Every nerve ending in her body short-circuited. The cowboy was lethal without even breaking a sweat. What would it be like if he turned his charisma to full power?
The cool night air became supercharged.
As she fought to get her feet under her, to find her bearings, another of the boys stumbled across the grass to join them.
“Hi, Daddy.” He propped his elbow on Ty’s knee and stared up at him.
“Hi, Jonah.”
“Is Josh okay?”
He ruffled his son’s hair. “Oh, my little sentry. You have to make sure everything and everybody is okay, don’t you?”
Big-eyed, Jonah nodded.
“I’m tired,” Josh said.
Jonah dropped to the grass and patted a spot beside him. “Lay down here. With me.”
Josh looked up at Ty. “Is that okay, Daddy?”
“Absolutely.”
Josh slid off his knee and, with the abandonment of young children, wrapped himself around his brother.
“You, too, Daddy.” Jonah ran his hand over the grass. “Right here.”
Ty glanced at Sophie. “You game?”
She hesitated only a fraction of a second. “Sure. Why not?” After one last sip of her lemonade, she stood, then stretched out on her side on the cool, green grass beneath the tree, facing Jonah and Josh.
Ty sprawled on the other side of the boys. He plucked a blade of grass and grinned at her. “Watch. Within two minutes, Jesse will be here.”
He was right. The words had barely left his mouth when Sophie heard the war whoop, and Jesse took a flying leap onto his dad. Ty grunted, then grabbed his son, rolled onto his back and lifted him in the air like a weighted barbell.
Sophie found herself captivated. He was so easy, so natural with them.
After a couple minutes of rough-housing, they all settled in and lay on their backs, watching the stars come to life in the vast Texas sky. Ty pointed out constellations to her and the boys.
She’d had a little taste of Heaven and had been sorry when the evening ended.
And now, by the time the sun set tonight, Annelise Montjoy would be Annelise Hardeman, a married woman. Destined to be one of the wealthiest women in the country, she’d call the Whispering Pines Ranch home.
Annelise was in love. The big L. A love that started with Cash and extended to his family, friends, and life. The ranch was a huge part of that.
Her cousin looked forward to living here in Maverick Junction, Texas. To calling it home.
Sophie sipped her tea and smiled. When she’d hopped aboard that plane in Chicago, she’d seriously worried Annelise might be headed into a gigantic mistake.
She couldn’t have been more wrong.
Her cousin truly had struck gold. It had nothing to do with money or fame, and everything to do with living well. Living happily.
No doubt Annelise would. Cash Hardeman was handing her the world.
Sophie didn’t want to envy her. She really didn’t. But, oh, it was hard not to. When she left here, she’d return to Chicago. To an empty apartment.
She shook her head. No. She’d return to the apartment she’d chosen, would pay for with her own labor, and had decorated beautifully. To a life of friends, her Cubs, and nights spent at Wrigley Field eating hot dogs and drinking cold sodas.
That was her life, a life that fit her, and it was a good one.
Unbidden came the memory of last night. Of lying in the cool grass with Ty and the boys. Of studying the stars in the endless sky.
Her breath hitched, and she stood.
Not her life. Not her world.
And enough of this. No pity parties today. Today was all about smiles, good thoughts, and happy-ever-afters.
The crystal sun catcher in the window sent an arch of rainbow-hued light across the hardwood floor. Moving to the window she looked out at a cloudless blue sky. Happy is the bride the sun shines on. Well, Annelise should be one giddy gal, then. What a gorgeous day.
A door opened and shut downstairs. Dottie. She’d come home last evening. Throwing on a pair of jeans and a beautiful silk short-sleeve top she’d found in Come Again, her favorite vintage shop in Chicago, Sophie dashed outside and down the stairs.
She rapped on the door, and the turkey on the Thanksgiving wreath bobbed its head. “Dottie?”
“On my way.” A moment later the door flew open. Clad in a pink nightdress and robe and wearing furry pink bunny slippers, Dottie wrapped Sophie up in a huge hug. “Come on in, sweetie. I was inhaling my first cup of coffee when you knocked. Figured I’d better rev up my system before the day gets in full swing. Want one?”
