Call of the Canyon (14 page)

He turned to Kate. “Andrew’s a good man.
When you marry him for real, I’ll be as happy as I am today. Thank
you for doing this, Kate. My mother is beside herself with joy and
I get to share this with all my friends. I want to scream from the
rooftops that you’re my daughter, but this is enough for me.” He
patted her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm.

They walked out into the hall, down the long
corridor and entered the room where everyone sat, waiting to see
the bride. Kate spotted Lindsey way in the back with Carl. She was
so glad they were there. As she looked down the aisle, she spotted
Daniel and Thomas standing next to Drew, all looking so handsome.
Her bridesmaids made it to the front and now it was her turn.
Stepping slowly, afraid to trip on her dress, Kate had no idea how
she made it down the aisle. Her father placed her hand in Drew’s
and took his spot next to Thomas as best man.

Kate thought she could hear her heart
beating through the whole ceremony, but somehow remembered saying,
“I do.” Suddenly Drew kissed her and the minister introduced them
as Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Martin. They walked back down the aisle. It
was over in an instant and Kate could hardly recall what just
happened.

The guests stood and began filing toward the
back of the room, some stopping to chat with each other or members
of the wedding party. Drew took Kate’s hand and guided her through
the well-wishers.

“Kate, my wife, I want you to meet my
parents.” Drew stood in front of a very handsome couple. The woman
had auburn hair with the greenest eyes Kate had ever seen since
Drew’s. Of course, that made sense, she was his mother. His father
was strikingly handsome with wavy dark hair and brown, almost
black, piercing eyes.

“So nice to finally meet you, Kate.” Drew’s
mom took her hands. She had a slight Irish accent which Kate found
to be delightful. She had no idea his mother was first
generation.

“Nice to meet you, too, um, Mrs. Martin.”
Kate didn’t know what to call her 1927 mother-in-law.

“You can call me Ilene if you are
comfortable with that. I’m not too fond of Mother Martin.” Ilene
had a very sincere smile. “Nicolas, say hello, to your
daughter-in-law.”

“Humph, hello.” He cleared his throat and
barely looked at her.

Kate was in shock. Drew’s father did not
like her. He didn’t even know her and he didn’t like her. Drew
never mentioned anything. She glanced at him and saw he wasn’t
happy.

“Father, Kate’s my wife and I expect you to
treat her with a little more respect.”

“Yes, yes, of course, welcome to the family,
Kate. Or is it Kathryn?” Nicolas took her hand, but didn’t seem any
more sincere.

“Whatever you prefer.” She shook his hand
and felt the tension.

More people came up to the couple and Kate
was lost in a sea of people. She wanted to enjoy every moment, but
her thoughts kept going back to Nicolas. He wasn’t going to ruin
the day. She needed to get it out of her mind.

Kate was finally able to slip away and find
Lindsey. She stood with Maya and Carl Sr. close to the kitchen.
When Lindsey saw Kate, she motioned they should go outside. They
slipped through the back kitchen door together.

“Kate, I think Carl went off with Rachel. He
was with me until the end of the ceremony. Then a beautiful, young
girl came up and started a conversation with him. Next thing I
know, he’s gone!”

“Oh my gosh, I hope they come back soon.
Carl was supposed to stay here and leave after the reception. Did
Maya notice?”

“I’m not sure. A lot of people were talking
to her and asking who I was so that’s kept her busy. It’s going on
an hour since he left.”

“When he comes back, stick to him like glue
and tell him I gave the order.” Kate was concerned because Carl
heard the Cook history and knew he shouldn’t interfere with any of
the events. “I have to get back, but needed to see you. I hope
you’re having fun.”

“Absolutely! I love seeing the old house.
It’s just one big rambling place, isn’t it?”

Kate walked back into the kitchen and
slipped through the sea of guests. The chairs were being cleared
away, so tables could be set up for dinner. After that, those would
come down and the room would be ready for dancing. She felt the
love and kindness from all her friends as she slipped back into the
reception.

She searched the large room, unable to
locate Drew. Kate thought it was a good time to touch up her
make-up so she headed down the hallway to the bedroom. As she grew
closer, she heard voices coming from the other side of the
door.

“We never met this girl or her family. Who
are they?”

