Forrest, Dawn - Sweet Water Wedding: Sharing Shannon (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) (12 page)

“Yeah, most Rydens are in the town cemetery, but Josh knew how much our parents used to like to come up here. It’s a place we come to when we want to just think about stuff or for some peace. We also get a pretty good view of what’s going on in the area.”

Shannon realized that there were hidden depths to James. He gave off a lot of energy, but she was now seeing a calmer, more contemplative side to his character.

“I’m sure that you’re sick of people prying about the unusual setup of one woman and two men, but I’m curious, what was it like growing up with two dads?”

“I don’t mind you asking at all. You have to remember that it’s not that unusual here and certainly nothing I’m ashamed of. We were a happy family. Mom was a very satisfied woman I think, and I don’t mean just physically, obviously I can’t comment on that, but with two men I doubt she was left wanting.” He gave her a knowing look. “As a teenager I was aware that there was this attraction and bond between them. There was a lot of physical affection, hugs, and casual touches. The responsibility of the Ranch and family were shared between them all, which eased the burden and gave them a little more personal time. Mum was never short of someone to talk to and as a child I can’t remember not having the attention of one of my parents if I needed it.”

Shannon shifted her feet and looked around, out past the trees toward the ranch, anywhere rather than at his face. James Ryden alone looked more than enough for any woman. She wondered what his partner was like.

“You make it sound idyllic.”

“There were arguments, don’t get me wrong, just like any other family.” He chuckled, “Mom was a strong minded woman; she had to be to handle two Rydens. They were brothers and both big, tough men. Other people used to joke that the softest thing about Peter was his two front teeth. He was great with Mom and us kids though.”

“It’s probably indelicate to ask, but do you know who your father is?”

“It doesn’t matter, as I considered them both as my dad. Mom legally married Peter, who was the oldest brother by three years, and his name is on the birth certificates, but as far as and the folks of Ridge Water town and the County were concerned John was just as much a husband and a father. John was fairer than Peter, so it’s likely that he’s my biological dad. These days some families have DNA tests and try to work it so that each husband has a child that is genetically his, but he will still consider himself to be father to all of the kids. That’s more common where the dads aren’t related. Families work it out for themselves, and that’s the key to success I think. Everything is discussed up front and agreed upon so there are no hard feelings.”

“I’m not sure that’s humanly possible.”

“You have to look at it differently, from the perspective of the family being a team, a strong unit with all members working together. Mom once said that there was so much love in the family that it didn’t need to be rationed and apportioned out, it just was, endless. It’s not hard to share something so big.”

“Bloody hell, I worry that you’re going to be disappointed in life if that’s what you’re expecting.”

For a brief second sorrow flitted across James’s face. She felt mean for being so negative, but in her experience family life was fraught with petty jealousies and regrets. What James suggested seemed fantastical.

“When they died it was as if a big chunk of our lives had been lost. The quietness in the house was, still is, the hardest thing. When you think about it, it’s ironic that an absence can be physically felt.” He shook his head slightly as he looked past her toward the graves. “I know that their relationship was real and not some impossible fantasy. We just have to find the right woman. I’m not expecting anything, but I’m hoping.”

He shifted his gaze to her and she could see the absolute conviction is his eyes. Perhaps such a family setup was possible with men like him, in a place like this. She was distracted from that interesting thought by the sound of an engine getting closer.

“Do you know who that is?” she asked, cocking her head in the direction of the track.

“I might do.” He smiled. “Come on, let’s go say hello.”

A big truck pulled up and Shannon heard a familiar squeal as the passenger door opened and Rachael leaped out. She gave a little shriek of delight herself and ran to her friend. They hugged each other, jumping around like teenagers.

“How? When? Oh, it’s great to see you.” Rachael rushed.

“I think your future brother-in-law may have set us up.” Shannon turned to James and mouthed a ‘thank-you’ to him.

“This is my fiancé, Joshua Ryden.” Rachael indicated to the mountain of a man who was unfolding from the vehicle.

Shannon knew that her eyes must be nearly popping out. “Jesus, you weren’t kidding, your man’s big all right.”

Rachael leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Yes, and he’s all in proportion.” She wiggled her eyebrows and Shannon had to choke down a laugh. Fortunately it appeared Joshua hadn’t heard the exchange

“It’s great to meet you, Joshua.”

He looked down at her and surprised them all by picking her up for a hug. “I’m glad that you’ve come earlier than expected, I know Rachael will appreciate it, thank you.” He set her down and put his arm around Rachael.

She felt herself instantly warm to the man. “He’ll do, Rach.” Shannon laughed.

“We’ve a picnic courtesy of James’s planning and Isabella’s culinary skills,” Joshua informed them.

“That was really thoughtful, James.” Rachael thanked him with a quick squeeze.

“As I said earlier, I’m all heart.” He winked at her.

They set the blanket out on the edge of the trees so that they were still in the shade but had a great view of the ranch. Shannon explained that she’d been at the oil and gas conference.

Rachael gasped, “Gosh, what a coincidence. Josh and James and were there at the beginning of the week, in fact I think L—”

“Ow!” James cried out slapping his neck, “Sorry, something stung me. Wasp, I think.”

