by Faye Sonja
“What do you mean?”
“The men that married my sisters. We didn’t turn one another down. I pushed them into my sisters’ arms. I set them up.”
Orlando turned and frowned at her. “No.”
June nodded and smiled. “Oh, yes. They were older and deserved to be married first. The men were alright, but I didn’t love them. So, I sort of played matchmaker.”
Orlando laughed and shook his head. “Is that what you were doing at breakfast this morning? Is that why you kept complimenting Bridgette’s attributes?” He narrowed his eyes. “Were you trying to set me up?”
June laughed. “No. She was for The Man on the Mountain.”
Orlando frowned. “Good luck with that.”
“I don’t need it.” She smiled to herself. “They’re in a truck alone heading to the next town as we speak.”
Orlando’s eyes went wide. “June.” He laughed. “You do play the game well.”
June smiled. “I try.”
“What about Clarence?”
“He’s got a standing date with Bridgette’s sister tomorrow.”
Orlando lifted a brow. “You mean with a woman who has been locked in a room for days? If you’ve managed to pull that off, then you are much better than I at this game.”
“That means a lot coming from Cupid.”
Orlando narrowed his eyes. “Don’t go home.”
June looked over at him. “Why?”
Orlando shrugged. “Maybe we could take this show on the road. Didn’t you find it fun? Helping people fall in love?”
June laughed. “I did.” She shook her head and then slowly frowned at Orlando. “But, I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I love you.”
Orlando stared at her as if she hadn’t said a thing.
June got to her feet. “Goodnight.” She rushed into the room and closed the door behind her. She sunk to the bottom of the door and let the first tears roll down her cheeks. She regretted coming on this trip. She regretted leaving the safety of her father’s house. Her life would have been much easier had she never met Orlando Bakely. But now, she would go on loving a man that she knew she could never be with, and knowing he had feelings for her made everything much worse. She’d miss him. He was a man she barely knew, but Orlando shared her sentiments exactly. June would never meet another man like Orlando. Ever.
* * *
9
Chapter NINE
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“ We’ll marry New Year’s morning.”
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Orlando woke up to the sound of Austin rushing back into the room.
Austin’s coat was on, a scarf wrapped around his neck, and snow on his boots. He reached for his bag by the door. “The tracks are cleared. We’re leaving in an hour.” He paused and smiled at Orlando. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to you, too.”
Austin put his bag down and knelt by the bed, looking at his brother. “What happened last night?”
Orlando laid back against the pillow and laced his fingers over his flat abdomen. He stared at the ceiling. “I let June go.”
“Do you regret it?”
“It’s what’s best. I need her to focus on someone who can give her what she truly wants. Whatever we’re feeling for one another will fade by the time we make it to Aspen.”
“She left, Orlando.”
Orlando looked over at Austin. “What do you mean?”
“She left.”
Orlando sat up. “When?”
“Like, an hour ago.”
Orlando got out of the bed. “By herself?” He started to pull his clothes on. “You let her go by herself?”
“No.”
“Is she heading home?”
“No.”
“Then where is she going?” Orlando had his boots on. He turned to Austin when he realized his question hadn’t been answered. “Austin?”
“Hmmm?”
“Where is she?”
Austin sat on the bed. He frowned. “Why?”
“What?”
“Why do you want to know?”
Orlando frowned. “To make sure she’s safe.”
“She’s safe. You don’t have to worry about that.” Austin got up, grabbed his bag, and headed for the door. “Come on. I don’t want to miss the train. I need to get to Melody—”
Orlando grabbed his brother and spun him around. He pushed him against the wall. The pictures hanging on the wall rattled from the force of it. Austin’s eyes went wide. Orlando’s heart was pumping wildly. “Where is she?”
Austin’s face slid back to something more expressionless. “Why?”
Orlando tightened his hold on his brother’s jacket. “You better tell me, or—”
“Or what?” Austin asked. He narrowed his eyes. “June is a good girl, Orlando. I’m not going to let you ruin her life.”
Orlando’s eyes went wide. “You have no right.”
Austin drew his brows together. “I think I do. After all, I’m the one who saw her crying and gave her the money she needed.”
Orlando looked away. He sighed. “Please, tell me where she went.”
“No.”
Orlando dropped his hold on his brother. “I’ll fire you.”
“Fine.” Austin grabbed his bag again and headed out the door.
Orlando quickly grabbed his things and followed. There were still people singing in the sitting room. Didn’t they ever sleep? Orlando thought. He glanced over. Clarence and a round woman were talking close together on the couch. The woman resembled Bridgette. June had won. The brothers were outside when Orlando said, “I’m not kidding, Austin. Tell me where she is.”
Austin didn’t stop as he made his way through the snow. At least it was no longer falling from the sky. Austin said, “No.”
“You’re fired.”
“Okay.”
“I mean it.”
“I believe you.”
