Making Her Mine Book 4 Racing D Ranch: Taking My Bride Read online

  Chapter 3

  Milt Teague

  I tell you, I don't know what to feel. All I know is that today the woman I love is marrying a man I fucking hate! That's what I know. I want to do something crazy, like grab her up and take her to a place where we can’t be found.

  Sure, it sounds stupid but that's how it feels as it burns a hole through me …again. I don't how I'll get through today trying to pretend it's all good. I have no real clue if Jake told the truth about me needing to take care of Race. That’s quite a story and I believe he could’ve lied but to make things more confusing, I have seen him stumble several times in a strange way. It was odd enough to make me take note. On top of that, he’s made unusual comments leading me to think he’s not planning on being here at the ranch. What the fuck is going on? Maybe he’s thinking of moving back to his ranch.

  It doesn’t make any sense at all. I know the man loves her more than life. No way would he leave her, to my way of thinking. If he did leave, she would completely lose it. That’s a fact. Jake knows that and he wouldn’t want to see her hurt that way. Neither do I.

  I can’t figure out anything from one thought to the next. I've never been what you’d call a church going man but I know God, you bet I do. He’s saved me many a time and I hope He’ll save me in this mess. My praying isn’t the kind where I ask for things since I’m sure He knows the situation. Being in the dark about what’s really going on is the part I hate most and I know Jake’s not being upfront about things. Maybe he wants to protect her from his secret. But for sure I can say this, it crushes my heart to know he's holding her, kissing her, being close with the woman who should be mine.

  She's counting on me to help her get the gown on and I can't let her down no matter how hard it's going to be. It’ll be close to impossible to keep from showing how I feel. I'll have to fight to keep my dumb mouth shut and not beg her to call off the wedding but I can't do that. It’d be wrong for her. It’s all too late now. I should have done it long time past. My fucking fault. Oh yeah, that’s a burden I’ll never rid myself of.

  Somewhere along the line I have to develop a sense of acceptance. It’s something I don’t want to do since I’m not ready to give up on having her. I don’t even know how to accept. I'm not on the road to going there but I've got to do something for my own sanity. If I get too out of line with Jake she’ll come unglued and she could decide to stop working with me. About the dumbest thing anybody can do is piss off Race. That girl will open up the gates of hell and march your ass right on in and she’ll do it with a smile.

  I'm rambling in my own head trying to get through this. The guys and me have been here for hours working to get Jake ready, mostly keeping him occupied. He's so damn excited he can hardly speak. He's fumbling with everything to get his clothes on. I can see why he’d be flying high. I'd be the same way, you bet I would. Any man who could win her heart could consider himself pretty lucky.

  “Okay boys, you’ll have to take over. It’s time for me to head up to the house and help the Princes get her dress on. Yep, that’d be me.“

  What a roar comes from the guys which I expected. Can’t count the times I’ve drove one of them into the ground for making fun of me and that dress.

  Jake smirks at me showing his true feelings — that would be his strong dislike.

  “We all know you’re her favorite.” He’s taking it well but it eats him up that she wants me there instead of the women.

  “I certainly am.”

  He still takes it on a very personal level because he can't grasp the fact that she’s spent near every minute with me since she was five years old.

  Every question she had, anything she wanted to talk about, I was the one she came to. I was the one who made it happen for her. No doubt she loves me as much as anyone could but it’s in a family way, I love her like a man wants his woman.

  Well, I have to do the best I can for her seeing that I do want this marriage to be good for her, even if it’s not with me.

  Just let me find the right words to say today.

  Chapter 4

  Race

  “Turn and let's do a final check on the back of your hair,“ the hairdresser moves me around as she holds up the mirror. We have my long hair pined up with the same small flowers and pearls woven into the hair matching the veil as in the photo of Mother.

  “Do you think it's tight enough?“ I asked again as that’s the part I feel concerned about.

  “The bobby pens are long and I used twice as many as normally needed. I’m confident it's secure enough to handle activity. It sounds romantic to ride your horse to meet him,“ she says swooning. “I didn’t think of anything this exciting for my wedding. I wish I had but it's too late now.“ There’s a hint of remorse in her voice.

  “You can still do a dreamy weekend trip, even overnight, with your husband. It isn't too late, trust me.“ She's a nice gal and I’d like to see her have something romantic happen. “All you have to do is set the stage and your husband will take over. “

  “I’ve been told that a few times. It’s that I'm too shy.“

  “Dare to be adventurous, girlfriend. You can pull it off.“

  We examine my makeup and hair closely before we call it final. Everyone looks, analyzing each detail. I look several times in the mirror up close, from a distance at all angles comparing it to the photo of Mother. I’m pleased with it.

  “I call it good.” I glance around at the ladies for their approval.

  “After you have the gown on we’ll do the veil.”

  “What's the time, girls? I don't want to be at the barn to soon but not to late either. Oh. I need to call Bob quickly.“ My nerves are starting to come up. A natural response I would think.

