by Various
"Abby!" Mother. Crap. "Abby, I need your help! We can’t find Harold!"
* * * *
Houston traffic had been crazy, but now they were making good time. Cade checked his watch. He’d tried to call Abby four times, but she hadn’t answered. He’d spoken to Shiloh, but so far Abby hadn’t called him back, not like he’d requested.
"Cade, Son? Are you sure it is okay for me to attend this wedding? My clothes are very plain."
Cade looked at his mother, his heart so full of love and contentment, he could barely contain the happiness. Last night he had won the heart of the love of his life and today he had been reunited with his mother. He’d received the call from Vance a little before four. The only thing he’d taken time to do was kiss Abby, whisper he loved her, and write a note for her to find on the dresser, telling her he was heading to the airport, but he’d be back in plenty of time for the wedding. With his mother.
He still couldn’t believe it. Could life get any better? He was leaving a career he loved, but he was leaving on top. He’d been granted the highest honor he could receive from the work he’d enjoyed. After years of searching, the PI firm had finally located Teresa Tallbull in a little village south of Monterrey. She’d been working at a resort, cleaning rooms. When Vance had found her, she’d cried when he’d showed her Cade’s photo and told her it was her son’s wish that she come home. What a Christmas this was going to turn out to be! Best of all was the little box he had in his pocket. Last night, he’d neglected to give Abby her biggest Christmas gift or ask her the question he’d been dying to ask. Would she marry him? Would she make him the happiest man in the world? God, he prayed so.
* * * *
Everyone was in their place. There were at least a thousand people at the wedding. The lake house had never been lovelier. No expense had been spared. Abby sat by Mrs. Horne at the back of the crowd, near the door. She’d listened to her piano teacher regale her with a story about everybody in the room. But Abby was only hearing part of it. She was hurting, yet she was watching the door and praying. Her family hadn’t been much help. She’d asked the twins if they’d seen Cade, but they hadn’t. Her father said he didn’t know anything, but he trusted Cade would come back. Cade’s word was his bond. If he said he’d be here, Sam King would stake his life on it.
Abby wasn’t so sure. Not that she didn’t trust Cade, but she’d asked so much of him. A man like Cade deserved the very best and she didn’t even come close. As she sat and waited, Abby folded and refolded the pleats in her dress. She didn’t regret a moment she’d spent with Cade, but having known what it was like to be in his arms was going to make losing him a thousand times worse.
Abby watched the clock. It was time. The organ music began. Cade was nowhere in sight. She tensed and sat up straighter. After the first few bars of music, the pastor came in and took his place followed by Jase and his groomsmen. Trace, who served as usher, was standing in for Cade. Abby’s heart plummeted. Next came the flower girls, then the bridesmaids, followed by Pam’s sister, the matron of honor. Abby watched her brother. He didn’t look as happy as she would have wished. The whole family was going to have to get on board with this marriage. They couldn’t afford to hurt Jase.
A small woof of greeting had every head turning. It was time for the ring bearer. Everyone smiled and applauded. Scout, old faithful Scout, was walking down the aisle toward Jase. Jase smiled and knelt down to wait on him. When Abby had gone back with her mother to help find the little rapscallion, it was to find Harold had stopped up two commodes with toilet paper and one of them had run over. His tux had been ruined. So, Jase was getting his wish. Scout was in the wedding party.
Now, it was time for the bride. The music swelled and everyone stood. And stood. And stood. Finally, a door opened. There were murmurs. Abby looked and her heart clutched in her chest. It was Cade! And he wasn’t alone. A beautiful woman was with him. But the more she looked at the woman, the more she realized she looked like Cade. Was this his mother? She’d known he was looking for her, the whole family did, but it had been so long. His eyes roved the crowd. Was he looking for her? Finally, their eyes locked and he smiled. Honestly, Abby didn’t know what to think.
