Heartbreak's Reward (Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight Book 2) (42 page)

They went into the kitchen and everyone came out waiting for the news. He lifted his kids into his arms, and turned to Brenna. Her smile smacked him right in the face. Facing his family, he gave them the date and venue.

Tristan patted him on the back. “Well, bro, it’s
your
turn for the champagne.” He took the bottle and nodded for everyone to go into the great room.

Chloe went up to Brenna and hugged her. “I’m happy for you, sis.” Chloe sniffled. “Thank you for bringing us to Arizona.”

Brenna teared up, and looked over her shoulder at Davy. “Get on over here, you.” When he came near, she pulled him into a hug, too, and squeezed them tight. “I love you two.”

Brenna could barely contain her anxiety as she and Chloe waited for Lacy to call when she landed. Glancing at her sister, she realized her excitement as well.

“Everything has changed since I came here, Bren. I’m not close to the same person I used to be. Lauren might not even like me anymore.”

“I’ve changed too, but I bet Lacy won’t care. Lauren won’t either. I see us both as being better. Lauren’s a true friend to you.” Brenna laughed. “The first change they’ll both see is little old me in this big ass truck. It was nice of Jase to let me use it.”

“Who you fooling? Don’t think for a minute he don’t like driving that pony of yours. Sis, it’s a babe magnet.”

“It is? Now you tell me.” She lifted a brow. If she couldn’t trust him by now, she’d never be able to. “I tell you what, Chloe. It’s a babe magnet, all right.” She winked when Chloe picked up on what she meant. “I saw Jase’s eyes light up the night I met him when he heard that horsepower.”

“You’re so bad!” Chloe’s phone vibrated and she nearly dropped it when she read the text. They were waiting. “I can’t wait. Go, Brenna!”

She pulled out and read the signs to the arrival area and searched for the airline. “I can’t wait to show Lacy my dress in person.” She lifted both hands off the steering wheel. “What am I talking about? I can’t wait for her to see Jase.”

“I know! But, I mean Davy. No one back home would believe I hooked up with a cowboy. I’m still not sure Lauren believes me.”

“Oh, she will before long.” No doubt she and Davy could barely keep their hands off one another, although Brenna appreciated they contained themselves around her most of the time.

“Yeah, especially when Davy introduces her to his friend. He’s bringing him to the wedding so Lauren doesn’t have to sit alone. There they are— Pull over.” Chloe jumped out and ran up to Lauren before the truck got out of gear.

Brenna came around and opened the back door. “No, girlfriend, you are not imagining this. I’m driving this badass 4x4!” She kicked her foot out. “Yes, cowboy boots and a short skirt.” She hurried to Lacy and hugged her. “It’s so great to see you. Thanks so much for coming.” She wrapped her arms around Lauren. “I’m happy to see you here, too. I’m glad your parents let you come.”

Lacy hugged Brenna again. “Honey, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I’m excited for you. So is everyone back home.”

Brenna stood back and peered at her. “You’ve done something different to your hair. It’s longer, but darker. It looks great on you. It makes your green eyes pop.” Brenna spread her hands out in front of her. “You’re amazing.”

“All I’m doing is toning up. Training with a boxer works wonders.” Brenna lowered the tailgate and helped load their luggage.” When Lacy held up her garment bag, Brenna squealed. “It’s your dress.” She held her head with both hands. “Oh, I’m so excited. I picked the orangey-red dress color for fall and to go with your blonde hair, but now you’re not as blonde.”

Lacy had the biggest grin on her face. “Excited? You’re the one getting married. I can’t wait to see
your
dress…and your groom. From the pictures you sent he looks delicious.”

“Oh, he is…in many ways. You’ll get no more out of me.” She leaned closer and whispered. “Even Chloe thinks he’s hot.” She lifted her ring finger and the sunlight enhanced the brilliance, giving off a blinding twinkle. Lacy screeched.

“My goodness,” Lacy said as Chloe and Lauren climbed into the back seat. “Speaking of Chloe, she looks fantastic. So grown up. You two will look gorgeous walking down the aisle together.”

“Come on, let’s get out of here. Jump on up there, girlfriend and I’ll try not to get us lost on the way home.” She winked. “I’m teasing, Lacy.” She peered at Lauren. “You’re so grown up, sweetie. Welcome to Arizona you two.” Brenna got behind the wheel and turned on the GPS. She sighed peacefully when she thought of Jase programing it for her. He didn’t want to take the chance of her getting lost and another good lookin’ cowboy coming to her rescue.

