The Unforgettable Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  “Whatever you two decide is okay with me. I made my decision. You should make your own. I won’t be upset either way.”

  Josie glanced at her watch. “We’d better go to Mom’s and make sure she doesn’t need some last-minute help. I’m sure everyone who is anyone will be there tonight.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Josie had been right. Lacey and Hunter strolled around the groups of people all talking excitedly about the latest scandals, and the bills they planned to support or block. It brought back memories to Lacey that she’d rather forget, but she kept a smile on her face.

  Several people looked at her and whispered to their companions. She was fairly certain they were digging up the old scandal about her marriage and Ray’s death.

  Hunter’s arm tightened around her waist. He bent his head and scrutinized her face. “You look sad,” he said.

  “They bring up sad memories, but I’ll be okay.”

  “Hello, Lacey,” a tall blonde in a tight, low-cut dress stopped in front of Lacey. “I heard you’d moved to the Wild West.” She gave Hunter the once-over. “If you found him there, I may move myself,” she purred and placed her hand on his chest.

  Hunter firmly removed her hand and the look he gave her had her stepping back. “My, he’s so macho.”

  “He’s mine. Don’t touch him again.” Lacey surprised herself when the words came out of her mouth.

  Zelda was one of the women Lacey suspected had been with Ray at some point. Zelda put her face close to Lacey’s. “Honey, if he comes to town often that will change.” She smiled at Hunter. “Remember my name. I’ll be looking for you.”

  Lacey was never sure what prompted her to act. She held a full glass of champagne in her hand, and she pretended to step forward and trip. She bumped the not-grinning-now Zelda and Lacey’s bubbly wine soaked Zelda’s dress.

  “Excuse me, I tripped,” Lacey said.

  Hunter handed Zelda his handkerchief. He barely held back his smile. Lacey saw his lips twitch.

  “You did that on purpose,” Zelda said loudly. A group formed around her. “Lacey pushed me deliberately and ruined my dress.”

  “I stumbled. I’m so sorry my champagne wet your lovely outfit.”

  Her mother pushed her way through the group. “What happened?”

  “I accidently spilled my champagne.”

  “Your daughter attacked me on purpose. I’ll have my lawyer contacting you in the morning.” The venom in Zelda’s voice was evident to all the onlookers.

  “Since I’m Lacey’s attorney, you can have yours contact me.” Hunter handed her a card. “We’ll be going back to Wyoming soon.”

  One of the onlookers stepped forward. “I saw Lacey stumble, and I’ll testify for her, if necessary.”

  Lacey recognized the older woman. She’d been kind to her when all the uproar was going on after Ray’s fatal accident.

  Hunter smiled at the lady. “Here’s my card. Please send me your name and phone number just in case we need it.”

  “Gladly,” she said, and motioned to the others to move back. “Let’s celebrate Lacey’s parents’ anniversary. That’s why we came,” she reminded the crowd.

  Zelda frowned at Lacey and Hunter. “You deserve each other,” she sneered. “He’s a country bumpkin.” With what little dignity she had left, Zelda followed Lacey’s mother upstairs to dry her dress.

  Lacey bit her lip, trying not to laugh, but she couldn’t hold it back. “Country bumpkin?” Her sisters heard her and they all hugged and chuckled.

  Josie wiped the tears from her eyes. “I haven’t laughed so hard in years. We need to thank Zelda.”

  The rest of the party went smoothly and all the guests appeared to have a good time. Afterward, Lacey found her mother in the kitchen.

  “I’m sorry about the incident between Zelda and me. I hope it didn’t spoil the party for you.”

  Her mother smiled and hugged her. “It made it perfect. I’ve always disliked her immensely and so do the others. And I’ve wanted to do what you did several times in the past.” Her mother walked out to the large living room with her. “You may not have noticed, but the crowd watching was on your side.”

  “I didn’t realize that.”

  “Well they were. Zelda won’t talk to an attorney. She knows others besides sweet Janelle will support you.”

  “I’m relieved. I don’t want too much drama in my life anymore.”

