Story of Love (Josh & Riley's Wedding Novella): Love in Bloom: The Bradens Read online

  Josh faced Hugh, thinking not of the question he’d asked, but of the unspoken one that lingered heavily between them. Do you think they had any idea Mom would die so young? Hugh watched him with a thoughtful expression. There had been a time when Hugh was all about chasing the next thrill, and there had been no place in his life for deep thoughts or serious relationships. He’d changed so much since falling in love with his wife, Brianna. Josh had a hard time imagining the responsible father of two Hugh had become as the wild child he’d grown up with.

  With everything he’d been told about their spiritually connected mother, Josh was pretty sure she’d have had an inkling about how many children she’d have and about her life being cut short. But he kept the latter to himself.

  “Dad said they always wanted a big family. Mom’s been on my mind a lot lately,” Josh admitted. “I wish she were here, you know? Not just for me, but for Dad.” Their father swore he still communicated with their mother through Hope, the horse he’d given her when she first got sick. Some people thought that was a little crazy, but ever since Josh’s dream, which had seemed so real, he was no longer sure.

  Hugh nodded. “She is, bro. She’s everywhere. When Christian was born I felt like she was right there with us.” His little boy, Christian, was a handful, like Hugh had been as a curious, active child. Hugh had adopted Brianna’s daughter, Layla, and the sweet, beautiful girl called him Daddy or Prince Hugh (an inside joke from her princess stage), and adored him just as much as Hugh adored her.

  Josh couldn’t wait to have his own family, and raise them with the love of his life. He had the same concerns Riley did about raising a family in the city, living in two locations, and traipsing all over the world for their fashion shows with, hopefully, more than one child in tow. He’d grown up with the benefit of strong family roots, in a small town where neighbors were always willing to lend a hand and everyone knew each other’s business. That grapevine could be annoying, but there was comfort in it, too. His father still lived in their childhood home, and even after all these years, it brought a sense of security when he visited. And there was no denying that when he was back in Weston he felt closest to the mother he never had a chance to know. If only the answer to where they should live was as easy as falling in love with Riley had been. Once he fell, there was no turning back.

  The plane descended and Riley stirred beside him. Thinking of his mother, a heavy feeling came over him. He loved Riley so immensely the thought of spending a single day without her pained him. How had his father survived without the woman he loved for all these years? How had he held his shit together when he had six grieving children relying on him? If anything ever happened to Riley, Josh wasn’t sure he was strong enough to carry on with the fortitude his father had.

  He kissed her temple, sending a silent prayer up to the heavens that he would never have to test his strength. “Hey, babe. We’re landing.”

  She smiled up at him as the plane touched down. Glancing toward the front of the plane, where Jack was focused on piloting them to safety, she said, “We owe so much to your family for doing all of this. Poor Jack has been flying all night, and Hugh”—she looked at his brother—“thank you for helping us get to the plane and giving up a night with your family.”

  “It was my pleasure. It’s about time my brother made an honest woman out of you,” Hugh teased.

  Riley snuggled closer to Josh. “He’s been trying for years, but there was always something going on at work standing in our way. But we’re here now, and we’re more than ready. Did you guys get any sleep?”

  “A little, but we’re fine,” Josh answered.

  “We’ll crash early tonight,” Hugh added. “It’s not like we’ll have anything better to do. Bree and Savannah have already put their feet down about you two not sleeping together the night before your wedding, and apparently that means all of us need to spend the night apart from our wives due to some kind of sisterly solidarity.”

  Riley laughed. “I love my future sisters-in-law.”

  “We might have to break that torturous rule.” Josh stole a kiss from her.

  “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” Riley said with knitted brows.

  “That’s an old wives’ tale,” Hugh said. “It’s bad luck not to make love to your bride-to-be the night before your wedding.”

  “I’ll buy into that.” Josh brought Riley’s hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “I have no interest in sleeping apart from you anytime. Especially not when we’re at a romantic, secluded inn.”