  “Bob, did you check the place where we stand?“

  “Alvaro and me went over there. We think it's right on the spot.“

  “Thank you for checking.“

  “We put down a sheet of clean canvas in the barn aisle for ya’ to stand on. How ya’ gettin’ to the barn?” Bob asked.

  “I didn’t think about that. I guess I’ll be walking down there.“

  “After Milt gets ya’ in the dress let's have him carry ya’ down here. The four wheelers are dirty. Call when ya’ leaving an I'll make sure Jake’s out of the way.“

  Bob hangs up and all the girls giggle because a man is helping me with the dress. I get it but when they see how handsome Milt is they’ll break the door to get in here and help him.

  “Ladies, I'm sure your lunch is ready. It's a good idea for me to skip food and take a breather.”

  I answer the phone to hear Milt. “I know you’re not going to eat so we best get started.” He has a bright tone.

  “Correct. I’m too damn nervous for food but you should eat.“

  “I did. We need an hour at least to get you dressed and to the barn. Bob thinks I should carry you down so your gown doesn't get wrecked.“

  “Do you think you can carry me that far?“ I quip.

  “Don't be silly little girl, I can carry you to the moon and back, same as always.“

  Tears come close to ruining my makeup. How many times has he said those same words to me while carrying me to the barn all through the years — when I broke my leg, sprained ankles, if the snow was really deep, and when he carried me only because I wanted him to. Why am I this emotional today about Milt? It’s new for me to feel these emotions. Strange things I can only describe as a sense of us breaking apart but that’ll never happen if I have anything to do with it. The thought flashes through my mind at how much alike Jake and Milt are, they even have a close appearance. Both are big men, tall with wider shoulders and arms with more muscle than seems possible, extremely strong, brutally handsome faces, same square jaw with eyes that can make your panties catch fire. Life has strange ways. I mean, Milt was my crush forever then to fall in love with Jake who’s too much like him to be real.

  “You best come now, Milt.”

  I’ve barely hung up whe
n my phone rings.

  “Don’t hang up… woman! Save strength for tonight, you’re gonna need it.”

  Click. Jake hung up before I could get a word in. My laugh can’t be held in. What a precious man I have. He simply had to talk to me, again.

  A tap on the door followed with, “Hey hotshot.“

  Milt steps in, stands there for a second looking at me, a hint of a strange expression I don’t recognize but I don't dwell on it. He comes in and sits down.

  “Now is there any particular way you want us to do this?“ he asked to make sure he gets it right, that's the way he is.

  “You know more about how to do it than I do, you were the one in charge all the time.“ I smirk at him and giggle a little bit. He seems nervous but I guess he should be.

  “I’m sure I do. I see your hair is done — we better pull the dress up from the bottom.You sit on the side of the bed, I'll take the gown and put it under your feet, you’ll step into it and we pull it up.”

  “I think you’re right.“ It’s impossible not to see the care he took in getting dressed. “You’re quite striking in that tux.”

  He’s gazing at me in such an odd way, his eyes going over my face and hair with a look of approval, but more than that.

  “What the heck are you thinking? I hear those wheels grinding in your head.”

  He looks down at his boots, probably deciding what he wants to say. I sit next to him giving him time.

  “Everything is rushing in at the same time. There’s all sorts of feelings today, the whole family is noticing it. We’re all excited and nervous. We want to make sure everything goes perfect for you but we know it seldom does at weddings, and sometimes afterward, so...” he presses his lips tight into a thin line. I wait. “I want to say thank you for always caring about the family, for caring about me, for trusting me all the way. It meant everything to me, Race. It still does.”

  There’s a softness in his eyes as he looks at me. He’s putting his heart out there and that’s something Milt doesn’t do often.

  “I love every single minute of our life, Milt. It’s the most wonderful times for me.” How much he looks like a sweet little boy, humble and kind.

  “I'm relieved you're not moving down to Jake's ranch. We need you here with the family. You're the glue in this bunch, you’re what makes us stick together.“

  He reaches over taking my hand and I put my hand on top of his.

  “I feel the same way about all of you. I won't ever live anywhere but here with my family. That's the truth. You can stop worrying about that.“

  “There's something I need from you,“ he hesitates as he stares hard into my eyes. “I’m gonna need to know, beyond any doubt, that you’re well respected by him. If things go wrong don’t try to hide it from me like you did before. I have to see you happy, contented, doing what you love.That’ll make my life better.“

  He doesn’t trust Jake and it shows. Those two men have the strangest relationship that I can’t figure out. There seems to be a common bond between them yet they both put a wall up to keep distance from each other.

  “I won’t hold anything away from you, not that I can, you see right through me.” I want to relieve his concerns but everything I do doesn’t work. “Milt, what I need from you is what I’ve always had — you close to me. When I glance off to my side I have to see you there watching me, making sure I'm okay. That's what I still want.“

  “That'll be your husbands job after today.“

  “You are dead wrong about that! It will always be your job. He doesn’t know me like you do. Right this second I’m that scared little girl, the one you held to make me brave. Jake can’t see me that way. I don't want to search around and you not be there. I can’t take that.“

  No words come as an answer but he gives me that small ‘I’m here’ nod I know so well.

