McCade's Wish (The McCade Family Series Book 2) (14 page)

Letting his head fall back, he simply enjoyed the feeling of Adri in his arms and having everyone he loved right here together. The towering Christmas tree and the carols on the radio made the evening idyllic. Even Trey had shoved aside his natural pessimism and seemed to be enjoying himself. Closing his eyes, Cole sent up a simple prayer of thanks and wishes for those less fortunate. Sometimes he felt guilty. They worked hard but, compared to many, they had so much. Adri’s hand slid across his abdomen in the slowest of caresses and he had to smile. She was petting him in her sleep, as if to comfort him. It didn’t get any better.

The click of the latch on the chess set’s box pulled him from his comfortable doze a while later. He looked up to see Trey putting the game set away. That meant that Nate had won again. The smug grin on their youngest brother’s face confirmed it as he stood up and stretched. Gen’s head was still bowed over her sewing, but a soft groan slipped from her lips when Trey paused behind her and gently massaged her shoulders.  

“Put that away for tonight, darlin’, and come cuddle with your man.”

“I’ll do anything if you keep doing that,” she sighed.

The corner of Trey’s lips quirked and his hands continued to work her stiff muscles.

“I hope it was our chess game and not you that bored your fiancée to sleep,” Nate teased.

Cole smiled at the jest and stroked her long hair. “I hope she’s not coming down with something. She wasn’t feeling well after dinner and she was just drained.”

“She didn’t say anything to me. Did she think it was something she ate?” Gen asked, brow furrowing in concern.

“We all ate the same thing, darlin’. Dinner was good as usual,” Trey said firmly. When she looked over her shoulder at him, uncertainty still lining her face, the big man moved around the end of the couch to sweep her up and drop onto the couch in her place with Gen in his lap. “You worry too much. She’ll be fine.”

“She probably ate too much dough when you were teaching her to make bread,” Nate said. “I used to steal pinches when Mama was mixing and it can upset your stomach when it rises in there.”

“I didn’t think of that. I have been hounding her to taste everything when she cooks.”

“It’s not hounding, it’s reminding,” Trey said.

“And he should know because he’s the master of reminding,” Cole muttered, making them all laugh. Adri stirred in his arms and he rubbed her back. “It’s been a good night, but I think I’m going to take Adrienne up to bed.”

“Thanks for sharing.”

“You know what I mean, smart ass.”

“I do,” Nate admitted, eyes sparkling. “Do you need some help?”

“I think I got her covered.”

“I meant getting up.”

“No problems there with her,” Cole said, scooting to the edge of the couch and rocking to his feet with Adrienne in his arms.

“Get your mind out of the gutter,” Nate said, trying for affront around his wide grin.

“I saw yours while I was there. I’d have waved but my hands are full.”

“That’s enough. Both of you,” Trey growled.

Cole turned back and smiled as he caught Gen soothing the big grouch. “Goodnight.”

“I’m going to turn in too,” Nate said over his shoulder.

Partings offered, Cole then climbed the stairs. Nate pushed open the bedroom door for him with only a suggestive eyebrow waggle. Shaking his head, Cole nudged it shut behind them and eased Adri down on the bed. Rolling her onto her shoulder, he was relieved to find a zipper on the back of her dress.

“I can get it. I’m sort of awake,” she mumbled.

“Shh. I’ve got it.”

Making her comfortable, he hastily ditched his clothes and slid them both under the covers.

“Perfect,” she whispered, snuggling into his side.

“Yes you are.”

“Sweet talker.”

Cole smiled at the accusation muffled by a yawn. Kissing the top of her head, he patted her bottom, rocking her back to sleep. He closed his eyes. Another week until Christmas and then he could make her his wife. A big part of him didn’t want to wait. Sunday would be Christmas Eve. A good portion of the day would already be spent at the church. Could they squeeze in a small, intimate ceremony? Cole sighed. He didn’t know where the nerves came from, but each day felt like he was holding his breath and crossing his fingers.