  Chapter Two

  THE DRIVE FROM the airstrip to the resort was a rough one. Thick branches arched over tire-rutted grass and dirt. Thankfully, Jack was used to navigating rarely traveled mountain roads. Not only was he a bush pilot, ex–Special Forces, and the director of a survival training program, but he and Savannah owned a remote cabin in these very mountains. Riley trusted him completely.

  When the resort finally came into view, it was even more stunning than she remembered from their visit with Charlotte, the owner. Charlotte was an erotic-romance writer who had inherited the inn and had made it—or rather, one wing of it—her home. Hal had been close to Charlotte’s parents, and he’d known Charlotte since she was born. Luckily, like everyone else who knew Hal, she adored him, and when he inquired about having their wedding there, she was happy to open her doors for it.

  Riley leaned closer to the window to get a better look. Three gorgeous stories of glass, stone, and cedar with grand terraces overlooked the lake, sprawling meadows, and picturesque mountains. She loved everything about the Big Apple, save for the media vultures, but nothing compared to the crisp mountain air and the scenic views of Colorado. It never failed to surprise her how just being in Colorado for a few minutes could make her long for her small-town roots—and her best friend. As an only child, Jade had been like the sister Riley had never had growing up. And since she’d come together with Josh, his sister and sisters-in-law had also warmly brought her into their close-knit circle, creating more sisterly bonds than she could ever have hoped for. They didn’t all live in Colorado, but they made time for family often—something she and Josh had missed out on a little too frequently lately due to work commitments. Yet another reason to move closer to home for at least part of the year.

  “Jack,” Riley said, stepping from the SUV. “I can’t thank you and Hugh enough for getting us here.” She hugged him. At well over six rugged feet, Jack, like Josh’s brother Rex, was built like a lumberjack, with impossibly wide shoulders, bulbous muscles sprouting on top of muscles, and thick, powerful legs. She preferred her fiancé’s sleeker, perfectly defined body. Josh kept in prime shape through running rather than hard physical labor, like Jack and Rex. But she knew their wives loved their physiques just as much as she loved Josh’s.

  “Anything for you guys.” Jack opened the trunk of the SUV, grabbed a duffel bag, and tossed it to Hugh, then hoisted a leather bag over his shoulder.

  Josh and Riley’s bags had been shipped to Rex and Jade weeks earlier so as not to call any attention to their plan, along with the wedding dress she and Josh had designed together.

  “Besides, it gave me and Hugh a chance to pick up a few things for our kids while we were in the Bahamas. What did you pick up?” Jack nodded to the box she was carrying.

  “Elisabeth made me brownies.” Elisabeth was Josh’s cousin Ross’s fiancée. She and Ross were getting married this weekend in the Bahamas. Elisabeth owned a mobile bakery in Trusty, Colorado, and everything she baked was delicious.

  “That box doesn’t look nearly big enough for all the girls and the kids, and I’m not sure Bree will want Christian hopped up on brownies while the wedding preparations are taking place. You know how hyper he gets.” Hugh held out a hand with a glint of mischief in his eyes. “I’ll take care of them for you.”

  Riley clutched the box against her chest. “Not a chance, buster. But you have a good point. It would be hard to tell any of
the kids they can’t have some.”

  Josh shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it around the box. “I’ll put it in our room for you and the girls.”

  “Best fiancé ever!” Riley went up on her toes and kissed him.

  As they headed inside, Riley felt her stress falling away. There was no more running, no more hiding or hoping their secret wedding didn’t get leaked to the press. Except, of course, their secret baby news. Keeping her excitement hidden from Jade was killing her. But every time they spoke, Jade raved about her new baby boy, and Riley couldn’t bring herself to dampen Jade’s excitement with worry over her own situation. In another few weeks it would be safe for them to tell the world. She hoped and prayed every day that her confused womb was no longer befuddled and had settled into nurturing their tiny miracle.

