Chapter Eighteen
Eighteen
Ryan didn’t know why he was so nervous. This wasn’t his wedding day, but since Morgan mentioned staying longer, that was all his mind could process.
Their conversation almost a week ago had him in knots. He wanted her to stay. He wanted to put that ring on her finger so they could start their life with the family they’d created.
And that was why he couldn’t concentrate on anything else.
He was giving Morgan this important day with her sister and then he would present her the ring to let her know just how serious he was.
He knew she was starting to think about long-term and he couldn’t let this opportunity pass.
The entire future of Yellow Rose was on the line.
Ryan waited in the line of people entering the Texas Cattleman’s Club.
The doorways and railings had garlands and flowers draped and wrapped all over.
As soon as he stepped inside, he felt as if he’d been transformed into something from a magazine with all the white and lights with touches of gold.
The clubhouse had even more Christmas decor than it had last weekend for the Christmas party.
..and he hadn’t even thought that was possible.
Evergreen trees lit up in groupings were all around the perimeter. The white cloth-covered chairs sat in neat little rows facing the stage in the main ballroom. The place was likely Chelsea’s dream wedding come true.
Ryan wondered what type of wedding Morgan would want. Did she want something over-the-top and flashy, or would she be more low-key and want something on her family ranch? Or his ranch?
A wedding at Yellow Rose would be ideal for him, but he had to take this all one step at a time. Morgan wasn’t even wearing his ring yet.
He wished they could have arrived together, but she had been with her sisters and the rest of the bridal party getting their hair and makeup done.
He hadn’t seen her dress or how she looked.
He’d left her sleeping in bed this morning and had gone to the stable to check on his mare that was still recovering from a stillbirth.
Morgan had been gone when he’d returned hours later.
When he wasn’t with her, there was always a sliver of anticipation as to when he would again. What would she look like? Would she meet his gaze and offer a sultry smile? Why did he have these school-aged emotions and excitement each time he thought of Morgan?
Ryan found a seat toward the middle, but closer to the aisle. He wanted to see Morgan coming down. He wanted to catch her attention. He wanted her to constantly be thinking of him the way he was her.
As Ryan glanced around and nodded to a few people he knew, he couldn’t help but wonder how many of these folks would be in attendance at his and Morgan’s wedding. Because there was no way in hell he could let her go now.
Morgan knew Ryan was staring at her. Anytime she stole a glance in the direction of the guests, there he sat with those bright blue eyes locked onto her.
Although, knowing Ryan, he was likely staring at her chest because Morgan had a serious fear that one good inhale and she’d bust this zipper.
Her breasts were so swollen even though her belly still showed no signs of the pregnancy.
She actually couldn’t wait and every day when she woke up, she stared in the mirror and turned to the side hoping to see something.
Morgan focused on her sister’s vows and then Nolan’s.
The two were so perfect for each other as they stared into each other’s eyes with their hands joined.
Chelsea had been so excited to get down the aisle, she had been beaming all morning and afternoon.
She was finally getting to marry the man of her dreams and live the life she’d always wanted.
She couldn’t believe both her sisters were married.
A heavy dose of remorse and sadness swept through her as she stood at her sister’s side.
This was everything Morgan didn’t know she wanted.
Not just the gorgeous flowing gown and the perfect bouquet and decor.
But the love, the adoration they showed each other, the solidarity that could only come from such an unbreakable bond.
Morgan wanted that and she wanted it all with Ryan.
She glanced his way once again and he offered her a crooked grin that melted her heart. She’d never experienced these feelings with anyone else and she had no idea how he would respond to her truth. But she had to tell him. Ryan deserved to know and Morgan deserved this chance at happiness.
She wanted to say yes to his proposal, but she couldn’t go that far without telling him she loved him first.
This would be the riskiest move she ever made and his response would change the course on her path of life.
If he rejected her, she would move back to the Grandin ranch and they would have to coparent, but if he accepted her love and offered his in return, she knew they would have a beautiful life together at Yellow Rose.
But she couldn’t marry him if the love only existed on her side.
An unbalanced relationship would surely crumble and that was a risk she couldn’t take.
When the minister proclaimed Chelsea and Nolan were husband and wife, everyone in attendance clapped as the newlyweds shared their first kiss. Tears pricked Morgan’s eyes. She smiled as Layla handed Chelsea’s heavy bouquet back to her.
This is exactly what Morgan could have if she went after it...and she had every intention of going after Ryan Carter.
After the pictures outside the clubhouse and a few inside, Morgan looped her arm through Heath’s as they made their way back into the ballroom with the rest of the wedding party. She wanted a quick word before the party began.
“I hope we can bury all of this between our families and focus on your brother and my sister,” she told him. “I know that there has been so much animosity and anger, but it’s time to move on.”
Heath scoffed. “I will do whatever it takes to honor my mother’s and Ashley’s memory. Surely you can understand my position and that I have no hard feelings toward you, but I have to do something to make things right.”
Well, that made her wonder about his next move, but Morgan refused to get into it with him at the reception. There would be a time and a place to tackle Heath Thurston, and maybe now that Nolan was married into the Grandin family, he could talk his twin into giving up this vendetta.
Heath guided her to the reception table with the rest of the party. “Family is everything to me,” he added in a low tone as he inched toward her. “I’m sure even the Grandins can appreciate that.”
Morgan leaned away from him. Now that Heath knew the truth about his mother being paid off with those rights, he seemed even angrier, which could be dangerous. What did he have planned now?
