Something New (Brides of Cedar Bend Book 2)

by Lena Hart

  “Just for today.”

  “You wanted to make him jealous, didn’t you?”

  She shrugged. And because I’m starting to like the sound of it.

  But she didn’t dare say those words out loud.

  “Savvy, what the hell’s going on with Quinn?”

  Savvy sighed and turned to Lori. The day couldn’t get any longer. “What is it now?”

  Lori held up a letter in her and waved it. “My brother just handed me this and took off.”

  Savvy grabbed the letter and skimmed it. By the time she read down to the bottom of the short note, her heart sank.

  Quinn was leaving him? On their wedding day?

  Savvy turned on her heels and dashed toward the stairs.

  “Get her back here, Savvy,” Lori shouted after her. “I will not let your cousin embarrass my brother!”

  She ignored the angry woman’s shout and ran up to Quinn’s room. To her horror, the dress was still splayed across the bed. Where she had last left it.

  “Quinn, what are you doing?” Savvy muttered. She went in search of her cell phone and called her cousin. It went straight to voicemail.

  “Quinn, where are you? I read your letter to Eric. I don’t know what happened between you too, but I’m sure you can work it out. Having cold feet on your big day is normal. Just call me and let’s talk about it.”

  Savvy ended the call, not certain if anything she said would get through to Quinn. But if what she said was remotely true, then Quinn would hopefully come to her senses and be back before their guests became restless.

  Savvy made her way back downstairs, hoping to avoid any of their guests until she could get back to Lori and figure out what they were going to do next. The wedding should have started a half hour ago.

  As sailed down the empty halls, arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her into an empty room. Savvy shrieked and whirled around to face her abductor.

  “Matt!” She shoved at his chest. “You scared me! What the hell are you doing in here?”

  “Sorry.” He chuckled, not looking at all remorseful. “I was looking for you. We’re all wondering what’s the holdup?”

  “Nothing,” she lied. “We’re just experiencing a little delay. Why don’t you go back outside and sit tight? We’ll be getting started soon.” She prayed that was true.

  But Matt didn’t make a move to leave. Instead, he took a step closer to her, his intent plain in his blue eyes. Savvy planted her hand on his chest to stop his advancement. He continued anyway, leaning down as if to kiss her. She pulled back and glared at him.

  “Matt, what are you doing?”

  He smirked. “Isn’t it obvious?”

  She shoved at him harder, and he stumbled back, his eyes widening with surprise. “Are you insane? You’re engaged. I’m engaged.” Sort of. “Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

  He shrugged. “Of course. But that doesn’t change how I feel about you. I still love you, Savvy. And I miss you.”

  Savvy shook her head at him, incredulous. “You only just realized that? Because last I remember, you didn’t see a future with me.”

  He had the audacity to look chagrin. “I wasn’t myself at the time. I hated how things ended between us.” He took another step toward her and brushed his finger down her cheek. “Why don’t we kiss and make up.”

  Savvy scoffed with disgust and pulled away from his touch. “You’re unbelievable. And you know what, I’m glad things ended between us, or I would have never known what a complete asshole you are.”

  With those heated words, she pushed past him and started toward the door.

  “Savvy, wait.”

  He grabbed her arm, but she snatched it out of his grip. She pushed open the door, but he was close at her heel.

  “Damn it, Savvy. I said wait.”

  He grabbed the bow at the back of her dress. She was jerked back with a vicious tug. The telltale sound of thread snapping made her freeze, and she whirled around to face him. He looked stunned as he held the torn material in his hand.

  “You ripped my dress!”

  “I didn’t mean to,” he snapped. “But I need to know you won’t say anything to Patrice.”

  She bristled, a sharp response ready at her lips. How she could have ever been with someone like him baffled her. He needed to know what a son-of-a-bitch he was. And she needed to be the one to tell him.

