by Chloe Lang
There would definitely be no white hat on his head.
Seth reminded Charly of the rustler, the gunslinger, the smoking-hot bad guy she would’ve cried for when he finally received his well-deserved justice at the end of a noose at the close of the movie. The kind of guy who caused distress.
* * * *
Looking at the guy and girl walking arm and arm didn’t sit well with the person in the parked rental car. The gun in the passenger’s seat was loaded. Tonight would’ve been a good time to meet up with her until the cowboy’s appearance from the shadows had fucked everything up.
“If prison taught me one thing at all, it was to be patient.”
Another time, a better opportunity, would present itself to catch up with Charlene Wynn.
* * * *
Seth didn’t say another word to Charly as they walked. She, too, had remained quiet. Something about him shook her deeply.
She pulled her arm free of the cowboy as they walked in through the double doors of the chapel. “Thank you, Mr. Strong. I can manage from here.”
“You can manage from about anywhere, I bet.” Apparently, his stare had a paralyzing impact on her since she was having difficulty moving away. “Here comes Drake for you, missy.”
Charly broke free from his gaze and looked around the little chapel. There were wooden pews, about ten on each side of the center aisle, that were decorated with wide gray and white ribbons. And just like Seth had proclaimed, Drake was beelining toward them.
“I see you’ve met Seth, princess.” Drake moved next to her and placed his arm around her shoulder. “He takes some time getting used to.”
“He was a perfect gentleman.” Charly continued viewing the room.
The space looked amazing. Jessie stood at the front with her five grooms. They surrounded her like a fort’s wall, but instead of being made of brick and mortar, this barrier was comprised of cowboy muscles. The guy at the podium seemed to be instructing the bride and her men about some details. A nice-looking woman was rearranging flower arrangements.
Drake kissed Charly’s cheek, causing a tingle to shoot up her spine. “You’re looking at my Aunt Mary, sweetheart, Jessie’s new mother-in-law. She’s always been crazy about flowers.” He pointed to three men standing to the side, near the woman. “Those are Aunt Mary’s husbands, my uncles—Daniel, Craig, and Dillon Wilde.”
Similar to the men she’d already met in town, Drake’s uncles were dressed in cowboy gear. All three gazed devotedly at their missus.
“They look too young to be Jessie’s in-laws.” The men could’ve passed for early forties and Drake’s aunt could’ve easily been tagged for her midthirties.
“Some claim the water in Wilde keeps us young.”
“And others?”
“You’ve already experienced a little of that claim in my truck last night.”
Heat flooded her cheeks knowing Seth had remained within hearing distance. She looked over at him, but he didn’t seem to have heard Drake, thank God. She turned her head toward Drake and shot him her most disapproving stare.
Someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned and saw Jessie’s ex-fiancé, Michael.
“Hi, Charlene. I see you’ve already warmed up to Wilde.” He looked at Drake and winked.
“You’re just like I remembered.” She turned to Drake. “Would you give us a minute?”
Drake cupped her chin. “For you, anything.” He looked at Michael, his tone deepening. “You really are gay?”
“God, yes. Please tell me you’re bi, Drake.”
Both men laughed, and Charly couldn’t help but do the same.
“I’m totally straight.”
“Too bad for me.”
Drake stroked her hair. “Be careful with this one. I’ll just be over here, princess.” The tall, good-guy cowboy walked over to the left of the chapel.
Michael faux coughed.
“What?”
“Nothing. I can imagine what you already think of Wilde, Charlene.”
“Charly. Remember. I go by Charly.”
“I know. Just fucking with you, kiddo.”
“You’re apparently fucking with everyone, including my cousin,” she spat. “Why did you string her along?”
“Are you talking about the gay thing?”
“Of course. I remember you always being a free spirit. When I came to visit her when I was about thirteen, you were the instigator to get us to sneak out of her dad’s place and go to Coney Island. Pushing the envelope is kind of your calling card. Why in the hell would you ever have issues admitting you were gay?”