Morgan hoped more than anything that Chelsea and Nolan could have a fresh start without this black cloud of scandal hovering over them.
Morgan took a seat and immediately searched for where Ryan would be. She nearly laughed when she spotted him at the bar holding his tumbler of bourbon and Sylvia standing right beside him with her hands moving all around as she chattered, no doubt about some town gossip.
The poor guy stared back at her and looked like he wanted to be rescued. Considering she was his friend, Morgan would do just that.
She scooted her chair back and gathered her emerald-green skirt in one hand. The entire back part of the ballroom had been set up for the reception and was even more breathtaking than Morgan had imagined. There was something magical and almost hopeful about a Christmas wedding.
The soft music filled the room and the twinkling lights, the suspended lanterns, the tall adorned trees surrounding the perimeter all had such a romantic ambiance.
Maybe she should ask Ryan to dance and tell him.
She didn’t want to wait to open her heart to him.
So many emotions had been building inside her, and she hadn’t realized until today just how much love she had for him.
And all this time, she’d never believed in such a commitment. She’d thought that was only for fairy tales, but there were too many of her family members and friends in this town falling in love, and Morgan had to believe that type of commitment truly did exist when you found the right person.
And she had found her person.
“Sylvia, you do look amazing just like I knew you would.”
Sylvia turned to face Morgan and propped a hand on her rounded hip. “Well, thank you. I absolutely love this gown you chose for me. And, honey, you are radiant in that green dress.”
Morgan shot a look to Ryan, and his smile and locked stare silently said he agreed. She loved the way he looked at her. It made her feel both sexy and beautiful. He had a way of doing things to her emotions and desires and he didn’t even have to say a word.
“Thank you,” Morgan replied.
“I was just going to get a champagne,” Sylvia stated. “Can I get you one, dear?”
Morgan’s breath caught in her throat and before she could reply, Ryan chimed in.
“The wedding party already has champagne at their table.”
Yes. That was actually true, but she’d been so stunned that she hadn’t thought of the logical reply. Clearly Morgan’s nerves and thoughts were all over the place.
“Thank you anyway,” she told Sylvia.
When Sylvia turned toward the bartender to order, Morgan gave a slight nod for Ryan to follow her. She had to stop herself from reaching for his hand and remember they were in a very public venue.
She hoped soon they would be able to go public with their love and their news of the baby. She hoped the folks of the town would embrace all that had happened in a positive way.
Chelsea stepped into view and Morgan startled as she reached for her sister’s arm.
“Sorry,” Chelsea stated. “I just wanted to catch you real quick. We’re going to do the toast in about ten minutes. So that will be the speeches from Layla and Heath. Make sure you’re back at the table.”
Morgan had helped Layla rehearse her speech over and over all day. She truly wanted this day to be everything Chelsea had envisioned and dreamed of. Layla would do a great job.
“I’ll be there,” she assured her sister.
Chelsea’s eyes shifted over Morgan’s shoulder, and Chelsea merely smiled before she moved on to mingle with other guests. The DJ continued to play a nice mix of popular hits and slow love songs, perfect for the reception and dancing.
When she turned to talk to Ryan, she noticed his sights were not on her, but on Heath over near the entrance talking to Nolan.
“What did he tell you?” Ryan asked without taking his focus off Heath.
“Oh, just talking about taking what belonged to his mother and how he would do anything for his family. Don’t worry about it. We’ll deal with him another day.”
Ryan’s gaze darted her direction. “I don’t trust him and I don’t want him near you or our child.”
“He won’t hurt me,” she assured him. “I think he’s just upset by the fact that even his own surveyor hasn’t been successful. He’s lashing out and right now everyone is his target.”
“Not you. Never you.”
Ryan turned away and before Morgan realized what he was doing, he was across the room and standing before Heath. Morgan couldn’t run after him or she’d look like the concerned girlfriend, but she did casually make her way over in time to hear Ryan deliver a threat.
“Morgan Grandin is off-limits to whatever new game you’re playing.”
Heath sneered. “And who are you to Morgan?”
“A friend,” Ryan fired back. “Just keep your distance from her.”
Heath raised a brow and glanced directly to her. “I’m not after anyone. I’m only here to take what was promised to my mother.”
Nolan stepped between them and placed a hand on his brother’s chest. “Let’s all relax and save this argument for another day.”
Ryan took a step back. “There’s nothing more to discuss. Heath will keep his distance from Morgan.”
“Again, why the hell do you care so much?” Heath volleyed back. “Unless you and Morgan are more than friends.”
“Just friends,” Ryan ground out. “I protect those I care about, as you can appreciate given your stance.”
Ryan spun on his heel and Morgan had to step aside as he marched away. She didn’t know whether to be mortified at the scene that had been made at her sister’s wedding or let that blossom of hope bloom at the fact Ryan said he cared for her.
Morgan offered Nolan a soft smile before she walked away, as well. In an attempt to keep up the friend persona for the public, she had to give Ryan a bit of space, but not too much. She wanted nothing more than to go to him, but she needed to give him time.
The next slow song that came on, she’d approach him and ask for a dance. They needed to calm down, to decompress and remember nothing else mattered right now but them and their baby.
If she could get him in an intimate embrace, they would have a few minutes to talk. She needed to see where he was in his head and tell him how much she’d fallen for him to see if there was any chance at all at their own happily-ever-after.