Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Rancher Buys a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (19 page)

“How dare you threaten me.”

“It not a threat, more an explanation. I know the right people and have a lot of money. A word here or there, contributions to anyone you run against, and you’ll never have a chance.” Drake straightened, but never lost eye contact with Janice’s father.

“What do you want?” Her father glared at him. His face had turned a bright red.

“I love your daughter. I am going to marry her with or without your approval. For myself, I don’t care, but Janice loves you. She’ll be hurt if you cause difficulties. So you won’t.”

“And how do you plan to stop me? I don’t cave in to threats.”

“Check my credentials. I worked for the government. I can take good care of Janice and any family we may have. We don’t need you. You need me. Call me tomorrow.” Drake turned on his heel and strolled out of the office.

Janice stood at the door to the family room. Her facial muscles were drawn tight with tension. “Where’s Dad?”

“He’ll be along in minute. He’s checking on some facts.” Drake had no doubt the judge had immediately contacted some of his people. “Shall we join your mother?” He motioned to where Mrs. Dedrick sat by the tea and coffee set. “I’d enjoy a cup of coffee and some of that lovely chocolate cake,” he said to Mrs. Dedrick and nodded at the platter on the table beside her.

Mrs. Dedrick served the coffee and cake. They had a stilted conversation while everyone waited for the judge. Drake was furious that the judge was taking so much time to return. Both Janice and her mother were tense and barely able to carry on a conversation.

When the judge appeared at the door, Drake heard a soft sigh from the women around him. Damn the man.

Judge Dedrick smiled at his wife and daughter. “I’m sorry I’ve kept you waiting. I had several important calls I had to take care of before rejoining you. Is that your famous chocolate cake, my dear?”

“Yes, I’ll cut you a piece.” Mrs. Dedrick sprang out of her seat and with trembling hands cut a slice and poured her husband coffee.

“Well, Janice. This young man of yours has convinced me he loves you and will take good care of you. You and your mother had best start making the plans for your wedding.” His eyes met Drake’s for a brief second, before he hugged his daughter.

Evidently, his informants had verified what Drake had told him. Good. Now to make a quick exit out of here.

Her father apparently had the same idea. He ate his cake quickly and looked relieved when Drake suggested they leave.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, Mom. We’ll meet for lunch and start making arrangements. Neither Drake nor I want a long engagement.” Janice glanced at Drake.

“She’s right. I’d run away and marry her tomorrow, but I know how important the wedding ceremony is to the ladies. Guess we’ll have to put up with all the parties and the large wedding, Judge.”

“She’s our only child. Her mother and I will want to do right by her.”

Drake put his arm around Janice’s waist and urged her toward the door. Her mother turned on the outside lights as they stepped out.

Janice turned her head and waved. “Bye, Mom and Dad.” They waved back and then the door snapped shut.

“What a perfect ending,” a man said, moving out from between the hedges.

“Do I know you? What are you doing here?” Janice asked. A frown crossed her forehead.

But Drake saw the gun. “You must be the mechanic?”

“What do you mean?” Janice asked.

“He means I’m your admirer, your caller, your destiny with death.” He yanked off his hat and blond wig.

Drake saw the comprehension and the fear hit her at the same time. “Can you tell us why?” Drake asked, stalling for time.

“I’ve loved her for years. She used to come in with that milksop lawyer she planned to marry. I fixed him.”

“You caused Ted’s wreck?” Janice asked.

“I did. Clever of me, wasn’t it? I thought perhaps you’d eventually start noticing me, but you quit coming to the shop, and I had to change jobs to work where you brought your car. I smiled at you, and you ignored me. Oh, you said thank you, but you didn’t really look at me. Did you!” He screamed the last words at her.

Good, he’s losing control
. If only her father or mother would look out a window.

The man sauntered closer, a smirk on his face. “Finally, I bid on you, but this man had too much money for anyone else to compete.”

Janice moved herself to lean against Drake. “I love him.”

She put one hand around his waist, under his coat. Drake knew she’d seen him put his gun behind his waistband earlier. He felt her fingers grasp the gun handle. Looking down into her eyes, he tried to will her not to put herself in danger.

“Get away from him,” her stalker screamed at Janice.

Drake put his hand behind him and took hold of her arm. “Do as he says, honey.” Drake pulled on her arm, taking possession of the gun as she slid her arm out and stepped away from him. Drake let his arm fall. In one smooth movement, he pointed the gun up at their attacker and shot.

The man’s face went blank. He fell forward, and his gun fired into the concrete driveway. Drake had already thrown his body over Janice’s when the other gun went off.

Drake’s cell rang. Brent’s number showed on his phone.

“Drake, don’t go out. We’re on our way. I was right about the mechanic.”

“I know. We left our dinner party early, and he met us outside. He’s dead. I see the judge and his wife heading our way. Got to hang up.”