  But her sharp retort faded just as footsteps drew near. Savvy turned to find Lori and Damian walking toward them. They both glanced between her and Matt and the torn material in his hand.

  Lori stopped in her tracks and frowned in confusion. But it was the hard set of Damian’s jaw that alarmed her. He continued toward them, his rage becoming more apparent with each measured step.

  Savvy went to stand in front of him and firmly placed her hands on his abdomen, halting his approach. He didn’t spare her a glance as he glared at her ex.

  “Damian, he’s not worth it,” she whispered. “Trust me.”

  He stared down at her then, his body still rigid with anger. “Did he hurt you?”

  She shook her head. “The only thing he hurt was my dress.” She lowered her voice so only he could hear. “He’s an asshole. You’re not. Please don’t make things worse.”

  He stared down at her, his dark gaze moving over her before he nodded curtly. The tension slowly eased from his body and Savvy’s own tension dissipated.

  “You should go back outside, Matt. As I said, we’re going to get started soon.”

  Matt nodded stiffly and started toward the back of the mansion. As he walked past, Savvy snatched the torn piece of her dress from his hand.

  “What the hell was that all about?” Lori asked when Matt disappeared through the terrace doors. Then she waved dismissively. “Never mind. We have bigger shit to deal with. Savvy, were you able to get a hold of Quinn?”

  “No. What about Eric?”

  “He’s not answering his phone either.” Suddenly, Lori stamped down on her high heels. “God damn it. Those two picked the worst day to have a lover’s quarrel.”

  “So, what do we do now?” Damian asked, “We can’t keep everyone waiting.”

  Lori brought her hand to her temple. “I don’t know. Let me think…”

  Savvy blew out an impatient breath. “Well, while you’re figuring that out, I’m going to go out there.” She moved around Lori and started toward the patio where the guests had been sitting.

  “Wait,” Lori said frantically. “What are you going to say to them?”

  “The truth,” she said over her shoulder as she started toward the terrace. “There’s not going to be a wedding.”

  “Wait!”

  Savvy stopped and glanced back at the other woman with annoyance. Lori rushed toward her and undid the beautiful gold brooch at her shoulder. She pinned it over the tear on Savvy’s dress and stepped back.

  “Good luck.”

  Twelve

  “What do you mean there’s not going to be a wedding? I didn’t come all this way not to see a wedding.”

  Savvy tried to calm her family down, but the realization of what she was telling them began to sink in. She was going to wring Quinn’s neck for this.

  “Uncle Marv, please settle down. We can’t—”

  “Now, Savvy, I understand you’re just trying to keep the peace,” one of her aunts from Georgia cut in. “But we came too far, in our good church clothes, not to see this fancy wedding.”

  “I understand, but—”

  “They got us out here sweating for a doggone hour, now. I ain’t leaving here until I see a doggone wedding.”

  Murmurs of agreement rang out as her family fan themselves and nodded their heads vigorously. Many of Eric’s family had since left grumbling their disappointment when Savvy had made the announcement. Those who remained sitting on the Benson section of the neatly lined lawn chairs appeared just as confused but intrigued by her family’s refusal to budge.

  She couldn’t blame them
, either. Many of their family had come from as far as Louisiana to make the trip to Virginia.

  Savvy’s gaze traveled toward the back where Lori and Damian stood watching her muck up what she had hoped would be a calm, dignified announcement. Lori shook her head woefully, and the look of pity on her face further broke Savvy’s resolve.

  Savvy began wringing her hands, trying to think of something that would appease her family when Damian started toward her. She held his gaze as he made his way toward her. When he reached her side, she suddenly felt less anxious and alone.

  “You’re doing great, babe,” he said close to her ear as he joined her on the altar. “But you have to put your foot down.”

  “Um, have you met my family?”

  Damian smiled at her then turned to face the crowd. He placed his hand on the small of her back, and she imagined he was trying to offer her his support.

  “We understand you’re all tired and rightfully upset, but why don’t we all go inside and enjoy the dinner that has been prepared.”

