The crackling sounds from the fireplace grew quieter as the flames dwindled. He needed to get to bed, too. He looked forward to tomorrow and seeing the pretty blonde he’d fallen in love with.
Chapter Seventeen
Chelsea relaxed against the couch in Tuck and Laurie’s house Friday night. After everything that’d happened at the ranch earlier and with the wedding tomorrow, she’d had to force her attention on the family dinner. Every time conversation lulled, her mind drifted back to Parker.
The dinner Laurie served was wonderful and even their parents enjoyed the home-cooked meal Patty brought over earlier that day. Little Nicholas was sleeping in his daddy’s arms, his face plumper since he’d been able to come home.
Chelsea thought Mom and Dad would want to hold him more now that he was off the oxygen, but their contact with the baby had been minimal. They seemed proud of the little guy, but content to watch him while someone else held him. It made Chelsea’s heart hurt. She could only imagine how Laurie must feel about it.
Laurie and Tuck had just laid Nicholas down in his crib in their room and come back to the living room when Dad cleared his throat.
“We wanted to talk to you girls about something.” He looked to Mom and she nodded. “We’re thinking of continuing on to Ireland next week.” He turned his attention to Chelsea. “And you are going to come with us.”
Chelsea blinked at them. In all the years growing up, she and Laurie never traveled overseas with them. “What?” Laurie looked as confused as she was. “What are you talking about?”
“We’re worried about you.” Mom patted Chelsea’s hand awkwardly. “We’ve tried talking to you, and you don’t realize the position you’ve put yourself in.” She shook her head as if she were pitying a small child. “You’re working for a temp agency. And I don’t care how much you try to talk up your apartment, no one should be living in that part of town. You need to come travel with us for a while. See what else the world has to offer. Dad has a lot of contacts in London. Your great aunt lives there, and we’ve already spoken with her. She’s agreed that you can come and stay with her for a year or two.”
Were they serious? Hadn’t they been listening at all? She waited, certain one of them would laugh at their joke. But their serious expressions continued to bore into her.
That was it. She’d spent her life doing everything she could to make her parents happy. Maybe it was time she stood up for herself. Stood up for what she wanted in life, like her job and where she wanted to live. And Parker. Enough was enough.
“I don’t work for a temp agency anymore. I got hired on permanently at a local cattle ranch as their coordinator.”
Mom gasped and her eyes narrowed. “A cattle ranch? It sounds like a filthy place to work.” She turned to Dad as though she’d just heard about a death in the family. “How did this happen?”
Dad shook his head. He pointed to Chelsea. “You will come to Ireland with us, young lady. We didn’t hire the best tutors and put you through college for you to be a ranch hand.”
Chelsea leapt to her feet. “No, you didn’t. You hired the best tutors and put me through college so you didn’t have to deal with me yourself.” The anger in her voice surprised even her. “I go to work wearing boots and jeans. I’ve walked through mud, fed longhorns, and seen how the wind can go through a field and remind me of ripples on the ocean. And you know what? I love every minute of it.” She paced across the room and turned to face them again. “I hated college, Daddy. I never wanted to be a lawyer. But I kept thinking if I did everything you wanted me to do, that it’d make you proud of me.” She paused and held her breath. Please understand me. Just for once. Dad’s jaw stayed clenched, his eyes hard, while Mom stared at her as if Chelsea had grown a third eye. Chelsea’s heart fell to her feet and she swallowed down the lump in her throat. “I don’t suppose there’s really anything I can do that would accomplish that, is there?”
Laurie squeezed Tuck’s hand before rising from her seat and joining Chelsea. “You guys didn’t agree when I left to find my own way. But I did anyway and look where I am now. I have a husband who I love more than anything and a healthy son. I’ve turned my hobby into a job I enjoy.” She hugged her sister. “You can’t force Chelsea into your mold of a perfect daughter. You need to let her live her life and pursue her own dreams.”
Chelsea’s chin quivered, and she blinked away the moisture in her eyes. “For the first time in my life, I’m content with who I am. I’m happy here.”
