His Heart to Have (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) (11 page)

“I don’t know, alright,” Allie huffed in frustration.  “I panicked and drew Jase into this mess with me.  I should’ve just listened to him.”

“My brother doesn’t do anything he doesn’t want to,” Lanie revealed. “No, I think it goes deeper than your saying.”

“I agree,” Missy piped up, tossing a conspiring wink Lanie’s way.  “They make a beautiful couple don’t they?”

“Yes, they do,” Lanie agreed, smiling.  “I can’t wait to see how this all plays out.”

“Are the two of you done yet? Please don’t tell anyone, Lanie,” Allie begged.

“You have my word,” Lanie promised. “Now, about these nail colors…”

Glad the conversation about Jase and her had ended, Allie leaned back in her chair and relaxed; allowing herself to be pampered for the next few hours.   Anytime their talk even remotely circled back to Jase, she quickly directed it back toward Missy and the wedding.

***

While mentally checking off his list of things he accomplished today, Jase got dressed for the wedding.   New boots, that weren’t broken in, felt alien to his feet.  They were a nice looking pair of boots, he’d grant them that; made from lizard skin, the red and black material had a shiny luster.  It’s just they weren’t yet molded to his feet; otherwise, he’d probably like them more, even if they were a bit fancy to his tastes. 

He slid his arms through a burgundy and black diamond pattern vest then added the black crossover tie to the white wing tip shirt. The four button, western tuxedo coat still hung on a hanger, to be worn when he arrived at the church. Otherwise, he’d feel too stifled, wearing it while driving. Placing his hat on and grabbing the hanger with the tux coat, he went to his truck.

His foot pushed the pedal to the floor.  He hadn’t seen Allie all day, except for the few minutes before she’d left; he was ready to see her.  After she retreated to the bedroom last night, he’d gone and taken a cold shower and still hadn’t been able to sleep.  He’d sat outside on the porch until the sun rose, trying to find answers.   By the time he’d left to work with Lightning, all he’d figured out was the sexual tension building between them was driving him crazy. 

Last night, he’d been so close to throwing caution to the wind and taking her. Her pliable body told him she was just as willing and wanting, but he’d held back, unwilling to regress their relationship by progressing the physical aspect too soon. It had been the hardest thing he’d done in a long time; watching her walk alone to the bedroom, knowing that one word would be all it took to join her.

Allie was standing outside the church when he arrived. His pulse quickened at the sight of her. Man, she was the most beautiful vision he’d ever seen. He was so used to seeing her hair pulled up in a ponytail, he’d forgotten how gorgeous it was when she allowed it to hang freely. Loose curls cascaded down her shoulders and back, with one side partially pinned back with a dusty rose colored silk flower. Her dress sat off one shoulder and the burgundy material gathered just below her breasts and flowed down covering her feet. She was breathtaking and he was awestruck watching her. He’d be a lucky man to call her his wife forever.

She came over and greeted him at his truck, probably wondering why he was standing there, staring like an idiot. 

“You look. Amazing,” he finished after pausing, trying to find the perfect word; except, there were no words to describe her.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” she replied then ducked her head, abruptly turning bashful. “I need to get back in. Maid of honor duties and all.”

“I’ll see you up front, Mrs. Callahan,” he told her. He watched her reaction to the name he used. Despite their married status, they’d largely shied away from any husband and wife reference.

A small smile curled her lips. “I’ll be looking for you, Mr. Callahan.” She turned and ran back into the church as quickly as her abnormally high heels allowed, turning to flash him one big grin before entering the double doors.

Was it possible for a heart to really soar?  Because, if so, he was pretty sure his was.  The sound of his name under her breath, matched to hers, was music to his ears. Lord willing, their names would be joined together for eternity. 

“Earth to Jase? Anyone home?” someone called out.

With a quick shake of his head, he looked around to see who was talking to him.

“I’ve been calling out to you for five minutes, buddy,” Charlie said. “I think your mind is still on a tall brunette who is best friends with my very soon-to-be bride.”

“That’s very possible,” Jase answered, staring back at the door for any glimpse of his wife.

“Let’s get going. The preacher wants all the men in place.”