***

When Brenna and the girls entered the wedding chapel two days later, she was thrilled with the way it turned out. The end chair of the first three rows had a bouquet of flowers of rich red and fiery orange roses. A variety of yellow, brown, green, amber, and russet colors were mixed-in, matching the colors in each of their bouquets. A white carpet ran the length leading to the altar. Two small vases of red and orange Asiatic lily’s and Tropicana roses that matched Brenna’s bouquet, sat in the front. The ceremony would be simple. The unity candle waited on the table, and candlelight would be used to enhance the low lighting in the place.

“Come on, Brenna,” said Chloe. “You have to get into your dress.” She took her arm and pulled her into the bride’s room. Brenna turned and observed her sister. She was so attractive. The short, burnt orange dress fit her petite body like it had been painted on, yet, she still looked innocent enough. Brenna choked back the tears. Her make-up was done and no way did she want to meet Jase at the front with brown-black mascara running down her cheeks.

Lacy came up and hugged her. “You’ll be so lovely.” She made Brenna sit for a minute. “I tell ya what, Bren. With this Carlson family as good looking as they are, if you ever have a kid, watch out. You’ll be beating off their suitors.”

She took a big breath and tried to relax which was impossible. “You remember Jase has another brother—a soldier but not here today. He looks a little different. His hair is light. Maybe he’s an inch shorter than the other two, but he’s solid muscle. Still the same blue eyes. There’s a cousin, too.” She laughed in jest. “They’re all taken, except for the little brother.” Brenna shrugged. “I still think Jase is the best, though.”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “Here we go again.” There was a knock on the door and Chloe opened it and peeked through. Nora entered with Destiny and Jaelle. “Brenna, look at how cute they are. Destiny, you’re wearing cowboy boots with your dress. So cute.” She knelt and brushed Destiny’s hair over her shoulders. “Brenna wouldn’t let me wear mine.” Chloe turned and hugged Jaelle. “You’re so pretty, little
almost
sister. I love your white dress with the sash the same color as my dress. I can’t wait to see Joey in his black suit, too.”

“Come here, you two.” Brenna peered at Nora. “Thank you for bringing them in here.” She turned her attention back to the kids. “You want to hang around? I’m ready to put on my wedding gown.”

Jaelle leaned against her and wrapped her arms around her. “I do. I won’t tell my daddy what it looks like.”

“Me too,” said Destiny. “I’m good at keeping secrets.” She turned. “Huh, Nora-Mom.”

“Yes, you are, sweetie.” Nora kissed Destiny on the cheek.

Lacy unzipped the bag, revealing Brenna’s simple white satin, floor-length gown with a fit and flare style. It had a matching ribbon sash and a sweetheart neckline. “Oh, my goodness, Lacy. It’s more beautiful than I remember. I love the simplicity of it, too.”

“Get in it, honey, we’re running out of time.”

Brenna and Lacy went into the small room. Brenna undressed in front of the mirror and slipped into her dress. She adjusted the sweetheart neckline and Lacy helped with the glittering sash and zipped up the back.
Wow. I’m a bride.
I’m marrying Jase. Omigod, it’s real.
She clenched her hands at her throat. “Everything is almost perfect.” Brenna looked away from the mirror and turned to Lacy—her lip curled and her brow furrowed.

“Oh, no, what’s wrong, Bren.”

She dropped her gaze to the floor and took Lacy’s hands. “I knew this day would come. My dad wouldn’t be walking me down the aisle. No Mom waiting in the front row. No Jordann. It hurts, you know. It’s not fair.”

Lacy embraced her. “I know. But you have the ideal man waiting at the other end. Can you think about him? He loves you, and anyone can tell when he looks at you. I’m sure your parents are up there smiling down on you and Chloe right now. You two
have
made it.” Lacy bawled.

Brenna sniffled and reached for a tissue, handing one to Lacy. “I know.” She dabbed the corner of her eyes. “I can’t keep crying. If I do, Chloe will. Then I might not be able to stop.”

“Take a deep breath. Get your heels on, honey, so you can reach that man’s lips when he kisses his bride.”

“Oh, girlfriend, you’ll get me going again. I’m trying
not
to cry. My man’s lips.” Brenna took a deep breath. “I’m ready. As soon as I look at Chloe I’ll lose it.” Lacy pulled the door open and took Brenna’s arm.

