Magic in the Bride's Bouquet

By Sally M. Russell

When Sissy Calhoun came to her brother Corys wedding, she believed that her ten years of solitary life as an author was exactly what shed wanted. She was then forced to look into the eyes of her brothers former law partner, Marshall Walker, a young widower and a man who could turn any womans head. She was determined she would resist those beautiful brown eyes.

Marshall had arrived in this small town along Cape Cod Bay hoping to recover from the endless work in which he had tried to drown his sorrow after the death of his wife. He now wants to start living again and is immediately captivated by Sissy, but he soon discovers that winning her heart may be a struggle hell find almost impossible to win.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496936431

Sally M. Russell

When her first husband passed away at an early age, Sally had two teenage boys to try to guide through that difficult time. She had also gone back to a very responsible job, which frequently required extra hours, so she quickly learned the struggles of a single parent. After several years, she remarried and retired, and then decided to start writing at age 75. She had read quite a few romance novels and one day while she was reading a very disappointing one, she thought she could write as well as several of the books she'd read recently. She sat down at a hand-me-down computer and started typing. That's about all she knew how to do on the unfamiliar machine. She had always been a Royal manual typewriter user, but she had conquered the big Burroughs's business computer at work so she vowed to conquer this little know-it-all machine that kept telling her it wasn't given the right information. With quite a bit of help from her family and a wonderful technician, she finally learned enough to get one novel in correct form to be published. The following ones didn't give her as much trouble, but something was always popping up that made her temper rise and thoughts of throwing it out the window come to mind. Sally can look back now and feel satisfied that she, at least, gave her sons a Christian base to help them in life. She offers a prayer to all those who face the huge task of raising children alone. "May God bless you with strength and wisdom."

Book preview

cover.jpg

AuthorHouse™ LLC

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2014 Sally M. Russell. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/28/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-3642-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-3643-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014915266

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Epilogue

About The Author

Books written by Sally M. Russell

An Escape for Joanna

*Finding a Path to Happiness

*Dr. Wilder's Only True Love

*Josh and the Mysterious Princess

*A Summer's Adventure

A Surprise Awaits Back Home

+ The Attorney and the Untamed Tigress

+ Magic in the Bride's Bouquet

* Haven of Rest Ranch Series

+ Sequel

This book is dedicated to:

The memory of her first husband, Gus Lytle, with whom she shared twenty-three happy years of marriage, the building of their home, the adoption of their two boys, and the struggles of parenthood. Never will she forget the strength he displayed during his illness and the time he spent giving companionship to others who were also having health problems.

"I’m sorry, Sissy,

if I took you by surprise, but I’ve made up my mind that I want to marry you, so I really want you to like it here. You’ve already told me that you like my cottage, so why can’t you just try to like me? Don’t you think you could do that?"

Marshall, you are totally insane. No, I cannot do that because I don’t ever want a relationship with another man, and I’m very happy with my life as it is. I think we’d better just say goodnight.

In this you’ll rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials. I Peter 1:6

Chapter One

Sissy stood there, absolutely stunned, as she held the bridal bouquet that Andrea, her new sister-in-law, had tossed just seconds ago. She had actually protested even joining the small group of wannabes who had gathered for the traditional catching of the bouquet. She thought the myth stated it was supposed to determine who’ll be next to walk down the aisle. There had been the four of Andrea’s sorority sisters and little Janie Anderson, about 8 or 9 years old, who had stood with Sissy waiting for the big moment. She wasn’t even trying to catch the flowers as they sailed through the air, but if she hadn’t put her hands up to protect herself, they would’ve landed right on the top of her head with some of them hitting her in the face. She had long ago given up on her dream of being a bride, so why would she now, at 32, want to catch a bridal bouquet?

Oh, she had dated in high school and college and even now has an occasional date with another writer or friend she meets during a trip promoting her books, but they are just platonic friendships with whom to spend an otherwise lonely evening away from home. She had been afraid to let her heart become involved again after the devastating affair with Casey Foster during her senior year in college. She’d never had the nerve to tell her mother or her brother the truth about the ordeal she’d gone through back then, but that had been the end of her ever trusting enough to open her heart and soul to another man.

