Cameron, Paige - Commando Cowboys Seduce Their Woman [Wyoming Warriors 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) (26 page)

“Damn, that was good.” He bent and kissed her swollen lips. “I’m going to have to tie you up more often.”

She took his face in her hands and looked into his eyes. “You do believe I trust you?”

“Without a doubt, darlin’.”

* * * *

Jack hung up the phone. “Morgan had a boy. Ethan and Justin sound on top of the world.”

Ellen had come into the living room after showering and dressing in jeans and a loose white blouse. Jack had showered and put on jeans without a shirt. She walked up to him as he snapped his phone shut. Raising on her tiptoes, she kissed him and ran her hands along his firm six-pack before heading for the kitchen.

“What shall we have for dinner? Sahale ought to be home soon.”

“I don’t suppose we can skip dinner and go back to bed?” Jack wiggled his eyebrows at her.

“You are insatiable. No, we can’t.”

“I expected that answer. Mitch called, and they’re having a little celebration for the success of our trip to Washington and to celebrate the new baby. We’ll eat there.”

“Great. I don’t like cooking much.”

“Ah, we’ll have to hire a cook, too.” Jack came up behind her and nuzzled her neck. “But there are compensations for having you around.”

She shivered when his teeth teased her earlobe. “Be good. What do we wear, dressy or jeans?”

“If you insist, I’ll behave. We wear jeans.” The door opened and shut. Jack glanced around. “You’re home.”

“Thought I’d be here sooner, but Lang wanted me to check a sick cow. He should have been a vet, too. He has an uncanny sense of when an animal isn’t right. Like this time, he caught it before most of the symptoms had shown.”

Ellen listened as the two discussed symptoms and treatment. Then the conversation moved into alternative medicine. She gathered that although one worked with animals and the other with people, they shared many beliefs regarding medicine in general. She loved listening to them.

“I’m going over to my cabin. Did you bring Montlief home from the clinic?” The veterinarian assistant had watched him while they’d been gone. She was anxious to see him.

“I thought we’d bring him home in the morning. He’s settled for the night and has found someone to love. He may not take kindly to the separation.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No, my assistant has a female dog of mixed pedigree like Montlief. He took Montlief home with him. The pair have grown quite fond of each other.”

“Well. Do you expect little Montliefs?” Jack asked.

“I sincerely hope not with the same name.” Sahale grabbed her and twirled her around. He gave her a hard kiss when he sat her back down. “Missed you.”

“I think now’s the time,” Jack said.

Sahale turned to him. “Sure?”

“As much as I can be.”

“What are you two talking about?” Ellen looked from one to the other.

“Just a minute.” Sahale hurried down the hall toward his room.

“This is very mysterious,” Ellen said. Sahale came back in the room and heard her comment.

“We wanted to surprise you.” He strode across to where she stood by the front door. “Before you leave to get dressed for the party, there’s something we want to ask.” Sahale went down on one knee and held up his hands. “Will you marry us?”

Ellen saw the sparkle of the large diamond solitaire in his hands. She glanced at Jack. He had moved to stand right by Sahale.

“Do I need to get on my knees, too? I will.”

She shook her head no.

“No? You won’t marry us?” Sahale asked. He stood. “We’re completely, irrevocably in love with you.”

“No, Jack doesn’t need to kneel. Yes, I’d be honored to marry you both.”

Sahale slid the ring on her finger. “Now, it’s too late to change your mind.” He kissed her hand, and then her lips. “I promise you won’t regret this decision.”

“Let me at her.” Jack teasingly shoved Sahale to the side. “Same goes for me, darlin. We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you happy.” He kissed her, too, to seal the deal. “I’ll drive you to your cabin. You can dress and call us to pick you up. Tomorrow, you, your stuff, and Montlief move in here.”

“Yes, Sir.” She saluted him. He gave her a playful slap on her bottom as they went out the door.

Chapter Nineteen

None of them had wanted a long engagement. They waited long enough for Morgan to recover, so she could attend the wedding, and for Ellen’s dress to be made. Ellen chose an aquamarine color for the silk sheath dress. The cowl neckline and simple lines were becoming to her.

“You’ll be glad for the long sleeves,” Sara said. “The mornings tend to be cool.” She and Morgan sat to the side of the dressmaker’s room, watching Ellen have her last fitting. Sara had explained about the simplicity of the style adding to the sacredness of the ceremony and how all the brides wore the same dress, except for color. Ellen was excited and nervous. She didn’t want to make any mistakes.

“After we get out of here, can you two go to town with me?” Ellen asked. “I have a purchase I want to make, but I want your opinion.”

“Sure,” Sara said. “Just let me make certain Mrs. Stiles can stay longer than planned.”

“Justin’s working tonight, so he’s with little Paul. Big Paul will be by to see him also. He about busted his buttons after we named the baby after him and Ethan’s deceased dads. Paul Randolph Joseph Wright Stanton.” She grinned. “A big name for a tiny baby.”

“Don’t worry,” Sara said. “He’ll grow into it.” She quickly called and made arrangements with Mrs. Stiles. “We’re all set.”

The dressmaker had hurried to finish. She waved them on their way.