“Hard to say. Family expectations, I guess. Whatever it was, I am out. Totally out. And I’m loving it.”
“Did you ever love Jessie?”
“Did? I still love her. She’s my heart. I’m so thrilled that she’s finally found real happiness.”
“You’ve got to be kidding? Five men. Fuck-fuck-fuckity-fuck. There’s no way this will last.”
“But you’re here. You’re in the wedding. If you don’t approve, why would you come?”
“I hoped to talk some sense into Jessie, but I failed.”
“Look at her, Charly.” He pointed to her cousin at the front of the chapel. “I have to believe that what she and her guys have will last.”
Jessie blazed like a beacon of joy, giggling and smiling. The five men she would marry tomorrow seemed completely mesmerized by her.
“I hope you’re right.” Charly had her doubts. “I won’t spoil it for her, Michael. I’m here to support her, now.”
“Good to know. Congrats on completing your master’s. What’s your plan?”
“I have a great chance on landing a fantastic job in Malibu.” Charly realized that she hadn’t thought about the interview in the past several hours, and that surprised her. She needed to remain focused. Drake was a little scenic trip to enjoy, but she couldn’t seem to get him and Jessie’s wedding out of her mind. “My car is in the shop in Elko, a town south of here. If it isn’t fixed soon, I’ll have to take a bus to California.”
“Kiddo, don’t do that. I can get you a car and driver, or better yet, you could go on my plane. It’s hangared only a couple of hours from here. My pilot is on standby.”
“Thank you, but no.” Charly cringed at his offer.
Michael was a trust-fund guy. He had millions. Money always seemed to be the giant, invisible elephant in the room, mocking her poverty. She had no intention of being in the owe column to him or anyone else. Some called it pride, but it had been the only way she knew how to operate in this world. Besides, it had worked for her pretty damn well.
“Suit yourself. What’s the job you’re going for?”
“A counseling position at one of the most prestigious rehab facilities in the country.” Charly closed her eyes, bringing into view an imaginary office she’d dreamed up would be hers at the center. “The Thompson and Carlton Renewal Center is world renowned. Its success rates are stunning. The staff there has pioneered some unusual methods that are now being used by many psychologists specializing in drug and alcohol addiction recovery around the globe.”
“I’ve heard of it. Didn’t that girl who starred in that witch movie go there?”
“Don’t know, but a lot of celebrities have gone there.”
“Nice. I bet that will be a sweet gig for you.”
“Very sweet.” If she could land the job, the Center would pay for her to get her doctorate.
“I’ve got my fingers crossed for you, but I doubt you’ll need it, Charly. Whatever you set your mind to do, you’ve always made it happen.”
“Thanks. Jessie told me that you’ve been hanging around Wilde quite some time.”
“I can’t get it out of my system. This place is awesome. Have you heard about the private club, The Masters’ Chambers?”
“No.”
Michael looked over at Drake and Seth. “I bet you will very soon. Since I’m the ex of the bride, I bet the owner, her eldest groom, will
give me a membership. It’s quite exclusive.”
“Hey, Charly.” Jessie came up to her. “I see you’re being chatted up by our own version of Peter Pan.”
“He hasn’t changed since we were teens. Not one bit.”
“He’s a mess.”
“How are you doing with all the wedding stuff, Jess?”
“I’m a complete wreck. I can’t believe this is actually happening.”
Charly took advantage of the opening. “Not too late to back out.”
“I wouldn’t dare. This is my dream, Charly.” Jessie turned around and faced her five grooms. “Look at those guys. They are my rock. They are my life. And guess what?”
“What?”
“I’m their life, too.”
“Well, I hope you know what you’re doing. No way could I do something like you’re doing.”
Michael laughed. He actually pointed to Drake and Seth. “You mean you wouldn’t want to be the center of attention of such hot men, Charly?”
“Not on your life. I am perfectly happy with what I have going on in my world.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing.”
Jessie slapped him on the shoulder. “You mean you’ve trapped some guys of your own, Michael?”