Mom held a hand to her chest, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “How can you do this to us? Both of you? Do you not care about your father and I?”
“Of course we care, Mom.” Laurie sniffed and wiped at her eyes. Tuck went to her and took her hand in his. “You both have traveled the world. It’s always been what you’ve lived for, and we’re glad you’re content. We want you to be happy. But it is a choice that you’ve made.”
Chelsea nodded. “We’ll always be here when you come back to the States, our homes and hearts open. But we have our own choices to make and our own futures to explore. I can’t be the person you want me to be. I realize that now. And I hope, someday, you’ll understand that, too.”
Mom planted her hands on her hips. “We’ll never understand. Your father is offering to help you again and you throw it back in his face. How dare you disrespect him like that!”
Chelsea’s hold on her emotions slipped and a tear escaped. “Why can’t you understand? I don’t want your money. Or my great aunt’s attempt to help me fit back into a world in which I don’t belong. All I want — all I’ve ever wanted — is for you to accept who I am and respect me as your daughter.”
Mom was crying now. Dad jumped to his feet, pulling her along with him. “I don’t know how we raised two such ungrateful children. If you think you can do it all on your own, then you’re welcome to try.” He pointed a finger at Chelsea. “Make all the decisions you want. But when you fail, we won’t be there to bail you out. You want to do this on your own? You’ve got it.” He put a protective arm around his wife. “We’re leaving tomorrow. You both know how to reach us.”
With that, they gathered their things and left without another word.
Chelsea and Laurie stared at the door as Tuck closed it behind them.
“They’re just going to walk out on their kids? On their grandson?” Laurie was incredulous. She rubbed her upper arms. “What is wrong with them?”
Chelsea felt more relief than pain at the moment, but that’s because it was just her. But Laurie… and poor Nicholas. Chelsea turned and hugged her sister. “I’m sorry. They shouldn’t have taken this out on you. I’ll call them and —”
Laurie leaned away and shook her head fiercely. “No, you won’t. You saw them with Nicholas while they were here. They have no desire to get to know him.” Her shoulders fell. “He’ll see them at Christmas and that’s it. They’ll be strangers to him.”
Tuck joined them and pulled them both into a hug. “Are you two okay? I don’t even know what to say to this. Your parents have no idea what they’re walking out on. I feel sorry for them.” He kissed Laurie’s cheek.
Laurie sniffed and wiped away the tears. “The three of us and your family, Tuck, will be enough for Nicholas.”
“More than enough,” Chelsea agreed, drying her own face. “You know I’m going to spoil that nephew of mine rotten, right?”
Laurie laughed, the tears fading. “I sure hope so.”
Tuck let out a slow breath. “One of these days, your parents will realize what they’re missing out on. They’ll see the amazing women you both turned out to be despite how you were raised. I couldn’t be more proud of either of you.” Tuck motioned to the kitchen. “I’m pretty sure Grams sent a chocolate pie over with dinner for tomorrow. How about I get us all a slice?”
Laurie nodded and blew him a kiss. “Have I mentioned how much I love you?”
Tuck grinned then and disappeared into the kitchen.
Chelsea bu
mped her shoulder against Laurie’s. “After all these years, I suppose that conversation was bound to take place. You know what? It was horrible. But in a way, it felt good.”
“Yeah, it did, didn’t it? I’m sorry for all they’ve put you through. Don’t ever doubt yourself again, Chels.”
Chelsea released a happy sigh.
Laurie ruffled her hair. “You know what this means, don’t you?”
Chelsea shot her sister a look of mock annoyance as she tried to smooth her hair back into place. “What?”
“You’re free to go chase that cowboy of yours.”
Heat instantly traveled to Chelsea’s face as an image of Parker came to mind. “My cowboy, huh?”
Laurie waggled her eyebrows and Chelsea erupted in laughter, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time.