Judge Dedrick pulled his daughter into his arms. “You are all right?” he asked Janice.

“Fine, thanks to Drake.”

Her mother held out her arms, and Janice went into her embrace.

Janice was trembling, and Drake wanted to pick her up and carry her away, but sensed she needed the attention from her parents. Her father turned to him and frowned.

“What’s going on here? Was this person after you? Did you put my daughter in danger?”

“No, Daddy.” Janice spoke before Drake could answer. “This man had been stalking me and wanted Drake dead because I cared for him. He admitted he killed Ted, too.”

“Apparently, sir, he’s been obsessed with your daughter for years,” Drake added. The older man had gone pale. Drake took his arm and walked him inside to a chair. Janice and her mother followed. “We’d better call the police,” Drake said.

The judge took a deep breath. “Already did. I think I hear their sirens.”

Drake left the others and went back outside just as the first patrol car drove up, followed almost immediately by his brother and his men.

“Damn, I’m embarrassed,” Brent said.

“Why?”

“I almost got you and Janice killed.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“Still I feel like I missed something. The police brought that guy,
Clyde
, in for questioning. The one she used to work with years ago. He didn’t want to talk, but when they told him if you two got hurt he’d be charged as an accessory, he changed his mind. “

“I hope he gets charged for this attack,” Drake said and stared across as the attacker’s body was carried away.

“I can’t see why he won’t be. I had a guard on your assailant’s house, so after that phone call from the police, we forced our way in. He was gone. The sucker had a tunnel running from his house to the back street, and as I see from that wig lying over there, he must have worn a disguise. I called you as I headed this way.”

“You didn’t fail us, Brent. The man was crazy, but very intelligent in a twisted way. He’d been planning to get Janice for a long time.”

He and Brent walked toward the police. Looking more himself, the judge, with all his pompous self showing, joined them. It was going to be a long night.

Drake glanced at the door. Janice stood in the entrance, a worried expression on her face. Whatever they’d had to go through, it was all worth it to finally know she was safe, and she’d be his wife soon. He winked at her, and then turned to join the others.

Chapter Twelve

Drake stood at the front of the church with his father and two brothers by his side. The pews were filled to the brim. Everyone had wanted to come to Judge Dedrick’s daughter’s wedding. The air conditioner blew the scent of flowers around the church. Drake kept his eyes focused on the doorways to the sanctuary. He waited impatiently for his bride to arrive.

Judge Dedrick and his wife had insisted on an elaborate wedding. Janice had agreed and gotten caught up in the excitement of the showers, making the arrangements, and generally having fun. Drake had been surprised to see his level-headed fiancée actually enjoying herself in all the madness. He’d been determined to control his restlessness, and sat back happy to see her pleasure. But finally, it was over. The time was now, and in a few hours they’d fly to his private island for their honeymoon.

The organ began to play, and the wedding party began to walk down the aisle. Several of Janice’s closest friends were her bridesmaids, and her maid of honor, Samantha, followed them.

Then, Janice and her father appeared in the doorway. Drake’s heartbeat jumped at the sight of his red-headed love dressed in a gorgeous white gown, walking down the aisle toward him. Her sweet smile went straight to his heart.

* * * *

Janice’s hand tightened on her father’s arm. “Nervous?” her father asked.

“A little, mostly excited,” she whispered as they moved into the doorway to wait for Samantha to reach the altar. “You do like him, Dad?”

“I don’t know that he and I will ever be good friends, Janice. We’re too different, but I respect him, and I do believe he sincerely loves you.” Her father nodded to the front of the church. “Time for us.” He put his hand briefly over hers where it lay on his arm, and then they stepped onto the carpet leading to the front.

Janice glanced down at the heart-shaped bodice of her gown and the full satin skirt with embroidery trim. When she looked back up, she saw Drake’s eyes looking at her with love, and her whole body warmed. Without speaking, her heart heard his words,
I love you.

The ceremony didn’t take long, but the party afterwards was going on forever. Janice and Drake walked around thanking their guests for coming. She hugged Drake’s father and mother before turning to hug Brent and Ty.

Janice leaned back and stared at Ty. “I’m so glad you decided to come. You’re all right?”

“I’m fine. You didn’t think I’d miss my big brother’s wedding, did you?”

“I hoped not. Who’s taking care of the ranch?”

“Our foreman.” Ty leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “Promise me you won’t waste a minute of your life. Hold him close and love him every day.”

“I will, and I know he’ll do the same for me. But, I want you to promise me something.”

Ty raised his eyebrows. “What?”

“Let your heart open to love again.”

He started to frown at her, and his hands tightened around hers. He took a deep breath.

“You two look very serious.” Drake walked across to them from where he’d been standing talking with the rest of his family. “What’s up?”

“Janice and I were just talking. Isn’t it about time you two left on the honeymoon?”

“I’ve been ready,” Drake said. “Can we get out of here, honey?”