Mason's Marriage (13 page)

Mason smiled when Mimi walked into his office. She didn’t so much walk as blow right through. Her cheeks were red; her blond hair was somewhat askew. Why, she looked as if she’d run all the way down to his office. Mason chuckled and leaned back in his chair. He put his heels on the desk and silently applauded himself for finally figuring out the right method for teasing his little hell-belle out of her cemented position of “I need time.”

He’d given her plenty of time. He was impatient to make her his. But he knew her well, and a man could give a woman too damn much time to make up her mind.

Some minds, like Mimi’s, weren’t really designed to be made up. At least not without a little incentive.

So when the Never Lonely Cut-n-Gurls walked
into his office, Mason knew he had a sterling opportunity to get his little gal going. He’d stepped outside his office for a moment and called Valentine, asking her if she’d do him the favor of letting her new assistant baker know that company had come to town.

Ah, life was sweet, Mason thought, watching Mimi’s back stiffen as she noted a couple of girls draped on his desk and a few others in provocative poses in chairs around his office. Some just leaned against the wall, and that was all they had to do to make the dank, bare walls beautiful.

It was great to be a cowboy, he decided. A cowboy learned patience, and patience was what it took to win the prize.

“Mimi, you remember the Never Lonely Cut-n-Gurls from Lonely Hearts Station?” he asked.

“Yes.” She nodded at them, but it was not the world’s friendliest nod. “What brings you stylists to town?”

“We decided to visit and see what y’all are doing to make Union Junction such a success,” a tall blonde said. “We’ve been hearing such good things about your town and how it’s growing.”

“Must be your sheriff,” a perky brunette said from her place on Mason’s desk.

Mimi blinked. “Have you visited the Union Junction Salon? They’re a big part of our growth.
They’ve had lots of good ideas. And Delilah’s been helping out. I’m sure they could tell you what you want to know.”

A tiny redhead smiled at her lazily. “We figured the sheriff could tell us everything about his town’s demographics.”

“Demographics?” Mimi asked. “I don’t think so. The town clerk and registrar would know all those things. Her name is Mrs. Fancy, and if you come back when she’s in her office, she can tell you about that topic.”

“Mimi, don’t you want us to talk to the new sheriff and offer him our most sincere congratulations?” the blonde asked.

The other ladies in the room giggled, looking at her sneakily. Mason, the cad, just grinned.
Any moment, I expect him to pull out a cigar and celebrate the glories of being a man with females vying for his attention.

He winked at her. Mimi glared back. “I don’t mind you talking to him,” she said sweetly. “I just don’t want you doing anything else with him.”

The smile on Mason’s face grew bigger but Mimi didn’t care.

“Why, Mimi,” the redhead said, “we weren’t aware that you’d staked a claim on Mason.”

“I haven’t. He staked a claim on
me.
”

“I don’t see a ring,” the brunette said saucily.

Which was true, Mimi decided, and it was also her fault. He’d offered to buy her a ring. Stung, she opened her mouth to tell the brunette to mind her own business.

“Well, you can’t see the ring when it’s still in the box,” Mason said, reaching into his desk to pull out a silver-wrapped box he’d been keeping there ever since he’d followed Mimi up to Hawk’s. He’d been hoping and praying that one day this little box would be opened.

Mimi stared at him, her eyes huge. Mason grinned, feeling pretty proud of himself.

“Let us see it, Mason,” one of the girls said, but he shook his head.

“Can’t, ladies. This is for Mimi’s eyes only.”

She smiled at him, and in her eyes, he read the answer he’d been waiting for. “You ladies will have to excuse us,” he said. “Mimi and I have some things to discuss.”

“Sure, Mason.” The Never Lonely Cut-n-Gurls rose and went slowly to the door.

“Lucky you,” one said on her way out the door.

“Call us if it doesn’t work out,” another said with a flounce at Mimi as she left.

“Congratulations,” three murmured as they walked out.

The room emptied, and Mason closed the door behind them. He put the ring box back into the drawer and looked at Mimi with his most official sheriff expression. “Now, what brings you here, Miss Mimi?”

Her lips parted. “Mason!”

He sat down and waited. “Just a casual hello?”

