Rocky Mountain Hitched: Contemporary Western Romance (To Love Again Book 6) (10 page)

“That one little thing at the end?” Jenny called out, closing the passenger door.

Isabel tapped her foot. She couldn’t help it. Adrenalin surged through her and her whole body vibrated. Jenny hugged her. “It’ll be fine, Issy. All the kinks are ironed out now.”

“Really, Mom, tomorrow there’ll be no problems. That’s what rehearsals are for, right?” Karin stepped up and took her by the arm. “Let’s go in and eat.”

Following along, she shook her head, trying to change her thoughts. It really was nothing, in the grand scheme of things. She needed to let it go and enjoy the rest of the evening. The thing is, she thought having a small, casual wedding would mean she’d be able to relax and there’d be less chance of problems. She, of all people, should know that life doesn’t always work out the way you plan.

As they climbed the stairs to the front entrance, Tray appeared at the top of the stairs. “There’s my lovely bride to be. Everyone’s here,” he nodded toward the interior. “We’ll see you inside in a few minutes.”

Nodding, Jenny and the girls made their way inside. Isabel raised her eyebrows. “What’s up?”

“Not a thing,” he said, taking her arm and guiding her back down the stairs. “I just thought we could use a minute.”

She sighed and leaned against him, allowing him to lead her along the side of the building to a bench under a maple tree near the back. She sat and turned to him. “That didn’t go as planned.”

“Does anything?” He laughed. “It’s nothing though, and tomorrow things will go fine. I know you’re nervous - hell, I’m nervous - but let’s be prepared to roll with whatever happens.”

Nodding, she took a long slow breath in. “I don’t know why I got so twisted. It really was nothing. I just thought the man would know his lines, not need us to prompt him.”

“I’m sure he’ll be fine tomorrow,” Tray said. “He’s probably done a hundred weddings already this summer and just let his mind wander.”

She shrugged. “Maybe.”

“Nerves,” he said, leaning forward and kissing her nose. “My lovely bride-to-be has the jitters. I thought I’d be the one falling apart, not you.”

“Me, too,” she blurted, immediately wishing she could take the words back.

He cocked his head. “Oh ye of little faith.” He stroked her hair and her agitation dissipated, turning to excitement.

“Tomorrow at this time we’ll be married.” She grinned. “There’s a part of me that can’t believe it. I think, partly, after Chet barging in on us at the engagement brunch, that I’ve been expecting something to go horribly wrong.”

“Why would it?” He looped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. “We’re perfect for each other. Our friends are happy for us. My family is thrilled.”

“They are?” She turned toward him, holding her breath.

“Thrilled. They think you’re great. You don’t doubt that, do you?”

“No, it’s just … I like them, too, so how they feel is important to me.”

“Don’t worry,” he said, squeezing her shoulder. “We’re going to be great together.”

She gazed out over the large expanse of lush lawn. This was one of her favorite restaurants in Canmore. Nestled against the backdrop of the Three Sisters, with a westward view, it had been an institution for several decades. The sun had just dropped behind the mountains and the clouds still held a slight glow of pink.

“There is one thing,” he said, a note of gravity in his voice. “Is there more about your family you want to tell me? I understand it’s a long way for them to travel, but is there more?”

Putting her head down, she bit her lip. She had to tell him something. If things were reversed, she’d want to know. “I grew up in a very religious home, and my family, especially my mother, has not always agreed with my choices.”

“Okay,” he said, placing his hand on her knee. “Go on.”

“They refuse to acknowledge this second marriage. I wrote to my mother and followed up with a phone call. She wouldn’t even speak to me on the phone.”

“Oh, Isabel, I’m so sorry.” He reached out and tipped up her chin.

She met his eyes. “They disowned me a long time ago,” she said. “First they pushed me into an early marriage, then when I went back to school to become a therapist ….”

“It’s okay,” he said, stroking her head. “We don’t have to talk about this now. They’re damn fools to turn their backs on you.”

