Love Of Country (Country Love #3)

by Green, Vicki

  An hour later I drive her over to Memphis and Sadie’s. When we walk into the house, things are already crazy. People bustlin’ everywhere, almost trippin’ over each other. I kiss my girl, hand her the bag, and when she ran upstairs, I slip into the kitchen tryin’ to stay outta the way. I’m pushed, shoved, and laugh when Colby’s mom grabs my arm.

  “Come on, dear. Best be gettin’ you to the boys room.”

  I grin and let her lead me upstairs and to the left. At the end of the hall, she opens the door and gives me a gentle push inside. Nash, Memphis, Colby, and Colby’s dad are in there. Memphis is standin’ in front of a full length mirror tryin’ to put on his tie. His dad walks up and offers to help. Nash is sittin’ down on the bed, and I walk over and sit down next to him, puttin’ my hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry I belted ya, man. Guess I got a little crazy not knowin’ you and Prie were good friends.” He looks down and smiles then turns his head at me, his eye all swollen with black and blue bruises all around it. “Nah, really. I am sorry.” I drop my hand and he swings his arm around, sittin’ up, and smacks my shoulder.

  “If I had a girl that beautiful, that sweet, I’d be jealous too.” His smile is still in place so I grin. “Thing is….” His smile leaves and so does mine. “I mean it, Trev, take this from a friend. Jealousy can ruin a relationship. Fast. Trust in her and don’t worry about other guys. She loves you not them.” I know he’s right, ‘course he is, just not sure where that came from when I hit him. I give him a strong nod and he smiles, givin’ my leg a pat.

  A knock sounds on the door and we all still. “Five minutes!” Guess we’re about to go to a weddin’.

  Caprice

  I walked into the house with Trevor and people were getting things ready. Excitement filled the air all around us. I look up at him with a smile and he leans down giving me a kiss. He hands me my bag and I run upstairs. I walk down the hallway until I get to the last room. Twisting the knob, I open the door slowly, the sounds of more than one voice talking at a time grow louder as I enter the room. My smile feels plastered on my face as I look around the room. Shiloh is helping Sadie with her dress and Tina is sitting on the bed sewing something. Everyone’s heads turn, and they all give me a smile as I close the door.

  “Prie! You can change in the bathroom if you’d like.” Sadie smiles. I nod, taking my bag into the bathroom. Shiloh and Sadie are the only ones that have seen the hideous scars on my back, well, other than Trevor. They don’t bother me as much but on a special day like today, I don’t want others to see them. I undress and dress quickly then apply a little makeup. Looking at myself in the mirror, I feel like I see a different person. I’ve changed, grown, become stronger, and actually believe in myself again.

  I walk out and lean back against the wall, feeling a little shy. I watch Shiloh put Sadie’s veil on top of her head. Sadie’s dress is gorgeous. An ivory color and the sleeves off her shoulders. Lace adorns the top, fitted right below her breasts. The rest is silk, fanning out all the way to the floor, allowing ample room for her large stomach that’s carrying their twins. I sigh, thinking it was too loud but no one heard over their laughing and talking. Someday. One day I’d love to be married to Trevor, be full with his child, and have others playing in the huge backyard at the farm. I’ve always wanted a big family, with lots of room where the kids can play. Still, I’m unsure if I’m even able to have kids.

  “Prie?”

  My eyes snap back into focus, looking into Shiloh’s beautiful eyes. “Oh, sorry.”

  She walks over and puts her hands on my arms. “Are you okay?” Her face changes to concern but the corner of her mouth is raised slightly. I put on a smile and take a deep breath.

  “I’m fine. Really.”

  She takes my hand, squeezes it. She’s always been so kind, so caring.

  “It’s time.”

  I turn my head to see Colby’s mom peeking in the door. Everyone runs around, gathering things and picking up the bouquets of flowers off the dresser. Sadie walks over to me, taking my hand. “I’m so glad you’re here, Prie.” Her eyes start filling with tears and we both let out a laugh.

  “Don’t cry or you’ll ruin your makeup,” I laugh as I reach up and wipe underneath one of her eyes. I hold out my closed hand. She looks down, her eyes wide. I open it slowly and smile. “It was my mom’s. I know she’d be proud for me to give it to you on your special day.” She picks up the locket, tears leaving her eyes.

