Bayou Bride

by Bobbi Smith

  Nick was sitting there in shock staring at the attorney's back, wondering if he'd heard him correctly. His father had removed the clause last month?!

  "No man should be forced to marry against his will. I guess for some reason Charles finally saw the light. As luck would have it, though, you found Jordan anyway." Aaron turned back to him, smiling happily. "So every thing worked out for the best after all."

  Nick kept his expression relaxed, but there was nothing relaxed about the way he was feeling. "Yes, it did, didn't it?"

  "He's so pleased for you, Nick. I know we're laboring under unhappy circumstances here, but I'm glad things have turned out so well."

  "Thank you, Aaron." Nick swallowed the remnants of his bourbon in one big, bolstering gulp then stood up. "Well, I think I'll walk in the garden for a while and get a breath of fresh air before I go on up to bed. I'll see you in the morning."

  "Good night, Nick. And Nick? Congratulations. You've made a wise choice in Jordan."

  Nick nodded and quickly escaped onto the veranda. His pace was driven as he left the porch and strode off into the gardens. His thoughts were racing, his head spinning as he considered the information the lawyer had just given him. His father had retracted the marriage clause. He didn't have to get married tomorrow! It would be embarrassing, but he could stop the wedding if he wanted to. He could go back to his old lifestyle and be happy. He could give Jordan her papers and set her and Montgomery free tonight and be done with them both. He could...

  Nick stopped as reality descended upon him. Jordan.. .As he thought of her, he suddenly realized with painful clarity that he didn't want to be done with her. He didn't want to send her away. He remembered how beautiful she'd looked tonight and how that one small kiss had stirred him, and he knew he didn't want to let her go...ever. Slater's comments earlier that day echoed through his thoughts as he acknowledged finally that he wanted Jordan for himself.

  The recognition of his true feelings struck him like a thunderbolt, and he knew there was only one thing he could do. He would go through with the wedding. He was no longer doing it to please his father, though his father would be happy about it. He was marrying Jordan because he wanted to. It was his choice.

  The spectre of what would happen later loomed in the back of his thoughts, but Nick ignored it. He didn't want to think about that now. He would deal with it when the time came.

  Nick started back to the house, and as he passed beneath the open parlor windows he could hear the lilting sound of Jordan's laughter coming from inside. It sounded so wonderful that it touched a chord deep within him, and he found himself hoping that he could make her this happy always.

  As the sun sank lower in the west, Philip grew deeply troubled. He paced his small office in agitation, hoping for time to pass quickly and all the while knowing that it wouldn't. This was it. Tonight was the night. Guests had been arriving at Riverwood since early morning. Within a few short hours Jordan would be married to Kane, and his frustration came from the fact that there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it.

  Logically, Philip reminded himself of their situation. He told himself over and over that this was all for the best. Still, he couldn't help but have some doubts about this marriage "in name only." He knew Jordan cared for Nick, and several times lately he'd caught Nick staring at Jordan when he didn't think he was being observed, and his expression had been one of almost pained desire. Philip knew that if Nick decided to press his attentions on her, Jordan would not be able to resist, and that was the one thing he didn't want to happen. If Jordan gave in to Nick she would only end up being more hurt when the time came for them to leave.

  Gritting his teeth against his helplessness and frustration, Philip accepted what he could not change. But he knew if he got the chance, he would caution his sister again against the danger of losing her heart to a man she could never really have or hold. Miserably, Philip dropped back into his chair and tried to concentrate on the ledgers before him. It was a long time later, as the shadows of the day began to lengthen, that the faint sounds of music came to him and he realized the ceremony was about to begin. He braced his elbows on the desk and rested his head in his hands as he said a silent prayer that his sister would be safe and everything would turn out all right.

  "Oh, Jordan, I envy you so!" Pen exclaimed in delight as she watched the maid finish arranging Jordan's full skirts over the hoop. "You look absolutely breathtaking."

