Cheryl Dragon [Lucky Springs 02] Birthday Party Surprise [RP] (pdf)

[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

younger, nosey cousin. Since she d returned to Lucky Springs, Cassie was a town favorite who
could do no wrong. Her pictures were in national magazines and all over the internet. She d
settled down with Dominic and discreetly played hostess for the hottest parties in town.
Intimidating enough as that was, Cassie was also Jessica s closest relation and friend.
Blood ran deep in the south. It didn t matter that Cassie was pale as snow and Jessica was more
mocha. Frank knew they might as well be sisters. He needed Cassie s acceptance if not her
approval.
The group piled out of the SUV and walked inside. Cassie and Dom were at the door,
along with Dom s brothers, Hamilton and Monty. Monty s boyfriend, Alex, was a comforting
sight. At least, Alex was another Lucky Springs native. Cassie refused to make eye contact, and
Frank took a deep breath. He had his work cut out for him. Jessica was good at socializing, and
their group mingled their way inside as if it were a Mardi Gras party. Only the stock of condoms
and lube packets belied the truth of the night.
Frank spotted Cassie closing the back windows and looking out the backdoor as if she
were expecting to see someone. It was Frank s chance to talk to her before things got going.
I ll be back, he said to Jessica.
She nodded and kept on talking with friends from town. They weren t alone, and Frank
saw his ladylove relaxing with the knowledge that they weren t freaks and she could trust some
people with her secret.
Frank walked up to Cassie and she eyed him with suspicion.
Frank, she said.
Miss Cassie. He fell back on the respectful habits of a southern boy. Thanks for the
invitation and the hospitality.
I invited Jessica. She wants to have you in her life, and there s not much I can do about
that. Her chin lifted slightly.
We both know you could do a lot if you had a mind to. I m sorry to have caused her so
much frustration and pain over the years. She deserved more. I had issues of my own to work
through. He glanced at Eric.
So I heard. Don t get me wrong, I m happy for her. She s been on cloud nine this past
month. But your history on honesty isn t anything to brag about. Honesty is the only way this
lifestyle works.
I know. It s been a big change and a huge relief. I needed it. Eric and Jessica both
deserved better, and it s working.
She took a step closer. If I find out you re not totally honest, on any little thing& One
little white lie to my cousin, and I ll have you run out of town on a rail. Or drowned in the
springs. Her sweet smile meant business.
I m glad Jessica has family like you. This never would ve happened without you. I
never dared to dream of this life. Even suggesting including Eric I wouldn t offend her.
Andrew s call and your arrangement made it an option.
Cassie shrugged. She always was the proper lady in the family. If it works, it works.
She s not so angelic as everyone thinks. We re among the few who know that.
I hate to disagree with you, but I think she is a perfect angel. Frank looked over at the
woman who d had his heart since high school. She s in love with all of us and couldn t hurt
anyone. She has too much love.
I m not worried about her bolting. You re really staying?
Yes, he said firmly.
I know how it is. I got out and traveled. I understand the appeal. No one knows who you
are or who your family is. No one tells stories of your third grade play or prom dress. However, I
didn t leave any lovesick sweetheart behind.
Mrs. Deveraux is still giving me the cold shoulder. It ll take time to prove to everyone
I m a permanent fixture. No amount of promises will convince you I m part of Jessica s life now.
You won t be rid of me.
Dominic walked up and wrapped an arm around Cassie. Not giving him too much hell,
are you? He kissed her temple.
Just enough, Frank answered. I needed to speak to you, too. Eric and I bought the
factory out on the other end of town. We ll be putting on an addition, changing things a bit.
We ll need a landscaper. The place has been neglected. We can talk contracts this week, but it s
a big job.
Dom smiled. Expanding the factory? That s a good idea. You re sure this isn t just to
get on Cassie s good side?
Frank shook his head. Everyone in town says you re the best around and the only one
big enough to do this job. I need it done right. We want it to look nice, not like a dump. We need
to attract new workers.
Cassie clapped her hands together. The town could use an influx of jobs and people.
Frank smiled at the diamond glinting on her finger. Jessica hadn t said a word about that,
and she d have made a big deal about an engagement. Small towns need a strong industry to
keep them going. I m committed to the town, to the business endeavor, and to Jessica and the
group. He grabbed Cassie s hand. And it s family to me now. Or you will be, Dominic.
Congrats!
Oh damn, I forgot to take it off. We weren t announcing it yet. Cassie turned bright red.
Come on, no secrets here. Dom kissed her.
Frank moved to Jessica and his guys. Dragging them back to Cassie, he pointed to her
finger. Your cousin should be congratulated.
Cassie! Jessica shouted and hugged her cousin. Oh my God! When? So fast?
Six months of living together. Cassie looked around as the crowd gathered.
We had to make a Meriwether out of her. Dom hugged her.
When are you going to do it? Jessica glowed with infectious bridal excitement.
Six months, maybe. We haven t set a date. Cassie made it sound casual, but her big
smile told Frank the wedding was as important to her as any woman. In a group or not, a
commitment like that deserved to be a formal affair for everyone to share. All of Lucky Springs
would turn out for the nuptials.
I tried to get her to elope over Mardi Gras but no luck. Dom shrugged.
Of course not! You ll have the biggest wedding Lucky Springs has ever seen. Jessica
admired the ring again.
No, nothing crazy. We don t need to blow a fortune on one day. We ve got forever.
Something simple, outside. As maid of honor, you can pick any dress you want. I don t care
what you wear, just help me plan? Cassie asked.
Yes like you have to ask. There s so much to do! She hugged Cassie again. We
really need champagne.
I like a woman who knows what she wants. We aim to please. Monty and Alex walked
up with trays of bubbly.
Now don t drink too much and ruin the real party tonight, Alex said.
Frank took a glass and went with his gut. Someone should make a toast. To Cassie and
all the ladies of Lucky Springs. And to the men lucky enough to love them!
People drank and applauded as Dom kissed his bride-to-be. Andrew patted Frank on the
back.
As glasses were drained and set down, Dominic and Cassie s kiss lingered. The mood in
the room changed. Alex and Monty started to undress each other, and Frank took the cue. I
think the wedding plans will have to wait, he whispered to Jessica.
Nodding, Jessica watched for a few minutes. Dom kissed Cassie like a man in love then [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

Archiwum