The Damaged Heroes Collection [Box Set #1: The Damaged Heroes Collection] (BookStrand Publishing Mainstream)

by James, Sandy

  The skinny girl nodded and walked away.

  Turning to Laurie, the new woman glanced at her and smiled. “I heard you say you needed a wedding dress right away. I’d love to help you find one. I’m Carrie.”

  Laurie was about to politely decline and leave until she took a good look at her new saleslady. The woman was almost the same size and shape as Laurie. She had dark hair with a small streak of gray fanning her temples. Her brown eyes were soft and warm, and they read of kindness and compassion. Laurie trusted her instantly. “I’m Laurie. And thank you.”

  “Let’s see. You’re what, five-ten? That should help. These are all made so long they usually need hemmed. But you shouldn’t have any problem. Size...um...fourteen?” Carrie asked.

  Laurie nodded. “Amazing. What do you suggest?”

  “Slim skirt. No flowers. No lace. A Carmen Marc Valvo design, I think. Something simple and elegant. Strapless. With your bustline, you could pull it off.” Carrie flipped through several dresses. She pulled out two, and Laurie nodded her approval of each of Carrie’s choices. “Let’s get one more, just for good measure.” Carrie drew out a third.

  Escorting Laurie into the changing area, Carrie disappeared to a back room before returning with a bustier and long half slip. “Put these on and then we’ll give the dresses a whirl.” She stepped outside of the dressing room to get the first of the dresses ready for Laurie to try.

  When Laurie told her she was ready, Carrie slipped back into the small room to help the bride-to-be don the first gown and then led her to the mirrored platform to see how well Laurie liked it.

  Laurie decided she wouldn’t even bother to try on the other two dresses. She twirled around to see the stylish satin dress from every angle and only grew to love it more with each new glance. “Oh, Carrie. It’s beautiful.”

  Carrie smile was warm and sincere. “I thought you’d like this one best. And look, it doesn’t need any alterations. We could get some flats, or you could get away with a small heel.”

  “Flats are great. I’ll need a ten though,” Laurie explained.

  “Give me a minute,” Carrie said. She started to walk away before she stopped for a moment as if lost deep in thought. She suddenly hurried back to Laurie. “He...he didn’t hit you, did he? That’s not how you got your bruises, is it?”

  Laurie could read Carrie’s concern and was touched by the kind woman. “No, he didn’t hit me. I fell down some stairs. It was an accident.” Carrie still read of unease. “Honest, Carrie. It wasn’t my fiancé. Ross isn’t capable of doing something like this.”

  Carrie smiled and nodded before she hustled toward the shoe department.

  Laurie stared at the dress in the mirror and sighed. It was truly elegant, just as Carrie had said. Then Laurie let her eyes wander to the reflection of her face. She couldn’t contain a horrified gasp. Each yellowing bruise only seemed more obvious, more appalling in comparison to the gorgeous white wedding gown. How could I have forgotten? And how could she possibly get married with a black eye and bruises all over her face and arms?

  Carrie came back, carrying a pair of shoes that looked like ballet slippers, and she must have immediately noticed the change in Laurie’s demeanor. She read of concern. “What’s wrong?”

  “Look at my face. What the hell was I thinking? I can’t marry Ross looking like...like...this.” Laurie tried desperately to stem the flow of tears.

  Carrie handed Laurie a Kleenex from a box that was obviously kept handy for weepy brides-to-be. “Nonsense. We can handle this. I promise. Let’s slip these on to see if they fit, then we’ll work on the hair and make-up. How much time do we have?”

  Laurie checked her watch for what seemed like the millionth time that day. “Two and a half hours.”

  “Plenty of time.”

  * * * *

  Ross almost shuddered as he purchased his tux, but he realized time grew short. He’d have to make do with off-the-rack instead of tailor-made. At least Nordstrom had several decent ones to choose from, and their alterations person was kind enough to put her other work aside to hem his trousers while he waited.

  Shopping for jewelry was a little tougher. He had absolutely no idea what Laurie would want in a ring. He hadn’t seen her wear much jewelry. On the night at the Aragon, she’d chosen simple pearl earrings. For someone who had money, Laurie never flaunted it. She was uncomplicated and unpretentious.

