Emma and Nana discussed changing or even canceling the reception, but Creighton insisted they continue as planned. The caterers were nearly finished setting up the tents and tables when Sandra and Creighton returned home, and the food was in the process of being prepared. Changing the plans at this late date would be more difficult than keeping sightseers away from the property next door.

Rochelle arrived in the midst of the chaos as the forensic team began their investigation with the cadaver dogs. Irena was rushing from one room to another gathering makeup kits, hairbrushes, curling irons, and outfits, trying to help everyone get ready for the party all at once. She shouted down the stairs to Sabrina to bring up some drinks when she saw the dark-skinned woman enter the house. She screamed with excitement and ran down to meet her, embracing Rochelle on the stairs and nearly knocking her back down to the landing.

Sandra and Cathy were courteous to each other, acting more like polite acquaintances rather than sisters, but it was obvious they had an unspoken mutual agreement to keep things calm. Kristin waddled around the living room as Rochelle sat up her equipment and the supplies, she brought with her. Irena insisted on being first and since she was the loudest and the most anxious, nobody complained.

The teenager amazed everyone as she sat quietly for a full hour while her hair was highlighted, trimmed, and styled. Rochelle applied her makeup with an expert touch, making Irena appear much older than her sixteen years. A fact all three of her brothers were not pleased with. Next, Rochelle moved onto Sabrina, styling her hair and touching up her makeup, commenting on how well she had applied the colors on her own. Kristin managed to sit briefly while her hair was pulled into an up-do, very casual, and easy to take down when the time came. Her relaxation was short-lived, however, when Traci Ann soon came crying into the house, shouting for her mother after falling down the porch steps and skinning her knee.

Cathy was next to have her hair done, but Sandra knew it had nothing to do with the reception. She was certain her sister agreed simply because she wanted to tell everyone back in Kansas that a true Parisian had done her hair. Wait until Cathy found out this Parisian was from Oklahoma, she thought with a wicked smile as she left the room.

Rochelle applied dark blonde streaks to Cathy’s shoulder-length brown strands and completely restyled her usual makeup with darker, more dramatic colors. Once her hair was dry and trimmed, she insisted on having her photo taken. Her excuse was so she could duplicate the style when she returned to the states. Truth was, she would be posting it to her Facebook account as soon as she had the chance.

Sandra decided to lie down and take a nap while the others were in the living room primping. Her head ached from the events that had taken place that day and she felt more fatigued than she could ever remember. Lying once again on Creighton’s childhood bed, she pulled the comforter across her legs and drifted off to sleep. The echo of excited, cheerful voices drifted up from the main floor of the house, while shouts and giggles from the children playing in the yard outside floated in the open window. The soft May breeze brushed across her cheek, rustling the drapes and bringing with it the chirps of birds nesting in the tree outside. She easily drifted into a gentle, relaxed state of slumber as the world around her floated away. For the first time since leaving Creighton’s yacht - he so kindly named The Tornado after his trip to Kansas, of course - she found herself completely relaxed and comfortable, free from the events happening around her.

Andrew and Creighton spent the afternoon at the house next door speaking with the constable and the investigators from Scotland Yard. Clark arrived with a dozen security men, all former military police, New Hope Technologies used on occasion and all meeting both Clark and Creighton’s expectations. They were stationed outside the property, keeping the children and sightseers at bay.

A soft warm touch caressed her cheek, stirring Sandra reluctantly awake, but her eyes remained closed beneath heavy lids. She wanted a few more minutes before life erupted again and she quietly began to drift back to sleep. It wasn’t until she heard Creighton speaking her name that she finally found her way back to the world of the living.

Sighing heavily, she forced her eyes to open, smiling drowsily at the handsome face that stared down at her, his long fingers caressing her cheek, a seductive smile curving his lips.

“I really don’t want to wake you,” he said softly. “You look so comfortable, but Rochelle is ready for you downstairs.”

“What time is it?” she asked rolling onto her back and stretching her arms above her head.

“It’s a little after five. The guests will be arriving in about an hour.” He watched as her stretch deepened, causing her to moan at the tense muscles.

“Too much running?” he asked her with an amused tone.

“Hardly,” she snickered. “I’ve had more stiff muscles after a day in bed with you and your private lessons, than running three miles.” Creighton laughed while he laid down beside her, pulling her into his strong embrace.

“I assume you’re not complaining…about the private exercise, that is.”

“Never.” She wrapped her arms around his neck as he rolled her beneath him. “How could I complain about the best exercise routine I’ve ever experienced and the best personal trainer I’ve ever had? Besides, you’re a very irresistible man. I don’t know if I could refuse you if I tried.”

“I’m happy to hear that,” he said as he kissed her cheek, moving slowly down to her neck. “Because I have to warn you, Mrs. Ashford, I have no intention of stopping.” Sandra giggled when he began nipping at her neck, sending chills of anticipation running down her spine.

