by McBain, Mara
Trey threw his head back and laughed. “Not at all, darlin’. I don’t think I would turn around if someone said the name on the street.”
“McCade might catch your attention, but that would be the only saving grace,” Cole said, still laughing with everyone else.
Gen started to clean up the wrappings and Adrienne knelt down to help her.
“You were right. It was a simple but perfect gift for Trey. See. You don’t need me to explain men to you.”
“At least not that one,” Gen said, still smiling. “And he’s the important one.”
“You both did an excellent job of choosing practical, yet beautiful, gifts. He really has a talent. That carving is exquisite.”
“It is. I had no idea he was such a skilled craftsman,” she said, gaze drifting back to the wooden box. Sliding a sketch pad and pencils out from where they’d been safely tucked under the footstool, she pushed them toward Adri. “I didn’t know you were an artist, but judging by the way your face lit up when you opened these, Cole did well.”
“I’m hardly an artist, but I enjoy sketching. It’s relaxing.” She looked at the stack of gifts from her fiancée. “He did a better job of knowing me than I did him. I’m going to have to work on that.”
“Men are difficult to buy for, but Cole seemed to like his suit and fedora.”
“I’m fancying him up and he’s preparing me for farm life. This coat looks like it will be really warm and so much more practical on a daily basis than the fur,” Adrienne said laughing and smoothing her hands over the heavy barn coat. “He must’ve heard me envying your fur-lined boots too.”
“He asked me about them. He was worried you would think he was trying to change your wardrobe, but he just wants to make sure you’re comfortable and warm.”
“Oh, I know. The gift he gave me last night wasn’t designed to keep me warm, but was a clear sign he still wants me to be all woman,” she giggled.
Gen’s eyebrows shot up in question.
“It was slinky, silky, and red. Very festive.”
“It sounds as if my brother-in-law knows how to make up.”
“He’s very good at it. My man is a real lover.”
Gen smiled, handing over her new bottle of perfume. “I love seeing you so happy.”
“Right back at you, kiddo. They’re still men, but the McCades seem to be very good husband material when they put their minds to it.”
“Does that mean I did good enough on Christmas that you’re still going to marry me?” Cole asked, offering her his hand to help her to her feet.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make an honest man out of you,” she said, pushing up on tiptoe to give him a quick kiss.
He pulled her back for another one. Gen took the last of the wrapping from Adrienne’s hands with a knowing smile.
“I better go check on dinner.”
Adrienne peeked around Cole and then looked back up with a waggle of her eyebrows. “They left us alone.”
“We should take advantage of it,” he said, kissing her again.
“Do you think anyone would notice if we disappeared?”
He glanced toward the stairs in understanding. “We do need to put our gifts away,” he said, looking at the perfume in her hand.
“We do.”
The both lunged for their gifts and raced for the stairs. The climb was a mad race that she was sure he let her win. She barely let him hang up his new suit before she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down into a kiss. She groaned in frustration when he straightened, tilting his head back away from her.
“So you think that because Christmas morning is over, you can be as naughty as you like?” he asked.
“And here I thought I was being a good fiancée,” she said, stroking his chest. She nearly laughed as his eyelids half closed, enjoying her touch. “Uh huh. That’s what I thought. Don’t play innocent with me, cowboy. You want it as much as I do.”
“Why do I have a bad feeling I’m going to be worse than Nate was as a kid, sneaking off in the middle of the day this summer?”
“Thinking back on some of the stories I’ve heard, I do believe there is a hayloft and a spot in the river at the very least that we will have to visit. Oh! And I’m going to have to hold you to that picnic with wild flowers that Nate mentioned as well.”
“The one that he said wouldn’t be good enough to woo you?”
“It seems he doesn’t know me nearly as well as you do.”
“And he’s never going to,” Cole growled, walking her backward to lock the door behind her.
“There’s my sexy, possessive, Neanderthal,” she said with a giggle.
“I think you like me that way sometimes.”
“No woman wants a man that says “Yes, dear” all the time. Don’t let them fool you.”
“Thankfully, you’re the only one I have to worry about now so I will take your word for it.”
“Now you’re learning,” she purred, pulling his head down again. “Merry Christmas.”
Head bowed, Adrienne listened to Trey’s simple, yet poignant, words as he thanked God for family and friends, health and prosperity, and the sacrifice of his only son. His solemn amen hung over the table for a long moment before heads raised and the food began to be passed. Genevieve had outdone herself preparing the magnificent feast spread out before them. All of the traditional fares graced the table, along with individual dishes that were favorites of the loved ones gathered around. The place settings and centerpiece was every bit as elegant as something that would’ve been on the Lachance table, but the love and laughter that surrounded it was special. She felt blessed to be joining this family.
Adrienne stroked her fingers over her belly behind the table, wondering what next Christmas would be like. Trey and Gen’s little one would be here; along with the one she was becoming surer of by the day. She would be Cole’s wife and they would have their own home. Would they decorate a Christmas tree there as well? She glanced at Nate and Josie. It seemed she was a forgiving woman. A year from now, would they be married? If so, would God grace them with children as quickly as he had the two older brothers? It didn’t seem that far away and yet everything would be different.
