Shoulda Been A Cowboy (31 page)

“
Say no more. I will take care of it pronto.”
She sniffled. “And can I just say I'm really really
really happy for you?”

“
Yeah, you can.” His wild child baby sis was
such a softie. “Do you still have Grandma Dinah's wedding
ring?”

“
Yeppers. Why?”

“
I know Grandma left it to you and all, and
obviously I'd pay you for it—”

“
Cameron West McKay, you'll do no such thing
as pay me! I don't know why the hell she ever left it to me
anyway, unless she thought it was the only wedding ring I'd
ever get.”

Cam laughed.

“
I'd hoped one of my brothers would want
it.”

“
As I am the last male to get married, it ain't
like you've got a choice on which brother,” he said
dryly.

Even though Keely was mute on the other end of the
phone, he heard the gears churning.

Why the sudden marriage? Why was he denying his family a
chance to share in his happiness? Especially when he'd had so
little of it in the last few years?

Cam heard her intake of breath and he braced himself.

But Keely's train of thought had nothing to do
with his impending nuptials. “So if Domini is moving in with
you right away I totally call dibs on her apartment.”

Chapter Seventeen

“…
by the State of Wyoming, I pronounce you
husband and wife.”

“
Can I kiss my bride?”

“
By all means, Deputy.”

Cam flashed Domini a devastating, possessive grin. Then
his hands were cupping her face and he kissed her with such melting
sweetness, with such pride and intent, Domini knew she'd start
bawling if he kept it up.

She murmured, “Save some of those kisses for
tonight when we're alone.”

“
Got plenty more where those came from. Now that
you're mine, I can kiss you pretty much any time I please,
wife
.”

Colt clapped Cam on the back. “Congrats, bro.”
He hugged Domini. “Welcome to the family.”

“
Thank you.”

Cam took Colt aside to talk to him.

“
Domini, you look gorgeous, fabulous, radiant all
those bridely type words,” India said. Her curious gaze zoomed
to the chain circling Domini's neck. “Where'd you
get the necklace?”

“
Cam gave it to me last week.” Lord. It
seemed like a lifetime ago. But Domini had gotten so used to wearing
the necklace, she felt naked if she took it off.

“
I never would've guessed Cam was
so…generous.” Indy traced the satin sleeve banded across
Domini's biceps. “And wow. Who would've thought
this color would be perfect for a wedding dress?”

“
Keely thought of it.” She'd shown up
yesterday afternoon with three wedding dress choices. This one stood
out—a simple, short silk sheath in aquamarine.

“
Doesn't it match her eyes exactly? I knew
there was a reason I was compelled to buy this classy dress last
year…it just wasn't for me,” Keely said.

“
Keely, I can't thank you enough for all you
did to get me ready. The dress. The hair. The makeup. The bridal
bouquet.” Driving her to Spearfish so she could pick out a
wedding band for Cam.

Her husband.

Oh God. She'd really done it. She'd really
married him.

“
Don't sweat it. We're sisters now.”
Keely hip-checked Indy and whispered, “So now that Domini is
officially a McKay, let's figure out where you're gonna
tattoo her.”

“
What? I have to get a tattoo?”

“
Ssh. India has tattooed all the women who've
married into the McKay family with the McKay cattle brand. It's
something we started with AJ.” Keely grinned. “Since we
didn't throw a bachelorette party before AJ's wedding, we
had a private tattoo party afterward at Indy's new studio.
Channing and Macie's brands are ‘tramp stamps' on
their lower backs. Mine is on my hip. Indy did hers on the inside of
her left thigh last year. Skylar's is on her shoulder.

“
At the McKay branding we convinced Libby and
Jessie to get 'em too. Which was when I came up with the
brilliant idea for the first annual Cowgirl's Night Out.”
A moment of silence passed as they all thought about Jessie, and how
much everything had changed since that night. Keely squeezed Domini's
hand. “She'll be happy for you and Cam, I promise.”

“
Everyone is going to be happy for you two,”
India added.

“
Once they all get over being pissed off they
weren't invited to the wedding,” Keely said.

That had bothered Domini. It was like Cam
was…embarrassed to be marrying her. Or maybe he wanted to save
the big family celebration for when he got married for real.

Anton wormed his way between India and Keely. “Domini?”

“
Hey, sweetling.” She smoothed his cowlick.
“You were very good during the ceremony.”

“
Are you really married to him now?”

“
Yes, I am.” Domini held out her left hand.
The large, square pale blue stone glimmered in the light. She
definitely planned on asking Cam where he'd found such a
stunning ring—on such short notice. “And tomorrow we're
both moving into Cam's house. Tonight—”

“
We have a special sleepover planned for you,
Anton, to officially welcome you into the McKay family.”

Confused, Domini looked up at Keely. “What? But—”

India crouched down and spoke to Anton. “All the
ladies at Sky Blue miss seeing you, sport, and they know how much you
miss your mom. They miss her too. So Skylar set up a pizza and movie
night tonight with your friends from Sky Blue daycare.”

“
Just babies,” he scoffed.

But Domini could tell he was interested.

“
No, Ky, my nephew, is spending the night with you
at Kade and Skylar's house.” Keely whispered, “Ky
is ready to hang out with you because all of his other cousins are
younger. A couple of them are even—gasp—girls!”

“
Ky's okay,” Anton said. “So is
Eliza.” His eyes pleaded with Domini. “Are you gonna be
there?”

