Read Online The Great Texas Wedding Bargain by Judy Christenberry - Free Book Online Page B

wedding.
    Vowing to repay his every kindness and consideration in whatever way she could, Megan took a deep breath and continued toward the altar. She walked alone.
    Letting someone “give” her away bothered her. If and when she ever married for real, it would be because she wanted to unite with a man. Her choice.
    One she didn’t think she’d ever make.
    Her gaze met with Rick’s and relief flooded her. His eyes weren’t filled with love. Or even lust. She held back the chuckle that rose in her. Thank goodness she’d learn to read his eyes. Because they were filled with stark terror, just like her own. Nothing could’ve reassured her more.
    She stepped to his side, trying to smile. The man was helping them out. He musnt’t suffer because of his charity.
    All through the ceremony, concern for Rick made Megan’s role easier to perform. She tried to put the man at ease. A gentle squeeze of his flesh when the pastor asked them to join hands seemed to ease his strain. Her smile as she said her vows, as if inviting him to share the amusement of their situation, brought an answering smile.
    In fact, Megan was feeling quite relaxed. She was certain she was doing the right thing, since it wasn’t real, by the time they finished the ceremony.
    Until the pastor said those traditional words she’d forgotten about.
    “You may kiss the bride.”
     

    O KAY , R ICK ADMITTED , that was one part of the wedding he didn’t mind. Kissing the bride. He’d thought about kissing Megan. Dreamed of kissing Megan. Hungered to kiss Megan.
    Of course, he would’ve preferred not to kiss her for the first time in front of a large audience. But, hey, a guy had to do what a guy had to do.
    He wrapped his arms around her slender form and slowly lowered his lips to hers. A perfect fit. No awkwardness, no fumbling, no…reserve. The kiss was incredible, the best he’d ever experienced. The lady was a great kisser. And he didn’t want to stop.
    Until Cal put a hand on his shoulder and tugged. “Whoa, cowboy, come up for air.”
    He stared at his friend, frowning, until his gaze trailed away to their audience. Then he quickly turned to Megan, ready to apologize.
    The stunned look on her face made him think better of wasting words. He slipped his arm back around her and pulled her tightly against him as the pastor introduced them as husband and wife.
    “Smile,” he whispered to her, hoping to wipe that panic from her face. He was relieved when her lips widened, even if the smile was weak.
    “What do we do now?” he whispered to Cal. He wasn’t doing much better than Megan.
    Cal chuckled. “You lead your bride back up the aisle. There’ll be a car waiting for you at the door. Tuck’s dad is driving you to the restaurant in his Cadillac.”
    “You’re coming, too, aren’t you?” Rick asked, panic filling him at the idea of being alone with Megan. He figured she’d take him to task for his enthusiastic kiss.
    Cal, after a pause, nodded. “Sure, Jess and I can ride with you…if that’s what you want.”
    “Yeah.” Then Rick followed instructions, pulling a silent Megan along with him as they walked up the aisle, past the smiling crowd.
    As Cal had predicted, Frank Langford was waiting on the sidewalk, beaming at them. As they approached, he swept open the backdoor.
    “Thanks, Mr. Langford,” Rick muttered as first Megan and then he ducked and entered the spacious car.
    Cal bent over and stuck his head in. “Sure you want us to come with you? It will make it a little crowded.”
    “Yeah, we want you to come. We’ll make room.” Without consulting his bride, Rick reached over and lifted her into his lap. Then he scooted against the window.
    “Rick—” Megan shrieked, clutching at his shoulder with one hand during the transfer, while the other held her bouquet.
    Jessica slid into the car, distracting Megan, followed by Cal. She grinned at them. “That’s a good way to conserve space.”
    Rick didn’t think so. He