She’d been relieved to know she didn’t have to worry about dealing with that unpleasantness with all the rest she was juggling.
In between the families getting acquainted, their jobs, and furnishing the new cabin, they’d managed to arrange a wedding. Her mother and Mrs. Brodie became instant friends. Rand’s sister, Grace, had made several trips home to help with the planning, especially the decorations.
Marian went to the window. The rain had stopped. Raindrops glistened like diamonds on the leaves of the trees as the sun came out bright and clear. It would be dry and beautiful by eleven.
Her cell rang. She smiled, seeing Rand’s name. “Good morning.”
“I know the groom can’t see his bride before the wedding. I still wanted to hear your voice. Are you all right? You haven’t gotten cold feet and changed your mind?”
“No. I’m due at eleven to marry a handsome cowboy doctor. Nothing will keep me from that date.”
“Good to hear. I love you. You’re sure you don’t mind only having a three-day honeymoon? I’ll make it up to you later when I can get a week off.”
“We’ve discussed this. Just you and me in our cabin with a fire and a glass of champagne. Heaven.”
“But not too much sparkling wine. This time I want to see that wild woman you tempted me with and not have her sick and going to sleep on me.”
“Don’t worry. She’ll be waiting at the cabin. I love you, too, but I’m going to hang up. It takes a lady a long time to prepare herself for her wedding.”
“See you soon.”
Marian still pinched herself occasionally. It was hard to believe her life had changed so much in a little over three months. She was getting all her wishes, a good, loving man, a home, and hopefully before much longer a child. She and Rand had talked, and she had stopped her birth control pills yesterday.
“Hello, are you awake?” her mother’s voice called from the living room.
“I’ll be right there.” Marian pulled on her fluffy robe and tightened the belt. Her mom was beaming. “The last of the family arrived late last night. They’re all staying at the little inn near the edge of town. Mrs. Brodie will have them picked up and driven to her home for the wedding and reception.”
“I’m glad Dan and Mary could get here.”
“He had an emergency just before he left. He wasn’t on call, but you know him. It was one of his first patients. He stayed until the man was stabilized. Dirk went to the airport to meet them around eleven thirty last night.”
“Everyone has been wonderful about helping us get our wedding planned in a short period of time.”
“You’re marrying into a fine family. Rand is a good man, besides being very handsome,” her mother said and winked. “We’re very happy for you. Jane and I have found we have lots of common interests. She’s coming to North Carolina for a visit in the spring.”
Marian kissed her mom’s cheek. “It’s great having everyone’s approval.”
“I’ll fix your breakfast while you shower,” her mother said.
“I can’t eat.”
“Just a little, some toast and coffee. We can’t have the bride fainting. Shoo, go get ready.”
* * * *
Her wedding gown was a creamy-white light wool, with long sleeves and a high neckline. The fabric fit snug and flared at the bottom. Tiny, pinkish-colored sequins and cream lace edged the neck, the ends of the sleeves, and a wide area at the hem.
For jewelry she wore a long pearl necklace with a diamond clasp and matching earrings. Rand had given them to her mother to present them to Marian just before the wedding.
“They’re beautiful.” Marian ran her fingers across the smooth pearls.
“I have a surprise for you, too. This can be your something old.” Her mother fastened a gold bracelet that had been Marian’s grandmother’s around her wrist. “Your sister got the earrings. I saved the bracelet for you.”
“For my something blue I borrowed Chelsea’s blue garter.” She slid it up her leg. “I’m ready.”
Dirk drove Marian’s mother, Marian, and Chelsea to his mother’s house. He dropped them off at the back door so they could slip in without being seen by Rand.
Chelsea hugged her the best she could around her large belly. She wore a lovely flowing blue gown. “I’m so happy. We’ll be living in the same area. Our children will grow up together and be cousins. How neat is that?”
“If you hadn’t kept encouraging me, this wouldn’t be happening.”
“I don’t believe that. Rand had his eye on you from the start. It just might have taken longer.” She grinned.
“Ladies, it’s time.” Mama Brodie beamed. “Two beautiful, sweet daughters-in-law and soon grandbabies to spoil.” She ushered them to the front door. “Chelsea, when the music starts, you’ll follow the white satin runway to the gazebo. Marian will walk a short distance behind you.” Mrs. Brodie and Marian’s mother hugged her. Her mother whispered, “Be happy.” They hurried toward the crowd sitting around the flower-covered gazebo.
“There’s the music,” Chelsea said. She kissed Marian’s cheek. “Good luck.”