  “What if Hunter wants to move to Washington in the future?”

  “I thought I had the answer to that question before we arrived. Now I’m not so sure.”

  “Take your time.”

  “It’s hard to go slowly. I love him, Mom.”

  “I see. Then I hope he’s truly the strong man he appeared to be tonight.”

  Hunter came out of Alex’s office. “Ready to go upstairs?” he asked.

  “Yes. I’m tired.” She kissed her mom and hand in hand they climbed the steps.

  In the bedroom, Hunter pulled her to him and kissed her hard. “I was so glad you spilled your champagne on Zelda. She’s a mean woman.”

  “I loved having your support.” Lacey cuddled against his strength.

  “Always, darlin’, always.”

  “Can we make love now?”

  Hunter unzipped her dress and pulled it over her head. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  He held her hands and stepped backward to better observe her. “I like the pink bra and matching bikini panties. They make your skin glow.” Dropping her hands, he walked around behind her and unfastened the bra. He placed it on the bedside table beside the condom package. Then he slid her panties off. He turned her toward the wall. “Hold on,” he said. Hunter lifted one foot and massaged it with firm strokes.

  “Hmm, it feels good. Those heels were killing me. I don’t wear them often enough.”

  “They do make your legs look extra sexy.” He rubbed upward along her calf, and then kissed behind each knee. At her thighs, his hands massaged all around.

  She leaned into the wall as her blood hummed with desire spreading all through her body. Her pussy throbbed with a ravenous craving to have his long cock inside her.

  The touch of his fingers massaging her buttocks made her pussy juices flow out, wetting her lower lips. As he moved along her body he rose behind her. His hands grasped her hips. He leaned in and his hard, muscled body touched her backside. His cock pulsated against her buttocks. He whispered in her ear, “Feel how hard my dick is. He wants to be buried in your tight, hot pussy.”

  Lacey turned her head to the side. “What’s he waiting for?”

  “I want you totally turned on.”

  “I am.”

  “Not yet, but you will be.” He bit the edge of her earlobe and a sizzle of insatiable lust had her body quivering.

  His lips slid down her neck, kissing and licking his way to her shoulders. Then he nibbled along each side.

  His hands cupped her breasts.

  “They are so soft and just the right size.” His thumbs pinched each nipple.

  All her thoughts were focused on her body and its reaction to this man. A fierce, almost painful elation made her shiver. “I need you. Take me!”

  He grabbed the condom and sheathed his cock, and then spun her around to face him. Hunter raised her legs around his waist.

  His eyes were an intense blue, like the sky on a very hot day. He put his cock at her pussy opening and thrust in hard.

  Lacey held onto him tight as waves of rapturous pleasure saturated her body. She followed his fast rhythm and their breaths came rapidly. Hunter didn’t take his eyes from hers. When she was at the preface of her arousal, he slowed.

  “Don’t stop.”

  “I want you to know how much I love you, and I’ll always have your back and protect you from the Zeldas in this world.” His teeth clenched and his jaw tightened. The cheekbones in his face were etched with determination, and she saw the warrior side of him he held hidden so well.

 
; “I believe you,” she said softly.

  “I’m glad.” He began to thrust in and out slowly and gradually quicker, bringing her back to the preface and over the top. A wave of joy rushed through her. She’d forgotten what true joy felt like.

  Tears came into her eyes and as though he understood, Hunter licked their saltiness off her cheeks. Then he plunged in a few more times before his cock exploded and pulsated hard against her pussy walls. Hunter held her tight in that position for several seconds before he carried her to the bed. He laid her on the soft mattress, and then he joined her and pulled her close to his side.

  He kissed the top of her head. Lacey put her head against his chest and listened as his heartbeat slowed to normal. Then Hunter picked her up and carried her into the bath.

  “We’re sweaty, and we still have a few things to discuss.” He lathered the soap and gently washed her. Then she did the same for him.

  When she held his cock in her hand, he grinned. “Be careful. I intend for us to talk tonight. If you get him too aroused, we’ll make love and have to shower again.”

