Spring Texas Bride (The Brides 0f Bliss Tx. Book 1) Read online

  She loved the thought of being kissed senseless by Waylon, but she also worried about him breaking the rules and getting in trouble. Before he could pull her into his arms, she stopped him. “But you can’t rehire me if you want to date me. I know for a fact that there’s a policy about dating your assistant.”

  He grinned. “But not about marrying her.” Before her mouth could do more than form a surprised oh, he took her hand and knelt down on one knee. “I was planning on buying you a ring and taking you to a romantic dinner, but I can’t wait a second more to make you mine. Please marry me and make my life Springtime all year long.”

  It was hard to get the words out with all the tears clogging her throat, but she managed. “Yes. A million times yes!”

  He whooped as he stood and pulled her into his arms for a kiss. It was a tender but possessive kiss. The kind of kiss that says “I’m all yours and you’re all mine.” When he pulled back, she was crying like a baby.

  She wiped at her eyes. “I guess you should know that I can cry at the drop of a hat.”

  He laughed and kissed her nose. “I happen to love how easily you cry. Like your smiles, your tears are signs of a caring heart. And I’m so glad you’re entrusting that heart to me.” He gave her another kiss that quickly turned heated. All she wanted to do was strip off his sexy uniform and have her way with him.

  “Let’s go back to your house,” she murmured against his lips.

  He took a slight nip of her bottom lip before he pulled back. “I have a better idea. He walked over to the window and closed the blinds with a snap that brought Spring out of her sensual daze.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  When he turned, his molten green eyes melted her like a popsicle on hot cement. “Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.” He unbuttoned his shirt as he walked toward her.

  Her eyes widened. “Are you going to boink me on your desk?”

  He slowly shook his head as he slipped off his shirt. “No. I’m going to make love to you on my desk. Do you have a problem with that, Miss Hadley?”

  She sent him a sassy smile. “Not a one, Sheriff Kendall.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Spring woke with the nagging feeling that something wasn’t right. She lay there for a moment trying to figure out what it was, but nothing seemed out of place. Ever since Waylon had asked her to marry him, she’d woken up in his bed with him spooned close and his arm around her waist.

  So what wasn’t right?

  She lifted her head to check on Sherlock and Watson. They were both sound asleep in Sherlock’s dog bed. The kitten Mrs. Miller had given her was tucked securely between Sherlock’s front legs. Spring glanced at the window. The sun shone brightly through the sheer curtains, which meant it was mid-morning. But she wasn’t going to be late for work. Today was Saturday. The only thing she had to do today was—

  She sat straight up. “My wedding!” She threw off the covers and jumped out of bed as Waylon came awake.

  “W-what? What happened?”

  “We overslept,” Spring said as she raced to the dresser and opened her panty drawer. “And it’s all your fault. ‘Just stay for a few more minutes,’ you said. ‘I promise I’ll get you back to your brother’s before midnight,’ you said.”

  Waylon chuckled. “I had every intention of doing just that, honey. But then you wore me out with your lovemaking.”

  She glanced over her shoulder to see him sitting up in bed grinning like a cat that had gotten the entire carton of cream. “You’re blaming this on me?” she asked.

  He lifted his eyebrows. “You were pretty demanding last night. Any average man would be comatose this morning.” He winked. “You’re lucky your fiancé—soon to be husband—is above average.”

  “Urrrgh!” She threw her panties at him. “Quit being an arrogant jerk. Can’t you see I’m having a meltdown? And quit looking at me. It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. Which is another reason I shouldn’t have let you talk me into staying longer.”

  His eyes narrowed in thought. “Why is it bad luck to see the bride? That doesn’t make sense to me. Wouldn’t it be good luck to wake up and see the woman you’re planning to spend the rest of your life with?”

  It was hard to argue with that. Especially when he looked so sexy with his tousled hair, pretty green eyes, and naked chest. Her anger fizzled. She was going to spend the rest of her life married to this man. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. That marriage started in less than five hours.

  She quickly turned back to the dresser and grabbed another pair of panties. “My sisters are going to kill me. They were supposed to help me get ready.”

