Page 26 of Aisle Be The Groom (Bristlecone Springs #1)

OZZIE

“ R ise and shine, sweetheart. We got a lot to do today.” The spill of sunlight promptly followed the swish of curtains parting on the tension rod into my bedroom. Groaning, I shielded my eyes with my hands and bit my tongue instead of lashing out at the witch in my room, interrupting my sleep.

If she knew at what hour I’d slipped back into my bed this morning from spending the night in her husband’s, she would have known why I needed a few more hours to recuperate. My eyes stung, and I felt like a zombie as I sat up, digging into my sockets with the heels of my hands.

“Ozzie, darling, it’s almost ten! Don’t tell me you’ve been taking your time here as a vacation.” She tutted and fluttered around the bed. “Honestly, no wonder you are behind with the planning, but never fear. That’s why I am here. To ensure everything goes according to plan.”

“Carter was supposed to help,” I mumbled. “Does he even still want to get married?”

“Of course he does, silly goose. He asked me to come here and help you get everything together.”

“Does that excuse him for not returning my calls?”

“He’s just a little caught up in his vacation, is all. Once you are married, you two will put all of this behind you.”

My grunt ended with a yawn I tried to stifle as I lazily shuffled off the bed. I pushed up on my tippy toes and stretched. Ugh, that was good. I felt like Gray had folded me in half last night. My thighs were sore from being spread wide, and I still had a throbbing ache in my ass.

“Oh, my.”

I cracked an eye open to see why Mrs. Magnuson sounded so startled. She was staring at the burgundy lace cami and short set I’d gone to bed in. When I’d dropped the robe and climbed onto the bed last night, Gray had instantly thrown aside the newspaper he’d been reading. I would never forget the look in his eyes for as long as I lived. And if Mrs. Magnuson got any closer, she could probably still smell Gray on me.

She arched her brows like the Golden Gate Bridge. “Well, aren’t we feeling… daring?”

I reached for the sheet. This was my bedroom. I loved what I had on, and so did Gray. Why should I be made to feel less than because I wasn’t reed thin? I dropped the sheet and smiled.

“I like it.”

And I really did. I enjoyed the way the silk fell against my skin, making me feel beautiful.

“I suppose only that matters. Go to the bathroom, then. I’ll have Gertie arrange breakfast so we can chat over your meal. And, Ozzie, don’t keep me waiting for long. It’s quite impolite, and when you’re a guest, sleeping in at this ungodly hour is unacceptable.”

The rebuke hung in the air, even after she’d drifted out of the room, her lithe movements so graceful I was envious. I rolled my eyes and went to the bathroom, taking my time despite her admonishment. She wasn’t one of my mothers, and there was no way I was going to bow down to her demands just because I was marrying her son.

Well, well, well. Look who finally found his backbone.

When I emerged from the shower, steam curling around me like a comforting shroud, I felt much better. The hot water had washed away the fatigue and lingering aches from all the exertion of last night. I wrapped myself in a plush towel and rubbed my hair dry with another in front of the full-length mirror.

Bare skin, dotted with the telltale signs of last night’s passion, greeted me. I traced a finger over the hickie Gray had enjoyed making on my collarbone. My lips curled up into a smile as I remembered his lips against my skin, his hands exploring every inch of me.

If his wife was going to barge into my room uninvited, we would have to be more careful about where he put his mouth. Such a shame. I loved his mouth on me.

I got dressed quickly, brushed my hair, and added some lip balm. Only then did I pick up my phone and scroll through my messages.

Hudson: Took the day off work, so won’t bring baby girl by until tomorrow. If you still want to keep her. I’ll understand if you’re too busy planning the wedding.

I quickly replied I still wanted to mind his daughter for him. Not that that was the reason I’d volunteered, but she could be a good excuse for why I couldn’t do everything Mrs. Magnuson wanted from me for the wedding.

Carter: Baby, I’m coming home in a few days. I swear I’ll make it up to you.