Hey, Pretty Lady, could I possibly talk the catcher of the bridal bouquet into having at least one dance with me? Marshall Walker had quietly come to her side, and with his most dazzling smile was waiting for her reply. As she turned to look into those beautiful, dark brown eyes that seemed to be sparkling like diamonds, her stomach took a lunge, her throat was dry and she couldn’t speak for a moment. He watched as if he knew he’d had an effect on her, and she couldn’t decide whether to be angry or flattered. He had really looked handsome in his tux as he’d ushered the small group attending the wedding to their seats and then escorted Andrea down the aisle of the chapel, placing her hand in Cory’s, but she hadn’t expected him to ask her to dance.

Marshall had worked in the law firm in Boston where Cory, her brother, had been employed until he’d mysteriously announced that he was setting up an office in this little town that was known only for its beautiful view of Cape Cod Bay and some lovely cottages along the inlet.

Mr. Harrington, Andrea’s father, had sold his magnificent home in Boston and retired to the cottage he and his wife had bought and frequented for years while Andrea was growing up. He’d taken Andrea’s mother on two long cruises aboard the beautiful 40’ Bluewater he’d purchased, but while they were eagerly planning another, she’d become ill and was gone in a matter of days.

Andrea had come home from New York City, where she’d been working for a little more than a year, to be with her father, but after two short years, he, too, had slumped at the helm of the boat and died. Cory had been the attorney handling her father’s Last Will and Testament and that was the start of what’s happening today—their wedding day.

Marshall had been married when Sissy had met him in Boston, but he’d shown up in Sparlin about three weeks ago and told Cory that he’d turned in his resignation at the Boston firm because he was burned out. After his wife’s death from ovarian cancer about sixteen months ago, he had tried to bury his sorrow in work, but he now needed some relaxation. He wanted to do some fishing and other recreational activities, such as golf, but he knew all too well that he’d need something to tax his brain or he’d go crazy. He’d then asked Cory if he could use some help in the office because he was thinking about buying the one cottage that was for sale, and he thought it could give both of them time away from the four walls.

Of course, Cory had agreed as he had been thinking about finding another attorney to help out occasionally, and no one would have pleased him more than Marshall Walker. He hadn’t thought the work load was heavy enough for two, but Marshall had assured him that he didn’t really need much money. However, now with Andrea’s inheritance helping, a contractor is in the process of laying plans to build some very nice townhouses to satisfy the needs of people who want to live here but don’t want to fuss with lawn and maintenance care. With Andrea insisting that Cory be the attorney handling all the legal matters, he’ll be able to use Marshall’s expertise, especially with his wedding and being gone for an extended time on his honeymoon. The timing of Marshall’s arrival couldn’t have been better.

Sissy? she heard his deep voice ask, "are you going to dance with me or would you rather go back to the table? Your thoughts seem to be somewhere else right now, and I don’t want you to do something you’re hesitant about."

Oh, Marshall, I’m sorry. My mind was drifting back to when I met you in Boston and how you suddenly decided to show up here just in the knick of time for Cory to be able to leave on his honeymoon with no worries about the office. I’m sure it’s a story I’d love to hear, but I would be happy to dance with you if you promise not to step on my toes. I’m wearing sandals today and my toes aren’t used to being exposed, she giggled.

With his hand at the small of her back, they placed the bouquet on a table as they made their way to the dance floor. He was immediately enthralled with the feel of her in his arms, the fragrance of her subtle perfume and shampoo, and the glow of her complexion. She is one truly fascinating woman and in that creamy silk gown, which fits every curve of her body just right, she is a temptation I’d love to pursue. And what a voice. Those songs she sang at the wedding had chills going up and down my spine.

He remembered how she had looked on Thanksgiving, just two days ago, in her nice brown slacks and beautiful taupe sweater, and how he had wanted to take her in his arms then and tell her he had decided he was going to marry her. I never thought I could feel like this again, after Jaylene died, but I know I don’t want to be alone anymore and this woman fills all the requirements. I have no idea why she hasn’t married, but my heart is pounding as if I were in college again, so I’m definitely going to try to win her heart.

"It’s my turn to say your thoughts seem to be somewhere else, Mr. Walker. Does it mean you’re thinking of a better dance partner you’d rather be with? You could always just close your eyes and dream that you’re dancing with a professional or your favorite girl.