“I want to go to a jewelry store. One where they can engrave a message on a piece of jewelry.”

Sara drove to town and parked in front of a little shop. “This place is reasonable in price and run by one of our people. Well, she’s sort of one of ours. It’s a long story. She’s just returned to the area and opened her business. There won’t be any questioning about you buying rings or whatever for two men.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks, Sara.”

“What do you have in mind?” Morgan asked.

“I’m undecided about rings or bracelets. I’m leaning toward the curved gold bracelets that are wider for men, and an inscription could be put on them.”

“I like the idea,” Morgan said. “We married so fast. I recently picked out rings for Ethan and Justin on my last trip to San Francisco. But bracelets are unique.”

“I thought so.” The bell rang as they entered the quaint shop. It smelled of lemon polish, and the sound of haunting music with pipes and flutes played in the background.

A tall, blonde-haired woman came from behind a curtain. “Sara, how nice to see you.” She smiled and took Sara’s hand. “What can I do for you today?” She glanced at Ellen and Morgan.

“Cassandra, this is Ellen. She’s getting married to Sahale Connor and Jack Talisman. I don’t think you’ve met her yet.”

“No. I only go for short visits to the ranch to see my mother.” She turned to Ellen. “I hope you’ll be very happy. They are both fine men.”

“Thank you. I think so, too. I want to buy two gold bracelets. One for each of them.”

It didn’t take long for Cassandra to show Ellen exactly what she had in mind. “They’re perfect. Can you engrave on the back of one of them the words
My Gifted Falcon,
and on the other,
My Audacious Knight
? I need them by the day after tomorrow.”

“I’ll deliver them to the ranch in the morning. I’m going to visit my mother. Where shall I leave them?”

“At Sara’s. I want them to be a surprise. And thank you. Oh, and I hope you’ll attend our wedding.”

“How sweet of you to ask. I will if I can get someone to cover for me here at the shop.”

They piled into Sara’s truck and headed back to the ranch. “What a great idea. I gather the words fit them?” Morgan said.

“Oh, yes.” She smiled at the thought. “I’m staying with you tomorrow night, Sara?”

“You and Morgan. We’ll have our own party and have you all ready for the big day.”

“I’m deliriously happy and nervous. I hope it was all right to invite Cassandra to the wedding. Where does she fit in to the community?”

“As I said, it’s a long story. You can ask Sahale or Jack to tell you, or I’ll tell you sometime. But yes, it was nice of you to invite her,” Sara said.

“I sense something is worrying you. What is it?” Morgan asked.

“My only concern is my barrenness. They both say it won’t matter. I believe them except for a very small doubt deep inside me.”

“Honey, if you could see the way they look at you when you’re not looking,” Sara said. “I mean, the love is etched across their faces. You all will be fine.”

“I know. It’s just bride jitters.”

* * * *

“There, the last button is fastened.” Sara patted Ellen on the back. “Your husbands are going to go nuts trying to unfasten them from those tiny button holes.” Sara stood back and watched as Morgan placed the long silver veil over Ellen’s head.

“Perfect,” Sara said. “Now sit and I’ll tell you a little about the ceremony. As you know, Sahale picked some of the music. He has a surprise for you regarding that. I can’t tell you. But most will be played on a flute and a guitar. The music can be different, but not much else. You’ll walk down the long aisle to where the Priestess and Sahale and Jack are standing. Morgan and I will walk with you, and Sahale and Jack’s parents will follow. Many of the community will attend.”

“Be prepared to step into darkness,” Morgan added. “The ceremony starts at the moment of daybreak.”

Sara hugged Ellen. “I’m so happy for you, and for us. We’ll all be living close together.” She stepped back. “To continue, the Priestess will be dressed in our native costume for the occasion. Her red-and-gold gown stands for happiness and prosperity for the three of you. She chants in the ancient language. You won’t understand, but it’s so beautiful, you’ll feel the meaning.” Sara shrugged. “It’s hard to describe. You have to experience it.”

“I love the part where after you promise to love them and the ring is put on your finger, the Priestess ties a golden cloth around all your wrists. It moved my heart.” Morgan blushed. “I’m talking too much.”

“No, thank you. Both of you have calmed my nerves. I’m ready. Is it time?”

Sara glanced at her watch. “Yes, we’d better go.”

They left her at the side of the circle of trees. She waited one more minute, as Sara directed, and then stepped inside. Even though warned, the darkness surprised her. She stood still and heard the rustling of people all around her. Sahale had explained the dawn represented a new day, a new life for the three joining together. Light crept between the trees as the sun rose.

One man stood in front of the pavilion. His voice rang out in song. The words, although in the ancient language, were understandably about love. The cadence, the music, wrapped around her heart. His voice was powerful and moving.

Ellen’s heart pounded with joy and tears ran down her face. Straight in front of her, but a distance away, she saw the Priestess and Sahale and Jack standing inside the white pavilion behind the singer. The columns surrounding the ornamental structure were covered with flowers of all colors.

As the music came to a close, the Priestess raised her arms. “Ellen Simmons, have you come to be joined with Sahale Connor and Jack Talisman?”