Page 32 of Seaside Cowboy's Marriage of Convenience

Yes, that was another prayer he’d never thought he’d say. He was scared even to look as he hurried to shield her from view.

Eyes wide, Kennedy glanced back at her dress. Then her expression relaxed. “Uncle, you were right. I’m glad I went with your advice to have a long train.”

While the man preened in his pew as if not getting her sarcasm, not a muscle moved on her lovely face. Then stoically, she ripped off the part of the train Austin had torn. She balled it up wearing her white opera gloves, then tossed it aside. If he admired her before, that increased tenfold now.

Then she turned to their guests. “We thank you all for coming today to share our special day. Our apologies for this delay. We’re ready to get married now.” After eliciting a few chuckles, she continued, “Austin and I won’t be holding candles for safety measures. And we ask that Kai and Marina, whowillhold candles, step a bit away from us. Just a precaution not to set my hair on fire. Though I understand it would make for an interesting wedding video.”

Now laughter rumbled through the pews as did some chuckles. But the blood drained from his face just from his imagining setting on fire what was left of her lustrous hair after that paint fiasco.

When she stood near him, he knew this was the defining moment of his life.

This wasit.

For a moment, he closed his eyes because he didn’t want her to see the intensity of feeling they surely revealed. Then his gut clenched as a part of him feared that, once he opened his eyes, she’d disappear like the mirage she seemed to be sometimes. As if all this were a dream and he’d wake up and realize it was all gone. Because, really, what were the chances of a small-town veterinarian marrying an heiress?

But no, the moment he opened his eyes, she was still there. Still his bride, about to become his wife.

She tugged on her pearl necklace that matched the pearl earrings he knew had been passed down through the generations in her family. Her mother had worn the same necklace and earrings when marrying Kennedy’s father. Austin’s legacy was of a different kind, and once again, he’d stepped into a world that was worlds apart from his own.

Or rather stumbled into it.

His voice trembled as he spoke his vows. This was happening. This was really happening. This was actually happening.

Looking at the woman who, in mere seconds, would become his wife created too many emotions. So he moved his gaze again to the family members he loved so much, including the one who was going to become his family member.

As expected, Kennedy’s uncle smiled at her as if seeing his own dreams come true. Enormous gratitude filled Austin toward the man who’d raised her as his child, the man who’d been the reason she’d proposed this marriage of convenience, giving Austin a chance he’d never imagined possible. The man he was and ever would be thankful to beyond measure.

Kennedy’s uncle wiped away what seemed to be a happy tear.

Then a shadow passed over her uncle’s face. Maybe it was because Austin’s senses were heightened, or maybe he imagined it all. But for a brief moment before it was gone, he seemed to glimpse one emotion he hadn’t expected to see in the man’s eyes.

Guilt.

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What have I done? HaveI ruined Austin’s life?

Those kinds of questions started invading Kennedy’s mind, ice water dousing her delirious, delicious happiness. At the reception, she sipped her drink as she looked at her now husband, and her mind refused to wrap around that fact. In a room filled with people, buzzing voices, and clattering utensils, she could only see Austin, could hear only his voice.

Well, it would help if his words registered.

What was he telling her? Something about ruining her dress. She waved it off, which attracted her attention to the ring sparkling on her finger. She’d never been one for shiny baubles, but this ring represented something enormous. Just like her pearl necklace, the ring was a family heirloom, but it symbolized much more. “I already had a different dress planned to change into for the reception. I had a backup dress for the ceremony, as well, though I’m glad I didn’t have to use it.”

Kennedy and her uncle had gotten into an argument about the dresses. Uncle had wanted to gift her expensive ones, by a famous designer. She’d insisted on paying for the dresses herself—buying a reasonably priced one from a store and renting the other two. Eventually, she’d put a stop to the argument fast saying she’d wear a potato sack if needed.

Was that ungrateful on her part? Her gaze slipped to her uncle, and he smiled at her. But she knew him enough to notice something was off. She’d expected him to be happier. Her heart sank a little. Had he received some bad news from the doctors? Or was he sad now to let her go?

While she’d hoped things would run smoothly, a part of her feared something drastic would happen, even if everyone around her seemed safe so far.

“You had a backup dress?” Austin’s eyebrows rose.

“It’s always good to have a backup plan. Sometimes several.” Her gaze moved over the room, making sure everyone was happy and having a good time.

Her uncle and Austin’s mother seemed to be arguing about something, but that was becoming the norm. As long as she didn’t stab him with a fork—this time silver, not platinum—Kennedy didn’t worry about it.

Her uncle did consent to a steak meal and a minimal silverware setting—just one knife, fork, and spoon at each place, especially considering that the vast majority of the guests were going to be Austin’s family. Even if he might’ve muttered, “We’re going to be eating like barbarians.”

White and ivory hues, with a few golden accents, swathed everything. She opted for white orchid centerpieces, and a sea of the delicate flowers inundated the room, emanating a wonderful aroma. Baskets of them separated the stage from the rest of the room. A bright fluorescent sign “Austin and Kennedy” shone from the stage, hanging over elegant golden drapes.

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