  There's a closeness between us as we sit here for a good while doing nothing but breathing, holding hands. I feel his sadness, his worry that life here will change but I believe when he sees nothing changes much at all, he’ll be okay.

  “Don’t worry, girl. You'll see me.“

  “We’ve been off kilter for a while and I haven’t liked it one bit.” I turn his face toward me. “Right this minute I need you to feel what my heart holds for you, how much I need you. I have to know you still care about me because it doesn’t seem like you do anymore.”

  He draws in a deep breath, holds it for a few seconds, breathes out heavily then takes another breath.

  “Race, I love you beyond any reasonable explanation. You remember that.“ His eyes drop.Then he looks up at me his expression full of such intensity.

  “I will, but I like hearing you tell me.”

  “You’re feeling scared…”

  “It shows that much?”

  “That’s the only time you want me to tell you I love you.” He smiles. “It’s okay to be scared, marriage could be called a big thing.”

  “I am a bit scared, not sure why.” I try to laugh but it doesn’t come out right.

  “I bet you need a hug,” he stands up pulling me to my feet and close to him making sure he doesn’t mess my hair. “You’ve got a case of nerves, that’s all.”

  “You know I’ll mess up a few times in the process of learning how to be a wife.”

  He squeezes me. “You might, but I’ll be here to help you.”

  Alvaro calls over the intercom. “You getting ready? Don’t be late!”

  “We’ll be on time, Alvaro.”

  “We gotta get a move on if you want to wear that dress.“

  “You're in charge.“

  Chapter 5

  Race

  My heart feels a measure of contentment after our talk. Milt’s happy for me, I always believed he was but other issues were going on with him. You know, those men things. After the Sandy melt down I can see how he’d be out of sorts but today he seems exactly the way he's always been, kind and loving. That's how I know him.

  “Would you like a coffee or cold drink while we get dressed?“ I asked.

  “Don’t want to take a chance on spilling anything -- this dress takes up the whole room. We better pass. What about the head thing, are we putting it on?“

  “The hairdresser will do it last.“

  We wash our hands with the precision of a surgeon making sure they’re clean and dry. He takes the gown from the closet and hangs it on the stand stepping away to admire it.

  “It’s certainly the finest dress I’ve ever seen. It matches you all the way but you are a twin to your Mother. Everything about you is a carbon copy of her from what I remember.”

  “You haven’t told me that before. You really think so?” He surprised me with this.

  “Yep, I think so.”

  “Do you have the right underclothes on before we start?“ he asked.

  “Oh no! I don't — it’ll only take a minute to change.“ I grab the selected undies and run into the dressing room.

  “I knew you wouldn't be ready. It's a good thing I asked you,“ he smirks. “Do you recall the day we got half way buttoned up then had to take it off because you had your barn clothes on? We spent hours messing around that day.“

  “Yes, and you were quite unhappy with me.“

  I hear the wrapping on the dress being taken off. “Hurry up, we’re running behind,“ he calls out through the door.

  I slide my robe on and go take my place on the edge of the bed. My new fancy white boots are sitting off to the side.

  “Okay, hold up your feet and let me move the dress under you, hold right there till I get it straight.“

  I hold steady as he gets the gown situated pulling it up to my knees and the edge of the bed.

  “Up we go.” I stand waiting on him to continue.

  “Ah, I believe you have to take the robe off.“ He looks at me with his silly grin.

  “Of course! I'm so out of it right now.“ We laugh and I toss my robe onto the bed. He pulls the gown up gently to not disturb t
he crystals and pearls.

  “Hold your arms out, I need to check the side seams for placement. Move forward a few steps.”

  He goes behind me. “The buttons are lined up perfect.“

  He’s quite focused and serious as he checks everything for alignment. We learned how to do this by getting a book from the library when I was about 8 years old. Who else would’ve done that?

  “Ease your arms into the sleeves but don't push them in, I have to slide them up.“

  I start to take one arm and help pull up the sleeve. “Don’t move. You’ll get the side seams off center.“

  He works the sleeve up to my shoulder on both sides and make sure the side seams are straight.

  “Okay girl, I think we have it. Final check before we button it up. If anything feels off let me know right then so we can fix it.”

  “Okay. Do you think it’s fitting good?” I asked.

  “So far, it’s perfect.” He sits on the bed as I stand in front of him. He works slow to not damage the buttons which are smaller than tiny. I can’t believe he can even button them — his hands are that big.

  “Is it going easy?” I asked.

  “Yep, we’re getting it done.”

  We hear the band playing outside and guest laughing.

  “Good music you picked girlie.”

  “We haven’t heard the Bandera Texas Cowboy Band for awhile. I thought it’d be fun having them play.”

  Alvaro comes over the intercom again. “Let me know when you’re coming.”

  “I’ll call you.”

  “You still nervous?” he asked me.

  “A little but not as bad as before.”