  “Who’s that?” her uncle Marv asked. “Savvy, who’s this?”

  “I’m—”

  “That’s Savvy’s fiancé, Damian.” Felicia turned and said to their uncle, “He’s a mechanic.”

  A collective gasp went through the crowd, and Savvy almost rolled her eyes. Was it that hard to believe that she would be engaged? Or were they surprised that he was a mechanic? She guessed it was the latter and that only added to her annoyance.

  “But I thought she was engaged to some rich white boy.”

  “I thought so too…”

  Savvy groaned, but before Savvy could say anything, her Uncle Marv jumped out of his seat.

  “Then what are you waiting for, cher? Marry the man so we can go eat.”

  “What? No, we’re not getting married now! We…” Savvy glanced over at Damian who looked just as taken aback by the request.

  “We haven’t picked a date yet,” he said quickly.

  “When we do—”

  “Pick a date? Today is a good enough day as any. Because if you think I’m coming back up here for another wedding…”

  Her uncle Marv didn’t finish his sentence, but instead sat back down grumbling to himself. Others began urging them on, but none more vocally and enthusiastically than Felicia.

  “Come on, Savvy. What are you waiting for? You’re not getting any younger, sweetie.”

  Savvy narrowed her eyes at her sister, though others in their family began nodding their heads vigorously.

  Suddenly, the minister sidled up beside them, startled her.

  “Are y’all going to do this, Savvy? I have a wake to get tonight.”

  “Sorry, Reverend Hayes, but we—”

  “Junior,” Pops called out. “After last night, I think it’s about time you made an honest woman of that little darling.”

  “What happened last night?” someone shouted.

  Felicia snickered. “Looks like the wedding night got started early.”

  A dozen pair of eyes settled in their direction—ranging from amused to mortified to downright disapproving. Her cheeks were on fire.

  “Oh, god.”

  “Is she pregnant?” one of her aunts’ asked in a not so hushed whisper.

  “She do look like she’s filling out around the hips,” someone replied.

  “Oh, god,” Savvy muttered again. The minister cleared his throat and shot her a stern glance. “Sorry, Reverend.”

  Her uncle Marv jumped out of his seat again. “You take advantage of my niece, young man?”

  “No, sir,” Damian said with a smirk. “I can assure you I didn’t.”

  Savvy narrowed her eyes at him. Did he find this funny? She didn’t have time to wonder about it because to her surprise, Pops also jumped to his feet, a deep scowl on his face.

  “My son wouldn’t take advantage of a lady who didn’t want taking advantage of.”

  Uncle Marv planted his hands on his hips. “Are you calling my niece loose?”

  “Are you calling my son a hound?” Pops shot back.

  Tempers were rising, and Savvy watched in horrified fascination as the two old men began to climb over the lawn chairs to get to each other.

  Suddenly, a shrill whistle cut through the air. Savvy winced and covered her ears. She realized it had come from Damian and she glared up at him for the lack of warning.

  “Can everyone please settle down?” he said to the crowd. “You too, Pop. Please have a seat.”

  Damian took her hand and turned to the minister. “We obviously don’t have our own vows written, Reverend. Will that be okay?”

  “Yes, of course. You’ll just repeat after me.” Reverend Hayes walked back up to the altar and Damian followed after him, tugging her alone.

  “Damian, what are you doing?” Savvy whispered fiercely. She tried to pull her hand out from his grasp, but he held her fast.

  “I’m putting an end to this madness.”

  “By getting married?”

  They stopped in front of Reverend Hayes, and he turned to face her. “We either give them a wedding or get ready for a boxing match. Which do you prefer?”

  She stared at him, dazed. She was still trying to sort through her feelings for him. How was she supposed to go along with a fake wedding?

  “Damian, this is crazy.”

  “Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “But it’s not the worst thing I’ve ever done.”

  “What just happened?”