Not knowing how to respond, I sent him a thumbs-up. Damn, I shouldn’t have acknowledged the text message. He never called me and had been dodging my calls since that photo of him in the hot tub.

MomD: Your mother and I won’t be able to make it for the dress rehearsal, sweetie, but we can’t wait to give you away.

Oh shit, I should at least update them on the wedding. I FaceTimed Mom, and she answered with a smile that made me feel like a little boy again. Both she and Mother were sitting in a hammock, each with a book in their hands and wine glasses by their sides.

“Hey, baby,” Mom said, her voice soft and warm and familiar. She pushed down her glasses as she studied me over the screen. “How’s the wedding planning going? I hope you’re not too disappointed we’ll miss the dress rehearsal.”

“But if you’re upset, we can hop on the first flight and be back home by tomorrow,” Mother said. Both women were so different, but they had played a crucial part in me growing up. Mom with her warm, loving smile, which always left me feeling fuzzy inside, and Mother, quieter, sterner but with a cool confidence that made me believe everything would be all right. Even when they’d divorced. I loved seeing them like this, so in love and rekindling their passion. I never wanted to burden them with my problems. Not when they’d already been through so much and done so much.

“Hey, Moms,” I said. “Don’t worry about the dress rehearsal. I’m not upset, honest.”

“Not even a little?” Mom asked.

“No. In fact, there’s something I want to tell you.”

“Well, what is it, dear?”

I swallowed and moved my lips, but no words came out. “I’m in love.”

Oh shit. Not exactly what I’d meant to say.

“That’s good, son. We would hope so, since you’re marrying Carter.”

I let out a slow breath. “That was a mess. What I meant to say is that I dreamed so much about my wedding that I was willing to marry Carter despite all his faults. He doesn’t treat me the way I want my man to. I’m sorry. I just realized, but the wedding can’t go through.”

“But we got the e-invites this morning.”

“What?” I hadn’t sent out the e-invites, even though the designs had been ready.

“Carter’s mother sent them.”

I groaned. “Dammit. She’s going to ruin everything.”

“You mean she doesn’t know you’ve called off the wedding?”

“No. I haven’t told anyone yet.”

“Not even Carter?”

“No, Mom. Carter’s been missing since I arrived at his father’s ranch.”

Mother shook her head. “I knew that boy wasn’t the one, but it wasn’t our place to interfere with your life, Ozzie. We raised you to be an independent person who can make his own choices.”

And I chose Gray.

“Wait a minute.” Mom tapped one long red nail to her temple. “If you’re calling off the wedding, but said you’re in love, does that mean you’ve fallen for someone in that hick town?”

“Mo-om.” I groaned. “It’s not a hick town. The people are nice and hardworking, but yes. And…now please don’t be disappointed in me, but it’s… Carter’s dad.”

My mothers gasped in unison, their reaction making me feel like that naughty little boy who’d been caught stealing from the cookie jar.

“He’s really awesome! And the sweetest man I’ve ever met. He takes care of me, looks out for me, and you should see the way he treats me. It’s the way I always wanted to be treated but never dreamed was possible.”

They exchanged looks, their eyes communicating thoughts I couldn’t decipher. Was it wrong to want what they had?

“Are you sure, son?” Mother finally asked. “This isn’t going to be easy for you.”

“I know, but Gray’s worth it.”

“Then we can’t wait to meet him. We trust your judgment, Ozzie.”

“Even though I was about to marry someone completely unsuitable for me?”

“Eventually, you would’ve figured it out. Just know whatever happens, your mistakes are your own experiences, and never be ashamed of that.” Mother smiled at Mom, the love in her eyes so bright and clear. “Our experiences make us the people we are today and the people we will become tomorrow.”

“Thank you. I love you.”

