Chapter 21
CHAPTER 21
I t was spring, and Cameron brought his bride home to meet his family since they had no time to attend the wedding on Christmas Eve. They had insisted on a party to celebrate their coming together, and all of his cousins, his brothers, and everyone in the Burnett family were attending.
And he had no doubt that Eugenia was somewhere in the room smiling. She’d been the one to send him fleeing back to Montana and the woman he loved, and he didn’t regret it for one moment. It’d been the best decision he’d made.
One of their friends had videoed the wedding, and today, his family sat in the recreation center watching him and Samantha say their vows.
She came up to him and put her arm around him. “It was a beautiful wedding.”
He leaned over and touched his head to hers. “Yes, it was, put together so quickly by a smart group of women. I hear the Mistletoe Inn is a perfect place to get married.”
She grinned at him. Their business was starting to pick up, and so far, they had five weddings booked and another five they were waiting to hear back from.
“And I would marry you all over again,” she said, grinning at him. “Especially since we might be contributing to the Burnett family tree.”
Stunned, he stared at her. “Are you saying what I think you are?”
She laughed. “Don’t make any plans in October. We’re going to be busy learning how to be new parents.”
Unable to resist, he picked her up and hugged her close. “I knew we were trying but didn’t think it would happen so quickly.”
“Well, when you have sex almost every night, that’s been known to happen,” she said, smiling.
“Darling, you know how much I enjoy being with you,” he said.
She let her fingers caress his face. “Me too.”
“Does your mother know?”
He sat her back down on the ground.
“No, you’re the father; you should know first,” she said. “We can call her tomorrow morning together.”
Warmth filled him. As much as he loved his mother-in-law, being first in his wife’s life was nice.
“Oh, don’t expect me to drink when they toast us.”
“No,” he said. “Damn, I’m so excited.”
She grinned. “Baby Burnett.”
He glanced around the room at all the babies that had recently been born to the family. The family was expanding and growing, and the Burnett line would continue, partly due to Eugenia, their matchmaking ghost.
“Uh, I did warn you that Eugenia would probably make an appearance today,” he said, knowing the ghost was nearby.
“Yes, you did,” she said, glancing around. “She still makes me nervous.”
“Wait until she learns that another Burnett is on the way,” he said.
His wife glanced up at him, her eyes filled with love. “Thank you for loving me.”
“Darling, you were the one who made me realize what love was about. And now, I’m so excited to learn we’re starting our family.”
His aunt Rose walked by, stopped, and gazed at him.
He held his fingers to his lips, and she grinned and shook her head.
She still walked with a limp, and after being gone for the last few months, it seemed worse. He hoped that she was doing all right.
One of the kitchen staff walked around with flutes of champagne. He grabbed one for both of them and then poured Sam’s champagne into his.
His aunt took a fork and clinked it against the glass.
“That was a beautiful ceremony, Cameron and Sam. It’s great when two people come together who have so much in common. I want to make a toast to your happiness. May you have a long, happy life filled with many children. May our ranches grow and help one another.”
They all raised their glasses, and everyone cheered them.
Cameron raised his hand. “I’d like to make a toast as well.”
He lifted his glass and gazed at his beautiful wife. “To my sweet, beautiful wife, who just informed me to keep my calendar clear in October. It seems our first child will be making his appearance then. To you, Sam, you bring such happiness in my life.”
Everyone started clapping and congratulating them.
Suddenly, the smell of lavender filled the room, and Eugenia appeared before them.
“Hello, Rose, dear. You still owe me a happily ever after,” she said with a cackle.
“I’m a little old for romance, Eugenia. Focus your attention on the other family members,” Aunt Rose said. After all, it wouldn’t be a celebration if you didn’t show up and tell us who was next.”
Eugenia smiled. “And that’s why I’m here. I’ve done so well matchmaking so many of you. But there are still three of you left—three who must find someone to spend the rest of their lives with, someone who will give them children and make them happy. So Colt, dear boy, you think I’m a joke. You don’t believe in me. But guess what? You’re next.”
Cameron watched his older brother shake his head and groan.
“I’m not going down like all the others,” he said. “Nothing is going to make me marry.”
The ghost laughed. “I won’t make you. You’ll be begging me before the end of your journey. You’ll be asking me to get her back. To make this work. And dear boy, that’s not up to me. That’s all up to you. I’m just here to guide you on your journey of love.”
Cameron watched his brother and knew the man had trust issues. Women problems. He didn’t know how to make a relationship work, but if anyone could help him, it would be Eugenia.
“Now, as for Cody and Desiree…get ready. Before I return to my eternal rest, you will not be spared. Have a great celebration, Cameron and Sam. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you, my boy.”
Grinning, he watched as his ancient relative disappeared. Once a disbeliever, he now knew the magic of Eugenia’s matchmaking ways.
Looking over at Colt, he was surrounded by well-wishers. The man had no idea what was about to happen.
Glancing back at his wife, he took her in his arms. “Dance with me, Sam, soon our lives will be filled with a little someone who will need us, and I want to enjoy this time before that bundle of love arrives.”
“Always, love. I will always make time for you,” she said as they twirled onto the dancefloor.
Look for Cody on July 23rd Everywhere!