“Not yet, but Carlotta’s cards said that there are three hot men about to come into my life. I’ve got my eyes wide open to spot them.”
“Liar.” Jessie grinned. “Spill it. Who have you met?”
“Attention. Let’s get this going.” The officiator banged on the podium. “I’d like to have the bride and grooms up here. Also, all the other wedding party needs to sit down on the front pews, please.”
Michael shrugged. “Saved by the bell.”
“Don’t think you’re going to get a pass, Michael. You will tell me. You owe me that.”
“Why does he owe you, Jess?” Charly asked.
“I got him to Wilde in the first place.”
“Only because I came to rescue my ex-fiancée.” Michael put his arm around Jessie’s shoulder. “Let’s get you to the front before preacher Pete blows a fuse.”
Charly walked behind them wondering at the banter she’d just witnessed. There was still love between these two. Much love. If Michael hadn’t turned out to be gay, they would’ve been perfect together. And merging their two families’ fortunes would’ve put them in the top one percent of Manhattan’s elite. Why do I always drill everything down to money? Because early on in life, she’d learned that money shaded everything and everyone.
“Charlene, I’m so glad you could make it.”
She turned to the speaker. “Uncle John, how are you?”
“I’m very well, and you?” Jessie’s dad looked so much younger and happier than when she’d last seen him. When was that? My high school graduation.
“I’m fine. Thank you.” She wondered how in the world he could be so calm about this nutty wedding. Instead of asking him how he felt, she kept her mouth shut.
“I am so glad you could make it. Jessica is so pleased.”
What the hell. Open your mouth, Charly. “What do you think about your daughter marrying five men, Uncle John?”
“It’s unusual, but she’s happy. I’ve never seen her so happy before, have you?”
Charly looked again at the bride to be. Her uncle was right. Jessie was happy.
Everyone in the wedding party, including Charly, began taking seats on the front pews.
Drake walked up and looked at Michael, who had sat down on Charly’s left. “Do you mind moving over?”
Michael smiled. “Not at all, buddy.”
Drake draped his arm around the back of her shoulders.
She expected Uncle John to sit on her other side once he was done talking with Jessie. Charly liked seeing them hug each other. After Jessie’s mom died, there had been a coldness between father and daughter. That now was gone. Another man walked up to Jessie.
“Who is that?” she asked Drake, pointing to a man she didn’t recognize.
“Lee Carpenter. He’s Jessie’s biological father.”
“No way.” There was a lot to catch up on for Charly.
Seth walked up and sat down on the right, and then he patted her thigh. “Want to ditch this joint and go have some fun, missy?”
Charly thought about asking him to stop calling her missy, but how he said it didn’t seem to be meant as a slur. Instead, it sounded more like a term of endearment. Got to get my head out of the clouds. “That seat is for my uncle.”
“There’s no assigned seating, Charly. You have plenty of time to see your uncle.”
She mockingly saluted him. “Yes, Sir.”
“Fuck, I like the sound of that.” He leaned forward and looked at Drake. “Don’t you, bro?”
“Cool your jets, Seth. You’re going to scare her off.”
“I don’t scare that easily, guys.” She wasn’t exactly sure what they were insinuating, but she had a bit of an idea. Even though she’d only just lost her virginity to Drake, she wasn’t a prude. In fact, she knew, at least in theory, a lot about sex. “I know more than you can imagine.”
Seth squeezed her thigh, causing her to tremble. “I’m counting on that, missy.”
“So, who is our maid of honor?” the officiator asked.
Charly raised her hand. “I am.”
The remaining wedding party, other than the bride and grooms, took their seats on the pews.
“Excellent. And the bride’s best man?”
Very odd wedding indeed.
“Right here,” Michael informed from the other side of Drake.
“Perfect. You two will walk down the aisle together right before the bride, understand?”
Charly nodded.
Michael sent her a wink.
Pete asked, “Who are the bridesmaids?”
Six women from town raised their hands. Jessie had told her at the diner that they were locals and friends of the Wildes. Since all the Strong brothers were going to be groomsmen, her cousin needed that many bridesmaids.
