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The white-bearded Elder finally stepped back, and the celebrant said, “You may now come up and congratulate Mr and Mrs Williams.” With a theatrical wave of her hand, she beckoned people forward. Daisy’s family were first to surge from their seats and embrace the couple, who were both beaming so wide, they looked ready to burst with happiness. Dale’s family wasn’t far behind.
“That was beautiful,” Bindi said wistfully to Mack.
“You’re beautiful,” he replied, taking the opportunity to snag her around the waist and pull her in for a kiss while everyone else was focussed on the newly-wed pair up front.
* * *
Mack lowered himself with a sigh into a chair at a table beneath the marquee. It was a blessed relief to sit down. Easing his leg out underneath the table, he leaned back and blew out a breath. He hated this terrible weakness, but he also knew the doctors had warned him about not exerting himself too soon. It’d been all he could do to remain standing throughout the ceremony, which had shocked him. Bindi’s hand in his, the only thing keeping him upright. That and sheer force of will. Because he wasn’t going to miss this wedding for anything. He certainly wouldn’t give Clarissa the satisfaction of knowing she’d had any effect on him. But as soon as he possibly could, he’d hobbled toward the tables and chairs set up in the shade of the large tent. Easing out of his suit jacket, he slung it over the back of his chair. God, that was better. The back of his shirt was damp with sweat; he’d felt like a roasting leg of lamb inside an oven in that thing.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Bindi asked, worrying at her bottom lip with her teeth. Such a sexy action. Did she even realize what she was doing to him right now? She’d followed him over to the tent, a frown marring her beautiful face.
“I’m good,” he replied. “I just wish I could be of more help.” He grimaced and tilted his head up so he could stare into her face. Everyone else on the Stormcloud crew was rushing around; he was the only one not pulling his weight, and it rankled more than he liked to admit.
Bindi touched his shoulder. “You sit there and behave,” she said, using her teacher’s voice. “Everyone is just glad you could be here today. Nobody expects you to do anything else but sit and enjoy. After what you’ve been through…” Her gorgeous face wrinkled with concern. He’d much rather see her smile. They’d survived their ordeal, that was the main thing, and all he was clinging to, at the moment.
“I’d feel much better if you could sit with me for a few minutes.” He patted his lap, raising an eyebrow suggestively.
“You’re incorrigible,” she said, slapping him lightly on the shoulder. But her smile told him that she appreciated his flirtation, nonetheless.
“I really do need to get into the kitchen,” Bindi said, lifting her head to stare at the dwindling crowd still surrounding Dale and Daisy. Most people had congratulated the newlyweds by now, and were drifting toward the bar set up on the veranda for a much-needed drink and to get out of the mid-afternoon heat. But Mack would have to pass on his good wishes later. There was no way he could’ve stood at the back of that queue for any longer. His leg was aching like a bitch. It was hard work, only being able to use one crutch to hobble on. His other hand was wrapped in so much gauze and bandages it was next to useless. The doctors had wanted him to wear a sling, but he’d refused. At least give him the dignity of looking a little less like the useless cripple he was.
“Off you go.” Mack patted her behind gently. Then immediately regretted it, as the feel of the soft globe of her butt cheek set off explosions of sensations through his body. It was all he could do not to reach up under her short little skirt and run his fingers over her smooth thigh. He was desperate to touch Bindi. As often and as much as he could. He’d fantasized about her the whole time he’d been in hospital, and now that she was here in the flesh, he had to keep reminding himself there were other people around.
“I’ll bring you a glass of water,” she promised. “This heat is a killer.”
“And something a little stronger,” he called out hopefully as she walked up the grassy slope toward the lodge.
“Nuh-uh.” She waggled her finger at him, walking backward, a solicitous frown wrinkling her brow. He half wished he hadn’t told her the doctors warned him to stay away from the booze for a few days, while he was still on the strong painkillers. He’d kill for a cold beer right now. The ceremony might be over, but he still had to get through the reception and the speeches, yet.