We said our good-byes. Then I hurried downstairs to the kitchen. I heaved a sigh when only Gertie was there. “Thank god! Gertie, what’s—”

“Finally, you’ve made it down, Ozzie.” Mrs. Magnuson swept into the kitchen and took my arm. “Come on, let’s go. I’ve already taken care of some things for you. I’ve sent out the invitations and reached out to the florist to get samples ready for us. We’ll also have to drive into the city to fit you for a tux. We can’t wait until the last minute to do that.”

“Mrs. Magnuson—”

“Call me Emma. I’ll be your mother-in-law soon. Besides, I’m thinking of going back to my maiden name after the divorce is final.”

My mouth fell open, the news so shocking I followed her into the dining room without a word. Gray had actually done it. He hadn’t just been feeding me a line. Tears pricked my eyes.

“Divorce?”

She waved me aside and gestured at the table. “It’s been long overdue. Let’s not talk about divorce when we’re here to plan your wedding. Have a seat. Gertie will bring us some coffee soon.”

I frowned. “Gertie’s busy. I can get my own coffee.”

“That’s what Gertie is for.”

“Actually, I don’t think she’s here to wait on me hand and foot. It won’t take long.”

“Honestly, Ozzie, it’s like you don’t want to plan this wedding at all.”

Bingo!

Once more I made a beeline for the kitchen, eager to escape Emma’s frenzied wedding planning. I needed some time to gather my thoughts, and the kitchen had become a happy place for me.

This is really happening. Gray is divorcing his wife to be with me.

As soon as I entered the kitchen, Gertie’s eyebrows went sky high. “Regretting your life choices now, aren’t ya?”

My face heated. “No, not really.” Not at all.

“How are you going to handle all that wedding planning?”

“I’ll figure something out. Pretend I’ve come down with the flu, maybe.”

She clicked her tongue and shook her head while I busied myself getting a cup of coffee. “I underestimated you for a meek thing, didn’t I?”

“Maybe.”

“Or maybe that man’s been giving you something to be feisty about.”

“Gertie!” I stirred creamer into the coffee so fast some liquid spilled over the edge.

“What? You’re old enough to do it but not talk about it? There’s no shame in admitting you like it.”

“I am not ashamed of what I do”—I glanced over my shoulder, then lowered my voice—”with Gray.”

“Well, you’d better think of something fast, or you’ll be walking down the aisle with the wrong man.”

Gertie put a plate together for me and shooed me out of the kitchen.

“Can’t I eat in here?” I moaned.

“Heck no. If you eat in here, then she’ll follow. There’s a whole lot more soot in that one than up a chimney.”

Laughing, I cradled the tray in my hands. “I think you mean snoot, Gertie. But at least send an SOS to Gray for me. He’ll know what to do.”

“Mmm-hmm. I bet Mr. Fix-It sure knows how to fix everything.”

From the way she was eyeing me up and down and chuckling softly, I knew she was making fun of me. I returned to the dining room, my heart sinking as Emma pulled out a wedding catalog from an overstuffed tote bag, her enthusiasm shining brightly.

“There you are. Sit. You’ll have to ride while you whistle. The invitations are out—”

“How did you get those to send out?” I sobered up as I sat. She hadn’t been through my laptop, had she?

“Carter gave me access to your wedding Dropbox. Why? Is there a problem? Because it seems as if you had finalized the designs.”

Of course he did.

“No, they were done.”

“Good. Did you settle on a venue? I suppose it’ll have to be held at the Old Grange Hall—”

“Actually, it’ll be right here on the ranch. We can have an outdoor wedding—”

“And if it rains?”

I took a sip of coffee as though contemplating it when I already had it all figured out while I still thought I had a wedding to plan. “If the weather doesn’t allow for an outdoor wedding, we can move into the barn. It’ll be rustic and charming.”

“And I can’t get you to change your mind? The Old Grange Hall would be a more central location.”

“No, ma’am. The ranch it is.”

She looked as if she was about to argue the venue to death. Normally, I would back down and accept whatever she said for her to like me and please Carter, but no more. Funnily enough, it took planning a fake wedding to show I wasn’t a pushover.

If I was going to fake a wedding, it could at least be on my terms.