Page 12 of The Cowboy Takes a Nanny
Joey was nothing if not persistent. “Hmm, it’s just that I haven’t seen Leo so relaxed a long time. Even before Hope, he’d grown more serious—more like JD than Jack. But this is the Leo I grew up with, lighthearted funny. It’s great! But I’m just wondering what’s caused the change?”
Joey’s eyebrows were high. Her tone questioning; and her expression innocent. But Ella wasn’t fooled, there was nothing innocent in that question. “I would imagine it’s due to Mia being settled, and that he’s also fit enough to get on with his work after his rodeo injury. Those things can make a big difference to anybody—pheromones, I suppose.” Ella cringed. Wrong word to use.
“Pheromones, huh?” Joey nodded, still playing the innocent. “There’s a few things that can induce those …”
Ignoring that, and the knowing looks shooting between her guests, Ella focused on pouring tea. “What I started to say before was that I’m dying to hear about this triple wedding! I still can’t get my head around the fact you girls are really all getting married on the same day!”
Curiosity was replaced by enthusiastic smiles, and Ella breathed a sigh of relief. Much as she loved her new friends, the last thing she needed was anyone getting into their head that she and Leo would make a great couple. In fairness, while that scenario might also play a big part in her fantasies, it wasn’t something she could risk happening. Protecting Benny was her priority.
“I know—it’s crazy right? Especially for Jack and me—it might seem hasty, but …” Liberty shook her head, as if she was amazed by the craziness of their decision. “But it’s also fun …” She looked across at the two women who would soon be her sisters. “And perfect,” she added softly.
“Mom’s floating on air. And Dad keeps telling her to just take it easy, but then he’s going around inviting every person he bumps into! They’re so excited—like kids!” Joey rolled her eyes, but it did little to hide how thrilled she was with the reactions of her parents.
“You’re having the weddings here at the ranch? I know there was some debate …”
“Yes, here. The vote was unanimous,” Evie said. “JD’s dad and some friends are clearing out one of the barns—it’s going to be huge! Obviously, it’ll provide an indoor space in case the weather turns. This is Montana! June or not, I’m told it still could snow. It’s rare but apparently, it has happened, so they’re ensuring everything is prepared. We’ve all had a say in how we’d like it decorated, and it’s going to be gorgeous.”
A twinge of envy slithered through Ella, but she smiled through it. “You have your gowns and everything?”
“They have,” The mock despair in Evie’s voice made them all smile as she looked pointedly across at petite Joey who’d apparently bounced straight back to her pre-pregnancy figure, and Liberty, the gorgeous willowy Hollywood star, who would probably make sackcloth look elegant. On a sigh Evie rubbed her hands across her protruding belly. “The completion date of my dress is rather fluid. More of a month-by-month plan. And I’m sure one day, I’ll laugh about why I agreed to get married when I’ll be eight months pregnant.”
Joey slipped an arm around her friend and soon-to-be sister. “Because it’s romantic, and you love the idea and because we’re doing it as a family.”
Tears filled Evie’s eyes, and smiling gently, Liberty leaned across to squeeze her hand. “Family,” Evie repeated. “Our family.”
Ella wiped her eyes. “Oh gosh, you’ve got me crying now. And I know you don’t need my opinion, but I think your triple wedding sounds wonderful!”
Joey beamed and Ella instantly suspected she knew where the idea had originated. “We’re hoping Mia and Ruby will be part of the combined bridal party—and hey! We should include Benny! That would be so cute!”
The other girls immediately agreed, all cooing over how sweet Mia and Benny would look, toddling down the aisle together. “Mia will be walking properly by then,” Evie added, “And it’s evident she adores Benny, so she’ll probably be more comfortable with him beside her.”
For a moment Ella couldn’t reply. The weddings were less than three months away, and while she had no plans to leave before then, her future—hers and Benny’s—wasn’t something she had complete control over.
Misreading her hesitation, Joey jumped, in her eyes apologizing before her words even left her mouth. “Ella, I’m sorry. I do that all the time—jump in, make assumptions … Of course, if you’re not comfortable …?”
“No, no—it’s not that at all. It’s—”
“Your own wedding?” Liberty suggested gently. “It couldn’t have been that long ago, and it would be understandable that talk of our plans might being up memories that are painful for you.”
“Oh Ella, I’m so sorry.” Joey was a picture of misery. “I—”
“Stop.” Enough was enough, and Ella hoped her smile took the sting out of her command. “I’m fine and if you remember, I was the one who raised the subject, and I’d love to hear more. I think your suggestion regarding Benny just took my breath away for a moment. It’s lovely and such a surprise. You’ve all been so welcoming, but still, to be invited to be part of a wedding party is very special indeed, and I know he will love it. Thank you.”
“So, all this wedding talk hasn’t upset you? Really? Even given your own situation?” The relief on Evie’s face sent a shot of guilt through Ella, but she continued smiling, nodding to confirm her assertion.
‘Not at all.’
“Phew … But now I can say what I was really thinking. Ella, you must have been a beautiful bride. You’re stunning.” Obviously with her concerns allayed, Joey was again beaming. “And perhaps it’s your gorgeous accent, so crisp, but I can’t help but think it must have been like a wedding of the year of something.”
Or something … Wedding of the year? More like shock of the year. From her father’s perspective it was the disappointment of the year, although perhaps he was secretly glad given his reduced circumstances. Maintaining her smile was difficult, and Ella found herself silently wishing she’d moved the conversation in a completely different direction when she had the chance.
“Nothing so grand, I’m afraid,” she said simply. “A quiet country wedding.” Very quiet.
“In England? The English countryside? That always looks so pretty…”
Ella sucked in air. “Ahh, no France, actually. My husband, Emile, was French.”
“France! That’s even more romantic.”