  “Oh, Prie. Are you sure, honey? It’s your moms,” she whispers.

  My emotions are overwhelming but it’s something I wanted to do. “Yes, I’m sure. You’re part of my family now.” The gold locket shines in her trembling hand. When I saw it in Mom’s jewelry box, I knew it would be the perfect wedding gift for Sadie. She turns, handing it back to me. I put it around her neck and fasten it. When she turns back around, her face is full of her tears. Shiloh comes to the rescue and hands her tissues.

  “Prie. It’s the most beautiful gift I’ll ever receive. Thank you.” She leans into me, putting her arms around me then moves back, wiping her tears with the tissue.

  “Now, I’ve done it.” I give her a smile feeling so good about giving her Mom’s locket.

  She laughs. “I feel like I’m so full of water and babies that a dam could burst.”

  We both laugh and Shiloh hands her the most beautiful bouquet of roses, baby’s breath intermixed with greenery. She brings them up to her nose and smells them. There’s the most beautiful glow to her complexion. Pregnancy and happiness I assume. Shiloh takes my hand and leads me in front of her as Tina gets in front of me. We walk out of the room, down the hall, and follow in a line down the stairs. Once we’ve gotten to the back door we stop. I look around Tina, seeing a lot of people out on the yard. Rows of white folding chairs set up with an aisle between them. Behind them is a wedding arch, full of roses and greenery woven in between the slats on top then cascading down the sides. A red velvet rug is spread out beneath it. A matching the one flows down the aisle. Beyond the arch there is a large tent set up before the pasture. The flap is up on either side and I can see tables set up with twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling.

  Magical.

  I look back and see the guys enter from the right. Memphis follows a minister with Colby behind him, Trevor then Nash. All look dashing in their tuxes. They all turn, the minister taking his place a step behind Memphis and music begins to play. Tina starts to walk slowly out the door, across the deck and I follow. Once down the deck stairs I continue to follow her down the aisle. I’m a little nervous in front of all these people but I see Trevor staring at me, his blue eyes gleaming as a smiles creeps on his mouth, and I lift my chin. He takes my breath away in his t-shirts and jeans but in a tux? I’ve never seen any man more beautiful. His eyes tell me everything I need to know, the look of love as they scan down my body. He looks as if he’s holding his breath, like I’m the only woman in the world, the most beautiful in his eyes. I smile at him and continue down the aisle until I reach Tina and turn. My eyes shift over to Nash and notice he’s looking at Tina. I look at her and she seems to be staring at Nash.

  Hmmm, interesting.

  I think the entire town is here, which isn’t an extreme amount of people but enough that people are standing around the sides of the chairs and behind them. I look down the aisle when I hear the music change. Quickly, I look over at Memphis. At the few weddings I went to with my parents or in movies, everyone always looks at the bride when she enters but I want to look at the groom, see his expression. I’m not disappointed. I know the minute she walks out onto the deck because his eyes light up. He pulls in a breath. The look of awe covers his face. I hold back my tears, my flowers shaking in my hand. The most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed.

  Finally, I turn my head and look at Sadie. The tears she’s been trying to contain stream down her face as Colby’s dad
walks her down the deck steps, leading her to her love. I look around at all the people, smiles on their faces, tears in some eyes. I scan across my left side of faces and move over to the right. My heart stops as I look into the eyes of Grant as he turns around from watching Sadie to me. He came! I’d given him the address but he made no promises. I knew he’s always busy at work and never thought he’d be able to come. I smile and he gives me a wink. I can’t wait to be able to give him a hug. Excitement flows through me as I look back at Sadie. They reach in front of Memphis and stop. She leans in and gives Colby’s dad a kiss on his cheek, him whispering something to her and she smiles. My heart goes out to her that her dad didn’t even bother to come. I remember her telling me what an estranged relationship they have, how he’d rather spend his time with his business affairs then be there for his only daughter. I’m sure she’s missing her mom terribly right now, probably not any more than normal though. I understand how she feels.

  I hear the ‘awww’s’ when Memphis reaches out his hand and she puts hers in his, and when he kisses her forehead, whispering words of love against it. She hands Shiloh her bouquet then laughter is heard as she places her hand underneath her large stomach, almost hoisting it up as she walks to stand beside him. Poor thing. I think I’d be miserable but she only smiles and looks at Memphis with such love in her eyes.

