by Kit Morgan
He smiled broadly. “Hey!” he suddenly shouted to the onlookers. “Guess what I just got for my birthday!”
J. Wayne Woodrow stood and smiled. “A woman who can’t cook, can’t drive and can’t stay on a horse, from what I hear. But she can love you, son. And that’s what matters.”
A hand flew to Casey’s mouth to stifle a sob. “Oh, Dad. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he said with a smile, and then headed for the potato salad.
Epilogue
Three months later …
“I always dreamed one of you kids would have a June wedding, though admittedly I pictured it to be Jenny most of the time.”
Jake, Tate and Jenny Sullivan watched as their mother gushed over the flowers at the front of the church. The ceremony had been simple yet elegant. Make that very elegant. Casey invited some of her friends. Professional stylists, photographers, art directors and models. Jake wasn’t sure Tate was going to be able to make it through the reception. He’d never seen so many beautiful women in one place before.
“Now let’s have the family stand in front of the flowers … yes … that’s it. Mrs. Sullivan, can you stand next to Jake?”
Everyone did as Melanie ordered. They were almost done with the after wedding photographs and could soon head for the reception.
“How many more are you going to take, Mel?” Casey asked.
“Quiet, let me take the picture!”
Everyone stood still as a statue.
Melanie’s camera whirred to life as she took several photos in rapid succession. Repositioned herself, and took several more. She then sighed and smiled at the Sullivan Family. “Okay, I think we’re done.” She turned and looked this way and that. “Cassandra? Where’s my camera bag?”
Jake and Tate watched as a pretty brunette rushed to Melanie’s aid. “Wow, so this is what surrounded you in New York? How come I wasn’t?” Tate commented as the family dispersed, preparing to leave.
“Because you were so busy working, you never went anywhere, and you were only there a couple of weeks,” Jake said and brushed at his tuxedo. He looked at Casey and smiled. “Hello, wife.”
She laughed. “Hello, husband. Are we ready to go?”
His eyes raked over her. She wore a simple, white, sleeveless gown trimmed in pearls. The dress had cost a fortune, but her father wanted her to have the best for her wedding day. He’d also purchased them a European cruise, which was beyond wonderful. Jake could never afford such a thing on his own. He just hoped he didn’t get seasick.
“How ‘bout that Cassandra, huh?” Tate said and elbowed Jake in the ribs. “Think I should dance with her at the reception?”
“Dance with whoever you want,” Jake quipped. “While you’re at it, why not dance with Melanie? She’s nice.”
“I don’t know, I’m kind of leaning toward her assistant.”
Casey watched her friend Melanie with Cassandra, who was there to help out with the wedding pictures. “She’s a model.”
“She is?” Tate said with interest.
“She just started modeling for Mel this year. She went with her to Mexico to shoot the look book for my designs.”
“So that’s why I never saw her when I was at Dixie’s,” Tate said.
“Hard to do since she was in Mexico,” Casey said with a smile. She took Jake’s hand. “Well, are you ready for this? Dad has a limo waiting.”
Jake blew out a long breath. “I was ready to marry you months ago. This, on the other hand,” he said and waved at the church festooned in flowers, “I’ve never been ready for. Your dad spared no expense. Kind of makes me feel guilty.”
“Why? The bride’s family often pays for the wedding,” she said. “Wait until you see the reception.”
“I hope the sight of everything doesn’t make me dizzy. Your dad’s a generous guy.”
“He tries.” She wrapped an arm around one of his. “Did he tell you he’s taking driving lessons?”
“Thank heaven for that!” Jake said with a laugh. “You’ll have competition. You’re a better driver now than he is.”
“I know, but after lessons, he may have me beat,” she said with a laugh. “Thank you for teaching me.” She stood on tip-toe and gave him a kiss.
Jake pulled her into her arms. “Thank Grandpa Joe.”
“Grandpa Joe?”
“Yes, if he hadn’t left us Dixie’s, you and I would never have met.”
Casey smiled as she looked into his dark eyes, “You’re right. “Thank you, Grandpa Joe.”
“For everything,” Jake whispered, dipped his head, and kissed his bride.
About the Author
Kit Morgan, aka Geralyn Beauchamp, lives in a log cabin in the woods in the wonderful state of Oregon. She grew up riding horses, playing cowboys and Indians and has always had a love of Westerns! She and her father watched many Western movies and television shows together, and enjoyed the quirky characters of Green Acres. Kit’s books have been described as “Green Acres meets Gunsmoke,” and have brought joy and entertainment to thousands of readers. Many of her books are now in audio format, performed by a talented voice actor who brings Kit’s characters to life, and can be found on Amazon, Audible.com and iTunes.
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