  Damian glanced down at a motionless Savvy as they sat at the long dinner table. Everyone was eating and laughing and seemingly having a great time.

  Except for his new wife. The thought was still jarring to process.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife.”

  The reverend’s final decree had made it real even though Damian knew it was anything but. Maybe he could erase the dazed look on Savvy’s face if he reminded her of that.

  “It’s not real, Savvy. You can relax.”

  She looked up at him then, her brows pulled into a deep frown. “What are you talking about? We just professed our love and commitment to each other in front of our family, friends, and a minister!”

  “Yes, but until the marriage certificate is filed with the courts, it’s like it never happened.”

  She scoffed. “Like that really matters. All my family is going to be talking about is how I became a thirty-something-year-old divorcee because I’ll be damned if they find out that this was all a lie.”

  It doesn’t have to be.

  But Damian kept those words unsaid. He would be damned if he put his heart on his sleeve only for her to flick aside. She already knew how much he wanted her. If she wanted something real between them, it would have to be her move.

  “We should thank Lori and the Bensons for letting us crash Quinn and Eric’s wedding like this.”

  “We should,” he agreed though he was pretty sure they, wouldn’t care since everything had already been bought and paid for. They seemed more concerned with finding out where Quinn and Eric had run off to than anything else.

  “I can’t believe it’s all over. Months of planning and prepping and nothing had turned out as it should.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.”

  Everything had been arranged, and everyone had been in place for the wedding of the year. The only difference had been the bride and groom.

  Suddenly, someone clinked a fork against their glass, and they looked up to see Lori drawing everyone’s attention. She looked haggard and stressed, but there was a strained smile on her lips.

  “I just want to say thank you on behalf of my family for all of you who came today and stayed. Today was the most bizarre wedding I have ever planned and attended.” Lori paused at the low laughter that followed, before she started again. “I know we didn’t get to see my brother and Quinn get married, but I’ve always considered Damian a brother and I can’t be more pleased to see him find love and happiness with the most dependable and caring women I’ve
had the pleasure to know.”

  A round of toasts and applause went around the room. Damian was moved by the impromptu speech and couldn’t help feeling a little guilty over their charade. Of course, Pops didn’t plan to be upstaged by Lori’s speech, and he too stood and gave a toast. And in true Pops fashion, it was long winded, embarrassing, and oddly touching.

  “I know I’ve been yapping for too long, but I’ll wrap it up to say how happy I am for you son. You’ve found a woman who’s beautiful inside and out, and I wish you two a lifetime of bliss and a home full of babies.”

  Damian laughed along with the crowd. He caught Savvy’s quick action as she dabbed at the corner of her eyes, but there was a wide grin on her face, and he found himself smiling too.

  As Pops sat down, one of Savvy’s uncles stood up to make a toast. Apparently, none of them wanted to miss out on congratulating their niece.

  When the last of them sat down, Savvy reached for her glass of champagne. By his count, it was her fourth glass. He reached over and took the glass from her hand. They may be toasting to a sham wedding, but he intended to have a real wedding night.

  “That’s enough, babe. I want you sober for tonight.”

  Savvy stilled, swallowing the champagne in her mouth and staring at him numbly. Just having her beside him, made every part of his body sensitive to her every breath and movement. The heat behind her dark eyes also hid nothing. One look and he knew she was remembering every detail of last night.

  And so was he.

  Unfortunately, they had a long night of celebrating before they could get to that part. Damian took Savvy’s hand and stood up. He was eager to get to the end of the night already.

  “Thank you all for your kind words,” Damian said to their friends and family around the dining hall. “It really means a lot, but I’d like to have the first dance with my new wife.”

  Damian led Savvy to the dance floor and pulled her into his arms. A song he didn’t recognize began to play, and he shook his head.

  “Wait here.” He made his way to the DJ and placed a request. The man nodded, and by the time he made it back to Savvy, tunes of Cruisin began to play through the loud speakers.