Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cattleman Wins a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 4] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (20 page)

“In a way, but it was best for you.”

She grinned and wiggled her hips before she closed the bathroom door.

“I’ll make you sorry for taunting me later,” he said.

“I hope so,” Lily said, looking around the edge of the door. “In fact I’m counting on it.” She laughed, and he heard the water in the shower come on.

Deciding the best way to keep control was to leave the bedroom, he walked out to the lounge to wait.

* * * *

When the plane door opened and they stepped out on the ramp, Lily saw everyone was waiting. She turned her head toward Ty.

“You told them about our engagement?”

“Yep, when I called just before we left. I couldn’t keep the good news to myself any longer.” He grinned at her. “From the looks of it I think we’re in for a celebration. You don’t mind, do you?”

“No. It sounds wonderful.” She started down the steps and Angie walked toward the ramp.

“You’re getting bigger, big sister.”

“That I am.” Angie hugged her. “I’m so glad you and Ty finally got together. You’ll have to tell me all the details when we get alone.” She greeted Ty and gave him a hug. “About time you came to your senses.”

“True. How are you?”

“I’m fine. Come on, it’s time to start celebrating,” Angie said.

Ty’s brothers and their friend Jackson shook his hand and slapped him on the shoulder. “Glad to have you join our ranks,” they teased him.

“You know
Jackson
started this all when he decided to get married. I came to the wedding and met Janice and it was all over for the rest of us after that,” Drake said. “I think we all have to thank Jackson and Samantha.”

They all laughed and gave Samantha and Jackson a cheer.

At
Jackson
’s ranch house, the grill was smoking and Samantha had put out a spread of salads, baked beans, and corn on the cob. She poured Angie, Lily, Janice, and herself a soda. “Here’s to a very happy marriage.” Samantha raised her glass. Janice and the sisters joined in.

Lily glanced outside and saw the four men laughing and talking as the barbecue cooked. Warmth spread through her. She was going to have the large extended family she’d always dreamed about. When Ty saw her glance, he winked and her pulse rate increased.

The women sat around the small kitchen table. “Tell us what happened,” Angie said.

She gave them a quick rundown about seeing her father, finding Ty at the hotel, his proposal, and her last visit to her dad.

“That must have been difficult,” Samantha said.

“It was. The second visit Ty went with me. Him being at my side made it bearable.”

“Thank goodness he was there,” Janice said. “Drake and Brent were both convinced he loved you and would propose. We just weren’t sure when until his last call.”

Angie nodded. “And we thought you two would enjoy a barbecue and a chance to celebrate. I hope we were right.” She studied her sister’s face.

“Can’t you tell by my big grin?” Lily asked. Her friends laughed and each got up and came around to hug her. Lily blinked to keep the tears from falling.

“Honey.” Ty spoke from behind her chair. She hadn’t noticed him walk up. “Shall we tell them the surprise you gave me after I’d proposed?”

Lily knew he’d specified after the proposal so the others would be aware he’d planned to marry her before knowing about the baby.

“Do you think we should?” Lily asked, teasingly.

“I do.”

“Maybe we ought to wait and tell them about seven and a half months from now,” Lily said.

Angie looked puzzled as did the others for a few seconds, and then all of them started smiling. Angie jumped back up and hugged Lily.

“You’re going to have a baby?”

“I am.” All the women and their husbands, who’d joined the circle, stared at Ty after Lily’s statement.

Ty put up his hands in defense. “Don’t look at me. I’m fine, I’m happy.” He put his hand on Lily’s shoulder. “We’re both happy.” Leaning down he kissed her cheek. He stood and looked at each of the others. “I’ve been stupid and an ass, but when Lily left me I realized what I was losing by letting her go. I love her.”

Lily saw the expressions relax. Drake and Brent each hugged Ty, and then Jackson and the women followed.

“I’m pretty sure I’m speaking for all of us men,”
Jackson
said. “We’ve never been happier than since we got married.” Drake and Brent both nodded.

“I’ve been lucky before, and I know Lily and I are going to be very happy. I’m going to do whatever I need to see that we are. In fact, I’ll use Dad’s remedy and start getting used to saying, ‘yes, dear.’” This brought on another round of laughter.

“When’s the wedding?” Angie asked.

“If it’s all right with you and Brent, we thought we’d get married by your lake as soon as Mom and Dad can get here,” Ty said.

Angie glanced at Brent and then said, “Fine with us.” She glanced at Janice and Samantha. “We’ll have fun decorating and planning the ceremony and reception afterwards.”

Ty flipped open his phone. “I’m calling Mom and Dad right now with the news.”

Chapter Fourteen

Lily came out of the doctor’s office. Angie had waited in the lobby. She stood, and they walked out to her truck.

“Would you like to eat in town or head straight back?”

“Lunch sounds good. With the morning sickness I don’t keep much down until now, and then I’m hungry.”