“No, I already had some tea.”
“How about a toffee-oatmeal cookie?” She slid a plate in front of Sophie. “Oatmeal’s breakfast food, you know.”
Sophie laughed. There was some sort of bent truth to that. Cookies for breakfast? What the heck. Why not? She gave in to temptation.
Taking her first bite, she closed her eyes. “Seriously, Dottie, you could make a fortune on these.”
“That would turn baking into a business instead of a joy, wouldn’t it?” She brushed the idea aside. “Besides, who, in his right mind, would pay good money for these?”
Sophie raised her hand.
Dottie swatted at her. “Go on.”
Sophie relaxed at Dottie’s homey pink island, surrounded by pink walls, counters, and flooring. “How was your trip? Your daughter and her family all well?”
Dottie clasped her hands in front of her. “Oh, we had such a good time. My grandchildren…well, they’re brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Every single one of them.” Her eyes sparkled.
Somehow, while they talked, a cold glass of milk appeared in front of Sophie. Not skim or fat-free. Oh, no. The real stuff. She luxuriated in the nearly-forgotten taste and texture.
“The wedding’s not till two, but I have to be at the ranch early. Makeup, hair, mani, pedi, the whole nine yards.”
“Isn’t it wonderful?” Dottie’s expression grew wistful. “Cash and Annie. The minute they pulled into my drive, I knew they were made for each other. Annie on that fancy new Harley, and Cash in his grandpa’s old blue Caddie.” She clapped her hands together. “I’m so happy for them.”
“Me, too.” Serious now, Sophie said, “The family owes you a huge debt of gratitude for giving Annelise a home and taking such good care of her. When she rode into town, she didn’t know anyone, and no questions asked, you took her under your wing.”
Dottie clucked. “Bosh! The girl’s a gem. I absolutely loved having a young thing here at the house again. And now you. Does my old heart good.”
“Oh, but—”
“Now, I need to get a move on, too,” Dottie said. “I promised Rosie I’d help with some of the last-minute details.”
“Haven’t they hired people to take care of everything?”
Dottie nodded. “Sure they did. Caterers, decorators, photographers, florists. You name it. Annie’s mother insisted. She even brought in some people from back East. Doesn’t mean Rosie’s not gonna be fussing, though. The woman’s like a second mama to Cash, and her little boy’s getting married today.”
Exactly that, Sophie thought. Exactly what she’d been thinking about before she came downstairs. All-encompassing love. They had it here in Maverick Junction. In spades.
Not that she didn’t. Her mother and father loved her. She’d never doubted that. But it had been different. She had no brothers or sisters. Her only cousin was Annelise, another only child.
Their subdued and refined family get-togethers couldn’t hold a candle to last night’s rehearsal dinner. The family Thanksgiving.
Until now, though, they’d always been enough. What was it about this town that left her feeling unsettled? Unsatisfied.
Jittery with nerves, she laid a hand over her stomach.
Well, she’d get over all of this fast enough once she returned to Chicago. To her Starbucks, her delis, her life.
Dottie had to
know she wasn’t here long-term. Unlike Annelise, she wouldn’t be staying. But, like so many other things, that wasn’t a discussion for today. It would wait.
“The limo’s coming for me in…” Sophie checked the bubblegum-colored wall clock with pink flamingos at the end of each hand. “Forty minutes. Can you be ready? We’ll ride together.”
“In a limo?”
“Sure.”
Dottie did a little happy dance. “Oooh, I’ll be ready.” Her eyes rounded. “I rode in a limo in Dallas, you know, to Annie’s big fancy fund-raiser. Cash and Annie treated me like royalty. Annie bought me the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever seen. And the jewelry.” She put a hand to her heart. “Oh, my.”
Sophie grinned. “I saw pictures of you that night, and all I can say is, wow! You knocked them all dead.”
“What a magical night, and they shared it with me. Oh, and now I’m going to cry.” She swiped at her tears. “Happy, happy tears.”
Sophie’s eyes misted as she hugged this woman who had been so kind to her cousin and now to her. “Okay.” Hands on Dottie’s shoulders, she pulled back. “The wedding. Are you planning to dress at the ranch?”