~
Parker fixed the cuffs of his suit and adjusted the dark green tie his mother had given him. Apparently, she’d gotten a sample of Chelsea’s dress to make sure the colors matched. No matter what the dress looked like, he was certain this color would be amazing on Chelsea.
He turned several times in front of the mirror, examining himself from all sides. It’d been some time since he’d worn a suit. It was insane that so much had changed in such a relatively short period of time.
And things would continue to change. After Dad’s death, Parker had been the man in Kara’s life. Maybe he wasn’t there for her as much as he should’ve been. He could’ve done much more if he’d stayed and worked at the ranch. But their relationship had remained intact. Now she had another man who was her focus, and that was as it should be. Ben would be there to provide for her and protect her. When she was hurting or excited about something, she’d go to Ben first before coming to Parker. He was happy for her. But he was going to miss it.
He thought about what it would be like walking her down the aisle and blinked away the moisture gathering in his eyes. It ought to be Dad walking beside her. Parker had no doubt Dad would’ve been proud of his daughter. And he hoped Dad would be proud of him, too.
Parker swiped away a tear. It was better to shed a few now and keep them at bay during the wedding. Goodness knew Mom would be crying enough for all of them.
Well, he was as ready as he was going to be. It was time to go and pick up Chelsea.
As he pulled up in front of Capturing the Moments Photography, he immediately recognized the figure standing in the window. The moment Chelsea saw him, a smile brightened her face. It reminded Parker of one of those window displays at Christmas — the kind that leaves you no option but to stop and admire it.
How long had he been staring at her? His hand went to the ignition, and he switched it off, climbing out of his SUV. As he approached the front door, Chelsea opened it and ushered him inside. He took in the floor-length dress that hugged and flowed perfectly. The shade of green brought out the color of her eyes in a way he hadn’t thought possible.
He was so intent on memorizing everything about her appearance, that it was a full minute before he realized they weren’t alone. The couple he’d seen her with outside the restaurant were watching them and the man cleared his throat. He was wearing a Kitner Police Department uniform, and she was holding a chubby baby in her arms.
Chelsea’s cheeks turned pink. “I’m sorry. Parker, this is my sister, Laurie, her husband, Tuck, and my nephew, Nicholas. Guys, this is Parker Wilson.”
Parker shook hands with them both and smiled at the baby. “He’s adorable. Chelsea’s shown me a couple of pictures of him. It looks like he’s really growing.”
Laurie beamed at him. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Parker. We came to help Chelsea get ready this morning.” She gave her sister a hug. “Have fun and call me later, okay?”
“I will.” Chelsea kissed Nicholas on the cheek and gave Tuck a hug. “Thanks, guys.”
Tuck dipped his chin at Parker. “Take care of her, now.”
Parker shook hands with the man who stood several inches taller than himself. “Yes, sir, I will.” Parker had every intention of keeping Chelsea in his sights, and he had a feeling no one messed with Tuck’s family without facing serious consequences.
He and Chelsea exited the building. She gave a last wave behind her before letting him escort her to his vehicle. “I hope this dress is okay. I probably should’ve taken a photo of it and ran it by Mrs. Wilson first. I went with a more subtle color.” The tone and speed at which she spoke revealed her nerves. “I’m sure someone else probably would’ve been better suited to go with you. It’s been several years since I’ve been to an event even close to this.”
Parker helped her into the passenger seat and paused before closing the door. “Chelsea?”
Her eyes widened as she looked at him.
“This dress couldn’t be more perfect. You are positively breathtaking.” Strangely satisfied with the rose tinge his words had painted on her cheeks, Parker closed the door.
He thought Chelsea might have questions for him during their ride to the country club, but she said nothing. He guessed it was due to nerves. His own kicked in as they pulled into the parking lot full of vehicles and people flooding to the building.
Parker walked around and offered a hand to help Chelsea out.
She adjusted the skirt of her dress. “Thank you. How’s your arm? Is it okay?”
He flexed and relaxed it. “It’s just fine. You must be some kind of a miracle worker.”
