“I will.” After twelve long and lonely years, you’ll be mine soon.
The minister focused on her. “Do you, Rachel Marie Tims Gaines, take this man to be your lawful and wedded husband?”
She looked at her beaming love and vowed, “I do.”
“Do you, Rachel, promise to love, honor, and cherish him in sickness and in health, in rich and in poor, in good times and in bad, and forsaking all others until death do you part?”
“I will.” And I promise there will be only golden days ahead for us.
“May I have the ring please?” he asked Quentin, who passed it to him while Becky took charge of Rachel’s bouquet. “A ring is a perfect circle to symbolize a never-ending bond of love and marriage. May your union always be as shiny and precious as the gold herein. This will be a sign unto you both and to the world of your commitments to each other. Place this ring on her finger and repeat after me, with this ring I thee wed.”
Quentin slipped the gold band on her finger and repeated those precious words, his gaze lifting to join hers as he did so.
Following the pastor’s instructions, Rachel repeated the same words as she slipped a gold band onto Quentin’s finger, their gazes fusing once more and the contact of their hands rapturous.
“With the power invested to me by the church and this state, I now pronounce you man and wife. As Matthew chapter six says, ‘Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.’ Let us pray and bless this union.” Afterward, he said with a smile, “You may kiss your bride.”
Rachel and Quentin faced each other, smiled, embraced, and kissed. Before they parted, each whispered, “I love you.”
The minister concluded with, “Congratulations and may you live long and happy lives together. Face the audience, please. Family and friends, I have the honor and pleasure of introducing to you, Mr. and Mrs. Quentin James Rawls. You are cordially invited to join the newly weds at Westlake Country Club for a reception. Please feel free to go on over and enjoy yourselves; the bride and groom will join you as soon as pictures are taken.”
As the pastor spoke and Rachel’s eyes drifted over those gathered to share in this glorious occasion, her emerald gaze came to an abrupt halt and widened in astonishment. Joy flooded her as she saw Karen and Evelyn sitting among the guests, smiling and beaming with love and happiness. She could not imagine how she had missed sighting them earlier during her stroll down the aisle.
Noting her reaction, Quentin leaned toward her and murmured, “I couldn’t think of a better wedding gift than bringing the girls over today. They sneaked in after your back was turned.”
Their gazes locked for a moment, and she smiled. She hugged him and said, “I love you, and it’s the best surprise I’ve ever had. Thank you.”
The elated girls hurried forward and embraced and kissed their mother, with all eyes misting.
“It was beautiful, Mom, and you look fantastic,” Karen told her.
“Absolutely radiant,” Evelyn added. “We’re so happy for you. We’ve missed you like crazy. Eddie, Barbara, and the kids send their love. He couldn’t come, and the trip was too long and fast for Alex and Ashley.”
“I’m so glad you two made it, and I’m still in shock to see you here. As for you, Dr. Karen Phillips, congratulations on your marriage to David. You two are perfect for each other.”
“Thanks, Mom, and we’re deliriously happy. David sends his love and best wishes. It was too difficult for him to come with me, but he’s very excited and pleased to have Quentin Rawls join our family circle.”
“I can hardly believe my daughters are here,” Rachel murmured, her gaze studying each in turn as if searching for any changes in them.
Karen laughed and hinted, “This must be Quentin, our new stepfather.” She introduced herself, and then her sister Evelyn. “We’re delighted to meet you, Quentin. You couldn’t have done a nicer thing for us and Mom. She’s told us so much about you, all good things, I might add. Now, we can see why you stole her heart. Welcome to our family.” She gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, noting how handsome he was and mentally praising her mother’s taste and victory.
“Thank you, Karen; she’s made me the happiest man alive. I’m glad you two could come; I’ve looked forward to meeting you. I promise to take very good care of your mother.”
“I know you two are perfect for each other,” Evelyn said. “I’m so excited to be here, thanks to you, Quentin.” She also gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Quentin noticed that both daughters favored Rachel and were lovely young women: vivacious; charming, polite. He looked forward to meeting their husbands and Evelyn’s children next year. It was clear to him they were a close and loving family.
