Brides Of Privilege (v1.3)

by Kasey Michaels

  William saw the tears sparkling on his mother’s lashes, and heard the way his father’s voice trembled. It occurred to him that these two old people had paid a much dearer price than he. For while he’d grown up, they’d grown old. While he had discovered new strengths inside himself, his father had discovered his own weaknesses.

  He touched a hand to his father’s shoulder. “I long dreamed of this day. I spent many sleepless nights, imagining a loving reunion. And then, after more years, I’d given up hope of ever hearing such words from you. You’ll never know what it means to me to know that I’ve earned back your love and respect.”

  “Then you’ll bring your bride to live with us?” The old man’s eyes lit with hope. “You’ll take your rightful place as heir to my title and take over the care of our estates?”

  William’s tone gentled. “I’m not the man I was when I left, Father.”

  The old man took a step back, staring at the stranger who was his son. “I don’t understand. What are you telling me, William?”

  “Only this. Though I rejoice in your offer, Molly and I share a dream, Father. Of starting a new life in a new land. A land where a man is judged, not by his wealth or titles, but by the goodness in his heart. Where a man can succeed not because of his name, or the cut of his clothes, but by his willingness to work hard.”

  “You would turn your back on family for some... misadventure?’’

  William shook his head. “I’ll always be proud to be called the son of the earl of Redbridge. But as for the title and the estate, I think they should rightfully go to my brother. I’ve learned to like being called simply Mr. Colton.” He turned to his new bride. “Do you still dream of going to the New World, Molly my love?”

  Her eyes were wide with wonder. “Would we take Duncan and Tyler with us?” She glanced over at the old man and lad, who were wearing matching looks of amazement.

  “Aye, for they’re part of our family now. But only if they’re willing to risk it.” He looked over. “What say you?”

  The old man’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve heard grand things about the place called America.” He nudged his grandson. “Would you like to take part in an adventure, lad?”

  “Aye, sir.” The boy’s eyes danced with excitement. “How soon can we go?”

  William turned to his parents, seeing the confusion and disappointment in their eyes. “Someday soon, I think. But first I suggest we return to my childhood home and have the reunion we’ve all longed for. I’ll look over my father’s property, and do what I can to see it improved. For whatever time it takes, I’ll put all my efforts into restoring not only my family’s wealth, but their love as well.”

  William caught Molly’s hands in his and looked into her eyes. “In the space of an hour you’ve become the bride of a titled gentleman, and you’re being asked to risk a life of privilege and power for a dream.”

  She touched a hand to his cheek in a gesture so endearing, he felt his heart overflow with love. “Oh, my darling. As long as it’s a dream we both share, we risk nothing.”

  He gathered her close, amazed at the feelings he had for this one small female. Because of her, his life had changed forever. He’d once believed that all that mattered was wealth and title, and a return to his former life. But now he’d found so much more. Laughter and love and a reason to live again. With Molly by his side, he truly believed he could have all that his heart desired.

  He caught her hand and started down the aisle, with his beaming parents on either side of them, and his friends trailing happily behind.

  What a strange twist of fate, he thought, that had brought them all together. Each of them had been stripped of all that had once mattered. And yet here they were, with shiny new hearts overflowing with love, rejoicing in the knowledge that they would soon embark on a journey to a new land.

  But of all the fine adventures to come, William thought with a smile, marriage to Molly would surely prove to be the greatest one of all.

  DESTINY’S BRIDE

  by Carolyn Zane

  To the authors of the entire Colton series, whose e-mails kept me not only sane, but laughing hysterically. You are a classy bunch of dames. Likewise, you wonderfully wacky editors who put this project together. I’m baking you all a delicious batch of Prozac cookies.

  Thank you, Lord, for the valleys, for therein lies the fertile ground for growth.