  Riley’s parents were arriving later that afternoon, and the wedding was scheduled for tomorrow evening on the terrace overlooking the lake. In order to keep their big day under wraps, they’d decided to do everything themselves, from making the food and wedding cake to the dresses and decorations. Riley had taken private baking and cake decorating lessons from her friend Molly, a baker who lived around the corner from their apartment in New York City. Molly owned a catering business, and in addition to teaching her how to make the cake, she’d lent Riley all the accouterments she’d need to make a beautiful wedding cake. With the help of Josh’s family, they should have plenty of time to make their homespun wedding everything they’d dreamed of.

  Inside the resort they were met with a sweet, woody scent, which was both comforting and homey, despite the immensity of the property. High ceilings with exposed beams boasted antler and iron chandeliers. Riley took in the worn hardwood floors and stone walls, wondering what secrets they held. Had Josh’s mother stood in this very spot all those years ago, as nervous as Riley was about her wedding coming together? Or had she been too overwhelmed with love to worry at all? She’d heard so many stories from Josh’s family about his mother, it was as if she still walked among them.

  Josh gathered her in his arms. “It’s perfect, isn’t it, baby?”

  “I can’t imagine anyplace better.”

  “Oh my gosh! You’re here!” Max’s hushed but excited voice drew them apart. Her efficient ponytail swung behind her as she hurried across the floor in her jeans and T-shirt and threw her arms around Riley. “I was afraid someone would spot you leaving and you’d end up rerouting to someplace else.” She stepped back and ran her eyes down Riley’s body. “Only you could glow like that after the night you’ve had. Wait until Jade sees you! She’s upstairs getting baby Hal—I mean little Hal, dressed.”

  “Thanks, Max. I can’t wait to see everyone.” Her eyes swept over Max’s pretty face. “You look different. Gorgeous, as always, but different.”

  “Contacts,” Max said with a shrug. “I got tired of Jade begging me to try them, and I finally gave in.”

  Riley’s bestie had a way of making people do things. Jade could probably convince Riley to fly if she tried hard enough.

  Josh embraced Max. “Thanks for helping us out this weekend.”

  “Do you really think you need to thank me? You guys are finally getting married!” Max covered her mouth. “Oops. Kids are still sleeping. We’d better be quiet.”

  “Well, as always, you look hot,” Riley said. “And Jade can be a little pushy.”

  “I am not pushy. I’m convincing.” Jade strutted down the wide staircase with her little raven-haired baby boy on her hip. He was the spitting image of his brooding father, from his serious dark eyes right down to the tiny jeans and dark T-shirt he wore.

  Riley reached for the baby. “Give me that handsome little devil. I’ve missed baby Hal.”

  “I have a baby and suddenly I’m unworthy of a hello?” Jade handed over her adorable little boy. Her black hair was pulled back in a clip, probably to keep it away from her baby’s grabby hands. “And by the way, right now he’s ‘little Hal.’ But you know how my macho Rexy is. In another month he’ll be calling him ‘big Hal.’”

  “He’ll always be ‘baby Hal’ to me, but I guess I can get used to ‘little Hal.’ And I can’t wait to get my hands on Finn, too.” She smiled down at the baby, tamping down the urge to reveal her big news. Josh’s brother Dane and his wife, Lacy’s, son, Finn, was a few weeks older than little Hal. Riley nuzzled against little Hal’s pudgy cheeks, making him giggle. The sound was music to her ears. He was almost a year old, but he still had that unique baby scent that tugged at all her maternal strings. “Little Hal and Finn are going to be trouble when they’re older.”

  “Only half as much trouble as Christian and Dylan,” Hugh said. Dylan was Treat and Max’s son. Hugh pulled Jade into an embrace and gave her a loud kiss on her cheek. “You look beautiful. Now, where’s my hot wife?”

  “Roar,” Jade teased as Jack drew her into a quick hug. “She’s upstairs helping Layla pick out an outfit for Christian. Layla is quite the attentive sister.”

  “That’s my girl.” Hugh took the steps two at a time.

