Chapter Ten
“Here we go,” Sven said, taking his place by Carl’s side on the raised dais at the end of the aisle.
“Don’t get all weepy on me, Andersson,” Carl teased.
“No promises.”
All eyes turned to the back of the aisle as music filled the air. Sitting at an upright piano the men had painstakingly dragged out here that morning, Savannah Cook played the wedding march as first Fila, then Juana, walked down the aisle in their beautiful, wine-red bridesmaid gowns. Then Diego came out, looking proud as hell with Camila on his arm, who wore stunning white gown that fit her curves. Its bodice was covered in lace, a traditional touch to a modern dress. It suited Camila perfectly.
For the first time all day Carl felt a pang of anxiety. Not that he was making the wrong choice, but that maybe Camila was. Watching her walk toward him, so regal she almost seemed to float, he despaired of ever living up to this breathtaking woman who had somehow agreed to spend her life with him. Casting a glance at Ximena in the front row, he almost wished he’d brought a bottle of mezcal to the altar with him to steady his sudden nerves.
The moment Camila took her place across from him, however, the feeling vanished. He looked into her eyes and saw the love he felt for her reflected back at him. Carl thought nothing had ever been so right. Of course they were meant to be together.
He took her hand as the reverend began to speak.
Camila thought Carl had never looked more handsome than he did standing at the altar beside her. He stood tall and straight, and his hand holding hers kept her nerves at bay. This was the way they’d take on life—together. Supporting each other. Facing whatever came side by side.
She couldn’t wait.
Behind her sat her friends and family—and even the Turners and the Coopers were behaving themselves. When Reverend Halpern began to speak the traditional words of the marriage ceremony, her heart beat hard and fast, but her words came out clear and strong, and she’d never meant anything so utterly as she did when she said her vows.
When it was over, Carl swept her into an embrace and kissed her like he’d never let go again.
“I love you,” he told her.
“I love you, too.”
They barely made it back up the aisle before they were swamped with well-wishers, and soon the band they’d hired had struck up a tune and Juana and the others were setting out a huge buffet of food.
It all felt like a dream to Camila, and she kept wondering if the clock would strike twelve and it would all disappear.
“Congratulations,” Noah said, appearing at her side and handing her a glass of champagne. “I’m really happy for you, Camila.”
“You don’t think I’m a traitor to the Turners?”
“No.” He sighed. “I wish this stupid feud had never started.”
She noticed his gaze rest on Olivia Cooper but bit back the question that sprang to her lips. She hoped for Noah’s sake he hadn’t formed an attachment to Olivia. Their families might let her and Carl get away with being together, but they’d never stand for one of their own to cross the boundary between them.
“Maybe it will settle down someday.”
Noah made a face. “Not sure that’s likely any time soon. Congratulations again, though.”
“Thank you.” She spotted Carl talking to a knot of Coopers. “Think you all can make it through the night without coming to blows?”
“Here’s hoping.” Noah clinked his champagne glass with hers and downed its contents in one long gulp.
“It’s not the same without you around Thorn Hill,” Olivia said to Carl when they met up at the buffet table.
“I didn’t move that far away,” he reminded her.
“Sure feels like it. I’m used to seeing you on a daily basis.”
“Maybe someone better will move into your cabin now I’m gone.”
“Maybe.” Her gaze drifted toward Noah Turner, and Carl wondered what she was thinking.
“How are things on the ranch?”
“Dry.”
“Same here,” he said. “Hope the rains come soon.”
“I think everyone’s hoping that. Maybe your marriage to Camila will bring some luck to us all.”
“I sure hope so. Speaking of Camila, I’d better get back to her.”
“I’m glad you married her, Carl. For real,” Olivia added. “I’m glad our stupid feud with the Turners didn’t mess things up for you two.”
“Maybe it’s time you all buried the hatchet,” he suggested.
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Do you think that’s likely?”
“We can always hope for a miracle, right?”
“Let’s not ever pick a fight with our neighbors,” Camila said later that night when she and Carl were dancing their first dance together.
“Funny, I was thinking the same thing,” Carl said and stole a kiss.
“We’re going to make a good life here, aren’t we?”
“You better believe we are.” He told her about Arturo, Luis and Sven all wanting to come and help.
“I have a feeling we’re always going to have company at the house.”
“Good thing it’s a big house. Sometimes I’m going to want to have you to myself.” His arms tightened around her, and Camila leaned against his chest.
“I’m going to want that, too.”
“Sooner rather than later, preferably.”
Camila laughed. “Let’s enjoy the party first.”
A few minutes later, her parents joined them on the dance floor, and then more couples came. Soon they were dancing in a sea of swaying bodies, as the sun went down and the moon lit the sky.
“Everything’s perfect,” Camila said, looking up and taking it all in.
“You’re right; everything is perfect,” Carl said, his gaze steady on her.
Camila wondered if she’d ever stop feeling this much love for her husband. She doubted it, she thought, as he bent to kiss her.
And then all she could think about was Carl.
To find out more, look for , Volume 2 in the Turners v. Coopers series.
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