by Amy Lillard
Jake had known Ethan Davis practically his whole life, and yet here the man was about to marry him and Bryn. Jake couldn’t say it was less than strange. But he leaned in as Ethan prattled on with the traditional set of vows. This wasn’t a traditional marriage and it needed a little more than that.
“I think you’re beautiful. I hate camping. And I’m glad you’re standing up here with me,” Jake whispered to her.
Somehow her smile stayed on her lips as her forehead wrinkled into a frown. “What?” she whispered in return.
He repeated his two truths and a lie.
“I know what you said. Why did you say it?”
But he didn’t have time to respond as Ethan turned back to the two of them. He instructed them to take each other’s hands. Bryn’s hands were ice cold and her fingers shaky as he clasped them in his own.
“Bryndalyn Carol Talbot, do you take this man . . .”
Jake hardly listened as he stared into those chocolate brown eyes. They could do this. Somehow, someway, they would get through this. Together. Just like Seth and Jessie.
“I do.” Her voice was just one decibel above a whisper. But it was enough for Jake. He squeezed her fingers reassuringly, lifting each hand to his lips in turn.
A collective sigh sounded from the audience. But he hadn’t done it for them. Everything was for the woman in front of him.
“Do you, Jacob Dwight Langston, take this woman . . .”
“I do.”
“Then repeat after me,” Ethan instructed. “With this ring I thee wed. . . .”
Jake repeated the vows to Bryn as Seth stepped forward and handed him the ring. Jake slipped it on her finger and smiled as she gasped in surprise. Yes, they had agreed to plain wedding bands, but he had taken the opportunity to buy something more, a beautiful, clear-cut, one-carat diamond, round with two baguette stones on either side. It was big enough to show that his intentions were good. But not so big that she could complain.
But she would, because that was just his Bryn.
“Jake,” she whispered in protest, but her eyes sparkled. The ring was beautiful, elegant, and lovely.
He leaned in a little closer, until their foreheads almost touched. “This is for real, Bryn. And you need a ring to symbolize that.”
Ethan looked at each one of them in turn, a confused frown puckering at his brow. “Are you ready to continue?” he asked where only the two of them could hear.
Tears filled Bryn’s eyes, but she nodded.
“Yes,” Jake said.
“Bryn, repeat after me.”
Rick stepped forward and supplied Bryn with the ring she would slip on Jake’s finger. The gold felt heavy there. It’d been five years since he’d worn a ring. And only then when he wasn’t working. Which was hardly ever. Sometimes he’d forget it, and Cecelia would get angry. He hadn’t meant anything by it. But tonight he would wear the ring. In the morning he would take it off and replace it with a silicone band that he had gotten at the jewelry store when they got their other rings. He wanted Bryn to have the traditional ceremony.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Jake looked back to Bryn. She started to tremble anew.
“You may kiss your bride,” Ethan prompted.
Jake stepped forward and cupped Bryn’s face in his hands. How long had it been since he’d kissed her? Since before the lawyer’s office. Before their argument over custody, before she caved in and agreed to marry him. But now, she was his. Her hands flew to his, circling his wrists as he leaned in for his kiss.
Her lips trembled beneath his, but they tasted sweet. Oh-so sweet. And he wanted that kiss to go on for ever and ever. He raised his head, tilted it the other direction, and swooped in to finish the kiss.
Someone in the crowd whistled while someone else yelled, “Get a room.”
“Looks like they already have.”
Jake chuckled and lifted his head. “Are you sure you’re ready for this town?”
Bryn smiled. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Chapter Eighteen
The reception was held in the bonus room at the VFW. It was by no means fancy, but it was warm and welcoming. Esther and Evelyn had set up all of the traditions, including cutting the cake together and the first dance.
Jake was entirely too sweet, feeding her a tiny bite of cake on his fork without any intention of smashing it into her face. Which left her no choice but to do the same. Pity, she would love to have smeared cake right up his nose.
Once everybody had cake, punch, and those little ham and cheese pinwheels from the freezer section of the grocery store, Grandma Esther pulled out the music.
Anne Murray crooned “Could I Have This Dance” as Jake waltzed Bryn around the small space set aside for dancing.
He leaned close. “You’re a wonderful dancer.”
She moved near as well. “I am not. I’m so ungainly right now it’s not even funny.”
He gently twirled her around and took her back into his arms, never missing a beat. “I’ve seen you dance and you’re graceful.”
“When have you seen me dance?” She pulled back so she could see his face.
“In the kitchen. With Wesley.”
She smiled with the memory. But where had he been as he watched? “I hardly think that qualifies as dancing.”
“You said dancing was your favorite.”
“Dancing is like freedom.”
“It’s your turn, by the way.” He twirled her once again.
“To dance?”
“Two truths and a lie.”
She grinned. “I thought you had forgotten about that.”
“Not a chance. Aren’t we supposed to be getting to know each other better?”