“Creighton, we don’t have time for this,” she argued weakly when his hands slipped under her tee-shirt, his long fingers fumbling with the front closure of her bra. “Your mom will be calling us soon, or Irena will interrupt us again.”

“Irena is in her room admiring herself and Mum is busy with the caterers. They are driving her mental. They’ve taken over the entire kitchen and are fixing all types of salads and desserts. She’s not used to letting go like this.”

“Will she survive, or is there another family member who will be angry with us for life?”

Creighton raised his head up and looked into her bright green eyes, smiling. Her words were light, but he knew the argument with her sister was bothering her more than she wanted to admit.

“My mum is very easy going and rarely holds grudges,” he assured her, kissing her lips tenderly. “Especially when it comes to family. If she weren’t as strong as she is, she would never survive my Uncle Fenton. Now, back to this,” he said with a wicked grin, pushing her bra aside beneath the fabric of her shirt. “We can do this quick, just enough to hold us until the party is over, or I can make us late for our own reception, which I’m sure my parents will object to, not to mention your grandmother and Rochelle.”

“You hate being late and you’re not going to do either one.” She smiled but her resistance was feeble and quickly weakening. “We don’t have enough time to play and I don’t like quick romps as much as I do long leisurely episodes of lovemaking.”

“If you don’t agree to something now, then you’ll have to promise me an eventful trip back to France.”

“On a plane?” she asked, staring at him with wide eyes. “Are you crazy? We couldn’t possibly…”

“It’s my plane and haven’t you ever heard of the Mile-High Club? There are a lot of interesting things that can be done on a private jet.”

“You wouldn’t dare?”

She tried to sound stern, but lost her resistance and laughed, knowing her husband well enough to know he would dare…and would most likely succeed.

A knock on the door interrupted his reply as Rochelle pushed the barrier open, smiling at the two lovers embraced on the bed, Creighton’s hand still beneath Sandra’s shirt, cupping her full round breast, her feet hooked around his calves as he lay on top of her.

“I could come back if you’d like, but this looks rather interesting. Mind if I stay and watch?” she asked them, causing Sandra to blush scarlet and Creighton to erupt in a hearty laugh.

“Sorry love, but you’re not invited,” he told his friend, kissing Sandra once more, pinching her nipple hard enough to make her gasp before lifting himself off her. He watched as she struggled to refasten her bra without lifting her shirt, glaring at him all the while.

“It seems Rochelle has made the choice for us,” he remarked with a wicked grin. “Versailles is going to be a wonderful trip.”

Sandra watched her husband as he climbed off the bed, adjusted his pants around his erection, and winked back at her. He kissed Rochelle on the cheek then stepped to the door and glanced back across his shoulder as Sandra stood by the bed, smoothing her shirt down across her torso.

“Nothing too elaborate, Oakley,” he teased, causing Rochelle to glare at him for using the nickname he knew she hated. “I don’t want to spend the evening waiting for her to wash that stuff off.”

“Just for that, I’m tempted to make it a very long wait,” Rochelle assured him, grinning at the laugh he left in the room with them. “That man is very aggravating,” she said turning back to Sandra who stepped to her side.

“You have no idea,” she answered with a warm smile.

“You look amazing,” Irena said half an hour later when Sandra emerged from Creighton’s bedroom once again. Her hair styled as it had been in Paris, her makeup applied to perfection. She wore Sabrina’s newest style, a simple white chiffon form-fitting cocktail dress that fell mid-thigh. It was quite lovely with yellow trimming around the sleeveless top and scooped neckline, the skirt flaring just enough so walking was easy and unrestrained.

She wore her mother’s earrings, the emerald and diamond leaf designed necklace, and diamond bracelet with the sapphires that matched her engagement ring. Complete with a pair of white open toe heels, she was ready to take on the rest of the day with confidence, excitement tingling around the edges of her movements.

“Thank you,” Sandra answered with a soft blush as the two began walking down the wooden staircase. “Let’s just hope the evening goes better than the day has.”

“It has to,” Irena added with wide eyes. “I mean really, who would have imagined finding two dead bodies literally a few yards from your own house? That’s so gross.”

“Wait, two bodies?” Sandra asked coming to a halt on the last stair.

“Yeah, didn’t Crey tell you? They found another body next to the first one. It’s really sick.”

“Irena, you have a very big mouth,” Andrew accused stepping into the entry, narrowing his eyes to his little sister. “Why don’t you go find Mum and tell her she’s looking for you?”

“Fine, but I don’t see why it’s a secret,” the girl grumbled walking past her brother. “It’s not like everyone in Yorks doesn’t already know.”

“Two bodies?” Sandra asked stepping down the last step.

“I’m sorry, Sandra,” Andrew said. “Crey didn’t want you to know just yet. He wanted you to enjoy your evening without dark clouds hanging over the event.”

