Chapter Sixteen
Josephine studied her reflection in the mirror. Today she’d be walking down the aisle with overly bright eyes and pink-colored cheeks if she didn’t take a breath and calm down. It wasn’t as if she and Logan were going to be married forever.
At that precise moment, Ella walked into the room carrying a glass of water. “I thought you might need a drink.”
Josephine wasted no time in draining the glass. “Thanks. It feels like there’s a wad of cotton in my mouth.” She licked her lips.
Ella sat on the edge of the bed. “Try to relax, Josephine. It won’t be long now. I went out back to check on all the food we prepared the last couple of days. The salads are packed in ice keeping cool and Jake promised to keep an eye on the barbeque and fried chicken.”
“I’m surprised Logan didn’t eat most of it,” Josephine replied, fussing with the sleeves on her dress. “I caught him looking in the icebox when he thought no one was around.”
“He didn’t dare touch the food because he knew he’d have to contend with two very angry women.”
Josephine grinned. “You really gave him a dressing down.” She joined Ella on the bed and gave the woman a hug. “This dress is absolutely beautiful, Ella. Thank you for lending it to me. I’ll try not to spill anything on it.”
“Oh, my heavens, Josephine, think nothing of it. I have plenty of dresses and this one looks much better on you than it does on me so I’d like you to keep it.”
“Oh, no, I couldn’t,” Josephine argued. “It must have cost a fortune.”
“Posh, I won’t take no for an answer. The blue matches your eyes. And since your bosoms are bigger than mine, you fill out the bodice quite nicely,” she added with a pout.
Josephine gasped and ran to the mirror. “Land’s sake, I never even noticed.” Sure enough, the top mounds of her breasts were visible above the delicate white lace that adorned the neckline. “I should change.”
“Don’t you dare take off that dress, Josephine. The neckline is proper, I assure you. Logan never would have let me wear it if it wasn’t.”
Josephine wrung her hands. “I’m so nervous. Maybe a shot of whiskey would calm my stomach. Oh, and another thing. Logan mentioned your mother’s ring, the one your father gave her on their wedding day. Ella, I don’t feel right wearing it.”
“Josephine, me and Logan decided long ago that Ma’s ring would go to his wife and Pa’s ring would go to my husband. They’re not fancy, but they hold meaning.”
“All right.” It wasn’t as if she’d be wearing it for long. Josephine lightly touched her stomach and took a deep breath.
Ella grinned. “You think you’re nervous? You should see Logan. He’s pacing back and forth barking orders. I swear he’ll wear out the rug by the time you say I do.”
“What does he have to be nervous about?”
“He’s getting hitched after he swore to remain single for the rest of his life.”
“He said that?”
“Sure did, after he found out about Lily’s games.”
Kind of sounded like how she felt after witnessing firsthand what her aunt had gone through. “But this isn’t a real marriage. I mean, it’s only to save my reputation until I settle my debt.”
Ella rolled her eyes. “If you say so, Josephine. Let’s check your hair one more time. The reverend is due here any minute.” Ella fussed and patted Josephine’s hair. “Your hair is such a pretty honey blonde and is growing so fast.”
Josephine nodded absentmindedly. The last thing on her mind was her hair. “Oh, Ella, it feels like there’s a flock of birds in my tummy.”
Loud voices coming from the direction of Logan’s office caught their attention. Both girls exchanged startled glances and hurried to see what the commotion was all about. The door was partly opened and they quickly concealed themselves behind it to listen.
“The reverend is late. Sully, go into town and find out what’s holding him up. Check the saloon first. It’s common knowledge that he likes his whiskey.”
Worried that they’d get caught eavesdropping, Josephine and Ella flattened themselves against the wall.
“Let’s give it a few more minutes before you blow yer top,” Sully replied. “Yer gettin’ all wired up for nothin’. Hey, Brody, get him a glass of whiskey, will ya?”
Josephine poked her nose around the door for a better look. Logan had his back to the doorway, his shoulders blocking most of the view. She saw Brody hand him a small glass.
“Will you calm the heck down? It’s only a couple of minutes past the hour.”
