Fated Bliss (Bliss #2) (31 page)

Nevertheless, that explained Dr. Melbourne’s presence and Linc’s early morning. Those men loved to fish.

I took a deep breath, not wanting to face the other people in the room, and smoothed some wayward strands of wet hair from my face. “Sounds good. I’ll see you later.”

Ben shot me a wink. “Later.”

Ass.

“Let me walk you out,” Dr. Melbourne offered, already slinking down from his stool.

“You don’t have to do that,” I told him, not wanting to put him out.

He waved me off. “It’s no trouble. I need to grab somethin’ from my car, anyway.”

“Okay…” I couldn’t say no to that.

Once I said goodbye to Linc, Dr. Melbourne and I walked out the front door, the progression a little slow. It pained me to see the lively old coot needing to use a cane these days. Dr. Melbourne had lost most of his hair over the years, having only a bit of white fluff around the sides of his head. He wore thick glasses and had a large pot belly. Ben must’ve gotten his height from his father, because Dr. Melbourne was maybe a hair taller than me. Even though his health wasn’t what it used to be, his mind was as sharp as a tack.

When I was little, I thought of him as if he were Superman. There was nothing Dr. Melbourne couldn’t do – he just had that way with children. As I grew up, that changed, but it changed in a way that I could call him my friend. He was kind and sweet, but if you got on his bad side…
whew wee
, that man could tear down a man twice his size with only a few words. I’d seen it happen. It was his brutal honesty that I loved the most. That was hard to find these days.

We remained silent as we walked down Ben’s porch and driveway. When we approached my truck, I went to open my door, but he stopped me.

“Just because I’m old don’t mean I can’t open a pretty lady’s door,” he complained, scowling at me.

I laughed and waved at the door dramatically. “Then by all means.”

Once he opened it, and before I could hop in, he clutched my arm. “I need to speak to you for a moment, Sam.”

“What’s up?” I asked, stifling an urge to check the time.

Clara really would kill me if I was late. These last few days had been tense. The bakery lost her cake order, and my dress was too big when we had our final fitting last weekend. There had been a whole slew of things that went wrong. I’d been able to smooth out everything for her, even my dress, but it kicked up her anxiety.

When Dr. Melbourne didn’t spit it out, I eyed him closer. It was the first time I’d ever seen him hesitant. “Is somethin’ wrong?” I questioned, confused.

His eyes misted as he cupped my face, taking me off guard. “No, Sam, everythin’ is perfect. I just needed to say… Well… Thank you.”

My laugh was strained as I inquired, “For what? I didn’t do anythin’.”

“You’ve done more than you know – you’ve given me back my Ben.”

I still didn’t understand. “But Ben’s-”

“You’ve given me back the person that was lost to me, that sixteen-year-old boy that had hope and light shinin’ from his eyes. You’ve brought him back.”

Emotions clogged my throat. “I had nothin’ to do with that.”

“Sure you did,” he replied, smiling fondly. “Since he’s met you, Ben’s been happier than I’ve seen him since before his father and that witch killed all his joy.” If I didn’t know the backstory about Gwen, I would have been taken aback by the vehemence in his voice. “You’ve brought him back to life when he was only wadin’ through each day.”

“He just needed to get away from them. That’s all.”

“Oh, child,” he murmured, brushing the apple of my cheek with his thumb. “If you’d seen him before, you’d know. You’ve given him somethin’ special, and it’s changed my boy for the better. Both of them. Even Linc is different. And he looks at you like you’ve hung the moon.”

“Dr. Melbourne-”

“It’s Pops to you, Samantha June.” He hadn’t used my full name since I was a kid. “You’re family, and I have a feelin’ you always will be.”

I sniffled, touched beyond belief. “Pops,” I whispered.

“Just keep on lovin’ him, Sam. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’.”

“I will,” I promised.

“After everythin’ my Victoria and that snake-”

Clutching his wrist tightly, I stopped him before he could go on. “He hasn’t told me. Whatever you’re about to say, don’t. I want him to tell me about them when he’s ready…and he isn’t yet.”

If that happened, I knew Ben would look at it as a stab in the back. I wouldn’t take that risk.

Dr. Melbourne pressed his lips together in frustration and dropped his hand from my face. He shook his head and swore a couple of times. “That boy…” he finally murmured. “He’s gotta stop bottlin’ up that stuff. Yeah, it’s bad, but it’s not bad enough that he can’t talk about it.”

