“Thanks.” The blizzard of information from Cassidy combined with soft guitar music left Elle feeling distracted. She did her best to focus on Cassidy when all she really wanted to do was check out Trey’s guitar performance. “I appreciate the invitation, and I’ll try to make it out there.”
“I hope you do. Here comes Jeb. He’ll escort you to your seat.”
Elle smiled at the freckle-faced cowboy who’d been one of her students the day before. He wore a smart-looking Western coat, a white shirt and a bolo tie. “Hi, Jeb. You’re looking good.”
Jeb offered his arm. “Pam wanted all of us to be stylin’, so she helped pick out our clothes. I get to keep the jacket.”
“Bonus.”
“I know. I’ve never owned a jacket this nice. You’re sitting on the groom’s side, right?”
“I guess so. Emmett’s the one who invited me.”
“Then I’m putting you on the groom’s side. Isn’t this the fanciest wedding you’ve ever seen?”
“It’s pretty fancy.” To please Jeb, she glanced around at the greenery, wine-colored ribbons and white roses. Tiny white lights twinkled everywhere. Wine-colored poinsettias were clustered on tiered stands around the perimeter of the room.
“It’s like a fairyland,” Jeb said. “Well, here you go. This is your seat.” He indicated a spot on the aisle in the fourth row. “You’re gonna love this wedding. It’ll be awesome. And cute. Little Archie, Jack’s son, and Sara Bianca, Gabe’s daughter, will be in it. And by the way, you look beautiful.”
“What a nice thing to say. Thank you, Jeb.”
“It’s the truth. Oh, here’s your program.” He handed her an elegantly printed booklet. “If you’ll excuse me, I have more people to escort.”
“You go right ahead. I’ll be fine.” She would be more than fine in this spot. At last she had what she wanted―an excellent view of Trey. He and Watkins sat to the left of a greenery-covered arch that would serve as the focal point for the ceremony. Trey was not wearing his hat.
Watkins wasn’t wearing one, either, so Pam might have made a no-hats decision. In any case, Elle loved being able to see Trey’s expression as he played a gentle love ballad.
Although neither man was singing, Elle had no trouble filling in the lyrics. She knew the song well. She’d bet Trey did, too, and was repeating them in his head as he played. Watkins might be a better guitarist, especially because he’d had more years of practice, but in Elle’s completely biased opinion, Trey put more emotion into the notes.
She’d been an idiot to ever think he could carry on an affair without becoming involved. He was an artist. Artists had to give rein to their emotions, whereas she was a ski instructor, an analytical teacher. She’d been raised by parents who believed in logic and efficiency. She believed in those things, too. Didn’t she?
If so, she wasn’t doing a very good job of being logical and efficient regarding Trey. Her breath caught as she watched him strum his guitar. Less than twelve hours ago, those strong fingers had been touching her, loving her, making her moan. She squirmed in her seat. She wanted him to make love to her again.
But was that fair to Trey? She’d been right all along. He needed someone as romantic as he was, someone who would send him sentimental love notes and appreciate his flair for the dramatic. Speaking of that, how would he explain his tattoo to a future lover?
Although it was unworthy of her, she liked the idea that he’d have to. Perhaps he shouldn’t have honored her with that angel’s wing, but he couldn’t do much about it now. Like it or not, he was stuck with this memory of her. That shouldn’t make her smile. But it did.
The room gradually filled with happy people. Elle could feel the good cheer in the air, hear it in the muted laughter, see it in the glowing expressions and wide smiles. This was why Pam had insisted on a public celebration. It was a gift to all those who knew her and Emmett, all those who wanted to share in their joy.
But Elle couldn’t help wondering how Emmett was holding up. About that time, he entered from a side door, accompanied by Jack, Gabe and Nick. Those brothers made an impressive trio, but Emmett was the guy Elle focused on.
She need not have worried about him. He looked magnificent. Tall and silver-haired, he carried himself with pride and assurance, as if he’d decided that this was, in fact, the most glorious day of his life so far, and he planned to enjoy it to the fullest.
Elle wasn’t sure what she’d expected—maybe a hesitant man who had to be bolstered by the three younger cowboys at his side. Instead, he took the leadership role, and they served as his trusty companions.