  Everyone settles down as the minister begins the ceremony. After he speaks for a bit, Memphis and Sadie turn to each other, their hands clasped together. I’m glad I stuffed tissues in my hand holding my flowers. I think I’ll need them. Memphis clears his throat and all eyes are on him.

  “When I first laid eyes on you….” He smiles. “I thought, Oh, Lord what did I get myself into.” Laughter spreads quickly but then he grows serious. “You took my breath away. I couldn’t breathe. You stepped off that train and my world turned over. You were stubborn, opinionated, head strong, and definitely had some wild ways about you.” More laughter and I can’t help but laugh myself thinking of that scene. “But you stole this ole boy’s heart before we even got to my farm.” She sniffs and I take out my tissue. He releases one of her hands, placing it on her swollen stomach but never takes his eyes off hers. “You’ve blessed me in more ways than one.” He leans down and kisses her stomach and an array of sniffs and sounds of crying fill the air. He stands back up and smiles. “I’ll do you proud. Thank you for becoming my wife, my family, makin’ me whole. I love you more than my life.”

  She sniffs, looking into his eyes, and mouth’s ‘I love you’ to him. She looks down at her stomach and then back up into his eyes.

  “I didn’t know where my life was going but I knew it was heading into trouble until I met you. You taught me right from wrong, that my life had meaning, and took a chance on this wild girl.” The crowd laughs. “I was headstrong, going the wrong direction in my life. You saved me, in more ways than one. When you….” She stops and lets out a sob. “When you saved me, you almost lost your life. I would have never forgiven you.” A small laugh bursts from her mouth and his eyes fill with his own tears. “I thought my life was over. You complete me, make me a better person. You give me your love, fill me whole. You became the missing piece of my heart.” She reaches down and puts her hand on her stomach. “You’ve given me life. Okay, two lives.” People laugh and sniffles are heard. She smiles and takes his other hand again. “Three lives. I love you so much, with all my heart and more.” He mouths his I love you to her and the minister clears his throat. They continue to stare into each other’s eyes, such love it fills my heart.

  They exchange rings. Once he places hers on her finger he bends down and kisses it, lingering. He stands and reaches out, wiping tears from her face, tenderly.

  “By the grace of God, I pronounce you man and wife.”

  They take the one step separating them and kiss. He whispers something against her lips and she laughs. Suddenly her eyes widen as she leans back and looks down.

  “Oh, my God! My water broke!” she screams looking up at Memphis. He smiles.

  Just like Memphis always is, he turns around facing everyone, her hand in his. “Guess we’re gonna go to the hospital now. You all stay and go into the tent and have fun. We’ll let you know when Jared and Evie get here.” He looks at Sadie and leans over kissing the side of her head. “C’mon, Darlin’. Let’s go have these babies.”

  Clapping ensues as he lifts her up into his arms with ease and starts carrying her down the aisle. Everyone watches them until they’ve gone into the house and I quickly turn and look at Trevor. He’s standing there smiling, still looking at the house and I feel like I’m panicking. Shiloh turns to me and smiles. “Would you mind staying while I go to the hospital with Colby?” I look into her eyes and shake my head. “I’ll call you when they’re here.” She leans over and kisses my cheek then I watch as Colby walks over, takes her hand, and they walk down the aisle. I look up when I feel his presence. Trevor stands in front of me, giving me that sexy grin. He turns around and looks at the crowd.

  “C’mon ya’ll. Memphis and Sadie may miss their own party but they’d want ya’ll to have fun and celebrate for them. Boy, do we have some celebratin’ to do.” He tilts his head towards the tent and slowly people begin walking there. He looks back at me and smiles. “I’m gonna go get stuff started. You ready?”

  I smile, always helping, always there for everyone. My heart beats for him. “I’ll be right there. I’ll work on helping to get everyone over there.” He winks, leaning down and kisses me and my heart speeds up even more. I watch him as he walks away, talking to people as he goes with them to the tent. I look around and take a deep breath trying to calm my heart. I smile when I see Tina’s arm through Nash’s as they walk towards the tent. I wonder what’s going on there. I shake my head and stop when I see Grant standing in the next to the last row of chairs and start walking towards him, dodging people as I go. It takes me a bit to get through all the people but finally I’m standing in front of him, my smile huge as I lean in and hug him. His arms wrap around me, holding me tight.

