He was furious when he’d discovered she’d known all along about Mel’s scheme, but he couldn’t stay mad very long. Especially once he found out Mel had sworn her to secrecy.
Thinking back on it, he couldn’t blame her. Mel had been her best friend when they were growing up, and things hadn’t changed. They were still as close as two peas in a pod. Almost inseparable. Like the two of them once were.
Besides, she probably thought it was a great joke.
He glanced to the side of the stage. There she was, standing, watching, and grinning broadly.
She wasn’t bidding. At least he could be thankful for that. He wanted to take Sierra out on his terms. And to have her go willingly, not be forced because of some stupid bachelor auction.
“Five thousand dollars! Going, going, gone!”
Five thousand? Really?
He was really pleased. For the youth center of course, not his inflated male ego.
But who had the winning bid? Women were scurrying all over the place, making it difficult to see who had won. Who had bought him for a night? Who he was going to have to entertain?
The thought made him shudder.
He hadn’t been paying attention. Hadn’t taken enough notice of the proceedings. He could be stuck with anyone.
“Congratulations to Mrs Emily Petersen! Please go to the official at the back of the room and make arrangements for payment. The youth of Oakdale thank you. And you too, Braxton Chalmers.” He felt the heat creep up his face. “You’ve been a good sport. Give him a hand everyone.”
The room erupted into applause and wolf-whistling, and he slinked off the stage, grabbing his shirt and jacket, and giving a small wave as he left.
Thank goodness that was over. Braxton had never been so embarrassed in his life. At least he had some sort of redemption – five thousand was way more than he’d expected to raise. It was more than any of the other bachelor’s had managed. At least he hadn’t been embarrassed by some piddly little amount.
The moment he was off the stage, Sierra came to him. “You looked like you were enjoying yourself out there,” she said.
“Never,” he said, grinning like the Cheshire cat out of Alice in Wonderland. Only he had enjoyed himself. Mel told him he would, and he’d wanted to prove her wrong.
Only she was right.
She leaned forward and whispered in his ear. “You looked pretty sexy standing out there, half undressed, flexing your muscles for all those old ladies.”
She straightened up, then stared into his eyes. “Get dressed. You don’t have to impress me with your sculptured body.” She laughed and began to walk away.
“I know they’re putting supper on later,” he said. “But I’m famished. And ready to leave. Want to join me?”
Chapter Ten
Braxton really did not want to do this.
He stood outside of Angel’s Kitchen and stared through the window. He’d agreed to meet Mrs Petersen for dinner tonight as her reward for handing over five thousand dollars to the Youth Center.
Cudos to her. He helped in other ways, but to part with your hard-earned cash, that was pretty bold.
She’d called to say the dinner was arranged if the date suited him. He decided just to get it over and done with.
When he entered the restaurant, Joyce greeted him at the door. “It’s so nice to see you again, Braxton,” she said smiling. She even reached up and hugged him. “You’re becoming a familiar face in here. I like that,” she said.
She led him to a private room at the back of the restaurant. He was taken aback as he hadn’t realized it even existed. They stopped when they arrived. The closed door had “private” printed on it.
She slowly opened the door, where Braxton expected to find Emily Petersen. Instead Sierra sat alone at the candlelit table.
“Sierra? What are you doing here? I expected Mrs Petersen.”
She laughed. “I couldn’t bid and support you on the stage at the same time, now could I?” She laughed again, and the headache that was threatening to form disappeared.
“It was you? I didn’t think you’d be able to afford… I mean with all the other expenses…” He stopped. He wasn’t getting his viewpoint across very well.
Joyce grinned, then turned to leave the room. She turned the lights down low before she left, then shut the door firmly.
“Mrs Petersen was happy to indulge me. It was a big adventure for her, she said.”
He shook his head in disbelief.
“Sit. You’re making me nervous.”
He scraped the chair along the floor before sitting opposite her. “You’re very crafty. I hadn’t expected this.”
“Oh. You’re disappointed,” she said lightheartedly.
He reached across the petal-strewn table and held her hand. Joyce had gone all out for them. “Not a bit. Totally the opposite in fact.”
Joyce soon returned with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. She began to uncork the bottle, but Braxton interrupted her. “I can do that,” he said. “Thanks.”
The smug look on her face told him she’d read him like a book. He wanted to be alone with Sierra.
“There’s a lot of activity going on at the inn,” he said, no longer calling it a house.
She stared at him for a few moments, then brushed her loose hair behind her ear. “There is,” she said. “Loads. Brax, I need to tell you something…”
He put his finger to her mouth. “I want to say something first.” He didn’t continue but waited for her acceptance. She nodded slightly, so he continued.
“I think by now you know what you mean to me, Sierra.” He squeezed her hand gently and looked down at their entwined fingers. “We’ve known each other for such a long time. We basically grew up together.”
She nodded again.
“I have no idea if you’ve made your decision yet, about whether you’re staying or not.”
She began to open her mouth, but he put his finger there again. “I need to say this now, or I might not say it at all.”
