Prairie Redemption
Page 14
Cassie cocked her head. “How did we not know your opposing counsel in ‘the trial of your life,’” she air quoted, “was Jamey’s brother?”
Lexi turned bright pink. “It was need to know.”
“Sure it was,” “Hmmpf,” “She didn’t want us to know,” chimed in Carolina after her sisters. “You can hide out up here, if you need to, but I’ll be downstairs celebrating with my husband.” She lifted her eyebrows with a grin. “Is it time to get dressed?”
“Yes,” Lexi said emphatically, reaching for the hanger that held Carolina’s dress. “This is your day. I can handle Mr. Shark Attack downstairs, and I promise not to make a scene.”
Carolina slipped on the dress made of the silkiest satin and cut on the bias, so it flowed over her hips in soft folds. Simple and elegant, and utterly luxurious against her skin. But it was the shoes Lydia had made her in record time that she was most excited about. After two pairs of white shoes, she wanted something different, something she could wear beyond today. Lydia had come up with a pair of black and gold tapestry lace-up booties, perfect for the upcoming holidays. Carolina pirouetted in front of the long oval mirror next to the vanity. “I know they don’t go with the dress, but I adore them.”
Cassie pulled her into a hug. “We only care that you’re happy.”
“I am.” Carolina blinked hard, hugging her older sister fiercely. “So happy I have to keep pinching myself.”
A knock sounded on the door, and Dottie entered. “Well,” she huffed, wiping at her eye. “I don’t know how you girls always manage to pull these weddings off in no time, but you look like a vision, sweetie pie. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Carolina looked around at her sisters, beaming at her. “It’s really happening this time, isn’t it?”
Lydia cupped her cheek. “It really is, and you deserve all the happiness.”
“Mama?” Carolina extended her hand, throat thick, and suddenly needing the reassurance of her mother’s touch. “Help me with my veil?”
“Of course, dearie.” Dottie’s hands shook as she tucked the veil into the bun at the base of her neck. She placed a kiss at Carolina’s temple. “I have to go downstairs to help Jamey with the finger sandwiches.” Code for I don’t want anyone to see me cry.
Dottie bustled to the door, then paused, hand on the knob. “I love you, sweetie pie,” she choked, then disappeared. At the same time, a flash followed by a clap of thunder shook the house.
“Oh nooo,” Lydia wailed. “It can’t rain.”
“I already brought the decorations inside. I could see the clouds building up,” interjected Cassie, always the practical one.
“Rain’s good luck on your wedding day,” added Lexi, looking dubious.
“I don’t care where I get married,” said Carolina firmly. “Just so long as I get to say I do. In front of the fireplace will be just fine.”
Another knock sounded at the door. “Come in,” Carolina called, not missing that Lexi looked like she wanted to hide in the bathtub.
Macey McCaslin, who Carolina had asked to help with the flowers, stepped in carrying a bouquet of white and green hydrangeas. “We’ve moved everything inside, but not to worry, the radar says this will pass within an hour.” Macey handed her the bouquet and whispered in her ear. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Me too.” Carolina beamed. “I hear maybe there’s a wedding in your future? The rumor mill’s been churning.”
Macey rolled her eyes, turning pink. “No weddings for me. Only rumors.”
“We are totally having lunch again when Cody and I get back from our honeymoon.”
Macey made a face partway between a grimace and a secret smile. “Nothing to tell, but I’ll still take you up on lunch.” She looked at Carolina’s sisters. “Brodie Sinclaire’s already pulled out the beer. You might want to get this show on the road.” Macey gave her shoulder an encouraging squeeze. “Enjoy every second, it goes by too fast.”
She disappeared out the door, and only her sisters remained.
“Ready?” Cassidy asked.
She nodded. “More than ready.”
“I’ll bring up the rear,” Lexi volunteered.
“You’ll do no such thing.” Lydia dragged her twin through the door “Tits up, sis. Show whatshisface what you’re made of.”
