The Wedding Belle (Colorado Billionaires Book 4)

by Regina Duke

  “Why so glum? I’m the one with the hysterical mother.”

  Belle took a wistful breath. “And I’m the one with the hysterical mother-in-law. Cold comfort. But I’m sad because our stay here was so brief.” She turned to Lulamae. “I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality. I shall never forget it.”

  Lulamae patted Belle’s arm. “And I don’t want you to, dear. You are welcome here any time. I’ll put your name on the door of your room. Frankly, I’m so glad y’all came down. I’ve missed Uly so. Talking through the computer or on the phone just isn’t enough. Promise you’ll come back soon.”

  “As soon as I possibly can,” said Belle.

  Uly leaned back in his chair. “That goes for both of us.” He patted his middle. “Breakfast was delicious. Now that I’m rid of that cast, my appetite is much better. Eggs, Belle?”

  “No, thanks. I ate by the pool with Lulamae.” She hadn’t, but the idea of eating a heavy breakfast made her feel nauseous. Then she remembered Uly’s promise. She tapped a finger on the table. “You have some explaining to do. You were going to tell us why you faked a broken ankle.”

  Uly looked from one woman to the other. “Ahmed has cousins in Kuwait. One of them is a doctor who happened to be on duty the day of my accident.” Uly looked embarrassed. “Lulamae, you know what my father can be like. I’d been telling him for weeks I wanted to come home. I know he has lots of business interests over here. I could be doing a dozen other things besides working as his assistant in Kuwait.”

  Lulamae picked at her pastry. “I thought you asked Rudy to take you with him.”

  “I did,” said Uly. He shook his head. “That’s what made it so hard. It was my idea in the first place. I’m such an idiot.” He picked up his fork and stabbed another piece of bacon. “Thor had just gotten married, and Polly was all excited about that. Dad and I flew in for the wedding, and you know how it is with me and Thor. Always competing for Mom and Dad. Well, I knew I didn’t stand a chance with Mom for a while, what with a new daughter-in-law to bond with and all. So I opened my big mouth and told Dad I wanted to assist him in Kuwait.”

  “Oh, darlin’, both your parents love you to death.”

  Uly nodded. “I know that, up here.” He tapped his forehead. “But I’m not always so sure in here.” He tapped his chest.

  Belle pulled him back to the original question. “And the cast? How did that play a role?”

  Uly broke his bacon into pieces and moved them around on the plate. “It was my chance to go home. My ribs were cracked, and I had banged up my back and sides fighting—” He stumbled over the word, then continued. “—er, fighting to save myself from that fall.” He picked up his coffee and took a sip. “But the bruises hadn’t shown up yet. I felt like I needed a more dramatic injury to convince my father to let me leave. So Ahmed spoke to his cousin, and next thing you know, I had a cast on my ankle.”

  Belle reached for a pastry. Listening to Uly talk was settling her stomach, and now she was hungry. “Is this the same Ahmed who was here last night?”

  “One and the same,” said Uly. “He took me to the hospital. Once the cast was on, we called Dad. He took one look at that cast and started making phone calls of his own. Next thing you know, I’m on a medical transport headed for Eagle’s Toe.” He focussed on the pieces of bacon that littered his plate. “Now you know everything.”

  Belle hid her smile by stuffing pastry into her mouth. Uly was obviously still holding something back. He’d been very careful to keep from looking them in the eyes while telling parts of his story. But she wasn’t upset. After all, she hadn’t told him everything either. When they first made their bargain, she didn’t think she’d ever have to reveal her past and what she’d gone through. But now she wasn’t so sure. Now she was having feelings for Uly. She swallowed. “So now we go back to Eagle’s Toe? You’ll handle all the arrangements?”

  “Already set it up. They’re gassing up the plane as we speak. I just have to pack. Kamal will take us to the airport.” He stood up, bouncing from one foot to the other. “It feels good to have two legs again.” He went around the table and planted a kiss on Lulamae’s cheek. “Thanks for everything, Lu. You’ve been like a rock for me.” Then he strode away.

  Lulamae laughed softly. “He’s feeling a lot better, isn’t he?”