Cole’s hand covered hers on her belly. She met his blue eyes, his gaze probing and concerned.
“Are you okay?”
Glancing around, she realized that the others were watching them; questions and the first hint of worry in some of their eyes. Hesitating, she thought about sharing their news but the murmur of Hank’s voice at the other end of the table made her swallow her words. He wasn’t family yet. She forced an embarrassed laugh and took the serving dish from Cole’s other hand.
“Sorry. I was mesmerized by all the choices,” she said. “The smells have been taunting me all afternoon.”
“Are you trying to tell me you women haven’t been snitching bites in the kitchen?” Cole asked, his handsome face twisting in disbelief.
“Would we do something like that?” she asked, giving Josie and Gen each a wink.
Both women smiled in angelic innocence, drawing groans and eye rolls from the men. Cole winked down at her and Adrienne smiled, silently thanking him for playing along with her cover up. Dishes continued to make their rounds, and Trey took orders for white or dark meat as he expertly carved the bird at the head of the table. When plates were full, the conversation slowed as everyone dug in. The clink of utensils melded with approving murmurs and the Christmas music playing in the background. Everything was perfect.
Helping Genevieve wrap up the last of the leftovers, Adrienne hummed with the radio and played over the perfect day in her mind. A smothered giggle from her friend brought her back to the present.
“What?”
“You say that I’m the poster girl for happiness, but you’re the one dancing pie across the kitchen,” she said, eyes sparkling.
Feeling her cheeks warm, Adri laughed and tucked the covered pastry away before spinning and planting a quick kiss
on Gen’s cheek. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being brave enough to answer Trey’s letter and showing me the benefits of love and hard work. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be in the city playing it safe with someone who will never put me first. Between you and Cole, you made me realize that I deserve more.”
“Oh, Adri, you do and I’m so happy that you gave Cole a chance. That man is head over heels for you.”
“It just took a while to look past the gorgeous exterior and see the man underneath. He’s the first man that I’ve ever felt I could trust with,” She paused, her hand fluttering in the air before her as she searched for the right words. “…trust with me…with my heart.”
Gen smiled and caught one of her waving hands to give it a warm squeeze. “You two deserve one another.”
“If I’m the other one in that equation, I’m not sure if you should take that as a compliment, beautiful.”
Adrienne turned to her man in the doorway and gave him a saucy wink. “Luckily for you, handsome, I agree with her. The sooner I can become Mrs. Cole McCade the better. Then you’ll be stuck with me.”
Cole looked doubtful. “I don’t know. Eternity with a beautiful woman that makes me laugh, turns me on, and never bores me? I’m not sure I can handle that.”
“I don’t know what to tell you, cowboy. You proposed, and now you’re going to make an honest woman out of me. Don’t make me sic my match maker on you again.”
Cole laughed. “Maybe the mamas at church should take lessons from Gen.”
“All I did was put you together and pray,” Gen said, holding up her hands in innocence. “The rest is on you two.”
“It’s no wonder Josie brought Hank along today as lousy of a job chaperoning as you two have done,” Cole said, shooting Trey a censorious look as he joined them.
“You’re a big boy and I can attest she can take care of herself,” Trey said, rubbing his head with a grin.
Everyone laughed and Adrienne slipped under Cole’s arm, looking up, eyes sparkling wickedly.
“No one is going to save you.”
“I think you have that backwards, beautiful. No one is going to save you,” he shot back, scooping her up and throwing her over his shoulder.
Squealing, Adrienne struggled against his grip. “What’re you doing?”
“Say goodnight.”
“Let me go, you crazy man.”
“Never.” The firm answer was accompanied by a light swat to her upturned ass. “Say goodnight.”
“Goodnight and Merry Christmas,” Adrienne said through laughter.
“Good woman. Thank you for a fabulous Christmas everyone. Sleep well and goodnight,” Cole said and headed for the stairs followed by more laughter and well wishes.
They were both breathless when Cole eased her down on the bed, his muscled body stretching out over her.
“Alone at last,” he sighed.
Stroking a lock of blond hair off his face, Adrienne lifted her head to kiss him. “It was a perfect day, but I was ready too.”
“Tomorrow night we will spend in our home.”
“And I’ll be Mrs. McCade, Mrs. Cole McCade.”
“Yeah, don’t forget the Cole part. I’m not sharing. You’re mine.”
“I like the sound of that,” she whispered, leaning up to kiss him again. “Make love to your fiancée one last time. It will be boring old married sex from here on out.”
Cole shook his head, smiling slightly at her evil giggle. One hand followed the curve of her body, while the other cupped her nape to pull her lips to his. “Life will never be boring with you, beautiful, and I promise, I’ll never take this for granted.”
Chapter Fifteen
Adrienne reached over and let the ivory satin spill through her fingers. The evening gown would leave her back and shoulders bare, but she had a fur wrap that would keep her warm until Cole could. Just the thought warmed her. She was blessed to be marrying a man that matched her on so many levels. Like marriage, Cole was nothing like the man her youthful self had fantasized about. He was so much better.