“Yep. I’ve got everything all ready.” She nodded to a garment bag and a little tote. “Came home last night, unpacked, and repacked.” She shook her head. “I’ve never been so busy in my life. And I love it.”
*
When they pulled up at the ranch, Sophie and Dottie both plastered their faces to the limo’s window. Everywhere they turned, the place was a veritable beehive of activity.
All the horses had been moved to outer paddocks and the entire area groomed. White paper lanterns hung from the trees. Sparkly white lights covered the barn stem to stern. A crew busily set up chairs, ran streamers, and arranged flowers. It looked incredible. Like a Cinderella fairy tale.
Two of the ranch hands strung still more white lights over the split-rail fencing. White bows hung from each post, and tall white buckets sat at the end of each row of chairs, waiting, Sophie knew, for the daisies that would fill them.
Annelise had decided on simple elegance with a touch of country. Hanging by satin ribbons from the branches of a beautiful old shade tree, pretty little nosegays swayed in the gentle breeze. She and Cash would say their vows beneath that tree.
Sophie hit a button, and the car’s window slid down silently, giving them a clearer view.
Tables and benches had been arranged in the reception area. White runners, white candles, and crystal vases decorated each table. Hydrangeas, roses, Queen Anne’s lace, amaranthus, and dahlias spilled in profusion from the vases.
At first blush, it all looked simple, almost effortless. But hours and hours and hours had gone into the preparations, and no expense had been spared. The ranch had been transformed.
A window on the second floor opened. “Sophie! Up here!” Annelise leaned out and waved at them. “Hi, Dottie. Come up and have a glass of champagne with us.”
And so it began.
Already, the day was a blur of satin and lace, chiffon and ribbons. Flowers and magic.
A knock at the door had all the women stopping midsentence to stare at it. A sure sign of nerves…on everyone’s part.
“Yes?” Annelise asked.
“It’s only me.” Rosie peeked her head inside the door. “Wanted to let you know the men are in the house. Wetter than ducks when I saw them. The whole lot of them went swimming in Cash’s lake and came in laughing their fool heads off. A person would think they were all ten years old again.”
Annelise flashed a smile. “They’re having fun.”
“Yep. Cash is celebrating his wedding day. And a damn fine thing that is.” Rosie lifted the hem of her apron to swipe at her eyes. “But I threatened the bunch of them with my wooden spoon if I so much as saw any of them near the stairs.”
“Thanks, Rosie.”
“You all need to eat something.” Not a question.
Annelise put her hand on her stomach. “I’m too nervous. I swear every butterfly in the state of Texas has taken up residence in here.”
“Understood. A bride’s got a right to a few nerves. But a groom has a right to a bride who doesn’t faint at the altar. Dottie and I will bring you something.” She tipped her chin at her old friend, who nodded back. “We’ll toss in extra. I’m guessing your mom will be here any second. Cash’s mama is downstairs pacing. I’m gonna send her up to see you. Might calm her down some.”
Rosie and Dottie left in a rush.
“And I guess that’s that,” Sophie said.
“General Rosie,” Annelise agreed.
They looked at each other and burst out laughing.
The door opened again and Annelise’s mother, followed by Sophie’s, slipped in.
“Oh, baby!” Georgia Montjoy practically smothered her daughter in a hug. “You look so beautiful. My little girl.” She stepped back and held her at arm’s length. “You’re a woman.”
“Yes, Mom, I am.”
“An almost married woman.”
A huge smile split Annelise’s face. “I know,” she whispered.
“I like your Cash, honey.”
Cash’s mother, standing just inside the door, cleared her throat.
“Sorry.” Georgia blushed. “I just…” She gestured toward her daughter.
Pauline Hardeman nodded. “Our children all grown up, ready to start their lives with the person they love.”
Marilyn London hugged her own daughter. “How are you, honey?”
“I’m good, Mom.” Sophie hugged her back. “You smell so good. You always do. I’m so glad you came.”“I wouldn’t have missed Annelise’s wedding for the world.”