“Do you know who the second one is?” she asked in a hushed tone.

“No, but it looks like she was there as long as the first.”

“She? Another female?”

“I’m really sorry, honey. Please try not to worry about this. We’ll get things straightened out so you can start your marriage off on a better footing.”

Creighton joined the two in the entry, his face set in a stern frown. He glanced from one to the other and back to his wife, drawing a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, darling,” he said gently. “Irena has a big mouth and she hasn’t yet learned how to sensor it.”

“Creighton, what’s going on? Is there a serial killer lose?” Sandra asked, holding the hand he reached out to her.

“If there is, then it was a long time ago. Andrew is taking care of the investigations and he’ll find out what’s going on. You just have to keep faith in the judicial system.”

“I don’t know how your judicial system works here, but I have faith in Andrew,” she said, glancing to the man standing next to her husband, watching a proud expression cross his handsome face. “Just please stop hiding things from me. I’m twenty-six years old. I’m quite capable of hearing the truth.”

“I didn’t want anything else to upset our day, it’s been bad enough already,” Creighton said, wrapping her into his strong embrace.

“You told me Cathy was hiding me in her shadow,” Sandra said, pushing away from him and staring him in the eyes that frowned down at her. “You’re doing the same thing. I can handle anything except dishonesty and deceit. I hate liars and I hate secrets.” Creighton kissed her gently but briefly, easing her back into his embrace and hugging her to his chest.

“I’m sorry, it’s just that I’m used to protecting the people I love. I’m not sure how to change that, especially now. If anything were to happen to you, I don’t know what I’d do.”

“Nothing is going to happen to me and regardless of how many objections my sister makes, I am not leaving you. I married you for better or worse and right now, I’ve got both. We’re in this together for the long haul, no escape clauses, remember?”

“I remember and I’m sorry. I promise to keep you informed of everything that happens.”

“Good, now tell me about this second body. What’s going on?”

Creighton drew a deep breath and stepped into the living room with her and Andrew, sitting on the sofa, her handheld snuggly in his. He exchanged looks with his brother then glanced back to his wife, who was waiting patiently for an answer.

“Right now, it looks like Bachmeier has a lot to answer for,” Andrew said quickly before his younger brother had the chance to change his mind and hide the truth from his new bride.

“We don’t have an official report and the coroner needs to verify what we suspect, but if the first body is that of Lynette Stone, she left her husband about fifteen years ago. We don’t know who the other body is yet, but she appears to be around twenty years old, maybe a little younger. I don’t remember hearing of any local girls who went missing during that time, so the search is going to take a while to determine who she may have been.”

“The dogs are still sniffing around,” Creighton added quietly as voices and car doors echoed from the front of the house, indicating the start of their reception. “We’re hoping they will find some evidence to help identify her.”

“Fifteen years is a long time to have a body preserved so that you can identify it,” she said.

“The bodies were wrapped in plastic trash bags,” Andrew said, watching the slight grimace expression cross her eyes. “That combined with the dry soil made decomposition slow.”

“What happens now?” Sandra asked.

“Clark and his team are here, and the place is locked down,” he answered. “We have a team over there, and they are still searching. It will undoubtedly take a few more days to survey the rest of the area.”

“What about Bachmeier, the younger one? Has anyone seen or heard anything from him since last night?”

Sandra was feeling a little dizzy with the information she was absorbing, but she was determined to be a part of the solution.

“Not yet, but we will,” Andrew insisted. “The local constable and the neighbors have been alerted to him and patrols have increased. Everyone is watching so it’s just a matter of time.” Sandra looked out the front window to where their property was located and frowned.

“Why is there a tent up in the front yard?” she asked seeing the large tan-colored canvas tent in the same area as the new garage was planned to be built.

“It’s there to keep observers away while the police do their investigation,” Creighton said.

“I don’t want you to worry about any of this, honey,” Andrew said gently. “The party is starting, and you need to relax and have some fun. We’ll get answers for you and have things resolved soon.”

“Are you ready to go?” Creighton asked a moment later, a wide smile on his face, though it didn’t seem to quite reach his eyes. Sandra knew it would be difficult for him to remain calm with so much going on that he couldn’t control.

“I’m ready for anything you desire,” she told him with a smile, knowing this would send visions of multiple, less generic ideas racing through his mind.

Andrew chuckled under his breath as Creighton’s smile turned genuine and wide; telling her the attempt had worked. She stood up from the sofa with him, accepted the hug he gave her and bit back the giggle when his hand cupped her bottom.

Before leaving the room, Sandra took one last glance out the window, then rose up on her tiptoes and kissed Andrew’s cheek.

“Thank you,” she told him.

He smiled back at her with a very proud, almost child-like expression. It was a simple act of gratitude, but the undertone spoke of much deeper appreciation than the words alone ever could.