Chelsea gave a little shrug. “All I did was put a bandage on it.”
“I wasn’t referring to your first aid skills.” He winked at her, kissed the top of her hand, and gently placed it on his arm so he could escort her. The poor girl turned red and ducked her head, but not before he caught sight of the smile on her face.
They approached the large building used for events and gatherings. Everything looked like it was right out of the fairy tale movies Kara had watched as a kid. Photographers from the local newspaper had already set up right outside, taking photos of guests as they entered. Parker hurried through with a large group, hoping to keep the focus off them for as long as possible.
The moment they stepped onto the patio out back, he heard Chelsea inhale. She took in the poplar trees with trunks wrapped in white lights, white canopies covering the chairs lined up for the guests watching the ceremony, and bouquets of white and blue flowers tied perfectly with ribbon at the end of each row.
“This is incredible.” Chelsea’s words were barely above a whisper.
Parker squeezed her hand. The decorations paled in comparison to his date as far as he was concerned. He was about to steer Chelsea around a group of people when Mom approached them.
“Ah, good, you’re here.” Her focus turned to Chelsea. “You are beautiful, dear. That dress is a perfect choice for you.” She hooked an arm through Chelsea’s. “Let me show Miss Blake here to her seat. Kara needs you inside.”
Chelsea’s eyes widened. She tucked a wayward section of hair behind a delicate ear. Parker doubted anyone else detected the insecurity in her face. The woman kept herself together, and he admired that.
“Will you be okay, Chelsea?”
“I’m fine. Go. I’ll be here after the ceremony.”
It took only a moment to see she meant what she said. With a final nod, Parker headed inside in search of his baby sister. He was ushered right to her and found her wiping tears from her eyes. “What’s the matter?”
“I miss Daddy.” She sniffed and fanned at her face. “I didn’t want Mom to see me cry about this.”
He pulled her into a hug. “Shhhh. You know he’s watching down from heaven, right? He’s up there, that big crooked grin shining as bright as any star. He’ll see his baby girl walk down the aisle today. I just wish he could be here to escort you. I know that’s what you want more than anything.”
Kara hiccupped and shook her head. “I do wish he were alive. But right now, I can’t imagine anyone else walking me down the aisle.” She straightened her back and smoothed t
he front of her dress. “You’ve always been more than just a brother to me. You’ve been my protector and my best friend.”
Okay, now Parker was the one who was fighting back the sting of tears. “Kara, I…”
She put a hand over one of this. “You are one of the kindest men I know. Thank you for being here for me.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” He hugged Kara again, praying silently that this marriage would lead to a happy life for her. “We don’t have long to get you into position. You know how Mom is with her schedules.” They both laughed as they wiped away their tears. “We’d better make sure you’re ready to go.”
Preparations were finished and it was time to walk Kara down the aisle. As the music played, they waited for her maid of honor and bridesmaids to precede her and, finally, the little flower girl.
“You ready for this?” Parker placed Kara’s arm on his and squeezed it.
“You bet I am.”
Parker focused on keeping pace to the music and not tripping over anything. Kara was radiant. Then they saw the groom standing ahead, eyes full of love for his bride-to-be.
What would it be like to be in that position? To love someone — and have her love him — enough to agree to eternity? What would it be like to be standing there and see her coming toward you down an aisle, ready to be your partner for life?
As if she were a lone jewel on a sandy beach, Chelsea stood out from the crowd. His gaze rested on her face. And as the ceremony continued, Chelsea’s presence anchored him.
~
Chelsea released a contented sigh as the bride and groom shared their first kiss as a married couple. The ceremony had been beautiful and the bliss on Kara’s face — she looked like a woman who had never been happier.
The crowd of guests stood to cheer for the couple as they headed back down the aisle together. Someone stepped into the space beside Chelsea, and she knew without checking that it was Parker. “It was a beautiful ceremony. You did great out there. I would’ve tripped over my own feet.”
Finding Joy (Love's Compass Book 5) Page 17
