Carter's Treasure (33 page)

Carter took a deep breath. “I love that girl, Dad.”

“All right then, let’s go make her yours.”

James tapped on the door and peeked his head in. “I heard my daughter is ready to get married.”

Molly turned back around to face him and watched his mouth drop open. “Wow, you look beautiful, baby girl.”

Molly could see tears form in his eyes as she walked into his arms. “So…you talked?” Molly grinned.

“To your mom?” James smiled, his pride evident across his face. “Yes. I’ve never been more proud of anything than to be able to call myself your father. You and Brody are the best two kids a man could ask for.”

Molly hugged him tight, smelling the familiar cologne she’d bought him for Father’s Day last year.

“You know when I signed that contract with George, I never dreamed in a million years you wouldn’t come back home at the end of it.” Molly watched James attempt a smile, but it didn’t quite reach. “You sure about this boy?”

Molly knew he was teasing, but she couldn’t help but feel that twinge of fear. She wouldn’t ever go back to live in her old bedroom. She’d never again wake up and drink coffee with him and her mother on Saturday mornings. Things were going to change. She was excited about her new life with Carter, but a piece of her was homesick already.

“Yes, I love him.”

He gave her a little smile and his words were tender. “I’m not ready to give you away yet.”

It seemed as if her father had just had the same realization she did. The dress just made it all so real. She’d had the same moment when she saw herself in the mirror for the first time.

“You’re just sharing. I’ll always be yours…” She paused. “And Mom’s.”

Molly heard the breath James took and hugged him tight when he pulled her back into his embrace.

“Well, let’s go take you to your boy. He’s about to wear the carpet thin from pacing. I don’t think he can wait another minute.”

The two of them walked to the doors of the little sanctuary in silence, each lost in their own nerves and thoughts. They stopped just outside, both taking one last deep breath.

“I love you, baby girl.” James kissed her cheek before pulling the veil over her face.

“I love you too, Dad.”

The doors opened and everyone stood. She saw Carter at the altar as she waited for her cue. She let out her breath, put her shoulders back, and lifted her chin, glancing at James. He nodded his reassurance, and the two of them started down the aisle. She gripped his arm tight, needing his strength one more time. Molly kept her eyes glued on the handsome man at the end. Not trusting her emotions, she didn’t dare make eye contact with Karen.

Molly got half way to the altar and saw Carter’s mouth drop open, then that slow, sexy grin that had won her heart on day one came across his face. He winked at her as James helped her up the three steps to stand by his side.

James said his line then held her hand out for Carter to take. Molly glanced down at her hand in his, then back up to his smiling face.

“You look gorgeous,” he mouthed to her. She just smiled back.

Her heart was about to burst, first from the conversations with Karen and then James, and now to be marrying the love of her life. She didn’t hear much of the ceremony until the minister led them to the written vows.

She turned to face Carter, who had tears beginning to well up, which immediately caused her to lose her own battle with tears.

“Molly, we haven’t known each other for very long and we’ve been through a lot. But I knew the day I met you I’d marry you. I knew I’d found my perfect match. When I’m with you, I feel like I can do anything. And no one can make me laugh or challenge me…” He grinned at her. “Like you do. I love you more than anything in the world, Gorgeous.” He squeezed her hands.

Molly took a deep breath, hoping it was somewhat subtle. “Carter, I remember the day we met, too. Seeing that slow grin come across your face as you shook my hand, it stole my breath. Then I looked in your eyes and I fell in love with you that very moment. You’ve been by my side through some very tough times and never wavered. I feel loved, cherished, and protected when you are by my side. I love you.”

He mouthed, “I love you,” back to her and she felt the tear roll down her cheek.

The minister continued on through the short ceremony. Her heart soared as she heard Carter say the words first. The shortest sentence known to man, but one that meant so much. One that meant everything.

“I do,” she said, smiling sweetly at Carter.

“And by the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Carter’s palm slid along her back, pulling her closer. He told her I love you one more time, before he tipped her chin up with his other hand and her lips met his for the first time as husband and wife.

~

The small, private room of the restaurant had been transformed into a princess’s dream, quaint and romantic with white lights and greenery everywhere. The aged brick walls gave an old world Tuscan feel to the Italian restaurant. In the middle of the rustic wood floor was a space big enough for their first dance and the father-daughter dance she would share with James. Carter wasn’t sure how Karen had found it, but for their catered dinner, it was perfect. She had put together the most perfect wedding and reception for her daughter and Carter appreciated it. It wasn’t some elaborate affair that Molly wouldn’t enjoy because she couldn’t relax.

Instead, Molly bounced around, being passed from one hug to the next, and Carter watched her, laughing the entire time. She was stopped once again by Eli and Jesse. Carter could tell they were teasing her about something, and he smiled as Jesse took her under his arm in mock protection from Eli over who knew what. Judging by the plate full of food in Eli’s hand, it was to keep Molly’s dress clean. But Carter couldn’t care less if the dress ended up covered in food, as long as she had fun.

Mike swooped in from behind her, scooped her up, big dress and all, and carried her giggling to Carter’s table.

“Here, I brought you something, brother.” Mike chuckled.

“Thanks, I’d been missing her.” Carter grinned as he pulled her closer to him. “You need to eat, Gorgeous.”

“Especially if you’re going to keep up with mom on the wine,” Brody teased.

Jesse sat down on Brody’s other side and Eli by Erin, the seven of them rounding out this new tightly woven group.

“You know you could tell Sam and Lindsay to come sit with us.” Molly looked over her shoulder at her other brother-in-law.

“That’s all right, sweetheart. Lindsay’s still sucking up to her mother-in-law.” Mike winked.

Molly’s jaw dropped. “Mike.”

Mike shrugged his shoulder. “What can I say? Everyone knows you’re the favorite.”

“Mike.” Molly’s cheeks flamed.

Jesse wiggled his eyebrows. “So…I want to hear more about this kidnapping scheme.”

Both Molly and Erin turned five shades of red as their table erupted in a round of laughter once again.

The teasing, eating, and drinking continued well into the night. Carter got his first dance with his new wife then barely held it together as he saw the tears trickle down her cheeks as she danced with not only her father and her brother, but now also with Mike.

Jesse and Eli both came up behind him, one on each side as Mike twirled her once and pulled her back against his chest.

“You’re a lucky man, Sterling.” Eli squeezed his shoulder.

“Trust me,” Carter said as Molly reached up on tip toes to kiss Mike on the cheek and then headed his way. The smile on her face lit up the room. “I know. I’ll treasure her every day that I’m alive.

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