Chapter 15
He was enchanted by her. The trip on the jet was an adventure. Her friends were along for the ride and spent almost the entire journey discussing the wedding. She had been cleared to travel and given a clean bill of health.
Before they left, the entire ranch had been caught up in the excitement of the upcoming nuptials. He had been excluded from everything, except the purchasing of the ring, which was flown out the very next day.
Her excitement had been genuine. The ring, square cut diamond with smaller sapphires and rubies around the edges had been an excellent selection. And had her friends exclaiming in amazement, clearly impressed.
Now they were at her home – inside her very elegant and luxurious apartment. He watched her for signs that she was regretting her decision. He did not want her wondering if she had made the right choice.
“It’s so you.”
His quiet deep voice had her turning away from the fresh flowers that had been placed on the glossy center table in the living room. Her housekeeper had been in just the day before and cleaned the place from top to bottom.
As ever, she was sensitive to his moods and knew what he was wondering. Putting the vase back, she walked over to where he leaned against the mantle, arms crossed over his chest.
He had worn the trademark faded denims and flannel shirt and added a scarred jacket. His ash blonde hair needed trimming as usual and was curling at the front. And just the look of him, the long lean, muscled length, and broad shoulders turned her insides into jelly.
“Is it?” She tilted her head to study his sober expression. “I suppose it is. I hired this friend to help me get an idea of what I wanted.” Placing a hand over his folded arms, she took a look around the pristine space.
“It’s funny. I wanted elegant and uptown, because I figured that’s who I was. I wanted people to be impressed when I entertained, which I did very often, whenever I was around.” She looked back at him. “But it’s not home. Never was.”
Her voice turned husky. “Home is wherever you are.” Her eyes glittered with tears. “These are just things- God! Before I met you, I never cried. I was supposed to be this tough independent Black woman who kicks ass as a food critic. But you have changed that, damn you.”
His heart shattered into pieces, and he felt his knees buckling. He gathered her against him, hands framing her face, fingers trembling.
“I wanted to be sure.” He said hoarsely. “I wanted to be certain I was not taking you from the familiar, the loved. Your comfort zone. The ranch is isolated, yes, we have people there and there are always things happening.
But you’re from the city.” He wiped away the tears that had stared to roll down her cheeks. “I could not bear it if you started to pine away and yearn for the bright lights.”
“I have seen a moon so big; it lights up the entire area. And the stars are too many to even contemplate counting.” She blinked at the tears. “And there is a museum…”
“Two.” He corrected thickly.
“Two? Well.’ She placed her hands over his wrists. “Several libraries and a theater that I just love because it’s so old school.”
“We can build another, if you want.”
She stared at him in amazed wonder. “You would, wouldn’t you?”
“There is absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
“That’s beginning to sink in.” She drew in a breath. “I love you darling. And I have no regrets. I am with you and that’s all that matters.”
He gathered her close against his hammering heart. And did not care that she felt the shudders going through his body, or the naked emotions on his face. He was vulnerable where she was concerned and that did not matter to him.
“I have a yearning to check out the bedroom.”
“You read my mind darling. Shall we?”
Lifting her into his arms, he carried her out of the room.
*****
“Mother?”
“What?”
“You’re staring. And it’s rude.”
She huffed out a sigh. “Why? I am sure he’s used to people staring at him. He’s absolutely gorgeous.”
“You have to forgive my daughter.” Lionel leaned back in the chair and sent an amused look towards his granddaughter.
They had agreed to have the family dinner at the restaurant in a private booth. Kamilah had warned him about her mother and that she would try to get her flirting on. “It’s her default mood. You’re handsome and rich and an honest to goodness cowboy.
She is going to try her best to get noticed.” She rolled her eyes. “I spent years staying away from men with trust funds, because her one goal in life was for me to land a rich husband. Now I have hit the fricking jackpot and that just pisses me off because she’s going to be pleased as punch.”
“Want me to apologize?” He had asked her with a hint of a smile. They had made love twice and were on reclining on her expensive cotton sheets.
“Maybe. Just watch out for her and don’t encourage her.”
