She spun around, fire in her eyes. “How do you suppose that would work?”
Paul closed the short distance between them, then picked Mary up and tossed her over his shoulder.
“No, Paul Paraby. I said no. You heard me,” she squealed, slamming her fists against his back.
“I also heard you loud and clear in your letter when you said you loved us and wanted to be with us. Thomas, get the door.”
“I said those things with a ‘but’ after them,” Mary shouted. “A giant but.”
“Aw, now, honey. I’d say your butt is perfect.” Paul headed out the door. “Lock up, will ya, Thomas?”
“You two cannot do this,” Mary insisted. “I am a grown woman and I’m telling you to put me down.”
Paul strode across the porch toward the truck. She no longer fought him but instead calmly made her case.
“You’re abducting me, Paul Paraby. I told you no.”
“I heard you.”
“I didn’t give you enough of a chance. I admit it. Let’s go back to the house. I’ll make coffee.”
“The time for talk is done. We’re going to drive and figure things out.”
She slammed her arms against his shoulders again. “No, you big brute. Put me down. Thomas, tell him to put me down. You two are going to be in so much trouble. I suppose you think this is sexy and manly, but it’s not. It’s stupid and immature and—”
Paul smacked her butt. Not hard, but enough to get her attention. “Give us a chance. If after an hour driving you aren’t convinced, we’ll bring you back. You have my word.”
“The word of a man willing to kidnap a woman?” She hit his back again. “You have one hour.”
Paul grinned at Thomas whose face was pinched up, but he didn’t argue. He set Mary in the backseat of the truck and closed the door, jumping in the driver’s seat as Thomas got in the other side.
Now that he had her in the truck, driving away from her house, Paul’s mind jumped in too many directions to know where to start. He turned down the driveway to the winding road that led to the highway.
“Why did you tell us no?” Thomas asked.
“Why? I already told you why. I’m not ready to come between two brothers. I’m not willing to live whatever cockamamie lifestyle you two think you’re equipped to handle. I’m not that kind of girl.”
“Bullshit,” Paul muttered.
Mary whacked him on the back of the head.
“I’m a lady. I am. Do you think I’ve dreamed my entire life of being secluded on some damn Montana mountain to be the plaything for two men? No. I have dreams of my own, and you know what? They don’t include you.”
“Could they?” Thomas asked, a safe distance away from Mary’s smacking hand.
The girl had a heck of a hit and Paul admitted he was being jackass enough to deserve every whack she took at him.
“Could they what?” Mary asked, her snippy words less angry when she spoke to Thomas.
“Could your plans be changed a little to include us? We have no intention of chaining you to the stove once we get you home. You’d be able to do whatever you wanted.”
“Really? I suppose the small town you two are from is waiting with open arms to accept the floozy girl willing to screw two brothers, aren’t they?”
“It’s nobody’s business what we do,” Paul said, though the real reasons behind her protests became more clear as she explained.
“It’s everybody’s business. Think about it, Paul. If a rancher came home with a young woman and they were living together, how would that woman be treated? Multiply that by two—by ten.”
“So marry us,” Thomas said.
The off-the-cuff solution sounded fair enough to Paul, but sweat popped up on the back of his neck. He didn’t know if he was ready for that step, and honestly didn’t know how he wanted Mary to respond.
“Don’t say stuff like that, Thomas,” Mary said, though she sounded more sad than angry. “You don’t mean it. Besides, look at Paul. The second you said marriage he turned pale.”
“That’s because he’s a wimp.” Thomas shifted and leaned over the front bench seat to look her in the eyes. “You’re not. So marry us.”
Paul wished he could pull over and add his two cents, but he was grateful for Thomas. His brother took the lead, something he did well, when push came to shove.
“Marry us?” Mary demanded. “Do you hear yourself? That’s illegal.”
“I’m a lawyer, I know,” Thomas snapped, finally showing a little irritation. “I mean marry one of us legally and the other symbolically. You’d have the legal and emotional assurance you need. I can’t guarantee people will accept you if they find out how close the three of us are. But I can promise you Paul and I will love you and be your best friends for the rest of your life. Duane too.”
“Big promises,” she said, the edge of disbelief sharp and pointed.
“Yeah, well, we aren’t doing this for shits and giggles. You said the permanency is holding you back. We’re willing to make it permanent,” Thomas said.
Mary poked Paul on the shoulder. “And you? Do you agree with all of this?”
“You can bet your sweet ass I do, darlin’.”
“Then take a right at the end of the driveway. We’re going to Vegas.”
* * * *
Vegas never slept. Mary had heard someone say it before, but didn’t understand it until they pulled into the Nevada sin city a few minutes before three AM.
She’d tried to talk some sense into the men, but they seemed set on their plan. Anticipation and anxiety warred with each other. She’d never pictured this scene, but cared enough to see it out—whether that meant a long drive back to Colorado or a new beginning in Montana. She couldn’t say which one she wanted more.
Paul pulled up in front of a city building, the lights outside glowing and the lights inside on as well. She’d seen TV programs where people married on the fly. Her heart slammed in her chest when he looked at her.