  “I’m sure they won’t be too upset,” Waylon said. “There’s still plenty of time before we have to be to the chapel.”

  She pulled on her panties, then grabbed a bra. “Thus says the man who only has to shower and put on a tux. I have to get my hair done. My makeup. My nails—”

  The bedroom door burst open. Summer strode in, carrying a to-go cup. “Rise and shine, lovebirds.”

  Spring stared at her. “What are you doing here?”

  “What do you think I’m doing here? Autumn sent me to get our forgetful little sister.”

  “I didn’t forget. I just overslept because—”

  Summer cut her off. “I think I can figure out what happened. And I couldn’t care less if you’re late. I was the one who thought you should elope to Vegas, remember? It’s Autumn who’s in a major tizzy. She wants this day to be perfect.”

  Autumn was a perfectionist. She liked everything in its place and flawless. She was also a great planner. Which was why Spring had asked her to help plan the wedding. Spring hadn’t wanted anything too big since they only had a little over a month to plan. But Autumn didn’t do anything half-assed. Like a Martha Stewart whirlwind, she’d pulled together a wedding any bride would remember forever.

  Feeling even worse for being late, Spring quickly slipped into a sundress as Summer handed Waylon a cup of coffee. “I figure you’ll need it to survive the circus Spring and Autumn have planned for you. I’m assuming you’re responsible for my sister not being where she’s supposed to be, Sheriff Way . . . Too-Big-For-Your-Britches.”

  Waylon laughed. For some reason that Spring couldn’t figure out, he found her sister extremely amusing. “She was right where she was supposed to be.” He took the cup and winked at Spring who was slipping into her flip-flops. “With me.”

  Summer crossed her arms. “I’ve been going easy on you because you’re new to the family, and because Granny Bon promised me a tongue lashing if I wasn’t nice. But I think you need to understand that no matter how much you love her, I loved her first.” Before Spring could get too misty-eyed over the sweet comment, she glanced at her sister. “Well, don’t just stand there looking stupid, Spring Leigh. Let’s get a move on.”

  As soon as they got back to Dirk and Gracie’s house, Autumn met them at the door. “Hurry! We have a lot to do to make you the most beautiful spring bride in Texas.”

  Spring didn’t realize what a lot meant until she had to endure it. Three long hours later, she was finally showered, shaved, moisturized, manicured, coiffed, and on her way to the little white chapel where she would put on her dress and add the final touches before she walked down the aisle.

  Being late May, the bluebonnets were no longer in bloom. But other wildflowers blossomed in bursts of yellows, oranges, reds, and purples that matched the stained-glass windows of the little church and the dresses of Spring’s attendants. Her bridesmaids were Gracie and Waylon’s two sisters-in-law, who Spring met at Easter and just adored, and her maid-of-honors were Autumn and Summer.

  All the women started out in the bridal room with Spring, but then Joanna Daily recruited the bridesmaids to help put the tulle and ribbon on the pews. Spring was glad for the time alone with her sisters. She was happy to be marrying Waylon, but also sad that she was leaving her sisters for good. Alth
ough Summer made it a little easier. Instead of being an attentive maid of honor, she couldn’t stop talking about her new idea to save Seasons from bankruptcy.

  “I really think this online personal shopper idea is going to work,” she said as she sat in a chair and scrolled through her cellphone. “We can ship our client’s clothes right from the store. And if we take our business online, you can work from Bliss, Spring.”

  “Spring can’t help.” Autumn dusted Spring’s cheeks with blush. “She’s going to be a newlywed and she has a full-time job as Waylon’s assistant now that Gail’s decided to stay in Lubbock with her mom.” She glanced over her shoulder at Summer. “And would you quit lounging in that chair? You’ll look like a wrinkled prune by the time you walk down the aisle.” Seeing as how Summer’s dress was purple, she would look a little like a prune if it got wrinkled. But Summer didn’t seem to care.

  “I can’t believe that the county is okay with a married couple working together. Don’t they worry about naughty sex going on in the office?”