Adri shifted slightly, rubbing her face against his chest before settling back into the crook of his shoulder with a soft sigh. Opening his eyes, he glanced down at her. Eyes still closed, she didn’t look like she had a care in the world at the moment. He smiled. It still blew him away that this beautiful woman had agreed to be his wife. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. She’d already agreed to a small family wedding, he didn’t want to rush through it as well. She deserved better. The time would come soon enough and she would be Mrs. Cole McCade.

Her hands shook as she splashed cold water on her face. Cupping one, she took a cautious mouthful and rinsed. She’d woken up with her stomach pitching. It had taken every ounce of control she had to manage a whispered reassurance to Cole before donning his robe and slipping from the room to dash to the bathroom. Her body trembled from weariness and the violence with which her stomach had expelled dinner. She was exhausted. Even brushing her teeth felt like an effort.

Leaning against the vanity, she checked her reflection in the mirror and tried to gather herself. Cole seemed preoccupied about the holidays and the wedding. There was no reason to worry him needlessly. Her queasiness could easily be attributed to nerves.
Keep telling yourself that,
the little voice in her head taunted. Swallowing hard, she took another deep breath and wrapping the robe tighter, she made her way back to the bedroom.

Cole lifted the blankets, welcoming her back with a yawn. Adrienne turned her back to him, not wanting to answer questions if he smelled the toothpaste.

“Are you okay?” he asked, pushing up on his elbow behind her.

She winced. He wanted her head on his chest. Reaching back, she caught his top arm, dragging it around her. “Spoon with me. That seat was cold,” she said, keeping her tone light. It worked.

Cole chuckled and molded his body against her backside. She pressed back into him and smiled as his calves enveloped her cold feet. Tucking her head under his chin, she settled deeper into the pillow and sighed in content at the toasty cocoon.  

“Perfect.”

“That’s still you, beautiful.”

“So you say, cowboy.”

He yawned again and tightened his arms around her. It didn’t take long for his breathing to settle into the deep rhythm of sleep. At least he wasn’t snoring. Adrienne stared into the dark for a long time, worries and what-ifs playing tag in her mind. She’d always taken every precaution in previous relationships, mindful that pregnancy wasn’t the only worry. Chewing her bottom lip, she mentally counted the days. It had only been three weeks. Surely, that was too soon to be causing such results. How soon had Gen known? Sliding a hand under the quilt she cupped a breast, gently kneading it. She winced at the tenderness. None of this was helping to put her mind at ease.

What would Cole say? He seemed eager to play house, and had mentioned another generation of McCades, but they hadn’t really discussed when they’d start a family. She shook her head. Hadn’t she just had this discussion with Genevieve? The thought brought a small smile to her lips. If she was pregnant, the cousins would be very close in age, perfect playmates. The thought of their babies playing together in the yard was a beautiful one. It was a ray of sunshine in a sea of uncertainty. She took a deep breath. Maybe she was worrying uselessly. Unlike her deal with Clark, kids were an expected part of marriage. Cole wanted to marry her. He wasn’t going to leave her because she got pregnant a couple of weeks before the wedding.

A yawn interrupted her thoughts. She jostled Cole’s arm when she reached to wipe away a tear that trickled from the corner of her eye. His embrace tightened slightly and he nuzzled the top of her head, kissing her before relaxing again. She smiled. He was such a sweetheart. She’d never met a man that made her feel so special. His arms also made her feel safe. It wasn’t a feeling she was used to. She liked it.

Closing her eyes she reached for sleep. The earlier image of towhead toddlers playing in the grass near the clothesline met her instead. Her heart swelled, a lump forming in her throat. She smiled at the little boy that looked like his daddy. She’d never imagined what Clark’s baby would look like. If she was truthful with herself, she’d rarely considered what a child of hers would look like. This was all new to her. Since coming to Virginia, a lot of her hopes and dreams had changed. Her hand slid down, fingers splaying over her belly. All she could do now was hope the changes were for the best. Another yawn stretched her jaw and she snuggled her nose into the pillow. There was no looking back.

Wetting her lips, Genevieve surveyed the dining room table. The rich wood had been polished to a high shine and she’d unlocked the matching china cabinet to break out all the finest for this meal. A standing rib roast and all the fixings waited in the oven, and three different desserts already graced the sideboard. She wanted everything to be perfect for their first dinner guests.