She fidgeted, and he enjoyed having her on the hot seat for once. Usually, it was him at the mercy of Mimi.

“I heard you had company,” she said, “and I felt you’d appreciate a rescue.”

“Ah. Coming to my rescue again.” He grinned.

“Yes.”

“No hair spray?”

“I didn’t need a weapon for that crowd,” Mimi said disdainfully. “Just my wits.”

He smiled. “I’m glad you came to see me.”

“So about that box,” Mimi said.

“Yes?” He raised his eyebrows, hoping she’d ask more about it. This time, he wanted her to want him—and to show it.

“Is it really for me?”

Nodding, he pulled it back out, sitting it on top of his desk so that she could be tempted by it. “I bought it several months ago.”

She took a step forward. Mason grinned. “After I asked your father for your hand in marriage.”

Mimi blinked. “You did that?”

“Of course! It’s the respectful thing to do. And I do respect you, Mimi.”

“He never told me.”

“The sheriff is wise beyond his years,” Mason said. “He knew you thought you needed time.”

“I didn’t need as much time as you’ve given me,” Mimi admitted.

“You didn’t?” If that was so, he was glad to hear it!

“No. But you quit coming around.”

“I see you quite frequently.”

“You don’t sleep in my bed.”

“Oh,” he said with a smile. “You miss me.”

“I just thought maybe every once in a while…yes, damn it, I miss you.”

Grinning, he got up from his chair and carried the box with him. “So, Mimi,” he said.

“Yes, Mason?”

He looked into her eyes. “I think after all these years, it’s just you and me, babe.”

She smiled. “It feels right.”

“Let me tell you what I see for our future, and let’s see if you agree.” He kissed her on the lips, enjoying the feel of her once again connected to him. His heart
jumped, telling him that everything was right about this moment. “Lots of kids. Lots of sex. Lots of fun. Years of you making me crazy, and years of me—”

“Making me crazy,” she said with a smile. “I like the future you see.”

“Big wedding.”

“The biggest,” she said. “We have a lot of friends who are going to be happy for us.”

“No more ghosts from the past for either of us,” Mason said. “We want a clean closet for our children. No skeletons, just fresh Cannady-Jefferson memories.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

He kissed her again, delighted by the happiness he saw in her eyes. “Do you want to make love to me first, or open this box?”

She giggled. “Mason, you’re crazy. Of course I want the box first!”

He laughed. “I was hoping you’d say that. I spent three hours in the store designing this ring.”

Mimi’s eyes grew wide. “You did?”

“Yes. But Nanette needs to go with us to help pick out wedding bands.”

“Oh, she’ll love that.” Mimi glowed, and he knew he was doing everything right.

“So, Mimi Cannady,” he said, getting down on one knee. “I’ve loved you for years. I loved you before I
even knew what true love was. I couldn’t even imagine being in love, and somehow, you showed me how much those feelings would mean to me.” He watched as Mimi’s eyes teared a little, and he smiled. “I do love you, girl. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.”

Mimi held his hand tightly. It felt very much as if they were saying their wedding vows now, Mason realized. “So I’m asking you to accept this ring, and marry me, and be at my side forever,” he said, giving her the box.

She took it from him, and he felt her tremble just the slightest bit as she looked at him. Then, in typical Mimi fashion, she tore the wrapping off and pulled the box open. “Oh, Mason,” she said, “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

He grinned, feeling he’d designed a ring for a queen. She was his queen. His rodeo queen, his queen of hearts and the queen of his life. “Three curving rows of diamonds, and then one big fat one in the center, heart shaped, of course, to show you that I know that what we have is special. It’s one of a kind.”

Mimi started to cry as he slipped the ring on her finger. She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him as he’d never been kissed before. Mason knew in that moment he had found the love his father had
wanted all his boys to know. Grateful tears squeezed at the corners of his eyes as he held Mimi tight. But he didn’t really cry, because he was too happy about finally having his Mimi.

Together they walked out onto the streets of Union Junction to tell all their friends and family the good news: Union Junction was going to have the wedding they’d all been waiting for.

The best things in life, of course, were worth the wait.

