McCade's Wish (The McCade Family Series Book 2) (11 page)

During the sermon, Trey had seemed brooding and after, when they’d been accepting well wishes, she’d seen the big man disappear with the pastor. She chewed her lip. Pastor Paul had been visibly shocked at the announcement. Was this about her being an outsider in the small community or about her specifically?

“I don’t want you to worry about what other people think. This is about us.”

Cole’s voice rumbled in the dark and vibrated in his chest under her ear. She smiled. He had a sexy voice. Not as deep as his brother’s, but a beautiful baritone.

“I’m not the only one thinking.”

He rolled onto his side, shifting so he could see her face. She smiled at him when he lifted a curl off her cheek.

“You’re right. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. If the last couple of years should have taught us anything, it’s that nothing is certain. Farms on the plains turned to dust and blew away. People who thought they were invincible lost everything in the stock market, banks closed, families are losing their homes, and people are starving. We’ve been insulated from a lot of that here, but it doesn’t mean we can ignore it. I might not have known you long, but I love you. I want to settle down here and get to work on the next generation of McCades.”

Adrienne kissed him softly. “That was more romantic than your first proposal, but the answer is the same. I want to be Mrs. Cole McCade, and if you’re so fired up about the next generation, why are you wearing these?” she asked tugging on the waistband of his pajamas.

“I’m not going to just assume you want to before we’re…”

Arching a challenging eyebrow at her fiancée, she waited for him to finish that thought. She could feel the blush rolling off his skin as he looked for a way to extract his boot from his mouth. She didn’t give him a chance.

“So, what you’re saying is that once we’re married, I won’t have a choice in giving it up to you?”

“No,” he said firmly, shaking his head. “No. That’s not what I was trying to say. I meant…” His mouth closed, lips pressing into a firm line before he shook his head again.

“Admit it. That’s exactly what you were going to say. But now you realize how stupid and chauvinistic it sounds, and you can’t figure a way out of it.”

He sighed. “I’m sorry.”

She laughed. “You’re smarter than most men. I forgive you,” she said, stroking his cheek and snuggling closer to him. “And for the record, if your past efforts are a sample of what’s to come, I don’t think you’re going to have any difficulty convincing me to try for those little ones.”

“Thank you,” he said fervently and pulled her tight for a kiss that curled her toes.

“I don’t expect you to be perfect, handsome. You’re a man. Just own up when you mess up and we’ll get through it,” she said when he came up for air.

“That sounds more than reasonable. So, the same goes for you.”

“See how easy that was?”

“This husband stuff isn’t as difficult as they make it out to be,” he drawled with a teasing wink.

“Let’s hope that holds true with the wife stuff,” she muttered and leaned in for another kiss.

Cole pulled back after a minute. “What’re you worried about?”

She gave a happy sigh as he slipped his hands under her nightgown and pulled her tight to the front of him by twin handfuls of her bottom.  

“I’m not worried about this part of our marriage. But, there’s a lot more involved, things that I have no experience at.”

His hips rolled against her and her eyes drooped closed in pleasure. Pushing his undershirt up, she planted kisses on his hard chest.

“What else is there?” he murmured against the top of her head.

“Mmmm. We’ll see if you make light of it when I don’t know how to keep your house or cook you a decent meal.”

“Farmhouse, townhouse, what’s the difference?”

Eyes still closed to the stroke of his big hands, she captured a nipple in her mouth and sucked until his back bowed. “A maid,” she murmured.

Cole caught her chin, tilting her face up to his.

“You had a maid?”

“She was a gift from Clark; household staff and spy all in one.”

“She reported back to him?”

“Loyalty tends to follow the money.”

“So that’s why Genevieve didn’t stay with you instead of in the slums.”

Wrenching back from him, Adrienne regarded Cole with narrowed eyes. “Clark wouldn’t have liked it, but I begged Gen to stay with me after her father died. Hell, I begged before the pig ended up in a garbage can, but she wouldn’t do it. Believe it or not, she has pride.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. You know I adore my sister-in-law,” he said, enough firmness in his voice to let her know he wasn’t apologizing this time.

She took a deep breath and then sighed. It was her turn. “I’m sorry. It’s a sore subject. Do you know how guilty I felt thinking about her starving, roasting, and freezing by season in that shack? In comparison, I lived like royalty. I gave her money and food whenever I saw her and could get her to take it, but it wasn’t enough.”

“You can’t force someone to accept help. All you can do is offer and make sure they know you’re there if they need you.”