“Are we doing this?” he asked, the cocky challenge returning full force.
Thomas leaned on the window in the passenger’s seat. Unlike his brother, he shrugged, offering none of the confrontation. She hated the dual presentations—it threw her off balance.
“Come on, sweetheart. We don’t have all night. Well, we do, but I’d rather not spend it in a county courthouse parking lot.”
She whipped back to Paul, and at his raised brow, she dug in her purse. She pulled out a five dollar bill, pealed open Paul’s hand, and forced the money to his palm. “Go get the license.”
Paul took it and left the truck, slamming the door behind him. He stomped away, looking every bit as pissed as she felt. She aimed her scowl at Thomas.
“Are you going to just sit there?”
He repositioned to face her. “The door isn’t locked. You can leave. There’s a bus station right there even. I’ll give you the cash if you want to go.”
She looked out the side window and sure enough the lights glowed over a running dog, busses lined up nearby. She had enough to get back home without Thomas’s cash. Why wasn’t she reaching for the door handle?
“Or I could spend it on a ring for you,” Thomas said.
She clasped her hands behind her neck and squeezed. “Why is this okay? Jeez, Thomas. You and me, let’s go get married. You can practice law in Colorado, we’ll build a little place on Marcy’s land and live happily ever after.”
“Baby, we’ve talked about this.”
“Because you need your brother.”
He shook his head. “No, because you love my brother. And yes, I wanted it this way. You two fighting like this—do you do that with people you don’t care about? It’s fear and frustration from both of your ends because you’re falling in love and it’s happening fast.”
She didn’t want to hear his explanation, let alone agree.
“Here are our options as I see them. We can leave that certificate unused, no harm done. Paul and I will drop yo
u off back in Colorado. We’ll really move on this time. No more letters or calls—no more pressure. You’ll never hear from us again.”
From the courthouse, Paul stomped out with a piece of paper, his glower still intact. Was Thomas right? Was their irritation and behavior coming from fear of emotion that already sprouted between them?
“Or, we could get married and get started. I think the buildup is the killer with anything. You worry about how it might be, about the way things could go. If we get married and you come with us, the worry is gone. No more worrying about the worst case scenario—you’ll be working with us to make the best one. You’ll have us both, we’ll learn together. I guarantee you’re going to like it.”
The scowl on Paul’s face didn’t promise a whole lot of liking, but made her think. Their kiss had reverberated through her mind a million times in the last few weeks. She’d been wild in his arms. She’d known one of the men was Paul and she’d thrown herself to them anyway. She blew out a breath. She’d already made her decision, but wanted to make sure the men were committed. She believed Thomas was.
Paul wrenched the door open, hopped in, and slammed it closed. “The clerk recommended a chapel around the corner.” He tossed the license in her lap. “We can be married in ten minutes.”
She swallowed hard. As a child she’d pictured her wedding day with her family, flowers, and music. That plan disintegrated the day her mother dropped her off at Marcy’s house so she wouldn’t be married away too young. The vision never cleared up. Aunt Marcy never planned on marrying, her love of freedom and other women were things she’d embraced, so giggling about matrimony had been out for the last few years.
Perhaps a Vegas wedding where she married two brothers was what was meant to be, she just never thought to dream it.
“Well?” Paul asked, but beyond the challenge, she saw the fear in his expression.
She folded the certificate and tucked it in her purse. “I’m ready when you are.”
* * * *
Paul refused to sweat. The late night officiate stood before him with a Bible. Mary chose the religious program and he’d nodded when asked his opinion. Thomas stood beside him, his hands in his pockets. They’d used the last of Thomas’s cash to buy a ring from the front clerk. The little old lady gave over the gold band with a sneer—obviously apathetic. Hell, he was unimpressed with it too.
“Marriage is a circle, an unending walk with the one you choose. The ring symbolizes that walk,” the officiate said.
The guy looked from him to Mary. Paul pulled the ring from his pocket. He’d do better when he had more money.
“Paul, take Mary’s hand and repeat after me,” he said. “With this ring, I marry you.”
“No vows?” Mary’s icy fingers trembled. When she’d put Paul’s name on the marriage license she’d been all sass and challenge. Now she sounded as shook up as he felt.
“If you have them, say them now.”
Paul didn’t know what the hell she wanted to hear, but she looked up at him with her beautiful eyes wide. The confrontation and daring from before were replaced with vulnerability…love. The mix helped him think. He slid the ring over the tip of her finger.
“I promise to love and protect you with all of my power. You will never be alone as long as you’re my wife.” He looked at Thomas who stood to his right. His brother nodded. Mary’s gaze flew to him as well. “With this ring, I marry you.”
Mary examined the ring a long moment before she pulled out the silver band she’d chosen for him. One day they’d all have one.
“I promise to be a good wife, to honor you, and be your best friend,” she said, tears in her eyes.
He smiled. That sounded better than what he said. He was getting the better deal. He and Thomas knew it, and one day Duane would as well.
“Finish it,” the bored leader said. “With this ring, I marry you.”
Mary pushed the ring over his knuckle. “With this ring, I marry you.”