The rain on the roof sounded like a drumline as Carolina stepped into the hallway. Taking a deep breath, she marched down the stairs, first focusing on her dad, who gave her a misty smile, and then on Cody, as she took her father’s elbow and walked the dozen steps to the mantel in the living room. Macey was right, the next seventeen minutes passed in a blur, and too fast, but when the judge said husband and wife, a great clap of thunder shook the house. “I guess that’s your cue to kiss your bride,” he said to Cody.
And he did, bending her back in an embrace fit for the movies. “Are you ready for a new adventure, Mrs. Hansen?” her husband asked, raising his eyes to hers, giving her that wicked grin she loved so much.
“So long as it’s with you.”
* * *
THE BEGINNING OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER
I hope you enjoyed reading about Cody & Carolina. I know you've been waiting to find out how Travis Kincaid finally gets his HEA. Download A HERO'S HONOR to find out!
Police Chief Travis Kincaid Has Rules….
· Never leave the door unlocked
· Never mix work and pleasure
· And Never, Never kiss the object of your affection
* * *
Years ago, the former Navy SEAL learned the hard way that breaking the rules only leads to disaster. Since then, he’s followed strict rules to stay focused on his career and keep his heart locked away where it won’t cloud his judgment.
* * *
Too bad the woman he’s fallen for was a born rule-breaker.
In spite of her shady past, Travis finds himself bending the rules… repeatedly, for single-mom Elaine Ryder. In the aftermath of Prairie’s devastating tornado, Travis must come to a decision about his future. More importantly, he’ll have to decide whether breaking the rules one last time will cost him everything he holds dear… or give him his heart’s desire.
Download A HERO'S HONOR now!!
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* * *
Find me on Facebook! Come on over to my house- join my ladies only Facebook group - Tessa's House. And hang on to your hat- we might get a little rowdy in there ;)
Introducing Tessa’s Bad Boys
The bad boys are coming to town. Grab your fan and a cool drink because things really heat up between Austin and Macey in MR.PINK.
She was only supposed to be a one-night stand...
You know why banned books are bestsellers? Because everyone wants what they can’t have. And I want Macey McCaslin. I want her sassy mouth driving me wild, and her luscious curves under my hands. In a barn, in a bed, on a table. Whenever. Wherever.
* * *
But Macey’s off-limits. So far off-limits, my brother Jason might kill me if he found out about us. He thinks I’m nothing more than a skirt-chasing manwhore not worthy to lick the dirt off her sexy little feet. And I’m definitely that, but ask me if I care? Because one taste of Macey was all it took to make me an addict. This may cost me everything, but I’m not staying away.
Download MR.PINK today
Also by Tessa Layne
PRAIRIE HEAT
PRAIRIE PASSION
PRAIRIE DESIRE
PRAIRIE STORM
PRAIRIE FIRE
PRAIRIE DEVIL
PRAIRIE FEVER
PRAIRIE REDEMPTION
* * *
A HERO’S HONOR
A HERO’S HEART
A HERO’S HAVEN
A HERO’S HOME
* * *
MR. PINK
MR. WHITE
MR. RED
Acknowledgments
Twelve books. I’ve written
Twelve books. WOW! I have absolutely loved every minute of bringing this world I conceived on a cross country trip with my daughters to life. I love these characters and this town so much, and I can’t wait to bring you more hot hot hot stories as the Prairie Universe expands into Kansas City and Steamboat Springs.
The spark for Prairie Redemption came while I was undergoing PT for reconstructive knee surgery. And during the endless hours at the gym, my mind wandered, and wandered… and wandered. If you get my drift ;) My undying gratitude goes to my PT Ken and my trainer Kerstin, for your patient answering of my millions of questions.
My heartfelt gratitude to my many yogi friends and instructors- Lisa, Heather, Traci, & Stacey. I learn so much from each of you every day. Namaste <3
To my rockstars and the people who keep me from losing my shit - Kara the world’s most badass editor, Chas & Erin. So grateful you’re a part of my world.
Lastly- to Mr. Cowboy. I love waking up to your sweet smile, your cups of coffee, and your blue eyes that still make me melt. Thank you for all you do to help me keep my deadlines and stay on track. xoxoxo