“I know,” she said, relaxing to cuddle close to him again. “She didn’t tell me about the first letter she wrote to Trey because she was afraid he wouldn’t write back. When he did, and she shared his response with me, I was torn. I didn’t want to lose her, but I wanted something better for her. Gen was taken with Trey’s description of the mountains and pastures, and who could blame her? When he offered marriage, promising her a solid roof over her head and steady food on the table, how could she refuse?”

“I think it has worked out well for both of them. I’ve never seen Trey so happy. Gen’s really good for him.”

“I had my reservations when I met him, but he’s slowly learning he can trust Gen. After what he went through with his first wife, I’d say that’s making big strides. He’s good to her and he makes her happy.”

“And if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have met,” Cole said, stroking her cheek with the crook of his finger.

She nodded, turning her head to kiss his hand. “That’s true. And to think that I told Gen it was too bad Father Patrick hadn’t put her in touch with you. I guess I’m glad now,” she said with a laugh.

“I would hope so!” he said with a startled bark of laughter. “Why would you say that?” 

“Like I said, I had my reservations about Trey. He was brooding and gruff. You were easy going, charming, and closer to her age.”

“Okay. So Trey’s not going to win any congeniality contests, but he’s a good man.”

“Don’t get your shorts in a knot,” she chided, smacking his chest lightly. “Instead of focusing on the perceived slight to your precious brother, be grateful that I preferred you.”

His chuckle was a little self-conscious, but he nodded and pulled her lips to his again.

“Mmm. Is this you being grateful?”

“Very,” he mumbled against her mouth.

“It’s going to take more than a little lip service, cowboy,” she said, pressing pointedly into the cradle of his hips.

“You haven’t begun to see what I can do with these lips.”

She smiled as he shoved her down onto her back. Sweeping her nightgown up, he leaned down to trail kisses and light nips over her hipbone. Butterflies fluttered in her belly. The covers rustled as he slid lower. He alternated light kisses with the open mouth variety that seared the tender skin on the inside of her thighs. Running her fingers through his sandy hair, she closed her eyes and gave herself up to the skillful way he was playing her body.

His attention traveled down to the backs of her knees. Her legs were trembling by the time he casually draped them over his shoulders. Scooping her bottom up in both hands, he groped roughly, drawing a gasp through her panting. His mouth swooped down and sealed over her lower lips and she gave a choked scream. Bowing up into the sweet suction, she dug her fingers demandingly into the back of his skull. Her eyes flew open, when his tongue pushed into her. She grit her teeth against the pleading whimpers. Opening her eyes had been a mistake. Looking between her heaving breasts, she watched his mouth work over her and groaned. The attentiveness carving his handsome features was unbelievably sexy.

The light flick of his tongue almost sent her through the ceiling. Her hands fisted in his hair. Twisting in his grasp, she let out a sob. She yanked hard on his hair. His lust glazed eyes rolled up to hers, the sight only adding to her need.

“I want you in me, now,” she ordered, tugging. He licked again. “Now.”

Whether responding to the demand or the desire in her voice, he crawled up her body, shoving his pants down. His touch was excruciatingly gentle as he cupped her hips and slowly started to push into her. Tightening her grip on his tawny mane, she drew his eyes again.

“These might not be wife words, but I need it fast and hard.”

Cole stared down at her for a long moment and then pulled out, rolling out of bed. She fought the desire to scream in frustration. Now was not the time for a chauvinistic temper tantrum. Clenching her eyes shut, she started a slow count to ten before she blasted him. She couldn’t smother a squeak when he caught her arm and yanked her up. Lifting her easily, he slammed her back against the wall and impaled her.

Unable to hold back her scream this time, Adrienne’s nails sank into his skin. Her cowboy was a quick learner. He jerked her head back with a fistful of hair and his teeth scraped her throat as he thrust hard into her. There was nothing tentative about the way he drove into her body, aggressively claiming what was his. Tightening her arms and legs around him she hung on, loving the play of his powerful muscles. The surge of excitement only heightened her need. A pleading litany hissed from her lips.

“Please, please, please…”

His grip on her hips pounded her down into his heavy thrusts until her body stiffened and jerked in helpless release. Spasming with the shudder of aftershocks, she held on as Cole continued to hammer into her buzzing body. When he froze against her, every muscle straining in release, she almost wept with joy.