Yea, he whispered, "I have them waiting all over the country for me to come and dance with them, but I think I’ll stay right here for a long time, if you’ll let me." His one hand came to her chin, tilted it to give him a better advantage to look into her eyes, and then kissed her gently but very meaningfully. It was she, while in shock, who stepped on the toe of his shoe and they both started laughing. At least I’m not wearing sandals, he chuckled.

They had continued dancing through several songs, hardly noticing if anyone else was around, but finally became aware that Cory and Andrea were saying their goodbyes, so they went to bid them farewell.

Donna Caan, Cory’s secretary, then asked if they would like to meet some of the ones they didn’t know. She was afraid everyone would start leaving and there wouldn’t be another chance now that Cory and Andrea were gone. Andrea’s sorority sisters had attended either with a date or a fiance` so they had returned to the dance floor after giving their sorority sister and her husband their wishes for a great trip. There were the attendants, Roger and Grace Dayton, and Bryan and Marilee Munson, whom they had met Thursday at Andrea’s for Thanksgiving dinner, but the Anderson and Norton families were happy to meet the mother, sister, and new partner of Cory Calhoun, their hero. The wife and daughter of the Police Chief had been standing at the back of the line, but when the sorority sisters realized what was happening, they also joined the group to meet Andrea’s new family.

It didn’t take long for Marshall and Sissy to realize that Cory and Andrea had touched the life of each of the ones attending. The three young men, Jason and Sam Anderson, and Craig Norton had been all smiles during the wedding and reception, but they couldn’t hold back the laughter when they’d heard the noise from the cans clanging behind Cory’s car.

Pastor Avery and his wife, plus Susan Hepburn, the wedding coordinator, and her husband, were also welcoming Marshall to the town and hoping that Ava and Sissy might join them someday when they heard the door suddenly open. They all turned to see the uniformed Chief of Police enter. They were concerned that something might’ve happened to Cory and Andrea already until he smiled. They then realized that he was just joining his wife and daughter. I’m sorry I missed the newlyweds although I did get to wave to them, he quickly expressed, and I did hear some cans clanging down the street. I wonder who could’ve been behind that prank? he asked as he looked at the three young boys with laughter in his voice. I’ll just join my family over here and find out what’s happening. He and his wife and daughter were very happy to meet the other two members of Cory’s family plus the friend who would add another attorney to their town.

Jason Anderson, the young man Cory had told Marshall that he was so impressed with, was quite the gentleman when he took his little sister, Janie, to the dance floor and danced at least two dances with her. He then asked his mother if she would please dance at least once with him, a wonderful gesture since his father is in a wheelchair. Sam and Craig had followed his example—Sam dancing with Janie while Jason was dancing with his mother, and Craig dancing with his mother. Sam then danced with his mother while Jason danced with Janie again. It wasn’t long, after playing a few more slow romantic songs that the band took their leave, but it had given Marshall another chance to hold Sissy. It had been such a wonderful day for the wedding and reception.

Well, I guess I can’t offer you a ride since you have Andrea’s car to take home, so I’ll just follow you as I have to go that way to get home myself, Marshall remarked as Sissy was picking up the bouquet as they were leaving. Were they going to leave the door unlocked or did they give you a key? he chuckled. "I understand Andrea sometimes likes to lock people out." He’d heard that rather hilarious story from Cory, too.

Cory gave us two keys, so if they’re not both for his apartment, we should be okay, Sissy giggled. "The worst that can happen is that we’ll be staying in his apartment instead of the cottage. I might be a little short on clothes and so will Mom if they brought her things over to the cottage before the wedding. Andrea and I went to the chapel early."

Marshall walked them to Andrea’s car, and since Donna and Ava were busy talking to each other, he had a chance to ask Sissy if she was planning to be in church tomorrow, and if she would drop by the office on Monday. I’ve got to see you as much as possible, Sissy, before you decide to run back to Quincy. I’m going to try to convince you to like it here so you’ll stay and marry me.

I’ll what? Sissy exclaimed so loudly that her mother and Donna stopped dead in their tracks to look and see what had happened.

