Chapter 43
Three months ago when Desiree and Andy had announced they’d settled on a date for their wedding, everyone partying at the Buffalo had cheered. Everyone except Trent. He’d dreaded this moment.
The minister set a mic stand on the top step. Turned on the mic, blew in it, turned it off. Then he took his place on the porch.
Brittany’s anxiety traveled through her fingers, making him highly aware of her agitation. He sent back all the love he could through their clasped hands.
He no longer dreaded what was to come. He needed this wedding, maybe as much as Desiree and Andy did. It was the final test of whether he’d healed the damage Cheryl had done. And a chance for Brittany to see a different future than the one she was still clinging to.
The band ended their final instrumental tune and the guests grew quiet. When the opening chords of Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts filled the air, he tensed, anticipation rolling through him.
Rance had played it on a boom box for the rehearsal. It hadn’t been very loud. The lyrics had been indistinct, the impact minimal. Trent had heard it many times in the past. After his marriage had broken up, he’d dismissed the song’s message as hogwash.
Not anymore. The band’s vibrant, full-throated rendition of two people finding each other after years of love’s disappointments swept through him, engulfing him in a wave of emotion. It was a perfect song for Desiree and Andy. And for him. And Brittany, if she’d let him into her heart.
Hand in hand, Buck and Marybeth nodded to the guests as they strolled down the carpeted middle aisle dressed in their good jeans, boots, shirts and hats. No fancy dresses or rented outfits. At the end of the aisle they separated, Buck going right to stand beside the steps and Marybeth turning left to take a position on the other side.
Sky and Penny followed, clearly bursting with eagerness, barely managing to stay in time with the music. Beau and Jess also looked like they were ready to get this show on the road. Clint flashed his typical jaunty grin as he and Tyra made the long walk down the carpeted aisle.
The birth order parade continued with Cheyenne and Kendall, Cheyenne’s eyes shining and Kendall looking happy enough to float if Cheyenne let go of her. Marsh and Ella had the proud walk of two parents-to-be.
Bret and Molly’s pace was more measured, their fingers laced together, their gaze steady. Gil and Faye shimmered with energy and added a subtle dance step as they moved down the aisle.
The excitement sparkling in Lucky and Oksana’s eyes was likely because their love was so new. But after that meeting, Trent read more into their confident stride.
Behind them, Rance walked backward as he pulled a red wagon and talked softly to the five little kids tucked into it. Angie and Dallas followed closely, reaching out every so often to steady one of the toddlers. Dallas glanced quickly over at Trent as if checking on him, too.
Trent acknowledged the look with a nod and got a relieved smile in return.
At the end of the aisle, Rance wheeled the wagon to the right. Then each dad stepped forward to take charge of his child. Sky took Susie and Cheyenne picked up Jodie with no problem, but when Beau reached for Mav, she clung to her best buddy Zach and wouldn’t budge.
“So cute,” Brittany murmured.
Trent’s dad chuckled. “I remember those days.”
And Trent wanted those days. With Brittany by his side. He glanced at her. “We need a wagon.”
She met his gaze. “Yes, we do.”
He liked what he saw in her eyes. It looked like the beginning of hope.
“They’re leaving those two in the wagon and just taking Zach’s little sister,” Trent’s mom said. “They may live to regret that.”
The music ended and House Wine allowed silence to settle over the gathering once again. Then their keyboardist played the opening notes of Aloe Blacc and Lee Ann Rimes’ rendition of I Do.
Trent smiled. That song, about resistance to commitment, a resistance that finally dissolved, had to be Desiree’s choice, her gift to Andy. And it sure fit his and Brittany’s situation.
Everyone stood and turned toward the back of the venue. Trent let go of Brittany’s hand so they could do the same. Bracing herself on his shoulder, she rose to her toes.
He slipped a steadying arm around her waist and leaned down. “Can you see?”
She nodded. “Well enough.
He tightened his grip on her waist. Height had its advantages. With most of the town’s tallest residents in the wedding party, he had a decent view of Desiree and Andy as they walked down the aisle hand-in-hand.
Nobody was giving that lady away.
She hadn’t dressed up, either. Not much, anyway. Her purple Western shirt might be new. He’d never seen the purple boots before, either. She’d added a purple feather to her hat, but it was a hat he’d seen her wear many times.
Andy looked like he’d just been crowned king of the world. Desiree’s steady gaze remained on the altar at the end of the aisle, but Andy kept sneaking glances at his bride, as if he still couldn’t quite believe his good fortune.
Trent almost missed Brittany’s soft swallow. Glancing down, his heart turned over. Tears shimmered in her eyes, but she didn’t look sad. Her face glowed with happiness. Was that for Desiree and Andy? Or did it have something to do with him?
As Desiree and Andy drew closer, Zach and Mav climbed out of the wagon. Beau reached for Mav but she was off like a shot. Bret had his hands full with Zach’s baby sister. The kids made a beeline for their beloved Granny Dez and Grandpa Andy.