“Are you okay? Let me take a look.” Shannon knelt closer and brushed his shirt collar aside. “I can’t see anything.” She did however note the rigid cords in his neck as he held himself stiffly.

“Sometimes I take a while to react.”

He trembled as her fingers lightly traced the area. She abruptly dropped her hand and moved away.

James swallowed and changed the subject. “Do you know how long you’re staying, Shannon?”

“I was planning on a month, if that’s okay with you, Rachael?”

“That would be great. We’ll be away for a two-week honeymoon somewhere, Josh won’t tell me where, but you can stay at my cabin if you want. Chill out or use it as a base for exploring.”

Rachael opened the cool box and handed around some still cold beers. “Here’s to grooms, brides, best men, and bridesmaids everywhere. Cheers.” They toasted with their bottles and drank deeply.

* * * *

James decided that he could get used to this; a pleasant picnic with his family and the woman he was rapidly falling for. All that was missing was Luke. He could envisage a day in the future, doing just this sort of thing perhaps with Janet and maybe Mitch joining them, and all their brats running around causing havoc. Such a thought would have had him heading full speed in the opposite direction not too long ago. He wanted to get to know Shannon better and was trying to think of the best way of breaking it to her that Luke was his best friend and partner. It had been a close thing earlier when Rachael had almost mentioned Luke. He’d conjured up a nonexistent wasp sting and deflected the conversation, but it was only a matter of time before she found out.

“There are a few new tracks going across Crossling’s land. I wonder what he’s up to.” Joshua was looking through the binoculars. “They lead into the wooded area, not far from the Sweet River and close to the boundary with the land we’re leasing from him and his dad.”

“As long as he stays away from me I don’t care what he does. He’s a real weasel of a man, Shannon. He tried to blame me for the death of his horse just over a month ago. We think he sold it secretly then tried to besmirch my good name.”

“Ye Gods,” exclaimed Shannon in mock shock. “Besmirching Rachael Harrison? Why, the man’s a scoundrel no less. I take it he’s one neighbor who’s not invited to your wedding?”

Rachael shook her head, “My dear, he truly is a nasty little fucker. The man would be as welcome as a rattlesnake at a square dance.”

“Castration with a blunt pair of shears too good for him, eh?” Shannon mused while lying on her side, propped up on her elbow.

James and Joshua sat stunned and silent listening to the banter between the two friends.

“No, that’s too easy. You could sing to him, Shannon.”

“Ah, Rachael, you always were the more diabolical of the two of us.” She shook her head and sighed.

“Not in the choir then Shannon?” Joshua ventured.

“I couldn’t carry a tune in a reinforced bucket, but it doesn’t stop me.”

James laughed. He found her attitude refreshing. Most women he knew harbored the illusion that they could sing like Celine Dion.

“Oh no, I’d forgotten your morning recitals in the shower. Where do you keep the ear defenders, Josh?”

“Did you two live together?” asked James.

“Yeah, in college and for a year after, but then unfortunately careers took us to different locations, and now I’m in Ireland and you,” she said pointing at Rachael, “are here.”

“There’s plenty of room in Meadow Ridge County for a wee thing like you.” Rachael grinned.

James wanted to raise his hands and give praise for Rachael, but he affected a nonexistent nonchalance.

“You have an American passport, Rachael, but it wouldn’t be that easy for me to get residency and a green card.”

Maybe it would if you were married to me.
Where that leap in reasoning came from he didn’t know— it just sort of popped into his head. Today he was having all sorts of domestic, homey thoughts. His brain must be impaired by the fact that blood was being diverted to an altogether different region of his body.

“I’m sure with your skills it wouldn’t be a problem but failing that you could pay someone to marry you. Old Mr. Connor could do with some cash,” James joked.

Rachael laughed, “I think Shannon could do better than that.”

“Mmm, I suppose so. Look, as you’re a friend of the family I could offer my services, at a push,” he gave Shannon a wink.

“She can do better than you, too.”

Like hell she can.
James suddenly grew serious as he lazily turned to Rachael. “There’s no one better than me,” he drawled. Then he moved his gaze to Shannon and slowly undressed her with his eyes.

* * * *

Shannon would have laughed except for the fact that he was looking intently at her with more raw desire than anyone ever had before. Shit, he wasn’t joking. It was an arrogant and very immodest statement, but somehow she knew it wasn’t false. It was as thrilling as it was unnerving. She automatically looked to Rachael for support but saw that she was looking at Joshua and rolling her eyes.

“Well, if I’m desperate I’ll bear your kind offer in mind,” she said quickly in a voice a little too high and squeaky to be cool.

“In that case you should know that I’m only half the package. My partner and I share. Unlike my brother here, I want all our parents had.” He didn’t take his eyes off her and she couldn’t bring herself to look away from this suddenly more intense and authoritative man. “Could you handle that?”

God, what was he asking? James alone would be more than enough for one woman. Again she wondered what his partner was like, probably five foot four, skinny, with a small penis and a face only a mother could love. Surely anything more potent and a woman would spontaneously combust. She suddenly felt way out of her depth but couldn’t help her body from reacting with a flush to her face and a flood to her panties.