I strolled over to my tuxedo still hanging from the top of the door.
“Why aren’t you dressed yet?” she asked.
“Because, I’ve been decorating the yard with Gabrielle. You didn’t think all those flowers were just going to magically appear on the tables in the vases did you? Besides, we still have over an hour before the ceremony begins.”
“Thanks,” Jackson mumbled, but I wasn’t sure if he was thanking her for the tie straightening or me for the decorating. I let it go.
“You’re a good brother.” She walked to me and kissed me on the cheek. “No hug for you until you shower, though. You’d be wise to shave too.”
Leaving them, I quickly got in the shower and washed off all the sweat from the morning’s work, picked up the razor and shaved off the permanent weeklong growth I’d been sporting for the past couple of months. Today called for a clean, smooth face whether my mother had said it or not, I’d already planned to shave it off for the wedding. Besides, it would grow back quick enough.
“I’m glad you decided to have the wedding here instead of at the bar. It would have been very crowded with all those tables,” I told Jackson while pulling on the black pants to the tux.
“Yeah. We tried to keep it small, but the guest list kept growing.”
“You mean Lena tried,” I pointed out, slipping my arm through the shirtsleeve and with fingers fumbling, fastened the tiny black beads they tried to pass off as buttons. “I don’t think there’s anyone on that list for her except Gabrielle and Weezer.”
“Hmmm. That’s true. But my friends are now her friends so it’s okay.” He glanced at me. “Did the bouquet I asked you to get turn out okay?”
“It did. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you see it. That reminds me. I’ll be back in about fifteen minutes and we’ll have a toast to the end of your single life.”
I grabbed the box with the two bouquets, one for Lena, the other for Gabrielle, and headed toward the room where the two women were getting ready. God, I hoped they were both dressed by now. I knocked lightly and the door opened a crack, then a moment later, Gabrielle poked her beautiful head out and her brown eyes danced with delight when she spotted the box in my hands. “The bouquet!” She opened the door wider, stood on the other side of it, shielding herself and I slipped inside.
I placed the box on top of a dresser too high for either of them to see inside, and turned to see Lena standing by the mirror. My tongue got stuck in my teeth as I tried to talk. “Wow. You look gorgeous and radiant, and beautiful, and everything every bride is supposed to be.” She blushed a little, and it only made her more beautiful. “My brother is a lucky man.”
“Thank you, Brodie.” She stepped up to me and kissed my cheek. “You shaved.”
“Yep.”
She twirled around holding the sides of the dress up so she wouldn’t trip on the hem. “Do you think he’ll like it?”
I slowly shook my head. “No. I don’t think. I know he will, and he loves you. He’s so stupidly happy, he’s in the other room right now trying to remember how to tie his shoes.”
They both laughed and I turned to look at Gabrielle. Words escaped me this time as the lovely vision of her standing there in a pale pink strapless gown stole my breath. The light shade brought out the rich, dark color of her eyes and her equally dark hair that she’d swept up on one side and fashioned with soft looking curls in the back, but most of them hung down to her waist and cascaded over her right shoulder. There was no question in my mind, she was a goddess, and I silently cursed my stupid attempt at carelessly trying to get her into my bed last year. One does not simply just have sex with a goddess.
I swallowed the boulder lodged in my throat, managed a smile and spoke as best I could. “You look beautiful, Gabrielle.” Except it came out as barely a whisper. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from her beauty.
She lowered her head and looked at her dress as her hands went to her sides. “Thank you.” I wanted to wrap my arms around her and draw her in to me. For the first time since Gabrielle arrived here, I was truly sorry for the way I’d acted last year, and finally realized that the guilt was the reason I hadn’t been sleeping around for the past two weeks. I was beginning to really like her, and I cared what she thought of me. God knows I have my reasons for my promiscuity, but I didn’t want Gabrielle to think that’s who I was. Tearing my eyes from her, I glanced back at Lena, who stood smiling at the both of us, and I remembered why I was there. Sticking my hand into the box, I pulled out Lena’s bouquet.