“They’re still my family, though.” Her lip quivered. The growing pit in her stomach familiar as an old friend.

“We’re your family now.” He stood and pulled her up with him. “Say something to my mom when you have a minute, okay? Whatever you feel comfortable telling her. She won’t say it - at least not right now - but she can’t understand why your family is not here. Or, I can tell her if you like?”

“I’ll talk to her. I like your mom.” Jenny, as usual, had been right.

“Let’s go enjoy our family and friends and make this a night to remember.” He kissed her, looking deeply into her eyes. “You want this, right? It’s not just cold feet?”

She laughed and tweaked his nose. “Not at all. I can’t wait to be married to you.”

“Well,” he said, stretching his arm out and looking at his watch. “Only one sleep and a handful of hours to go and you’ll be Mrs. Tray Taylor.”

“Or you’ll be Mr. Tray Chapel.”

“Minx.” He pressed his lips against hers, and she leaned into him, taking strength from his arms around her, the love between them that enveloped her and sustained her and gave her such hope for the future. She glanced over his shoulder, to the mountain where they’d slept overnight in the cave, where he’d saved her from both the snowstorm and the bear … and she knew, without a doubt, that he could easily save her from herself.

~~~

The busboy cleared dessert plates from the table while the waiter topped up coffee and offered brandy. Isabel nudged Tray as Jesse stood and cleared his throat. Everyone at the table stopped chattering and looked toward him.

“I just want to say a few words. First, thank you all for being here. I look around this table and see faces that will now be part of my own family,” he nodded to Isabel, Jenny, Karin and Shelly, “and I welcome you, and look forward to getting to know you all more.”

“Hear, hear.” Everyone raised their glasses.

“Normally, my father would be the one to give this toast. We all still miss him a great deal, and I’m both saddened and honored to speak in his place. I know Dad would want you to know, Tray,” he looked at his brother, his eyes misty, “that he’s so happy for you. I know he’s smiling down on you now and blessing your marriage to this beautiful woman you’ve chosen for your bride.”

Isabel heard Tray’s sharp intake of breath, and reached for his hand under the table.

“Isabel,” he continued, “my father would have loved you. Intelligent, witty, full of spark — you’re exactly the woman he would have chosen for his eldest son.”

Isabel nodded and gulped, suddenly grateful for her waterproof mascara.

“I want you to know, and I speak for Mom and all of us,” he looked around the table and they all nodded, “that we welcome you with open arms. We couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our family.” He raised his glass and everyone clinked and said, “To Isabel.”

“Now, about that small incident at the end of the rehearsal,” he winked at her, “here’s to plans gone awry, because what rehearsal would be complete without at least one glitch.” Everyone laughed and Isabel brushed her fingers under her eyes.

“One more thing,” Betty said, heaving herself up from the table, and nodding at Jesse. “Thank you son, perfectly put. Jesse has already said it all, because I’m not sure I could have gotten through it without crying like a baby, but Isabel, like I said on the farm when we first met you, you’re as welcome as rain in the desert and we’re honored to have you join our family. I wish you both the very best — and if things don’t work out, you’ll have to deal with me.” She placed her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows. Isabel nodded and smiled, eyes brimming again.

Isabel glanced at Tray and they stood up together. “Thank you for hosting this dinner, Mom,” he said, raising his glass to her, “and to all the planning that went into it,” he included the others in his toast, looking at each of his brothers and their wives. “I know everyone is breathing a sigh of relief that I finally found someone to marry.”

Everyone laughed. “About time,” Michael said.

“I also want to thank Jenny, and especially Karin and Shelly for welcoming someone new into their mother’s life.” He turned to her. “And lastly - to Isabel - for taking a leap of faith and agreeing to marry me. Honestly, I never dreamed she’d say yes.” Everyone laughed again and raised their glasses.