Orlando charged at his brother’s back and took him down in the snow. “Tell me where she is.”
“Orlando?”
Orlando looked up.
June was standing in the snow a distance away. She was in her coat and scarf. Her red hair was free and blowing in the wind. It wrapped around her beautiful, but confused face. “Orlando, what are you doing?”
Orlando stood and slowly walked over to her. He touched her face, hair, shoulders. He looked in her eyes. “I thought you left.”
June frowned. “I did, but we’re back now.”
“Back?” Orlando asked.
June smiled. “Yes, Joseph took me to the next town over so that I could buy a Christmas gift for Birdie.” She peeked behind Orlando. “Austin gave me the money, since my purse is with my belongings on the train.” To Austin, she said, “Thanks again.”
Orlando turned to look at Austin.
Austin smiled at June. “You’re welcome.” He turned and smiled at Orlando.
He’d been played. “I’m going to kill you.”
Austin’s eyes went wide. He ran.
Orlando followed, leaving June behind.
Austin ran towards the woods, but it wasn’t really a run. The snow slowed him down. It was more of a march. Austin said, “I did it for your own good.”
Orlando’s body pumped with heat. “When I get to you, you’re dead.”
Austin laughed. “But at least you can admit it now.”
“Admit what?”
Austin stopped and turned around. “You love her.”
Orlando was breathing hard when he stopped. He leaned over on his knees.
Austin leaned on his knees and looked over at Orlando. “Out of shape, brother? Or is it just age?”
Orlando frowned. “I’ll kill you,” he got out in heavy breaths.
“Sticks and stones.”
Orlando looked down.
“Admit it.�
�
“I love her.”
“Good, now say it to her.”
Orlando shook his head. “I can’t.”
Austin walked over to Orlando and hunkered down in front of his brother. “Sure you can. You’re a better man than me. Don’t make a mistake that could cost you everything.”
Orlando sighed. “But what if it doesn’t work out?”
Austin reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring. “If two people want it to work, and are willing to do what it takes to make it work, then it will work.” He held the ring out to Orlando.
Orlando took it and looked at it. “Mom’s ring?”
Austin nodded. “Take it and give it to June before it’s too late.” Austin frowned. “By the time I reach Melody it may be too late for me, but at least one of us will be happy.”
Orlando frowned. “You proposed to Melody twice with this ring. What if it’s bad luck?”
Austin laughed. “It’s not. It worked for Mom and Dad.”
Orlando shook his head. “They rarely saw one another.”
Austin narrowed his eyes. “You know, that little speech about ‘making it work’? I didn’t come up with that.”
“Who did?”
“Mom told it to me when I asked about Dad. They were happy, Orlando, but you were too busy hating Dad to see it.”
Orlando frowned. “But Mom was alone all the time.”
“But did she feel alone? Did you ask?”
Orlando sighed. “No.”
Austin stood. “Go. Be happy. Don’t let books define what marriage and love is. Make your own story. Make your own happiness.”
Orlando stood and looked at the ring in his hand. He looked at Austin. “I’m scared.”
“You know.” Austin smiled. “There was this guy born almost two thousand years ago. He kind of lived so we wouldn’t have to live in fear.”
Orlando frowned. “You gonna use my lines against me all day?”
Austin brightened. “Only if they fit.”
Orlando looked at the ring again.
“Orlando?”
He turned and found June standing there. Her brows were drawn together. “What is going on?” The whistle of the train blew in the distance. A warning for departure.
Orlando walked over to her and then dropped to his knees. He held up the ring. “Marry me, June.”
June’s eyes went wide. “Really?”
Orlando nodded. “Please, before I completely lose my sanity. Marry me and make me yours.”
June smiled. She opened her mouth in shock, and then closed it. Her face scrunched up. Then she shrugged and smiled. “Okay.”
Orlando slid the ring on her finger and then stood.
They kissed.
The train whistle blew.
“Aspen?” he asked.
June smiled. “Aspen it is.”
* * *
Epilogue
Austin smiled as he walked passed the happy couple. “California, here I come.”
“Austin.”
Austin turned and looked at Orlando. “Yeah?”
“Good luck!”
Austin felt fear slide up the back of his neck. Luck? He was going to need more than that. Austin had the feeling that his mission was going to require a band of angels at the very least. He nodded at Orlando and turned back towards the train. “I’m coming, Melody.”
* * *
DESPERATE BRIDE MARRIED BY NEW YEAR
BRIDES FOR THREE SEASONS
BOOK 3
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b o o k 3
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Melody Stone’s family wanted nothing more than to never see the ex-fiancé who cancelled their wedding ever again!
But, when the man she hates to love shows up on New Years Eve, all of Melody's new resolve almost vanishes. Upon arrival, Austin finds out he's too late . . . Melody is engaged to another man.
he thought he could rekindle their flame but with the New Year came a new attitude, and Austin isn't prepared for the NEW Melody.