The organist kept playing…and playing…people were beginning to get restless. Jase looked at his watch and then he looked at Pam’s sister who shrugged her shoulders. Finally, the bride’s mother rose and exited toward the changing rooms. Whispers floated through the crowd. Everyone at the front was moving around, except Scout. He was on guard. Shiloh whispered to Cade who whispered to Justice. Something was going on.
To give the organist and preacher credit, they held it together, but when the bride’s mother came out with a handkerchief to her eyes, Abby knew it was over. "I’m sorry, Pam has eloped! With another man!" For a few moments, pandemonium reigned supreme.
"Eloped?" Mrs. Horne yelled. "I bought new Vanity Fair underwear for this shindig! We need a wedding!"
All eyes were on Jase. He stood there, surrounded by his brothers and his best friend—and he smiled. "Ladies and Gentleman, it’s okay. All I ever wanted was for Pam to be happy and if she feels someone else is better for the job, I will gracefully step aside." Some of Pam’s family and friends began to get up from their chairs and file out.
Abby’s father got up. "We don’t want anyone to leave. We have food on top of food and dancing and liquor. We’re not going to let any of that go to waste. We’ll party at El Camino!" He pumped his fist in the air and Abby secretly wondered if he was as relieved as she was. The only thing marring this day was where she stood with Cade. Abby was so afraid to face him. Sometimes things are totally different in the light of day, especially after you’ve had time to think about things. She started to rise and slip out the back when a hush fell over the crowd…
"Abilene, don’t leave."
Abby froze in her tracks.
"Turn around, Abby. Look at me."
Abby swallowed, and turned. Lord, if this had been a week ago, she’d be ready for him to pull some practical joke on her. Now, she didn’t know what to think…she looked at him and the expression on his face was tender. He was holding something up in the air, offering it to her. A ring? "Cade, what’s going on?"
"Come here, Abby, my beautiful, perfect Abby. We’re gathered here with all of our family and friends. Your father has given me permission to ask you this question and I have a license, I’ve had it for days. Now, don’t break my heart."
Abby thought she would die—right there. Was this…could it be? She didn’t know whether to move or not. "What’s the question?"
A few titters were heard through the crowd. They all knew Cade and Abby’s history. They were probably expecting a water balloon fight, at the very least.
"I’ve won a few awards here and there, all of which I laid at your feet in my heart. Compared to you, none of those awards mean a damn thing to me. You’re my everything. I have loved you with all my soul since I was sixteen years old."
"Cade, get on with it before Abby elopes with somebody!" Someone yelled.
Everyone was laughing, except Abby. He had her complete and utter attention. She took a step forward, but just a single step. She wanted to hear the question first.
Cade looked at Abby standing there like a vision in a silk burgundy sheathe with her hair hanging in spiral curls past her waist. She looked like a princess. "Abby Grace King, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me? You might as well, I belong to you."
There was a collective sigh from the crowd. Abby’s mother began to cry. Her brothers were smiling and Abby… Abby took one step, two—and then she ran. She ran to Cade as hard as she could, launching herself at him. "Yes!"
He caught her easily. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." He wrapped her in a strong embrace. "I promise to make you the happiest woman alive."
"I already am."
"Ahemmm." The preacher got their attention. "Are we doing this?"
"Yes, we are."
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here to unite this man and woman in Holy Matrimony." Abby held Cade’s hand, staring up into his eyes and realized that some dreams do come true.
* * * *
The party was in full swing. Abby slow danced with Cade, even when the music was fast. He cradled her close, stealing kisses. Once, he even kissed the ring on her finger. "I meant to give you this last night, but when you gave me your gift I lost my train of thought." He chuckled and held her even tighter.
"You mean the Cowboy Hall of Fame belt buckle?" Abby teased him.
"No, not the belt buckle—you." He moved his hips against her. "When you gave yourself to me, it was like you had given me the whole world."
Abby looked down. "This morning, when you were gone…I thought you’d changed your mind. I thought you’d left."
Cade lifted her chin. "You didn’t get my note?"
"What note?"
