by Maya Banks
She glanced down at the beautiful diamond solitaire on her left hand and thumbed the band. They’d insisted she have the traditional diamond, but when she’d questioned them about the band, they’d refused to say anything. It was a surprise for the ceremony when she would bind herself to all three. She slipped the ring off and transferred it to her right hand in preparation for the band that would be given to her later.
A knock sounded on the door, and Holly turned to see Maggie Colter stick her head into the room. She smiled and motioned the other woman forward.
“How you doing, honey?” Maggie asked as she crossed the room to hug Holly. “Are you feeling all right? You’ve been through so much and those boys of mine haven’t given you any time to recover. I swear you’d think they’re worried you’re going to disappear on them.”
Holly stared back at her, and then Maggie realized what she’d said and the two women burst into laughter.
“Okay, so maybe that fear is substantiated. Still, they ought to give a woman more time to prepare for her big day.”
Holly smiled. “I don’t mind. I think I’m as anxious to make it permanent as they are. It seems like we’ve wasted so much time.” She lowered her hand to her belly. “I hate that they’ve missed so much.”
Maggie squeezed Holly’s hands and led her over to the bed. Though Holly had only met her a few days ago, she’d instantly liked this woman. Holly could see so much of her sons in her. And Maggie’s husbands had embraced Holly, telling her they were thrilled to have a daughter at last.
Their acceptance had meant more to Holly than she could have imagined. Before they’d arrived, she’d convinced herself that as long as Adam, Ethan and Ryan loved her, nothing else mattered, but it wasn’t true. She wanted to fit in. She wanted a family to feel a part of. She wanted them to feel like their sons had found the best person to complete their lives, not just someone they settled on.
“You have all the time in the world to make up for the lost time,” Maggie said gently. “You did a brave thing, and I’m grateful to you for wanting to keep my sons safe even if it bruises their male egos.”
“Are they almost done?” Holly asked, looking to the window.
Maggie rolled her eyes. “If I know my guys, they’re arguing over ridiculous details like whether it leans too far to the right or left. But the more important thing is whether you’re ready to get dressed. I’ve hung up the dress so it doesn’t wrinkle, and the flowers have arrived. All that’s left is for us to get you into the gown and your hair all done up, and you’ll be ready to get married.”
Holly took a deep breath and then impulsively, she reached out and hugged the older woman.
“What’s this?” Maggie asked with a laugh as she hugged Holly back.
Holly pulled back and tears crowded her vision.
“Hey, none of that on your wedding day,” Maggie chided. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at Holly’s cheeks.
“I just want to say thank you,” Holly said.
“What on earth for?”
“For accepting me. For making me feel so at home in your family. I can’t even begin to tell you what it means to me.”
Maggie stroked Holly’s cheek and smiled warmly. It was a smile that made Holly glow on the inside. One of those gestures that signaled the unconditional love of a mother. She missed it keenly in her own life, and she wanted to grab on to Maggie with both hands and never let go.
“You love my boys and it’s so obvious they adore you. That’s all I can ask for. Plus you’re giving me a grandchild in just a few months so that gets you serious brownie points.”
Holly laughed. “Okay, enough with all the tears. It’s my wedding day and I want to look fabulous.”
“Amen. Get into the tub and take a long soak. When you get out, I’ll have your dress laid out and we’ll do your hair.”
***
The dress was everything a woman dreamed of from the time she was a little girl imagining her big day. It was elegant, with simple lines and a lace-trimmed train. Holly had been hesitant to buy such a dress for two reasons. One, it was her second marriage, even if she’d love nothing more than to bury the first and forget it ever happened; and two, she was getting married outside, and it was strange to traipse over the terrain in the frothy confection.
But Maggie had insisted that Holly pick out her dream dress. And as Maggie pointed out to her, her sons only got married once, and she wanted to see her future daughter-in-law all decked out.
So she and Maggie had taken a trip to Denver, much to Maggie’s sons’ displeasure. They’d shopped for an entire day and returned with bags aplenty.
“Step in and let me button you up in back,” Maggie said as she held out the dress.
The material slid over Holly’s skin like a dream. It fit her perfectly and molded to the bulge in her abdomen. She couldn’t even fret over being so big and in a wedding dress, because as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, she knew she’d never looked more beautiful in her life.
She glowed from head to toe and her eyes were bright with joy and excitement. She looked every bit as happy as she felt.
“Oh my dear, you look stunning,” Maggie breathed. “My boys won’t be able to form a sentence when they see you.”
Color bloomed in Holly’s cheeks but she couldn’t take her eyes away from the woman in the mirror. The woman staring back at her had the look of someone who knew she was loved.
“Let’s brush out your hair. I’m going to put it partially up and leave the rest down. It’s so long and gorgeous.”
Holly perched on a stool as Maggie fussed over her hair, pinning it here and there and taking meticulous care to have every strand in place. When she was finally done, she reached for Holly’s shoes and slipped them onto her feet.
“You’re all set. I’ll go see if they’re ready for you, but if I know my sons, they’re pacing and checking their watches.”