“Right. Okay let me see.” She thought about it a moment. “I’m worried about our marriage. I love brussels sprouts. And I hate this ring.”
He stumbled, then caught himself. “I really hope you like brussels sprouts.”
She grinned up at him. “As a matter of fact, I do.”
He ran his thumb across the ring he’d placed on her finger not half an hour ago. “I wanted you to have something special.”
She nodded. “It is special. And so very beautiful. Thank you.”
He leaned his forehead against hers as they continued to dance. The rest of the town watched. “So why are you worried about our marriage?”
“You’re not?”
“I see no reason to worry. We can only do what we can do. One day at a time, you know.”
“That hurt me. The day in the lawyer’s office,” she admitted.
“I know. And I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you. All I ever wanted was what was best for these two babies coming into the world.”
“I know that now. But at the time . . .”
“So all is forgiven?”
“I think it has to be. We can’t start a marriage at each other’s throats for custody.”
“So true.”
She tilted her head back, staring into those green eyes. “I want us to have a chance, Jake. Everybody went to so much trouble to make this wedding beautiful and somehow managed to pull it off in no time at all. You know they even got a photographer to come in from Lubbock?”
“I’m not surprised.”
“Don’t you think we should honor that by trying to make our marriage work?”
He jerked back a little. “Why wouldn’t I want our marriage to work?”
“That’s not what I meant. But don’t you think we should do everything in our power to—to—”
“Fall in love?”
This time she missed a step. She crashed into him and caught several chuckles from the onlooking guests. “Not exactly. But at least try to be amicable.”
“I told you I loved you. So you don’t believe me.”
“I—I—” She couldn’t find the words. Yes, she believed he loved her but she also believed that he loved a ghost. He couldn’t get over Cecilia. And that would always stand in the way of their marriage.
She was saved from answering as the music finally came to a stop and everyone clapped. They turned to face the crowd, Jake taking a deep bow as Bryn curtsied.
“Come on, everybody,” he said, motioning toward the dance floor. “Dance with us.”
• • •
It was after ten when Jake pulled his truck in front of the ranch house. He cut the engine and looked over to his wife. His wife.
After Cecelia died, he never dreamed he would get married again. And he had vowed to never have any more kids. It was too dangerous. Too risky. Yet here he was with a wife and not one but two babies on the way. Funny how life liked to throw curveballs.
“Bryn,” he whispered, nudging her shoulder. Her head was leaned against the window and he had a feeling she’d fallen asleep. He couldn’t imagine what it was like being so pregnant and yet still managing to keep up, have a good time. She hadn’t smiled as much in the last few weeks, yet there had been a time when she was never without a smile on her face.
And whose fault is that?
His. All his. He just about ruined everything asking for custody. And that had never been his intention. He only wanted what was best for the babies and yet he almost destroyed everything he had built with this beautiful woman at his side. Thankfully, she’d had a change of heart, but there was still something holding her back. She said she had forgiven him, but he doubted that. Maybe with time . . .
“Bryn,” he said a little louder. He shook her arm. Even with the twins, she couldn’t weigh that much. He should be able to carry her to the house. But if he stumbled and fell, he would never forgive himself. No, he needed to wake her and get her into the bed.
Whoa. That was a thought he could’ve lived without. But ever since she put up that wall, he had kept his distance as well, not encroaching on her nighttime hours. But he missed her. Not just the soft way she sighed when he entered her, not just the way she breathed his name when he kissed that little spot on her neck, but the way she snuggled against him in her sleep, the way she wrapped herself around him in her dreams, the way she warmed him from the inside out.
“What?” She stirred and pushed herself up in the seat a little more. “Are we home?”
“We’re home.” The thought made his heart pound a little heavier in his chest. They were home. The two of them. They had left Wesley at the VFW with his grandmother and his mother. The two women were finishing up the last of the cleanup while Wesley napped on a cot in the corner. Bryn had said they would bring her home, but neither woman would hear any of it. The newlywed couple needed to go take care of newlywed things, as Grandma Esther put it. But there would be no newlywed things tonight. And yet he wanted to hold her so bad he could taste it.
“I’m sorry. I must’ve fallen asleep.”
“It’s okay. It’s just been a long day.”
She shot him a trembling smile. “Long day.”
He took the keys from the ignition and stepped from the truck. Then he came around to her side, opening the door and helping her to the ground.
“I don’t think I told you this today, but I like you in cowboy boots,” he said.
“Yeah?” She tilted her head back to look at him. One turn to the side and he could capture her lips in a heartbeat. But he kept walking. “It’d be nice if I could see them,” she chuckled.
“I’m sure you’ll be able to see them soon enough.”
“I’m hoping I make it through Christmas,” Bryn said.
“Or on Christmas. Just think, we could name them Noel and Holly.”
“Both terrible names for boys,” she said as she waited for him to unlock the door.
He chuckled and held it open for her. She stepped inside and he closed the door behind them, so aware of her every move, of her every breath.