He growled. "Damn ceiling fan. I put it on the dresser, explaining how Vance had found my mother." He caressed the nape of her neck. "I should have kissed you awake, or taken you with me, but you were sleeping so peacefully. I knew I had worn you out."
"It’s okay. I can’t wait to get to know your mother." Abby stood on tiptoe and fitted herself as tight to him as she could. "I shouldn’t have doubted you. My insecurities and self-doubts almost ruined my life."
"If I’d had any idea what was holding you back, I would have been at your door and on my knees at your feet a long time ago."
"We’ve wasted so much time."
"We have the rest of our lives. Don’t be sad." He paused, running his thumb over her lip. "I thought you didn’t want me because I was—"
"What?" Abby couldn’t imagine what was making him look so…vulnerable.
"I thought you changed your mind because of who I was, who my mom was and my dad. I thought you listened to the gossip and talk and didn’t want me anymore."
"Oh, God!" Abby stopped them in their tracks. She took his face in her hands and kissed him for all she was worth. The guests all clapped. "You are more important to me than my own life."
"I know it now, Baby. You’ve proved it twice."
"I’d do it again. In a heartbeat."
The music ended and Cade’s mind was on what awaited them in bed. "Jase has given us the honeymoon, if you want to go. How does Hawaii sound?"
"I’d rather just go back to your bed. I don’t really want to go on Pam’s honeymoon. I just want to be with you."
"God, you’re sweet." He couldn’t wait to get her alone. "I want you more than you’ll ever know." As he led her off the dance floor, he saw her brothers, his friends. Justice gave him a nod of approval.
"This cake is horrible!" Trace called out, spitting into a napkin.
"Try the groom’s cake." Jase laughed. "It’s not vegan."
Abby went to her brother. "I’m sorry about all of this. I don’t know what happened, but I love you. You’re my favorite brother."
"I know." He shook Cade’s hand. "Next time I get married, I want to be as happy as you two are."
"Let’s go start our honeymoon, Wife," Cade whispered in her ear. She hugged her family, they posed for one more photograph and slipped away. "We managed to avoid some of the madness like throwing bouquets and garters and having our car decorated."
"As long as you carry me across the threshold, we’re good. I like that tradition."
"No problem. I’ll take any excuse to get you in my arms." He opened the door and they stepped out on the porch. The night was clear and silent. The stars were bright as diamonds. "When I came for the wedding, I had no idea this would turn into the best Christmas of my life. Merry Christmas, Abby."
"Merry Christmas, Cade." She turned into his arms and nestled against him. He was the safest place in the world for her.
"Will you go with me to look at the land I found?" he asked as they walked hand in hand to his truck.
"Just try to go without me." She dared him, then smiled. "There’s nowhere on earth I’d rather be than with you. You’re stuck with me, get used to it."
"Nothing will make me happier." He opened the truck door and picked her up, sitting her on the seat. "Do you think we’ll get along?"
"Most of the time," she answered solemnly. "We may fight, but the make-up sex will be hot."
"Now you’re talking."
He fastened her seatbelt. Before he could back up out of the truck, she grabbed his hand, holding it tight to her heart. "You can be certain of this, Cade...I love you more than anything. I’ll love you forever."
Cade counted his blessings, placing a reverent kiss to his wife’s lips, holding her close. "Do you know what I’m certain of?" He kissed her on the end of the nose, making her smile. Then he hugged her close.
"What?"
"With every breath I take...I’m more certain I’m holding heaven in my arms."
*The End*
Look for the story of Justice and Charlee Parker – 2014 – EL CAMINO REAL SERIES.
HOPE FOR CHRISTMAS
Becky McGraw
© Copyright 2013
CHAPTER ONE
If Cord Dixon knew then what he knew now, he might have considered Tonya Laramie's offer to sleep with her a little more carefully. Stuffing the pillow under his big, fur-trimmed, red top, he held it to his abs. He cinched the black costume belt tighter to hold it in place. If it slipped, the kids would be traumatized.
That wasn't going to keep them from traumatizing him, unfortunately.