“How did you manage this enormous surprise?” Rachel asked him.
“Quentin contacted us last Wednesday after we talked on the phone and asked if we’d come,” Karen responded. “He made the arrangements and paid for everything. I arrived early this morning. Evelyn got here late last night. But we both have flights out in the morning. It’s been months and we hate to rush off, but David’s covering for me, and Barbara is keeping the children for Evelyn, so we have to get back pronto. Besides, you have a new groom to concentrate on and a move coming up. Quentin said you’ll honeymoon later, after he completes his physical therapy.”
“Why didn’t you stay at home last night?” Rachel asked Evelyn.
“And spoil the surprise?” the youngest daughter teased. “That look on your face when you spotted us was worth a million bucks.”
“I didn’t see you when I came down the aisle.”
“Because we were hiding in the back and sneaked down after you were up here,” Karen explained. “We didn’t want to distract you or make you nervous and tongue-tied. I take it you didn’t suspect a thing?”
“I didn’t have an inkling of a clue. And those cunning telegrams yesterday fooled me completely. If Quentin is this sneaky, I’d better keep a close eye on him,” the bride jested, and he chuckled.
“Mr. and Mrs. Rawls, I’m ready to begin,” the photographer said.
Pictures were taken of the newlyweds with all the members of both sides of the family, and with the minister and Scott and Becky.
As soon as he finished and was packing up to head for the reception, Rachel’s daughters, Quentin’s parents and the Mills family were introduced to each other. The group laughed and chatted for a few minutes before Quentin said they needed to leave for the reception. Too, the florist and janitor needed to put the church back in order for the evening service.
The elated couple paused outside to pose for the media’s cameras and for Quentin to answer a few questions, then were whisked away in the limo he had hired, Karen and Evelyn riding with them to the country club. The newlyweds were grateful to a thoughtful and sly Frank for disguising himself on their special day and for sneaking in and out the side door to elude any sleazy tabloid reporters, but none were there. Those present from the media couldn’t have been nicer and kinder to the couple.
As Rachel and Quentin Rawls entered the large room at the country club, the guests applauded them and many came forward to speak with them; others waited for the crowd to thin out around them. Embraces, kisses, and handshakes were exchanged as they received congratulations and humorous words of advice. During the commotion, the girls stood with the Coopers and Brimsfords; the six laughed, reminisced, and caught up on personal news. Karen was congratulated on her recent marriage to David Phillips, whom they all knew and liked and whose parents were present today.
Rachel was introduced to Quentin’s sports agent, Derek Hodges, who had flown in for the wedding. She knew that his friends on the Cowboys team could not attend, as they had a game with the Houston Oilers this afternoon; but they would see them in Dallas this weekend at a party those men were giving for the newlyweds on Friday night.
Rachel and Quentin conversed with friends, nibbled on ample hors d’o
euvres, sipped champagne, and ate wedding cake after they cut it and fed each other a piece for a picture. The club chef had done a marvelous job with the food, and the servers worked unobtrusively. The florist had placed hurricane globes with flowers, greenery, and ribbons on each table; candelabrums and large arrangements of flowers were on the refreshment tables; and potted palms had been set in various locations in the already lovely surroundings. Romantic music on low volume filtered into the room through the club’s sound system.
Everyone appeared to be having a wonderful and relaxing time. Gifts and cards lay on a table near the door, alongside a guest registry, a present from Betty Burke at the shower. The couple was pleased that many of Quentin’s old friends from his first pro team—the San Francisco 49ers—had sent cards, telegrams, and gifts to Quentin while he was in the hospital and to Rachel’s home this week as wedding congratulations. The same was true of some people from the media and from companies for which Quentin had done past product endorsements, from the Carters and their families, and from countless fans across the country. She was thrilled that so many people held her love in such high esteem and deep affection.