Jon’s lips curved slightly as he looked at the woman who was going to be his mother-in-law. It was uncanny how much mother and daughter looked alike. And because of that, he felt a certain amount of indulgence towards the older woman.
“I don’t mind in the least.” He said smoothly, picking up his glass of wine and taking a sip. “Cabernet Tempest? Nineteen fifty-two?”
Angela’s eyes widened as she stared at him impressed. “how did you…”
“My man’s parents are big on wines. The ranch has an entire basement dedicated to prime alcohol. They also have a vineyard in Tuscany.” Kamilah’s voice was smug as she leaned against him.
Angela folded her napkin and picked up her wine. “Lovely. I am looking forward to seeing the ranch.” She cleared her throat. “This wedding, why is it so hurried? Are you-…”
“I am not pregnant yet, but’s not for lack of trying.”
Jon had to smother the smile behind his glass. But Lionel was not so discreet. His laughter echoed around the room. “I cannot wait to be a great granddad.” His eyes twinkled as he looked at the couple. “Try harder.”
*****
“You’re in love with him.”
Kamilah turned to look at her mother as she came back into the booth where she was finishing a conversation with her agent. Both her grandfather and fiancé had gone outside to take a walk.
“I am, yes.”
Angela fiddled with the tasseled napkins that had replaced the ones they had used several minutes before. She ran a tight ship and as soon as they were finished with the meal, servers had materialized to do the cleaning.
“You’re giving up your way of life to live at the tiny place.”
Kamilah smiled at that. “It’s a delightful place.”
“One where you got shot.”
She nodded. “An isolated incident and I am adjusting. Jon still carries the guilt, and I am trying to help him with that. But yes, it’s a beautiful place, one which I want my children to call home.”
Angela shook her head and perched on a stool at the bar. “I never thought you would be willing to give up the bright lights and everything the big city has to offer.”
Kamilah chuckled. “Neither did I.” She shoved everything back into her tote. “Jon changed my mind. And the place is wonderful. You’ll see when you get there.”
Angela eyed her only child contemplatively. “He loves you.” She sighed softly. “Your father used to look at me as if I was the only woman in the room. “Tears blinded her eyes and had Kamilah rushing forward.
“No.” She held out a hand to stop her daughter. “I am fine. After losing him, I tried to find what we had and never did.” She pressed a hand to her chest. “I am very happy for you. What you’ve found with Jonathan, is something rare and you should treasure it.”
“I am. I will.” Ignoring the effort to keep her at bay, Kamilah went in for a hug. “Thanks.”
*****
He enjoyed accompanying her to the theater. They were joined by Salome and Lauren and their dates, and he watched as she shone in her environment. Although there was a twinge of anxiety and a moment of jealousy when a former boyfriend came over when they were having dinner at the restaurant she had chosen.
The man had started to lean in for a kiss. Before Kamilah could react, he saw the feral look on Jon’s face and wisely stepped back.
Later that night after the very passionate lovemaking, she brought it up.
“He was harmless.” She murmured casually, trailing a finger up and down his moist chest. “You were very territorial.”
He captured her finger and brought it to his lips, biting the soft skin and sending tremors along her spine. The man could destroy her with just a touch.
“I can’t help it,” he whispered against her skin, his breath warm on her neck. “You’re mine, Kamilah. And I’ll do anything to protect what’s mine.” His voice was possessive, almost primal, and it made her shiver with a mix of fear and desire.
She lifted her head to meet his gaze, her eyes reflecting the passion that burned within her. “And I’m yours, Jon. Completely. But you have to trust me. Trust that I’m with you because I want to be, because I love you.”
He studied her for a moment, the intensity of his gaze unwavering. Then, with a nod, he pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace. “I do trust you,” he admitted softly. “It’s just..., sometimes, I can’t control the need to keep you safe.”
Kamilah smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. “That’s part of what I love about you. Your fierce loyalty, your protectiveness. But remember, love, I’m strong too. I chose you, and I’m here to stay.” She cupped his jaw, loving the feel of the stubble that differentiate them.