  Chapter 1

  Situated high on a cliff above northern California’s spectacular sun-drenched coast, a medieval-looking Spanish-style church bustled with prewedding activity. Ocean breezes wafted through lacy palms and seagulls wheeled overhead, their constant cry a herald of sorts on this special occasion. The last of the wedding attendees were just now crowding through the massive mahogany doors and out onto the street as laughing groomsmen put furtive finishing touches on a black stretch limo.

  Inside the church, her hand resting lightly in the crook of the tuxedo-clad usher’s arm, Elizabeth Mansfield Sonderland waddled down the main aisle of the monolithic Prosperino Community Church’s sanctuary. With a polite nod, the usher indicated an empty seat, second pew back on the bride’s sides— right smack in the center of the row.

  Elizabeth hoped he took her grimace to be the smile she’d intended. Obviously, the handsome, yet unenlightened, young man had never been six months pregnant before. Behind her the church was standing room only, so this show would undoubtedly provide the prenuptial entertainment for the fidgeting throng.

  She filled her lungs, then exhaled, hoping to somehow shrink, and proceeded to squeeze past pointy knees, tread on shiny shoes and with her belly, knock askew a hat in the front row.

  “Sorry.” Cheeks pink, she patted her tummy. “Baby on board.”

  Folks’ smiles were indulgent. Finally, she squeezed in next to a grandmotherly type whose gaze flitted from her burgeoning midsection to the aisle to her bare ring finger. Though the woman schooled her face into a polite mask, Elizabeth knew she was searching for the baby’s father.

  She wanted to say, “He’s not coming, as he finds marriage and babies distasteful,” but figured that this was neither the time nor place. So, instead Elizabeth chirped an airy “Hello,” and then, erecting a wall of serene maternal bliss between them, focused on the altar.

  Her dear friend and boarding school roommate, Savannah Hamilton, was taking the plunge again, this beautiful late April afternoon, with the devastatingly handsome business tycoon, Harrison Colton. The couple had wed two weeks ago in Reno, so this wedding was for their family and friends. Though she was thrilled for her friend, Elizabeth couldn’t help but harbor serious doubts about the institution of marriage.

  Vows, even ones taken twice, weren’t necessarily the stuff of happiness. Nor eternal bliss.

  Then again, simply because her own marriage hadn’t worked out didn’t mean Savannah’s wouldn’t. Disgusted, Elizabeth ground her teeth and silently chided herself for allowing negative thoughts during this joyous occasion. Marshaling her concentration, she forced herself to shift out of her pessimistic mode. There would be time enough to nurse regrets for the rest of her life.

  Today, she was here to celebrate.

  After a bit, the tempo of the string quartet’s music changed and the ushers escorted Harry’s mother and grandmother to the front of the church. Once they were seated, the groom, followed by his brother and a plethora of groomsmen emerged onto the altar and turned to face the crowd. A little girl walked down the aisle, working the crowd, a bit of a dance skip in her step as she flung flower petals hither and yon. She was followed by a ring bearer and then a slow and steady parade of bridesmaids.

  Had she not been pregnant Elizabeth would have been fitted for one of the beautiful deep purple satin bridesmaid gowns, but alas, it would never fit her generous curves. Savannah’s cousin Brenda was wearing what would have been the dress now, as she was a perfect size eight and Elizabeth, well, Elizabeth was a perfect size Volkswagen bug.

  The music stalled. The crowd inhaled c
ollectively, then stood as pounding piano chords signaled the bride’s arrival. Elizabeth struggled to her feet to watch Savannah glide down the aisle on the arm of her uncle. When at last the beautiful bride was standing next to her groom, the age-old “dearly beloved, we are gathered together to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony” caused Elizabeth’s eyes to sting and her throat to burn.

  The sweet expression on Harrison’s face as he gazed at his bride was so touching. The lump in her throat grew and too late Elizabeth realized that she’d neglected to pack tissues in her purse. After a fruitless search, she dabbed at her cheeks with her wrists. Her gaze darted about for a scrap of something, anything, with which to blow her nose. She was about to use a welcome card tucked into the hymnal holder when the grandmotherly woman at her side loaned her a lacy handkerchief. Elizabeth cast her a grateful glance, then proceeded to blubber into it like a baby.