Staggering backward, he sat hard in a chair. The jolt jammed her down on him and she squirmed. A wicked glint lit his pale eyes as understanding dawned and he grabbed her hips before she could move. Grinding her down on him, he grinned at her whimper. He rocked up. Even sated he filled her and it felt so good. Rolling her hips with his, she moaned in pleasure. Their bodies strained in a slow dance for what seemed forever, the quiet broken only by the pant of their breath and non-verbal expressions of pleasure. The second wave caught her unaware and she detonated in his arms. 

Adrienne had no idea how long they sat there, but she was shivering when Cole lifted her in his arms. Wrapping her robe around her, he somehow managed to struggle into his without putting her down. He carried her down the hall. Closing the bathroom door behind them, he sat her on the counter. Her head fell back to rest against the mirror. A warm washcloth glided over her boneless body and she hummed in pleasure, but couldn’t find the energy to open her eyes. The next thing she was sure of was Cole tucking them in bed. Nestling her cheek into the crook of his shoulder, she sighed as his arms went around her. The man was perfect.

“I love you.”

Cole kissed her temple. “I love you too, darlin’. Get some sleep.”

Cole shifted nervously and looked out the big window, searching the street for any sign of Adrienne or Genevieve.

“This is a lovely piece. Are you sure that you want to destroy it?” the jeweler asked, studying the emerald brooch closely.

“I’d rather think of it as repurposing it,” Cole said. “The pin belonged to my mama. She wore it often, and I like the idea of it going into making the ring my bride will wear. There are enough stones that, in addition to the ring, I was hoping to get three matching pairs of earrings. Can you do it?”

The affronted look the man gave him would’ve been humorous under different circumstances but, at the moment, Cole was too nervous. The jeweler seemed to grasp that and turned the conversation to materials and cost. As difficult as the decision had been to part with a piece of Mama’s jewelry, melting the brooch down and reusing the stones was going to help get him a wedding ring for Adri and Christmas earrings for both McCade brides. It was practical and, in the current times, he knew his mother would’ve approved.

Shaking the jeweler’s hand and pocketing the paperwork, he stepped out of the shop. It was a fairly mild day for December and they’d decided to come into town, try to finish up some Christmas shopping, and pick up supplies while it was nice. He scanned the street again as he crossed a side street. Despite the earrings he and Trey had decided on, he had one other special gift in mind for his fiancée and wanted to keep it a surprise.      

Studying the display of men’s hats, Gen frowned. She didn’t want to hurt Adrienne’s feelings, but she couldn’t picture Trey in one of the stylish Fedoras. Her husband owned a handful of different Stetson western hats for work and dress. He was comfortable in them and, truthfully, she found them sexy whether they were the height of fashion or not. A dress shirt and tie, a pair of sturdy Levis, and a denim work shirt for each of the elder McCade men already rested under the tree at home, but she really wanted to find something special for Trey. She bit her lip and made a mental note to talk to Trey about Nate’s gift.  

“If you don’t think he will wear them, we’ll come up with something else,” Adrienne said, breaking into her thoughts.  

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. We’ll think of something, and I have a little extra if you need a hand.”

“I’m not taking your money. I did that too many times in New York, and there’s no reason for it here. Trey would be mortified.”

“I think your husband would be just as offended if he knew you felt you couldn’t spend his money.”

“I feel bad enough spending change I’ve saved. It is still his money, and it doesn’t seem right to buy the man gifts with his own money.”

Adrienne touched her arm, a frown marring her flawless features.  

“Look at it this way. You work hard keeping his house, the gardens, and helping with the chickens. If you were doing those chores anywhere else, you’d be earning a paycheck. You’re his wife, and what is his is yours.”

“I never thought of it in terms like that,” Gen admitted. “And this is my problem, not his. He’s been generous since I stepped off the train. It’s just that he works so hard, and he’s mentioned more than once that Catherine spent his money loosely.”

“Trey’s not shy. If he has a problem with something you’re doing, he will let you know. He’s mentioned more than once that you two communicate well. There’s nothing wrong with being frugal and stretching a penny where you can, but let the man be proud of being a good provider.”

“He’s an excellent provider. We’re very lucky to be his,” she said, rubbing her belly with a smile.

Adrienne smiled back, covering Gen’s hand. “There’s no beating this gift, but let’s see if we can find something that shows your fine husband a little of what he means to you.”

“I’m so glad you came around to see how wonderful he is,” Genevieve teased.

“Wonderful might be pushing it, but he puts a happy bloom in my little sister’s cheeks,” she laughed, pinching Gen’s cheek.

Swatting her friend’s hand away, Gen suddenly gasped. “I have an idea. It’s simple, but I think my husband will appreciate it.”