  And he was damned lucky she wanted to marry him.

  Searching through the glass cases at Berger and Son Jewelry, Ross wasn’t even sure if she would prefer gold or silver. He wanted to buy her a nice engagement ring in addition to their wedding rings, but he didn’t know what kind of cut she’d like for the diamond. Even if they’d had the shortest engagement on record, she deserved something special, something stunning.

  He knew exactly what kind of wedding ring he wanted for himself—just a simple gold band — but he was clueless as to what to buy for Laurie.

  Some of the sets he looked at seemed gaudy and overdone. But weren’t those the type of rings women liked? And what was that advertising nonsense about spending two-month’s salary on a diamond? Ross kept eyeing the rings, but none of them called to him as something his bride-to-be would like.

  And then he saw it. The ring seemed almost out of place among the other wedding sets. Set on a plain, thin gold band, the square diamond was simple with a nice sized stone that was beautiful but not ostentatious.

  The salesman came up to the counter. “I see you’ve obviously got excellent taste. I can’t believe so many people have overlooked that one.”

  “Why did they overlook it?” Ross asked.

  The salesman unlocked the case and pulled out the ring. He held it up to the light and gave it a visual inspection. “It’s not nearly as showy as some of these.” He gestured toward some of the more garish bridal pairs in the glass case. “But it’s so refined. It’s beautiful in its simplicity.” He handed it to Ross for his inspection.

  “Like Laurie,” Ross whispered as he held the ring.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Never mind. I’ll take this ring. And I’ll need some matching wedding bands.”

  * * * *

  Carrie ushered Laurie to the Jose Eber Salon just outside Neiman-Marcus. It was obvious she was friends with the thirty-something woman who met them at the door. “Hi, Carrie. How you doin’, sweetie? Is this the little bride? We’ll get her fixed up in a jiffy.”

  “This is Laurie. Laurie, this is Tammy. She’ll get your hair ready, then she can call and I’ll take you for make-up.”

  “Carrie, I don’t know how to thank you,” Laurie said near tears and entirely grateful Carrie had so easily accepted the burden of helping her prepare for the wedding.

  “Nonsense. This is fun for me,” she replied before turning to Tammy and saying, “Now, you call me just as soon as she’s ready.”

  “Will do. Let’s go.”

  Laurie was washed, cut, dried, and styled with time to spare. Tammy worked to arrange Laurie’s hair to cover her forehead which made Laurie eternally grateful. Instead of a traditional veil, Laurie opted to have Tammy weave small white silk flowers through her upswept coiffure. Once she pronounced Laurie “ready,” Tammy dutifully handed her back into Carrie’s capable hands.

  The older lady at the Clinique counter set about doing everything within her considerable talents to hide the remaining bruises on Laurie’s face. When she was allowed to see her own reflection, Laurie gasped her surprise. Her black eye had been covered so well that one would have to look very closely to even be aware something was amiss. The purple adhesive had peeled away from her cheek, so the healing wound was disguised with some foundation. Her face appeared virtually free of injuries and as attractive as Laurie could ever remember it looking. Cosmetics also helped hide most of the fading bruises on her arms and shoulders.

  “Thank you,” she said to the woman who applied her make-up. She could feel the tears gathering in her eyes.


  “No, no, no. Don’t cry. We’ll have to start all over. And you’re welcome. I hope you have a beautiful wedding.” She hugged Laurie and then pushed her back toward Carrie who stood holding a garment bag that obviously contained Laurie’s wedding dress and shoes.

  “We’ve got forty-five minutes to get you to the Bellagio and dressed. You ready?” Carrie asked.

  “Oh, my God. I’ve got to go.” Laurie reached for the dress bag, but Carrie turned to keep it out of her grasp. “What?” Laurie asked in surprise.

  “I’d like to go with you, if you wouldn’t mind. You’ll need some help getting ready. Your limo’s out front. Are you ready?”

  “Carrie, I can’t let you—”

  “Nonsense. I’m looking forward to it. My sister eloped last year, and I didn’t get to pamper her. Let me pamper you instead. Let’s go.”