  “Will too many showers hurt us?” she asked as the water rinsed the soap off of them.

  “Hell no.” He scooped her into his arms, grabbed their towels and put her down by the bed. “Dry off quickly.”

  They fell asleep afterward. Lacey woke first and checked the clock. It was seven. She and her sisters planned to talk with Mom and Alex after breakfast, in Alex’s study. She had an hour before she had to get ready. When she moved around in bed, Hunter woke.

  “Good morning, beautiful.” He leaned over her and kissed her lips.

  “Good morning, yourself.” Lacey touched his handsome face.

  “I’m going to take a quick shower alone and then you can shower,” Hunter said. “After we’re dressed we’ll sit and talk.”

  “All right, except I’ll go first. It takes me longer to get ready and breakfast is at nine.”

  “True. Go ahead and I’ll lie here and think about last night.” He grinned at her and blew her a kiss when she walked by his side of the bed.

  Once they were both ready, Lacey sat by Hunter and waited for him to begin the conversation. He took her hand.

  “Can you tell me where you went yesterday and what happened?”

  “I went to talk with Ray, at the cemetery.”

  “Did it help?”

  “Yes.” Lacey explained her reason and what she’d said to Ray. “I felt a heavy weight drop from my shoulders. I’m sure there’ll be times when a flash of memory, like what happened last night, brings the sadness back. Still, I think and hope it’ll get less and less often until it completely goes away.”

  “Kyra’s smart.”

  “She is. I’m glad Doreen convinced me to see her.” Then Lacey told him about her decision to see her biological father and that she’d invited her sisters to join her.

  “You say they want to tell your parents before deciding?”

  “Yes, and I agreed. We’ll talk with them in private after breakfast. Tell me how your day went.”

  “I’m a fair golfer, so I didn’t make a fool of myself. Alex has almost convinced me that if I want to, in a few years I could be a United States Senator and look toward the presidency. He’s a charming man who I suspect likes to get his way.”

  “He has the money and influence to help a man go as far as he wants. Ray’s follies stopped his climb and Alex disliked him intensely for it. What do you want, Hunter?”

  “I want you for my wife before anything else. I’d like to win the Senate race in Wyoming. Last night showed me a small picture of what living in Washington would entail. I told Alex it wasn’t for me. He’s not convinced he can’t change my mind. What if I did want more in the future? Would you be by my side?”

  “I’m confused. I do love you, but after last night I’m not sure I could live here and be a wife to a senator, or heaven forbid, a president’s wife. Still, I’d never want to stop you from pursuing your dreams.”

  “I’m glad you love me. We’ll work on the trust a bit more. Not that I think there’s much chance I’d want to live here either.” Hunter checked his watch. “We’re due downstairs.” He put his arm around Lacey’s waist as they headed down the stairs. “Relax and enjoy your family. Don’t worry.”

  Lacey stopped on the steps and kissed him. She stared into his gorgeous blue eyes. Part of her wanted to throw her body at his and beg him to marry her. But the other part was frightened and confused. Still, if she walked away from him, would she ever be happy again?

  Chapter Fourteen

  “You want to meet with your father?” Lacey’s mom stared at her three daughters. Her expression was a mixture of anger and surprise. “Why?”

  Alex put his arm around his wife. “It’s all right and perfectly normal,” he reassured her. “Many adult children need to see and talk with the father who left them.”

  “I’m not sure I need to,” Renee said. “You’re the only father I know or want,” she added, looking at Alex.

  “I appreciate you feel that way about me, but I think it’s a good idea for all three of you to talk with him.”

  Their mom jerked her head around to look at Alex. “You do?”

  “Yes. He is their biological father. There must be questions you all want to ask him.”

  “I suppose you’re right,” their mom said. “But I don’t want either of you to decide to live in Pleasure Valley. You have good jobs right here.”

  “We can’t promise you anything, Mom. It’ll be interesting to see the town. I’m getting tired of the bustle and the traffic in the city. It might be a pleasant surprise,” Josie said. Her mother and sisters stared at her.