“Before we go, it’s my duty to give you this talk,” Jase said solemnly.

Charlie groaned. “Really?”

“Hey, we’ve been friends for a long time, but I’ve been friends with Missy longer. She’s like a sister to me and I’d venture to say I’m more of a brother to her than her own flesh and blood. That being said, you ever do anything to hurt or mistreat her, and you’ll answer to me.”

“I love that girl more than I do my own life. I’d never hurt her; this I promise you,” Charlie swore.

Jase slapped Charlie on the shoulder.  “I know that or I would’ve talked her out of marrying you,” he teased, the serious moment over.  “Let’s go get you married.”

“No argument from me on that,” Charlie answered. “And for the record, the same goes for Allie. You treat her the way a bride should be or you’ll answer to me.”

Inside they were given last minute instructions before the guests arrived.   Jase did his role, ushering people to seats and when it was time, he took his place to the side as the best man.  Directly behind him was Clint Weston, foreman at the Rivers Range Ranch which Charlie’s family owned, and behind him, Chad and Daniel Raver.   There was silence and then the organist began playing her music.

A little girl, a niece of Charlie, walked down the aisle flashing cherubic smiles to the guests while scattering dark red and ivory rose petals.  Beside her was Cody, as the ring bearer.  Jase had to say he was surprised that the two young kids were keeping time with each other, despite one being on foot and the other in a wheelchair.

“Uncle Charlie, I look like a princess,” the little girl exclaimed, spotting her uncle standing at the altar.  The guests burst out in chuckles at the little girl’s folly but sobered up as the bridesmaids began their walk.  First Twila, then Beth and then Lanie.  A slight pause and then Allie walked through the door.  Her eyes searched him out and he held her gaze as she walked down the aisle, as though they were the bride and groom.  When Allie reached the front, the music changed, and Missy walked through on the arm of her father. Jase turned his head toward her, but kept his eyes diverted to Allie. 

The ceremony continued but Jase barely heard a word.  Was Allie also remembering their own little wedding at the chapel in Vegas?  It hadn’t been planned, but he meant every word of the vows.  Until death did they part, he would love and cherish her every day of their life.

***

“Ladies and Gentleman, may I have your attention, please.  It is my great honor to introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Rivers,” Josh Macolm, friend and emcee for the night, announced.

A thunder of applause circled from the gathered audience as Missy stepped through the French doors on Charlie’s arm.  Allie’s eyes misted seeing the unadulterated joy on her friend’s face.   Missy was head over heels in love with her Charlie and she didn’t care who knew.  What she wouldn’t do to have that with Jase. 

Missy had opted for a semiformal reception at the Rivers Range Ranch, where she would be living from here on out, beginning her life with Charlie in a new home.  Thank goodness the weather cooperated, so it could be held outside, something Missy had dreamed of since childhood. From the time she was a young girl, she’d always said she wanted her first dance with her husband to be under the bright Wyoming stars.

Rivers Range was another working guest ranch; but, unlike Whispering Winds, it had the facilities for much larger gatherings.   A huge deck off the main lodge was transformed into a romantic wonderland. Ivory lace draped over burgundy tablecloths on circular tables arranged around the perimeter of the deck. A local country band was hired to perform for the night and was set up in the corner, but they hadn’t begun yet. Instead, while the bride and groom mingled, greeting their guests, recorded music played through the speakers camouflaged in the landscape.

She scanned the area, looking for Jase, but he was caught up in conversation with Gordon Roth. Involuntarily, she cringed and her heart tightened. After last night, she was convinced there was something between them. She thought that meant he wouldn’t be leaving to take the job at the Triple M. But why else would he be so intensely conversing with the owner of the Triple M. She’d thought it was strange that he was even here, but then remembered that Gordon was Charlie’s great Uncle and that’s how the relationship between Whispering Winds and Triple M began.

Pushing her way through people, she tried to make her way to Jase. Since they’d taken the photos after the wedding, she’d had little chance to talk with him. She contemplated asking him directly if he still planned on taking that job. Just not now- sometime after the wedding. Before she reached him, Josh announced it was time to eat and gave instructions for the meal; but first there would be the best man’s toast.

