Chapter 11
Gray
Gerdie shows up at the courthouse as a witness for the marriage and to secret Tawny away to change before the vows.
To my shock, Sheriff Harker also shows up.
“What’s going on?” I ask as soon as he pulls me aside.
“Seems someone else who signed up for the mail order bride saw your name next to Tawny’s as a successful match and felt they should tell Millard Stump. His reactions was... Let’s say excessive, even for him. He coldcocked the informant then stormed out of the bar.
“Is there something you need to share with me?”
I knew this was coming, and I know Stump will be coming for me. The truth is I’m better prepared to take him on than anyone in this town. I know how low he will go. I’m trained and tested in guerrilla warfare. I’ve got the best chance of protecting Tawny and taking him down.
“We’ve got a little history from when I was a kid. He dated my mom a couple times. He’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Look, if anything does happen to me, I’ve left everything to Tawny. A little money will go to Gerdie and a little to a Veteran home I support. You know my guys, keep them up on what’s going on and they’ll step in.”
“What about Tawny if something happens to you? Who’s gonna take care of her then? She’s growing attached to you, you know that. And what about you? I see how you look at her.”
“I promised her a marriage in name only. I keep my promises. I’ll remove the threat she’s been living under then she will have the freedom to make her own choices.”
“You’re a damn fool.”
“Been called worse.”
Gerdie and Tawny walk out of the lady’s room to join us.
My god. Tawny is stunning. Wearing a flowy white dress Gerdie must have brought with her, hair knotted at the back of her head and a white and pink orchid above her ear. I struggle to swallow. If only...
The ceremony is simple and brief. Gerdie takes a million photos on Tawny’s phone. Something I hadn’t even thought of. She insists on a picture of our hands to show off our wedding bands. Then a REAL kiss with the bride photo.
I look at Tawny and she nods her okay.
One palm on her waist, I cup her face with my other. Hand on my shoulder she goes on tiptoe as I lower to meet her perfect rose lips. If I hadn’t already known, this sealed the deal. I’m a goner.
Sweet, soft, honest. Everything a man could hope for. Heart pounding like a freight train, I shift, seeking more, taking more. God she’s perfect. If only she was really mine....
There are claps behind us and I pull away meeting her dazed gaze. I want more. So much more... I manage a smile. “Shall we invite Gerdie and Clay to celebrate with us? How does champagne and seafood sound?”
“Can we?”
“Hell yeah!”
I’m a little surprised when Clay agrees to attend, but we are in his county.
Lunch is delicious and relaxed. Tawny might be a touch tipsy from the champagne. Her cheeks just a tiny bit rosy, her eyes soft and unguarded, her laughter uncheck and light. This is how I want her the rest of her life. With me.
Don’t get ahead of yourself. Free her first. Then see if she chooses to stay. “It’s been a long day, Tawny. Why don’t you rest until we get home.”
She nods, already half asleep, curled against the truck door.
Clay has one of his deputies follow Gerdie home to make sure everything is safe. About fifteen miles from the turn off to my cabin I pick up a tail. Chris, the oldest Stump boy. The one who beat on her door the night she ran.
I dial Clay from the steering wheel. “Hey Clay, I’ve got a tail. Thought I’d let you know.”
“Yeah, I know. I already got a guy on it. He’s been following you in an unmarked car. A squad car is almost in place to intervene. You got back-up at your place?”
“I will have. My next call.”
“My unmarked guy will follow you to the cabin and wait till yours shows up. I’m getting real tired of these assholes not taking my warnings to back off seriously.”
“Thanks, Clay. I owe you.”
“Don’t think I won’t collect.”
Before I’m off the call to Beck, I see the red-blue strobe lights and Chris being pulled over.
At home, I unlock the cabin and although my silent alarm would have lit up my watch, I do a walk through before going back to get my bride. I carry her to the bed and lay her on top the coverlet. Removing her shoes, I cover her before kissing her forehead. “Sleep well, my girl. I’m here.”
Beck stays with her while I check my warning traps.
They’re all still loaded. Returning, I tell him he can leave.
He snorts at me and continues to rock in the chair.
“I like this chair. When you gonna clean it up? And you need a couple more. You owe us guys a real barbecue. I hear from Gerdie that Tawny is a damn fine cook. When are we doing that?”
“Stay frosty, fool.” I close the door behind me.
Tawny is fast asleep. By the looks of it the wedding dress is fragile. Knowing her if it gets ruined, she’ll be upset.
“Tawny, babe, wake up. Just a little bit. We need to get your wedding dress off. Can you help me?”
Her eyelids flutter. “Dress?”
“Yes. We need to take off your wedding dress.”
“Take off my dress? You want me? You don’t think I’m homely? Ugly?” She slurs the tiniest bit as I help her sit up.
“You are beautiful, kitten. Perfect in every way.”
“My husband.”
“My wife. Now help me and I’ll let you go back to sleep.” It’s awkward, but I finally get the dress off, and slip one of my T-shirts on her before hanging the dress in the closet.
“Cold.”
She rolls to her side. I pull the blanket over her. “Stay. Sleep with me. Keep me safe.”
I crawl in behind her on top of the covers and she spoons into my body. She feels so good even though I know it’s wrong. One night. I get one night in my wedding bed.