Rachel thanked Becky and Jen once more for the bridal shower they had given her the previous night while Scott and Adam kept Quentin company. The three friends talked about past times, future plans, and the wedding. It was decided that Jen also would come to visit when Scott and Becky came to begin renovations on the ranch house later this month.
“I miss you two already and I haven’t even left town.”
“We’ll miss you, too, Rach. I doubt anyone will ever be able to replace you in our little group.”
“We’re so thrilled for you, Rachel; you deserve this happiness.”
“Thank you, Jen, and I love you both.”
“We love you, too, Rach,” Becky said, and hugged her. “Any time you get lonesome, just pick up the phone and call us, but I doubt you’ll have those feelings with Quentin around.” The blonde grinned.
“He is wonderful, isn’t he?” Rachel murmured with a glowing smile.
“Yes, and it was nice of him to bring the girls over for the wedding. You’re lucky, Rach, and smart. You said you would wait for Mr. Right to come along, and you found him. The girls have taken to him quickly.”
“Yes, and I’m glad, but I knew they would.”
“His family is nice, too, and they seem crazy about you and your marriage to Quentin; I know you’re ecstatic about that.”
Rachel grasped Becky’s allusion to past problems with her first inlaws. “You’re right, but things appear to be better between me and the Gaineses; that’s especially good where the girls are concerned.”
Jen and Becky nodded agreement.
“I want to thank you two for taking care of the presents today. It’s so thoughtful of you to pack them up and send them to Dallas with the movers.”
“That’s what are friends for,” Becky remarked.
“And you two are the best friends anyone could have. Mercy, I’m going to miss you.” Rachel hugged them again before she said, “I’d better mingle for a while. I’ll talk with you two later.”
At one point, Clifford Hollis whispered to Rachel that Janet had returned, had agreed to seek therapy and to attend counseling with their pastor, and they might get back together if she changed. Rachel was stunned when her banker and neighbor told her that Janet sent her an apology for past mistreatments. She told him she hoped everything worked out for the best for them, and her generous heart was sincere.
In the ladies’ room later, Rachel spoke privately with her daughters for a few minutes. The girls were relieved and delighted by their grandparents’ surprising change of heart and behavior. Karen was pleased that a party would be given for both couples next June. The Gaineses and their daughters had apologized for being unable to attend the wedding, as they had left on their annual family vacation on Friday, to Hawaii for two weeks this time. In a way, Rachel, Karen, and Evelyn were relieved the Gaines family couldn’t come, as it prevented reminders of Rachel’s marriage to Daniel and his tragic death, which could dampen spirits today. Yet, they knew, if the reservations hadn’t been made long ago, Daniel’s family would be present. At least they had an excellent excuse for the Gaines’ absence for appearance’s sake, as their trip had been planned long before the wedding.
Rachel went over the early inheritance gifts for Karen and Evelyn, and mentioned the large settlement Quentin was to receive for his accident and future earnings from a deal with a collector’s items company. “I hate to talk about business matters here and so fast, but you’re leaving tomorrow and I didn’t want to go over them by phone or letter. Quentin and I have discussed money and wills; he wanted mine set up so everything I have will be divided equally between you two upon my death. Newton has taken care of it for me, and a copy is in the safe at home. Is there anything else you can think of we need to discuss quickly?”
“No, Mom, and we’re most appreciative of what you’ve done and to Quentin for being so considerate,” Karen told her.
Both girls hugged and kissed Rachel in love and gratitude.
“Are you sure you two don’t want to sleep at home tonight? Honestly, we don’t mind; we have a lifetime to spend together.”
“Heavens, no, Mom, we wouldn’t dare intrude on your wedding night. You just focus on that handsome hunk who’s crazy about you. After we eat dinner with David’s parents, Evelyn and I will catch up on our news at the hotel; Quentin rented us a two-bedroom suite. He even had champagne and a fruit-and-cheese basket delivered, and hired a limo to bring us to the church. He did invite us to have breakfast with you two before we fly out tomorrow, in case he’s forgotten to mention it in the excitement, and we’re all on the same plane to Atlanta. I think his family is joining us, too, before they drive home.”