  Chapter 19

  I never thought it was possible that I could love someone as much as I love T.J. I can’t believe the sacrifices he’s made to keep the baby and me safe. I wish I didn’t have this horrible feeling that time is running out. Maybe I feel this way because we can’t find peace and because we can’t find a place to call home. Ellie seems to be healing. I’ll never know the scars Chicago left on her soul. She doesn’t have nightmares every night now. She doesn’t wake up screaming. What could have happened to hurt her so?

  Sisters always, sisters still.

  To save her lover from Ice’s will.

  To share a love as she

  is all I’d ever wish for me.

  Carrie not only helped Laurie prepare for the ceremony, but she also served as the official witness. Laurie hadn’t thought about locating one because she figured someone from the Bellagio could fulfill that duty. Right before the ceremony, the wedding coordinator informed Laurie otherwise. Laurie asked Carrie to stand in before Ross even had to be told there was a problem. Carrie smiled happily when she was asked to stay.

  When Laurie stepped into the chapel, her gaze immediately found Ross. He stood next to the white-robed woman the Bellagio had assigned to officiate the ceremony. The two of them were silhouetted against the illuminated stained glass at the front of the room.

  The chapel gleamed in the flickering candlelight. Large bouquets of cream, peach, and blue flowers stood on each side of the altar. Satin ribbons decorated each row of polished pews. A long, white aisle cloth marked the path Laurie would follow to meet her future husband.

  Husband. The word echoed through her mind.

  It was all happening so fast her head kept spinning. She was going to marry Ross Kennedy—a man she had only known for a few short weeks. Not even two full months. For a moment, she held her breath, anticipating the arrival of a premonition warning her away from the chapel, telling her to abandon this rash scheme. But it never came.

  Instead, all Laurie felt was an overwhelming draw to the tall and very handsome man who waited for her. As the music began, she took the red rose bouquet from Carrie who kissed her on the cheek and then hurried to the front pew to witness the marriage.

  Laurie took a deep breath and paced slowly up the aisle. Ross’s approving smile touched her heart. She loved him so much.

  Ross hadn’t realized he was holding his breath until it rushed from him in a gasp when he first saw Laurie. She appeared like a vision. Her dress was simple, chic, and graceful. The smooth satin bodice draped toward her left and gathered at the waist. The straight skirt flared only slightly on its way to the floor. Her bare shoulders looked smooth and pale in the candlelight. All signs of her attack had vanished. She was elegant—simple and refined. And so very beautiful.

  He smiled, remembering the rings he’d purchased and felt pleased at his excellent choice. While he would slip a gold band on her finger now, Ross decided to save the diamond for when they were alone, a surprise for later.

  Laurie loves surprises.

  He couldn’t wait, taking several steps up the aisle to reach for her hand. Brushing a kiss across her fingers, he tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and led her to the minister.

  Laurie thought the dark tuxedo made him seem so much larger. The hard planes of his shoulders and chest were almost daunting. She couldn’t remember if he’d always appeared so tall. A small red rose boutonniere had been pinned to his left lapel. He seemed so dashing Laurie had a passing thought that he had no business marrying someone like her. Ross would have scolded her for even entertaining such a notion.

  He was the most handsome man she’d ever seen.

  And he’s all mine.

  The ceremony itself went by in a whirl. After it ended, Laurie couldn’t even remember what vows she had given. She did recall the feel of the cool wedding ring being slipped onto her third finger. She remembered her hands shaking when she pushed the matching gold band onto Ross’s left hand. When the time came to kiss the bride, he’d kissed her deep and long with enough promise that Laurie was glad they didn’t have to travel far to start their honeymoon.

  After signing the license, they posed for a few pictures. They thanked both Carrie and the minister, and Ross made sure Carrie got a limo ride home.

  Ross and Laurie went back to their suite. A small rolling table held a bottle of chilled champagne, a bowl of fresh strawberries, and a box of gourmet chocolates.

  He opened the champagne, filled the fluted glasses, and handed one to her. “A toast.”

  “To what?”

  “To a long and happy marriage. To as many children as we are blessed with. And to Montana blizzards,” he said with a chuckle and a wink before clicking his glass against hers.