“I pronounce you man and wife. Please fill out the paperwork on your way out. Oh, and remind Edna to give you the coupon for your free twelve hour stay at our fabulous hotel.”
He paused. “Twelve hours?”
“Most don’t even stay that long.”
Chapter 4
Married. Mary looked down at her ring and smiled. She’d dreamed of marriage forever. As a child she’d dreamed of sisterwives too, but looking between Paul and Thomas standing outside the hotel they had twelve hours to enjoy, she realized she’d ended up with brother husbands.
Her mother would have a kitten.
The bags under Paul’s eyes spoke of too many hours awake.
“Let’s go in and get some sleep,” she said, striving for practicality in a situation that could turn as challenging as the drive. “I know neither of you can take much time from work.”
Thomas wrapped his arm around her shoulders, giving her a squeeze. “It beats sleeping in the truck. Let’s get checked in and to bed.”
The mention of bed sent her gaze to Paul who’d been very quiet since the wedding. His sweet vows touched her and cemented them as man and wife—she’d chosen him because she’d wanted to be sure he was ready, but felt the decision did more than intended. She stayed close to Thomas, but reached out and offered her hand to Paul.
He stared at it a moment, his expression all fatigue, but he winked. She laughed and leaned into him.
She breathed in the early morning air, using the cool moment to clear her mind enough for what came next. “So, in my mind there are two scenarios. We can be serious and awkward, or we can have fun.”
“I vote for fun,” Thomas said.
“I second that.” Paul kissed her cheek as they walked. “Maybe serious fun. We’ll save awkward for later.”
“Or we could skip awkward altogether?” she offered.
Paul nodded and took the lead at the front desk while she stayed with Thomas near the doors. She didn’t glance at the desk clerk, not wanting to see any sort of judgment on the doorstep of the first encounter of her married life.
Thomas wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. The day started and ended so differently, but being back with him meant everything.
His blue eyes sparkled. “I can’t believe we’re here.”
She lifted on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Me either, but I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be.”
* * * *
Paul took the key and wiped his palms on his jeans. Married and on the cusp of his wedding night. He’d said he didn’t want things to be awkward but couldn’t picture how it wouldn’t be. He could use a beer, a big one, but on the other hand didn’t want a buffer.
He turned from the bored clerk to direct the others to their room, and found them close, not locked together, but enjoying the same air. His nerves took a backburner to the mix of contentment radiating from his heart and the excitement from the rest of his body. They’d won the day. The twelve hours in the hotel room deserved to be of celebration. The rest could wait.
“Hey you two love birds.” He wiggled the key. “Let’s find our room.”
The narrow hall led the way to a strip of rooms. Paul guided them down the hall, ready to get behind closed doors. Thomas and Mary giggled together, sweet in their reunion. They needed the time and he’d get his. He used the key on the flimsy lock. He held it open for the others. Mary winked as she passed but Thomas held back.
They didn’t need twin speak for Paul to understand and appreciate Thomas’s gesture. They entered the room together, on equal footing, even if Thomas had the edge of experience.
Paul locked the door, sliding a heavy chair in front of it for added peace of mind. The small room smelled like old smoke, but seemed clean enough. Mary stood at the end of the king-sized bed. They needed a bigger bed at the cabin.
* * * *
This was it. Mary wanted them both, had dreamed of having both, and the moment was upon them. She trembled as she looked at a bed much larger t
han any she’d ever slept in. Not so much in fear as in anticipation. The black radio near the little television sparked inspiration. She kicked off her shoes and padded across the shag carpet. They watched her every move. She wished she had some siren song for them, but a quick turn of the radio dial found something slow.
She opened her arms. “Would it be terribly forward to ask for this dance?”
They looked at each other and back to her. Though their hair and clothes were so different, their faces were the same. She felt more closeness with Thomas, but wanted them equally. Her curiosity about Paul matched the closeness with Thomas, so when she cocked her hip and crooked her finger, she really welcomed either. Or both.
They glanced at each other again and though she told herself she was thrilled when they started toward her at the same time, her heart raced. She held up her hands and they stopped, cautious smiles faltering.
“I think you should take your shirts off first,” she said.
They chuckled, the sounds so similar it made them taking their shirts off together a double treat. Unlike their faces, their bodies were different. Thomas’s abdomen rippled with muscles, but Paul’s biceps showed more strength. Their similarities and differences intrigued her. She couldn’t wait to explore until she knew each of them like the back of her hand. She pulled off her shirt and bra, happy to join the party.
She opened her arms and welcome Thomas to her left and Paul to her right. It wouldn’t last long, too uncomfortable, but she rested her forehead against their side by side shoulders. This was her life. A life between two men who had her stomach in knots and her heart jumping.
The music continued to play, something smooth with lots of piano. Someone had to get the first kiss. She lifted both hands around Paul’s shoulders. His arms wrapped around her and he lifted her off her feet, but not high enough for her to wrap around him. Instead, he swayed and rubbed his nose to hers. Her nerves dissipated with every beat of the music. He cocked an eyebrow as they gazed into each other’s eyes. She saw the challenge, the happiness…the love. She kissed his lips. The nuzzling was sweet, but they had so much more to explore.
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