Somewhere With You (Windswept Bay Book 2) (10 page)

What was she thinking?
She gave herself a mental shake. She wasn’t planning to get married. She wasn’t. And for crying out loud, she hadn’t even known him for a full week.

It doesn’t matter
.

It did matter. It mattered to her.

She focused on Cali. “This isn’t about anyone but you today, Cali. And you look stunning.”

“Oh, so true,” Jillian added, coming to flank Cali as all three of them stared into the full-length mirror.

Cali smiled and then looked sad. “I just wish Olivia had made it.”

Shar was ready to have a long conversation with her sister Olivia. She was being secretive and hadn’t been home in months. And though she’d assured them that she wouldn’t miss the wedding for anything, she was doing just that. She’d called Cali at the last minute and told her she couldn’t make it. She hadn’t even given any real reason other than the fact that she was very tied up in her project at the studio and she couldn’t leave.

Shar was not happy about it. She wouldn’t tell her sisters but she was starting to get a little worried. Olivia was acting…odd. This was unlike her. And that was a red flag to Shar.

To Cali, she only said, “I’m sure if she could have, she would be here. You know Olivia. She might have her sights set on those big dreams of hers but family is very dear to her heart. You are very dear to her.”

And it was true. And that had Shar worrying all the more.

The door opened and their mother walked in. Violet Sinclair had thick, charcoal-gray hair and a dancer’s frame. She still carried herself like the dancer she’d been when she’d met and quickly married Sam Sinclair. She often told the story of how their dad had swept her off her feet when she’d come to the island for a couple of weeks of rest from a long dance tour. She’d been an independent, talented woman and she’d walked away from it and immediately began her large family.

Shar often wondered what her mother had done with those dreams she’d had before she married. Though there was nothing about her life that gave Shar reason to wonder. Violet was a nurturer who dove into raising and nurturing her family and the guests at the resort at the same time. To Shar, she was Superwoman but she could not stop wondering about her life before family.

“Mom,” Cali gushed, spinning from the mirror and crossing to their mother with open arms. “What do you think?”

Violet’s entire face lit with joy. “That you are gorgeous. But more important, I think you are going to be as happy and blessed in this marriage as I’ve been in mine.”

So much for Shar’s questions.

“I truly believe I will be. I wouldn’t have said yes had I not thought so.”

“Then, let’s get this wedding started. I came for my hug and kiss and to let you know your father is ready, the family is gathered, but most important, your groom is anxiously waiting for his bride.”

Cali teared up and so did Shar and Jillian. “Mom, so sweet,” Cali managed through sniffles.

Shar dabbed at her eyes. “Mom, yes, sweet, but we had all this makeup put on and now you’re going to ruin it with one beautiful line.”

That made everyone laugh and helped ease the touching moment.

Smiling, Violet cupped Cali’s cheek. “Give me five minutes to get out there to my seat and the wedding planner can get this wedding started.”

And then she left and Cali’s hand went to her stomach. “I keep hearing Elvis singing that song ‘I’m So Happy I Could Die.’ Or toss my cookies.”

And with that, they all burst into giggles.

The music played as Shar walked down the carpeted path to stand beside Jillian. Because she could not choose between her sisters, Cali had them both acting as maids of honor; Shar carried the ring and would pass it to Jillian, who would pass it to Cali. The music switched, signaling Cali was about to start her walk down the small aisle.

Shar found herself watching Grant as he watched Cali walking toward him. The expression of love on his face, in his gaze said that this was their moment. Love was written all over his face.

He would be good to her sister and after all that Cali had gone through in her first marriage, she deserved nothing but happiness. Shar loved Grant for his love of her sister and she knew in her heart of hearts that this was the beginning of their happily-ever-after.

Her thoughts shifted to Gage and Shar focused on the wedding, not on the unexplainable, overpowering emotions just the thought of him caused in her.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man tear apart.” The words of the preacher startled Shar out of her wandering thoughts. Somehow she’d handed the ring over when she was supposed to but she’d been thinking about Gage.

What was wrong with her?

She focused on Cali and her McDreamboat of a brother-in-law as Grant took Cali in his arms and kissed her. Shar found herself looking out across the audience toward the reception area and there, standing near the side of the building, she caught a glimpse of Gage. Instantly she felt weak with seeing him. Her stomach dipped as she met his intense gaze.

And in that moment, nothing else mattered.

Something about this place had Gage’s senses in hyper drive.
Or was it just Shar?
Not just Shar but Shar in all her alluring ways. He was realizing that it didn’t matter whether she was saving a sea turtle, a puppy, or just looking at him with those eyes of hers: she got to him. And watching her as she moved forward, following the happy couple off the small platform where the wedding had been conducted, he knew she was his destiny.

He had purposefully stayed away from her the last two days, giving her time to take care of the wedding plans and enjoy her family. But it was also to give himself time to cool down, back up, and try to get his head on straight.

He’d arrived early, unable to stop himself from watching her in the wedding. He wanted to see Shar in the wedding. He’d been standing at the edge of the building, virtually invisible with the crowd that was gathered around watching from afar, and yet she’d looked out over the crowd and her gaze had found his. Now, as she reached the reception area, she glanced his way; he winked at her and saw the smile light her eyes. She was swept into a round of photos with the family and it was much later when she finally made her way through the crowd to him.

He kept his hands to himself, though he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms. “You’re beautiful and stunning this evening.”

“Thank you. I tried to clean up as good as I could.”

He chuckled and shot her an approving head-to-toe look. “You did a great job.”

“Cali picked out the dress. Come on, I’ll introduce you to Grant and the rest of my family.”