  “We don’t have naughty sex in the office,” Spring said. At least they hadn’t since the first time. After knocking the computer off the desk and breaking it, they had decided to keep their hormones in check while at work. She waited for Autumn to finish with the blush before she continued. “And since there haven’t been any other applicants, the county didn’t have much choice but to hire me. Besides, I’m the best girl for the job.”

  She was surprised when Summer agreed. “You are great with people. Which is exactly why I want you to help with Seasons’ online customer service. Are you sure you can’t answer a few emails at night?”

  Spring wanted to help her sister, but Granny Bon had made her promise that she would stay out of her sister’s new scheme. “Sorry, but I can’t.”

  Summer sat up. “You don’t think my new plan is going to work, do you?”

  Spring didn’t want to hurt her sister’s feelings, but she couldn’t lie either. “It’s just that you don’t know a lot about running an online business.”

  “Which is why I’m planning on getting help from Dirk’s business partner.”

  Autumn dropped the hairbrush she’d just picked up and turned to Summer. “Ryker Evans? I thought you didn’t like him.”

  Summer shrugged. “I don’t like him. He’s a smarty-pants computer nerd who doesn’t answer texts promptly and doesn’t have one scuff on his shoes.”

  Autumn picked up the hairbrush and started fluffing Spring’s hair. “There’s nothing wrong with keeping your shoes polished.”

  “Says the woman who cleans her running shoes. Who cleans their running shoes? They’re supposed to be sweaty and dirty. And I don’t have to like Ryker to pick his brain.”

  “So he agreed to help you?” Spring asked.

  “Not exactly. He’s being a little difficult.” She tapped out a text on her phone. “But I’ll wear him down.”

  Poor Ryker. He didn’t know what he was in for.

  Autumn set down the brush on the vanity. “Your hair and makeup are perfect. Time to get your dress on.” Spring’s wedding gown was a princess-style with a beaded bodice and full tulle skirt. Once she had it on, Autumn smiled at her with watery eyes. “I wish Mama could see you.”

  Spring blinked back her tears. “I wish she could too.”

  Summer put down her phone and got up. “Don’t you two dare start crying. We don’t have time to fix makeup.” But when she looked at Spring, her eyes held just as many tears. “Besides, Mama is here.” She placed a hand on her chest. “She’s here.” She placed her hand on Autumn’s chest. “And here.” She did the same to Spring. Then she pulled both her sisters into her arms for a tight squeeze before she released them and slapped them on their butts. “Now let’s go get Spring married.”

  The wedding was perfect . . . despite a few hitches. Spring forgot her bouquet and had to run back to the bridal room for it. She stepped on her dress on the way down the aisle and would’ve fallen if Dirk hadn’t had a firm grip. She got distracted by how handsome Waylon looked in a tux and the pastor had to ask her a question twice before she answered with “I do.” And when they were pronounced man and wife, instead of waiting for Waylon to lift her veil and kiss her, she flung her veil back and kissed him. He seemed to be fine with it. He held her tight and kissed her so long that people started whistling and applauding. Then he whisked her down the aisle and out the doors.

  “Where are we going?” she asked. “We’re supposed to stay here and take pictures in the chapel once everyone’s gone. Then we need to head to Dirk and Gracie’s for the reception.”

  “In this chatty town, it will take a while for the chapel to clear out, and there’s something I wanted to show you.” He led her down the path, then through the oak trees to where everyone had parked their cars. She knew what he wanted to show her as soon as they cleared the trees. It was hard not to notice the bright-pink vintage trailer hooked to the back of his truck.

  “You got it back!” She gave him a happy hug.

  “Dan Wainwright called a week ago and said you could come pick it up. And I thought I’d surprise you.” He pulled back. “I also thought it might be fun to do a little camping in it for our honeymoon.”

  Her eyes widened. “You want to go camping in a pink trailer?”

  “I can put up with a pink trailer as long as you come with it. I thought we’d do a little fishing, a little hiking, and a lot of Spring Flinging.”

  She looked into his soft green eyes and saw her future. A future filled with many adventures and plenty of love. “Sounds perfect to me . . . Alice.”

  Sneak Peek!

