration. For now, he planted a kiss at her temple.

  “I was just about to make breakfast,” Reed said.

  “Oh. I’m not hungry. I’m not really a breakfast eater. Just gonna have some juice.”

  She twined her fingers with his. Reed pressed their palms together and felt that sense of deep connection that he’d felt when they’d said their vows. It was the most satisfying intimacy he’d ever experienced before in his life.

  He regretted losing the connection as he opened the fridge. Sarai pulled the orange juice out of the fridge while Reed grabbed the eggs. She had her glass of juice in hand and was sipping her beverage while he was still assembling everything he needed.

  “Can I help?” she asked.

  “No, I’ve got it.”

  It took him longer to do simple things, like making an omelet. He never wanted his wife to doubt that he was capable of not only the simple domestic tasks but the larger ones as well.

  He cracked the egg in one hand without any shell spilling into the pan. He scrambled the eggs with the spatula. Placing the utensil down, he sprinkled on some cheese. Then picked up the spatula again to serve up his breakfast fare.

  Joining Sarai at the breakfast nook next to the window, Reed asked, “So, what are we doing today, Mrs. Cannon?”

  He would never get tired of the way she smiled shyly when he called her that. His wife shrugged in response as she sipped her juice. “Doesn’t matter to me. I’m just happy to be here with you.”

  The only reason he didn’t lean across the table to kiss his wife was that he had a mouthful of eggs. “Do you have to work?”

  “No, I scheduled my posts for the next couple of days. What about you?”

  “If I try to do any work around here this weekend, the guys will take my other arm.”

  She laughed at that. He loved that he could joke with her about his arm. It showed him that she truly didn’t look down on his injury.

  “Can we just stay in?” she said.

  “I’m pretty sure that’s what’s expected.”

  Again she blushed. No, blushed was the wrong word. When her cheeks heated, Sarai glowed.

  “We can veg out on the couch and watch the idiot tube,” he suggested.

  “That sounds lovely.”

  “I’ll grab some snacks.”

  Reed placed his dishes in the sink. Then he turned to the cabinet filled with chips and sweets. Opening things could be a challenge for Reed, especially bags that required a two-handed grip. But he’d had gotten pretty good at using his teeth. He ripped the bag of chips and put them into a bowl.

  When he presented his offering to Sarai she grimaced. “There’s a lot of calories in that.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re still on a diet.”

  She squirmed as she curled her feet under her bottom at one corner of the couch.

  Reed placed the bowl of chips on the coffee table and sat down in the center of the couch. “You should know I think you look perfect.”

  “I’m not perfect.”

  “Of course, no one’s perfect. I was attracted to what was on the inside of you. And now that I see the outside …”

  He saw her breath catch. She held it instead of exhaling while she waited for his answer.

  “Sarai, you’re beautiful inside and out.”

  She swallowed but looked like she was having a tough time doing so.

  Reed rose from the couch, taking the chips with him. He chucked the chips in the trash. Going back to the snack cabinet, he reached for a bag of popcorn. “Empty calories. Better?”

  She smiled and nodded.

  He came back to the couch with the approved snacks. Sarai had moved from the corner and now sat in the center. Reed shared the cushion with his wife. They sat in a companionable silence for nearly five minutes before Reed noticed that they stared at a black television screen.

  “What do you want to watch?” he asked.

  Sarai shrugged. Her shoulder bumped his, and he felt heat flare through him. He scooted closer until their shoulders touched. She didn’t shy away from his arm.

  “I have the complete Star Trek series on DVD starting with the original series,” he offered.

  “I’ve never seen the originals. I did watch a few of the Next Generation with Captain Picard.”

  Reed pulled away from his wife and squinted down at her. “Picard?”

  Sarai leaned back as well. Her gaze flicked Reed up and down in challenge. “What’s wrong with Picard?”

  “He’s not Shatner,” Reed snorted.

&
nbsp; “Shatner always reminded me of a dirty, old grandpa.” Sarai wrinkled her nose.

  Reed’s hand went to his heart. “How did I not know this about you?”

  “What? It’s not a big deal. I’m more of a Star Wars kinda girl than Star Trek.”

  Reed shuddered. “This marriage is doomed.”

  Sarai poked Reed in his chest. “Are we having our first marital fight?”

  “Yes, we are and it’s a big one, and now it’s gotten violent.” He caught her hand and laced their fingers together.

  “Why don’t we go to neutral ground then. How about something we both like?”

  “We missed the latest episode of Dr. Who yesterday since we were, you know, getting hitched.”

  “I’ve been dying to see that episode.”

  Reed let go of his wife’s hand and reached for the remote, then hesitated. “Wait, are you all caught up? I figured you wouldn’t have seen the last few episodes since you were in France.”

  Sarai’s body tensed beside him. “They actually show them in Europe first. It is a British show after all.”

  “So, you’ve already seen the latest episode already?”

  “No. I’ve been so busy.”

  “Too busy for the Doctor?”

  “Maybe I was waiting for the right person to watch with.”

  The electric strings of the high pitched Theremin sounded through the television speakers. The familiar tune raced, keeping pace with Reed’s heart. He stretched his stump and rested it on the back of the couch behind Sarai’s head.

  Sarai shifted.

  Reed immediately lifted his arm, certain she was trying to get away from him. He was wrong.

  His wife scooted her body closer to him. Then she rested her head and snuggled into the nook of his shoulder. Reed relaxed his arm. As the show droned on, he realized he’d need to watch it again. He was so intuned to his wife that he didn’t hear anything after the opening music died away.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Sarai woke the next morning. The grumbling of her stomach woke her before her alarm clock.