“That man thinks of everything. I’m so lucky to have him and to have wonderful daughters like you two. Lordy, I love you and I’ve missed you.”
“The feeling is mutual, Mom, and we’re so happy for you. He’s terrific, and we’re already crazy about him. His family, too. Right, Evelyn?”
“Absolutely, Mom. You did great. We’re proud of you.”
“Thanks for being such wonderful and caring daughters. I’m very lucky to have you both and to have Quentin. I know you and David will be just as happy as we are,” Rachel told Karen. “Don’t forget to tell him how delighted I am about your marriage.” To Evelyn, she said, “Thank Barbara for keeping the children so you could come. Give Alex and Ashley and Eddie hugs and kisses for me and tell them we’ll visit in April after your return.”
“I will, Mom, and don’t forget to send pictures to show them.”
“As soon as the photographer sends me the proofs and we make our choices, I’ll have albums made up for each of you and send them along. Well, we should get back to our guests and party. After Karen returns home, Evelyn, you and I can fly to Augusta and we’ll have a hen party.”
As they left the ladies’ room, Evelyn quipped, “Considering the abundant number of gifts and favors friends and even strangers have sent and done for you two, you’ll be writing thank you notes for weeks.”
“I know, and isn’t it wonderful that people are so nice and kind?”
“That’s the only way anyone could be to you and Quentin,” Karen said.
Rachel and Quentin Rawls snuggled in the king-size bed at her house, candlelight glowing In the room and flickering over their nude bodies and tranquil faces. They talked about their lovely wedding and reception, their families, friends, and future together. They kissed and caressed as they relaxed after the busy and exhilarating day, glad to be alone at last. A special aura of intimacy and closeness was heavy in the air and between them tonight.
He stared at her face with its serene expression and murmured, “Lordy, I love you, woman. You’re beautiful, especially ravishing today. I wanted to hug you and kiss you every minute.”
His husky tone and the seductive gleam in his gaze e
nflamed her from head to feet. He had a way of making her feel like the most desirable female alive. “We’re complete and strong together, two halves of the same whole.”
“You’re right, we’re a perfect match, and we’re so lucky, so blessed.”
Her entranced gaze meshed with his enticing blue one. “Yes, we are, and I love you. I couldn’t be happier than I am at this moment.”
“Neither could I,” he agreed as he stroked her mussed brown hair and emotion-flushed cheek. He adored and enjoyed everything about her. He was indeed fortunate he met her years ago and found her again. Without a doubt, she was his destiny, his soulmate, his consummate partner in all things.
Her fingers trailed over his neck and collarbone, then she drifted them over his broad chest as they admired and stroked that hairy and strong terrain. She teased them over his rib cage and laughed when he wiggled at the ticklish sensations. They paused at his waistline. He was firm and supple, so magnificent and arousing. She felt as if she could do, be, or say anything she wanted with him; he was good for her and good to her. Yes, her dreamy mind concluded, their powerful physical and emotional attractions, easy rapport, and total compatibility made them perfect for each other.
Quentin’s fingers roamed her silky flesh; they traveled along the rises of her spine, past her slim waist, across her firm buttocks, and down her taut thighs. He wanted to tantalize every inch of her to unbridled yearning, and tried to do so. Never had a woman given him such exquisite longing, evoked such hunger, and sated him with such supreme satisfaction. He heard her sigh with pleasure as he fondled her breasts and noticed how responsive they were to his touch. He noted the textures and contrasts of her sensuous frame. He craved to be within her, but he proceeded with deliberate leisure, drawing out his skilled foreplay for as long as possible.
Rachel inhaled and savored his manly scent. When they kissed, her tongue danced playfully with his to a sweet melody heard inside their heads. When his lips journeyed down her throat and wandered through the canyon between her mounds before climbing their peaks, she writhed and moaned in rapture. The points hardened even more as his tongue flicked over them rapidly or circled them slowly, provocatively.
Anything For Love Page 31