“Jackson had this designed for you, Lena.” It had turned out exactly the way Jackson had described it, though he hadn’t seen it yet. It was a beautiful mixture of white posy calla lilies, and white roses with cream hypericum berries interspersed. The stems were wrapped with white satin ribbon.
“Oh my. It’s gorgeous.” She waved her fingers in front of her eyes. “Oh, God, I’m going to ruin my makeup,” she said as Gabrielle handed her a tissue. Lena took the tissue and blotted under her eyes then took the bouquet from me. “I couldn’t have asked for a better arrangement. I can’t tell you guys how happy Jackson has made me.”
“Don’t worry. We can see it,” Gabrielle said and that was true. Jackson and Lena were perfect for each other.
I turned back to the box. “I had a hand in designing this one,” I said, pulling out the other slightly smaller bouquet and presented it to Gabrielle.
“That’s right he did. Well, actually he designed all of it. Brodie, take credit where credit’s due. All I did was offer my vote of approval,” Lena confessed.
I handed Gabrielle the bouquet of pink roses that matched her dress, mixed with a spray of darker hypericum berries and a couple of white calla lilies to match Lena’s bouquet. Gabrielle took the delicate bouquet, wrapped her slender fingers around the pale pink satin wrapping the stems, and lifted her eyes to mine. “I don’t know what to say? This is so beautiful, Brodie. I love pink roses, and calla lilies are my second favorite.”
“A rose for a rose. I know, clichéd and corny.”
“I don’t think so. Thank you, it’s lovely.” Taking in the scent of the flowers, she closed her eyes and smiled. A gorgeous smile. One I think I’ll remember until the day I die.
Chapter 16
Gabrielle
An evening wedding in July had been an excellent idea on Lena’s and Jackson’s part. The sun rested lower in the sky, making its descent toward the horizon, though the air was still warm, the evening breeze kept everyone very comfortable.
The tables turned out gorgeous. Thank God Brodie came out to help me decorate. I never would have been able to get it all done in time without him. He was turning out to be quite a different guy from what I thought he was when I first arrived. The weird part, he didn’t seem to be the big sex hound Lena claimed him to be when I’d first met him last year. In fact, he’d stayed home every night since I’d been there, and as far as I knew, he slept alone.
“The wedding turned out perfect and beautiful, just like a fairy tale,” I told Lena as she sat down at the long table next to me. Huffing a little after a rather fast dance with Weezer, she brushed a stray curl from her forehead and took a sip of her champagne. Jackson, Lena, Brodie and I all sat at one long table to eat, and the rest of the guests sat at the twenty other round tables. Jackson had hired a DJ, telling his bandmates he’d rather have them enjoying the night and celebrating with him, but the band, being the band, insisted on playing a few tunes anyway. Particularly, for Lena and Jackson’s first dance as a married couple. They also played while Jackson sang Lena’s Song to her during the ceremony. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen or heard.
“It was, wasn’t it?” Lena smiled. “I’m so glad you were able to be here. You know, you are the only friend I really have, well, girlfriend, that is.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, and … you’re the only ‘real’ friend I have too, come to think of it.”
“Have you decided what you are going to do about school?”
“Yes. I’m not going. At least not this year. I want to focus on my writing for a while and see what happens with that. Journalism was always my mother’s dream, not mine. And I decided I could finish courses online if I need to, or I could even go back next year if I want.
“So, you’re not even going to go to Chico?”
“Not right now. Maybe next year.”
“Then what are you going to do? I mean where do you plan on living? “Somewhere around here, I think. For now. I love the beach, but I can’t afford that right now. So, since you are my only friend, I thought it would be great to live around here.”
“Really? That is so fantastic. I’m so glad.”
“Me too.”
“Will you need to go back down south to get your stuff?