  Belle nodded. Then she had an idea. “Lulamae? Would it be all right if I took a few pictures of the courtyard and the pool so I can remind myself how lovely it all is?”

  “Of course. You go right ahead. I’m going to finish my coffee.”

  Belle trotted to her room to fetch her iPhone. She was feeling better, after hearing Uly’s story and finally eating a bite of breakfast. She took several shots of the pool and the landscaping. She even walked clear around the house to take a picture from the driveway. She knew this was exactly the kind of house she wanted. Once again she wondered if Uly might be talked into spending their year together in Vegas?

  When the text message pinged, she nearly dropped the phone. One glance was sufficient to destroy the pleasure of her last moments at Lulamae’s. It was Zivo.

  His text was one line long. “Where the hell are you?!”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Uly only needed a few minutes to pack. He was reveling in the ability to walk normally again. That cast had been a terrible idea. On the other hand, it did the trick. It got him out of Kuwait.

  He tried not to think of the mess he’d left behind, but his current circumstance was all wrapped up in those events. He wondered if he’d ever be able to explain it all to Belle. Hopefully, they’d be so busy taking care of his mother’s problems that it wouldn’t matter. Polly had a way of turning everything into a Polly crisis, regardless of who it was really about.

  That thought made him feel guilty. He was worried about his little nephew, but he doubted that things were as bad as his mother painted them. Even so, he knew he had to go back. If he ignored her cry for help, he’d make more problems for all of them.

  When he rolled his luggage to the entryway, he found Belle already there. She seemed distant and cold. Maybe it was because they were leaving. He could tell she really liked Lulamae.

  His godmother came to wish them safe journey. Kamal loaded the luggage, and moments later they were in Lulamae’s Escalade, heading for the airport. He didn’t speak during the journey because Kamal could overhear everything, and he was grateful that Belle was silent also, but he wondered if something was wrong. She’d been playful and even affectionate that morning while she helped him with the cast. He’d felt like she was warming up to him, which would make a year as husband and wife a lot more pleasant. But now, on the way to the airport, she rode with her arms crossed, staring out the window. The magic generated by their shared kiss the night before had completely vanished.

  Once they were settled on his brother’s private jet with cold drinks in hand and seatbelts secured, he decided it was safe to talk.

  “Belle? You okay?”

  She didn’t even look at him. That wasn’t good.

  “Is something wrong?”

  Belle rattled the ice in her glass. “We never did talk to your lawyers,” she said glumly.

  “Is that what’s wrong? Hey, you’ve got me on your phone, live and in person, making a promise. We haven’t exactly had a lot of extra time since we arrived. Talk about a whirlwind.”

  Belle nodded, sadly. “I love Lulamae. I lost my mother so young. I’d like to think that, if she were alive, she’d be like your godmother.”

  Uly reached for her hand, but Belle pulled it away.

  “Okay, what’s going on? Two hours ago, you were scraping plaster off my leg and laughing like crazy. Now you look like the world is ending. What’s up?”

  Belle pulled out her phone and showed him the text. “Zivo is looking for me.”

  Uly wasn’t sure what the problem was. “So? Even if he finds you, he’s got no claim. And if you’re worried about confronting him, I’m here. I’m not go
ing to let this clown hurt you.”

  Belle started to smile, but her lip trembled. “Too late,” she said softly.

  Uly reached for her hand again and didn’t let her pull away this time. “Listen up, now. You are safe with me. Understand? This guy’s history. You’re my wife, all legal and documented. If he gives you a hard time, I’ll sic so many lawyers on him, he’ll wish he was dead. And if that’s not enough, I’ll take great pleasure in breaking his nose.” He held up a fist. “It would feel good to fight someone one-on-one for a change.”

  Belle gasped and looked him in the eye.

  Uly realized what he was saying too late to take it back. He lowered his fist. “Sorry.”

  “About threatening to punch Zivo? Don’t be. So who were you fighting in Kuwait?”

  Uly hung his head. “It was a stupid misunderstanding.”

  “You didn’t fall, did you? Out with it.”

