Forrest, Dawn - Sweet Water Wedding: Sharing Shannon (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) (42 page)

A few minutes later, James stood up and cleared his throat. “Folks, unfortunately our wedding singer can’t be here today.” Rachael’s face fell as she sat with a pen poised in her hand. “But our friend Sandy Smith has just very generously volunteered to fill in. I know you’ll listen quietly and give her your support. Thank you.”

Rachael looked just as surprised as almost everyone else in the church who knew Sandy. Simon started to play Ave Maria. Sandy briefly closed her eyes, relaxed her posture and started to sing. Magic happened. There was no other way Shannon could describe it. The air vibrated with the purest, sweetest, pitch-perfect voice she had ever heard. Even Simon lost a note in surprise but quickly recovered. Except for that angelic sound and the violin, the church was silent. When Sandy finished the song she could have heard a pin drop. Everyone must have been wondering who this talented, mysterious young woman really was. Then James started to clap and soon the whole church echoed to applause. Sandy smiled shyly.

“Sandy, that was so beautiful, thank you.” Rachael had arisen from her seat at the desk where she had been about to sign the register and thanked and hugged the young woman.

“Okay, everyone,” James shouted. “Settle down, there’s a few more to come and the newlyweds still have to sign on that dotted line.”

A few people laughed, but everyone quieted down and Sandy sang two more songs, including a sentimental country tune where she even added a southern twang. Not bad for a girl from Boston, Shannon thought. She caught a glimpse of Lance and Paul Goodyear; they had adoration stamped all over their faces. If they didn’t love her before they certainly looked like they did now. Shannon thought that most of the people in the room were charmed and a little in love with Sandy at that moment, or at least with her voice. What she would give to be able to sound even a tiniest fraction as good.

“Wow.” Luke sighed as he slid next to her when Sandy had finished singing.

“Yeah, I know, she sounded incredible. Sorry to say that you are never going to hear anything that sweet from me.”

“Darlin’, I already have. You make the sweetest sounds when you come,” he whispered in her ear.

Shannon quivered, and it was as plain as the hot flush now creeping over her skin how his words affected her.

While most of the congregation headed over to the Lemon Tree hotel, where the reception and evening dance was being held, James and Shannon had to stay behind for wedding photographs.

“You look great in a suit, James,” Shannon said as they were herded around by the photographer.

“Thanks. You look ravishing, which is just as well because later
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”

“Later.” She cut in as Rachael came close. “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Ryden,” Shannon cried as she hugged both Rachael and Joshua.

James and Shannon were kept busy the whole of the afternoon. It was their job to look after the wedding presents. A room with a member of the hotel staff was set aside for the safekeeping of the gifts. Luke also helped to move the packages, boxes, and cards of all shapes and sizes, which freed them up for their other role of looking after the guests and ensuring that everyone was comfortable. James and Shannon were seated on the top table with family and the other bridesmaids. Luke was sitting with his family and some friends at another table on the main floor.

After the meal it was time for the speeches. Mr. Harrison stood up and Shannon had to hand it to him, he did a good job. It was an amusing, touching, and loving speech. He talked about Rachael and said like most daddies he hadn’t ever thought that there would be someone good enough, or who could handle his strong willed lass, but conceded that Joshua Ryden was that man. He said how ironic it was that Rachael came back to the place where her life started to find love and a promising looking future. He ended by thanking his wife for giving him such a wonderful daughter and wished the couple much love and happiness in their life together. Shannon could see that Rachael was touched by her father’s words and noticed Joshua’s hand squeeze her leg under the table.

It was James’s turn next to give his best man’s speech. He started off by talking about their parents and how on a day like this they were particularly missed. He retold some funny stories from their childhood when their parents were alive. He praised his brother for keeping the family and business together after their parents died and for filling the void as best he could for Janet. He relayed a few funny stories of how Joshua had dealt with suddenly being the head of the household with a teenage brother and a nearly teenage sister. James told everyone how Joshua had put his family first, above his own personal needs and what a strong, honorable, good man he was. He also hinted that Joshua had in some ways become a little distant due to the weight of responsibility that he carried on his shoulders.

“That changed,” he said, “the day Joshua met Rachael.”

The speech became a little bawdier at this point as he retold how they first met. He confessed that when he first saw Rachael push a yard long probe up their prized bull’s ass, he had a feeling she might be the gal for Josh. That caused some laughter from the rancher guests. Of course he mentioned of the freezing Land Rover incident, weaving the tale with other incidents to highlight how resourceful she was. He cryptically added that, since the bachelor party, Rachael would know every night when she went to bed just who Joshua belonged to. That comment had Joshua narrowing his eyes at James but with a smirk also hovering on his lips. James welcomed Rachael to the family and thanked her for the happiness that she obviously brought his brother. At the end everyone toasted the bride and groom.

After all the thank-you speeches the guests moved to another room for a cocktail hour while the dance floor was cleared of tables and the band set up. Images of Joshua and Rachael at different times in their lives were projected onto a large white wall. Shannon grinned at the couple’s surprise; they hadn’t known that the families had organized that. As the late afternoon merged into the evening new guests arrived and then the real party began.

