Page 20 of The Cowboy Takes A Bride

Briefly, Sabrina gave Meredith a questioning look.

Jace removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair. “Well, Ma. It was like this––”

Meredith sprung forward. “I’m not usually so impulsive by nature, but your son’s charms and Sabrina’s outstandingcharacter reference and gloating stories of him give me comfort in knowing we’re doing the right thing. I know we’ve only known each other a short time, since he was at the auction.” She directed that last bit to Sabrina. “But who needs time when something feels right? I feel like I’ve known him a lifetime, and now I’ll get a lifetime to get to know him. I’m Meredith Hanover.” She stuck out her hand and made her smile larger, all the while hoping she wasn’t going to burn in hell for lying to these people. Jace’s father stepped forward and took her hand in his. “I’m Wes Shepard. You can call me Pops. It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

His hand trembled in hers, his clasp weak, his fingers squeezing intermittently. She made sure to act as if she didn’t notice. “He looks just like you. I could have picked you out anywhere.”

“He acts like him, too. Stubborn and bossy.” This from Jace’s mom.

Meredith waited for Wes to pull his hand away from hers before she turned to face Jace’s mom.

“I’m Marjory.” She didn’t extend her hand, but instead opened her arms and folded Meredith into them like she had Sabrina. “I won’t lie and say I’m not surprised, but I like the sight of you already. That last one looked more conniving than a coyote. ’Member her, Rina?” Marjory stepped back and scanned Meredith up and down.

Sabrina came to stand next to Marjory. “I do, and I also remember trying to talk him out of dating her.”

“You’re a pretty little thing. Almost delicate. We’re gonna have to thicken you up. You’re not a vegetarian or anything like that, are ya?”

“Leave her alone, Ma. You’ll get plenty of time to grill her later.” Jace came into the room carrying a collapsed wheelchair.

“I’d have done all this sooner had I met herbeforeyou all decided to get married.”

Jace stiffened and shot Meredith a look she interpreted as a silent plea for help.

“I’m afraid that’s my fault. My father is very protective,” Meredith said in a rush of words and was pleased to see Jace's shoulders relax.

“Is he here?” Marjory asked.

“No ma’am. I’m afraid he doesn’t support the idea.” Meredith figured her time spent watching criminal investigation shows was paying off. Lying about a few facts was easier to keep track of than a whole mess of them. She was safer sticking to the truth, even if it made her sound like a flighty, impulsive girl.

“And you’re here anyway?” Marjory still held Meredith’s shoulders.

“Yes, ma’am. I can only hope he’ll come around at some point.” She wasn’t sure if that was a lie or not.

“Here’s your wheelchair, Pops.” Jace pushed the arms to the side to lock the seat in place.

“That darned thing? I don’t need that. Just chuck it in the trash outside.” Pops didn’t bother looking at it.

“You know I can’t do that. Your therapist said—”

“My therapist is a twenty-something dingbat from California who can’t wait to get out of this small town and ‘hang ten.’ Whatever that means. He’s probably taken a beating to the head from all that surfing.”

Marjory rolled her eyes. “We’ll just leave it here in case you need it. You know I like a contingency plan, Wes. Now take my arm and escort me out to the chapel where we can watch our son get married. You make sure you film that Rina, or Willow will have a fit.” Marjory didn’t wait for Pops to come to her. She went to him, tucked her arm through his, and stepped in closer. Slowly, they made their way into the chapel.

“Come on, son. Isn’t it bad luck to see the bride before the service?” Pops called over his shoulder.

When Jace caught her eye, he thanked her with a nod and a smile. Then he followed his parents out the door.

Meredith smiled, so much for running away.

10

The scariest words at the ceremony were not, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” They were, “You may kiss the bride.”

Jace turned to her, took off his hat, clasping it with both hands in front of him, and raised his brows in question. Meredith stepped forward and nodded slightly.

The good folks in the church leaned forward.

As he lowered his head, she caught the slight upward tick of his mouth. Knowing he was okay with kissing her, even possibly looking forward to it if the smile was any indication, made the fluttery sensation in her stomach beat madly. Excitement undulated through her, fear following at its heels.

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