  He peeked at her sideways. “No. I didn’t fall. I got beat up. Just cracked a few ribs. Nothing too serious. But I saw it as my chance to get out of Kuwait.”

  Belle’s brows slanted in a frown. “Sounds serious to me. You didn’t press charges?”

  Uly shook his head. “Foreign soil and all that.” Besides, considering who their father was, he didn’t dare tell anyone.

  They reached cruising altitude, and the steward approached. “May I refresh your drinks?”

  “Yes,” said Uly, “and you can change mine to vodka. I think I’m going to need something stronger than Coke. What about you, Belle?”

  “I don’t like alcohol, but I’d love another Coke, please.”

  The steward brought their drinks and a selection of warm mixed nuts, then left them alone.

  Uly could see the tension draining out of Belle. “This Zivo guy treated you like crap, didn’t he?”

  “Yes.” Belle selected a handful of pecans and macadamias. A hint of a smile dissipated her gloom. “You know, a girl could get used to this. Private plane. Yummy snacks.” She glanced at him sideways. “Handsome husband.”

  Uly grinned. “As soon as we calm my mother down, we are going back to Vegas. We’re going to take those wedding presents and head for the hills. Now that I can move again, I’m looking forward to hiking with you.”

  They spent the flight comparing notes about sports and other outdoor activities they wanted to share together. The time flew by, aided by a gourmet lunch and freshly baked cookies for dessert. Their smiles competed for the title of Happiest Newlywed. By the time they landed in Pueblo, they decided it was a tie.

  As they deplaned, Uly’s smile faded.

  “What is it?” asked Belle.

  “We have a welcoming committee.”

  Jogging across the tarmac was Thor Garrison.

  Belle watched Thor approach. He was a more slender, slightly shorter version of Uly. He looked tense and very worried.

  “Hey, brother,” Uly greeted. “I thought Wilson was coming with the limo.”

  “I hope you don’t mind,” said Thor. “I called him off.” He spread his hands and stared at Uly’s legs. “What happened to your cast?”

  Belle said, “It was time for it to come off. Don’t worry. Medical professional here.”

  Thor nodded uncertainly, then continued, “Ashley just got out of the hospital, and she’s still too shaken up to drive, and Mom won’t let go of the baby, so I had Wilson drive them home.” He paused and flicked a glance at Belle.

  Uly put an arm around her shoulders. “This is Belle Daireng, my wife.”

  Belle extended a hand.

  Thor shook her hand perfunctorily. “You got married in Vegas.” It was a statement, not a question.

  Uly was irked and commented with cold sarcasm, “Gee, don’t congratulate us or nothing.”

  Thor looked grim. “Sorry. I guess I’m not in a celebrating mood. Let’s go.”

  The steward unloaded their luggage and followed them to Thor’s SUV.

  Belle had no trouble keeping up. Her long legs had a stride to match any man’s. “You said your wife just got out of the hospital. May I ask what happened?”

  Thor opened doors and went around to open the rear hatch for the luggage. “Ever since the baby was born, she’s been depressed. She can’t seem to shake it.”

  Belle got in the back seat, though Uly offered the front. Belle felt Uly should ride shotgun. Besides, Thor was so full of tension, she could barely stand to be near him, much less sit right next to him.

  Once they were on the road, Belle tried another question. “What’s your baby’s name?”

  “Odin,” said Thor.

  Belle wasn’t sure she heard right. She would have asked him to repeat it, but he was already talking to Uly.

  “I don’t know what to do, man. I encouraged Ash to get involved in her gallery again, to spend more time with Mina and her friends, but she gets upset at the thought of being separated from Odin, and she can’t shake her depression. She told us the night you went to Vegas that she’d been having terrible dreams. That’s when she decided she should get some rest in a safe environment, so she checked into the hospital. I’m going nuts. The business is taking off like crazy, and here I am, trying to share baby duty with Mom.”

  Uly said, “She loves that baby.”

  “Yes, she does,” said Thor, speeding around a cattle truck. “But she forgot what it’s like to do it all yourself. Even though Mom came to help, she leaves most of the work up to Ashley. Mom cooks. Ashley does the chores, the laundry, the washing up, the diaper changes, everything.”