  Hormones.

  Had to be. She was usually never this sentimental. Blinking rapidly, she tried to forestall the tide and keep her mascara firmly on her lashes, but it was a losing battle.

  As she fought for composure, the best man caught her eye and grinned. She answered with a watery smile and he winked. For a nanosecond, they shared a silent communication. A bond, of sorts, though they were virtual strangers. He inclined his head, ever so slightly, and Elizabeth felt as if they’d shared a lengthy conversation on the tenuous sanctity of love and new beginnings. In that moment, they were simply two people wanting the best for two other people.

  Gracious, was he handsome.

  Jason Colton. This much, she knew. He was the groom’s drop-dead gorgeous brother.

  Elizabeth had never shared more than a passing nod of acquaintance with Jason, but more than once Savannah had raved about her future brother-in-law, touting his upstanding moral character and his kind heart. Lips quivering, Elizabeth bit back a sob. He did seem very nice. She sniffed and scrubbed at her face with the inadequate wisp of lace. So very, very nice. At least from where she sat, back here in the second row. After all, he’d winked flirtatiously at her, and there was no disguising the fact that she was, at only six months, already great with child.

  And, if the expression on his face was anything to go by, he appeared to be as struck, albeit dry-eyed, by the poignancy of this tender moment as she was. His Adam’s apple bobbed above his bow tie, and the muscles in his jaw flexed. Legs spread for balance, hands clasped behind his back, he glanced at the floor, then to the ceiling. After seeming to study the ornate carvings overhead, he swallowed and looked back at his brother and Savannah with an expression that spoke of such love.

  Of family ties.

  And a yearning perhaps?

  Elizabeth couldn’t tear her eyes off him.

  Savannah liked to say that her future brother-in-law was one of those rare birds who was as beautiful on the inside as he was handsome on the outside.

  And he was single, she had confided, flabbergasted that as of yet, no one had reeled him in.

  A ragged sigh hiccuped past Elizabeth’s lips. Jason did seem like he’d make a nice groom. Too bad she hadn’t married him four years ago instead of the handsome-on-the-outside-only Mike Sonderland. Not, of course, that it would have made a bit of difference in the long run. She gave her head a little shake. Daydreaming about Jason Colton was stupid, knowing what she knew about her family’s dark history with the Coltons.

  The ceremony passed in a blurry time warp and before Elizabeth could regroup and drag herself back to reality, Savannah and Harrison were married and striding, arm in arm, down the aisle to begin a new life together. The best man and the matron of honor were next and, as Jason passed her pew, he made a point of smiling directly at her. Elizabeth felt her cheeks flush, but persuaded herself it was only a prenatal hot flash of some kind.

  Elizabeth turned to press the damp handkerchief back into her elderly seatmate’s hand, but the woman patted her arm and said, “You keep it, honey. I have a feeling you’re going to need it again.”

  Deciding to decipher the subtext later, Elizabeth nodded. “Thank you.”

  * * *

  In the church’s grand foyer, the wedding party had already formed a receiving line by the time Elizabeth had been swept back down the aisle by the crowd. Falling into place, she stood, waiting her turn to impart her best wishes.

  Savannah squealed when she saw her.

  “Elizabeth! I’m so glad you were here to share this moment with me!”

  “Oh, honey, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I’m so happy for you. It was a beautiful ceremony.”

  “It was, wasn’t it? I can’t believe we managed to put it together in two weeks. I’m just glad it’s over!” Savannah laughed and her new husband swept Elizabeth into his embrace.

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  “Harrison, you always know just what to say to a woman. Is it too late for us?’’ Elizabeth teased and reached up to lightly pat his cheek.

