Coral Hearts (23 page)

Charlotte’s dress matched the brothers’ burgundy shirts, its soft fabric shimmering in the low light. The elderly woman’s face opened in a huge smile as Coral approached. Charlotte had grinned unapologetically when Coral confronted her about her financial status. When Coral asked her why she’d kept her in the dark, the ornery woman had actually giggled. “Well, at first I wasn’t sure you weren’t playing me, and then…well, by the time I got to know you better and knew you were sincere it was too late.” Charlotte’s eyes had shined with unshed tears and she’d grasped Coral’s hand across the table where they’d been enjoying coffee. “After my Walt died, lots of folks thought they’d buddy-up with me because of the money. But you liked me
for me
, not because of the money.” Coral was glad she hadn’t known, because they’d both needed to know their friendship was genuine.

When she reached the end of the short aisle, Coral turned to kiss and hug Sage’s mother and father. They’d been so wonderful to her, making her feel like she was a part of their family from the very beginning. Moving on to Charlotte, she pulled her into a hug and whispered, “Thank you for being my friend. I’ll never forget—every blessing, every moment of joy in my future will stem directly from the moment you gave me a safe place to learn how to live…a shelter in the storm where I could find everything I’d ever dreamt of. I’ll always be grateful.” When she pulled back there were tears streaming down Charlotte’s face.

Turning to Sage, she fought the urge to throw herself into his arms. When he looked down into her eyes, Coral practically melted. Those beautiful windows to his soul were filled with a mixture of love, pride, and concern that rocked her to her to the depths of her soul. “Are you okay, love?” When she nodded the first tear of joy escaped to race down her cheek. He leaned forward and kissed it away. “Don’t cry, baby.”

“These are tears of joy and gratitude. I want to take it all in—I don’t want to miss a single moment.”

Leaning forward, he kissed the tip of her nose. “I promise to fill your life with precious memories. Now, let’s get started on that, shall we?” She nodded and felt a goofy grin move over her face. She listened to the minister’s sweet words as he joined them as man and wife, grateful they’d chosen to recite traditional vows. Looking up at Sage, pledging to love him until her last breath filled her with a sense of purpose that made her heart stutter, she’d never made a promise she meant more.

Before the ceremony concluded, Sage leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. When he stepped back, she was surprised to see his brothers had formed a semi-circle around them. Colt was the first to step forward, he lifted her hand and clasped a beautiful gold bracelet around her wrist. Holding her hand between his own, he looked down at her and smiled. “This chain represents the links of family and the strength we give each other. None of us are as strong individually as we are together.”

Brandt stepped forward next, clipping a small deep coral heart on to the delicate chain. “This heart represents the joy you have brought into our family. You’ll be loved and cherished by each of us. You’ve shown me there is hope…and I’m counting on you to keep pulling me into the light of your healing circle.” Coral could feel the tears building.
Darn it, I’m going to bawl like a baby.

Before Phoenix took her hand he pulled a soft linen handkerchief from his pocket and blotted her tears. His thoughtfulness always humbled her, and she sent up a quick prayer that he found a woman who would cherish that gift. He kissed the back of her hand then added a second coral heart to the bracelet. “My heart is variegated, it means I’m finally emerging from the shadows. Thank you for showing me how easy it is to talk with people if I’ll just take a chance.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Sage gave him an easy smack upside the head and growled something about finding his own woman, making everyone in the room laugh.

Kip didn’t waste any time stepping forward and attaching the light colored heart with darker swirls he’d pulled from his pocket. “My heart represents youth and intensity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet sister because I am no longer the youngest in the family.
Finally!
” As soon as he stepped back into his place, the room erupted in cheers as she and Sage were introduced as Mrs. And Mrs. Sage Morgan.

Sage had seen
Coral stop at the top of the stairway and had a moment of panic thinking she might be reconsidering, until he’d noticed the look of wonder on her face. She was taking in everything around her. He thought back on something he’d heard her say several times over the past year and he knew what she was doing…Coral was making a memory as she took in everything around her. That sense of appreciation was one of the many things he loved about her. She’d only ask for one thing during the entire wedding planning process. Coral had heard through the local grapevine that Colt could sing and she’d asked him to sing something special during the reception and dance.

Sage hadn’t interfered in their conversation, he’d just leaned back in his chair watching her expertly paint Colt into a corner. “Please, I’ve heard such wonderful things about your voice, and you know…since Josie can’t be here, well…I’d hoped to get the next best thing.” He’d wanted to laugh out loud. She’d played the guilt card and the admiration card in one lay-down. Perfect. Telling Colt he was a small step below one of country’s hottest stars had been a brilliant play. But in the end it had been Colt’s love for Coral that made him concede.

Sage had known how disappointed Coral was her childhood friend couldn’t attend the ceremony. She’d understood, but he’d seen the light in her eyes fade a bit the day she’d found out. He’d been thrilled when Josephine Alta contacted him several days ago asking if she was still welcome. The two of them had put together quite a surprise for his lovely wife. It was almost show time, but for now he was leaning back against the wall watching as she accepted congratulations.