She stepped out and Judy was there, too. She told Brenna that Jase’s aunt and uncle and his cousin Caulder and Velia had arrived. It brought a smile to Brenna’s face because she knew that Jase and Tristan were close to him and his family. The fact he was the one who reunited Jase and his kids, he’d always hold a special place in this family’s heart.

Nora brought her hand to her chest and smiled. “Oh, Jase will be one happy groom. You look fabulous, Brenna.”

“Thank you, Nora.” She rested her eyes on her sister and she was already crying.
Oh, no here it comes.
“Chloe, I can’t cry.” She peered at Lauren. “No, not you too.” Brenna took a hold of Jaelle and Destiny’s hands. “Can you two say something funny, so I don’t cry and mess up my face?”

“You’re pretty,” said Jaelle. “I know that’s not funny, but you
are
pretty like a Barbie doll.”

It was enough to make Brenna laugh. “Thanks!”

“Brenna, my daddy is waiting for you,” said Jaelle. “I can tell
you
he looks nice in his black suit.” She kicked out one foot and looked up with the biggest grin.

“Okay, honey, I’m waiting for your daddy, too, and can’t wait to see him in his black suit.” She pulled Jaelle against her, and whispered, “
You’re
so lovely today, Jaelle.”
I love her already
. Brenna released her. “Oh, no. There goes the music. We better do this,” she said fanning her eyes. She looked at everyone.

Judy hugged her and said she was going to her seat because she’d be crying too before long. She took Jaelle’s hand. “Let’s go to your daddy, sweetie pie.”

When everyone left, Brenna said to Destiny, “When we get to the door, you go first and Lacy will follow you. Everything good?”

“Yep, ma’am. I practiced.”

“Walk slow, honey, and I’ll be behind you.” Lacy turned to Brenna. “Well, best friend. This is a dream you and I talked about a long time ago. I love you like a sister, but your man awaits.” She held out her hand to Destiny. A knock on the door interrupted them. Lacy opened the door a crack and peeked out the opening. She peered over her shoulder at Brenna and Chloe with a very big grin on her face. “Ah, Bren, someone wants to see you…”

Jase waited at the front of the chapel with Tristan, and his kids were at his side. Jaelle shook her hand loose. “Daddy, you’re holding my hand too tight.”

“Sorry, sweetheart. Daddy’s a little nervous.” Jase bent over and kissed her forehead. The first tug at his heart was when his mom lit one of the unity candles. Chloe would light the next one. It’d kill him, and probably Brenna too.

He glanced up when the door opened and Destiny walked out in her pretty red dress, and flowers in her hand. She started laughing and clapped her hand over her mouth, unable to quit all the way down the aisle. Her dad chuckled, and Jase heard him whisper, “That’s my girl.”

The door opened again and Lacy came out and strolled down the aisle. His pulse raced. Any minute, the door would open and it would be the blonde who rolled into town behind the wheel of a hot rod, and stole his heart right away.
Deep breath, again.
He brushed Joey’s hair out of his face.

Again the door opened, but this time only a crack, adding to his anticipation. He couldn’t remove his eyes…waiting, waiting on the blonde
again
.
Not that he minded this time. When the door was pulled open his jaw dropped and Tristan bumped his shoulder and whispered, “What the hell?”

Jase shrugged. He glanced at Lacy and she only smiled. Destiny turned and pointed to her daddy.

Dane stood between Chloe and Brenna in his army white mess uniform. They each held one of his arms.

Jase peered at him, nodded, and sucked in a big breath. He made eye contact with his love, and winked. His gaze did a slow survey of her standing there.
She’s more stunning than I’ve ever seen her.
Breathing didn’t come easy. Then she smiled, and he was blown away.

“Brenna’s pretty, Daddy,” whispered Jaelle, looking up at him with innocence in her eyes.

“Yes, she is, princess.” He had to remind himself to blow out a breath. The fact his brother was home again unexpectedly made it difficult to contain his emotion, and to see Brenna as his bride on Dane’s arm about tore him to pieces.
Damn it all to hell, keep beating heart.

He didn’t want that tear to be in his eye, but he had no control, and he didn’t dare look at his mother. Gulping, he stared as his bride waited to walk down the aisle to marry him. They took one step. Jase peered at Chloe and smiled. She looked stunning, too, and he thought he might have to wipe drool from Davy’s chin. She and Brenna had been crying. His gaze rested on Brenna and her love-filled eyes of blue.