Marian watched Chelsea. Then, when the distance seemed right, she started down the runway. She saw Rand in a tuxedo with Andy beside him as best man. Rand’s eyes were on her the whole way. When she got to him, he smiled and took her hand. The flare of electricity that sparked at their touch brought back their first meeting. Rand’s expression told her he was thinking of the same time.
The minister started the ceremony. Rand spoke in a firm, warm voice. Marian was certain everyone could hear him. His eyes never left her face.
When it was her turn, her voice trembled slightly. Rand tightened his grip on her hands and smiled at her. She took a deep breath and the words came out clearer. She had difficulty believing her dream had come true and this handsome man was really in love with her.
Rand slid the wedding ring on her finger then kissed her hand. She said her words and slid his on. It was a bit wider than usual. She’d told him she wanted to be sure all those single women knew he was taken. He’d responded by reminding her that the gossip line would see that the information got around.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Rand swept her into his arms, bent her backward, and gave her a big kiss. The guests cheered and clapped.
After the wedding, the reception in the house was full of laughter and people enjoying meeting and talking. The two families meshed like they’d known each other for years.
Andy congratulated them and apologized again to Marian. He told her he was truly sorry for interfering.
She hugged him. “We’re going to be good friends. After all, we both love Rand.”
Rand pulled her away from the crowd and whispered in her ear, “Do you think they’ll miss us if we run away?”
“No, we’ve cut the cake, had the pictures taken, and said hello to everyone. And we’ve had toasts from Andy, my father, and Dirk.”
“Good. I have my truck parked in the back.” Casually, they moved toward the back door of the house. But as soon as they came out, their brothers and the two sisters threw the birdseed.
“You didn’t really think you’d escape us, did you?” Dirk yelled.
They rushed to the truck. Rand lifted her in, and they took off with cans rattling along behind them. It took very little time to get to their cabin.
Rand carried her over the threshold. “Welcome home, Mrs. Brodie.” He put her down in front of the large fireplace. He lit a match, and the paper arranged around the logs caught fire. The flames flared bright.
“You were the prettiest bride ever.” Rand cupped her face and kissed her. “I’m so glad I woke up to what I really wanted.
“When I saw Dirk and Chelsea at their wedding, they glowed, and they were always touching each other. I didn’t have that, but I do now. You glow, and you’re always reaching for my hand or touching my arm. You let me know you’re there. What a great gift
.” Then he gave her his lopsided grin. “I was just an ass when I wouldn’t accept you sooner. I put us both through unnecessary anguish.”
She put her finger across his lips. “Nothing but good thoughts from now on. We’re married. Now where’s that champagne? You open it. I’ll be right back.”
Marian admired the bedroom furniture they’d chosen and the cheerful bedspread and curtains. The cabin was homey and comfortable. She carefully removed her gown and bra. She left on the lacy panties and her garter belt and white hose. Her sheer white nightgown slid down her body. Before she went back to the great room, she slipped her high heels back on.
When she opened the bedroom door, she put one leg out and peeked. Rand carried two glasses of champagne and almost dropped them.
She moved completely out from behind the door and walked to the fireplace.
“On the day I die, this picture of you will still be burned on my brain.” He handed her a glass. “Drink up, wild woman. I can’t wait to see you in action.”
Marian took a sip of the cool liquid. “You’re overdressed for the occasion, my love.” She put down the glass and undid his tie. Then she started on the buttons to his shirt. When they were all undone, she pushed his shirt and jacket off.
“My turn.” Rand caught the hem of her gown and pulled it over her head.
She moved against him and rubbed her nipples across his hard, bare chest. Her arms went around his neck. Her breath caught when his warm hands cupped her full breasts. She stared into his silvery eyes as his fingers raked across her peaked nipples.
Rand kissed her. His tongue moved inside her mouth and ran along the edge of her teeth before exploring the rest. Both of them were breathing hard when he pulled back.
He kicked off his shoes and undid his slacks. He took them and his socks off. “Now to unwrap the rest of you.” His eyes gleamed with lust.
Rand rolled the hose on her left leg down. He kissed her skin as he uncovered her. At her foot, he massaged her toes and her instep then kissed her ankle and the tender spot behind her knee. He did the same to the right leg.
Her heartbeat pounded in her chest. She trembled from his slow seduction. She wanted to touch his cock, but he managed to stay out of reach. At last, he put his arms around her and unclasped her garter belt. In one sweep, he removed it and her panties.
“Much better. Although seeing you in that garter belt and hose made my cock rock hard.” He lifted her and laid her on the thick rug by the fire. He handed her glass of champagne to her. “To us.” He made the toast. They clinked glasses and drank.