“They’re fine people, Father. I told you
that.”

“What about Gia, Andrew? What do we tell
her? Do we say you met some young girl we know nothing about and on
a whim, married her? You were supposed to marry Gia, not this
girl.”

“I never loved Gia. That was your fantasy.
You wanted me to marry her so the two families would have quite the
empire, wouldn’t they?”

“She loves you. Ask your mother. She’s
always coming over to the house, asking about you. She was willing
to wait until your silly infatuation with the canyon ended, but
then you found another one. This girl! I can have the marriage
annulled. Just say the word.”

“That will never happen.” Drew’s voice
sounded so stern.

“You’ll come to your senses.” Nicolas
hissed. “I can wait.”

Kate opened the door and looked at Nicolas.
“Then I hope he never comes to his senses, sir. You see, we love
each other. We’d love to have you in our lives and we’ll be waiting
for
you
to come to
your
senses.”

His father stormed out of the room, brushing
past Kate. Drew ran to her and pulled her close. “I’m sorry you had
to hear that.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to ruin the day. Ignore him.
We won’t see much of him, anyway.” Drew huffed. “Boy, won’t he be
sorry after he finds out I die.”

“Drew!” Kate lightly slapped his arm.
“That’s not funny.”

“Come on, Mrs. Martin, we’re going to enjoy
our wedding.” Drew kissed her passionately and swept her into his
arms.

“Drew, set me down!” Kate really didn’t mind
he carried her all the way back to the reception. She never
realized how strong he was, must be all that climbing in the
canyon.

When everyone saw the couple, they clapped
and cheered. Champagne flutes were held in the air and toasts were
made. Her dad went first and thanked everyone for coming. He almost
sounded like the father-of-the-bride, he was bursting with pride.
Kate’s mom came and joined him, giving him a little shove that only
Kate noticed. It was enough to get him back on track.

Everyone headed to their tables so dinner
could be served. Kate could hardly eat. She hoped Anna would have
memories of the wedding when she called her in the present. If she
did, it would make it all the more real.

The band set up before dinner and played
softly as everyone ate. Kate saw Lindsey at the very back table
with Carl, Maya and Carl Sr. She wanted so badly to join them but
knew she had to bide her time. That time came when dinner was over
and they started clearing the tables. Kate wound through the tables
and sat down across from her friends.

“So is everyone having fun?” Kate purposely
looked at Carl Jr. with eyes that could burn a hole right through
him.

“Yes, absolutely, Kate. Thanks for making
sure we came.” Carl smiled at her as if nothing was wrong. “Elmer,
I mean Lindsey, is sticking right by me.”

Kate appreciated the glue reference because
it meant Lindsey was doing her job.

“I love being at my grandparents’ house.”
Lindsey whispered across the table so Carl Sr. didn’t hear. “It’s
been fantastic except for being the babysitter for you-know-who.”
She cocked her head toward Carl Jr.

Carl didn’t seem bothered by anything. He
seemed way too happy for having to leave in just a few hours,
sporting a hug grin on his face.

“Do I get to keep the dress?” Lindsey
asked.

“Of course, just make sure you wear it to
bed.” Kate giggled. “I’m so glad you like it. I’d love to stay and
keep you company, but I have to mingle with the guests. Have a safe
trip home.” She ran around the table and gave them a group hug.
“Love you both,” she whispered.

Kate went from table to table visiting, just
like a good bride should do and noticed Drew doing the same thing.
They finally met up and swore they’d stay together for the rest of
the night. She was finally able to tell him that Carl and Rachel
disappeared for over an hour after the wedding. The look on his
face said it all. “Forget about it. It’s our wedding. We know
Rachel and Thomas will eventually marry,” she whispered.

“Unless someone does something to stop it.”
Drew’s face grew red with anger. Then his expression changed. “You
know what? You’re right. This evening is about us. No one is going
to spoil it. May I have this first dance?”

They danced the night away with Anna and
Daniel always nearby. Kate noticed Lucinda brooding at a corner
table and hoped she was having fun. It looked like Henry was doting
on her, bringing her food and drink. Lucinda was in a serious
discussion with Maya at the table and Kate was concerned. Before
she could think about it any further, she was whisked away to throw
her bridal bouquet. Kate made sure Anna caught it.