Holly swallowed nervously and nodded as Maggie headed for the door. Silence surrounded her as she took in several steadying breaths. She wasn’t nervous. Impatient, yes, but not nervous. This was the first day of her new life. A life with three men who loved her beyond measure. At times she couldn’t grasp how fortunate she’d been to find such a love.
Maggie returned, a broad smile on her face. “As I suspected, they’re chomping at the bit. I’ll help you to the door and then Morgan will escort you to where your men wait for you.”
Holly rose and excitement fluttered through her stomach and into her throat. She took Maggie’s extended hand and squeezed tight. Lifting her skirts, she carefully made her way from the bedroom and down the hallway where Morgan, one of Maggie’s husbands, waited.
He smiled, and she saw flashes of Ethan in the way he looked so tenderly at her. But his eyes were Ryan’s.
He held out his arm for her to tuck her hand behind and he closed his other hand over hers. “You look beautiful, honey.”
She smiled and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek. “Thank you, Morgan.”
“Are you ready?”
She nodded and Maggie handed her a gorgeous bouquet of flowers before going out the door ahead of them. A few moments later, Morgan ushered her into the sunshine. She blinked and then looked ahead to where Adam, Ethan and Ryan stood at the arch, their other two fathers flanking them.
They took her breath away.
Morgan waited for her to get her bearings and then he led her down the winding path that was lined with flowers for the occasion. They couldn’t have picked a better day for a wedding. The earth burst with gold. The aspens were so brilliant that it hurt her eyes to look on the blaze of color.
The wind carried a hint of cold, but the sunshine splashed over her skin, taking away the chill. As she neared the arch, Ethan stepped forward to take her from his father. Ryan stepped to his other side while Adam remained where he was standing.
Caleb Colter moved under the arch and smiled at Holly and his sons. He was a handsome ma
n, with only a touch of gray to mark his years. He was quiet and intelligent, serious but always quick to offer a laugh and a smile. He would officiate the ceremony and give Holly and his sons the vows to recite to one another.
Morgan Colter moved to the side of Ryan while James Colter stood by Ethan. Adam moved in front of Holly to face her and Caleb stood just to Adam’s side so he could see all four of the participants.
As Caleb began his recitation in low, steady tones, Maggie moved up beside James and wrapped her arm around his waist. Her smile was broad, so wide-spreading that her entire face shone. Tears sparkled in her eyes and James discreetly handed her a tissue.
Holly stifled her chuckle and focused her attention on Caleb.
She solemnly vowed to be faithful to each man in turn. She promised to love them all the days of her life and beyond. For her, there would be no until death do us part. She felt firmly that their love would live on when their lives on earth were at their ends.
Then each man turned her to face him and held her close, his gaze locked with hers, and recited a vow to love and cherish, to protect and hold sacred her love, and above all to remain faithful all the days of their lives and beyond.
And then Ethan took her hand and carefully slipped an intricately woven band onto her ring finger. She stared down at it, turning it this way and that in the sun. It was a tricolor ring with thin ropes intertwined and connected in a never-ending circle. But in addition to the traditional tricolor set-up, a fourth ribbon was woven through the middle in platinum.
It was them. The four of them. Inexorably tied together. It was so beautiful it made her heart ache. She glanced up at the three men and was overwhelmed by the love shining in their eyes.
“I’ve waited a long time for this day,” Caleb said as the four turned once again to him. “To welcome a daughter into our family and know that my sons had found their mate at last. All I ask is that you love well and be happy. It’s all a father could ever want for his children. And now you may kiss your bride, sons.”
Ethan captured her lips in a long, hot kiss. He framed her face with his hands and held on as he breathed into her mouth. When he let her go, Ryan turned her into his embrace and scorched the air right out of her lungs. He was hungry and his body trembled against hers as his hands ran up and down her back.
“I love you,” Ryan whispered. “God, I love you so much.”
“I love you too,” she whispered back.
Adam waited for her to pull away from Ryan and then he gently enfolded her into his embrace. For the longest time he stood there, just holding her, his hand molded to her belly. Then finally he pulled back just enough to kiss her, his lips sweeping tenderly over hers.
“Welcome home, baby. Welcome back to where you belong.”
She closed her eyes and raised her face to the sun. When she opened them, the sky spread out above her in a blaze of blue magnificence.
Home.
She twirled around, her delighted laughter echoing over the land. Ethan grinned and caught her hand, aiding her as he turned her under his arm. Ryan joined in her laughter and Adam rocked back on his heels, a satisfied smile across his face.
“I’m home,” she cried.
Then she launched herself into Ethan’s arms. He caught her up and whirled her around just as he had the week before when she’d first returned.
This time no one reprimanded him. They were too caught up in Holly’s joy. It was a day that no one in the Colter family would ever forget. It was the day when so much joy was shared that years later, just thinking back would bring a warm smile to their faces.
It was the day Holly Colter embarked on her new life with the three men who loved her as passionately as she loved them.
Callie’s Meadow
Maya Banks
Chapter One
Some secrets weren’t meant to be shared right away. Some were meant to be held close and savored, enjoyed with the giddy knowledge that something wonderful was happening.
Holly Colter watched from the back door as her husbands and sons rode into the corral and dismounted. Michael, the middle child, immediately ran for Holly, his face alight with excitement.
