Wolfe Wedding (11 page)
“Yes, but.”
“Do you love me? Really love me?”
“Cameron, you know I do!” she cried, made nervous by the intensity of his voice.
“Enough to marry me?” he asked in a rush, then appeared to hold his breath.
Sandra went still for an instant. Then sheer joy burst through her, out of her.
“Yes! Oh, Cameron, yes, yes, yes!”
He exhaled, grinned, then laughed aloud. “Oh, sweetheart, you can’t imagine how scared I was to ask you, how scared I was you’d say no.”
Frowning, she levered herself up, unconcerned about her nakedness, to scowl at him. “You, scared? It boggles the mind. Why would you even think I’d say no?”
“Well, honey, you’re a professional, and all that.” His smile was teasing. “A feminist.”
She gave him a playful, but meaningful, punch on his bare shoulder.
He grabbed her and drew her mouth to his for a playful, but meaningful, kiss.
“We could make it a complete family affair,” he slyly suggested. “I’m sure my brothers would be delighted with the idea.”
She hesitated a moment longer, then drew a breath and took the plunge. “I suppose we might as well,” she agreed. “Make it unanimous…in every aspect.”
It took a frowning moment. Then Cameron’s eyes flashed and widened.
“You’re pregnant?”
“Well, I’m not absolutely certain yet. but I’m pretty certain.”
“Sandra.” He laughed. “Mom’ll freak!”
“Yes, but what about you?” she asked, in a voice betraying uncertainty.
“Are you kidding?” He drew her to him, kissed her cheeks, her eyes, her nose, her mouth. “I’m already freaking. Oh, Sandra.” His voice got lost inside her mouth; it found a home in her heart.
Sandra placed a long-distance call early the next morning, to tell her parents the happy news.
There was not an unoccupied foot of space in the Sprucewood College campus chapel.
Resplendent in their bright spring finery, the female guests looked like blossoms strewn amid the more subdued shades of the gentlemen’s suits and jackets.
Sunshine struck jewel tones of light through the stained-glass windows. A warm breeze wafted through the tilted panes.
Seated in the first pew, her eyes sparkling, her smile serene, Maddy turned her head to smile at the distinguished-looking couple seated opposite her across the aisle.
Sandra’s parents, William and Lisa Bradley, had flown in from Paris just that morning. They were the only parents of the brides able to make the wedding.
Disappointed for the others, but happy for Sandra, Maddy nodded to the couple, then turned her gaze proudly upon her tall, stalwart, handsome blond sons.
Attired in navy blue suits, pristine white shirts and muted patterned neckties, the four brothers stood side by side in front of the small altar, facing but not seeing the assembled guests. All four pairs of gleaming blue eyes were fixed on the back of the chapel.
Jake looked nervous—but trying not to show it.
Eric looked too relaxed—a sure sign of nervousness.
Royce looked contained—another sure sign.
Cameron looked remote—a dead giveaway.
The Wolfe men were getting married—and were anxious about it.
A rustling murmur rippled through the chapel. An instant before she turned around, Maddy’s eyes misted as she witnessed the blaze of love shining from the eyes of each one of her sons. A tear escaped her guard as she turned to look at the young women slowly pacing the distance along the aisle to the men.
Sarah was in the lead, her soft eyes riveted to Jake’s.
Tina came second, her smile fixed on Eric.
Megan followed third, her face aglow for Royce.
Sandra was last, a picture of pure love for Cameron.
It was a beautiful quadruple wedding.
Every female cried; there were even tears in the eyes of some of the males.
The reception was more joyous and boisterous than the previous gatherings at Maddy’s home. It was an absolute crush; there was only the tiniest space for dancing. No one seemed to mind.
Sandra loved every minute of it. But she wasn’t sorry when, after a brief conference with his brothers, Cameron drew her aside to whisper, “Watches have been synchronized. In precisely thirty seconds, Jake, Eric, Royce and I are going to grab our wives and break out of this joint.”
Sandra was breathless, and still laughing, long after she had kissed, and Cameron had shaken hands with, her parents, and all the others had all hugged Maddy in turn, then, calling their goodbyes, literally run to their separate cars.
After the four of them had given a final wave to one another, the four vehicles took off in different directions.
Cameron swept her into his arms the moment he shut the motel-room door. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. Then, in the exact same way he had the day he arrived at the cabin, he swung her around, singing, “Dance with me, I want my arms about you.” He broke off to declare, “I love you, my beautiful wife.”
“And I love you, my handsome husband,” Sandra vowed, smiling up at him through the tears of happiness welling in her shining eyes.
Cameron brushed his lips over hers. “Oh, my love, I’m so glad this Wolfe won’t be alone anymore.”
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eISBN 978-14592-7852-3
WOLFE WEDDING
Copyright © 1996 by Joan Hohl
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