Forrest, Dawn - Sweet Water Wedding: Sharing Shannon (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) (41 page)

“Nah, she’ll see the funny side. “

“Y’ think?”

“Yeah, but we can get them removed at a push. It won’t be pleasant and I’m hoping we won’t have to. She’s the one, Luke, and we both know it.”

“We gonna ask her to marry us soon then?”

“After the wedding, when things settle down a bit.”

“Who’s going to legally marry her? I think we both want to.”

Yep, they both did. It shouldn’t really matter either way because she’d be married to them both in the eyes of the community here and to each other. Still, he wasn’t about to volunteer to step down.

“Well assuming she wants us we could let her decide, or we could go about it in a logical, mature manner.”

Luke sighed. “Rock, paper, scissors it is then.”

* * * *

It was early evening by the time Shannon and Rachael arrived back at the cabin. All in all, apart from the waxing, both women thought it had been a wonderfully relaxing experience and even Shannon had reluctantly admitted that her nether regions felt silky, smooth, and delightfully sensitive. They’d had a lovely early dinner in the Lemon Tree’s restaurant, and Rachael felt that their connection and friendship was as strong as ever. She would miss Shannon. By the time she got back from her honeymoon, Shannon would be gone. She was holding that sad thought when the house phone rang.

Ten minutes later she flopped down on the sofa next to Shannon.

“That was Josh. He’s coming over with James and Luke for the evening. We can maybe watch a movie if that’s okay with you?” Rachael asked.

“Sure. How did he sound?”

“A bit subdued.” She chuckled. “A hangover tends to have that effect.”

When the guys arrived, they all looked a little rough and sleep shy.

“Was it a good night, lads?” Rachael asked with a smirk.

“You could say that, darlin’.” Joshua rubbed his bristly chin. He obviously hadn’t shaved too carefully. It made him look more dangerous and sexy in her eyes.

“Don’t be fooled by that cool demeanor, once he got over the fact that he wasn’t getting away he fell right into the spirit of things and we had a great time,” James teased. “We couldn’t keep up with him.”

Joshua glared at his brother. “We had a good time, Rach but I wasn’t celebrating my last days of being single. I was celebrating
because
it’s my
last
days being single, my bachelor days are over and I’m marrying you.”

She saw Luke’s eyes widened in surprise when he heard Joshua’s romantic words. Joshua didn’t miss his reaction.

“What?” he said gruffly. “You think I can’t tell the woman I love how important she is to me?”

Even she was surprised by the bold public statement. Her husband to be wasn’t prone to declaring his love. Luke just held up his hands in defense.

“A man can only make a fool of himself over a woman if she doesn’t love him back; otherwise it’s always worth it.” Joshua let forth that pearl of wisdom and she felt a warm delight bloom from her heart.

She noticed that the three of them unconsciously rubbed their groins as if desperate to scratch an itch at the mention of doing foolish things. Just what had they been up to? Not surprisingly none of the guys wanted a beer but instead opted for a glass of lemonade and a plate of cookies. As she went into the kitchen area, Josh followed.

“I can’t wait to show you my waxed smooth pussy,” she whispered. “And there’s another little surprise for you too.”

When Sally made an offer to touch up a certain area on her body Rachael had thought,
What the hell?
and gone for it.

Joshua smiled, but then he uncharacteristically looked a bit embarrassed. “I’ve something to show you, too.”

Now she was intrigued but she didn’t bother trying to wheedle any more information out of him. The man was like a clam when he wanted to be.

By consensus they chose to watch an old spaghetti Western,
For a Few Dollars More
, with Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef. Shannon and Rachael both had a soft spot for the poncho wearing bounty hunter played by Eastwood and the boys of course loved the gritty western. Rachael snuggled up to Joshua on one sofa and Shannon lounged against Luke on the other with her feet in James’s lap.

They had a pleasant evening, but Rachael had the sense of an era drawing to a close. It wasn’t a bad feeling, but soon things would change and her life would be more entwined with that of the man next to her. If she wasn’t mistaken, the same thing might just happen to Shannon. She could happily see a future with families growing stronger and friendships flourishing with love and new blood. She and Josh had agreed to wait at least a year before trying for a baby, but she knew that she’d be more than ready when they did. She really shouldn’t jump the gun, but if Shannon ended up with James and Luke, then their children would be cousins. Cool!

Rachael and Shannon spent most of Friday with her family. In the early evening only Joshua came over to see her one final time before they were to be married. She guessed that Shannon must have talked to Luke and James because they decided not to join them, and Shannon made herself scarce with a book on the front porch. Joshua didn’t stay long, but before he left she told him how much she was looking forward to tomorrow and that she loved him with all her body, mind and soul. That was about as poetic as she got but he seemed to appreciate it. They gently kissed and she realized that, in all probability, it was the last time she’d ever French kiss a single man.

After Joshua left she and Shannon quietly checked over her dress and all the little bits and bobs they needed tomorrow. They then had one glass of Shannon’s Irish whiskey with ice and toasted love, happiness, and tall cowboys with big wangers. They retired early for the night. As she exited the bathroom she caught herself signing, “I’m Getting Married in the Morning,” from the musical
My Fair Lady
. A zip of excitement ran up her spine because it was true. She didn’t really think that she would be able to get to sleep quickly but found herself nodding off as she read her book. Within minutes of her head hitting the pillow and her eyes closing, she was gone.

