Under the Midnight Stars (31 page)

“Colt,” Brielle whispered, trying to hold back her tears. “Can you possibly be any more romantic? Of course, that dress is perfect. And so are you.”

“Good.” He cocked his grin to one side. “And since we’re keeping it simple, I thought I’d wear my white dress shirt and, you know,
jeans.
” He cringed and waited for her reply.

“Just the way I like you.” She stood and wrapped her hands about his waist. “Handsome, rugged, and your ass tucked tightly into your jeans.” She let her hands slide down to squeeze his buttocks firmly in her hands.

He tensed. “Hot damn, baby,” he said huskily. “Sorry, but breakfast is over.”

He draped her dress over the back of his chair, scooped her into his arms, and whisked her away to the comfort of their bed…

Exhausted, Colt and Brielle napped in each others’ arms before they readied for the eventful day. They showered and dressed casually, Colt in jeans and a gray T-shirt, and Brielle in cutoffs and a white peasant blouse. Then together, they tidied around the house, inside and out. Satisfied the house was finally presentable enough for guests, Brielle eagerly insisted they start decorating.

Brielle stood on the front porch, holding the end of the string of white lights, while Colt stood atop the ladder and attached the other end of the lights to the barn with a staple gun.

The sounds of hooves thudding across the front yard drew their attention.

“My horse!” Brielle beamed as she watched Jack approach, riding her horse.

He galloped through the yard and halted in front of the porch. “Thought I’d bring her over for you. She needed some exercise. And I think Colt’s stallion’s getting horny.” He flashed a smug smile and dismounted.

She giggled. “Very funny, Jack.”

“Oh, and I’m bringing a date over tonight. If you don’t mind. But if you do, I’m still bringing her.” He grabbed the reins and led the horse into the corral beside the barn to graze.

“She wouldn’t happen to be a certain nurse at the hospital, would she?” Brielle asked knowingly.

Jack latched the door to the corral and turned to his sister with his hands on his hips. “That’s right.” He narrowed his eyes.

Brielle knew that look all too well. She looked forward to her chance to tease him.
“Jack’s got a girlfriend,”
she tauntingly sang.

Jack wasn’t amused. “Not yet I don’t. And don’t go blabbing your big mouth and embarrass me either. Just because you’re getting married doesn’t mean I have to be nice.”

“Yes it does.” She lifted her chin sassily. “Doesn’t it, Colt?” She looked to him for help.

Colt descended the ladder and held up his hands. “Don’t drag me into this. This is your fight, Brielle.”

She frowned. She didn’t know why exactly, but Colt’s words offended her. “Whatever.” Carefully, she set her end of the lights down and sat on the white porch swing.

“Uh oh,” Jack taunted. “Someone said the
wrooong
thing. Now she’s gonna sulk half the day.” He sat on the porch steps to watch how Colt was going to fix his undoing.

Colt sighed and casually walked up the steps, past Brielle, and into the house. He returned seconds later holding a small brown paper bag. “I’m sorry, baby. But unless your brother verbally or physically attacks you to do you harm, I have to keep my nose out of it. He’s your brother,” he said flatly.

Then he cleared his throat, and when he spoke again his voice was soft and caring. “But I still love you with all my heart. And while you were still napping after our series of lovemaking this morning—” He smirked and turned to see the look of disgust on Jack’s face “—I went into town and got you these.” He handed her the bag.

Her irritation turned into curiosity. Brielle opened the bag. Inside were chocolate and maple bars. “Oooh, my
favorite!
” She smiled and snatched a maple bar. “Mmmm,” she moaned as she sunk her teeth in. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

She gazed into his loving eyes and suddenly felt silly for having gotten offended. “I’m sorry that I got a little upset. I don’t know what came over me.”

Colt smiled warmly. “My guess … our baby’s wreaking havoc on your emotions. But it’s all right. I’m here for you.” He placed a warm kiss on top of her head. Then he headed down the porch steps. “Come on, little brother, you can help me finish stringing these lights.”