Rachael and Josh started the evening off with their wedding dance and were soon joined by Rachael’s parents. James then pulled her onto the dance floor, followed by Janet and Mitch, Susan and Colin, and then everyone else. Luke cut in for the next dance and so on. Then the square dancing started and, being clueless, she was pushed and manhandled into formation, slowly getting the hang of it.

“This band is great.” Shannon laughed and shouted over the noise.

In fact, it was turning out to be the best wedding she’d ever attended, and she had attended some pretty raucous affairs in Ireland, to be sure. Shannon barely had time to catch her breath before her do-si-do with James and was then pushed onto the next person in the formation. Square dancing was a hoot, but when done at the speed that the Five Star Amoebas was playing, it was cardio workout. The band finished and she made a time-out gesture with her hands to Luke and James and then crashed down onto the nearest chair. From the moment the first song played she’d been dancing and she needed a break.

The hour was late and soon Rachael and Joshua would be leaving to start their honeymoon. Joshua had finally confided to Shannon that they were flying to Mexico. They were going to a luxury resort for a week where they could dive and sail and enjoy the private honeymoon suite. Then they were taking a tour of some of historic ruins and nature reserves for the second week, staying in luxury lodges. Shannon promised not to tell Rachael, but she knew that her friend would love it. She wasn’t a “laze on the beach” kind of girl, and she would in particular love the nature and wildlife aspect of the diving and tour.

Shannon noticed that Lance and Paul Goodyear danced with Sandy and spent the whole evening with her. The McKay younger boys had danced with several different girls but seemed to have some competition from the Farley brothers, Rachael’s younger cousins. Of even greater surprise was that Rachael’s brothers hit it off with a girl. Everywhere she looked she saw one of the identical twins with the same girl. She pointed this out to James and Luke who then began to laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

“Well, I think that isn’t the same girl. It seems that the Harrison twins have met their match with the Scott twins. I wonder if they all realize they are twins or are they playing their usually games of swaperoo? That could lead to some very interesting combinations.” James leered and high-fived Luke. “Let’s not say anything and leave them to it.”

“You sound as if you personally know something about it,” Shannon sniped

“Well they did it to me. I thought that I was going out with Kate, but in fact I was seeing both her and Laura. When I say that they’re identical I mean it.”

“Did you shag them?”

“Yeah, both of them, although I didn’t know it at the time. They don’t do ménages or polyandry as far as I’m aware, but that could change.” He looked at her as if gauging her reaction.

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m not bothered. This place has that effect on me. But if you ever touch another woman while you are going out with me I’ll dry roast and salt your nuts.”

“You’re all we want, so that’s not gonna happen, but you can still eat my nuts if you’re hungry.”

“Luke, don’t let him drink anymore. I want him to be useful tonight.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Luke sniggered. “It’s a soda next for you partner”

Shannon felt the weight of a presence behind her and knew at once, without turning, that it was Joshua.

“Rachael and I are leaving in a minute. I think she wants to say good-bye to you properly, Shannon.”

Shannon turned and looked up, up, and up at him and smiled. She nodded, knowing that she would probably be blubbering in a few minutes time.

She walked over to where Rachael was stood hugging her mom and dad.

“Hey, Harri—Ryden, you have a great honeymoon d’you hear?”

“I’m going to miss you, O’Reilly, when I get back.” She hugged her close. “I know it’s not any of my business, but I’ve just got to say it, those men love you, Shannon, and I know you feel the same way. Give it a shot and don’t overthink things. I honestly believe that you can trust James and Luke. They’ll wait for you, Shannon, even if the bloody visa takes a year to get processed.”

“What bloody visa?”

“Er, well, if you decide to apply for a particular type of visa. Bugger, I’ve said too much. Just trust them. I love you, you know?”

Shannon was curious, but now wasn’t the time. “Aye, and I love you. We’ve changed a wee bit since our wilder student days, but our friendship is one thing I’ll always treasure.”

“Okay, enough of this emotional nonsense. Ta-ta for now. I hope I’ll see you sooner rather than later.”

“Adios, amiga.” Shannon thought that was a fitting farewell, taking into account where Rachael was going.

The bride and groom left to a barrage of good wishes. The limo to take them to the jet had been decorated with shaving foam and tin cans tied to the bumper. Shannon stood with the crowd, flanked by James and Luke and blinked back the tears as she waved heartily with the rest of them.

* * * *

Joshua finally released his wife from a long kiss just as the limo pulled into the hanger.

“What the heck…” He groaned when he saw the outside of the plane.

The words “Just Married,” and “Welcome to the mile high club,” were emblazoned on the side. Streamers decorated the wings.

“That paint better come off,” he said with a snort.

Trust the boys to find the time to do this.
He helped Rachael out of the limo and passed a few of their bags to Mac and Jake, their pilots. They’d volunteered to fly the couple as Joshua often used them when he couldn’t fly himself. They had been at the wedding and meal but left early. Of course they hadn’t drunk any alcohol.

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Ryden,” Mac greeted them cheerily. “I hope you’ll enjoy the flight tonight.”

He had been pleased when Rachael agreed to take his name but he hadn’t realized how much he would absolutely love it. Joshua had already told the guys that once they were in the air they were not to be disturbed unless it was an emergency.