Page 31 of Conail (Members From Money Season 2, #150)

She busied herself with the preparation and planning of her brother's wedding. And if the hurt and pain was hidden to be taken out when she was alone, then so be it. He had stopped calling and she convinced herself it was for the best. She was having a son.

No. The sharp pain of denial hit her like a ton of bricks.

He was having a son. And no doubt the doctor had imparted the wonderful news.

If she still cradled her belly and crooned to him when she was in the privacy of her room, then so be it.

She could not help herself. His mother had visited and tried bringing up the subject, but she politely and firmly refused to discuss it or him.

And she told herself that she was happy for her brother. She was of course. How could she not be? He was her brother, and she loved him. She was also aware of what he and Maddy had been through. Now they were back together and getting married.

She just had to ignore the pang of envy.

"I've never seen a more radiant bride."

Maddy turned slowly, the shimmering length of the silk and lace shifting around her feet.

"It's not too much? I know we stared at it for hours in the dress shop but seeing it on me now--" She swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked. "I never thought we would get married, that God would give me a second chance with Colin. I thought I had lost him forever."

"Nonsense." Yasmine grinned at her as she wandered into the room. She had spent the night over at Maddy's family home. "My brother would have realized sooner or later that you two belong together."

"Oh honey, look at you! You're positively radiant!"

"It's not too much? I know it shows how pregnant I am--"

"It suits you to a tee."

She came forward to tug at the shoulders of the midnight blue wool dress her friend had chosen to wear. It had a high Victorian waist, with pleats going down the middle held together by a jeweled clasp. Silver sparkled at her ears and around her neck and her makeup was flawless.

Linking her hand through Yasmine's arm, she pressed her face against hers. "My best friend and soon to be my sister." She whispered. "It's wonderful."

Yasmine returned the hug and willed the tears away. "Let's go before my brother starts to hunt you down."

With a happy laugh, the bride spun away to grab her stole and bouquet.

*****

She avoided the curious stares and the whispers. She had started showing and for the first time, she was out and about. Not to mention the fact that the dress was highlighting her pregnancy. It was a small town, and people were wondering where the daddy was. She did not indulge their curiosity.

As soon as she had the baby, she would be heading home anyway. And try to put it all behind her.

In the meantime, she was determined to enjoy the ceremony.

The small chapel where she had spent most of her childhood was packed to capacity.

Snow lingered on the ground, giving the place a winter wonderland look.

The chapel had been decorated by the women of the church, and there were balloons, winter white, gold and blue suspended from the high arched ceilings.

The pews had been polished to a high sheen and matching crepe papers dotted the plain white walls.

The musical interlude started, indicating that her duty as maid of honor was almost at an end.

She marched in slowly, holding her bouquet of peonies, baby's breath and sprigs of rosemary.

Her smile winked out as she stared at her brother, who looked achingly handsome in his dark blue tux.

His thick dark hair was properly brushed and combed in a high afro. And he looked nervous.

"She's on her way." She whispered as soon as she took her place across from him.

"She'd better be." He muttered. "You clean up well."

"I could say the same about you."

The music changed, and a hush descended as everyone turned to face the arched doorway. Yasmine heard her brother's gasp and could not help the pang of envy settling inside her.

He slipped in just as the couple were finished exchanging their vows. He had been away for a few days and almost did not manage to make it back. He just had enough time to go home, take a quick shower and change into something else before rushing out the door again.

Deciding to stay at the back, he ignored the startled eyes trained on him as he stared at her.

Her profile was turned towards him, and he saw when she smiled as the couple were pronounced husband and wife.

The dress suited her, he thought with a pang.

The blue was stunning against her skin. Was she even more radiant and beautiful than when he had last seen her, he wondered achingly.

The need to touch her was such, he could barely stand it.

He had spent the most miserable time of his life being away from her.

It ends today, he vowed.