“Thank you everyone, we appreciate it all so much,” Isabel said, her voice trembling. “I don’t trust myself to say more - I’m overwhelmed and so happy. Let’s celebrate and enjoy the rest of the evening.” She raised her glass and leaned in to kiss Tray.

“I need to stretch after that meal,” Michael said, pushing his chair back. The others stood and moved away from the table. Plates of dessert squares and a carafe of coffee had been left on the sideboard, and Karin and Shelly picked at it.

Isabel stood up and stretched, taking a deep breath. Jenny approached, giving her a big hug. “That was awesome,” she said.

“I have something for you,” Isabel said, reaching for her purse, then reconsidering. “But I want to give it to you when it’s a little quieter.”

“I’m intrigued,” Jenny said. She nudged her and nodded toward Betty. “Did you have a chance to tell her yet?”

“Not yet.”

“Maybe now is your moment.” Betty sat alone at the table, pouring another touch of brandy into her glass.

“Yes.”

“Good luck,” Jenny whispered, giving her a half hug and stepping away.

Looking up, Betty smiled as Isabel pulled out the chair beside her. “Sit, hon,” she said. “Brandy?”

She nodded and pushed a glass toward her. They raised their glasses in a silent toast. “Thank you Betty, for hosting this dinner, and for such a warm welcome to your family.”

“Oh, hon, you’ve made Tray so happy. It’s me that should be thanking you.” Betty smiled kindly. “I’m just disappointed your family wasn’t able to be here for you.”

Isabel took a deep breath and plunged in. “There’s something I want to tell you, Betty, about my family.” She spoke quietly and calmly, laying things out as factually as possible, telling enough of the story but leaving out hurtful details. When she was done, Betty leaned forward and hugged her.

“Hon, they don’t know what they’re missing,” she said. “Rest assured, we’re your family now.”

“I can’t tell you how relieved I am to tell you this,” she said, reaching up to fiddle with one of her earrings. “It’s been on my mind for a while.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” Betty said. “Tell the rest what you want, when you want. But I’m grateful you told me.”

“Thank you, Betty,” she said.

“Not that you asked for my advice, but,” Betty continued, “try not to dwell on the past too much this weekend. This is the time to focus on your future. The memories you make this weekend will last your lifetime. Okay?” She put her hand over Isabel’s.

“I can now, I just wanted you to have a better understanding. And to know how much joining your family means to me. Your warmth and acceptance means everything.” Her lip quivered again.

“There, there,” Betty said, chucking her chin with a finger. “Save some of those tears for tomorrow.”

Isabel laughed and glanced toward the others. Tray caught her eye and winked at her. “I better circulate,” she said. “I know your son is waiting for a quiet moment with you.” She leaned forward and hugged Betty. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry about anything in the morning. Susan and Ann will take care of the caterers and the boys will oversee the set-up of the tents. When you arrive, everything will be ready. You have my word on it.”

“Thanks, Betty.” She smiled and gave Tray a quick kiss as he came over to take the seat she vacated.

~~~

Tray helped his mother down the stairs and into Barry’s car. “See you shortly,” he said, closing the door.

“I’ll drop her off and see you tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Barry.” He turned and waved to his brothers and sisters-in-law as they pulled out of the driveway. Jenny and Isabel’s daughters were already in her car, and Isabel stood nearby. She walked toward him as he strode across the lot.

Closing her in his embrace, he nuzzled her neck. “That went well.”

“It did,” she said. “I talked to your mom. She was awesome.”

“She told me. And don’t think for a minute she thinks any less of you. In fact, she admires your courage even more now.” He gazed down at her, reveling in the warmth in her eyes.

“I can’t believe we’ll be married tomorrow.” She sighed. “I’ll miss you tonight.”

“I’ll miss you more.” He peppered kisses across her forehead, down her chin, and pressed his lips against hers. “Can’t wait to see you in your dress tomorrow.”

“I think you’ll like it,” she said, coyly. “What of your mother’s gift, did you give it to her?”

“At the house, I think. Also the gifts for Jesse and Michael. You?”