“Pops,” I pleaded, not wanting him to finish.

His stare became intense, causing me to squirm. “Don’t give up on him, Sam. Just don’t. When his mom comes to town, it’ll get bad. Please don’t give up on him.”

My skin pebbled, and my gut turned to stone. “His mother is comin’?”

“Shit,” the doctor muttered. “I wasn’t supposed to say that.”

“What?” I questioned, hurt.

Does Ben not want me to know?

“Victoria wants to surprise him,” he explained.

“No, Dr. Mel…I mean, Pops. If he finds out I knew before she gets here, he’ll kill me.”

He waved me off. “No, I’ll tell him. I’ll tell him. I was thinkin’ I might, not wantin’ to spring it on him, but this takes it out of my hands. I’ll tell him while we are fishin’.”

Relieved, I muttered, “Good.” I paused, then asked, “When’s she comin’?”

“Don’t know. She didn’t say.”

“Shit.”

That couldn’t be good.

How is Ben going to cope with this?

Dr. Melbourne must have read my thoughts.

“Just…” He took my hand and squeezed it. “Just keep doin’ what you’re doin’ with him. Okay, Sam?”

“You have my word,” I vowed.

He squeezed my hand once more, saying, “You’ve made an old man real happy, Samantha June.”

I smiled at him, not adding anything. Words weren’t needed.

“Have fun today. Don’t get the bride too liquored up before she walks down the aisle.”

Laughing, I joked, “You know me all too well.”

“That, I do, Sammy dear. That, I do.” He turned around and slowly walked away, giving me a wave over his shoulder.

I climbed into my truck and started the engine. Sagging against the seat, I gave myself a second to let all that marinate. I had no idea what to make of it.

I’d seen a change in Ben as well, but I thought it was mainly between us and our relationship.

And his mother…

That was definite food for thought.

I noticed the time and cursed.

I was officially late.

Chapter 25

Samantha

The B&B was
chaotic. There were people everywhere, scrambling to get everything done in time. However, I couldn’t help but admire what was accomplished already.

Clara’s vision for her wedding was to mix class with a little bit of country, representing herself and Grey; therefore, the theme was rustic chic. When she told me, I was unsure, but then I did a little research and saw pictures of other weddings and realized it was a really good idea. And, now that I saw the final results, I was blown away.

The ceremony would take place at the very back of our large backyard, with the big, beautiful mountains as a backdrop. The florist constructed a large arbor made of willow for Clara and Grey to stand under. Coral peonies, peach and ivory roses, and blush hydrangeas were weaved into the arbor to match the centerpieces and the wedding party’s bouquets. A burlap runner was rolled down the aisle between several rows of white chairs.

To the right of the B&B, there was a large garden with a vast grass area in the middle, which was where the reception was being held. Three very long tables covered with white linens and burlap and white lace runners were set up in an unfinished rectangle, overlooking a newly constructed dancefloor. A smaller table for the bride and groom was placed on the open side of the rectangle, with another, albeit smaller, willow arbor behind it. Bulb lights were strewn overhead, going from side to side. There were even large mason jars dangling from the trees surrounding the garden, the candles inside to be lit later tonight. The centerpieces were to die for. Bits of willow protruded here and there in between the roses, peonies, and hydrangeas, adding some height. Different styled old mason jars were scattered in between the centerpieces, adding to the rustic feel. The buffet table and cake table were by the patio for convenience reasons – it was very close to the kitchen – and they were both decorated to match the tables, with the same bulb lights scattered above them.

It was breathtaking.

I had to pat myself on the back for pulling this off. Clara was going to love it.

Speaking of Clara…

I checked my phone and saw that it was time to get ready. I sent my dad a text, letting him know it was his show now and that I was officially off duty for the rest of the day. He’d disappeared somewhere a little while ago, needing to fix an issue with the caterers.

As I turned around, I noticed someone watching me from the porch.

Wonderful.

Realizing that I’d finally noticed him, Mr. Johnston walked down the steps, heading my way.

I had no idea what the man was doing back in Bliss. I was surprised when I saw his name on the reservations list last week. I’d specifically told Teresa and Mrs. Birdie not to take any this weekend for anyone that wasn’t attending the wedding. Somehow, his had slipped through.

“Hello again,” he greeted me as he approached, smiling broadly.

“It’s good to see you, Mr. Johnston.”