Chapter 23

“Rachael, you have to eat something or you’ll faint by the time you get the chance later,” Shannon said in her most persuasive voice.

“But I’m too nervous,” Rachael whined.

Shannon changed tactics. “Just bloody eat this piece of toast, damn it, before I shove it down your throat.”

“God, okay okay.” Rachael nibbled the toast. “Oh actually, that makes me feel a little less sick, can you do me another slice?”

Shannon smiled. “Anything for the blushing bride.”

At around noon Susan, Janet, Meg and the hairdresser arrived with fresh orange juice and champagne. Immediately the pensive atmosphere in the cabin turned to one of a happy, excited party. The bridesmaids helped each other dress, Rachael insisted on doing herself, and Meg Harrison fussed over them all. Rachael looked stupendous in the white silk dress, silk slippers, pearl jewelry, and pearls threaded in her hair.

Richard Harrison arrived at two o’clock with two limousines. One was to take his wife and bridesmaids to the church and the other was for him and Rachael. When he saw his daughter he sniffed once, choked back the tears, and told her she looked as beautiful as her mother had on their wedding day. Shannon gave Rachael a soft hug before she went to the waiting limousine.

When they arrived at the little church, just before three o’clock, there was a small crowd waiting outside. Meg went in to take her seat in the packed interior. Shannon and the other bridesmaids waited outside for Rachael and her father who arrived shortly after. Shannon helped distribute the flowers and to straighten Rachael’s dress. Rachael’s father held out his arm to his daughter, the bridesmaids took up position behind her, and, on some unseen cue, the music started and they all walked slowly toward the altar.

Shannon couldn’t see past Rachael and her father, but she saw all the smiling faces as they passed each packed wooded pew. Her eyes were drawn to the right and immediately locked onto Luke’s. The smile he gave her radiated admiration, tenderness, and passion. He obviously liked what he could see and she gave him a reciprocal smile that she hoped conveyed the same things. She admired how his athletic build filled out the suit he wore like a sports star in the pages of a glossy magazine advertising a car or expensive watch. She felt soft with affection and love when she saw his smile. When she saw the hungry look in his eyes her heart tripped with a fervent response.

As they reached the altar she could finally see Joshua and James standing tall and proud. Joshua looked handsome and every bit the successful man that he was. His poise and large, muscular stature conveyed authority and control. The man looked great in his wedding suit, like a modern day king, tall and regal. James appeared trim and compact next to his brother. He was every inch the dashingly handsome prince, in a similar suit and matching green silk cravat. Both men had turned to watch the bridal party arrive. Joshua didn’t take his eyes off Rachael. His face was at first set in stone, except for his ice blue eyes, which flashed with love, desire and pride. Then he broke out into a full smile that lit up his masculine face and at that moment he looked as if he was the happiest human on the planet.

James grinned at the bride with friendly admiration and then his eyes sought out hers. For a brief moment his smile fell as a fiercely ardent expressive flitted over his features and his eyes shone with the carnal knowledge of her. A soft, sexy smile spread across his face and his eyebrows raised a fraction in a secret greeting. She smiled back as her heart danced the flamenco. When Rachael and her father stood next to Joshua, Richard squeezed his daughter’s arm, then slowly released her and stepped back, gracefully passing her to the groom. Joshua moved closer to Rachael and leaned down to whisper something into her ear. Richard, James, Shannon, and the other bridesmaids moved to seat themselves in the first pew.

The ceremony was short with hymns, a few words from the Reverend, and traditional vows spoken. It wasn’t a fussy or overly sentimental service, which suited the couple perfectly. All the while James held Shannon’s hand and she felt a slight pressure when the groom said in a strong, deep, clear voice, “I do.” She caught herself mimicking the gesture when Rachael made her promise. She didn’t think about what that meant because at that moment she was overwhelmed by the beauty of the act of marriage and her own feelings for James and Luke.

Soon it was time for the bride and groom to sign the register and to have photographs taken. Shannon craned her neck and looked around for the wedding singer, a young woman who was supposed to sing while people waited in the church before heading to the reception. She recognized Simon, the violinist making his way along the side wall of the church. He was also the singer’s boyfriend. He was frantically gesturing to her. She quietly slid along the pew and met him halfway.

“Carla can’t make it. She’s really ill with a sore throat and high temperature.” He looked stressed.

“Sorry to hear that. It’s a pity, but I guess there’s nothing we can do about it. Maybe you can play some tunes to tide us over unless you know someone else who can sing?”

“Er, Shannon,” said a quiet voice to her right. She turned to see Sandy Smith sitting between Lance and Paul Goodyear, near the end of the pew. “I couldn’t help overhearing. I’ll…I’ll sing if you need someone. I’d hate to see Rachael even a little disappointed.”

Shannon was momentarily stunned. From the look on the faces of Paul and Lance, she wasn’t the only one. In the short time that she’d known Sandy the woman had been very shy and retiring.

“Well, if you’re up to it I know that Rachael would really appreciate it.”

“I could sing a few wedding appropriate songs if it would help.” She sounded nervous but, bless her, she looked resolved to step up and help them out.

“Sandy, that would be fantastic. I know that Rachael and Josh would really appreciate it.” Shannon hoped to heaven that Sandy wasn’t deluded and could in fact sing. “This is Simon; the two of you had better hustle up to the altar and start if that’s okay. Just let me tell James and he’ll introduce you.”