  Jordan was nervous. There was no doubt about it. In just a few short minutes she was going to become Mrs. Dominic Kane. "Do you think Nick will think so?"

  "How could he not? You look like an angel! I only hope I look this good when my big day finally comes."

  "You will."

  Pen' gave her a quick hug then stepped back once more to take a last look. "I honestly think the seamstress outdid herself this time. I've never seen such a beautiful creation."

  The full-skirted gown was of white satin and tulle and was indeed a sight to behold. Off-the-shoulder in style, it was fitted to the waist, and the skirt was a series of eight flounces, each trimmed in gold embroidery and exquisite lace. Small white satin rosettes adorned the sleeves, and her veil and headpiece were trimmed in white seed pearls.

  "It's all because of you," Jordan told her with heartfelt appreciation. "If I hadn't had you to help me through this, I don't know what I would have done."

  "You would have done just fine, and you know it. You won Nick's heart all by yourself, didn't you? I'm sure that was no easy task."

  Jordan laughed, but only because she was feeling quite hysterical. She wanted more than anything to be Nick's wife, but she had to hang on to the reality of what was happening.

  "You're right... It wasn't easy..."

  The sound of the music drifted upstairs to them, and they knew it was just about time. Miss Layton came bustling into the room.

  "Everyone's here and waiting," she related happily, then she confided with all the excitement of a small child. "Mr. Kane looks so handsome. Are you ready?"

  "I think so..." Jordan answered breathlessly.

  Peri carefully arranged Jordan's veil and then pressed a bouquet of fragrant blossoms cut from Charles's garden into her hand. She could feel how badly she was trembling, and she gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

  "Don't worry. It'll all be over before you know it."

  Her words held such a double meaning that Jordan had to force a small smile. "I know," she managed to whisper. "I guess I'd just better go and get it over with."

  "Nick's a good man, Jordan, and I know he loves you.,,

  "And I love him..." Jordan confessed.

  "Then what are you afraid of?"

  This time Jordan managed a real smile at Peri as she wondered if the girl had ever had a negative thought in her life. "Absolutely nothing. I think I'd be a severe disappointment to you if I were."

  "You're right. Now, let's go see how Nick's holding up. If you're this upset, I can just imagine how nervous he is."

  Father Evans, a tall, heavyset, dignified man of fifty, was a longtime friend of the Kane family. When Charles had requested that the wedding be held at Riverwood, he'd been more than gracious about making the trip. He was waiting in the crowded parlor now with the family and other guests for the bride and her attendant to enter.

  Nick stood next to Father Evans with Slater, who was serving as his best man, at his side. The furniture in the parlor had been pushed back, and chairs had been set up in such a way as to create an aisle straight from the door to where they waited. His attention was focused solely on the door as he anticipated Jordan's appearance.

  Peri came into the room first, carrying a small bouquet. She smiled brightly at the friends and family she recognized as she walked slowly up the aisle. When she reached the men at the front of the room, she stepped to the left, leaving the way clear for Jordan. Strains of the wedding march announced the bride's imminent arrival, and everyone turned to watch.

  Since there was no way Jordan c
ould have asked Philip to give her away, she'd asked Charles to be her escort. The elder Kane had assumed the duty with pride and love, and he accompanied her now, standing tall and straight at her side in his formal dress. Oohs and aahs and whispers of how beautiful Jordan was filled the room as they made their way forward to join Nick.

  Jordan was a vision to behold in the stunning white gown. Nick's chest felt tight and his mouth went dry at the sight of her approaching on his father's arm. He'd never dreamed he could feel this way about any woman ... both hot and cold at the same time. Distractedly, he realized his hands were shaking, and he clenched them into fists to regain his control. When his father stopped before him and handed her over to his loving trust, Nick appeared completely at ease, a man totally in command and completely confident.

  The waiting was over. The time had come. Father Evans intoned the greeting and welcome, and the ceremony that would irrevocably join them in the eyes of God began.