Mack watched Bindi until she disappeared inside the large French doors off the veranda, enjoying the sight of her slim, brown legs for as long as he could. Once she’d vanished from sight, he let his gaze drift over the gathered crowd scattered along the grassy slope above the billabong. Dale and Daisy were still at the center of a knot of people, all leaning in to shake their hands or wish the new couple well on their future happiness. The rest of the bridal party stood off to one side, the two men having removed their jackets and slung them over their arms. Mack didn’t blame them, this heat was almost unbearable while encased in a tuxedo. Every so often, Dale went to reach up, as if to tip the brim of his hat, which wasn’t there, and it made Mack chuckle. Cowboys were always a little lost without their hats; he knew exactly how Dale felt. Skylar kept glancing up toward the lodge, and Mack knew she’d be itching to get into her kitchen, and was just waiting for the word from Daisy to release her from her bridesmaid duties. But Bindi, Sasha, and to a smaller extent, Daniella would handle it for her until then. Daniella had hired a raft of waitstaff to help keep the guests well watered, and fed.
Dale and Daisy’s cabin wouldn’t be finished for a month or more, yet. Mack hoped he got to do some work on it, at least. In a few weeks, he’d be able to get rid of the crutches and walk around in a moon boot, which would give him much more mobility. Still wouldn’t be able to ride a horse, though, and that part irked him the most.
But the newlyweds would be on their honeymoon for the next three weeks, so Steve would employ another couple of builders to help him get it well on the way to completion. Then Dale—and hopefully Mack—could help him finish it up when he returned.
Mack’s gaze continued to swing around the gathered people. He noticed Alek standing over by the DJ, giving him instructions on the next set he was to play. But the DJ only had half of Alek’s concentration. Mack watched Alek’s gaze follow Sasha as she walked around the edge of the infinity pool with a harried look on her face, heading toward Skylar. He sure was smitten, that man. Mack wondered how long it’d take for those two to finally become an official couple.
A tall guy threaded his way through the crowd, heading in Mack’s direction, carrying two glasses of what looked like lemonade. Bindi had pointed out Wazza to her earlier in the day, and he sat up a little straighter as the ex-leading hand approached. Mack was well aware that, as Wazza’s replacement, the man would probably want to check him out.
Wazza put the drinks on the table, pulled out a chair and then held out his hand in greeting. “Nice to finally meet you,” the big man said. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“All good, I hope,” Mack said, holding his arm out for an awkward left-handed shake.
Wazza grimaced and said, “Sorry, dude, I forgot you were…”
Mack waved his apology away.
“Bindi asked me to bring you over a drink,” Wazza said, sliding one of the glasses toward him.
“Thanks. Cheers to the newly married couple.” They both held their glasses high and Mack drank deeply. He was parched, and while it wasn’t a beer, the lemonade would have to do for now.
Wazza smiled broadly. “I’m so glad Dale and Daisy got the happy ending they deserve,” he said thoughtfully. “They went through some tough times to get where they are.” Wazza’s face took on a faraway look.
Bindi had told Mack a little of Wazza and Kee’s story. It sounded like they’d been through some tough times, as well, on their road to find love. And he knew Wazza had lost someone special a while ago, around the same time as Dale and Daisy had got together. It seemed that Stormcloud had had its fair share of heartache, as well as happy endings.
“How’s life in Cairns treating you?” Mack asked.
“Great. Better than I expected.” Wazza raised his glass again, and Mack suspected that had a lot to do with the petite, dark-haired beauty and her daughter, standing talking to Steve and Daniella. Especially when he saw the way Wazza’s eyes kept darting to follow her, watching her with open tenderness. Then Wazza’s face sobered slightly, and his blue gaze came back to Mack’s face. “How are you faring?” Wazza waved in the general direction of Mack’s hand, barely hiding his grimace. Most hard-working men would understand the torture Mack was going through, not being able to do what needed to be done; to be relying on others to help him do the simplest of tasks.