  “She needs help,” said Uly.

  “I know,” said Thor curtly, “but she didn’t even want Mom to stay long term.”

  Belle leaned forward and asked, “Does she have to spend a lot of time entertaining your mother?”

  Uly and Thor exchanged looks. Thor tore his eyes away to watch the road, but he said, “Oh, God, yes. Don’t get me wrong. I love my mother. But I confess, I’ve been glad the business is booming, because it gave me a reason to be out of the house. I can’t imagine being stuck there all day long.”

  Belle bit her tongue. She hadn’t met Ashley yet, but she already felt sorry for her.

  Uly wasn’t as shy about voicing his concerns. “You mean you’re running away and leaving Ashley to deal with Mom all on her own?”

  Thor’s temper flared. “I told you, the business is taking off in a big way. I have my hands full. That’s why I asked you to take over the fundraising gig.” He beat a ragged rhythm on the steering wheel with his fingers. A few seconds later, he said. “I’m sorry, Uly. I didn’t mean to jump all over you. I just feel so helpless, not to mention useless. Every time I try to help with little Odin, our mother interferes. I know she means well, but it’s making things really tough.”

  Belle watched the scenery go by. “How far from Eagle’s Toe is your cabin?”

  “About half an hour,” said Thor. “It’s in the forest.”

  Uly asked, “Is Dad still pressing you to let him build the luxury homes in your back yard?”

  Thor held up a hand. “Don’t get me started on that problem. The fellow he put in charge of the preplanning is not my cup of tea. I tell you, I’ve come this close to telling him to get out of town. He’s making enemies of everyone on the town council.”

  “Really?” Uly’s interest was evident in his tone. “Making a real mess of things, is he?”

  “And of course it’s impossible to talk to Rooster about it. All he can think of is his deal in Kuwait.”

  Belle leaned forward again. “Rooster?”

  Uly said, “Dad’s nickname is Rooster. Rudy, Rooster.”

  Thor added, “And he struts around like a little banty rooster.”

  Uly laughed. “Now you sound like Mom.”

  Thor grinned.

  Belle asked, “Does Ashley have her own transportation?”

  Thor said, “Yes, of course, but she can’t drive if she takes the medication the doctor gave her, and Mom wouldn’t think of letting her
go anywhere alone. Mom thinks Ashley is suicidal.”

  Belle frowned. “Has she been diagnosed as such?”

  “No,” said Thor. “But it’s hard to tell Polly she’s wrong.”

  “So Ashley is basically trapped with a new baby and an overbearing mother-in-law,” said Belle.

  Silence from the front seat. It sounded to Belle as if both men had stopped breathing.

  At last, Uly said to Thor, “I think Belle has hit the nail on the head. We’ve got to get Polly back home to Texas.”

  Belle leaned back and listened to the Garrison brothers tossing ideas back and forth about how to get their mother to go home. She found herself smiling at the sound of them conversing. Thor was like a tightly wound version of his older brother, and Belle wondered if that wasn’t contributing to Ashley’s condition as well. She much preferred Uly’s more laid-back manner.

  At last they pulled off the main highway onto a narrow country lane through forested countryside. It looked like it had been recently macadamed. Ten minutes later they pulled through the trees into a large clearing.

  “Here we are,” said Thor.

  Belle’s jaw dropped. “That’s the cabin?” she asked, incredulous. The luxury home resembled a cabin only because it was made of logs. The landscaping screamed big money. She could only guess at the square footage of the rambling two-story home. A large Doberman pinscher barked excitedly on the front porch. When Thor got out of the vehicle the dog ran to him and leaped up to lick his face.

  “Hey, Rocky! Good to see you, too, boy. You taking care of everything?”

  The dog whined nervously.

  A moment later, Polly emerged from the house, looking distraught. “Thank God you’re back! My baby is choking to death!”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Belle’s nursing instincts kicked in and she followed Thor as he rushed into the house.

  Thor called out, “Ashley? Where’s the baby? Is he okay?”