Elle knew all would be well. Emmett had risen to the occasion and would make his bride proud. She barely knew Emmett and didn’t know Pam at all, but her understanding of Emmett’s dilemma had given her a stake in the proceedings. Happy anticipation made her glance in Trey’s direction.
As if they’d choreographed it, he was looking back. He and Watkins had finished the last of the preceremony numbers, and Trey sat with his guitar in his lap and his gaze trained on her. He wasn’t smiling. Her heart stuttered. Did he think their interlude was over?
She wouldn’t blame him if he thought that. All things considered, he’d probably be better off without her. Selfish person that she was, she didn’t want to let him go. Not yet. But perhaps he’d decided she wasn’t worth the trouble.
Watkins leaned over and murmured something to Trey. With one last glance at Elle, he settled his guitar more firmly against his thighs. Together, he and Watkins began to play the “Wedding March.”
The guests rose and turned toward the back of the room. So did Elle, which meant she couldn’t see Trey anymore. But she was here for a wedding, and Pam deserved to be honored after all she’d gone through to plan this event.
Elle didn’t know what to expect. It was doubtful that Pam’s father was alive and could walk her down the aisle, and the three Chance brothers were all at the altar with Emmett.
First a little flower girl appeared. Her red hair indicated she was Morgan and Gabe Chance’s daughter, Sarah Bianca. Basket of rose petals in hand, she surveyed the admiring crowd like the princess she undoubtedly thought she was in her frothy emerald dress and crown of rosebuds.
And no wonder. She was adorable, and every camera was pointed in her direction. Behind her, though, some fuss was going on.
Standing on tiptoe, Elle could see Josie Chance, elegant in a long blue dress, urging a small blond boy down the aisle behind Sarah Bianca. Elle pegged this tyke as Josie and Jack’s son, Archie, the designated ring bearer. He was tricked out in a Western vest, coat, pants and tiny boots, but he seemed totally uninterested in his assignment.
With a martyred sigh, Sarah Bianca turned around and grabbed his hand. Then she proceeded to tow him down the aisle while he kept stopping to gaze in wonder at his surroundings. She wouldn’t allow it. Her jaw was set and her attention was fixed on the goal.
Good thing the rings were tied to the pillow, because Archie clutched it to his chest like a favorite teddy bear. Deprived of a free hand to toss rose petals, Sarah Bianca swung the basket vigorously so they’d spill out behind her. She had everything under control.
Chuckles rippled through the gathering, but no one laughed out loud. That impressed Elle. Apparently everyone here recognized that Sarah Bianca was struggling to make things right the best way she knew how. That was worthy of admiration, not ridicule. These were good people.
Josie managed to keep her composure, too, as she followed the pair. Elle could see the combination of laughter and tears swimming in her eyes, but she took a deep breath and kept going.
Morgan Chance appeared next. She obviously was fighting the same battle to keep from both laughing and crying at the antics of her daughter and Josie’s son. This, Elle knew, would be a moment talked about for many years.
Elle wondered if Dominique Chance, Nick’s wife, would be next down the aisle, but then she noticed a movement at the front of the aisle. There was Dominique crouching down, camera in hand, as little Archie broke away from his cousin and ran to his father.
Jack scooped him up with a grin. It looked as if Jack would hold on to him during the ceremony, which also meant the rings would be available when needed. Dominique captured it all.
Elle could imagine how great those pictures would be, considering Dominique’s photography skills. Maybe Dominique would preview them at the reception, or put some up on a website. Elle decided to ask about that later.
When a soft murmur passed through the group, Elle faced the back of the room again. At last, Pam stood in the doorway wearing a stunning burgundy velvet gown. On her left side was a blonde woman whose bone structure hinted that she might be related to Emmett. Elle guessed she might be his daughter. On Pam’s other side stood a silver-haired woman with a regal bearing who could only be Sarah Chance, matriarch of the Chance family.
Elle loved it. No man was going to give this woman to her dashing ranch foreman. No, the women of the Last Chance owned this rite of passage. Elle, who was only barely acquainted with them, felt a moment of solidarity as they passed. She resisted the urge to give them a high five.