It took a couple of months to plan a big Christmas wedding, but Mimi and Mason made good use of the time. When the wedding day dawned, it was clear and lit with sun. Mimi’s best friend, Julia Finehurst, had done a marvelous job of coordinating the lavish event, and Mimi wondered if perhaps Julia needed to add wedding planning to her Honey-Do Agency services. The wedding was unlike any Union Junction had ever seen, and a wonderful tribute to two people who had finally found each other.

Each and every Jefferson child participated, which meant that every girl got to be a tiny flower girl and every boy got to bear a small pillow to the altar. Only one pillow held the rings, of course, but the other children didn’t care. Every Jefferson brother was a
best man, and Mimi, who had grown up with no sisters, had twenty bridesmaids, all stylists from Union Junction and Lonely Hearts Station. Helga was her matron of honor, however, because if she’d had a second mother, Helga would have been her choice.

The wedding was held on the lawns of Malfunction Junction, and the entire town turned out to enjoy it, despite the cold December weather. The best part, though, besides having all their friends and family with them, was her groom. Mimi looked at Mason, admiring him in his wedding attire. A tux with short tails, bolero, dress boots, Western hat—he looked as if he’d stepped out of a movie. And maybe that was appropriate, Mimi thought with a smile.

“What is my bride grinning about?” Mason demanded. “We haven’t even said ‘I do’ yet.”

“Everything about you makes me smile,” Mimi said. “I love you, Mason.”

“I know,” he said, in that arrogant tone she was beginning to love. “But you can never love me as much as I do you.” He kissed her soundly just to prove that he wasn’t completely chauvinistic, and Mimi adored him for being exactly the man she’d always wanted.

“So, I’ve got a wedding gift for you,” Mason said,
returning her to earth. “But you don’t get it until after the ceremony.”

She smiled. “And I have a wedding gift for you, but you don’t get it until after the ceremony, either.”

“Is it the pretty nightie?” Mason asked hopefully. “I’ve been dreaming about it.”

“No. It’s much better, Mr. Jefferson.”

“
Nothing
is better than a naked Mimi.”

By now she should be used to blushing, but Mason kept surprising her with his passion.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked.

Mimi gasped. “Get married?” Was he having second thoughts?

Mason laughed and picked her up in his arms. “This huge shindig. My trusty steed is parked over there. We could make a fast getaway and elope. Which means we get down to the goodies faster.”

“No,” she said, leaning against his chest and enjoying the strong, broad feel of her sheriff. “We’d be dragged back by our own wedding guests. Although I greatly appreciate the fantasy.”

“Mmm. However, once I get you alone—”

Mimi kissed him. “That’s to tide you over.”

Mason smacked his lips. “I think that’ll work.”

“All right,” Last said, coming to get his brother. “If we don’t do this thing, you two may not make it
to the altar. And there are some of us around here who have odds riding on whether you elope, change your mind or simply keep making us crazy.”

Mason frowned. “Who’s the bookie?”

“Not telling,” Last said, “but I think it might be Nanette.”

Mimi and Mason gasped.

“Nah, I’m teasing,” Last said. “No one’s taking bets. The house would win, because we all know you’re going to get married and love it. You deserve it, you stubborn ol’ man.” He gave his eldest brother a righteous slap on the back.

Mason tried to work up a glare, but Mimi dragged him toward the altar before he could get sidetracked.

Hawk was performing the nontraditional part of the service for them, and they had the pastor to perform traditional vows.

“I like it,” Mason said. “I like the fact that you intend to have me wed from all angles. It shows your commitment, my flighty little bride.”

He handed her off to Sheriff Cannady with one last hot kiss. “Sorry, Sheriff,” he said. “I’m just crazy about your daughter.”

“Come on, Mimi,” Sheriff Cannady said with a grin. “Let’s let Mason off the hook. I can tell he’s just itching to become a groom. Which is something I
never thought I’d say, and it’s going to feel so good to watch it happen.”

Mason grinned at her as she walked away with her father. “Hurry, Mimi. Don’t make me wait long.”

Mimi smiled at him. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.”

“And I intend to make up for lost time.”

Her father tugged her away. “C’mon, girl. Let’s get that veil on. Your groom reminds me of some stallions I’ve owned. Ready and raring to go.”

