Revenge (32 page)

Cody peeked around him and spotted her old childhood friend, JC, as he rounded the front of the truck.

“I drove the speed limit,” he countered.

Laughing, she danced around the driver's side door and found herself wrapped in a rib-crushing hug.

“For the most part,” JC finished.

“I'm sure.” Cody thrust him back and let her gaze rove him up and down. “How many times did Daddy cuss you out for whipping past semis?”

JC's smoky gray eyes twinkled. “I lost count after thirty. When's Kim coming?” he asked, hooking his hands in his Wrangler pockets.

“Today sometime. She has to follow her half-sister here.”

JC whistled. “That's some messed up story right there.”

“No more messed up than most,” Dad said and entered the truck cab to pull out a package.

She recognized the box immediately, pressing her hands to her mouth when he held it out. “I thought it was gone. Burned up in the explosion.”

He shook his head, the mask of grief settling on his sun-darkened face. “It was never in the house. After your momma died, I couldn't bear having it around.” He glanced at JC. “I had our friends take it and keep it safe for you.”

Swallowing against the tightness in her throat, Cody carefully pried the lid off the box and placed it on the truck hood. She peeled aside the tissue paper to reveal the ivory satin dress nestled inside. Running her fingertips over the embroidered leaves and vines, her eyes welled up. Momma's wedding dress.

She folded the tissue over the dress and took the box from Dad. “Thank you, Daddy.”

He hugged her close, kissing her forehead. “She would've been proud as a momma hen with Remy.”

Burying her face in his neck, she let the tears fall. “I know.”

• • •

The hum of voices drifted through the open window. Cody leaned over on tiptoe to peer down at the yard. People—more than she expected to show up for her wedding—milled around the white chairs. Her heart raced. She was going to walk down the aisle with about sixty pairs of eyes boring in to her.

“Would you get away from the window?” Kim jerked her back. “The groom isn't supposed to see you until you come down the aisle.”

“He's not out there.” Cody swatted her friend's hands away from her face. “If you keep messing with my hair, it'll fall.”

Pursing her lips together, Kim moved them back and forth as she scrutinized Cody's hair. “I don't like it up.”

“It's freaking eighty-nine percent humidity out there. I'm not wearing it down to have it frizz all over the place.”

Kim poked at the up-do. “The veil will keep it under control.”

“
Non
.”

“Listen to you. Speakin' French.”

“Been hearing it for over a week.” Facing the full-length mirror, Cody stared at her reflection. She hadn't put the dress on—the thought of slipping into something of Momma's made her ache.

Kim settled her hands on Cody's shoulders and tilted her head against hers as they stared at each other in the mirror. “She's here with you.”

Drawing in a ragged breath, Cody grasped her best friend's hand. “I think this is going to hurt as much as the day they told me she was killed.”

“No.” Kim twisted her around and locked gazes. “It won't hurt. This is your wedding day. You're marrying a man who loves you so much, he went through hell to find you. This is a happy day.”

“Wow, when you put it that way.”

Kim gently shook her. “Let's get the dress on.”

Carefully lifting it out of the box, Kim carried it over to where Cody waited. The gown hung midcalf on Cody, with a short, lace train embroidered with the same leaves and vines as the bodice. Lace sleeves with embroidery draped her freckled arms. Kim zipped the back, adjusting the dress as she went. When she finished, she stepped aside to let Cody stare at the image in the mirror.

She looked exactly like Momma had on her wedding day. She peered down at her toes peeking out from under the hem and wiggled them. The sheer nail polish glinted in the sunlight. She might not be a flower child like Jodi Malone had been, but she was walking down that aisle barefoot.

Kim held up the simple silver oval locket that had never left Cody's neck until she came to New Orleans. Inside was a tiny picture of her momma and a grandmother Cody had never known. Slipping it around her neck, Kim latched it and set it straight.

“I don't look like me.”

“Ain't it amazing how beautiful you look in a dress,” her friend snickered.