Not.

“I was told there’d be a wedding, but wow.” Whistling, his dark eyes scanned the backyard. “This is something.”

“Thanks,” I muttered, wanting this conversation to be over. There was something about the man that was off-putting. “My brother is gettin’ married.”

“Congrats to your family.”

I nodded my head in thanks.

His gaze darted back and forth between my eyes and cleavage. “I’m sure the whole town will be attending.”

Gross.

“Yes, a good amount,” I replied stiffly.

“I’ll keep out of the way. The happy couple doesn’t need some stranger milling around.”

“I’d appreciate that. Teresa will have your dinner ready around five. If you come and go afterward, make it after seven. That’s when the ceremony will begin.”

“I can do that,” he agreed easily.

“Thank you.” I waved at the people working. “As you can see, there’s still a lot to do. Enjoy your stay, Mr. Johnston.”

“Will do, Samantha.” He saluted and slimily smiled. “See you around.”

I put all thoughts of that nasty man aside and trudged to the very back of the property where Teresa’s house sat, stopping a few more times because people needed directions and whatnot. Briskly, I knocked and walked in. Laughs greeted me, but they tapered off as everyone realized someone had interrupted their good time.

“Hey!” Clara cried when she saw me.

I beamed at her, my excitement growing now that my responsibilities were out of the way.

She was sitting at Grey’s old dining table. Mom, Chelsea, and Paige, Clara’s friend from Chicago, were surrounding her. Teresa was handling the fort at the B&B for us. It was to give us space to enjoy ourselves as we got ready, as well. Even though I told her she wouldn’t be, she didn’t want to infringe on our fun.

Chelsea, Paige, and Clara were all wearing robes, relaxing before the hair stylist and makeup artist arrived. There was a smorgasbord of sandwiches, fresh fruit, different finger foods, and two opened bottles of champagne in the middle of the table.

“How’s it goin’ out there?” Mom asked, her glee shining from her. She’d been waiting for this day for a long time. I was surprised she wasn’t jumping up and down already.

“It’s beautiful. Everythin’ is pretty much done,” I informed them, taking an empty chair.

Clara squealed and hopped to her feet. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that.”

Everyone but me followed her as she ran to the window and pulled back the curtain. Collective gasps reverberated through the room.

“Oh, my God,” Clara gushed.

“That’s stunnin’,” Chelsea murmured.

“Holy shit,” Paige breathed. “By your description, I thought it would look like a hoedown or something. This is beautiful, Clara.”

“Oh, Clara,” Mom whispered. “It’s gorgeous.” She turned to me, her eyes misty. “Sam, I don’t have words…”

A small smile curved my lips. “Thanks, Mom.”

Clara rushed to me and threw her arms around me, almost knocking me out of my chair. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she chanted over and over again, rocking me from side to side.

I laughed, returning her embrace. “Anythin’ for you.”

She straightened and wiped tears from her eyes. “I cannot believe this is finally happening.”

“Finally happening?” Paige snorted. She arched a perfectly shaped brow, her chestnut eyes filled with envy – though I was sure I was the only one that recognized it – and flipped her toffee-colored hair over one shoulder. “You two haven’t been together a year.”

Bitch.

I wanted to smack that girl sometimes.

Clara waved a hand at her in dismissal, unoffended. “You know what I mean.”

Clara and Paige had been friends for a long time, but I didn’t see the appeal. Paige made underhanded remarks at Clara all the time. I asked Clara about it before, wondering why she put up with it, but she said that it was how Paige was, that she was really sweet when it came down to it and that you had to get used to her.

No, I don’t.

I steered clear of her when she visited, which had only been twice, other than this, since Clara moved to Bliss. There were people in this world that you didn’t like no matter what, and Paige was one of them for me.

She’d already made a couple of snarky comments about not being the maid of honor – that really nettled her – but I didn’t give a shit what Paige thought. Clara asked me, and I was delighted to say yes. Not many sisters got along with their brother’s wife – and I was lucky enough that she was more than that to me. She’d become one of my truest friends.

Clara clapped her hands together, breaking me from my musing. “Oh! I almost forgot.” She scurried to the couch, where we had left our stuff for today, and started rustling through her bags. “Here they are,” she muttered to herself and pulled out three different gift bags. Dangling them from her fingers, she showed them to us. “Your presents!”