  Riley soaked in the ever-present affection of Josh’s family. They embraced and watched over each other’s wives and children as if they were their own, and she felt like the luckiest girl in the world to be marrying into such a loving family.

  “Is Savannah upstairs with Adam?” Jack asked, heading for the stairs to see his wife and baby.

  “No.” Max pointed toward the rear of the house. “Finn’s teething. He was up three times last night. She and Lacy are taking a walk with the babies out back. And Hal’s walking the property with Treat, Dane, and Rex, probably making lists of repairs that need to be done to the inn.”

  “Josh, you might as well go outside with the men,” Jade suggested. “Because I’m stealing your fiancée to go over wedding preparations. It’s my right as matron of honor.”

  Josh feigned a growl and leaned toward Riley for a kiss. “I’ll take your goodies up to our room, and then I’ll join them outside.” He held up the box of brownies still wrapped in his jacket.

  “It’s okay. I’ve got it.” Riley took the box. “Go have fun with your family. Love you.”

  He stole another kiss. “Love you, too, babe. And no worrying.”

  Riley snuggled little Hal as she watched Josh walk away. His white shirt fit his broad back and slim waist to mouthwatering perfection and disappeared into a pair of dark jeans that hugged his butt perfectly.

  “Don’t drool on my baby.” Jade took little Hal from her. “I swear our Braden men have us wrapped around their little fingers, don’t they?”

  Riley arched a brow. “I assure you, there’s nothing little about my man.”

  “Oh Lord. Here we go.” Max rolled her eyes. “Before we go down the ‘my man’s meat is bigger than yours’ path, what are you worried about? The wedding?”

  “A little. And we’ve been talking about where we want to live when we start our family,” Riley confessed. “But let’s not talk about that right now. I want to think about things I know the answers to, like how fantastic our wedding is going to be.”

  “Don’t you mean how fantastic your wedding night is going to be?” Jade waggled her brows.

  They giggled their way into the kitchen, where they found Charlotte standing in front of the griddle wearing a pair of skimpy denim shorts and a man’s button-down shirt that was at least two sizes too big, rolled up at the cuffs and unbuttoned three buttons deep. Her head was cocked to the side, and she was scribbling in a notebook with one hand while holding a spatula with the other and…moaning.

  Sensually.

  Max grabbed Jade’s and Riley’s arms, stopping them from going any closer.

  Charlotte’s head lolled back, eyes closed, and she let out a breathy sigh. Riley bit back a giggle. Charlotte’s back arched, and she moaned again. Her hips rocked forward, and her hand—the one with the spatula—dragged down her thigh as another needy sound escaped her lips. It was like watching a one-sided pornographic cooking show. Sudd
enly she leaned forward, her dark hair curtaining her face, and she scribbled something in the notebook again.

  “Um…I want whatever you had for breakfast!” Riley said with a laugh.

  Charlotte squealed. “You’re here!” Her cheeks were flushed, like she’d just had sex. She shoved the pen behind her ear and looked at the spatula and then at the griddle, as if she wasn’t sure what to do with either.

  “Here, give it to me, Char. You’re dangerous with cooking utensils.” Max took the spatula and gave her a friendly shove toward Riley.

  “Thanks for letting us barge in on, uh, whatever that was.” Riley hugged her with one hand, still holding the box of brownies in the other. They had met only a few times, but they’d instantly clicked despite Charlotte’s inability to focus on anything other than writing for longer than a few minutes due to a publishing deadline. Riley and Josh had assured her they would handle everything for the wedding and not interrupt her work.

  “I feel like I need a cigarette,” Jade joked.

  “The life of an erotic-romance writer is never dull.” Charlotte tickled little Hal’s belly. “Then again, I guess your mama’s life is never dull either, is it, cutie pie? I’d like one of these little guys of my own one day. But the closest I come to baby making is inked on the pages of my books. I’m so glad you guys are here. It’s nice to hear some life in this big old place.”

  “Oh my gosh. Charlotte!” Max exclaimed, staring down at the griddle. She lowered her voice and said, “Penis pancakes?”