Creighton danced with nearly every woman at their reception; aunts, cousins, his mother, his sisters, Kristin, Nana, even Bess, his housekeeper from Chelsea. He spent as much time as he could with his new bride in his arms while the music played on for what seemed like an eternity. The band was amazing, with an attractive young dark-haired girl about sixteen and a boy who looked a bit older who sang both solos and duets. The music played was a variety of love songs, modern hits, pop, and classical along with several Broadway tunes.

Sandra found herself enjoying the evening despite the fact that she was the center of attention, with no memory of the afternoon’s events to mar the festivities. She danced with Derek and Andrew, as well as Papa and William, and found herself passed around to more uncles and cousins than she would ever remember, as well as business associates of Creighton’s and many neighbors, both young and old until she felt dizzy and exhausted. Once she found herself back in her husband’s embrace, however, she found herself re-energized and ready for more.

Irena spent a great deal of the evening talking and dancing with Bess’s youngest son, Peter, who looked to be around seventeen. Sandra spied her new sister-in-law blushing on several occasions when the dark-haired boy leaned in and whispered in her ear, took her hand, and snuck off to a quiet corner to talk privately. It was obvious she was enjoying herself and with Rochelle’s talent for makeup, she was attracting a number of admiring young eyes, though her brothers were close by watching, with a number of warning glares offered from Creighton.

The caterers served several variations of salads, ribs, roast chicken breasts, sausage dishes and thick ham steaks, as well as a half dozen pasta dishes, fresh fruits and vegetables, chocolate mousse, cream cheese stuffed crepes, spotted dicke, cheesecakes, and more champagne than Sandra knew existed in a single place.

Two long wide tents were set up next to each other, with an adjoining flap opened so people could pass from one side to the other. The second tent was closest to the house and held the food and more than a dozen round tables where the guests could sit and dine or chat comfortably in the upholstered chairs. The band and smaller tables were set up in the first tent, along with a temporary dance floor and an open bar.

As the food continued to occupy a great deal of attention, being replenished frequently, the guests mingled, talked, and danced. Introductions were made, and the wedding couple moved about with ease and comfort as if among old friends. The gayety of the party was alive, and the laughter filtered out onto the world beyond like a flock of seagulls, carrying the noise of the evening into the night air.

Sandra found herself actually enjoying her visit with the Don and his boys, though their heavy accent left her straining to understand them. His sons, Demarco and Demetrio were the eldest, identical twins who were quite friendly, laughing, and flirting with the many young women who smiled at them. Renato was shy and slightly stalky in form, yet his laugh was deep and genuine, and Sandra found herself smiling at how easy it was for him to find humor in nearly everything around him. Giovanni was the youngest, early to mid-twenties, and by far the most attractive with thick dark hair that hung to the bottom of his collar, dark eyes, and a wickedly seductive smile. Cathy found it easy to make her way toward him, smiling and flirting to the height of her expertise, and though he seemed polite and friendly to her, his eyes never strayed far from Sabrina, catching her eye and making her blush.

Their Italian friends seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the rest of the guests, with the exception of Silvano. He hung around the opening of the tent with a bandage across his nose and two black eyes, solemnly watching all that was happening. Sandra felt bad for his appearance since she was the one who caused it, yet she couldn’t help smiling as he walked away whenever she came near, glaring at her as though she were the devil incarnate.

“So, Signora,” the Don said as he held her around the waist while they danced to the young singer’s version of Michael Jackson’s You Are Not Alone. “How is life with my old friend?”

“Better every day,” Sandra replied, taking note of the tall attractive Italian woman, in a very tight blue dress, watching them closely from a nearby table. “What shall I call you? I don’t remember Creighton ever telling me your full name.” The man laughed, causing the woman nearby to frown.

“It is Donato Vigano, but the people I know just call me the Don.”

“Well, I think I’ll just call you Donato. It’s your name after all.”

The older man looked at her appraisingly then shook his head with an amused yet sad gesture.

“You are so much like my Zaria,” he told her, almost sadly. Sandra looked to the woman behind him and smiled.

“She’s very beautiful.” Donato looked over his shoulder, chuckling under his breath.

“That is not Zaria,” he said. “That is Mariella, she is my amanti...lover. Zaria died when Aryana was born.”

“I’m sorry,” Sandra said, feeling the sudden tension between them at the memory of his beloved Zaria’s death.

“It was a long time ago. She gave me two beautiful children and I will someday rejoin her.”

“But you have six children.”

“Si, I have had the misfortune of burying two of my loves, which is why I will never marry again. Mariella, she is not happy about this, but I will not do it again. She is cared for, lots of denora, nice home, expensive clothes. She has no worries, but I will never marry her. My heart belongs to Zaria, this she knows.”

Sandra accepted the man’s kiss to her hand when the song ended and watched him walk over to the attractive woman, wrapping his arm around her waist and leading her toward the buffet tent.