She marched back to us and handed them out. When no one immediately opened them, she carped, “What are you waiting for? Go on. Open them.”

I laughed and pulled out the tissue. Inside nestled a small box. I slipped out the box and opened it. Laying against the velvet was a striking necklace. The pendant was shaped into a flower by multiple diamonds and had a simple white gold chain.

“Clara…” I murmured, glancing at her. “This is too much.”

And it was. It only took a glance to see that the diamonds were real and very expensive.

Her face gentled. “No, it’s not.”

“It’s beautiful,” Chelsea added, smiling.

“I love it,” Paige breathed, already putting hers on.

“Each one is a little different. I picked which one suited you the most,” Clara told us, beaming.

I stood and hugged her again. “Thank you.”

“No, thank you. You’ve done so much for me,” she whispered in my ear.

“Nonsense.”

She leaned back and clutched my hands. “Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better sister.”

“Don’t do that. I’m gonna start cryin’,” I complained, fanning myself.

Weddings got me every time.

“I need a drink and not that nasty shit.” I pointed at the champagne, grimacing. “Where’s the hard stuff?”

“Sam,” Mom chided, glaring at me with disapproval, “you will not get drunk at your brother’s weddin’.”

I shot her a wicked grin. “I have plenty of time to sober up. We’ve got a long day of pamperin’ ahead of us. But all bets are off later.”

Mom threw her hands in the air, exasperated, and looked at the heavens. “Why God? Why bless me with a child when all she does is test my limits?”

That gained giggles from everyone.

Clara walked back to the couch, saying, “Here. I got this especially for you.” She pulled two bottles of wine out of another bag, and by the label, they were my favorite.

I rubbed my hands together in glee. “Now we’re talkin’.”

∞

If I had to smile one more time, my lips would be stuck this way permanently.

The wedding party was taking the final pictures in front of the arbor, and it was taking forever.

Forever!

I was more than ready to kick my shoes off and enjoy a beer…or five.

The ceremony went off without a hitch. Truly, it was stunning. Grey was dashing in his navy tux and blush tie. His expression when he first saw Clara was beautiful. I never thought I’d associate that word with my brother, but there wasn’t any other way to describe it. His love and devotion for Clara were there for everyone to see.

Clara was gorgeous. Her waist-length hair was down – like Grey liked it – and was curled softly. An intricate braid entwined with small blush and white flowers wrapped over the top of her head instead of having a tiara. Her dress was chiffon and long and flowy. The sweetheart neckline and capped sleeves that draped around her upper arms made her appear very romantic and whimsical. I loved the high beaded empire waist. The exquisite beadwork wrapped all the way around her ribcage to the back of her dress, which was open, revealing almost her entire back.

The look in her eyes as she stared at my brother was what really got to me. She stared at him as if he was her sun and stars, with so much trust and tenderness. Over anyone in the world, Clara, who endured tragedy after tragedy, deserved that. I went through more than five tissues, and that was just from her walking down the aisle with Galen, her surrogate father.

“That’s it for everyone one but the bride and groom,” the photographer called out. He waved Clara and Grey over, wanting some pictures of them in the sunset without the arbor behind them.

I slumped and let my bouquet fall to my side, muttering, “Thank God.”

“No kiddin’,” Chelsea agreed. “That was painful.”

“Who’s that delicious specimen staring at us like he wants to eat us?” Paige questioned, smiling coyly at someone.

I followed her line of sight down the aisle and noticed Ben. “That would be my boyfriend,” I told her, taking him in.

I couldn’t begrudge her for appreciating the view. He looked damn good in his gray slacks and white button up shirt. His sleeves were rolled up his arms and the first button was undone.

“Seriously?
That’s
your boyfriend?” Paige replied, her nose wrinkled.

Instead of commenting on her nasty remark, I handed Chelsea my bouquet and sashayed my ass down that aisle, directly to him.

“Hey, you,” he murmured, but I was on a mission.

I slipped my fingers into his hair and tugged his head down to mine, then proceeded to kiss him with all my worth. His fingers dug into my hips, meeting my tongue with just as much vigor. Chelsea let out a catcall from behind us, so I decided my point was made and tore my lips from his. Grinning, I wiped my gloss from his curved lips with my thumb, pleased with myself.

“Not that I’m complaining or anything, but what was that for?” Ben asked, his eyes dancing.

“Just needed to rub it in a bitch’s face that you’re all mine,” I explained sweetly.