  “Sad, but true.” He winked at his wife and touched her hand as if afraid he might wake up from this dream and find her gone. “Savannah is my better half now, but I sure hate to let a dishy fish like you wiggle off the line. Maybe we could be in-laws someday.” He grinned and jerked a thumb at Jason, who had just had his cheek smeared a coral pink by Elizabeth’s grandmotherly seatmate. “My brother is available. And he likes kids. Don’cha, bro?”

  “I like you, don’t I?” Jason quipped.

  “Oh, well, that’s a must in this situation.” Flustered, Elizabeth tried to keep the banter light, but embarrassment buzzed in her ears. Flirting with single men was certainly not part of her usual repartee. Especially given her condition.

  “I don’t believe we’ve formally met,” Jason said, grasping her hand and not seeming to take anything his brother said too seriously. “I’m Harrison’s older brother, Jason, and you are my dear sister-in-law’s partner in crime from the old boarding school days, I gather.”

  “Yes, I’m Elizabeth Sonderland. It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much.”

  “All good, I expect. Well, don’t believe a word of it.” His sparkling whiskey-colored eyes and minxish grin were mesmerizing.

  “Suddenly, I don’t.”

  He continued to hold her hand, seeming not to have any intention of giving it up soon. Normally, Elizabeth would have become uncomfortable with this breach of her personal space, but not now. He had no motive, other than good-natured interest in Savannah’s friend, she could just tell. His hand, so strong and warm, enveloped hers, infusing her with such a feeling of happiness. Of tightness.

  Elizabeth took a mental snapshot. It was one of those moments in time when everything seemed simply perfect. The magic of the afternoon sun streamed into the foyer from a skylight above, backlighting this golden, soft-focus tableau, and the harp music that tinkled behind them was ethereal. Birds chirped outside, a fountain bubbled inside and all around them, people were smiling and hugging and filled with sublime joy.

  Realizing that she was staring, Elizabeth blinked and a nervous giggle bubbled up from somewhere in the vicinity of the baby.

  “When are you due?” Jason inquired, and folded his other hand over the top of the hand he already held.

  “End of July.” She squared her shoulders, knowing that broad shoulders could reduce the appearance of the waistline, and then sagged. She could tell by his expression that it was a mug’s game.

  His chuckle was warm. “You’re coming along nicely.’’

  She sighed, knowing that this maternity getup did nothing to slenderize. “Thanks.”

  “Who’s your OB?”

  “Dr. Mhan.”

  “Ah. Good man. No pun intended.”

  “You know him?”

  ‘‘We interned together over at Prosperino Medical Center about five years ago.”

  “You’re an OB?” Good heavens. Elizabeth couldn’t envision peeping over the end of the table and seeing that gorgeous face smiling up at her during a prenatal exam.<
br />
  “No, I’m a GP. But I’ve delivered my share of babies.”

  “Really?”

  “Mmm. I rank those moments among the highlights of my life. Right up there with today.” His grin was so easy, so engaging, so sexy, that Elizabeth could almost believe that he was including her in this equation. “So, how have you been feeling?”

  “Pretty terrific, actually. I know a lot of women hate being pregnant, but to be truthful, I’ve never felt better, physically speaking.”

  “You’re one of the lucky ones.”

  “I guess.”

  “Getting plenty of exercise?”

  “I do those prenatal water aerobics where a bunch of us get into the pool and bob around and pretend we’re working.” She eyed him with suspicion. “Why, do I need to lose a few?” Worry niggled at the back of her mind. She knew she shouldn’t have eaten those brownies for breakfast.

  “No, not at all. You look really fit. I was wondering what your secret was.”

  “Not to interrupt your client consult, brother, but there are some people here from Europe champing at the bit to say hello to you,’’ Harrison interjected.

  Elizabeth’s heart fell. Time to move on.

  With lingering regret—real or imagined on her part—Jason let her fingers slide from his own. “Take care,” he murmured.

  “I will,” she answered, her tone equally intimate, much to her mortification. She cleared her throat. “Bye.” The word came out a little more forcefully, a little more formally, than she’d intended, but, well, que sera.