  Neither Nick nor Jordan would ever remember much about the wedding. They were only conscious of each other. Jordan thought Nick had never looked more attractive. His formal clothing was dark, but his shirt and cravat were snowy white, emphasizing his bronze tan and dark good looks. She loved him with all her heart, and though they might annul the marriage later, Jordan knew in her soul as she repeated her vows, that she would consider herself Nick's wife forever.

  "Do you, Jordan Douglas, take Dominic Kane to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, from this day onward?"

  "I do," she replied without hesitation.

  "And do you, Dominic Kane, take Jordan Douglas to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, from this day onward?"

  "I do," came Nick's firm response.

  "Do you have the ring?"

  Nick turned to Slater, who produced the simple gold band engraved with Jordan's and his own initials.

  "May the circle of this ring be a symbol of your unending love and devotion to one another." The priest blessed it.

  Nick took Jordan's icy left hand in his and slipped the ring on her finger, branding her as his.

  "By the power invested in me by God and man," Father Evans continued, "I now pronounce you man and wife. What God has joined together let no man put asunder," he concluded. "You may kiss your bride."

  Nick carefully lifted Jordan's veil and drew her to him. He studied her seriously for a moment, commiting to memory the perfection of her loveliness... her flawless complexion, her wide, innocent eyes, her slightly parted, trembling lips, and then he kissed her. It took will power on his part, but because of the audience of onlookers he managed to keep the embrace chaste.

  There was no describing the disappointment that wracked them both when he released her and moved slightly away. But there was little time to think about it, for they were immediately surrounded by a crowd of well-wishers. Nick was kissed and hugged and congratulated by everyone from his father to Miss Layton. Jordan, too, was engulfed in a sea of love as all the guests offered their best wishes.

  Then the reception began. The Riverwood ballroom ran the entire length of the house on the opposite side of the main hall from the parlor and study, and Weddington had done a masterful job in seeing to its preparation. The three sets of French doors that led onto the gallery were open to allow for a refreshing breeze. The small orchestra Charles had hired for the occasion was set up at the far end of the ballroom, and a multitude of chairs lined the walls for those who chose to visit rather than dance. The light from the two huge crystal chandeliers sparkled brilliantly off the glossy white walls and the highly polished hardwood floor. Yards and yards of ribbon and mounds of fragrant, fresh-cut flowers bedecked the refreshment table, where endless glasses of freshly poured champagne and a huge punch bowl filled with a sweet, intoxicating concoction awaited the arrival of the guests.

  Laughter abounded as everyone entered the ballroom for the beginning of the real celebration. The music started and so did the dancing.

  Nick stayed attentively at Jordan's side, his arm familiarly around her waist. As they casually made their way around the room, greeting and visiting with their company, he anticipated her every need and made certain that her champagne glass was never empty.

  Jordan was swept along on a tide of rapturous emotion. She loved Nick, and for this one night she was going to pretend that everything happening between them was real. The touch of his hand, the heat of his body so close to hers, the way he catered to her and saw that she was never wanting for anything filled her heart with joy. She knew it was a game, but for now that was enough.

  Peri was delighted as she watched the two of them together. She took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter's tray and sipped of the dry, bubbling wine with great appreciation. While her happiness for Nick and Jordan was unmatched, she couldn't help but feel the sting of her own loneliness. She wished Philip was there so he could see her looking her best in the new dress, but because he was hired help, he had not been included on the guest list. Peri was about to mourn his absence when Rod Acklund, a thirty-year-old moneyed bachelor with a rakish reputation, suddenly appeared before her.

  "Peri, I just had to tell you how very lovely you look tonight," Rod said, his brown eyes alight with appreciation.

  "Why, thank you, Rod. You look rather handsome yourself," she replied with a warm, open smile. She had known him for years and liked him, in spite of his roguish ways.