Sandra sat next to Nana and Papa feeling like her feet were blistered from all the dancing. Her legs ached enough that she was now regretting the run she had earlier, but she wasn’t about to let Creighton know that. She’d much rather let him think the sore muscles were from his intense lovemaking.

She sat looking around at the people who danced, ate, or laughed. It was a pleasant enough evening, but it seemed like it was never going to end. She smiled at the people who passed them, certain her face was going to freeze in this position. She felt hot and in desperate need of the water, she asked the waiter to bring her when she spied her husband in a small group of cousins. He was a very gallant man, paying attention to those gathered around him, smiling, laughing, and swapping stories. He was a proficient host and seemed relaxed and under control, even the few times Andrew or Clark came over to speak with him.

New Hope’s publicity department released a short statement earlier that afternoon, thanking everyone for their thoughtful gifts and asking that anyone wishing to send more make a donation instead, so they had managed to ward off the majority of gifts or money. So far, there were only about fifty presents received from those who had either already purchased a present or had not heard the press release. Perhaps another toaster sat among the wrapped presents, she thought with an amused grin.

Two young women stood by the chocolate fountain eying the bride with a mixture of anger and envy. They were family members of William and Emma’s neighbors, and Sandra heard them accusing her of marrying Creighton for his money. In their opinion, it was impossible for an American to marry a wealthy Englishman and not want to spend his millions. Then they debated how they would spend it and what they would do if they were in her shoes. It was more humorous than irritating and she couldn’t help but smile as she diverted her eyes.

Daniel found her still sitting next to her grandparents and asked her to dance. She felt like she was on display in a glass window for all to examine and criticize, but this young man was easy to speak with and she was eager to know what happened after he and Aryana left them in Italy.

“How are things going with the new father-in-law?” she asked the young man as they twirled around the floor while the band began to play Sapore di Sale,

“He’s getting used to me, I think. It’s much easier now that we are back in Paris. He only calls two or three times a day. Aryana is upset with me though. I won’t allow her father to shower her with money like she’s been used to. I am trying to break her of her shopping habit.”

“Good luck,” Sandra said. “My grandparents spent many years trying to curb my sister’s spending, with very little success. Maybe once the baby is here and she realizes that money doesn’t grow on trees, she’ll slow down.”

“I hope so. She’s already talking about having another baby and this one isn’t even here yet.”

The two laughed, glancing to the girl in question as she stood beside Kristin, rubbing her tummy and speaking with great enthusiasm. Kristin was smiling, but Sandra could tell she was listening out of politeness more than interest.

“I have to tell you,” Daniel said a few moments later as Creighton slowly made his way toward them. “Silvano is really hacked off with you. He spent the two days we were in Italy calling you more dirty names than I have ever heard. The Don finally gave him a right good rollicking before we left yesterday.”

“I’m not sure what that means, but as long as he keeps his distance then I’m okay with it.”

“Hey boy,” Creighton said patting Daniel on the shoulder and smiling. “I think you’ve monopolized enough of my wife’s time. It’s my turn.” Daniel laughed and shook his hand before kissing Sandra on the cheek.

“I think you made a good choice here,” he told his employer. “She’s a real gem.”

Creighton smiled, taking Sandra in his arms as the band began to play You Are My Destiny and moved slowly around the makeshift dance floor.

“Enjoying yourself?” he asked softly.

“Very much, thank you.”

Not exactly a lie, she thought. For the most part, she was enjoying herself, there had been just a few minor black marks to make her feel uncomfortable.

“And thank you for everything you’ve done. Not just for the wedding and this party, but today as well. I don’t think I could have made it a single moment without you. You made my trip to Europe a dream come true.”

“You are welcome, my love,” he said softly. “Don’t tell your sister, but I am forever in her debt for sending in that contest entry for you. I’m not sure what I would have done had you not come to France. I was starting to run out of ideas, short of kidnapping you.”

“Knowing you, you would have stalked me a little longer before your perverted mind came up with another deviant idea to get me alone.” Creighton laughed, hugging her to his chest.

“You know it, baby,” he told her.

They continued to dance for several more minutes, through the first song they started with and into the next. Sandra tried to ignore the glares the young women were giving her and the lustful glances from several of the men. It was enough to offset the happiness of the evening.

“Stop worrying about them,” he told her as though reading her mind again. “Those girls are petty and jealous and with good reason. You look stunning and absolutely delicious.”

“And what about the men who are looking at me like I’m on the dessert menu?” she asked with a shy smile.

“Let them look,” he shrugged. “Just so long as they don’t try and sample the goods. I like being envied by them. I have what they never will. Love and passion and a wife who is simply the most incredible woman to grace this dusty old country in many long years.”

“You, sir, are definitely my knight in shining armor, and you claim to not be a romantic.”