"I’m sorry, Sissy, if I took you by surprise, but I’ve made up my mind that I’d like you to be my wife, so I want you to like it here. You’ve already told me that you like my cottage, when you went to see it with me on Thanksgiving, so now you just need to try to learn to like me. Don’t you think you could do that?"

"Marshall, you are totally insane. No, I cannot do that because I don’t ever want a relationship with another man, and I’m very happy with my life as it is. I think we’d better just say goodnight— it’s been a long day."

Okay, I’ll see you in church tomorrow. I’m hoping you’ll come to the office Monday so we can talk. I need to find out a few things so I can decide how to proceed with my very important plans. He quickly pulled her to him and kissed her before she realized what he was going to do.

"You… you… you are impossible! Goodnight, Mr. Walker."

Goodnight, Gorgeous, he smiled as he opened her car door, hurried to open the other side for Mrs. C., and then sauntered to his Tahoe after seeing that Donna was safe in her car.

Mrs. Calhoun rolled down her window and called, "Marshall, plan to come and eat with us tomorrow. There’s so much of the Thanksgiving dinner left that needs to be used. That is, if you don’t mind leftovers. I can whip up some pretty good dishes with leftovers if I do say so myself," she chuckled.

"I’ll bet you can, Mrs. C. Thanks for the invitation—it sounds great. I’ll see you at church in the morning and we’ll make some definite plans. Goodnight, now."

"Why….why did you do that, Mother? We…we are just staying here to house sit for Cory and Andrea while they’re gone. We…we, ah…shouldn’t act like we own the place and can invite people in."

"Oh, Sissy, you know Marshall wouldn’t be treated like a guest in Cory’s home. He has always been like a brother, and Cory is thrilled to have him close by again. They were such good friends when they were both in Boston."

"Well…ah…Cory isn’t here right now, and I…I don’t like the idea of having Marshall drop in like he…he’s part of the family."

"If I were a betting woman, Sissy, I would be willing to wager that one Marshall Walker got to you a little tonight. Am I right?"

"Mother, I…I don’t want to hear anymore about one Marshall Walker tonight. We’re home and I’m…I’m going to…to…curl up with a good book–one of my own, maybe."

Ava Calhoun only smiled as she exited the car, heard Marshall honk as he drove by, and entered the cottage where they’re going to be for at least two weeks—plenty of time for Marshall to perform some magic in her daughter’s life.

Sissy grabbed her laptop, curled up on the couch, and started to read what she had already written on her new book. She had finished her last assignment in October, but was having a bit of a problem getting started with this latest one. A great Thanksgiving and then the beautiful wedding had been too exciting to be thinking about a story theme.

She’d only read about two paragraphs when her thoughts were suddenly back at the reception and a most handsome Marshall Walker. Why is he affecting me this way? I’ve had guys try to flirt with me before and it never bothered me like his words did today. She tried once again to concentrate on the screen of the computer, but his face and that smile just kept appearing in her mind. She finally closed the laptop with a bang and dropped it on the seat beside her.

Ava glanced up from the newspaper she was reading and saw the disturbed look on her daughter’s face. Is it awfully hard to concentrate on your writing after such an exciting day, Sissy? She smiled as it was very evident that Marshall was the cause for the loss of concentration for Sissy tonight. She is usually so tuned into her writing that nothing can distract her, but it appears to be quite different after dancing with Marshall and being the recipient of his unexpected kisses this afternoon.

"I’m going to make some coffee, Mom. Will you join me for a piece of pie and a hot cup of coffee? I don’t know about you but I didn’t get to eat much at the reception. There was so much going on that I couldn’t think of eating."

"Of course, Dear, that sounds good as the temperature is supposed to start dropping tonight. We might want to think about turning up the thermostat a notch or two. I read here in the paper that we might even get our first snow tomorrow. I guess Cory and Andrea got away just in time."

Yea, they’re so lucky to be heading to the Caribbean where it’ll be nice and warm and so romantic, she sighed. "My brother is one lucky guy. I’m so glad I got to stay with Andrea for those few days so I could get to know her a little better. She really has such an unpredictable personality it’ll be a never-ending wild adventure for Cory. Maybe I should write a book about them," she giggled.

If you tried to include everything that has happened in their lives so far, I think you might have a book too heavy for a person to even hold or carry, her mother replied with a big smile on her