“Mama!” he bellowed. “Guess what we found?”
Holly caught the six-year-old into a fierce hug and kissed the top of his head. “What did you find?”
Dillon, the youngest, wedged himself between Michael and Holly and threw his arms around her legs. “We found elk antler sheds!”
“Dillon! I was telling Mama,” Michael shouted.
Dillon grinned and stuck out his tongue. Holly shook her head and pushed them to either side of her or a scuffle would ensue.
Seth approached with Ethan, a disapproving frown on his face as he surveyed his two younger brothers. Michael and Dillon exchanged glances, and just like that, their loyalties once again aligned as they conspired against their oldest brother.
Before Holly could call a warning or a reprimand, Dillon and Michael shot toward Seth. Seth let out a war cry as he went down under the two boys.
Holly closed her eyes and sighed. Ethan chuckled as he pulled her into his arms. “I’m not going to ask how much you enjoyed your day to yourself.”
She opened her eyes and tilted her chin up to receive his kiss. She smiled as he let his lips linger over hers. “I won’t lie. I stayed in bed until noon. I only showered and dressed a half hour ago.”
Ethan groaned. “I’m jealous. The urchins were up at the ass crack of dawn.”
She laughed. “I heard them despite the fact y’all tried really hard to herd them out of the bedroom before they woke me up. They were a little excited about their ride with the dads this morning.”
Ethan lifted his eyebrow. “A little? I don’t think they slept last night. I expect they’ll crash at any time.”
She snuggled into Ethan’s side and watched in amusement as Ryan and Adam tried in vain to separate the boys. Adam finally shook his head, threw up his hands and headed to the house, leaving his sons on the ground.
“You’re going straight into the bathtub when you come in,” Holly called.
Ryan sauntered up, a grin on his handsome face. “Yes ma’am, but only if you join me.”
She rolled her eyes. “I meant those hoodlums you call your children.”
“My children? Hell, it wasn’t my idea to have so many.”
“Well, it wasn’t mine,” Ethan countered.
“What are we arguing about?” Adam asked.
“Your children,” Ryan and Ethan said at the same time.
Holly laughed and went into Adam’s arms. He hugged her fiercely and dropped a kiss on her brow.
“How the hell did I get blamed for the heathens?” Adam asked.
“Well I damn sure didn’t get pregnant by myself,” she said. “And none of you are claiming responsibility.”
“Mama!” Seth bellowed. “Make Michael and Dillon leave me alone!”
Holly sighed and shoved past Adam, Ryan and Ethan. She walked over to where Seth was struggling under the weight of both Michael and Dillon, and Dillon was yelling like a banshee as he spurred Seth like a horse.
“Didn’t you get enough horseback riding?” she asked in exasperation. “Dillon, get off your brother. I want all three of you inside and in the bathtub right now.”
Dillon scrambled off of Seth, and Seth and Michael rose with sheepish looks on their faces.
“Yes, ma’am,” they mumbled as they trudged off to the house.
She glared at Adam, Ryan and Ethan as she herded the boys past them, but their laughter followed her inside.
“I missed you, Mama,” Dillon said as he wrapped his dirty arms around her legs.
Her heart melting, she leaned down and kissed his forehead. “I missed you too, you little imp. I missed all of you. Did you have fun?”
She was then treated to three boys all chattering at the speed of light as they described their horseback ride up the mountains and onto the plateau where their dads hunted elk every fa
ll.
They stripped down, and Dillon and Michael hopped into the tub while Seth gave them a superior look and headed for the shower.
“Only babies take baths,” Seth said scathingly. “Men take showers.”
Michael took immediate offense. “Mama takes baths!”
“Yeah, but she’s a girl,” Dillon pointed out.
Holly stifled her laughter. “Get cleaned up and into clean clothes. We’ll have an early dinner tonight.” She didn’t add that they would eat early because the boys would pass out as soon as they finished their dinners. It would be like waving a red flag under a bull’s nose.
She left them to their baths and went to find her husbands.
“Hey, baby,” Adam said when she went into the kitchen. He pulled her into his arms and gave her a long, leisurely kiss. She sighed and rested her head against his chest. “Enjoy your day?”
“I did but I missed all of you too. It was too quiet! Did you guys have a good time? Male bonding and all of that?”
Adam chuckled. “The boys were so excited I think they wore the horses out with all their nervous energy.”
Ethan entered the kitchen and pulled a beer out of the fridge. “Who’s cooking tonight?”
“I thought I would,” Holly offered.
Adam blanched. Ethan winced. From the doorway came, “Oh hell no.”
She glanced up to see Ryan looking at her with a horrified expression.
“What?” she asked innocently.
Adam narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Exactly what were you thinking to cook?”
She grinned. “Takeout from Maebelle’s?”
Ethan visibly relaxed. Ryan was less subtle. He sighed in exaggerated relief and muttered, “Thank God.”
She glared at Ryan. “I’m not that bad a cook.”
He raised an eyebrow.
Ethan laughed. “Yes, you are, doll, but we love you anyway. We’ve established in the last eight years that cooking is not your strong point.”