Once Pam and her companions had gone by, Elle turned to watch the bride approach her broad-shouldered groom. His eyes shone, and she moved toward him with the steady gait of a woman certain of her path. Elle’s throat tightened and her eyes grew moist. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d cried, but she was crying now.
God, it was beautiful, this joining of two lives, this celebration of all things precious between them. Tears slid down her cheeks. Someday...when she was ready...when she’d tired of the freedom to move unfettered about the world....
But that time had not come, she reminded herself gently. She was viewing an image of what was to be in the future. She shouldn’t get too carried away by the emotional ceremony taking place today.
She wouldn’t wait until she was in her sixties before she looked for a guy, but she had more to see and do. She’d given herself at least until she was thirty before settling down, which was more than two years away. She didn’t want to jump the gun.
That was important to remember whenever she interacted with Trey. Most people had a mental timetable, whether they acknowledged it or not. His wasn’t in sync with hers.
But thanks to him, she had begun examining the patterns she’d been taught as a child. Thanks to him, she’d discovered a capacity for pleasure that she’d never dreamed of having. Thanks to him, she was able to be part of a celebration that showed her that sometimes, pulling out all the stops could be wonderful.
The ceremony was classy and relatively short. It included one musical interlude when Tyler Keller sang, accompanied by Watkins and Trey. Emmett and Pam promised to love and cherish each other, and when they kissed, everyone in the room cheered.
Grinning like teenagers, the newly married couple hurried back down the aisle accompanied by lively guitar music. The guests streamed after them, bound for a reception in the ballroom down the hall. Everyone, that was, except Elle and Mary Lou, Watkins’s wife.
When Elle noticed that Mary Lou was waiting for Watkins, she decided to take her cue and wait for Trey. No one had to know that she and Trey had exchanged sharp words the last time they’d seen each other.
Mary Lou motioned for Elle to come and stand with her. “Weren’t our guys terrific?”
“They were.”
“Tyler and Watkins made a recording last year, and Josie sells the CD at the Spirits and Spurs. I think they should make another one, don’t you?”
“That’s a great idea.”
“I’m so glad Emmett invited you. I’m sure Trey was thrilled you could come.”
“I hope so.” She planned to act as if they had nothing to quarrel about. This wouldn’t be the time to talk about the issues, anyway. But she couldn’t completely ignore their less-than-happy parting. He was too much of a gentleman to reject her in front of Mary Lou and Watkins, but he might after they reached the reception.
He walked toward her, his guitar case in one hand. “Glad you came.” He still wasn’t smiling.
“I wouldn’t have missed it. You and Watkins were wonderful.”
“Thanks. It was fun.”
She lowered her voice. “Trey, I’m so sor—”
“Never mind.” He hooked his free arm around her waist and drew her in for a quick kiss. “We’ll talk later.”
“Good.” She hoped they’d do a whole lot more than talk.
“You look amazing, Elle.”
She sighed. “Thank you.” It would be all right. Because he had a big heart, he’d forgiven her for running out on him and saying a few things she wished she could take back. But somehow she had to figure out how to keep from breaking that big heart of his. That would be a challenge.
Chapter 11
WHEN ELLE HAD walked in, Trey had screwed up a chord, but he’d quickly recovered and didn’t think anybody but Watkins had noticed. Then she’d actually waited for him to pack up so she could go over to the reception with him. He wasn’t sure what it all meant, or what exactly she’d been about to apologize for, but at least she was here.
If she’d planned to tell him she was sorry, but it was over between them, he wasn’t about to give her that opportunity. He couldn’t let her break up with him before he danced with her. Dancing was bound to help his cause, especially if they moved as well together as he expected they would.
Amy had said Elle was susceptible to his music, so he’d use that during the reception, too. He’d grab every chance to convince her that throwing away something this great was a crime against nature. He’d use sex, too, because she responded well to that.
She’d admitted that she’d never had it this good. He wondered if she’d asked herself why that was. Sure, people talked about having great sex with a virtual stranger, but how often did that happen? In his view, the best sex took place between two people who were right for each other in many ways. Right for each other like Pam and Emmett were, for example.