“That’s all that matters.” Adrienne waved her arm in a grand sweep. “Lead the way.”

Trey was waiting outside the door, back against the storefront and hat tilted up to allow the afternoon sun on his face. He took the bags and offered an arm to each lady.

Adrienne peeked around Trey, teasingly squeezing his bicep. “I might go as far as wonderful.”

“Thank you, but this one is mine.”

Trey looked between them and shook his head at their play as he escorted them across the street.

“Where is my handsome fiancée?”

“Cole had a couple of errands to run. He said if you got nosy to tell you he’d catch up with you at the truck,” Trey said dryly. The sparkle in his eyes betrayed his humor.

Adrienne dug her elbow into his ribs. “You could’ve simply said he is shopping for me.”

“It’s always about you, princess.”

“You’re just jealous because your little brother adores someone besides you, big guy.”

Trey snorted and Gen smothered a giggle. It was amazing what he could express with a simple sound.

“You have to take a back seat now just like I have to with Gen,” Adrienne said smugly.

“I hear you, little girl.”

“Why do I think that wasn’t an agreement?”

“Maybe because you’re smarter than you look.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re insufferable?” Adrienne asked, giving him another shot to the ribs.

“It’s been mentioned a time or two,” Trey admitted, chuckling.

“Not that I mind watching you get smacked around,” Cole drawled behind them. “But what did you do to my fiancée?”

“I just told the feisty little thing the truth. It works well with mine, but not so well with the princess.”

“Maybe you don’t know how to handle her.”

“Then you better take her back before I handle her ass,” Trey said, swinging his arm out and spinning the attached Adrienne into his brother’s waiting embrace.

Gen squeezed his arm when he shifted all the packages to his now free hand and gave her a sexy wink. She was thankful the two had worked out their differences and now sparring with Adrienne amused him. She only caught the rumble of Cole’s voice, but whatever he said made her best friend throw back her head and laugh. They shared a kiss, stumbling and causing bustling pedestrians to stream around them on both sides with looks of annoyance. Trey caught her chin, tearing her attention away from the lovebirds. His lips claimed hers in a hard kiss without breaking stride.

“Amateurs,” he whispered, giving her another wink. 

Laughter burst from her lips before Gen could slap a self-conscious hand over her mouth. Trey nuzzled her ear.

“I love your laugh. Let it fly, beautiful.”

Gen could feel the blush warm her cheeks and pressed her face into Trey’s heavy coat sleeve.

“Do you want to eat in town or head home?”

“Home, please. We have enough leftovers that I can whip up some hot open-faced sandwiches for lunch, and the barbeque ribs are slow roasting for supper.”

“That sounds perfect,” he said, turning toward Cole and Adrienne. “Shit! Come on,” he exclaimed, dropping the packages and smacking Cole’s shoulder as he dodged around a mama with a baby buggy and broke into a run.

Following his path, Gen winced as she watched Nate take a punch that knocked him to the ground. Gathering the packages between them, her and Adri hurried after the men. A distraught young woman dropped to her knees beside Nate, unmindful of the dirty slush on the street side. She held up a pleading hand to the angry man who was motioning Nate back to his feet. Angry or not, he took a reluctant step back when Trey and Cole flanked their brother’s fallen form.

Trey took another couple of steps and Gen’s heart pounded. She gasped when he reached out and shook hands with the man. A crowd was gathering, and she had to weave between gawkers to get close enough to hear her husband. Adrienne pressed tight behind her.

“I agree he’s had that coming, but he’s my little brother and you only get one free shot, Hank.”

“After what he did to Josie?”

“That’s the way it works,” Trey said flatly.

“Henry, please,” the pretty blonde begged, her hands fluttering worriedly in front of Nate’s face as he sat up.

“I’m fine,” he muttered, working his bruised jaw back and forth.

Cole helped the girl up and then hauled his brother to his feet.

“How can you feel sorry for him after what he did to you?” Hank demanded.

“He never promised me anything.”

“He filled your head with dreams of a future he had no intention of giving you.”

“Come on, Hank. We were kids dreaming,” Nate said, shaking slush from his clothing and leaning down to brush some from Josie’s long coat.

“You let my sister think that you would come back for her after you finished your fancy law school. I heard some of your letters. There was lots of talk about how hard you were studying, but I don’t recall you mentioning seeing other girls.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt her.” Hank waved a hand in dismissal and Nate turned back to Josie. “I never meant to hurt you. I was lonely in Philly and just trying to get out and meet people. She was a classmate’s sister. It wasn’t serious. She was looking for someone to escort her. It worked well for both of us. If I’d known you were coming to Philadelphia…”

“I shouldn’t have shown up unexpectedly.”