Him male, she female – him tough and hard and she – well, soft and feminine. Tonight, seeing him pin Gregory with that look that almost sent the man scuttling made her want to jump him right there in that busy restaurant. It brought out a sense of power and pride that had never been part of her before.
“What if I behaved the same way with your exes?”
His thick eyebrows lifted in amusement. “Feel free.”
“And might I mention that there are several of them staring at you with longing eyes?”
Hauling her on top of him, he lifted his head so that he could reach her breasts. “I have eyes for you alone.” He growled and ended any further conversation by destroying her senses and emptying her mind of anything other than what he was doing to her.
*****
Their wedding day dawned crisp and clear and cold. Winter had come early to McCarthy Fields as it usually did. The snow had not started yet, but there was a hint of it lingering in the air.
The guests had started arriving from two days ago, filling up the small inns and moderate size hotels the town boasted. Kamilah’s family and friends were staying at the ranch house and in anticipation of their arrival, Helen had gathered her staff to do a thorough cleaning from top to bottom.
The entire ranch and the ranch were not excluded! They were scurrying around and playing their part. The excitement of a wedding, especially the wedding of their beloved boss, was of high importance. It was going to be a celebration like no other.
Kamilah was already ensconced in his suite and given carte blanche to change whatever she felt like changing.
“No expenses spared. I want you to be comfortable.”
“What if decide I want pink all through?” She asked with a straight face.
Keeping the wince inside, he too kept a straight face. “I could learn to live with it.”
She snorted at that and decided that it was possible to love the man even more than she already did.
“I am not a ‘pink type of woman and you should know that by now.”
He had hauled her against him and dissolved her with his lips. “You just love yanking my chain.”
“And look how I was rewarded,” She murmured huskily.
She and Leonie were getting along just fine. The woman had come to realize that her son’s fiancée was not after him for his money and knew her place was by his side. Over the two weeks, they were both busy with the arrangements.
During the days, Kamilah would bury herself in the arrangements, consulting on catering and floral arrangements and putting in some time in writing her book.
She had decided to change the theme of it somewhat. After living in the small town, she had come to know the people and also come to love the local cuisine. Meals prepared by loving hands. Restaurants with a familiar touch, a smile, a word of encouragement and a slice of gossip along with your pie.
It was rustic, charming and wonderful. During the night, she reserved the time for Jon. The man was up at the crack of dawn and would pop on by the ranch house to see if she needed anything.
“Darling, you have to stop checking in. I am fine.”
“I want to make certain you’re okay. And the wedding plans are going as it should.”
She eyed him shrewdly. “I am not going anywhere. What do I have to do to prove that I am here?”
He had smiled sheepishly. “I still get skittish. It’s hard for me to believe you are here.”
“I am, so shoo. Go away and leave me to my work.”
At nights, they had developed a routine. She would wait to have supper with him and afterwards, enjoy a warm and relaxing bath that would often lead to other things. She was learning things about the ranch, ignoring his amused indulgence.
“if I am to be a ranchers wife, I want to be more than adequate.”
“Planning on doing the rounds with me?” He asked teasingly.
“I just might.”
Jon laughed, a deep and hearty sound that echoed off the walls of the ranch house. "I'd love to see that," he said, pulling her into his arms. "You'd be the most beautiful rancher's wife this place has ever seen."
Kamilah smiled, resting her head against his chest. "And you, my dear, would be the luckiest rancher in the world."
As the days passed, their bond only grew stronger. Kamilah found herself falling more in love with the simple, rustic life of the ranch. She loved waking up to the sound of roosters crowing and the fresh scent of hay. She adored the small-town charm and the genuine warmth of the people around her.
And now it was her wedding day!
She had argued with him and won. He had thought it silly, some old-fashioned myth about her spending the night before her wedding with him.
She had firmly responded that myth or not, she was going to be spending time with his mother and hers, her friends and Helen and of course, Leesa, Kelly, Monique, and Sherridan who had flown in for the ceremony with their husbands.
“Go and have your stag party and a few call girls or escorts or whatever. No touching and the looks had better be just in admiration for their nubile and frisky bodies., Nothing more than that,” she warned him.