Guests sat at their tables, making it easier to get to Jase.  Taking her hand, he led her to the table set for the bridal party.   The bridal party sat down, except Jase who went to the microphone. Allie couldn’t help admiring him.  Even dressed up, he had a rugged masculinity that commanded people’s attention.

With a glass in hand, he toasted the new bride and groom.  “I’ve been fortunate enough to be friends with Missy and Charlie for most of my life.  As a kid, Missy was full of pranks and put a burr under my saddle many a time.  She grew up on the Whispering Winds with Allie and I, quickly becoming family; although I couldn’t wait for the day she’d leave the ranch and I’d be free of her schemes.”  The guests chuckled, many were well aware of Missy’s predilection for practical jokes.  “Now that day is here and I’m not ashamed to admit I’ll miss the hell out of her, but I’m glad it’s Charlie taking her.  To see two of my best friends marry and dedicate their lives to each other is an awesome thing. To Missy and Charlie,” he finished, raising his glass.

Jase walked over and shook Charlie’s hand then gave Missy a hug.  “Congratulations,” Allie heard him tell them, before coming to sit back down beside her.  There were a few more toasts before the meal was served.  While waiting for their food to be served, Allie grabbed a piece of jalapeno cornbread from a linen lined basket, nibbling on it to distract her over-heightened nerves.  The wedding setting, sitting next to Jase, her husband in name only, was proving to be too much.

Within a few minutes, plates with steak, or chicken, branded with Charlie and Missy’s initials were set in front of each guest.  Throughout the meal, she’d feel Jase’s eyes on her.  And when she didn’t think he was looking, she’d stare at him.  She just wanted him alone.  Their respective duties as best man and maid of honor kept them busy and apart most of the ceremony and reception so far. All day she’d been sharing him, and, as it turned out, she wasn’t too fond of that.  She’d gotten use their private time in the evenings and waking up knowing he was only a room away.

To the west, the sun was setting low behind the mountains as the meal ended and dancing began.   Lights strung around the deck flickered on and the band took its spot. The first evening stars appeared and the bride and groom took center stage for their first dance, a slow number declaring the power of forever love.  Allie felt her eyes tear up despite her promise to herself that she wouldn’t cry.   Jase leaned close to her, his lips on her ears.

“Save a dance for me,” he breathed.

“The last dance,” she whispered back softly, earnestly hoping he would understand what she meant.

Heady emotions flashed across his face. “First, middle and last; it’ll be always be you, my Allie Cat.”

Heat surged through her veins.  The dance floor was opened to everyone, and Jase held out a hand. She accepted, feeling weak and light-headed, intoxicated by the man she’s loved forever.   His arms wrapped possessively around her waist. Her hands found their way around his neck.   They danced in rhythm to each other, cocooned in a nest of undeclared, fervent love.  She wanted to stay here forever.  Being with Jase was being home.   Their gazes never wavered for the length of two songs. 

First, middle and last; it’ll always be you
. Could that mean he was beginning to see her as something more than a friend? She sighed, nuzzling closer to him, his jaw resting against her head. For tonight, she’d be Cinderella, discovering her Prince Charming.

The music changed, switching to an upbeat song.  Soft romantic melodies were gone, but Jase still looked at her as if no one else was around them.  They still clung to each other, making no move to separate until they were physically torn apart by two well-wishers urging them into a line dance.  Separated from him, she could breathe normally again.  She returned to earth from the heaven of Jase’s arms.

Several songs later, and she hadn’t been able to find her way back to Jase. Every time she tried, someone grabbed her for another dance and good manners dictated she accept.

“It’s time for the father-daughter dance,” Josh announced. “Dads, grab your daughters.”

Mr. Raver and Missy led the dance floor, while the band began playing
My Little Girl
.  Allie looked around and saw dads of all ages joining in with their daughters, including Mr. Callahan and Lanie.

“May I have this dance?” Allie looked up and saw her father.

“Of course,” she answered smiling. Even though they didn’t always agree, she loves her dad and looks up to him. They swayed to the music and, for now, Allie forgot all times they’d butted heads.