“No. I didn’t have much, just some clothes that I hardly wore anyway. I told my dorm roommate she could have them.”
“We should be back from our honeymoon in two weeks. If you need a place to stay while you’re looking for an apartment close by, you’re welcome to stay at the house. In fact, I can give you the key and you can stay there while we’re gone, too.”
“What? I couldn’t do that, Lena. I don’t want to impose on you and Jackson. You’re newlyweds. You need your privacy. I’d only be in the way.”
“Well, you can stay there until we get back then. I’ve already cleared it with Jackson. He’d rather have someone at the house while we’re gone than leave it empty.”
“It’s been empty, of people anyway since you haven’t ‘officially’ moved in yet.” I said, air quoting officially.
“Well, now that the furniture is there, he said it would be great to have someone there while we’re gone.”
“Okay.” I guess I can stay and use the next two weeks to look for an apartment so I have one by the time you come back from your honeymoon. Thanks. That will actually help out a lot.”
“Then it’s settled. The key is already on top of the dresser in the guest room at Brodie’s.”
We both turned our heads at the ruckus on the dance floor. All the guests had made a huge semi-circle. Jackson stood in the center and Brodie placed a chair beside him. “Um … it looks like someone is beckoning to you,” I said as Jackson stood beside the chair, his arm outstretched in a welcoming gesture. Lena stood and walked out to meet him. She sat and giggled as Jackson undertook the sexy task of slipping the garter off her thigh. With his back turned toward the huddle of guys cheering and teasing, he tossed it in the air to the next supposed sucker destined to get ‘hitched,’ as they all referred to it. Brodie stood on the other side of the yard away from the bunch, not partaking in the age-old ritual. I wondered why he hadn’t, though I suppose I shouldn’t have. Lena’s accusations about Brodie sleeping around with every woman he’s ever met came back into my mind. Brodie Beaumont liked variety, and he’d never settle down for just one woman.
After that fun moment, it was Lena’s turn. All the single women gathered around to catch the special bouquet Lena had ordered especially for tossing, keeping the beautiful bouquet Jackson had given her as a keepsake. I didn’t join in, though she and the others tried coaxing me out. I had a beautiful bouquet already. One especially made for me. One that I would cherish forever.
A lady in a dark purple dress with its skirt flowing out at the waistline like an apron caught the bouquet. All the women “ahhhed and ooohed” and huddled around her, congratulating her on her great catch, then she ran up to Lena, practically hugging the life out of her. I had to laugh, and was so thankful that I’d stayed out of that one. The music kicked up, and everyone began dancing again. I stood by one of the large oak trees sipping my champagne, watching the excitement. Thinking about how wonderful it was that Brodie had designed my bouquet, and how different he seemed from the guy I had met a year ago. It seemed surreal walking down the aisle with him after the ceremony with my arm in his, his long, hard body next to mine, guiding me along as I seemed to float on those four-inch heels. His whispered words to me right before we parted, “save a dance for me,” had me smiling at the thought of dancing with him. Though he didn’t seem the slighted bit interested in that endeavor now, as I watched him across the yard laughing and talking with Doc and some of the other guys. I wasn’t entirely sure he’d even remember he’d said it, and thought maybe it had just been one of those casual statements one makes to ease the awkwardness of a situation. I was jarred out of my thoughts when a deep male voice close to my ear startled me.
“Finally, I’ve caught the beautiful maid of honor alone.”
“Jeff. Uh … hi. You startled me.”
“Sorry, I guess you were deep in thought and didn’t hear me approach.”
“Yeah. I guess.” I smiled and finished the rest of the champagne in the flute.
“You are, you know.”
“What?”
“Beautiful. Probably the most beautiful girl here.”
“The bride is the most beautiful,” I corrected him, knowing all along that his statement was only a ruse to start a conversation with me.
“Most times I would have to agree with you, but not this time.”
“Is that a pick-up line?”