  "Shall we dance?"

  "I'd love to."

  Peri went into his arms and followed his expert lead with ease. She enjoyed their dance, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She found herself picturing Philip in formal dress clothing and wondering if he could dance as well as Rod.

  When the music ended, the announcement was made that it was time for the bridal couple's waltz. Peri and Rod joined the rest of the guests on the sidelines to watch Nick and Jordan.

  "Shall we?" Nick murmured in Jordan's ear. He had been longing to take her in his arms ever since he'd seen her come through the parlor door, and he could hardly wait to hold her close.

  There was nothing Jordan wanted more than to be in Nick's embrace, and she nodded readily at his invitation. When he guided her out onto the dance floor, she moved gracefully into his waiting arms.

  The waltz began. It was a haunting melody that neither of the lovers would ever forget. Jordan let herself be swept away by the wonder of it all. Nick was holding her and they were moving about the floor in perfect unison. She lifted her starry eyes to his, making no effort to disguise the truth of her feelings for him.

  Nick had never imagined that dancing with a woman could be such a sensual experience. Just having Jordan this close to him as they swirled about the dance floor set his blood racing. He was hot with desire for her.

  Nick knew he would have to control this burning need. After all, he had given her his word that he wouldn't touch her, and he was a man of honor. But just because he knew he shouldn't want her didn't mean he could stop that easily.

  Nick had never dealt with feelings like this before, and he was troubled by them. When Jordan looked up at him with what seemed to be love shining in her eyes, all thoughts of resisting his desire vanished. A part of his mind told him this was all a charade, and one he'd orchestrated, at that. But his heart overruled his head, telling him something else, something much more profound. He loved her. She was his wife. They were married. It was a heart-stopping revelation for Nick as he waltzed around the floor with Jordan in his arms. He had known that he'd wanted her, but until this moment he had not realized that he had fallen completely under her spell. He was no longer playing the role of ardent lover, he was living it.

  The melody came to an end, but not the magic that had enveloped them, They stopped dancing but remained standing in the middle of the ballroom, gazing at each other with lovestruck expressions. The applause of the onlookers was the only thing that broke the enchantment, and it was
a good thing, for in another minute Nick would have swept Jordan up in his arms and disappeared upstairs with her. They both looked a bit embarrassed, and Nick quickly signaled for the musicians to start another waltz.

  "My dear daughter, may I have the honor of this dance?" Charles asked as he appeared at Jordan's side.

  "I'd love to dance with you, Charles," Jordan answered honestly, giving Nick a sweet smile as she took his father's arm and allowed him to draw her out onto the floor.

  Nick watched them dance away to the gentle rhythm, and he felt a great sense of rightness about it.

  "You two looked good together out there," came Slater's droll comment from behind him. "Jordan's a gorgeous woman."

  "Yes, she is," Nick replied, taking a glass of champagne from one of the circulating servants and drinking deeply from it.

  "You're a better man than I am," his friend remarked, taking a drink of his own champagne.

  "I've always known that, but why are you finally admitting it now?" he countered.

  "I confess it freely now, because I think you deserve a lot of credit." Slater glanced around to make sure there was no one within earshot.

  "Credit for what?"

  "If I had just taken Jordan as my wife, there's no way I'd be able to keep my hands off her. Think about it, Nick. Every man for four parishes around is panting over her, and you're the one who's going to be sharing her bed tonight."

  Nick's expression turned thunderous, but he said nothing, which gave Slater the clue he needed.

  "So, that's how it is. You're not sharing her bed tonight..." he paused. "Nick, don't you realize what you've got here? Open your eyes and see how lucky you really are! Take your happiness while you can and savor every minute of it. Don't let it slip away from you..."

  Nick turned back to watch his father and bride. When he spoke, his voice was cool. "Slater, as far as Jordan is concerned, this is a bargain. We made a deal. She's fulfilled her part of it, and now I have to live up to my end."