“
Not tonight,” India said firmly. “But
we will bring you back to her and Cam first thing in the morning.”

“
You promise you aren't going nowhere? You
promise you'll come for me tomorrow?”

“
You have my word, Anton.” How was she
supposed to leave him?

“
Just one night,” Keely assured him.

“
Well…okay.”

“
Good. We'll swing by Domini's
apartment and load up your stuff, and then you, Indy and me will hit
the grocery store for serious junk food. I hear you like cookies.”
Keely started to lead him away.

They'd made it about ten feet when Anton stopped.
He barreled back to Domini and threw his arms around her, nearly
knocking her over. “Promise? You promise I'll see you
tomorrow?”

“
I promise.” She squeezed him tightly and
for once he didn't try to squirm away.

“
Where's my wife?” Cam's voice
boomed in the small space.

Anton jumped back and looked up at Cam.

“
Hey, Anton. Have fun tonight and we'll see
you tomorrow, okay?”

He nodded and didn't cause a fuss when India
herded him out.

“
He'll be fine,” Keely said.

“
When did you…why…?”

“
It's your wedding night. You need to be
alone with your husband without worrying about a seven-year-old boy.
And considering all that Anton has been through, Indy and I knew he'd
be comfortable at Sky's place.”

These people, this family was so thoughtful it brought a
lump to Domini's throat.

“
But I did have to tell Sky and Kade you guys were
getting married so she could do some planning. Cam said it was okay.”

“
It is wonderful. Thank you so much.”

“
Yeah, thanks.” Cam kissed Keely's
head. “You are the best sister ever.”

“
You know it.” She smirked. “Now can I
tell everyone?”

“
Have at it. Be nice to have good news to hear
about our family for a change.”

“
Amen.” Keely gave them both a quick hug and
practically skipped out, cell phone at her ear.

“
What do you say we go home, Mrs. McKay?”

Domini let her gaze linger on him. Talk about
outrageously handsome. Cam had worn his dress green Army uniform
rather than a traditional suit for the ceremony. With medals and
patches adorning his chest and arms, and a burgundy beret on his
head, he looked every inch the warrior soldier. And he was all hers.

At least for a little while.

She smiled. “Lead the way, Mr. McKay.”

 

 

Cam's house didn't look different. And yet,
it looked completely different. Because this was her home now?

“
Hang on, lemme come around and help you out so
you don't get that pretty dress dirty.”

He lifted her from the truck, and managed to steal a
kiss. She had a sneaking suspicion she should get used to it. Mr.
Tough Guy Cam was more publicly affectionate than she'd ever
dreamed.

Once they were on the deck, Cam swooped her up into his
arms again.

“
Cam! What are you doing? Your leg—”

“
Is fine. And I'm carryin' my bride
over the threshold, which is tradition in case you didn't know,
bein's you're Ukrainian.”

Touched beyond measure, she buried her face in his neck.

Cam pretended not to notice her tears. “There now,
that wasn't so bad, was it?” He set her down and hugged
her from behind. “Welcome home. Anything you want to change
around here, feel free.”

This place was perfect and he knew it. “I shall
endeavor to suffer through the lack of amenities until I am able to
make the much needed changes.”

He laughed.

Domini sniffed. “What is that delicious scent
coming from the kitchen? Did you cook?”

“
Princess, I'm about the worst cook on the
planet.” Cam grabbed her hand and towed her to the kitchen.

They both froze.

The table was covered with a crisp linen tablecloth. Two
place settings, china dishes, silver, crystal wine and water glasses,
were cozied side by side. An enormous bouquet of colorful wildflowers
anchored one end; unlit candles in several sizes, shapes and colors
anchored the other end. A bottle of champagne poked out of a silver
bucket, alongside two beribboned champagne flutes, which read
bride
and
groom
.
A piece of stationery was balanced between the salad plates.

“
Did you do all this?”

“
Wish I could say, yes, but I'm afraid not.”
He pointed at the note. “Bet that'll tell us who did.”

Domini flipped it open and read:

“
Congrats to the newlyweds! We took the liberty of
preparing your wedding supper—Swiss steak and scalloped
potatoes are in the crock-pots, salad and chocolate cheesecake with
raspberry sauce are in the refrigerator. Enjoy them at your leisure.
Welcome to the family, Domini! Channing and AJ

PS - Macie says congrats and you're on vacation
for the next three days…”

She met Cam's gaze. “I'm…stunned.”

“
I shoulda figured those crazy females would do
this after I told my brothers we were getting married today.”

“
You told them? I didn't think we were
telling anyone.”

“
I couldn't help it. I wanted to beat Keely
to the punch. I'm just so damn happy.”

“
But…the only reason we got married was
because—”

Cam's mouth cut off her protest. Then his hands
were in her hair, tearing the hairpins out, shaking her hair free and
loose, as he preferred it. Domini was adrift, drowning in his
passion.

“
Since supper will keep, I'm taking you to
bed. Right now.”

In their bedroom, after he'd peeled her out of her
wedding dress, Domini stood before him naked, feeling strangely shy.

“
You all right?”

“
It's silly that I'm nervous. I mean,
we've done this before.”

“
Never as husband and wife.”

“
Are you nervous?”

He snatched her hand to kiss the skin above her wedding
ring. “Just anxious.”

She tugged him toward the bed. “Maybe we should do
it fast.”