Desiree and Andy reacted as if they’d anticipated it. Crouching down in sync, they held out their arms. Desiree picked up Mav and Andy lifted Zach. Then they continued down the aisle toward the minister as if it was all part of the show.
Between the tender song and the sight of Desiree and Andy carrying their grandchildren with them to the altar, the crowd morphed into a sniffing, throat-clearing group. Trent’s dad cleared his. Then Trent had to do the same.
Mopping her tear-streaked cheeks with a tissue, Brittany turned to him.
Where had that tissue come from?
She lifted her head, her blue eyes luminous. “I get it. Trent.” Her voice shook. “I get it. I want… I want all this. And I love—” She choked up. “I love you.”
He forgot about the tissue. Forgot that a wedding was in progress. She was looking at him the way Andy had looked at Desiree. He tried to speak. The words stuck in his throat.
She gripped the front of his shirt in both hands. “If the offer still stands, my answer is yes.”
He groaned and gathered her close, his heart beating so hard and fast he was afraid he’d pass out.
“Son.” His dad laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Time to sit. It’s starting.”
He kept hold of her as they both eased down to the bench, hip to hip, his arm around her shoulders, her hand on his knee. He put his lips close to her ear. “You’re sure?”
She nodded vigorously, her hair tickling his cheek.
“I love you.”
She tilted her head and looked up at him, her lips moving in a silent I love you, too.
He wanted to shout for joy. He wanted to kiss her and then kiss her some more.
“We need to listen to this,” she murmured, squeezing his knee. “It’s important.”
Tucking her in close, he turned his attention to Desiree and Andy, who’d apparently chosen to take their vows while they each held a grandchild. They stood facing each other one step below the mic.
The minister welcomed everyone with the usual opening words. Then he turned the ceremony over to the bride and groom.
Desiree said something softly to the toddler in her arms. Mav nestled her head against her grandmother’s shoulder and sucked on her thumb.
Taking a deep breath, Desiree focused on Andy. “I never thought I’d be standing at the altar, but I never expected to fall in love with a man who wouldn’t take no for an answer. You’re as stubborn as a mule, Andy. And I love you for it. So here I am, and I hope you know what you’re doing because you’re never getting rid of me.” She swallowed. “I’m all in, my love.”
Trent looked at Brittany, who’d clearly soaked up every word. She didn’t move a muscle as Andy prepared to say his piece.
First he repositioned Zach, who stared out at the crowd in obvious fascination.
Andy cleared his throat and began. “You’re a challenge, Dez, and I didn’t think I needed one at this stage of my life. Seems I did.” His voice grew husky. “I need you more than I need to breathe.” He cleared his throat again. “But I intend to keep on breathing, so you’ll have to put up with me for a long time. But no matter how many days or years I’m given, they’ll never be enough to show you how much I love you. You’re worth the wait, Granny Dez.”
The minister completed the ceremony, getting a firm I do from both bride and groom. With Buck and Marybeth’s help, rings were exchanged despite the grandchildren in their arms, and after the minister pronounced them husband and wife, they even managed a brief kiss.
Trent and Brittany rose to their feet along with the rest of the crowd, clapping and cheering as the band launched into George Strait’s Here for a Good Time.
Desiree turned toward the mic. “We’re skipping the recessional folks! Everybody follow Andy and me. These kids are hungry. Let’s eat!”
Trent laid a hand on Brittany’s shoulder. “Let’s go find a quiet spot and?—”
“But first don’t we need to tell our folks?”
“Absolutely tell us.” Trent’s dad turned toward them. “Because if I’m not mistaken, you two just got engaged.”
“They what?” His mom spun toward them.
Margaret did a double-take, too. “Did I hear the word engaged?”
“You did, Mom.” Brittany’s voice trembled. “Trent asked me and I’ve accepted.”
Her mom’s whoop of joy and Brittany’s watery smile were all Trent needed to fall in with the plan. His dad clapped him on the back and his mom gave him a hug. Then she gathered Brittany into a tight embrace as her mother let go of her.
Margaret’s enthusiastic hug came next, and then even Doc Bradbury joined in the hug fest. Trent got up close and personal with everyone except the woman he loved. A conversation about heading down to the feast so they could celebrate made him wonder how many hours he’d have to wait before he kissed her.
Then she took control of the situation. “You all go ahead. Trent and I will be along later. We have some stuff to discuss.”
Yes.
“Can I bring up just one thing before we part ways?” Margaret glanced at her daughter. “It’s about tomorrow.”
“This doesn’t have to change anything, Mom. We’ll still do our Mother’s Day like we planned.” She looked at him. “Right?”
He bit back his disappointment. “Well, sure. I mean, if you have a tradition, then?—”
“We do.” Margaret’s cheeks turned pink. “But under the circumstances, if it’s okay with you and your folks, and Desiree doesn’t mind, it seems like it would be nice for Brit and me to celebrate at the ranch. That’s only if it works for everyone.”