A tap on the door preceded its opening. One of her future sisters-in-law poked her head through the crack and gasped. “Cody, you're beautiful.”

“Thanks.”

For some reason, the messenger turned to Kim. “Her papa wants to know if you're almost ready for him?”

“Five minutes.”

And now it was real. Cody blew like a woman winded, her stomach twisting into knots. In about twenty minutes she'd stand before God and man to vow to love and cherish Remy LeBeau until death parted them.

Another tap on the door made them turn.

“Come on in,” Kim singsonged and walked over to the bedside table where their bouquets sat in a vase.

Dad entered and froze. Wearing a crisp white Western dress shirt under a black jacket, khaki slacks with a silver and gold buckle glinting at his waist, Silver Belly Stetson, and his spit-shined dress boots, Dad looked every bit the gentleman rancher. His craggy face withered with sadness. “Kiddo, you look just like your momma.”

Cody choked on a sob. Tiptoeing across the floor, she let her daddy pull her into the comfort of his arms.

“Can't believe I'm giving you away for good,” he muttered.

“I'm still your girl.” She leaned back to give him a sad smile. “Always.”

Wiping the moisture from his eyes, Dad sighed as he reached inside his jacket. “I think it's time you read that letter your momma sent you right before she died.”

A chill lanced her body. “How did you know I never . . . wait, it was destroyed in the fire.”

He shook his head and held out the yellowed envelope. “I found it tucked in the ranch ledgers. Don't ask me why, but I took it with me that weekend for safe keeping.”

This time the tears spilled over. Cody took the envelope and stared at the sealed flap.

“Open it, Cody,” Daddy said softly.

She started to slowly run her fingernail under the flap. Screw that. She ripped the envelope open and pulled out the folded sheets of notebook paper. Certain she was prepared for the emotional upheaval, she started to read.

Cody, right now I know the last thing you want to do is read a letter from your momma. After all, in the age of email, what's the point? I'm old-fashioned, and I knew this would be the best way to get you to hear me out.

First, I want you to know I love you, and I would never do anything to harm you. I know those hateful words you screamed at me hold no meaning in your heart. You were scared, and I understand that. Probably better than you think.

Cody, the second thing I want to tell you, and it's the most important, I know what love from a man looks like. I'm blessed because of your daddy. There's never been a more honorable, loving man than him. I know this, because your daddy saved me. He's the example you should look for in the man you love and want to marry.

Love isn't something you throw away. It's precious. If the man who wins your heart lives up to the example set before you and can love you as you are, then he, Daughter, is the one God gave you.

Unable to continue because of the tears flowing freely, Cody crumpled the letter to her chest and allowed her daddy to pull her into his arms once again.

“I don't know what she said,” he whispered, “but I know you'll let go of the guilt you've held onto since her death.”

Cody sniffed. “I already did.”

“Then it's time.” Dad gave her one last squeeze and drew back.

A bouquet of lilies, peach roses, and jasmine appeared next to them.

Kim's smile was reminiscent of the old Kim. “Let's get this woman hitched before someone tries to crash the wedding.”

• • •

Remy wiped his hands along his slacks.

“Damn, if you're this nervous getting married, what are you going to be like when you have the first kid?”

He glared at his best man, partner, and friend. “Anderson, can it.”

Heath chuckled and tipped down the brim of his Stetson. It was a bit unsettling seeing him wear it, having never seen him in one.

The priest stood on the opposite side of the white arch, waiting with them.

Mon Dieu
, he hadn't been this nervous when he'd married Marie. Remy glanced at the house where Cody waited on her daddy's arm to come out.

The soft strains of music shifted into the processional.

“Here we go,” Heath said.

Remy turned his back on the aisle and stared at the priest. They both smiled at each other. Closing his eyes, Remy concentrated on listening for the guests to rise at Cody's arrival. Heath let out a soft whistle beside him. Remy's hands turned slick. He swallowed and shifted, like he was uncomfortable. Kim must be coming. Remy glanced over in time to see her station herself in her spot.