“Could be. You interested?” Jeff gave me a crooked half smile. He wore a dark blue button down shirt neatly tucked into black slacks. He was dangerously handsome with his blond hair combed completely back, giving his face more of a rugged bad boy look.
“I think you need to do better than that.” I’d been interested. Still was, considering Brodie seemed to be ignoring me ever since we parted ways at the altar.
“Aw, gee, miss, forgive me. I’m a little rusty on the ol’ pick-up lines, seeing that I was blindsided by your beauty.” He turned to face me, placing his arm across his stomach, he bowed at the waist. “May I have the pleasure of this dance?”
I giggled before glancing across the lawn, wishing it was Brodie asking me to dance. Brodie, who stood with his back facing me still talking with some of the guys from the band. Brodie, who probably couldn’t care less where I was or what I was doing. The bouquet had been thoughtful, but most likely just something that had been necessary since he’d been coerced into picking out the flowers. He’d asked me to save him a dance, but his lack of interest in me now confused me. I looked up at Jeff and smiled. “Why not?”
“Right this way, then.” Jeff led me out to the middle of the lawn onto to the square hardwood platform they’d rented for dancing. The floor was already crowded. It was a fast song. One I didn’t even recognize. I kicked off my shoes so I could keep up. Dancing in high heels never appealed to me. The beat was so fast, my legs had trouble keeping time. I laughed, feeling exhausted, and I’m sure the champagne played a part in my inability to keep my balance, as well. Jeff grabbed me around the waist just as the music slowed to a soft ballad, and I sighed with relief against him, my heart beating wildly with pleasure.
Chapter 17
Brodie
All the tiny lights we’d strung around the yard glowed from wires and trees. The backyard looked like an amusement park all lit up. All it needed was a roller coaster and a ferris wheel. I glanced around, pleased with the way everything looked. My eye caught sight of a girl sitting at a table, alone. I wondered briefly who she’d come with, if anyone, but the thought quickly left my mind as Jackson came up behind me, patting me on the back and handing me a shot glass full of something. “Why didn’t you join in for the catch?”
I sniffed at the glass. “Another shot of Jäger? You’re going to be my downfall.”
“It’s my wedding. We need to celebrate.”
“Better be careful, too many of these and you’ll ruin your bride’s wedding night.”
“Nah. Don’t worry. I’m pacing myself. Gotta take time to celebrate. You could have caught the garter. What happened?”
“Not my thing.”
“What? Garters or marriage?”
My lip twitched into a
half smile. “I like garters. I just don’t like what the ritual implies.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s right. Mister non-relationship. Maybe someday when you fall in love, you’ll understand.”
Grateful he hadn’t tagged again on to that sentence. Though even without it, Beth’s face flashed before my eyes. The memory of her and what she had done still stung. Jackson clinked his glass against mine and we downed the dark brown liquid. As I titled my head back, I caught sight of Gabrielle on the dance floor. Damn. Who was she dancing with? They swayed with their bodies pressed so close it looked like they were molded together. She tilted her head back and laughed at something the guy said. “Who’s that?” I asked, nodding my head toward Gabrielle and the guy holding her too tightly against him.
Jackson followed my gaze to the dance floor. “Who’s who?”
“That guy dancing with Gabrielle.”
“Oh, that’s Jeff. He’s on the soccer team. I think his last name’s Adams, if I remember correctly. He’s one of the newer guys on the team. I don’t know him very well.”
“Then why’d you invite him?”
“He’s on the team. I invited everyone on the team. It just seemed wrong to only invite some and not all. You know how it is.”
“Yeah.” I rolled my eyes. Jackson had a heart big enough for the entire county and didn’t want anyone to feel left out whether they were good friends or just acquaintances.
“He was in the bar a few weeks ago. He’s been coming in a lot lately. I’m surprised you haven’t seen him.”
“I’ve seen him. Just didn’t know who he was.”
Beautifully Used (The Beaumont Brothers Book 2) Page 7