Will Austin find his way back to Melody's heart?
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1
Chapter ONE
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“ … but she had to move on, and she couldn’t
afford to let him ruin her heart again. ”
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Santana, California
New Years Eve 1935
Melody Stone sat by Carlos Sanchez as he tuned his guitar. She mindlessly rubbed the pendant around her neck that Harmony had given her for Christmas. It was a simple Christian cross and Melody loved it.
“It will be like nothing you’ve ever heard before,” Carlos said in his heavy Spanish accent, bringing her attention back to him. The fingers on one hand moved over the strings as the fingers on the other turned the pegs on it’s head. He looked over and smiled at Melody, giving her the full treatment of his hazel green eyes. A lock of his dark brown hair fell by one of his eyes. A dimple was imprinted on the cheek that the smile pulled towards. To say that Carlos was handsome would have been an understatement.
“I’ve heard you play before, remember?” Melody wrapped her fingers over the edge of the Victorian styled couch on each side of her knees. She smiled at him while kicking her legs. “I have no doubt it will be phenomenal.”
“I wanted to play at the wedding, but you can’t really play if you’re in it,” Carlos winked at her.
Melody laughed. “I suppose you can’t.”
“Plus, it’s would be much more fun to hold your hand.”
Melody laughed louder. “Has anyone ever told you about how much a flirt you are?”
Carlos’s smile brightened. The lights from the Christmas tree and the candles that filled the room seemed to make them even more enchanting. “Yes, you, everyday.” Carlos let his fingers dance across the strings. The other hand was already moving over the guitar's neck. The guitar was tuned and he was making magic.
Melody closed her eyes and listened to the story his music created, and then Melody heard the familiar tune of Angels We Have Heard on High, but Carlos was right. It was like nothing she’d ever heard before. The song didn’t make her think of winter nights and star gazing. It made her want to kick up her skirt and dance around the room. The song held an alluring warmth. It was like a flame that called to her. The song changed to God, Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Melody shook her head as she opened her eyes. People were making their way from the dining room and coming to join them in the sitting room, called by the rhythm of Carlos’ music. Carlos switched to Auld Lang Syne and Harmony Pitch’s voice accompanied as she moved into the room.
Should old acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot
And Auld Lang Syne.
Everyone turned to smile at their hostess as she made her way over to Melody’s side. Harmony took a seat by her little sister and grabbed Melody’s hand, giving it a squeeze. Melody sighed and did what Harmony’s gesture had asked of her. Melody opened her mouth and sang, harmonizing with her sister. She took the top and Harmony took the bottom, just like their mother, Jill Stone had taught them.
The sisters sang the chorus while gazing into one another’s gray eyes.
For Auld Lang Syne, my dear
For Auld Lang Syne
We’ll take a cup
Of kindness yet
For Auld Lang Syne .
The song continued and everyone listened in silence as they sang along with Carlos’ playing. The sadness of the words touched Melody’s heart as the words continued. They spoke of goodbyes and times of old. Melody thought of those things all the time; being in a new place. But something about the music put water in her eyes.
It had been two months since the
Stone sisters had moved from Michigan to the other side of the country. Harmony had been a mail-order-bride and Melody had been forced to leave with her sister. They’d been trying to escape the effects of what had been dubbed, ‘The Great Depression’ by historical author, Lionel Robbins, in his book last year.
The Stone family; Harmony, Melody, and their mother Jill had lost everything and had been forced to find a new way to survive. Harmony had gotten lucky when her wealthy husband, Andrew Pitch had written his proposal to her. Jill Stone had seen it as their saving grace for more than one reason. The first one being that Harmony’s 6’2 height, which had always intimidated suitors in the past, had been one reason that Andrew wanted her. The second reason had been that Jill had wanted Melody to go far away from Michigan, far from the man she’d loved. Jill had wanted her daughter to escape the man who’d showed no sign of ever committing. Melody’s boyfriend, Austin Bakely, had proposed twice and twice he’d backed out of the wedding. Melody had made excuses for the man, but now, she was free. The move, which she’d dreaded at the time, Melody now could see was the one thing she’d needed the most. She needed pace from Austin which allowed Melody to clear her heart and mind and had given her the opportunity to really discover who she was.
But saying goodbye always hurt, and with the song’s final verse, Melody said goodbye to 1935, and welcomed everything that the New Year would bring.
The song ended and everyone clapped. Andrew came over and kissed his wife’s cheek. Harmony stood and wrapped her arms around him. She was taller than Andrew by a few inches, but nothing got in the way of their love. It was the kind of love that Jill wanted Melody to find for herself and knew she’d only find it with Austin out of the picture. But according to a letter their mother had sent last month, Austin knew where Melody was and was on his way. The letter had said he’d arrive by Christmas, but when he hadn’t Melody had decided that he’d changed his mind. She was use to Austin changing his mind.