“Fair enough.”
“I love you, Sierra. I’ve spent the last ten years pining for you. I haven’t been able to form relationships with other women because I missed you so much.”
Her eyes opened wide in amazement.
He shuffled about in his seat. “I can’t bear to think of you leaving again. Of you leaving me again.” His voice was beginning to break. This was breaking his heart.
“Brax, I…”
“Please. I have to say this now, or I might never say it.”
“Okay. Sorry.”
He stared into her eyes. Her beautiful chocolate colored eyes that he couldn’t bear to never see again. “I’m coming with you when you leave.”
Her eyes opened wide. “But,”
“I love you, Sierra,” he said, pulling his hand away and pouring the champagne. “I am willing to give up everything to be with you.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box. “Will you marry me,” he said, opening the box to reveal an expensive diamond ring. “I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth, even to the city,” he said grinning. “I will not spend another ten years without you.”
“Oh Brax,” she said, running around to his side of the table. She hugged him tightly, then kissed him.
It was then the door to their private room opened. “Oops. Sorry. Am I interrupting something?” Joyce had a glint in her eye as if she absolutely knew she was.
Sierra quickly straightened.
“Braxton has asked me to marry him,” she told the older woman with absolutely no emotion. His heart thudded in disappointment.
“Congratulations,” she said excitedly. “I knew you two were meant for each other.”
“She hasn’t said yes,” Braxton said dryly.
Joyce put down the tray of herb bread she was carrying. “What is wrong with you girl?”
“I didn’t get a chance yet. You interrupted,” Sierra said, laughing.
“So get
to it! Are you going to marry this hunky man? If not, I’ll happily take him.” She left the room laughing.
Sierra sat down again, putting her hands in her lap. “It’s a beautiful ring, Brax,” she said, looking at the petals on the table.
He watched the flames dance across her face. She was going to refuse him. The writing was on the wall. His heart shattered – he was going to lose her again. Was he such a terrible person?
“You have no idea how grateful I am for you finding out about the original inn. The work is coming along nicely, and we should be open in about four months.”
His heart was beating so rapidly, he felt light-headed. He was convinced she was about to refuse him.
“I don’t have as much leave as I need to see the project through.”
The thumping in his head was making it hard to concentrate. He felt sick. He’d put his heart on the line and it was about to be ripped apart.
“So it’s no then.” He began to stand. He couldn’t do this.
“Brax,” she whispered. “Hear me out.”
It was the least he could do. They’d been friends for far too long for him to walk out on her now.
“I want to see this project through. Honestly, I couldn’t have done it without you. Any of it. I know Gran would be so happy with what we’ve doing.”
“But you’re not staying. Like I said, I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth. If you want me that is.” His emotions were taking over, and his voice was a mere whisper.
“Brax,” she said softly. “I love you. I’m not going anywhere – I’ve resigned.”
His head shot up. “You resigned? You really resigned?” His breathing was shallow, and he couldn’t think straight.
Then he realized she hadn’t agreed to marry him. “I’m confused. Is that a yes?”
“It’s a yes!” The candlelight danced across her face and his heart was dancing too. He couldn’t believe he was finally going to be with the one he loved. The only one he’d ever loved.
Joyce tapped lightly on the door. Braxton jumped up and opened it for her. “She said yes!” he said excitedly, then leaned down and kissed the surprised woman on the cheek.
“Of course she did,” Joyce said. “It was obvious you two love-birds are deeply in love. Now, open your menus.”
Chapter Eleven
Four Months Later
Mel put the finishing touches to Sierra’s make up, then placed the veil on her head.
“This is sooo exciting! I can’t believe you two are finally getting married.”
Sierra grinned at her. Even after all the preparations, it was still hard to get her head around.
There was a knock at the door. “That better not be Braxton,” Mel quipped. “He’s not allowed to see you before the wedding.”
She opened the door a touch and put her head around it. “Oh hello,” she said. “Hang on a tic. I think she’s ready.” She closed the door again and turned to Sierra. “It’s the photographer. Are you ready to take the plunge?” She grinned.
She’d been grinning since the moment they’d told Mel they were getting married.
Sierra had made a condition – she wanted the wedding at the newly restored inn.
It was for Gran. She would have been beside herself with joy if she’d been here today. But Sierra knew in her heart that Gran was there with her, looking over her.
“Don’t you dare!” Mel screeched. “Don’t you dare cry! You’ll mess up your make up.”
She couldn’t help it. She dearly wished Gran was here today, to give her away. Instead, the only other person she considered family was doing that job. And she was standing in front of her right now.
“Oh my, you’ve made me cry too,” Mel said. She reached for the make up removal wipes, then went to the door. “Just give us a minute. We’ve had a make up disaster,” she explained.
What he thought of that, Sierra dare not think.
A few minutes later and their faux pas was erased and repaired. Thank goodness for Mel. She might be bossy, but she had everything under control, including the foyer where the wedding was to take place.
The brand-new Oakdale Inn was not in operation yet but would be officially opened in a few days time.