“Jessie, what order do you want these girls in?”
“I really don’t care, Pete.”
He looked at Mrs. Wilde. “You have any suggestions, Mary?”
“Sure. Let’s put them in order. Tina, you’re first. Next comes Cee, Marcy, Dawn, and Sheri. Luna will be last but definitely not least.”
The six women nodded and smiled at Drake’s Aunt and Pete.
He continued, “Thank you, Mary. And who are the groomsmen?”
Drake and Seth raised their hands.
“That’s only two.” Pete rubbed his chin. “I thought we had six groomsmen and six bridesmaids.”
“We do.” Jessie put her hands on her hips and frowned. She looked directly at Drake. “Where are you other brothers?”
“Dax was just here. So were Tobias and Heath.” Drake shrugged. “I haven’t seen Nate.”
“We’re here.” A voice came from behind.
Charly turned her head around and saw four men. One was Nate, Drake’s brother who she’d met at the diner. He was staring directly at her as he headed down the aisle to the front.
She blinked and looked at the man following behind him. She whispered to Drake, “I recognize Nate, but who are the others.”
“The one behind him is Tobias, my eldest brother.” Tobias had a definite family resemblance to Drake, if cowboy hotness could be called a familial trait. He, too, gazed at her. “Behind him is Heath.” Tall, muscled, and mouthwatering sexiness oozed from Heath. Like his other brothers, he fixed her with his stare, giving her a bit of the jitters. “And bringing up the rear is Dax.” Charly’s jaw dropped. The last cowboy was a mirror image in every way to Drake. He not only looked her way, he sent her a toothy grin.
Pete grumbled, “Thank you for gracing us with your presence, boys.”
Tobias didn’t say a word, but continued to look at her, making her feel like a high school student’s frog about to be dissected.
Heath shr
ugged. “A cowboy’s life isn’t tied to a clock, Pete.” Then the hunk looked back at Charly. “Seeing how gorgeous everything is though, I wish I’d come earlier.”
Dax shook his head and then smiled at her. “I know I’m glad to be here.”
“Thrilled, actually,” Nate added.
Charly felt Drake’s arm tighten around her shoulder. She turned back to him. He was glaring at Nate, Tobias, and Heath. Could he actually be jealous?
“Let’s get on with it, shall we?” Austin, one of Jessie’s men, barked.
Pete, the guy who would join together Jessie and her five guys tomorrow, was very efficient. The rehearsal went by in a flash with a “you stand here,” “I’ll say a few words,” “the music comes up,” and more. In less than fifteen minutes, it was finished.
Mrs. Wilde announced, “We have a wonderful steak-and-lobster dinner set up over at the Hotel Cactus’s ballroom. Everyone better come or…well, you know my sister.”
Seth leaned forward and looked at Drake. “Has Charly met mom yet?”
“Yes. At the diner.”
Charly shook her head. “She must’ve had her hands full with the six of you.” One woman with so many boys and two husbands was a recipe for disaster.
Seth squeezed her thigh again, and Drake stroked her hair. Given how this town worked, she had a good idea what these two guys wanted.
She was enjoying the attention more than she should, and given her years of iciness from college men, she wasn’t about to give Drake and Seth the cold shoulder.
From virgin to crazy woman in just a day. Why not play with a little fire? Flirting doesn’t mean I have to go the distance and get burned.
Charly stood up, knowing she would have to walk a tightrope with these two. “Shall we go, fellows?”
Chapter Seven
Charly walked up the stairs holding Drake’s hand. He had a charm and manner from a former time when women were put on a pedestal and treated in a certain special way. It wasn’t something she was comfortable with, but truthfully, she was savoring his thoughtfulness.
The rehearsal meal had gone quickly, and most guests left right after, likely because of tomorrow’s big event. Having consumed copious amounts of wine, Charly had looked for the Strong brothers at the dinner, but none of them had showed up save Drake. She wondered why. Had she wrongly interpreted their fixed stares on her? Probably.