  After a long drink, Ross took her glass and set it on the table. He put his aside as well and came to stand in front of her. She could swear she saw heat radiating from him like the waves rising from a blacktop road on a midsummer day. He brushed the back of his hand gently across her cheek, leaving a path of that warmth behind. “Do you know how beautiful you are?”

  Embarrassed at the compliment, Laurie felt her cheeks flush. She shook her head and stared at the floor.

  “I’ve never seen another woman as stunning as you are at this moment.” His lips brushed her bare shoulder. “But there’s something...missing.”

  “Missing?” she asked, glancing down at her dress, wondering what could be amiss. She figured if it hadn’t been for Carrie’s help, she would have walked down the aisle in blue jeans and bare feet. “What’s missing?”

  Ross reached into the breast pocket of his tux and pulled out a small blue velvet box. “I never had the chance to buy you a proper engagement ring.”

  “Ross, you didn’t have to—”

  He placed a finger against her lips. After a few gentle strokes, he dropped his hand. “Yes, I did. You deserve something special. The second I saw this, I thought of you.” Popping the box open, he laid it on the palm of his hand as he held the offering out to Laurie.

  Her hands shook as she cradled the tiny container with her fingertips. The light hit the ring just right, and the gorgeous stone winked at her. “Oh, Ross. It’s beautiful.”

  “It’ll look better on your hand.” Ross took the ring from the box. He slipped it on her finger next to her wedding band. “Perfect fit.”

  Laurie dropped the box on the table and slipped her hands around his neck. “Thank you,” she whispered before she kissed him.

  Ross pulled her closer and let the kiss deepen. This woman was his now. He felt the need to brand Laurie with his name, with his kiss, and with his touch. No man had ever loved her the way he did, and no man ever would. When he slid his tongue into her mouth, her passionate response set him on fire. She returned each sweet caress, demanding all of his attention. He pulled his lips away to stare into her blue eyes, and his masculine pride reveled in the dazed look he always saw when she’d been thoroughly kissed.

  Laurie took his hand and led him to the bed. He was surprised to see a Neiman-Marcus box topped with a small handwritten note lying on the pillows.

  “What else did you
get me?” she asked, arching a suspicious eyebrow.

  “It’s not from me.” Ross reached for the note, unfolded the paper, and read it aloud. “‘I knew you’d be too busy to choose something for yourself. Have a wonderful honeymoon. All my best, Carrie.’ Wasn’t she the witness?”

  Laurie nodded. “She helped me find my wedding dress and get my hair and make-up done. I wonder what it is.” Plucking the lid from the box, she pushed aside the white tissue paper covering the contents. She lifted a red silk negligee by its tiny straps.

  Ross couldn’t stop his sharp, hissing intake of breath. Red. It had to be red. How in the hell could he ever take it slow with her if she wore red? Shit. He was in trouble.

  “Give me a minute. I’ll be right back.” She hurried toward the bathroom, but stopped suddenly and turned back to him, clutching the lingerie to her chest. “Ross, we haven’t talked about... I mean, we don’t have any...”

  “What is it, Love?”

  “Do we need to worry about...about...birth control? I’m not on the pill or anything.”

  He didn’t even have to think about it; there would be no barrier between him and his new wife. “Laurie, if we’re lucky enough to make a baby tonight, I’d be very, very happy. Wouldn’t you?”

  Laurie’s smile reached every part of her beautiful face. “Oh, yes.” His wife and the silk gown disappeared into the bathroom.

  Ross had to remind himself a hundred times that she was a virgin. He’d have to be gentle and give her plenty of time. But going slow would be nothing short of torture, especially when he thought about Laurie in that red lingerie. His body was so ready to claim her, he was in pain.

  Tugging at his tie, he whipped it through the collar and threw it on the dresser. He removed his jacket and flung it over one of the chairs. For once, he wasn’t at all concerned with putting his clothing neatly away. It was just off-the-rack stuff anyway.

  Ross kicked off his shoes and yanked off his socks. After he popped off his cufflinks and dropped them on the dresser, the shirt quickly followed the rest of his abandoned wardrobe. “Laurie? Are you ready yet?” He wondered if she could hear the anxious tone of his voice. Like some damn kid.