Ella and Josephine covered their mouths and backed away before they were seen. Once they reached Ella’s bedroom they flounced on the bed in a flurry of skirts and burst out laughing.
“You’re right. He is worse than I am,” Josephine said between giggles.
Ella nodded. “I told you. He’s as nervous as a cat in a roomful of rocking chairs.”
“Then why go through all this? Why not let me leave?”
Ella patted Josephine’s hand. “What have I been saying all along? I really think he cares a lot for you. What about you, Josephine? Do you think you could give my brother a chance?”
Josephine stared at her hands. “We’re not marrying for love, Ella.”
Ella shrugged. “I never knew my parents weren’t a love match. Logan told me that Pa married Ma mostly for the land because it’s adjacent to ours. Being an only child, Ma’s parents worried that if something happened to them, Ma would be besieged by all kinds of miscreants. They were close friends with my pa’s parents so they worked something out while my parents were kids. Love came later.”
A knock sounded on the door. “Who is it?” Ella called out as she crossed the room.
“It’s Brody. The reverend’s here.”
Ella opened the door and he stepped inside. “How’s Logan?” she asked.
Brody wagged his head. “He’s pacing like a caged cougar.” He looked at Josephine. “You better get a move on before he gets it into his head to come and get you.”
Ella grabbed the small bouquet of wildflowers from the small table next to the bed and pushed them into Josephine’s hands. She grinned. “I batted my eyes and asked Sully to go out back and pick these flowers.”
“You are such an imp,” Josephine said and clutched the flowers tightly to her chest.
* * *
When Josephine saw Logan dressed in a black suit with a pristine white shirt and string tie, her breath hitched. His broad shoulders filled the jacket to perfection. He’d ditched his hat and had his hair slicked back from his face, emphasizing his high cheekbones, deep brown eyes, and thick brows.
Her heart pounded. He was the definition of dark and dangerous and so foreboding. She hesitated, but when his gaze met hers and he held out his hand, she saw the corner of his mouth lift and somehow knew everything was going to be okay.
Josephine slowly closed the distance between them. With a wobbly smile, she handed Ella the bouquet and took her place at Logan’s side.
“You look absolutely stunning.”
Suddenly shy, Josephine lowered her eyes. “Thank you.”
After the ‘I do’s,’ Logan slipped a plain gold ring on her finger. She looked up at him and couldn’t take her eyes off of his face. It was as if they were the only two people in the room.
Soon the reverend announced them husband and wife and Logan lowered his mouth to hers. The kiss may have been feather light, but Josephine felt as if she’d just been branded his and only his.
Ella squealed and threw her arms around her brother’s neck. “Oh, Logan, I love you so much. I just know you and Josephine are going to be happy.” She turned to Josephine. “Welcome to the family, Josephine.”
The two women hugged each other. “Everything is going to work out,” Ella whispered in Josephine’s ear. “You wait and see.”
Brody, Ella, and Sully stood off to the side as Jake, Tiny, and the other ranch hands formed a line and took turns exchanging polite words with the boss’s new wife and shaking Logan’s hand.
Logan’s arm was snug around Josephine’s waist and every once in a while she could hear him emit a low growl if one of the men lingered a bit longer than was necessary.
The reverend pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and mopped his brow. “Excuse me, if you’re satisfied, Mr. West, I’ll be on my way.” He headed for the door, but Logan latched onto the man’s arm and steered him to the settee.
“If you have nothing going on, you may as well stay here.” He smiled at Josephine. “Darlin’, would you get our guest a drink? Make yourself comfortable, Rev. In about an hour and a half you’ll be doing this again. I don’t fancy wasting time by having to look for you. I want my sister’s wedding day to be perfect.”
“Would you like something to eat, my darlin’?” Logan asked Josephine when she returned with the reverend’s drink.
She shot him a double look. My darlin’? The lout was up to something. Well, two could play this game. “Just a little something, sugar.”
He blew her a kiss before leaving the room. Josephine gave the reverend his drink.
“Thank you, Mrs. West.” The elderly man downed the contents and set the glass on the table next to the settee. “That husband of yours sure is…” He left the sentence unfinished, but Josephine knew exactly what he meant.