“So now it’s your fault?” her brother asked in exasperated disbelief. “Come on, Josephine.”   

“I didn’t say that!”

Gen bit her lip. Josie was on the verge of tears. She caught Trey’s eyes, silently beseeching him to put an end to this.  

“Of course it’s not the girl’s fault,” Trey said with a sigh. “But what is done is done. If she can get over it and move on, than surely we can.”

Hank’s lips pressed into a firm line and he looked around Trey to where Nate was trying to calm Josie.

“Police,” someone hissed and the crowd started to disperse.

“Are we good, Hank?”

Looking at Trey’s outstretched hand, Hank nodded reluctantly. He started to turn away from Nate’s offering, but thought better and shook his hand. Cole clapped him on the back just as the police officer arrived.

“Is there a problem here?”

“No, sir.”

The uniformed officer narrowed his eyes at Hank’s reply, his gaze darting over the McCade men and landing easily on Nate.

“What’s your story?”

“I took a little tumble, but the lovely lady has me back on my feet again.”

“I swear he gets hurt on purpose,” Cole muttered, shooting a look at Adrienne.

“Trey?” the officer said, leaving the question unasked.

“What part of the story is confusing you, Dan?”

“The boo-boo on your little brother’s jaw.”

Trey shrugged. “He’s accident prone.”

“It looks like he ran into someone’s fist.”

“One of these days, he might learn to shut his mouth.”

“He’s a lawyer. That’s not likely.”

The sarcastic comment drew chuckles and even Nate had to grin. The officer looked around him again and Gen held her breath.

“I trust I’m not going to hear anything else about this.”

“It’s history,” Hank promised.

“That’s usually the stuff that doesn’t die,” Dan muttered, but slapped Trey’s shoulder. “Good to see you again.”

“I don’t think you’ve met my wife,” Trey said, stretching out a hand. Gen took it and stepped to his side. “Genevieve, this Dan Clarkson. His family owns the place to the east of us.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said, slipping her hand from Trey’s for a moment to accept Officer Clarkson’s greeting.

“The pleasure is all mine,” he said and flashed a grin at Trey. “Evie is going to be beside herself when she finds out I met her.”

“Then you should bring that pretty wife of yours over for a dinner she didn’t have to make me,” Trey said with a laugh and squeezed her tight to his side. “Genevieve is an amazing cook.”

Eyes flickering up to her husband in confusion at the first comment, Gen still managed a smile at the compliment.

Dan took pity on her. “My wife, Evie, helped out cooking and cleaning for the guys after Mrs. McCade passed.”

“I would love to meet her and thank her for taking such good care of my husband and brother-in-law.” she said, smile widening.

“How about Friday night?” Trey suggested. 

“Sounds great, Trey,” Dan agreed, clapping his shoulder again and tipping his hat to Gen. “We’ll see you Friday. I’ve got to get back to work.”

“That’s one way to bribe a police officer,” Hank muttered.

“You’re not sitting in jail for assault. Count yourself lucky,” Trey said with a pointed look that made the younger man shift uncomfortably. “Say what you need to say. I’ve had enough of socializing today. The truck is leaving,” he continued, letting his hard gaze rake over his youngest brother.

Nate rolled his eyes, but his conversation with Josie seemed a little more urgent when he turned back. Cole took the deserted bags from Adri and gathered her in his arm. His lips pressed against her ear and he whispered something Gen didn’t catch, but it made Adrienne laugh and grab his hand to run for the truck.

Handing Adri out of the truck, Cole slammed the door and turned to unload the day’s purchases. Nate hopped over the side muttering.

“One of you needs to get a car. Four of you in the truck is nuts, but me riding in the back in December is even crazier.”

“I’m thinking about it,” Cole admitted, pausing with his hands on the side of the truck bed. “It would be nice for Adrienne and Genevieve. But right now I want to get the wedding ring squared away and Christmas out of the way.” He shook his head. “I also need to consider that I’m moving a new bride into Mama and Daddy’s house. She’ll want to make it her own. I’ll have to see how the money looks when Trey closes the books for the year.”

“Thank you for taking my concerns so seriously, but could you move your ass? I’m freezing,” Nate said, nudging him with his shoulder.

Purposely sliding further into his brother’s way, Cole grinned. “You know better to walk into the house empty handed,” he taunted, shuffling back and forth to effectively block Nate.