Billie greeted them when they walked in the diner. “I can never get over how much you two look alike.” She glanced around them. “Just you two today?”

“Yes, can we sit over in the corner where we can have a bit of privacy?” Angie asked.

“You got it, sweetie.” Billie led them to the last table on the right. “Here are your menus. I’ll be back in a minute. Do you want me to bring coffee?”

“Ice water for both of us,” Angie said. Billie hurried off. “We’ll wait and talk after she returns.”

Billie came right back with their water and took their order. The place was not crowded. It was only eleven, a little early for the main crowd.

“Now, what did the doctor say, and did you like her?”

“I did like her, very much. She says I’m healthy. I told her about Ty’s fears from his previous experience. She said that was very unusual, and to tell him I’m healthy.”

“Good. He’s done an about-turn regarding marriage and family. Brent and Drake say he is like the brother they knew all their lives. They give you credit for helping him return to his old self.”

“He was getting there. Us meeting and falling in love just speeded up the process. Can we stop at the post office? I’m hoping the dress I ordered for my wedding in two days will have arrived.”

“Sure, we’ll stop on our way home. The decorations go up tomorrow. Janice, who loves to cook, is doing most of the food. I’m cooking the wedding cake tonight and decorating it.”

“I can never thank you all enough. This is great. Ty and Brent will have brought their mom and dad from the landing strip at
Jackson
’s to your ranch by the time we get home,” Lily said. “They’re so sweet and loving. I talked with them on the phone last night.”

Lily bit into the large hamburger Billie had put in front of her. “This tastes good. If I don’t watch out my waist will be too big. I won’t fit into my gown.”

“No worry. You’re still small. Wait until you get as big as me.” Angie patted her stomach. “The doctor said this being the first baby it could happen anytime now. Let’s hope we get through your wedding.”

* * * *

Ty and Lily had chosen early morning with the sun coming up over the water. An arbor decorated with yellow and white roses had been arranged at lakeside, and chairs were set on either side of a long satin runner. A slight breeze blew across the lake.

Lily looked out the window while Angie buttoned up the zillion buttons on the back of her cream-colored gown. “The weather is perfect.” She turned as Angie finished. “And the wedding cake is phenomenal, fancy decorations and all. You could go into business.”

“I enjoy baking. I’m thinking about starting a small business here at home. I have my huge kitchen. I’d bake for the locals, cakes, cookies, pies, and so forth.”

“That’s a great idea. What does Brent say?”

“He’s all for anything I want to do. I’ll substitute teach and bake. That way I can have more free time at home.”

“Better watch out. When the locals taste your goodies, you may have more business than you want.”

“I’ll keep it under control. Now let me look at you.” Angie stepped back. “That cream color looks good on you. And I like the style. The high neck and low waistline, and then it flares out. Perfect. Here’s your veil.” Angie handed the fine lace to Lily, and she put it on her head. She’d left her long hair down, and it shone through the delicate lace.

“Ty’s going to be floored when he sees you.”

Lily grinned. “I hope so.”

Angie opened the door. “He’s waiting.” She walked out in front and started down the satin runner toward the arbor. Family and friends sat in the chairs, and Brent and Drake stood by Ty.

Mr. Terrell came to Lily and took her arm. “I’m a lucky man to get to walk another lovely lady down the aisle to marry one of my sons.”

A friend of Brent and Angie’s played the wedding march as they started down the runner. Ty’s brilliant blue eyes gazed into hers. He mouthed the words, “You’re beautiful.”

Soft breezes caressed her cheeks and the fragrance of the roses filled the air. Lily thought her heart might burst with happiness.

* * * *

Ty felt a jolt to his heart when Lily started toward him. The sunlight and her white gown reminded him of how he’d first thought of her, as a lily with golden touches. Her beautiful hair fell around her shoulders and down her back. A wisp of a veil fluttered in the breeze. A small angel. She was going to be his, to love and care for. They’d create a home together.

All the dark places inside had been brought back into the light by Lily. Soon they’d have a child. The thought brought a twinge of fear, but he pushed it away. They’d be fine.

His father placed Lily’s small hand in his. Her soft, warm fingers wrapped around his hand and his heart. Her particular fragrance filled his being.

Ty said his vows clear and firm. Lily’s soft voice repeated hers. The best words were when the minister said, “I now pronounce you man and wife.” Lily’s sweet smile filled him with warmth and hope and happiness.

Leaning down, he started to just brush his lips across her mouth, but her arms went around his neck. She opened her mouth and thoroughly kissed him. He raised his red face to a laughing crowd.

“My, my,” he whispered to his new wife. “Being married has made you quite daring.”

“Just wait until we’re alone.”

“You did that on purpose, knowing it will be hours before that happens.”

Lily took his arm and turned to greet their friends and family. The reception was endless, but fun. At dusk, they had a campfire going by the lake, and everyone, including the children who had joined them, toasted marshmallows and sang songs.