She smiled. “He sure is.”
Once the reverend had settled himself on the settee for a nap, Josephine went outside on the porch to admire the beautiful day. Blue sky, birds singing, and sun shining. Ella sure picked a perfect day to get married. The ring Logan had placed on her finger caught the sunlight and she thought about her own wedding just minutes before.
Tonight she and Logan would be sharing the same bed. What if he slept in his underwear or preferred to sleep naked? The only part of his body she’d seen bare was his chest and that had been enough to make her goofy. All those solid muscles and the light dusting of hair she longed to nuzzle but never dared. Heaven forbid, she’d probably faint when she saw the rest of him.
Logan appeared from around the back of the house carrying two plates of food. He stepped up onto the porch and motioned for her to sit.
“Would you hold these while I grab that small stand over there?”
Josephine stared wide-eyed at the plates piled high with food. “My goodness, Logan, I’ll never be able to finish all of this.” She set the plates on the table.
“Never you mind, wife. You hardly ate any breakfast and I know you haven’t eaten much the past few days while you and Ella busy were preparing this feast. Now, be a good girl while I get us something to drink.”
Josephine waited until Logan came back before she started eating.
“Everything smells so delicious. You and Ella certainly outdid yourselves putting this meal together.” Logan sat down next to her and dug into the food with gusto.
Josephine nibbled on her barbeque while Logan just about swallowed his whole and scarfed down some fried chicken. Sully came by with a plateful of food and sat on the top step. Tiny and Jake offered their congratulations and sat under a tree near the barn.
The other ranch hands nodded as they passed by with their food and joined Tiny and Jake.
As soon as Josephine finished her meal, she stood up. “I’m going to see what Ella’s up to. It’s soon time for her to get dressed. I’ll take your plate inside if you’re finished.”
“Thank you kindly, Mrs. West.” Logan lazily gave her the once-over and winked.
Flustered, Josephine hurried inside the house and placed the plates in the sink. Her face felt as if it was on fire. Oh, that man, she fumed as she made her way to Ella’s room. He knew just how to rattle her and took advantage of it.
She rapped on Ella’s door.
“Brody, it better not be you out there.”
“It’s Josephine. I thought you might need some help getting ready.”
The door flew open and she was unceremoniously yanked inside.
“What’s going on?”
Ella stepped out into the hall and looked right then left. She closed the door. “Did you happen to see Brody skulking around nearby?”
Josephine shook her head. “I think he’s still in Logan’s office. Girl, you look absolutely stunning.”
“Thanks so much. I could use some help fastening the rest of these hooks if you don’t mind.” She turned around and lifted her hair from her neck.
“What’s got you so flustered?” Josephine asked.
“Brody kept teasing me about throwing me over his shoulder and kidnapping me. Isn’t that romantic?”
“It does sound romantic. Why would that have you so on edge?”
When Josephine finished fastening the last hook, Ella said excitedly, “I couldn’t tell if he was serious or not and I thought it was him at the door coming for me. Big brother sure wouldn’t like Brody taking such liberties if we skipped out before the ceremony was complete.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” Josephine replied dryly. She could almost envision Logan with a gun in hand.
Ella grabbed her hand. “I can’t wait to become Brody’s wife and begin a life with him. I want you to know that I truly hope you and Logan can work things out and make this a real marriage. I hope you both find love just like me and Brody and we can all be a family. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
Josephine nodded. Being a part of a family would be nice. She just hoped it wouldn’t hurt too badly when it was time to leave.
Tears sprang into her eyes. “I don’t know what I would have done without your kindness and generosity. You’re like the sister I never had. I’m going to miss you around here.” Soon both girls were reaching for the tissues.
There was a knock on the door and they both looked at each other in panic.
“Oh, my lands, what if it’s Brody again?” Ella whispered, pointing to her dress. “I don’t want him to see me in my dress before we’re married.”
Josephine placed a finger to her lips. “Go into the washroom and I’ll see who it is.”
Once Ella was out of sight, she hurried to the door. “Brody, if this is you…”
“Are you threatening me with violence already?” The muffled response went clear to her toes. It was Logan.