Creighton kissed her lips tenderly, the tip of his tongue tracing the outline of her bottom lip before it found the entrance between her teeth. Sandra blushed as their tongues began a slow, caressing tango with each other. She was sure he was kissing her like this for show, but she didn’t care. His touch had a way of melting her resistance and warming her in places that begged for his attention.

Several long moments passed before Sandra felt like she was able to think again, her head laying against her husband’s shoulder as they moved slowly to the music. She looked around at the guests who watched them, smiling for Chang who snapped picture after picture for their wedding album. She noticed Sabrina and Donato’s youngest son, Giovanni, dancing nearby and it appeared they were far more than casual acquaintances.

They smiled and whispered together before he kissed her cheek, causing her to blush profusely. Sandra had seen them periodically throughout the evening talking and dancing, and wandering off from time to time alone, holding hands, sitting alone at a table and talking privately, and very intimately, all the while Sabrina blushed and batted her eyes.

Sandra looked up into her husband’s handsome face and saw his set jaw, as his attention was also on the young couple.

“What do you have against your sister’s love interest?” she asked when the music changed to another romantic number.

“Why do you ask?” he smiled a half-grin.

It was more than apparent to him that she had noticed where his attention had been diverted and caught him in the act of playing protective brother.

“Because you’ve been watching them like a mother hen,” she teased. “Don’t you like the boy?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. Next to the Don, he’s the only decent one out of the whole bunch, but I don’t like him with my sister.”

“Why?”

“Because…she’s not old enough to date.” Sandra laughed at the big brother attitude.

“She’s an adult and has been on her own at college for four years. She has probably had more than one boyfriend in her life, possibly even a lover or two.”

Creighton looked at her in horror as though she had just punched him in the gut. He had never considered this before.

“She wouldn’t dare,” he growled.

“Well, let’s think about it,” Sandra began, hoping to keep the amusement from her tone as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I was a virgin until I met you, very rare in this day and age. You were how old? Seventeen? Miriam was sixteen, right? Just about Irena’s age if I’m not mistaken? And Sabrina is what, twenty-three? So basically, they are both old enough…”

“No more,” Creighton growled again, his eyes scanning the area for his little sisters. “They had better still be virgins or I’m going after the buggers who changed that fact, and if Irena even looks at a boy before she’s thirty, I’ll send her to a convent.”

Sandra could no longer hold it back, she laughed full and cheerfully at her husband’s reaction, bringing several curious eyes to stare in their direction.

“What may I ask is so amusing?” he asked her with a shocked expression on his face.

“You are,” she smiled, trying to regain air, leaning her forehead against his shoulder for a brief moment. “Your little sisters are able to live their own lives without interference from you. And I’m sure Sabrina can choose whom she would like to spend her free time with, in a wise and intelligent manner, so lay off. He looks like a nice kid and you said he’s decent. Let her have some fun.”

“Not the kind of fun I’m sure he wants to have,” Creighton growled softly.

“Not everyone’s fun is perverted like yours, and besides, would you deny your sister, true love, if it came along? What if she has real feelings for this boy?”

“I just don’t want her to get hurt.”

“Sometimes getting hurt in love is the only way to know what to avoid.”

“I really hate it when you’re logical,” he complained, his anger and ire much less forceful.

“And I love how protective and caring you are.” Creighton wrapped her in his arms a little tighter, kissing her neck as the song ended. He glanced up to see Andrew and Clark speaking by the tent’s entrance, then sighed when his brother motioned for him to join them with the lift of his head.

“I need to see what’s going on,” he whispered. “Try and cover for me. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Sandra watched as he walked away before mingling again, hoping to keep things calm while the groom was away.

She was stopped by Michelle and her partner Rachel, the other blonde girl who had been at the hotel gym. They were both very attractive, well-tanned, with large fake boobs and spa perfected bodies. At first sight, they appeared to be the stereotypical model type Sandra had encountered in the past; arrogant, self-centered, and egotistical. But in truth, they were both polite, friendly, and laughed a lot. Sandra accepted the hug Michelle gave her and shook Rachel’s hand.

“I am so happy to be here,” Michelle said in a thick French accent as they approached the dessert table. “When Monsieur Ashford asked me to find out how quickly he could get married, I was amazed and shocked, but when he said it was to you, I was delighted. He has spent the last two years talking about you, it is très romantique. He loves you very much, you know?”

“I know,” Sandra said taking a chocolate-covered strawberry to divert herself from blushing. “And I may not have known him for long, but I feel a very strange connection to him that I’ve never felt with another person.”

“That is destiny, karma, something that is meant to be, like âme sœur; soulmates,” Rachel said. “That is how it was when I met Michelle.” Sandra smiled as she took a bite from the strawberry.