Sierra’s new chef was catering for the day, and he promised to be outstanding and a big drawcard to the inn. So what if she’d poached him from the hotel she used to manage? They had plenty of others. But this one was the crème de la crème.
They spent the next thirty minutes having bridal photographs taken. Sierra was so pleased she’d followed her heart and had both her dress and Mel’s made to fit the era of the hotel. They really fit with the décor.
By the time the photography was finished, she could hear movement and voices downstairs. The guests must be starting to arrive.
And hopefully, her groom.
* * *
Braxton stood at the front of the foyer, which had been temporarily turned into a chapel, complete with a flower covered archway. He knew immediately that would have been Mel’s doing.
She’d always been creative, and he could see her now – she would have been in her element.
Right now though, she’d be upstairs with his bride. He mentally kicked himself. He couldn’t get used to the fact Sierra was about to become his wife.
A hush suddenly came over the place, and everyone looked toward the spiral staircase. As his Groomsman, Austin Addison looked upwards, he followed suit.
His beautiful bride was slowly descending the stairs, her long wedding trail flowing behind her. He’d thought her crazy when she said her dress was going to suit the era of the original inn. She’d had to have it specially made, but now, taking it all in, he could see why she did.
Mel was fussing with the train as they got closer to the archway, but she was grinning.
They’d invited Joyce Kingston, the owner of Angel’s Kitchen. They’d frequented the restaurant since that night and become quite close to Joyce. She eventually revealed that she and Evelyn were close friends and had been for some years.
Braxton stared at his bride as she came toward him. Her beauty overwhelmed him. She was even more beautiful now than she was ten years ago. But it was her internal beauty that had originally taken him in. She was very special, inside and out.
As he reached for her hand, he glanced across at his parents. His mother was crying. Not that he’d expected anything less. He felt for Sierra at that moment – her parents were long gone, and sadly, so was the amazing woman who had brought her up.
He felt a tingle go down his spine. She was here, he knew she was, looking over them both and giving them her blessings.
Hands entwined, they turned toward the preacher.
It seemed like forever before they became husband and wife.
Epilogue
Twelve Months Later
“Cassie, can you pass me those booking sheets, please?”
Although she didn’t have a lot to do with the thriving inn these days, Sierra still liked to keep her hand in. Cassie Somerton was her manager and kept everything running smoothly.
Philippe, her poached chef, was the best in the business, and people came from far and wide to try his food. As she’d predicted, he was a major drawcard, but even more was the fact they were able to stay in a genuine nineteenth century inn. One that had been beautifully restored to its former glory.
“Seriously? You’re still going to do this,” Cassie asked. “I’m more than capable of checking them over.” She handed them across anyway.
Sierra pushed her hair back behind her ear. “You know it’s not a question of your ability,” she said quietly. “I just like to keep a hand in.”
Cassie put her hands to her hips. “I’m not trying to be insolent,” she said. “But look at yourself.” She stared at Sierra’s very swollen belly. “You’re ready to drop your bundle.”
“I have a few days yet,” Sierra retorted. “I can do this.”
Cassie stared at her, then snatched up her cel
l phone. “I don’t think so,” she said. “Your waters just broke.”
Sierra looked to the floor – Cassie was right.
“Braxton,” Cassie said. “It’s time. Sierra’s waters have broken. Get to the hospital pronto. Calm down,” she told him. “For a grown man, you’re acting like a scared teenager.” She grinned at Sierra and ended the call.
“Right, hospital for you. Braxton is going to meet us there.”
* * *
“It’s about time you arrived,” Sierra said, trying to breath through another contraction. “I’ve been here for hours. Where have you been?” She looked really annoyed.
He glanced at Cassie, then back to Sierra. “Sweetheart,” he said gently. “It’s not even half an hour since Cassie called.”
“It feels longer.” She grabbed his hand. “Oh boy.” She breathed rapidly, and the midwife came in to check her over.
Cassie left them alone.
“Are you the dad?” She glared at Braxton, as though this was all his fault. Okay, it was his fault, but Sierra had a part in it too.
He nodded. “Yep. Braxton Chalmers,” he said proudly. He still couldn’t believe he was going to be a father soon. Probably in about twelve hours?
“Right then Braxton. Brace yourself. We’re going to the delivery room. Your baby is on the way.” He felt as though he’d been punched.
“On the way. Like, now on the way? I thought…”
She smiled for the first time. “Don’t think. Babies have a mind of their own, and this one is ready to meet its parents.”
A wheelchair was brought in, and Sierra gently placed in it, a blanket draped over her legs. She looked up at him, her expression unreadable. A mix of both anticipation and fear. He reached for her hand again. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said quietly, then leaned down and kissed her cheek.
Once settled, Sierra seemed to relax. At least as much as she could be between contractions. The midwife stayed with her the whole time.
Then suddenly the room was a buzz of activity. Braxton was given a gown to wear and was instructed not to faint. As if he would!
A Bride for Braxton Page 7