“You’re giving me permission to have strippers?” He had asked, staring at her with narrowed eyes.
“Which gives me reasons to hire some buff and sexy cowboy to give me a lap dance or several.”
“Just try it.”
She had laughed at him and lightened his mood with a kiss that had him tumbling her on the bed.
She had been reluctant to spend the night away from him too, but had figured that the wedding night was going to be all the more special.
Standing back from the mirror in Salome’s and Lauren’s guest bedroom, she studied the fluid length of the champagne wool that clung and molded her curves. Her hands drifted to her flat stomach and a secret smile tugged at her nude-colored lips.
She was going to greet him with the news tonight. While he was busy taking off her dress, she was going to tell him about the addition to the family.
Salome, bless her heart had brought her own personal makeup artist and the woman had done a wonderful job with face and hair. She had teased out the blonde highlights and managed loose curls that glowed with health. Her eyebrows had been waxed and shaped.
Her man had gifted her with stunning diamonds that now nestled at her throat and around her left wrist. In lieu of a veil, she had a silly little hat perched at the front of her head, with a thin wisp of lace over her forehead.
Smoothing a hand down her hips, she was turning to grab her mink cape (Another gift from that wonderful man!) when the doors burst open, and her friends spilled in. Salome was wearing fuchsia, the color glowing against her skin and designed to drive men crazy. Lauren was wearing apple green, the style suiting her perfectly.
Behind them, followed her mother and Leonie. Both women had chosen to go with the classic, stunning skirt suits in lilac and lime green.
“My dear.” Leonie clapped her hands in delight. “You look stunning.”
“A very beautiful bride.” Angela agreed, a suspicious sheen in her mahogany eyes. “Something borrowed and something blue.” She produced a beautiful sapphire brooch from her beaded purse. “A gift from your daddy.” She pinned it on and stepped back to look at the result. “Perfect.”
“Then let’s go and get me married. I am anxious to get to the honeymoon part of the ceremony.”
*****
The Great Hall was decorated lavishly, with flowers on every available surface, giving the room a scented atmosphere and a warm and cozy feel to it. Everyone had been invited to the reception a little later on, but the wedding itself was an intimate one. Family and friends.
The room was scattered with people, caterers, local men and women, moving around passing out delicious hors d’oeuvres, canapes, foie gras, delicate pastries that simply melted in the mouth and champagne – endless supply of it. No expenses had been spared of course. A McCarthy was getting married, so it was a cause for celebration.
Jonathan Ian McCarthy stood with his hands folded, fingers tightly pressed together as he awaited his bride. The conversation milled around him, people walked up to congratulate him, and he made all the appropriate noises as he watched the doorway. His first sight of her took his breath and weakened his knees.
His collar felt restrictive, and he was regretting the damn tux. He felt as if he was on the verge of being strangled.
There was absolutely no way she could be real. The lights from the heavy crystal chandeliers shimmered over her and for a moment, he thought she was an angel descending to bring them good tidings.
Unaware that he had even moved, he made his way towards her, eyes brimming with love and possessiveness. Taking her hands in his and completely ignoring her grandfather, he drew her to him. Lifting her hand, he pressed his lips over the knuckles, eyes holding hers.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” She smiled at him and his world spun crazily.
“Ready?”
“Absolutely.”
He drew her towards the minister who beamed at them and started to pray a blessing over the nuptials.
They exchanged vows, his loud and crystal clear, hers soft and poignant. They exchanged rings, were declared husband and wife. The kiss was deliberately chaste, failing that, he would probably not be able to stop himself from ripping the dress off her. Time for that later on, he decided.
Their first dance as a married couple had him holding her close, her curves pressed against him and driving him to distraction.
Her perfume, something elusive and sexy assailed his nostrils and tortured him, He wanted to insist that as her husband, he had the right to whisk her away and get a head start on the honeymoon, but he wanted her to enjoy her day.
“We’re married.” She gave him a dreamy smile as she wrapped her arms securely around his broad shoulders. “I am Mrs. Jonathan McCarthy.”
He grinned at her as he gathered her even closer. “That you are my love. You’re mine now. All mine.”