  “Are you serious?” Lacey asked. “I’d love to have family nearby.”

  “Hunter mentioned a possible job on their big ranch. It sounds interesting.”

  Frowning at all three daughters, their mother turned and stomped out of the room.

  “She’ll be all right, once she gets used to the idea. I realize you have to make your own decisions,” Alex said. Then he walked out.

  “That didn’t go so well,” Renee muttered.

  “What do you two think?” Lacey asked. “Are you going to come to Pleasure Valley for a visit?”

  “I am,” Josie said. “But I’ll have to put in for vacation first. It’ll probably be about two weeks before I can be there.”

  Renee shook her head. “I’m going to pass this time. Maybe later I’ll want to visit. We’ll see. Right after your birthday party, Josie, I’m going to leave. I have laundry and some other things to take care of before work tomorrow.”

  “I understand,” Josie hugged her sister. “Don’t worry about your decision. You never knew our other dad. At some point you may change your mind.”

  Renee shook her head. “I doubt it. Now I may visit to meet some of Hunter’s brothers. But that would be the only reason.”

  When Renee left the room, Josie and Lacey sat in the two chairs in front of Alex’s desk.

  “Would you ask Hunter if I could be interviewed while I’m in Wyoming?”

  “I will. But are you certain you want to make such a drastic change? You could look for another job here.”

  “I want to live where it’s quieter and there are wide open spaces. I didn’t realize it until you reminded me of our time in Pleasure Valley.”

  “Then come and stay with me. We’ll meet Dad and you can find out if you want to live there.”

  “It sounds good. I’ll put in my vacation request tomorrow. I have six weeks saved. I’ll take it all.”

  “It is your birthday. We’d better go dress for the party,” Lacey said.

  “Another fattening buffet, but I love the delicious food. I’ll go to the gym after work tomorrow,” Josie said.

  “You look great.”

  “I have to work at it. I’m two inches shorter than you.” As they walked out of the room, Josie added, “I can’t believe I’m thirty-three today. I always thought I’d b
e married with children by this time.”

  “Have you ever been tempted?” Lacey asked.

  “No, and especially not after your experience, but I do like Hunter. He’s totally different than Ray.”

  “Yes, thank goodness.”

  Josie started up the stairs. “See you at my birthday party.”

  * * * *

  Hunter held Lacey’s hand as the plane took off. It was dusk and Lacey watched the colors from the sunset change as they headed toward Wyoming.

  “Did you enjoy yourself?” Hunter asked.

  “I did, how about you?”

  “I had a good time. I like your family and Alex is a good man. He took the three of you on and raised you, saw you had a good education, and wasn’t upset that you want to meet your biological dad.”

  “Mom was shocked and angry at first. She’s come around and given us her blessing. Still, she’s fearful of losing another daughter to Pleasure Valley.”

  “Have you decided to definitely stay?” he asked.

  “I’m almost certain.”

  “What can I do to tip you over the edge?” Hunter asked, grinning.

  “I’ll think of something.”

  “You’re looking forward to Josie’s visit.”

  “Yes. Can you arrange the interview while she’s visiting?”

  “I talked to Heath just before we left your parents’ house. He said he’d come to Pleasure Valley, which will make Mom happy, and he and Cort can interview her at the same time.”

  “Great. I’ll call her when I get home. Thanks for going with me.”

  “It was my pleasure.” He kissed her hand, and whispered in her ear. “I got a lot of loving.”

  Lacey put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. The weekend had been tiring and emotional. Hunter’s warm embrace soothed her.

  * * * *

  When Hunter kissed the top of her head and she didn’t stir, he knew she’d fallen asleep. He was tired, but he wanted this time to think. He had no doubts about his love for Lacey. Still, he planned on running for senator and maybe governor. Lacey had indicated she’d be all right with state politics, but he knew how much it’d cost her if they went to Washington. There’d be gossip about her first marriage from people like Zelda.