“I think you’re right,” she said, glancing to where he had left through the tent’s opening. “He is definitely my soulmate and I owe you a great deal for convincing him to come to Kansas. My life would be boring as sin if I hadn’t met him.”

“It was my pleasure,” Michelle said with a wide grin. “It wasn’t easy, though. He argued and resisted every suggestion I made. I thought he was going to fire me. Even during the trip, he was nervous and acted like a frightened house cat. I couldn’t convince him to settle down until he went to the library. All it took was one look at you, and his heart was lost. He came alive instantly, and I appreciated the raise and the bonus he gave me when we returned.”

Sandra smiled as the woman laughed. She continued to watch as the two gathered several samples of the chocolate covered fruits and cakes from the table before turning back to see her staring at them. She wanted to ask them something, but she felt embarrassed.

“What is it?” Rachel asked with a frown. “You look like your tongue is your enemy.”

Sandra blushed. She was starting to think it was.

“May I ask you something?” she began with a soft blush. “If it’s none of my business, please tell me and I won’t pry.”

“You want to know how Michelle and I became lovers?” the blonde asked, bringing her partner’s eyes to them as she smiled. Sandra nodded.

“Were you always…”

“Lesbian?” Michelle surmised. “I was, though I have had relationships involving men, I was never happy until I met Rachel.”

“I fell in love with Michelle, but I had never been with a woman before her.” Rachel began her story as they walked to a nearby table and sat down. “In fact, I was engaged to be married. My father was interested in Creighton’s security systems and we went to his office to speak with him. I saw Michelle and was lost immediately.”

“She made many excuses to come to visit NHT until I finally asked her out,” Michelle said. “We became lovers that night and two months later, we were living together. That was four years ago, and we’ve never regretted it.”

“What about your fiancée?” Sandra asked.

“He married my sister,” Rachel answered with an amused laugh. “They are very happy with the two children. I knew he was attracted to her, but he stayed with me because she is five years younger. He felt like he was…what is it you Americans say, stealing the crib?”

“Robbing the cradle,” Sandra smiled.

“Oui. They are happy and so are we.”

Michelle looked at Rachel and raised her eyebrows in excitement. Her partner nodded and smiled.

“We have a secret,” Michelle whispered so nobody around them could overhear. “We are going to have a baby.”

“What?” Sandra asked in surprise, her eyes wide with confusion. “How is that possible?”

“We had a donor,” Rachel answered. “I am going to have this one and Michelle will have the next one.”

“Does Creighton know?”

“Not yet, but it will not interfere with my work,” Michelle continued. “Rachel works from home, so it is a perfect solution. She can be with the baby and I can still work.”

“Please don’t tell him yet,” Rachel added. “We will let everyone know when we are ready.”

“I won’t say a word,” Sandra promised. “And I think that’s wonderful.” She hugged the two women in turn, feeling very comfortable with them, like old friends.

She remained at the table a few more minutes discussing generic subjects until she found it necessary to mingle again. She made her rounds among the guests, visiting with her great aunts Sally and Margaret, Nana’s two sisters, along with their husbands Harold and Reggie. Sandra talked for quite a long time with her cousin, Cindy, until Creighton’s twin cousins, Kaydence and Kaylee, joined the conversation. The three were around twenty and hit it off right away, talking about the latest vampire novel series. Sandra listened for a few moments before bowing out of the conversation, unseen, and continued to visit with the rest of her family and many of Creighton’s.

It had been nearly an hour and Creighton still had not come back, making her concern turn to fear. With everything that had happened that day and the day before, she was worried that something else had come up to interfere in their celebration. Her anxiety was beginning to get the best of her, and she couldn’t help staring at the tent’s entrance.

She was trying to think of an excuse to leave the tent when Emma came up beside her, wrapping her arm in her new daughter-in-law’s. They spoke to her brother Fenton for several long moments before finding an excuse to escape. Sandra understood why Creighton said his mother had been strong enough to handle him. He was large, about six feet four inches and about three hundred pounds, but that was not what made him so irritating.

The man was loud, very loud, and carried an unlit cigar in the corner of his mouth. He had a strong opinion about everything and insisted it was the only right one and made sure Sandra understood how things were supposed to run in a marriage, and with a man of Creighton’s stature. Sandra found it difficult to stand and listen to him. He was egotistical, self-centered and she could have sworn several times that the air around them had turned foul, like rotting eggs.

“I’m sorry about Fenton,” Emma said softly. “He’s very lairy and full of malarkey. He’s pretty naff, but trainspotter for the most part.”

Sandra felt like she had been transported onto another planet, as she struggled to understand the meaning of what her mother-in-law was saying.

“Do you know where Creighton is?” she asked, trying to get past the conversation.

“He is with Andrew and Clark. There was another problem,” Emma lowered her voice so nobody could hear them. “I’ll cover here. You go find your husband. He was in the kitchen last I saw him.”