  Here’s a sneak peek at the next book in The Brides of Bliss Texas series. Summer Texas Bride will be out June 2018!

  * * *

  Summer Lynn Hadley had never been the type of woman to get all weak-kneed over babies . . . or men, for that matter. But she had to admit that her knees felt slightly wobbly as she took in the picture of Ryker Evans bouncing her three screaming nieces.

  He wasn’t wearing a cowboy hat like most of the men at the reception, probably because he didn’t want to mess his perfect hair. And it was pretty perfect. Precisely cut on the sides and long and styled back on the top. Even with the bouncing, not one strand of rich chestnut brown was out of place. He’d grown a beard since the last time she’d seen him. Not a thick beard, but a close-trimmed one that framed his angular jaw and highlighted the curves of his lips. Those lips were tipped down at the corners as he glared at her.

  “Don’t just stand there,” he said above the din of baby wails. “Do something.”

  She glanced at her nieces. She was good at a lot of things, but babies weren’t one of them. “Like what?”

  His deep sienna brown eyes widened as if she were an idiot. “Make them stop.”

  “Umm . . . okay.” She leaned down like she’d seen her sisters do. “Hey, Sweet Peas.” The crying stopped immediately. Maybe she was better with kids than she thought she was. She smiled brightly. “Yes, it’s your Auntie Summer.”

  The crying resumed. Louder than before.

  Ryker glanced between her and the babies as if he was trying to figure out what had just happened. Fortunately, about then, her granny and sisters converged. Granny Bon took Lucinda. Autumn took Luana. And Spring took Luella. All the babies stopped crying immediately. But instead of Granny Bon getting after Ryker for making them cry in the first place, she turned on Summer.

  “What in the world were you doing, Summer Lynn?”

  “What was I doing? I wasn’t doing anything. It was Ryker who scared the Bee-Jesus out of them.”

  Granny’s eyebrows lowered. “Don’t you dare take the Lord’s name in vain, young lady. And that’s my point. You weren’t doing anything to help him settle the babies.” Granny looked at Ryker. “I apologize for my granddaughter. Sometimes I think she has applesauce for brains.”

  Ryker smoothed down his tie that looked like it had been dunked in a horse trough. “I nee
d to apologize for upsetting Dirk’s daughters. I’m afraid I’m not very good with children.”

  “Three babies are hard for anyone to handle,” Granny Bon said as she gave Lucinda a kiss on the cheek. “Even sweethearts like these. And I’m wondering how you ended up with all three of my great-grandbabies in the first place.”

  “That’s my fault, Granny Bon,” Dirk walked up with Gracie tucked under his arm. “I handed them off to Rye when I saw some yahoo of a cowboy trying to make a move on my woman.”

  “He was not making a move on me,” Gracie said. “He was asking me about Summer.” She smiled at Summer. “I think you have a cowboy admirer.”

  Summer glanced at the dance floor. “What cowboy?”

  Autumn shook her head. “Don’t expect her to notice anything or anyone when she has her phone. Who were you texting anyway? Everyone we know is here.”

  Before she had to answer, Sheriff Waylon Kendall walked up. As much as Summer resented him for taking her baby sister away from her, she had to admit that he loved Spring. His smile was sappy and his eyes dazed as he looked at his new bride holding Luella.

  “I believe they’re playing our song.”

  Spring looked back at him with the same sappy, dazed look. “And what song is that?”

  “Every song for the rest of our lives.”

  Her sister giggled happily as she handed off Luella to Gracie and allowed Waylon to lead her to the dance floor. Summer rolled her eyes, then caught Ryker watching her. He’d been watching her all night. Not in a sexual way. More like a scientist that had discovered an unrecognizable specimen and was trying to figure out what to do with it. She couldn’t blame him. She had gotten a little out of hand in the last month. But when she wanted something, she didn’t let anything stand in her way. And she wanted something from Ryker.

  “We should get the girls to bed, Dirk,” Gracie said. She leaned up and gave Ryker a kiss on the cheek. “I wish we’d had room to put you up tonight. I hate the thought of you having to stay at the motor lodge.”