“Everything looks great, darlin’. Stop fussing,” Trey said behind her.

She groaned when his big hands landed on her shoulders, starting a welcome massage.

“Neither Dan nor Evie are fancy people. You’re working yourself up into a tizzy over nothing. This is just friends getting together for dinner.”

“It’s the first time I’ve cooked for someone else, and the first time that I’ll meet Evie,” Gen protested.     

“Evie’s a little sweetheart. You’re going to love her and she’ll love you too. Good neighbors are a blessing, and the Clarksons and McCades have always gotten along.”

“If you’re so sure that she’s going to love me, how come they haven’t stopped by before now?”

“Because she was laid up carrying twins to term, and I’m sure the little ones have been keeping her busy since. Stop worrying.”

“Twins,” Gen breathed, stroking her belly. “My mother was a twin.”

Trey chuckled and kissed her ear. “Mine too. We might be in for double trouble.”

“Mmm,” she hummed, leaning back into his hands. “Watching you with your brothers, I’m sure you won’t have any trouble keeping our little ones in line.”

“No worries there, baby,” he confirmed. “And there they are,” he continued at the sound of a car in the drive.

Her hands fluttered over her hair before smoothing her dress. Trey turned her to face him, catching her hands in his.

“You look beautiful and you do me proud, darlin’. Try to relax and enjoy the evening.”  

Gen melted at his words. The kiss he gave her was possessive and promising all at once, and she clung to the front of his dress shirt when he pulled his head back. He gave her a wink and gathered her in his arm at a horn honk. When they opened the front door, Brutus was standing on the steps eyeing their company.

“It has obviously been way too long since we’ve been over. Brutus won’t even let us on the porch.”

“He’s more than a little protective of Gen,” Trey said, rubbing Brute’s ears. “He even gives Cole the eye when I’m not around. Come on in.”

A low growl rumbled from the big dog as Dan came closer, but his tail wagged when Evie spoke to him.

“You haven’t forgotten me have you, Brutus?” she asked, offering her hand out for him to sniff. “From the smells coming from that kitchen, I bet you like Genevieve for the same reason you cozied up to me.”

“She spoils him worse than you did,” Trey grumbled. “He even spent the blizzard warm and toasty by the kitchen stove.”

Evie’s hazel eyes danced as she stroked the dog’s thick black coat. “You know who to cozy up to don’t you? You’re a smart boy.”

“He’s very smart. If it wasn’t for his help, both Trey and Nate might have died in the blizzard,” Gen said, waving the dog into the house with the company. “For that, I say he should always have a spot by the fire.”

“What happened?” Dan asked, worry lining his face.

“Is everyone okay?” Evie chimed right behind him.

“Everyone’s fine,” Trey said, waving the worry off. “Let’s get your coats off and we can tell the story over dinner.”

“I’m Evie, by the way.”

“Genevieve, or call me Gen if you like.”

“Which do you prefer?”

“I’d never had anyone shorten it until I met Trey but I’ve found that I like Gen.”

“Gen it is then,” Evie said with a big smile then leaned in close. “My full name is actually Evelyn and I can’t stand it.”  

They laughed.

“Evie fits her,” Dan said, smiling down at his petite wife as they trailed Trey into the living room. “Where’s Cole at tonight?”

“He decided to take Adrienne into town for dinner and a movie and, somehow, Nate managed to invite himself along.”

“That’s too bad. Evie hasn’t met Adrienne yet either.”

“You McCade men are just moving too fast. I bet the mamas at church are just beside themselves with two of you off the market in three short months.”

“They might be mourning Cole, but there weren’t many that wanted to tackle me,” Trey said with a chuckle.

“That’s not true. Plenty of mamas would’ve been proud to call you their son-in-law. It was their ditzy daughters that couldn’t get past the growl.”

Gen bit her lip hard to squash her amusement, but Trey still noticed. She yelped in surprise when he pinched her bottom.

“Don’t laugh at Evie. It just encourages her.”

“It’s a relief to know that there’s at least one other woman around here that isn’t completely intimidated by you.”