Then he explored every spot on her body with his mouth, his hands, sometimes his teeth. Her body shook with desire as his mouth sucked on her clit. Moisture flowed out of her pussy. He licked along her lower lips. “Ambrosia.”
Spreading her legs wider, he moved into position. He pressed in slowly. A desperate craving hit her. She raised her hips, trying to get him to move deeper and quicker. But he held back, whetting their appetite with deliberate, long, sliding glides in and out. He kissed her mouth and sucked on her breast. Heat flowed like warm honey through her veins. He kindled her desire from a spark to a voracious hunger.
Inner contractions in her pussy caressed his pulsing cock. The aroma of their desire steamed around them, and as Rand slid in one more long stroke, Marian raised her hips and clenched tight, transporting them both into blissful pleasure.
* * * *
She fell asleep in his arms. When the fire died down, Rand carried her to bed and pulled her back against him. He spooned into her s ss softness. He was finally really home.
Epilogue
Five Months Later
Marian pulled on a light jacket over her short-sleeved blue shirt. It had rained earlier, and the blowing wind made the air feel cool. Rand had gone to the barn/garage to get the truck and drive it to the front door. She glanced around the cabin she’d come to love so much. After the big house was built, this place would still always hold a special place in her heart.
Rand started to get out for her. She waved to stop him. Then she hurried out, stepping around puddles, and got into the truck. They didn’t have to go far. Mama Brodie was having a party to celebrate Dirk and Chelsea’s twins being three months old. Everyone was overjoyed they were healthy, and the Brodie family finally had another girl.
“Are you feeling all right?” Rand asked. “You made me nervous jumping the puddles.”
“You exaggerate. I didn’t jump, and anyway I’m fine.” She kissed him. “We’ve managed to keep our secret. Shall we share it today?”
“I’m not sure I can hold it in much longer,” Rand said and he grinned at her.
Finding out their sexy honeymoon, or sometime soon after, had resulted in a pregnancy surprised and pleased them both. Marian hadn’t been off her pills long, but the doctor said it sometimes happened that way.
“We don’t want to steal the show away from the twins,” Marian cautioned.
“No. We’ll wait a while until everyone has settled down and then drop our news.”
“The sooner, the better. Now that my parents know, Mom is bound to forget and tell your mother,” Marian said.
Everyone came to the dinner. Graham came, but he still mentioned nothing about the mysterious lady visitor he’d had. Rand had told Marian about her, and they were both curious as to her identity.
When Mama Brodie had them all at the table, everyone raised their glasses in a toast to the twins, who’d gone to sleep after all the attention. She glanced down the table. “Where is your wineglass, Marian?”
“I didn’t want any today.” She held up her tea glass. She could almost see Mama Brodie’s mind whirling.
“You haven’t drunk wine at any family gathering since your wedding. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
Rand took Marian’s hand. “This seems to be a good time to tell you all our surprise.” He glanced down at Marian with his lopsided smile that always made her warm and tingly inside.
“We’re having a baby in about four months.” All heads turned to Marian.
“But you don’t look big enough,” her sister-in-law said.
“I’m tall enough to hide it behind loose slacks and tops. And we haven’t been out much.”
“The other big news,” Rand added. “We’ve just found out we’re expecting a girl.”
“Oh my.” Mama Brodie clasped her hands, and tears sparkled in her eyes. “Another darling granddaughter. How wonderful. Not that we don’t adore our one grandson. Here’s a toast to all my grandchildren, future and present.”
Marian glanced around the room and saw the love in all their eyes.
Rand kissed her hand. “Happy?”
“I’m giddy with happiness.”
He raised his glass to her. “Here’s to my wild woman,” he whispered in her ear. “And she doesn’t even need champagne.” He winked and kissed her.
THE END
WWW.PAIGECAMERON.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in Florida, Paige Cameron’s early dreams included being a movie star. Of course, it didn’t happen. Later, she escaped into daydreams full of fascinating stories. Her friends had to endure her reading those tales to them when she began to put them to paper.
There were detours in her life for marriage, children, and traveling to foreign countries where her husband’s job took her. She continued to be an avid reader and dream of the day she’d have a book published. She finally got started writing and divorce sidetracked her.
Now, happily married to her hero, with grown children, she decided to pursue her dream career, writing.
For all titles by Paige Cameron, please visit
www.bookstrand.com/paige-cameron
Siren Publishing, Inc.
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Cameron, Paige - The Alluring Billionaire Country Doctor [Wives For The Western Billionaires 6] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 12