Jack sighed. “How in the hell did you do that? No one but my mom has
ever
been able to turn her sour mood around so fast.”

Colt grinned smugly as he and Jack headed over to the barn. “You have a girlfriend now. You’d do best to take notes.”

“Ohhh.” Jack guffawed. “Is that right?
I
need to take notes from
you?
We’ll just have to see about that.” He shook his head. “You haven’t even lived together yet and my bratty sister’s sassing is already rubbing off on you. I have my work cut out for me.” He sighed.

Colt grinned from ear to ear.

“You do know this is going to be a loooong nine months — right?” Jack added.

“That’s what I’m thinking.” Colt chuckled lightly.

“I’m still right here, you know,” Brielle playfully reminded through a full mouth.

“All right, I’ll string the lights up along the house if you have another ladder and staple gun,” Jack said.

“Sure do. Follow me.” They both headed into the barn.

The rest of the day flew by. Jack went home for the cake and brought it back to the farm. It was a two-tiered white cake with tiny lavender roses decorating the base of each tier, with two lavender icing roses on top. Richard and Amy showed up to help with the rest of the decorations. The florist arrived with the bouquets of flowers for Brielle to choose from. The fire department arrived soon after with a large barbecue grill and folding tables and chairs. And before they knew it, the preparations for their wedding were complete.

With evening nearing and Colt at her side, Brielle stood in the backyard between the house and the barn, looking around with admiration. Above them twinkled white lights strung from the barn to the house, and from the back porch to the mighty oaks sprawled about the backyard. Rectangular folding tables covered with lavender gingham tablecloths and three white candles down the middle of each one were placed casually about under the lights. It was all so simple, yet so beautiful.

“Country simple,” Brielle said softly to herself in satisfaction.

Colt turned to Brielle, a look of surprise across his face. “Did you just say
country simple?
My mom used to say that all the time.”

She smiled. “Really? My mom used to say it too. But I always thought it sounded silly. But thinking back just now, I remember how my dad always thought my mom deserved the best of everything. He didn’t realize that all she wanted was him. Him, and to just live a simple life. She just wanted to be happy. And I get it now.”

She swallowed back the tears forming. “She just wanted to be happy with her husband and her kids. But my dad worked so hard she ended up making silly wishes on shooting stars. He always came home late, said good night, and went to bed. I assume that’s about when the cheating messed things up. But it all changed one day — the day he gave her the necklace. I’m so glad they worked things out and had a chance to love each other again before their fairytale ended.”

Brielle wiped away a lost tear. “I wish they could be here today. And your parents too.”

“Aw, Brielle.” Colt sighed helplessly and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry they’re not here for you. I wish I could change that.” He kissed her on top of the head. “But you know what — I think they’ll all be somewhere amongst the stars, looking down on us.”

“I hope so.” She hugged him tightly.

Before anyone could notice, she wiped away the few tears that followed. She sniffed and stared out over the backyard, snuggled against Colt’s chest. “You thought of everything, Colt.” She wondered just how long he’d actually been planning their wedding. “This must’ve taken you all week to organize.”

“The only pressing matter was the license. But you know your brother and his damn connections. I swear, I don’t think there’s one person in this town that he’s left a bad impression on.”

Brielle shook her head. “Is there no limit to my brother’s powers?”

Jack walked up next to her and gently booted her in the rear. “Apparently not.” He smirked.

She released Colt to face Jack. Hands on hips, her eyes narrowed in warning. “Did you just boot me?”

“Uh huh.”

“And why, may I ask, do you insist on continuing the childish behavior that you should’ve outgrown?”

“So that I could give you this.” His smirk faded into a soft smile as he pulled a white leather rectangular box from behind his back and handed it to her.

Brielle’s mouth hung open as her irritation quickly melted into awe. She was prepared to spar, not to be taken aback by a heartfelt surprise. She was at a loss for everything.