“I guess it’s past time for bed,” she said.
“Yes ma’am. Five o’clock comes mighty early.” Together they turned and walked down the hallway toward their rooms.
She stopped in front of her door, stared at the handle for a minute, then turned back to him. “Is this how it’s going to be?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, we’re married now. How can we make this work in two separate rooms?” She shook her head. “That didn’t come out right. I’m not inviting you in for sex.”
“Okay.”
“I mean, I’m about the size of a barge and not very pretty these days.”
He tilted up her chin to better meet her gaze. “You’re beautiful.”
She shook her head. “You don’t have to say things like that. I’m not fishing for compliments, but it just feels really weird to spend my wedding night alone.”
“Why shouldn’t I say things like that?”
“Because you don’t need to lie to me. I’m already married to you.” She gave him a trembling smile.
He couldn’t stand it anymore. He leaned in, then lightly kissed her lips. “You’re the most beautiful person I know. You’ve been through so much and yet you smile constantly. You dance and make cookies in the middle of the night. You see art where the rest of us see dirt and scrub. Not so long from now, you’re going to give birth to two special little people and that’s the most beautiful thing of all. So yes, I think you’re beautiful and no, I’m not lying. And I don’t want to spend our wedding night separate either.”
She stared at him, brown eyes searching green. “Will you come in?” she asked. “And just hold me tonight?”
His breath hitched in his chest. “I thought you’d never ask.”
• • •
Bryn sighed and melted into the man behind her. Things weren’t perfect, but today had been a step in the right direction.
“Your turn,” she said and snuggled into him just a bit closer.
His arms tightened around her. They were lying on their sides, her back pressed to his chest. She had a pillow between her knees, not the sexiest position, but she was comfortable and he was warm and strong behind her.
“The first time I ever kissed a girl I was eleven years old. I think rice is the worst food on the planet, and I don’t let myself drink Dr Pepper because if I do, that’s all I’ll drink all day long.”
She brushed her fingers across the fine dark hair on his arms. “Let me see. I’ve never seen you drink anything but water and coffee. Wait, you had that one beer. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you eat rice, though we had it one time when Grandma Esther made chicken enchiladas. And I can so imagine you kissing a girl at eleven years old. So I think your lie is number three. The Dr Pepper.”
Jake shook his head. “I kissed the first girl at twelve years old.”
“And you’re addicted to Dr Pepper?” she asked with a laugh.
“Hey! That’s some good stuff. Your turn.”
“Let’s see,” she mused. “I went to a private Catholic school growing up. I had a crush on Rick before I found out he was gay. My parents let me name Emery.”
“Hmmm . . . ,” he murmured. His face was buried in her hair, his breath tickling the back of her neck. “I don’t think you’re Catholic.”
“You don’t have to be Catholic to go to Catholic school, you know.”
“And I’m pretty sure everybody knows Rick’s affiliation as soon as they see him. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
She chuckled.
“And I can definitely see your parents letting you name a child that they probably had no clue what to do with.”
“So what’s your answer?”
“Are you sure they’re not all lies?”
“Only one.”
“I’m going with Catholic school.”
“No. Not when you say it like that.”
She laughed.
“Okay, I don’t think your parents let you name your sister.”
“Are you sure?”
“No.”
“One answer, Jake.”
He thought about it a second more. And she didn’t mind. She felt warm and cozy cocooned in his embrace. Not exactly the traditional wedding night, but then they hadn’t exactly had the traditional wedding, or the traditional courtship, or did anything the traditional way. But he was with her and that was what mattered.
“Catholic school.”
“My parents didn’t let me name Emery. Though I’m pretty sure they named her after the nail file boards.”
“It’s a cute name.”
She rolled her eyes even though he couldn’t see it. “Says the man who wants to name his child Annabelle.”
“Annabelle is a great name.”
“You just keep telling yourself that.”
“Are you still stuck on Jasper?” he asked.
“It was my father’s name,” she reminded him.
“Don’t worry. It’s growing on me. Jasper and Annabelle.”
“Jasper and Jarvis,” she corrected.
He stilled behind her. “Jarvis was Grandma Esther’s maiden name.”
“I know.”
“She would love that so much.”
“She’s one special lady.”
He gathered her closer. “Seems like my life is full of them.”
• • •
Two weeks passed in tentative marital bliss. Upon discovering that they still occupied separate rooms, but slept in one bed each night, Evelyn promptly declared that since Jake was truly man of the house, he should have the master room back.
Bryn didn’t ask why he had moved out to begin with. But she felt it had something to do with Cecelia’s death. At any rate, Evelyn took to sleeping in her office in a recliner she bought. The treatment seemed to bother her breathing at times and she stated that she slept better sitting up. As each day passed, she drew more gaunt, weak, and frail looking. No one had the heart to disagree with her.
Bryn knocked on Wesley’s door. “Wes, are you ready to go?”