Lucinda got her attention after the tossing
of the bouquet. “Kathryn, Henry and I will be going now. A car is
waiting to take you over to the Circle H whenever you’re ready.
It’s been a beautiful evening. Best wishes.”

“Oh, Lucinda, you can’t be leaving
already?”

“Yes, I’m feeling a little under the
weather.”

“It’s because of the baby.” Kate realized
her goof after she said it.

“You know? I just figured it out after
talking with Maya tonight.” Lucinda wore a look of surprise.

“My cousin just had a baby, Lucinda, and I
remember her feeling sick all the time. I just guessed.” Kate
quickly made up a story. “I couldn’t believe you were sick because
you’re absolutely glowing.”

“Oh, Kathryn, I’m so glad you know. I need a
friend during all of this. I’m planning on telling Henry when we
get home. He’ll be over the moon.” Lucinda clutched Kate’s hands.
She felt a twinge of guilt because she knew she wouldn’t be there
to help her aunt through a pregnancy or anything else.

“Do you want a boy or a girl?” Kate thought
it was a safe way to change the subject.

“I really don’t care. I have the names
picked out already. Henry if it’s a boy and Henrietta if it’s a
girl.’

Kate tried to look enthused about the names,
especially the girl’s name.

“Kathryn, don’t look at me like that. I like
the name Henrietta. It’s a combination of Henry and my sister,
Loretta. We’ll call her Retta for short.” That made sense to Kate
because she always wondered about her cousin’s name.

The two friends clasped hands and Lucinda
disappeared into the crowd. Tears welled up in Kate’s eyes. It
would be the final time she’d see her great-great aunt this year.
Kate knew she could see her anytime during her summer visits but it
would be like déjà vu. This was a new part of their story, one Kate
created with Drew.

“Drew!” Kate had to find him. They promised
to stay together but kept getting separated. “I guess that’s how
weddings are for the bride and groom.”

He found her instead. “There you are. Are
you ready to leave after we say our goodbyes?”

“Yes, I saw Lucinda and she said a car’s
waiting to take us to the ranch whenever we’re ready. I requested
our bedroom, the one I always stay in. That’s the perfect place for
our honeymoon.”

“It certainly is. Come on, love.” Drew took
his bride’s hand and they circled the room quickly. Kate hugged her
mother tightly and whispered to make sure Lindsey and Carl got home
safely tonight.

Her dad drew her into his arms. “You make a
beautiful bride, pumpkin.” Then waved them off, shooing them toward
the door. “Now go before I announce my daughter just got married
and I’m the proudest papa in the world.”

They stepped out into a beautiful evening.
The sky was full of stars.

“I ordered this sky for you tonight.” Drew
swept his hand across the skyline. “My wedding present to you. I
wanted to give you the stars and here they are.”

“Nothing could be lovelier.” Kate put her
head on Drew’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

The couple sat in the back of the car
enjoying the ride to the ranch. When they arrived, Frieda, Carl
Sr.’s sister, answered the door. She smiled widely when she saw who
it was. “Welcome,” Frieda said in careful English. She was making
progress since Kate last saw her.

“You’re doing well in your English
lessons?”

“Yes, thank you.” Frieda smiled shyly. “Let
me show you to your room.”

The couple followed her up the winding
staircase to their room. Frieda opened the door and gestured for
them to go in. “Let me know if you need anything,” she called over
her shoulder as she walked away.

“Oh, Drew, look!” Kate couldn’t believe her
eyes. Lucinda was good at making things special. Candles were
everywhere, giving off a soft glow. A bottle was chilling in a
bucket. Two crystal flutes sat in front with lavender ribbon tied
around the stems. Lilacs sat in beautiful vases placed discreetly
around the room. A group of white blossoms was placed on each
pillow. Drew walked over to the table and pulled the sparkling
juice from the bucket.

“Might as well not let this go to waste.” He
popped the cork and they both laughed.

Kate took the glass from him. “This is all
so beautiful.” She waved the glass around. “You probably wish this
was wine or champagne.”

“I’ve been drinking wine since I was nine.
It was part of our meal. I never drank to get drunk although I was
only allowed one glass until recently,” Drew chuckled. He tilted
his glass toward Kate. “To us, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Martin.”