“Look at me, Grandma.” Abbie kicked up her feet to show off her new shoes, then twirled across the room to where her dress hung. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
“You’ll look good enough to eat, sweetie.” Pauline scooped up her granddaughter for a hug and a kiss, and turned to Annelise.
“Mrs. Hardeman—”
“Annie, in less than an hour, you’re going to be Mrs. Hardeman, too. I’d love it if you’d call me Pauline.”
“I’d like that.”
Sophie couldn’t help envying the tears of joy welling in Annelise’s eyes. Reminded herself each person had her own destiny.
Pauline blinked away tears of her own. “Okay, that’s out of the way. And so you know, I just left the men. They’ve dried up nicely after their morning escapade and are looking very handsome.”
“Is someone taking pictures?”
“You bet.”
Another knock sounded. Pauline opened the door and helped Rosie and Dottie into the room. The two toted picnic baskets loaded down with everything they’d need for a prewedding brunch.
“Are the guys eating?”
“Yep, dads included,” Rosie said. “Hank took them platters of cold cuts and cheeses for sandwiches, along with potato salad. And beer. Told that man of mine to keep an eye on their consumption. Don’t need any of them staggering around. Not yet, anyway.”
“Oh, God.” Annelise paled. “Do you think that might happen?”
Rosie patted her hand. “Not a chance. Hank knows his life wouldn’t be worth spit if he lets them get to that point. Besides, none of them boys is gonna want to do that and ruin your wedding day. They all love you.”
The wedding planner, who’d been outside overseeing the final decorations while they ate, bustled into the room. “Time’s not our friend right now. Bridesmaids, maid of honor, and flower girl, into your dresses.”
Maggie rushed in carrying the bridal veil. “It’s ready. I’m done fussing.”
Sophie took Annelise’s hand. In a teasing tone, she asked, “You’re sure about this? You’re really going to marry the cowboy?”
“Oh, yes.” Annelise’s face split in a huge grin. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”
“Then let’s do it, cuz.”
The planner dropped the maid-of-honor d
ress over Sophie’s head. The material flowed over her like liquid, and she turned to the mirror. “Maggie, you’re a genius.”
“Of course.” She laughed, looking sophisticated in a tea-length, blush-colored dress that highlighted her curves.
Then all attention turned to the bride.
They held their collective breath as Maggie stepped to the wedding gown, still hidden in its garment bag. She grasped the zipper, then, with a mischievous expression on her face, paused and looked at Annelise.
Annelise shook her head. “Not yet. Everybody, turn around and close your eyes.”
“Annie,” Babs groaned. “You’re killing us.”
“I hope so.” The bride circled her finger. “Go on. Turn. And no peeking.”
Muttering and mumbling about the unfairness, they did. The room went silent but for the rasp of the zipper, followed by rustling and shushing of fabric over fabric.
“Okay, ladies, feast your eyes,” Maggie said.
They turned as one.
Sophie’s heart caught in her throat. “Oh, Annelise!”
From the corner of her eye, she saw her aunt fumbling a tissue out of a small jeweled purse. Sighing happily, Sophie leaned into her own mom.
“Do you think Cash will like it?” Annelise wondered.
“Like it?” Babs asked. “The poor boy might not recover the power of speech in time for his wedding vows.”
“It’s perfect, isn’t it?” Kinsey whispered.
“And then some,” Sophie agreed.
Annelise lifted the hem of her gown. “What do you think girls?” Tiffany blue stilettos encased her feet. “I know they should be white, but…I wanted something fun. They’re my something blue.”
“They’re incredible,” Babs said. “Oh, Cash is gonna have his hands full with you, girl. I can’t wait to see his face when he catches his first glimpse. He’s gonna swallow his tongue for sure.”
“I hope not. I’ve got plans for that tongue.”
Sophie chuckled along with everyone else and noticed her aunt’s blink at her daughter’s naughty comment.
From a small drawer in the dressing table, Annelise drew out a jeweler’s box. “Cash gave these to me last night.” She opened the lid and took out a pair of dangly diamond earrings. “For today.”
Nearest Thing to Heaven (Maverick Junction) Page 10
