Chapter 12
It was all over town. Bryson McNab was getting hitched and to an out-of-towner no less. The same woman who had up and left a few months ago was now back. The wedding was an intimate affair, just a few close friends, some out-of-towners as well, rich people who were part of the McNab society.
But unlike his daddy who thought his crap could make patties, Bryson and his mother and everyone knew the deal.
It was most likely Bryson and that gorgeous and completely down-to-earth woman he was marrying who had decided to open the reception to all and sundry.
So, the barn dance was going to be the reception, and everyone was buzzing about it and looking forward to such a momentous occasion.
Poor Sara-Lee who'd had high hopes and dreams of becoming the next Mrs. McNab had hightailed it out of town on the pretext of visiting her sister in West Palm Beach.
But they all knew it for what it was: a desperate ploy to be as far away as possible from the wedding and the talk involving her, not to mention the pitying looks she had been receiving whenever she stepped inside the bank.
When asked when she planned on returning, no one at the bank could give a date.
So, the speculations were rife. Some were saying she might be gone for good. McNab Crossing was a small intimate town, and people knew each other's business sometimes before they knew it themselves. And the McNabs were the biggest deal there was.
Not only were the couple getting married, but they were also expecting.
The excitement was at its highest level.
They had all seen the couple around town, going to dinner and taking walks in the park.
They also noticed that they held hands. As far as the town knew, they had never seen Mr. Bryson taking walks in the park and holding hands with any of the ladies he had been with.
Ever. This was a new thing. And the way he looked at her, it made one want to sigh with envy.
He was completely gone over her.
Rumor also had it that the mother who had wanted Mr. Bryson to marry someone from their circle had come around and was learning to accept a colored woman as her daughter-in-law.
The day of the wedding dawned bright and sunny with just a few clouds dotting the clear and brilliant blue of the sky. The couple could not have asked for a more perfect day. The weather forecast had sealed the deal. No rain on the horizon.
Standing in front of the mirror, Julianne Angela Merrywood stared at the end result of a full two hours of getting ready for her wedding. The stylist was local, something she had insisted on.
Barbara had suggested they fly someone in, but she had firmly declined. "How else am I going to get the people to accept me if I behave as if I'm better than using their services?"
The woman had not been pleased, but Julianne had stood her ground. And Pauline, the chatty and exuberant stylist who owned one of the three salons in town had done an excellent job.
"I did my research and consulted with my cousin.
She's a stylist to some minor star in Hollywood," Pauline informed her proudly.
"And she told me what to do. Besides, with your perfect complexion, you don't need much.
I want to do a very good job so that you keep coming back to me.
And your hair!" She exclaimed, running her fingers through the thick natural curls.
"I'm going to have so much fun with it."
Bryson had been kicked out of their bedroom last night much to his disgruntlement, because she wanted to get a good night's sleep. His mother had insisted on it and Julianne had agreed.
"I want it to be perfect. Our wedding night."
The dress was stunning. An electric blue wool that clung to every curve of her body and accented her skin tone.
It had a cowl-like neck and tightly fitted sleeves that came to a point at her wrists.
Bryson had included an exquisite diamond necklace and matching earrings to go with the ring he had given her.
The reflection in the mirror caught her attention and had her turning towards Brian.
"Good God!" he whispered reverently. "Stay right where you are.
I want to get the first photo." Digging a small digital camera out of his dark blue sports jacket, he pressed buttons.
"Darling, you look divine. I'm tempted to give you a pinch to see if you're real. Now I'm really pissed that I'm gay."
"Yeah, right." Julianne smiled at him, lips coated in a shimmering ice pink parting. "Think I'll do?"
"Your man is going to faint dead away when he sees you.
Okay, honey, I was tasked to come and get you.
" He stopped to stare at the glossy strands of her hair.
Pauline had gone for simple and had shampooed and deep conditioned the curls.
She had then used gel to scoop it back and added extensions so that it was a long ponytail, drifting over her left breast. Flower buds dotted the front.
The style did something startling to her face and revealed her very excellent bone structure. "I had my doubts about that stylist, but she exceeded my expectations." Coming further into the room, he took a look around admiring the bold design before extending his arm. "Shall we, darling?"
He was tempted to glance at his watch again to check the time. The small chapel was packed with very close friends. They had decided against going to the courthouse because Julianne said she wanted a church wedding.
"It's going to be my one and only, so I want it to be right," she had told him solemnly.
His mother had come through for them and for that he was grateful. She was also starting to warm up to Julianne, something else he was grateful for. Jack was standing with him as his best man.
Just as panic started to seep through his body, he heard the sound of the familiar wedding march, indicating that the bride was on her way.
Easing out a breath, he straightened his shoulders and trained his eyes on the doorway. Telling himself to relax, he took another deep breath and brushed his hands over the lapels of his velvet blue jacket.
He genuinely tried to keep his face expressionless.
But at the first sight of his bride, he lost all objectivity.
Unaware or oblivious of the eyes trained on him, he smiled, his look of complete adoration not lost on the guests.
Some would comment days after that they had never seen Mr. Bryson looking so dazzled or so happy.
But who could blame him? they went on to comment.
The bride was the most beautiful creature they had ever seen.
And the vows, well, they heard they brought tears to even the most hardened cynic's eyes. There was even talk of old Jack wiping away moisture. The ceremony was short and beautiful and was over in minutes.
Julianne Merrywood was now officially Mrs. Bryson McNab.
"How about something to eat?" Bryson came and took her arm firmly, guiding her away from the group of people crowding around her.
The barn dance was in full swing, the fire sending sparks shooting towards the sky.
The happy couple had gone from the wedding to take pictures in the park and then to the ranch for a private reception.
Now the dance was in full swing, and she had done her duty by dancing with as many men as she could. She had changed from her wedding finery and was wearing black pants and an oversized white shirt. And cowboy boots.
"I already had three slices of wedding cake, some barbecue ribs and a tiny hot dog." She pressed a hand to her stomach. "I cannot eat another bite."
"Then you need to sit down for a bit." He commandeered one of the lawn chairs and sat, tugging her onto his lap.
"When are we retiring?"
"In a few minutes. I desperately want to be alone with my wife."
"It seems we're on one accord." She looped her arms around his neck. "I want to be alone with my husband."
"Say it again," he demanded huskily.
"The being alone part?"
"The husband part."
"My husband," she whispered against his ear.
"Finally." Uncaring that they were in full view of everyone, he took her lips in a drugging kiss that had her going weak.
"Get a room!" someone called out, causing the crowd to roar with laughter.
"I think that's a very good idea," he whispered hoarsely.
He had decided to use one of the cottages on the property.
There were still guests staying at the ranch house including her friend Brian, and he wanted complete privacy with her.
He had originally planned on flying her to Paris or even Hawaii, but that would have to wait until she was out of danger.
He would never want to do anything to jeopardize his child's life or hers.
"It's not too far away from the ranch." He carried her across the threshold and went straight towards the master suite after securing the door.
They were near enough to hear the sounds of revelry going on. He had given all of his employees the next day off to sleep in or do whatever they wanted. Some of the men were on call in case there were any emergencies.
He was happy to see that his instructions had been carried out to the letter.
There was a bucket of non-alcoholic wine on the bedside table, some light snacks (he did not want her stomach revolting!), candles in their candle holders, vying with the fire simmering on low in the fireplace.
And the sheets were turned down. And of course, a huge slice of their almond amaretto wedding cake.
"You had all of this done?"
"I've been busy," he told her with a grin.
"How long are we staying?"