“Who’s the first?” Trey asked, crowding her personal space to look down at her with a fearsome glower.

“Your wife,” she said, standing up on tiptoe to give him a quick kiss. She blushed, turning away from her amused husband. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s adorable,” Evie said, grinning and leaning against her lawman. “Sometimes we just have to remind them that they love us and we know it.”

“God help us,” Dan said with an eye roll heavenward.

“He’s just laughing at us,” Trey said with a shake of his head. “We haven’t stood a chance since Eve and the apple tree.”

“I can’t argue with that,” Dan said, laughing.

“On that note, I better get dinner on the table,” Gen said, shaking her head at the men’s teasing.

“I’ll help you,” Evie said, instantly waving away her protests. “It’ll give us more of a chance to plot against the poor helpless men.”

“I think you and Adri will get along really well,” Gen said with a grin that turned to a laugh at her husband’s groan.

“Do tell,” Evie prompted, hooking her arm to stroll into the kitchen together.  

Fingers laced through Cole’s, Adrienne’s heart pounded as she watched Clark Gable risk everything to marry Jean Harlow in prison and legitimize their unborn baby. Cole’s thumb brushed across the top of her hand, and she pulled her gaze from the film long enough to peek up at him. The lights from the screen flickered across his face, highlighting the strong lines and intensity. What expressions would mark that handsome face if she told him she might be carrying his child right now?

As if feeling her eyes on him, he looked down. Instantly, his expression softened and she’d never felt more adored. He bent his head to press lips to her ear.

“Aren’t you enjoying the movie?”

“I love it,” she whispered. “I was just thinking my fiancée is better looking than hers.”

That earned her a look of complete disbelief. Cole shook his head and glanced back at the screen.

“I don’t know what you want, but it must be a doozy after that whopper,” he said out of the corner of his mouth.  

“Shh!”

He raised an apologetic hand to the indignant woman behind them and turned his attention back to the movie. Weighing propriety with physical and emotional comfort, Adrienne lifted his arm and let it drape over her shoulders. Resting her cheek against the side of his chest, she welcomed his warmth and tried to lose herself in the story again. It was nice to let someone else squirm to come up with answers to life’s curveballs for awhile.

She wasn’t ready to resume real life when the credits rolled. People stood to leave around them and she watched the names scroll up the screen. She caught a couple of reproving looks and didn’t care. If the physical closeness in public didn’t bother Cole, everyone else could screw off. 

“Did she crash out again?” Nate asked from the other side of her.

“I’m awake. I’m just waiting for the crowd to clear,” she answered, slowly unwinding from Cole’s arm and stretching. Nate offered his hand to help her stand. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Cole stood while she smoothed wrinkles from her skirt. She swatted at him when he ran a hand over the curve of her hip.

“What?” he asked innocently. “I was just trying to help my fiancée.”

“That’s very kind of you, darling,” she said, laughter in her voice.

The huge grin that spread across his face made her heart swell. Why had she ever tried to fight her attraction to his man?
Fear.
The single word whispered in her mind, sobering her. It was true, and the feeling wasn’t completely gone. Everything seemed a little too perfect, and she kept expecting the bubble to burst. She wondered if Gen felt that way. She frowned, trying to remember if she’d ever worried if she was good enough for Clark. She shook her head. Maybe that should’ve been a sign.

“What’re you thinking about?” Cole asked, lips brushing her ear as they waited at the coat check.

She hugged his arm, wondering how to safely put her feelings into words. “I was just thinking about how perfect my life is right now. Part of me feels guilty, and the other part is wishing for Christmas to be over so I can be your wife.”

Cole’s expression softened into the look of adoration she’d seen earlier. Pulling her close, he bowed his head to rest his forehead against hers. “I love you, Adrienne. I can’t wait for you to be Mrs. Cole McCade, but I can’t deny I’m looking forward to Christmas. You’re everything that I’ve wished for the last couple of years, so this Christmas is going to be perfect.”   

“Hasn’t anyone ever told you to be careful what you wish for?”