Sandra frowned, but obeyed, and quietly slipped out of the tent as the band began to play again. She walked quickly toward the back door, spying four men standing by the steps. One was clearly Creighton, in his dark jeans and a pale-yellow shirt that matched the yellow on her dress. Even in the shadows, he was a handsome, magnificent specimen, but she really couldn’t allow herself to become distracted. This wasn’t the time or place for the thoughts that were slowly filtering into her mind. She stepped up next to him, pushing aside the image of him standing over her with the riding crop, and instantly frowned at the conversation going on.

“He’s been done over a good one, and feeling a little dicky,” Clark was saying as she neared them. “He’ll be right enough once he gets some rest.”

“I can’t believe it, right in our own cellar,” Creighton added, his tone filled with anger.

“He’s going to duck and dive for a while until he thinks things are safe,” Andrew said.

“It will never be safe for him as long as he’s loose,” Creighton snapped, turning to see Sandra as she stepped to his side. He drew a deep breath, wrapping his arm around her waist.

“What’s the matter?” she asked softly.

“One of the caterers was attacked, when he went down to the cellar for some of Mum’s preserves for your Aunt Sally,” Creighton said, running his free hand through his dark hair.

“Attacked? How?” she asked with a frown.

“Someone was hiding in the cellar,” Andrew answered, looking at Creighton to make sure he was going to follow through with his promise to keep her abreast of what was happening.

“Who?” she asked quietly.

“Bachmeier,” Creighton said, hugging her closer when her eyes widened in alarm. “It looks like he came here last night after trying to get back into our house. The security team called me about two this morning when the alarm at our place was set off. Fifteen minutes later the alarm here was tripped. I called and Mum said Dad must have set it off getting ready for chores.”

“Did he?” she asked.

“No,” Andrew interrupted. “I spoke with Dad this afternoon. He said when Crey called he was in the shower, nowhere near the doors and Old Blue was in the barn. Clark and I searched the place but didn’t find anything out of the ordinary, so we assumed the alarm scared him off.”

“Apparently he was hiding in the cellar behind the furnace most of the day,” Clark said. “He came out a little while ago in search of food. Probably figured it was safe since everyone was out here, but he came face to face with the caterer.”

“Fortunately, the young man was only knocked out and has a concussion, but he’ll be alright in a few days,” Andrew said. “What we have to do now is wrap up this party and get everything batted down for the night. The sooner the two of you are out of here, the safer you’ll be.”

“Irena said she felt like she was being watched in the cellar,” Sandra said, remembering the events from earlier.

“He wouldn’t have done anything to her,” Andrew insisted quickly, catching a glimpse of his brother’s set jaw. “There were too many people around and she would have been missed. He doesn’t want to get caught.”

“He wants revenge,” Sandra whispered, wrapping her arms around Creighton’s waist.

“The car is waiting to take you to the airport,” Clark told them. “Harvey and Parker will accompany you and stay close at hand. I’m going to remain here and see what I can do to find this bugger.”

“Then let’s get moving,” Sandra added, amazed that she felt as strong and determined as she sounded.

“Mum wants you guys to come cut the cake,” Irena announced, hurrying up behind them. “She said you’re going to miss your plane if you don’t get a move on. Like that’s going to happen. It’s your plane.”

“Tell her we’ll be right there,” Creighton said, waiting for his sister to walk away.

“We’ll take care of everything here, Crey,” Clark promised. “Just concentrate on enjoying yourselves and having a good honeymoon.”

Creighton nodded, clenching his jaw again. It was obvious he was mad and didn’t want to do as he was told. He had a score to settle with the guy who shot him and was causing chaos in their lives.

“I don’t know how to thank you both for all you’ve done,” Sandra said hugging Andrew and then Clark in turn. “We appreciate your help more than either of us could ever say.”

“We take care of our own,” Clark said with a warm smile, shaking the hand Creighton reached out for him. “You two stop thinking about this place and just relax. I didn’t have much of a honeymoon myself, but if I’m not mistaken, you’re supposed to leave the outside world behind and have fun.”

“And we will,” Sandra assured them with a wide smile, hoping to bring her husband out of the frustrating mood that he had been experiencing all day. “Creighton seems to be filled with a wealth of intriguing ideas.”

The two laughed along with Sandra who blushed profusely, giving Creighton no choice but to join in. They walked together back to the tent, where they stopped just outside the opening, allowing Andrew and Clark to precede through before he turned and pulled her into his embrace, kissing the tip of her nose.

“Have I told you lately that I love you?” he asked with a soft smile as Sandra laid her cheek against his chest.

“I think I’m owed. I’m sure it’s been at least an hour.”

“That long, eh? I should be ashamed of myself. It’s not going to happen again, because I love you more with every moment that passes.”

“Are you sure you’re not a romantic?” she giggled.

“Nope,” he laughed. “Just a perverted deviant.”