  “I’m so glad you came.” I smile up at him.

  He looks down and smiles. “I wouldn’t have missed it. Guess I’ll have to meet the bride and groom another time,” he laughs.

  “Guess so,” I laugh.

  “Well, I’m in great need of a drink. Shall we?” I nod eagerly, his arm staying around my shoulders as we walk down the row of chairs, trying to avoid the people still walking to the tent. My heart is so full. I’ve never felt so loved and cared for, all of my friends and new family here. I’m also so excited for Sadie and Memphis as they welcome their twins into the world. I’m torn with wanting to be there and staying here to help out.

  The tent is full of people by the time we get there but it’s so big that there’s still plenty of breathing space. Music fills the air with a DJ in the corner, a make-shift wooden dance floor in front of him, and a few people already dancing. I take a deep breath and smell the food that’s in large containers setting over low flames on a couple of long tables to my right, some people already filling their plates. I feel Grant’s hand squeeze my shoulder and look up at him, a smile still plastered on my face. He looks into my eyes, his smile still there as well. Suddenly I shiver, feeling his presence. I turn my head, Trevor’s eyes boring into mine, a scowl on his face. Oh, no! What now? He storms over to us, grabbing a fist full of Grant’s shirt, backing him out of the tent. I’m pushed away from them and almost fall. I catch myself by bumping into another person, placing my hand on a table and stopping myself. I’m so mad! I quickly straighten myself, brushing my hands down my dress, and storm out of the tent in time to see Trevor up in Grant’s face, pinning him against the side of the deck, his hand still fisting his shirt, the other pressing against his shoulder.

  I run up and grab hold of Trevor’s arm, pulling with all my might. “Trevor! Stop! What is wrong with you?”

  I’
m breathing heavy. It’s not easy running in high heels and a long dress. He turns his head, his eyes raging with anger. My eyes plead as I look into his. His soften, his hand leaves Grant’s shoulder and he places it against the side of my face. I close my eyes and lean into it then open them. “Grant’s my friend, Trevor,” I whisper. “He came from where I grew up to surprise me.” He searches my eyes, his chest heaving from his actions. Finally, he let’s go of Grant, takes a step back and reaches his hand out to him.

  “I’m sorry, man. I guess I wasn’t thinkin’.”

  Grant immediately takes his hand and shakes. He takes the step towards him and slaps Trevor’s shoulder. “Dude, if I was straight and I had any chance with a beautiful woman like Prie, I’d be all over that. I’d react the same way.” He smiles and Trevor and I both let out a breath simultaneously.

  Trevor’s eyes widen, still shaking Grant’s hand. “You’re uh…. You uh….”

  Grant laughs and releases Trevor’s hand. “Yes, I bat for the other team. But don’t worry.” He leans towards Trevor, putting his hand up alongside his mouth, like he’s telling a big secret, but his voice isn’t low. “You don’t have to worry though. You’re safe. If I even thought about hooking up with you, she’d kick my ass. She’s gotta a pretty strong arm.” Trevor looks at me and smiles, then we all start laughing. Trevor puts his arm around Grant’s shoulders and starts leading him towards the tent, leaving me here. I put my arms across my chest and start following them.

  “Man, I need to buy you a drink.”

  I smile as they laugh. The love of my life and my best friend hit it off. Today’s been the best day!

  Chapter Fifteen

  Trevor

  The last of the people left about two in the mornin’. We haven’t heard yet about the twins. Prie, Grant, Nash, and I cleaned up everythin’ and then Nash went home offerin’ Grant to stay with him so he didn’t have to pay for a hotel or drive since he’s a little inebriated. I think I might have had a hand in that. Gotta admit, I’m not feelin’ any pain myself but I’m not as bad as he is. Even so, Prie drives us home in my truck and I can’t keep my hands off her in the short distance. After she parks in our drive, she giggles. My lips are still plastered to the side of her face as my hand roams from her breast to between her legs. She gasps. “Trevor. Inside,” she breathes out.