“More than a few times,” he admitted, kissing her nose. “I was beginning to think I was asking for too much, and then you came along.”

Adrienne’s breath hitched. This man continued to amaze her.

“Your ticket, sir?”

Laughing a little self-consciously, she backed away from Cole allowing him to dig for the coat check ticket. She looked around. People were staring, but their looks seemed more envious than censorious. He pulled it from his pocket, presenting it with a flourish and a grin. How could anyone resist that smile? She turned her back to him when he held up her fur a moment later. He settled the heavy coat on her shoulders and carefully lifted her ebony curls clear of the collar. She shivered at the brush of his fingers on her nape.

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

Pulling her gloves on Adrienne looked around for Nate.

“He went to get the truck cleaned off and warmed up. It started to snow while we were watching the movie,” Cole said, taking her arm and heading for the doors.

Clutching her coat tight under her chin, Adrienne pressed close to Cole and squinted at the swirling flakes as they stepped out onto the sidewalk. Keeping a good grip on her, he led her down the slippery sidewalk, weaving through the crowd. At the truck, he handed her in and slid into the passenger seat, sandwiching her between him and Nate.

“Do you have enough room?”

Adrienne smiled at Nate’s polite inquiry, biting back a reminder that they usually squeezed Trey’s broad form and Gen in so she ended up on Cole’s lap. “I’m good. Thank you.”

“You really need to get a car,” he muttered at Cole as he carefully merged into traffic.

“I told you that I’m thinking about it. Up until a couple of months ago, Trey and I didn’t have a need for more than the truck.”

Wincing at the defensive tone to Cole’s voice, Adrienne hastened to interject, “It’s a big expense and if we can make do with one vehicle for now, it makes sense.” The last thing she wanted was to ruin a lovely evening with the brothers bickering the entire way home.

“You lucked out with this one, looks, class, and penny-wise.”

“I wouldn’t go that far. I enjoy shopping a little too much. Cole is going to have to keep me to a budget.”

“We’ll talk about it and work it out,” Cole promised, squeezing her hand.

“Meaning he’ll spoil you,” Nate whispered to her.

“I’m worth it,” she whispered back saucily. “I’ll spoil him back.”

“No arguments here,” Cole said, lifting her hand to kiss the thin strip of wrist the movement bared to his lips.

She caught a glimpse of Nate’s smile as the last of the streetlights flashed by. It looked sad.

“Separately I never would’ve pictured you two together, but you make a great couple. I’m happy for you and a little jealous all at the same time.”

“You’re a handsome, successful man. You’ll find the right one for you.”

“What if I already did and I screwed it up?”

“Then I suggest you figure out a way to fix it with her,” Adrienne said bluntly. “Josie’s still in love with you, just hurt.” Nate shot her a look of doubt and she shook her head. “A woman doesn’t kneel in a dirty street to tend to a man she doesn’t love.”

Not answering, Nate stared straight ahead at the flurry of snowflakes in the headlights. They seemed to form a tunnel around the truck in the rural darkness. Adrienne had to admit it was beautiful, but was glad she wasn’t driving.

“Do you really think she could forgive me and we could start over?”

“You’re never going to know until you try.”

“I was thinking about making some inquiries while I was here to test the feasibility of starting a practice here. That might make her happier.”

“I guess that would depend on how many people here know how you slighted her, and how you go about making it up to her.”

The truck slowed slightly as Nate turned to look at her in the gloom.

“What do you mean?”

“From what Cole said, she was devastated when she saw you with that other woman in Philly. Her brother didn’t hide his disgust with you. This is a close knit community. Who else did she tell? If others know, she might feel more comfortable moving to Philadelphia for a clean start. Either way, you’re going to need to show her, and them, how much you value her if things are going to work.”

“I know how to show her. How am I supposed to convince others?”

Adrienne looked to Cole. “Who said Nate was the smart one?”

“He did,” her fiancée said with a chuckle.

“You show her and the world with the monetary symbols, jewelry, a nice home, a beautiful wardrobe, and for the intangibles just watch Trey.”

“Trey?” both brothers asked in disbelief.

Cole choked. Adrienne smothered a smile into the collar of her fur.