The processional rose, and there was the unmistakable sound of people rising. Remy's hands turned slick.

“Now,” Heath whispered.

Slowly, Remy turned to face the aisle and stilled.

Cody tread barefoot down the aisle; her grip on her father's arm made it appear that Logan was supporting her. She lifted her head and peered through the veil. Remy's heart slammed against his ribcage.

Mon Dieu,
she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

Logan came to a halt a few feet from the arch and nodded at Remy. He returned the gesture and focused solely on Cody, her shimmering eyes latched onto him.

He recalled the first time he'd encountered those mesmerizing eyes. Sitting at his desk stewing over a case, a woman had spoken and he'd looked up. Brilliant emerald eyes sparked with amusement when he'd bolted from his chair. Now, he'd stare into those eyes every morning for the rest of his life.

The priest blessed the guests, gave his greeting, and then asked: “Who gives this woman to wed this man?”

Logan cleared his throat. “I do.”

The priest signaled the exchange. Cody faced her father and waited for him to tuck the veil behind her head. Logan bent forward and kissed his daughter on her forehead and whispered something to her. Cody's face crumpled, then she composed herself and turned to take Remy's offered hand.

An energy he'd not felt from her before zipped up his arm at the contact and settled in his chest. He drew her close and resisted the urge to kiss her senseless.

Cody handed off her bouquet to Kim and grasped his other hand. As the priest rolled into the ceremony, Cody squeezed Remy's hands. She blinked, then mouthed the words: “God gave me you.”

Remy smiled. More like God gave him Cody. She'd saved him. Brought him out of the pit of hell and gave him back his life.

A new life with her.

As the sun began its descent on this side of the world, the wedding reception took on a more festive atmosphere. Taking a break from dancing, Cody flopped on a chair, kicked her booted feet up on an empty chair across from her, and downed a full glass of water. She spotted her dad on the far side of the patio with Adrien and some of his friends. The men were laughing. Joy pulsated through her at the sight of Dad enjoying himself. Today had been hard on him.

Squeals made her swivel around in her chair. JC and Marc were entertaining the boys—Cody's nephews now—with a game of basketball. Not far off, Kim had the two nieces braiding her long hair and sticking flowers in it. Cody searched for Heath and discovered him with Remy and Vic, the three cops in deep discussion about something. Certain her feet had rested long enough, Cody hopped up and clomped across the patio to join her husband—a thrill shot through her at that thought—and his friends. When he spotted her coming his way, Remy hesitated in what he was saying and stared at her. Fire lit up Cody's nerve endings at the hungry look in his eyes. Boy howdy, seeing him look at her like that would take some getting used to. She had nearly burst into tears when he saw her coming up the aisle.

She slipped past Heath and wrapped her arm around Remy's waist. “Are we talking shop on your wedding day?”

“Nope.” Remy placed a kiss against her hair. “I'm thinking I'm ready to blow this joint.”

She leaned back and frowned. “Now? The party just got started.”

“
Oui
, but I'm feeling a bit tired.”

He didn't look tired, but Cody wouldn't question him.

“All right.” She moved to slip away from him. “Let me just grab—”

Remy caught her arm and tugged her back. “Taken care of.” He nodded to Heath and Vic. “See you two later.”

They grinned and exited with their partings. Once they were gone, Remy quickly guided Cody through the house to the front. She glanced back, wishing she could say goodbye to her dad once more before she left.

“That's covered, too.”

Startled, she scrunched her face at Remy. “What are you talking about?”

He winked at her and opened the front door to reveal his Harley, which sat pointing toward the road.

“You feeling strong enough to drive this?” she asked, glancing at her dress. Could she sit astride the bike with this on?

“We're not taking it.” He pulled out a cell and handed it to her.

She took it and the phone buzzed.
1 Text Message
flashed onto the screen. She opened the message.

I'll see you when you get home, kiddo. There's a surprise waiting for you and your husband when you get there. Love, Dad.