As archaic as it sounded, she’d never imagined that she would love the man she married. There had certainly been no love lost between her parents. Closing her eyes, she couldn’t recall a single moment of genuine warmth between them. She swallowed against the sudden lump of sadness, but shook it off. They would be different. The way Trey and Gen cared for one another, or the way they seemed compelled to touch whenever they passed, had made her see what was possible. Cole delivered both the tenderness and the passion. He had it all.
She looked up at a light knock.
“It’s just us girls.”
“Come in.”
Genevieve, Josie, and Evie flooded into the room, their excitement palpable. A chorus of sighs and appreciation whispered from their lips as they admired the hanging dress. Gen bent to give her a hug, careful not to muss the curls Adrienne was artfully arranging in front of the mirror.
“You’re going to be stunning,” she whispered.
“And you’re completely biased,” Adrienne replied, giving her best friend an adoring smile.
“I’m sure Cole will agree with me.”
Adrienne drew a shaky breath. “I hope so.”
“I know so,” Gen said firmly. “Have you seen the way that man looks at you?”
“I have, and you’re going to take his breath away,” Evie chimed in.
“Thank you. I needed that right now. Thank you all for being here.”
“I’m so honored that you invited me,” Josie said shyly.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the day with you and Cole and welcome you to the neighborhood,” Evie said with a bright smile.
“And I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Gen added. “Now, let’s get you ready for your handsome groom.”
When they were ready, Evie went down first to make sure Cole didn’t see his bride. Nate helped Adrienne on with her fur and then ushered all four ladies out to Hank’s car that he’d borrowed.
“Do you have everything?” he asked as he slid behind the wheel.
Hugging her fur wrap, Adrienne looked at her friends. Delighted smiles and nods met the inquiry and, after a moment, Nate put the car in drive and headed for the church.
“This is your last chance, Adrienne. The train station is on the way,” he tossed over his shoulder.
Josie leaned over and gave his ear a sharp flick with her nail. “That’s not even funny, Nathanial.”
“Ow!”
Adrienne bit her lip and looked at the others in wide-eyed amusement at the normally soft spoken girl’s sudden show of ire, but Josie didn’t stop there.
“I don’t know if it’s jealousy or just the strain of being back home again, but this arrogant and snide side of you isn’t flattering,” she said firmly. “It’s not the man I fell in love with.”
“It was a joke,” he protested, wincing and rubbing his ear.
“I don’t think questioning Adrienne’s commitment to your brother on their wedding day is funny. Your disrespect makes me wonder how serious you are about me if you don’t believe in love.”
“I’m sorry, Josie. Of course I believe in love. Seeing you again made me believe in all kinds of things that life in Philadelphia had pretty much stripped away.” He glanced back at Adrienne. “I’m sorry, little sister. It seems sticking our boot in our mouth runs in the family.”
Adrienne gripped Gen’s arm as the car fishtailed a little going around a curve. “Get me to the church in one piece so I can marry your brother and you’re forgiven,” she said with a shaky laugh.
“No problem,” he said slowing the car with a little laugh.
Listening to Nate try to wheedle his way back into Josie’s good graces, Adrienne peeked over her shoulder, watching the curve for a glimpse of the McCade’s truck.
“They were going to wait a few minutes so that we can get you into the church without Cole seeing you,” Evie said, eyes twinkling in
amusement.
Feeling her cheeks warm, Adrienne tried to relax in the seat. “Is everyone this anxious on their wedding day?”
“I’d known Trey less than a day. I was terrified,” Gen admitted.
“I was a wreck when I married Danny, and I’d known him my whole life.”
“Were you sweethearts growing up?”
“He was always my best friend, and then one day he was more. It wasn’t a conscious decision. It just happened. Our parents said they always knew we would end up together. All I can say is I can’t remember, or imagine, life without him.”
“That’s so sweet, Evie. Thank you for sharing that.”
“Call me sappy, but I never tire of talking about my man.”
“Be careful, Adrienne. Evie worships Dan almost as badly as Gen does Trey,” Nate interjected.
“I think it’s sweet. You should take notes.”
Nate threw up his hands in mock surrender, but smiled at the slender blonde. “Your point is well taken. Maybe if I study you as hard as I did the books, you’ll look at me the way they do their men.”
“Now you’re using that brain of yours,” Josie, said turning back to the road with a smug smile. “Nate! Watch out!”
Adrienne’s stomach lurched at the terror in the other woman’s voice. Her hands flew out for something to grab onto as Nate hit the brakes and wrenched the wheel to the side, trying to avoid the huge truck. Gasps and screams pierced the air. Metal crunched and the car went airborne. Trees flashed by. She slammed against the window as they hit the ground. Glass shattered. The car flipped again, tossing them like rag dolls. Light exploded behind her clenched eye lids as her head cracked against the door frame, and then everything went dark.
Pacing the hall, impatience marked Cole’s every movement. Though he hadn’t known Adri long, it felt like he’d been waiting forever for this day. He caught his reflection in the mirror and paused, a small smile quirking his lips. He adjusted the fedora she’d gifted him to a rakish angle and the grin widened. Today she would be his wife.