Her brothers all stood in a group, looking more than ready to peel off their jackets but a photographer buzzed around them, having them do different poses. Like he’d feel, they looked as if they were about at the end of their posing ropes.

“Are some of your brothers twins?” There was no mistaking that Jake and one of the brothers looked a lot alike. Though Jake had longer hair and the other brother wore a five-o’clock shadow. And the two together looked nothing like the other three brothers. And those three brothers looked strikingly alike but one looked slightly older.

“You’re right. Cam’s the oldest, then Levi and Trent are twins. And then Jake and Max look a lot alike but are a year apart. Their parents were killed in an accident and my parents adopted them. They grew up with us and my parents were already their godparents so they are my brothers from another mother and pop.”

“So, a set of twins and triplets in one family.”

“Bingo, you get a gold star.” She smiled and then tapped the female photographer on the shoulder. “I think they’ve had enough. Can you grab some promo shots from the other aspects of the wedding?”

The woman glanced back at the five men and smiled. “I can, but believe me, your brothers are going to make some stunning shots…” She paused as she focused on Gage. “You’re Benjamin Lancaster.” She stepped back and aimed her camera. “More good promo of the rich and famous at the resort. Smile, you two.”

Shar glanced at him and he smiled. “Promo for your resort,” he said and she smiled up at him. Just as the flash went off.

“Great,” the photographer said. “How about I get one with you and the brothers? And if I could get Grant over here, it would be an amazing shot. Might even make a cover shot. I’ll be right back.”

Shar glared after the woman. “I tell you, the publicist hired her and she’s one pushy lady.”

“But she’ll have you some good promo shots for the resort when she’s done. I’ve learned in this life that sometimes if you’re not pushy you don’t get what you want. If you want something or have a job to do, either way you’ve got to go for it.”

“Well, if you put it that way, then she is going to go far.”

He smiled. “Works for me.”

“Gage.” Jake stepped up. “You still hanging around my sister?” He grinned at Shar.

“I am. How are you?”

“I’m good. Be better when I can peel this monkey suit off but all in all, doing well. Come on, I’ll introduce you to the brothers. Don’t you need to go tend to some photo ops, sis? Looks like the warriorgrapher—the photographer—is gathering up the ladies now.”

“Ugh.” Shar sighed when she saw Jake was right. “I’ll be back.”

She hurried off and Gage watched her weave through the crowd.

“You know, she doesn’t date much. How are you managing being around?”

“Luck, I guess.”

Jake laughed. “Maybe.”

One of the brothers—looked like maybe the oldest of the group, maybe thirty-five—held his hand out. “I’m Cam. The older brother of this baseball team. You’ve obviously got something going for you. This is Levi, chief of police, so remember he’s got his eye on you. This is Max, Trent, and you know Jake.”

Each man held out his hand and shook. Gage felt as if he were under a microscope as they all stared at him with open curiosity.

“What brings you to the island?” Levi asked.

Jake nudged his brother. “Okay, Chief, don’t go all detective on him. We don’t want to run him off. From the way Shar’s been acting lately, she might come after you for doing it.”

All the brothers studied him and he realized that Jake had filled them in on the kissing on the bridge incident.

“He won’t run me off. And it’s fine. I’m here for some time off.”

“It’s a good place for that,” Max said. “You should do some diving while you’re here. Jake’s is the place to go.”

“I’ve never dived.”

“You’re missing out, man.” Jake tapped his chest. “Come see me and I’ll fix you up.”

“I might do that.”

“You won’t be sorry. Better yet, get Shar to bring you over.”

He hadn’t known how the brothers would react to him, especially once he realized Jake had told them about finding him kissing Shar. But he quickly figured out that they were protective of her and concerned for her but happy she was seeing someone.

That being said, he knew without thinking too hard about it that none of them would like it if she were hurt.

Which he had no plans to do.

Chapter Twelve

Shar headed back to rescue Gage from her brothers when a short, plump, pretty woman cut her off. She had intensely white hair styled to perfection and bright rose lipstick.

“Shar Sinclair,” she drawled in a thick Southern way.

Instantly Shar’s spirits sank. She’d managed to hide out all week from the nightmare that was Mrs. Albert Talbert.

“It’s me, Mrs. Albert Talbert.”

As if Shar needed clarification.

“I’ve been looking for you all week. Bless your heart, you must not work but a few hours of the day.”

Shar forced a smile. “Mrs. Talbert.” The words came out stiff. “I hope you are enjoying your stay.” She’d heard the woman was looking for her and she’d made certain to not be around at those times. It had made her feel a little bad but she really hadn’t tried too hard.

“That’s why I’ve been hoping to see you. We have had an absolutely wonderful time. Wonderful, I tell you. You may have had a rough time getting all the details right, forcing me to stay on your case much more than I would normally have to do but…” She paused dramatically. “In the end, you and your resort have come through with flying colors. I’m making the recommendation to the committee that we have a ladies’ retreat here at least once a year.”

Shar could not believe her luck. “That’s wonderful to hear. I’m thrilled you and all the ladies had such a good time.”

“You must give that Gracie a raise. That young woman gets every detail right and I not once had to tell her she’d gotten some detail wrong.”

Shar gritted her teeth. “Isn’t that wonderful.” She felt someone at her elbow.
Gage.
Her mouth went dry as he smiled at her and then held his hand out.

“I’m Gage Lancaster.”

“Oh, and I’m Mrs. Albert Talbert.” Her pink lips flashed instantly into a wide smile. “Hon, is this handsome man yours?”