“Jack,” she whispered softly as she stared at the box. She was afraid to open it for fear of not being able to control her tears of weakness.

He gently grabbed her wrist and turned her palm upward to place the gift in her hand. “Open it.”

With a trembling hand, she opened the box. Her mother’s heart-shaped pink diamond and white-gold necklace sparkled atop a bed of soft pink velvet. Tears rolled effortlessly down her cheeks. It was the one thing her father had given her mother that had reflected his true love for her. It was the one thing her mother had adored, and that she herself had secretly adored. And when she thought it was gone forever, along with her mother, her heart had broken. But now, she could keep her mother’s heart and her father’s love close to her forever.

“I had it cleaned and fixed.” Jack swallowed uneasily. Tears filled his eyes.

“Oh Jack,” she cried softly, “it’s beautiful.” She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

Jack tipped his head low and reached under the brim of his hat to wipe away his tears.

Brielle released her brother and held up the necklace. “Here, put it on me.”

Jack took the necklace and waited for her to turn around. Then he carefully placed it about her neck and clasped it securely.

She spun to face him, wearing an eager smile. “So, how does it look?”

A gentle smile crossed Jack’s face. His voice was full of compassion when he spoke. “You look just like Mom — right down to her sparkling green eyes … You’re beautiful, Brielle. Just plain beautiful.”

Her heart softened at the unexpected compliment. She furrowed her brow. “I am?”

“That’s right …
brat.
” He grinned smugly as he tipped the brim of his hat and walked away.

Brielle shook her head. “I knew it wouldn’t last,” she whispered to herself, and smiled. “Where are you going, Jack?” she called out.

“Gotta go get my date. Don’t start without me. Oh, and Colt, you’d do best to take notes,” Jack shouted over his shoulder as he climbed into his truck. Then he revved his engine and sped away.

“Whoever he decides to marry is gonna be one lucky woman. But not as lucky as me … because I get to marry my hero today.” Brielle smiled and stood on her tiptoes to give Colt a kiss.

“I’m the lucky one, baby.” Colt leaned down to cover her lips with his.

“Shouldn’t you be saving that for the
I do’s?
” Zeke walked up behind Colt and slapped him between the shoulder blades.

Brielle and Colt separated to greet Zeke and his wife.

“Hey there, old-timer,” Colt teased, and shook his hand. Then he tipped his hat and gave a courteous glance at Eleanor’s simple blue dress. “Eleanor, you look beautiful tonight.”

Eleanor’s blue eyes lit up. She patted her flippy short brown hair and smiled with rosy cheeks. “Why thank you, Colt.” She looked at Brielle. “Everything looks beautiful, Gabby.” She gestured toward the backyard.

“Thank you, but I can hardly take credit. Colt and Jack planned the whole thing.” Brielle wrapped an arm about Colt’s waist.

Like second nature, Colt met Brielle’s loving gesture and drew her close.

“Well, you’ve done a fine job, Colt,” Eleanor said.

“Thank you.” Colt gave a quick nod. “But we can’t take all the credit. Amy and Richard and the entire fire department had a hand in it too,” he added.

“Richard Collins?” Eleanor asked.

“That’s right,” Colt replied.

“How nice. Where is he?” She looked about at the firefighters setting up the barbecues where the driveway met the backyard.

“They’re inside,” Brielle answered. “Amy insisted on decorating the inside of the house too. Richard’s helping her. I’ll walk you in.” She glanced at Colt.

Colt smiled at her. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Thank you, Gabby is it? Or Brielle?” Eleanor asked.

“I like Brielle best.” She smiled and headed for the back door with Eleanor at her side.

Colt and Zeke watched their women disappear into the house.

Zeke gave Colt a firm pat on the shoulder. “I’ll have to admit, buddy, I’m really happy for you. For you
and
Ga — I mean, Brielle. You’ve both had such a rough time of it. But you got through it all together. You two are meant for one another.”

“Don’t I know it, Zeke,” Colt said fervently. “So how’s the garage coming along?”