Page 66 of Haden

“Speaking of McAndrews,” Dallas says. “Did you already call him this morning?” he asks Haden.

“Yep. He’s expecting us at four.”

Thomas McAndrews is the local attorney who has many roles in this town. For one thing, he’s the executor of the will. But more importantly, today, he will officiate our wedding.

I twist around and grab Haden’s hand before he can walk away. “What about the sheriff? And the fact that it might be recorded somewhere that I’m married?”

Haden squeezes my hand. “McAndrews is working on verifying that the document is completely fraudulent. I’ve already sent him a copy. I’m not worried, baby.”

I’m glad he’s so confident. I’m freaking out inside. “But…”

Haden narrows his gaze. “You worry about what you want Gretchen to serve for dinner after the ceremony and flowers and hair and makeup and things like that. Leave the rest to me.”

“Yes, Sir.” I release a long breath. He’s right. This is half the reason I’m marrying the man. He will take care of the ugly parts. I don’t need to spend the day panicking because he will fix everything. Food, flowers, hair, makeup. I can manage that with the help of my sisters.

Gretchen and Isabel look frenzied. They’re rushing around the kitchen like there’s a fire. I suppose there is. I feel kind of bad for starting it. Another woman is with them, but I’m not sure who she is.

As soon as the men depart, Gretchen hurries over to us. She’s holding a coffee pot but starts chuckling and sets it on the counter. “I guess no one at this table needs a refill.”

Her face is so expressive. She’s incredibly pleased. I’ve decided that the busier things are around here, the happier she is. She thrives on the hustle and bustle. She’s going to start clapping when babies arrive.

Gretchen motions for the new woman to join her. She’s about fifty with dark hair and eyes. Her hair is pulled back in a bun. “This is Gloria,” Gretchen says, introducing her. “Isabel’s mother. She’s going to help us make this wedding happen today.”

“Nice to meet you,” everyone at the table says at once.

Gretchen chuckles. “What flavor cake do you want, dear?”

“Oh, you don’t have to go to any trouble. Cake isn’t necessary.”

She gasps and sets a hand over her heart. “Blasphemy. Cake is mandatory. You tell us what flavor, and we’ll make it happen.”

I smile. “Thank you. Lemon is my favorite.”

“Then it shall be lemon.” She turns around so fast it’s like a storm blows through the room. Isabel and Gloria follow her.

It’s going to be a crazy day.

Chapter 25

Haden

* * *

I haven’t stopped smiling for hours. She’s mine. She’s really mine. It’s official; signed in ink.

This day couldn’t have been more perfect or gone more smoothly. I was able to get wedding bands, the stunning dress my wife is wearing, as well as several other items, without a problem this morning.

And damn. I chose well. I’ve spent hours just looking at her as she giggles and blushes. Most of that time, I’ve held her hand in mine, but occasionally, we have separated so her sisters could fawn over her and her male relatives could congratulate me and give me shit.

We called our parents after lunch to share the news. Hers were shocked. They joked that something must be in the water at this mansion. Most of us would agree with that sentiment. But they were happy for us.

My parents were beyond tickled. I’m forty. They thought I would never marry. I promised them we would visit them in Florida sometime soon.

The biggest relief of the day came when the sheriff called to say that Leonard Winters had confessed to forgery and was being handed over to Nevada authorities. We could stop worrying about that problem for now. It wasn’t going to affect our day.

When Gretchen brings out the cake, Emilia twirls around and floats toward me. Her dress is a pale pink. So pale it’s almost white. It has layers of lightweight material and a sequin-covered bodice. She looks like a fairy.

She grabs my hand. “Come on. Cake.”