“She’s really something, son, you’re a lucky man.” His dad mirrored his pose, and grinned. “In a lot of ways Coral reminds me of your mama. A kind heart, a willingness to put others before herself, and a fresh way of looking at things even when those around her are jaded.” The words seemed odd under the circumstances, and Sage looked over at the man he admired the most in the entire world raising a brow in question. It was unlike his dad to be vague and Sage wondered what was behind his comment. “Don’t look so puzzled, boy. I just want you to guard that sweet heart of hers.” Nodding in Coral’s direction, his dad sighed, “She’ll be your greatest asset if you let her. Teach her to follow her heart and she’ll bring more joy into your life than you can ever imagine. Treasure each moment—even the ones when you think your patience has been tested beyond its limits, because time slips away very quickly.”

Pushing away from the wall, his dad grinned. “Time for me to find my own lovely bride and remind her why she’s
my
greatest treasure.” His dad waggled his brows making Sage laugh out loud. Before he walked away, his dad looked over at his new daughter-in-law with love in his eyes. “She let your mama plan almost every single detail of this day. The only time she dug in her heels was when she thought we were spending too much.”

Sage hugged his dad and grinned. “Pops, she got the simple wedding she wanted, but I promise I’ve got a couple of surprises up my sleeve.”

His dad laughed. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone blush like she did the other night. Make sure the staff at the resort treats her right.” His dad slapped him on the shoulder and laughed as he walked away.

Coral may have gotten the simple wedding she’d wanted, but she was getting the honeymoon she deserved. Sage had steadfastly refused to share any of the details with her, simply promising her she was going to be spending a lot of time naked. She’d blushed so deep her ears had practically glowed because they’d been having dinner with his parents at the time. His mother had leaned over and whispered, “Don’t be embarrassed, darling. Hopefully it means you’re going someplace warm.”

Coral’s face had brightened immediately at his mother’s comment. She was still adjusting to the Montana’s harsh winters and he could hardly wait to see her enjoying one of his few indulgences. He’d purchased a beautiful bungalow inside one of his favorite Maldives resorts several years ago. His unit was over the water next to the one his parents had owned for years. The resort’s manager had been thrilled to learn they’d be spending their honeymoon there and Sage knew the staff would pull out all the stops to make the love of his life feel welcome.

Their wedding ceremony hadn’t been elaborate, Sage appreciated the quiet simplicity with which their lives had been joined. He’d never believed the hype that wealthy people needed to spend lavishly to put their money back into circulation—he preferred to spend it behind the scenes, funding local disadvantaged kids’ education was one of his favorites. Looking at the light in Coral’s eyes, he could hardly wait to introduce her to the work the Morgan Foundation was doing with at risk youth. Her background made her a perfect spokesperson—kids would be able to relate to her in a way they rarely could with other adults.

Hearing his brothers’ comments during the ceremony made him proud of the men they’d become. He’d been touched when Brandt suggested the addition to the ceremony shortly after they’d become engaged. Sage suspected Coral would always share a special bond with his middle brother simply because they’d hit a bump in the road in the beginning. Phoenix gave him the signal from across the room and Sage began making his way to his bride. Taking her hand in his, Sage grinned down at her. “I have a surprise for you, pet.” Pulling a white silk scarf from his pocket, he tied it around her eyes before scooping her up in his arms. When she squeaked in surprise, he laughed. “I don’t want you tumbling down the stairs—I have wicked plans for you later, and they don’t involve spending any time with Doc.”

Coral was giddy
with excitement as Sage carried her down the stairs and into the large open area near the pool. She could almost feel the energy pulsing nearby as excited whispers surrounded her. Whatever he’d planned had their guests wound up tight. He set her down with her back to the stage where the D.J. was set up. When he removed her blindfold, the grin on his face was pure joy and made her wonder if this was what he looked like a child. She could only imagine how many times this particular grin had gotten him out of trouble. He kissed her sweetly then said, “I’m told this song holds some special memories for you, my love.”

She watched Sage nod to someone behind her and the first notes of a familiar song started to play. There was only one person in the whole world who would know the memories tied to
Thank You for Being a Friend
. Coral and Josie had adopted the Golden Girls’ theme song years ago. Pretending their hairbrushes were microphones, they’d sung the song hundreds of times before settling in to watch the antics of Betty White and friends. Jumping up and down, Coral screamed as she spun around to see her friend waving her forward.

Josie pulled her on stage and handed her a hairbrush. They sang, laughed, and cried their way through the song before collapsing in a fit of giggles. “I can’t believe you’re here.” Coral felt her eyes fill with tears, she couldn’t imagine what it had taken for her friend to change her schedule.

“It killed me to think of missing your wedding…soooo, I made a couple of calls, got Sage’s number and I’m here to tell you, that man can move mountains when he wants to…I’m trying to hire him to manage my tour.” Coral looked over at Sage, the pink tinge on his cheeks made her want to laugh. Josie still chattered so quickly you had to be paying close attention or you missed big chunks of the conversation. Coral grinned, because her sweet friend was right…Sage was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

Josie sang several of her hits, treating their guests to a private concert unlike any other they’d ever be able to attend. When Josie finally persuaded Colt to join her on stage, everyone in the room felt the magic as their voices blended together seamlessly. It sounded as if they’d been singing together their entire lives. And talk about off-the-chart chemistry—holy shit those two looked seriously hot together.