“Dad,” Mimi said, laughing. “I’m having so much fun being wooed and wed.”

He patted her arm. “You deserve it, Mimi. And heaven only knows, when it finally happens, I’m going to be swilling champagne out of that fountain Julia set up.”

They walked into the foyer of the home, which she would now share with Mason. She had always dreamed of living here, part of a big family. Mimi smiled as Julia walked over with her veil. “It’s beautiful, Julia. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

Julia smiled and gently set the long veil over Mimi’s golden hair. “You’re beautiful. Mason’s going to sweep you up and carry you off.”

“No, he won’t,” Mimi said with a laugh, “because Jellyfish is driving the wagon, and he’d be
mad if he didn’t get to do his part of chauffeuring us out of here.”

Julia nodded. “Well, here comes the bride. In the next five minutes, you’ll be Mrs. Mimi Jefferson.”

Happy tears jumped into Mimi’s eyes. “Walk with me.”

With her father and her best friend, Mimi walked outside. Her beautiful gown twinkled in the sunlight, which took the chill off the day and gave everything a special glow. Mimi smiled as she took her place behind the procession of bridesmaids, flower girls and ring bearers. The guests, seated in white wicker chairs, rose as lilting strains of the wedding march began to play.

Mason, standing tall at the gazebo altar Julia had concocted, didn’t smile at Mimi. He watched her walk down the aisle on her father’s arm, on petals of roses the little girls tossed with great importance. She felt herself tremble as Mason’s gaze never left hers. It was as if she’d waited all her life to take this walk into his life, and nothing else would ever feel quite like it.

He took her hand and helped her to stand next to him. Her father kissed her, and Mason nodded his thanks to the sheriff for giving him his heart’s desire.

It was, Mason decided, as he took Mimi’s and Nanette’s hands in his, the happiest day of his life.

M
ANY HOURS LATER
, after the last shrimp had been eaten and the wedding guests’ feet literally ached from dancing, Mason loaded his new family into the wagon driven by Jellyfish. Sunflower seeds were thrown at them by well-wishers, and they waved goodbye as they moved forward on the journey to the rest of their lives.

Mason held Mimi as she relaxed against him, enjoying the rocking of the wagon as it swayed down the lane. Mason’s truck was hidden in a grove just off the lane so no one could decorate it. They planned to make a mad dash into Dallas for an overnight pre-honeymoon. When the holidays were past and the family gone, he and Mimi were taking a two-week honeymoon in Hawaii with Nanette, and he was very much looking forward to having his family all to himself.

When they got to the end of the lane, Mason said, “Thank you for marrying me, Mimi. You’ve made me happy beyond anything I can say.”

She smiled at him, and it went straight into Mason’s heart. Now he had what his father had known: a soul mate.

“This is for you,” Mason said, and pointed to the sign that arched over the drive to the ranch. Big, scrolling letters read
The Double M,
and Mimi
squealed with happiness, feeling one hundred percent part of the family. Which she knew had been Mason’s intention, and he was a prince to know exactly what would make her heart happy.

“And this is for you,” she said, “a surprise groom’s garter.”

Mason’s eyes lit up. “Shouldn’t I wait until we’re alone?”

Mimi laughed. “No. This one is G-rated. And a little goofy, but I wanted to make it memorable.” Pulling the garter off, she handed it to him.

He was grinning until he saw what adorned the scrap of satin. Mimi had attached a pregnancy stick to the lace—and the tip of the stick was blue.

“Congratulations,” Mimi said, “you’re a dad. Again.”

Mason’s heart swelled as he looked at Mimi, his best friend for always. Somehow,
you’re a dad—again
were the sweetest words he’d ever heard besides
I do.
He couldn’t wait to hear them over and over again through the years.

“Nanette’s going to have the first of many brothers and sisters to come. Lucky them to have such a special big sister.”

Mimi’s eyes twinkled. “We’re repeating a Jeffer
son family tradition. This one’s better than the Curse of the Broken Body Parts.”

He raised an eyebrow at her.

“Twins,” Mimi said.

Holding his girl tightly to him as the wagon moved forward, Mason laughed out loud with joy.