“I’m sure it would,” Vanessa said. “Desiree will be thrilled about this engagement, too. If you come for the day, you could also reconnect with Nick. It seemed like he’d enjoy spending time with you.”
Margaret’s flush deepened. “Well, only if it suits everyone. Anyway, Brit, go have your private moment with Trent. I’ll check with Desiree and let you know.”
“Thanks, Mom. It sounds like a great plan.” Brittany looked like she was trying not to laugh.
Trent waited until they were out of earshot. “Does she have a thing for this Nick character?”
“I think so.”
“What do we know about him? Other than the fact he didn’t want to stick around and be a dad. We should ask Desiree what she thinks about?—”
“Are you watching out for my mother?” Amusement sparkled in her eyes.
“Yes, I am. She’s been hurt before, and?—”
“I think she can take care of herself. I’m happy that she’s shown an interest in someone. If Desiree lets him stay at the house, he can’t be all bad.”
“Maybe not, but I still want to do some research on the guy.”
“Later, right?”
“Definitely later.”
“Where’s a good place for us to make out — I mean talk.”
“We’re on a ranch. I’ve heard behind the barn is a prime spot.”
“Then let’s go.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He took her hand and they started toward the large red structure Gigabyte called home. “In the barn might be even better. You could meet my horse.“
“I probably should. What if he doesn’t approve of me?”
“He will. I told him about you when I was trying to decide about the baby. He thought I should go for it. He’s a gelding, so I’m not surprised he’d say that.”
“A talking horse? Now I really want to meet him.”
“He doesn’t do it for everybody.”
“Just you?”
“Pretty much.”
“What’s he look like?”
“He’s a bay. Dark coat, black stockings, a white star on his forehead. And before we go in there, I’m only planning to kiss you. No funny business. The entire town’s on the property. No telling who could accidentally wander in.”
“Will there be funny business when we get back to your cabin?”
“Count on it.” That revved his engines. “How soon do you think we can leave?”
“Not too soon. This is a special time. A special wedding. It pulled me out of my dark place. It gave me you. I have people to thank. We have an engagement to announce.”
“Then we’ll stay as long as you want. So what was the gamechanger? When Desiree and Andy picked up the kids?”
“That was what put me over the top, realizing that someday we might be grandparents. I want to be that kind of grandparent, and you’ll be a great granddad.”
“Don’t rush it.” Sliding back the bar that secured the barn door, he opened it just enough for them to slip through.
She laughed as she walked in. “Well, you will be. Where’s Gigabyte?”
“First stall on the left, munching on his dinner.” He kept the door open to let in shafts of light from the setting sun. “Hey, buddy, I brought someone to see you. This is the woman I’m going to marry.”
Her breath hitched. “That gives me goosebumps.”
“Good or bad ones?”
“Good ones. Very good ones. Hey, there, Gigabyte. Gonna leave that hay net for a minute and come over and see me?”
The big bay obligingly abandoned his food and walked toward the stall door so she could rub his neck and scratch his nose.
Trent stood back, watching her make friends with his horse while dreams and schemes filled his head and his heart — they’d get a horse for her, take long rides on the weekend, cuddle in his bed after the sun went down, make love….
“You’re a handsome guy, Gigabyte,” she murmured. “Just like your rider.”
“I heard that.” He started toward her.
“You were supposed to.”
“Flattery will get you kissed.”
“I heard kissing was part of the plan for sneaking out to the barn.” She turned away from the stall.
“Then we should get started.” He tugged her warm body close, hungry for her touch. “I love you. I love you so much.”
She wound her arms around his neck. “Clearly you must or you wouldn’t have put up with my nonsense. I gave you so much grief and I’m so sorry.”
“You didn’t give me grief.” He tightened his hold, his blood heating. “You gave me a challenge.”
“You stole that line from Andy.”
“I’ll probably steal more. And get tips. You and Desiree have a lot in common.”
“Good thing you’re stubborn like Andy, then.”
“Good thing you love that about me.”
“I love everything about you, especially that. It’s why we’re here, about to share our first kiss after getting engaged, hint, hint.”
“Yes, ma’am. Coming right up.” He nudged back her hat. “Close your eyes, Gigabyte.” Then he claimed her mouth. And nearly lost his cool. He hadn’t kissed her like this for days, had wondered if he’d ever kiss her like this again.
Struggling with emotions stronger than he was prepared for, he lifted his head. “I missed you.” He swallowed. “I was afraid I’d lost you.”
“But you didn’t.” She looked up at him, her gaze warm, her voice husky. “And now I’m yours forever.”
“That’s not nearly long enough.” He settled in, his fears calmed, his heart expanding and his forgotten dreams within reach. All because the woman in his arms had left her purse.
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