“He’s famous, Leonard,” her mother answered before Reed could. “Don’t you remember there was that article about him in the Washingtonian? We both read it. You even asked me about Reed then, wanted to know if we’d ever met him. You seemed to be quite impressed?”
“I remember,” her father muttered, but if he recalled reading the article, he took pains not to show it.
Clare moved so she was standing next to Reed. He slipped his arm around her waist and brought her close to his side. Clare was convinced the protective action was instinctive.
“Are you pregnant, Clare?”, her father asked, his voice low and a bit uncertain. Pregnancy and childbirth were subjects that were uncomfortable to a man of his generation. His gaze studied the top of his shoes.
“I…don’t know, but I’m hoping I am. Reed and I both want a family.”
“You plan to live here?” was his next question.
“For now,” Reed answered. “If Clare agrees I’d like to have another home built on this site within the next couple of years.”
His arm tightened around her waist, and Clare pressed her head to his chest, drinking in his solid strength.
“I love Reed,” she said softly, straightening. Reed’s arms lent her courage to speak her mind. “I know our marriage came as a shock and I’m sorry for telling you the way I did, but you had to know sooner or later.”
Her father said nothing.
“I really hope you’ll accept Reed as my husband,” she said, trying hard not to plead with her parents. “Because he’s a wonderful man. I…realize you may not approve of my choice, but I can’t live my life to please you and Mom.”
“Of course we’ll accept your marriage,” her mother rushed to say, willing to do anything to keep the peace. “Won’t we, Leonard?”
Her father seemed to be carefully weighing the decision.
“Reed Tonasket is a man of honor and pride. The happiest day of my life was when Reed agreed to marry me. That’s right, Dad, I asked him. If you think Reed said or did anything to coerce me into this marriage, you’re wrong.”
“I see,” her father said with a heavy sigh, and sat on the cushion next to his wife. The way he fell onto the sofa suggested his legs had gone out from under him.
“I don’t think you do understand, Dad, and that makes me sad—because you should be sharing in my joy instead of questioning my judgment. You raised me to be the woman I am, and all I’m asking is that you rest on your laurels and allow me to practice everything you taught me.” Clare felt close to tears and rushed her words, wanting to finish before her voice betrayed her emotion. “I’ve made my choice of a husband and I’m very proud of the man he is. If you can’t accept that then I’m sorry for you both. Not only will you have lost your daughter, but you’ll have wasted the opportunity to know what a fine man Reed is.”
Reed’s hand was at her neck, and he squeezed gently as if he, too, shared her emotion.
The silence that followed was so loud it hurt Clare’s ï ears. She watched as her father slowly stood. It looked as if he were in a stupor, not knowing what to do.
Clare’s mother remained seated and stared up at her I husband. She opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but if that was the case, she changed her mind.
After a moment, Leonard Gilroy crossed the living room until he stood directly in front of Reed. The two proud men met eye to eye.
Her father stretched out his hand. “Welcome to the family, Reed, and congratulations.”
Clare sniffled once and then hugged her father with all her strength. “I love you, Daddy.”
“You make a mighty convincing argument, sweetheart,” her father whispered. “If I was angry, it was because I’ve always looked forward to walking my little girl down the aisle.”
“I think you should,” Reed said, surprising them both. “We were married by a justice of the peace. I wouldn’t object to a religious ceremony and I don’t think Clare would, either.”
“You mean we could still have a wedding?” her mother asked excitedly.
“A small one,” Clare agreed. “The sooner the better.”
“I imagine we could pull one together in a few weeks.” Ellie’s eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect.
Clare nestled snug against her husband’s side in the early-morning light. “You awake?” she whispered, rubbing her hand against his bare back.
She could feel Reed’s grin since it was impossible for her to see it. “I am now.”
“It went well with my parents, don’t you think?”
“Very well,” he agreed. Rolling onto his back, he reached for Clare, collecting her in his arms. “I was wrong about you, Clare Tonasket.”
Clare agreed. “You made the mistake of underestimating me.”
He chuckled. “Forget I ever said anything about you having a fragile spirit. You’ve got more tenacity than any ten women I know.”
“You aren’t angry I told them we’re married, are you?” She lifted her head just enough to read his expression. From his small smile she realized he was teasing her. Her hair fell forward and he lovingly brushed it back.
“They had to find out sooner or later,” he agreed, “I just wish you’d announced it with a bit more finesse.”
“I’m through hiding the fact I’m your wife.”
Reed slipped his arm around her waist and Clare leaned down and kissed him. “Talking about surprise announcements,” she said, elevating her voice, “when did you decide you wanted to go through with a wedding ceremony?”
“It was a peace offering to appease your mother. Besides, your father had a good point. You’re their only daughter and they didn’t want to be cheated out of giving you a wedding.”
“I don’t feel cheated,” she whispered. “I feel loved.”
Reed slipped his hand to the small of her back. “We may have a daughter someday, and I’m going to want the privilege of escorting her to her husband.”
“We may be proud parents sooner than either of us realizes if we have many more sessions like the ones recently.”
Reed’s eyes grew dark and serious. “Am I too demanding on you, Clare, because if I am…”
“You’re not, trust me, you’re not. Just don’t let anyone know.” She kissed his throat, working her way to his mouth. Reed groaned deep in his chest.
“Know what?” he asked breathlessly.
“What a shameless hussy your wife turned out to be.”
“Sweet heaven, Clare, I love you. I never realized loving someone could be like this.”
“I didn’t, either,” she admitted.
“My life was so empty without you. I couldn’t go back to the way it was, not now.” He buried his face in her neck. “The day will come when our children will marry. If it makes your parents happy to have us renew our vows so they can give us a wedding, then it’s a small price to pay, don’t you think?”
“I knew you were talented,” Clare said, her lips scant inches above his, “I just didn’t expect you to be brilliant.”
“You’ve only scratched the surface of my many skills.” He wove his fingers into her hair and directed her mouth back to his. Their kiss was slow and thorough. When she raised her head from the lengthy exchange, Clare drew in a deep, stabilizing breath.
Dawn was breaking over the horizon, a new day, fresh and untainted, a celebration that Clare felt certain would last all the days of their lives.
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Debbie Macomber is a number one New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. Her b
ooks include 1225 Christmas Tree Lane, 1105 Yakima Street, A Turn in the Road, Hannah’s List and Debbie Macomber’s Christmas Cookbook, as well as Twenty Wishes, Summer on Blossom Street and Call Me Mrs. Miracle. She has become a leading voice in women’s fiction worldwide and her work has appeared on every major bestseller list, including those of the New York Times, USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly and Entertainment Weekly. She is a multiple award winner, and won the 2005 Quill Award for Best Romance. There are more than 100 million copies of her books in print. Two of her MIRA Christmas titles have been made into Hallmark Channel Original Movies, and the Hallmark Channel has recently launched a series based on her bestselling Cedar Cove series. For more information on Debbie and her books, visit her website, www.DebbieMacomber.com.
ISBN: 978-1-4603-1448-7
Hasty Wedding
Copyright © 1993 by Debbie Macomber
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