Read Online Stolen Little Thing (Little Thing Series Book 1) by Sasha Gold - Free Book Online Page A

best to be still to avoid the pins that Loretta poked in the folds of the taffeta gown in an attempt to fit the billowing material around the bride’s slender frame. Esme was hungry and exhausted, even though the sun had just crested the horizon a mere half-hour before.
    “It’s pure luck that you have anything remotely resembling a wedding dress to wear,” Loretta told her.
    Maria’s daughter celebrated her coming out party the Christmas before, trying on and promptly discarding several of Maria’s creations before deciding upon the perfect dress. It was the girl’s castoffs that Maria and Loretta insisted Esme try. Both of them refused to hear of Esme wearing any of her own dresses. Only a white dress would do.
    To Esme it seemed half the countryside had been mobilized in the aftermath of Luke’s proposal. The more she heard of the plans unfolding, the more Esme fretted that word might somehow reach her father, and he would appear as though materializing from some terrible dream and put an end to all the preparations.
    She heard wagons arriving outside bringing provisions for the dinner. Men shouted instructions in Spanish and English. Roberto, Consuelo’s husband, tended a smoke pit somewhere outside, the aroma of slow cooking meats wafted through the window. Luke had enlisted everyone’s help, but judging from the silence from his room, he still lay in bed.
    “The groom won’t be needed until it is time to say the vows,” Loretta explained. Besides, all plans are already in motion. She listed the more important details. The pastor, Ted Crosby, Luke’s uncle, would officiate. He was expected to arrive at noon; musicians, extra cooks, and servants were on the way. Nolan had left early on an errand, and the boys were running to and fro doing chores for Consuelo and her contingency of cooks, a trio of sisters drafted into service in the wee hours of the morning.
    Esme’s emotions careened between terror and joy, leaving her exhausted and almost tearful. Thankfully, the warmth behind her eyes didn’t turn to real tears in front of Maria and Loretta. Her marriage to Luke, and the speed with which it was happening, shocked her. She, Esme Duval, after what seemed like a lifetime of loving Luke Crosby, was going to become his wife in a few hours.
    Loretta shook her head and drew a tragic sigh as she studied Esme’s gown.
    “It’s not perfect. A little snug in the bodice, but I think that makes it even more becoming. I’ll let the hem down a little more. Margarita must be a good two inches shorter than her.” Loretta spoke to Maria as though Esme weren’t standing a mere four feet away.
    “We could add an extra crinoline,” Maria suggested. “Make it a little more full.”
    “Good Lord, no,” Loretta fussed. “That skirt already takes up half the county. Can you meet with your sister to talk about the bouquet?”
    “I could take care of the bouquet,” Esme offered.
    “Did Roberto check to see if we have enough tables and chairs?” Loretta ignored Esme’s offer. “If so, he could tell the boys to start setting up. Tell him I’m sorry Nolan can’t help since he’s in Honey Creek picking out the ring.”
    “Nolan?” Esme asked in bewilderment. “Nolan is selecting my wedding ring?”
    “Luke asked him to. He didn’t have time,” Loretta said.
    “He’s lying in his bed right now,” Esme grumbled. “I haven’t heard any sign of movement from next door.”
    Loretta shrugged. “Don’t worry. Nolan has great taste.”
    Esme shifted her weight on the crate making the taffeta rustle. Her legs ached. A pin scratched the tender skin on her wrist and she pouted. She was ready to take off the dress and put her nightgown back on. The rumpled sheets of her bed looked inviting after having been awakened before five in the morning.
    “I just want to go to back to bed,” she grumbled.
    Loretta repositioned the pin Esme had displaced. “Speaking of which, are you ready for your wedding night? Your