He waited impatiently for her to pass by him and was acutely disappointed when it was announced that the bridal party would be going into the office to sign documents. And afterwards, they would be leaving to take pictures at the town square.

Fighting his impatience and disappointment, he headed outside with the rest of the guests. Her mother caught up with him as he was heading to his vehicle.

"She does not know you're here." Maeve, looking lovely in winter green wool hurried to catch up with him. "I want it to be a surprise. You're not leaving?"

"No." He shook his head and smiled at her. The uncanny resemblance to her daughter had his expression softening. "I'll be at the reception."

"Good. Your mother is also on her way."

"She mentioned she would be." He glanced over at the chapel. "How has she been?"

"Sad and trying not to show it." She touched his arm briefly. "I am counting on you to change that."

"I will." He promised.

*****

She was miserable and just wanted to get away from the festivities and be by herself. She had smiled for the camera as the photographer assigned to take the pictures clicked what seemed like dozens of shots. She was weary and her stomach felt queasy. She was sure her ankles were also swollen.

But she had to stay and pretend as if she was having the time of her life.

The bride and groom had changed out of their wedding finery and as soon as the food had been consumed, the cutting and blessing of the cake and the throwing of the bouquet, they would be off to Hawaii on their honeymoon. A present from Maddy's dad and aunt.

She would wait until they left before disappearing.

The cheerful bonfire threw a warm glow on the faces gathered around.

It seemed like the entire town had turned out for the happy occasion.

The weather had cooperated and for February, it was not as cold as it normally was.

Someone had pressed a plate of food in her hand, and she was trying to nibble on the crispy fried chicken without much interest.

She perked up when her brother came over and rescued her from Bert Ingles, who was talking her ear off and telling her that if she needed a daddy for her unborn baby, he was available.

"I could kiss you." She told him fervently as he led her onto the makeshift dance floor.

"I had a feeling your tolerance level was growing thin." He grinned at her and tried to mask the worry. He knew her well and realized that she was trying her best to appear as if she was having the time of her life. "You're tired."

Angling her head, she threw him an amused look. "If you were anyone other than my brother, I would be blasting you to kingdom come."

"You're still beautiful." He assured her with a smile as they circled the red carpet that had been spread for dancing.

"How does it feel to be married?"

He looked over to where his new bride was dancing with their dad and smiled indulgently. "Wonderful. I love her."

"I know you do."

He was about to say something when he caught sight of the familiar face among the crowd and frowned.

"What is it?"

"You have a visitor."

"Who--" The rest of the words were strangled inside her throat as she stared at the man who had haunted her sleep and abided constantly in her thoughts. "I can't face him. I don't want to talk--"

"It's too late for that. And he looks determined."

Before she could react, he was standing right next to her.

"I'll take it from here." His deep voice left Colin in little doubt that he was prepared to have his way, no matter what.

"We'll say goodbye before we leave." Colin kissed her cheek fondly, before relinquishing his hold on her. Giving the man a warning look, he stepped back.

She held herself stiffly as his arms came around her waist and refused to look at him. His cologne assailed her nostrils and sent her senses spinning.

"I was at the ceremony."

His words had her lifting her head reluctantly to stare at him. It was a mistake. The look on his face had her knees buckling. "Your mother invited me."

"I see." Tearing her gaze from his face, she looked over his left shoulder.

"Will you look at me?" he asked in an achingly soft voice.

"Why?" She challenged.

"Because I want to see your eyes when I apologize and tell you what a damn fool I was."

Her fingers curled into the powder blue of his sweater, her breath shuddering. "Go on." She managed to say.

"I'm sorry." His hand moved to the back of her neck where he started to knead the flesh.

It was as if everyone else had faded away.

There were curious stares, frenzied whispers as people were starting to recognize him.

The way he was holding Yasmine left everyone in little doubt as to the nature of their relationship.

But he did not notice. He was oblivious to everything except the woman swaying in his arms. Finally, he was touching her, but he wanted more.

With that in mind, he turned her face upwards.