Cord had always liked kids. He was one once, and he had a nephew he adored. A cherry blowpop tangled in his scratchy, white beard, a not-quite-potty-trained toddler peeing on his leg, and a ten-year-old setting fire to his pant leg with his mother's lighter had changed his opinion. The little ankle biters were hellions, one and all.
Cord now understood why mall Santas were prone to drinking. It was ten in the morning and he could sure use a drink for courage to handle the day ahead.
Pulling the stocking cap over his head, Cord slicked down his hair and tugged the curly white wig over his head. Once it was in place, he felt like ants were crawling across his scalp. The velcro closure on the thick material of his fur-trimmed pants made something else itch too. But he couldn't scratch that or the mothers would grab their toddlers and run out of the mall screaming. He sighed and slid his arms into the costume coat.
What Cord couldn't figure out was why they didn't just hire an age-appropriate model to do the job. One who already had the requisite beard and grey hair. It would make more sense. That's what they did in the movies, just look at Miracle on 34th Street. That classic didn't have a thirty-year-old, six-foot-three western clothing model posing as Santa Claus.
Former western clothing model, Cord corrected.
He was still unable to wrap his mind around what had happened a month ago. How quickly he became Cord Dixon again instead of Mr. Laramie Jeans. Because he dared to turn down Tonya Laramie, he was blackballed in the Dallas modeling industry.
Like Madonna and Sting, Cord now had one name. He was Santa to the pack of wolves masquerading as children. They lined up at the North Pole kiosk at the center of the busy mall. No matter how bratty they were, he had to sit quietly and smile while they had their picture taken with him. Every minute he spent in that chair made smiling more difficult. Cord might never smile again after this gig was over.
He should have just said yes when Tonya asked him to sleep with her. What would it have mattered? He'd slept with women he had no intention of starting a relationship with before. A lot. But with her, Cord didn't think he could get drunk enough to want to do it. She was beautiful but inside, where it counted, her heart was as black as that wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz. And she was twice as mean.
Truth be told, the woman made his skin crawl.
Guys talked. He'd heard the stories from the other male catalog models he worked with. Tonya Laramie was into some pretty kinky stuff. That didn't scare him, and it wasn't why he turned her down. On occas
ion, Cord enjoyed light kink himself. Just not when he was forced to get kinky with a woman he couldn't stand. She signed his paychecks, so if he didn't perform up to her standards, he would have been just as unemployed as he was right now. Cord was not a trained sex monkey, and he was not for sale.
But the other guys still had a job. Maybe he was the stupid one for not just tying her up, spanking her ass and fucking her fifty ways to Sunday. Right now, he would relish the opportunity to give her a good spanking like her daddy should have done years ago.
Prentice Laramie had to know what his daughter was doing behind the scenes at Laramie Jeans. Obviously, the man turned a blind eye to it. He wouldn't be so blind if he got sued for sexual harassment because of her. But Cord wasn't going to be the one to go there. He was a man and it would be humiliating. That's probably why none of the other guys had done it either.
Cord should just go back home to his daddy's ranch. He was good at ranching, loved working with his father and brother at the family ranch in Tyler, but it didn't pay squat. And he wanted more. The two thousand dollars an hour Tonya offered him to model jeans, cowboy hats, and boots for Laramie had given him more. Now he realized he should have listened to his gut when the devil in the skin-tight blue dress made the offer to him. After a rodeo in Dallas three years ago, he had been blinded by the money. His gut told him she was bad news and to run as fast as he could away from her. But Cord hadn't listened and was paying the price now.
His family had paid the price too.
He had given up his bull riding career and left his brother and dad in the lurch. He had turned his back on everything he cared about. For money. Three years of his life were wasted. Three years he could never get back.
One thing was for sure. Cord was not nearly as cocky now as he had been when he left the ranch. He had hit rock bottom. Making minimum wage as a mall Santa was about as low as a man could get. The only thing lower would be running back home with his tail between his legs and having to eat crow.