Josephine opened the door and waved him inside. “If only I had a pan handy.” She smirked good-naturedly.
“Now that wasn’t very nice,” he scolded and entered the room. “Must I begin our first night together with a spanking?”
Good heavens, when he threatened her in that guttural drawl she’d let him do anything he wanted. “What’s Brody doing?” Suddenly the room seemed much smaller with his towering presence.
Logan took a look around before replying. “He’s wearing out the carpet in my study with his pacing.” The corners of his eyes crinkled with humor. “Me and Sully were giving him a good ribbing.” He frowned. “Where’s Ella?”
“I’m right here, Logan.”
All amusement left his face when he saw Ella in her pale yellow gown. His throat worked visibly as if he was doing his best not to tear up. “I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.” He shook his head in amazement. “What happened to that little girl in pigtails who insisted on wearing pants and agitating poor Sully?”
Ella blushed. “She grew up.”
Logan rubbed the back of his neck. “She sure did. Now remember, if you ever need anything, anything at all, you just call me. If Brody does something or says something to hurt you, you come to me pronto. Understand?”
The love between the two siblings was very transparent. Feeling like an intruder, Josephine thought it best to leave the room in order to give them some privacy. She made it as far as the door.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
She turned and faced her new husband. “You both could use some alone time.”
“Don’t be a silly goose.” Ella motioned her forward. “You’re family too.”
It was all so overwhelming and Josephine’s eyes welled with tears once again. Ella began to cry too, and Logan reached for the tissues.
“Hey now, this is supposed to be a happy occasion, so dry those eyes, little sister, and let’s get you married.”
He offered each of them an arm and they left the room.
The ceremony turned out beautiful. Josephine swore Logan’s eyes glistened with tears when he kissed Ella on the cheek and placed her hand in Brody’s.
There were a few people from town Josephine recognized. Amy and her husband Ed were there with Danny. Kittie and Billy arrived just in time to see Ella and Brody seal their marriage with a kiss.
Everyone clapped and took turns congratulating the young couple. Her own marriage to Logan hadn’t been announced, but Josephine was certain the entire town would know by the end of the day.
The ranch hands set up a dance floor and Josephine stood under a nearby oak watching Logan dance with Ella. A couple of men from town brought their fiddles and she had to admit they played rather well.
“Care to dance?”
“I would love to, Brody.”
Brody took hold of her hand and they walked side by side to the dance floor.
“Ella is absolutely beaming.”
“She certainly is. I’m a very lucky man.”
“Yes, you are and she’s lucky too. Brody, Ella’s the closest thing I have to family. Be good to her.”
“Well, at least you warned me a lot nicer than Logan did.”
“Oh, my, did he threaten you?”
“No, but he made it clear that he’d be very upset if I hurt his sister.” Brody gave her a twirl. “Don’t worry. He was very diplomatic.”
Josephine nearly burst out laughing. “Are we talking about the same Logan West?”
They both were still wearing smiles on their faces when the music finished and they went back to the table. Brody poured her a glass of punch. Ella and Logan joined them and all four chatted for a while, then when the music began again Ella pulled Brody away, leaving Josephine and Logan standing by the table.
“They look very happy,” Logan remarked offhandedly.
Josephine swung her gaze to the man who was now her husband. “Yes, they do. Um, did you and Brody have a nice chat before the wedding?”
“Is this your clever way of asking me if I kept my protective nature in check?” He took a drink of punch.
“Are you saying you didn’t threaten him at all?”
He tossed her a sidelong glance. “Now why would I do that? I like Brody. I think he’ll be good for Ella.”
“I think he will be too and I’m relieved you didn’t lose your temper. Besides, he’s the sheriff, for heaven’s sake.”
Logan grunted. “Not today he ain’t. Today he’s just the man who vowed to love and protect my sister. We just had a friendly chat, is all.”
“And you didn’t just happen to use your fists during that chat?”
He palmed his chest in mock dismay. “You wound me by thinking such a thing. I’m not a total barbarian.” He set down his cup and pulled her into his arms. “Dance with me, wife.”