Chapter 15

Chapter

Fifteen

Cassie didn’t get much sleep Friday night. She couldn’t have cared less. She and Easton laughed over nothing and exchanged longing looks throughout breakfast. Presley told them they were ‘weirdos’ and they laughed harder.

The family luncheon went great. The food Mama Millie and Mama Ivy had prepared was savory, fresh, and plentiful. The house was bursting at the seams with the Coleville, Lillywhite, and Chevron families, but everyone was happy and the brides and grooms were glowing. Cassie thought she was glowing as well. She and Easton got some very interested looks, but only Daisy cornered her and demanded to know what was going on. Cassie only smiled and said she was in love. Then Easton rescued her and proved they were in love until Daisy cried out that she believed them and ran off.

Cassie and Easton went to the church early, with two of Aiden Porter’s bodyguards in tow. The guards reminded her that Baxter was still out there somewhere, but Cassie didn’t feel fear with Easton by her side.

Mama Millie and Papa Jared had kept Presley with them. Of course it wasn’t official, but she already knew those two would be the most involved, kind, and fun-loving grandparents anyone could ask for.

She dealt with some last-minute details and snuck some kisses with Easton in the bride’s room. The church was beautiful with red and white flowers, garlands, and sprays adorning any spot that could hold them. Artificial pine trees glowed with a myriad of lights and the sun shining through the stained glass only added to the beauty.

The brides and grooms arrived, not holding to the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding. Miles and Clint both attempted to pin Easton down with their blue eyes. He just grinned at them and winked at Cassie. Cassie helped the brides get ready, along with Daisy and Rose and Eva’s sisters. Daisy had begged her not to be escorted by Houston, her lifelong crush, as a bridesmaid. Cassie was confused but she had no time to question her friend.

The family convened at the church at three-thirty, and by four the pews were bursting with the town of Coleville, extended family, and friends the likes of Aiden and Chalisa Porter, Cade and Jacey Oliver Miller, Hays and Elizabeth Oliver West, Quaid and Anna Raven, and Jarom Love and his beautiful brunette bodyguard slash girlfriend.

The media waited outside. The actress Eva Chevron’s wedding and the illustrious crowd was big news.

Cassie’s stomach tingled with nerves, but she was an expert wedding planner and knew exactly what needed to be done at each moment. She was too busy sending everyone off and making certain everything was in perfect order to sit through the weddings, but she did sneak in the back door for the vows and shed some happy tears. Presley seemed content sitting on Mama Millie’s lap.

She also couldn’t take her eyes off one particularly handsome groomsman, grinning and winking at her and looking irresistible in his dark gray Love Design Wear suit. Apparently Jarom Love was a close family friend and had them all fitted for suits and sent them as a gift.

It was intriguing that she’d left Coleville to find her dreams and notoriety as a wedding planner. This wedding would be bigger as far as publicity went than any event she’d done. She was grateful it was going smoothly for these couples she cared deeply for, and she appreciated the exposure, but she was obsessed with spending more time alone with Easton and Presley. She was already planning a cozy evening with Easton after Presley fell asleep. She wouldn’t give up her career—she still loved what she did—but she would adapt it to stay close to him.

The vows finished and the handsome grooms kissed their beautiful brides amidst cheering. They walked down the aisle. Cassie rushed to make sure the skirts fanned appropriately for the photos and they were ready to face the media waiting outside. The church doors flung open and the happy couples walked confidently down the steps, arm in arm, all smiles, to the waiting limousines. The media went insane snapping photos, but thankfully no questions or comments were flung at the brides and grooms to interrupt their day.

Cassie felt an enormous sense of pride. This was a job well done.

An arm wrapped around her waist as she stood back from the door and watched the happy couples depart. She smelled her favorite mouth-watering mix of mint, citrus, and pine as she melted into Easton’s side. Gazing up into his blue eyes, she whispered, “I can hardly wait for our wedding day.”

His eyes grew smoldering, and he lowered his head closer to hers. “What do you say we elope like Walker and Marci? New Year’s?”

Heat rushed through her at the idea of marrying Easton so soon. Eloping would be incredible because they’d be together sooner, but she couldn’t possibly commit such a travesty. “Did you really just ask a wedding planner to elope?”

He chuckled and softly kissed her. “After I make you soar to heaven with my incredible proposal, what do you say we plan the most elaborate wedding of the century?”

“That’s better, love.”

He laughed and hugged her.

She glanced around. People were pouring out the doors after the brides and grooms. The caterers were set and Clint’s house was decorated like a Christmas wonderland. She’d supervised via video chats and laughed as Clint groaned. She’d be busy at the party making sure everything went smoothly, but she could enjoy some time with Easton and Presley.

“Where’s Presley?” Panic tightened her chest as she spotted Papa Jared helping Mama Millie into his truck. Security guards were everywhere, but she knew firsthand how sneaky Baxter was. He could be hiding as a cameraman. She studied the paparazzi but didn’t see him.

“Walker and Marci have her.”

That made her relax.

“Okay. Let’s find them and get over to Clint’s. I’m still on the job.”

“Your wish is my command, my sweet but sassy Cass.” He took her hand, kissed it, and tugged her against the flow of people and into the church.

They talked with some friends and family members and finally found Presley, happy as a clam in Walker’s arms.

“I love me Uncle Walker and Auntie Marci,” Presley informed them as soon as they reached them.

“Somebody’s jumping the gun,” Cassie teased, giving Easton a warning look.

“Hey. It was all my Sigma twin.” Easton winked at Marci. “I’m innocent as usual.”

“Innocent.” Marci guffawed. “You tried to get Walker in trouble about some hot redhead last night.”

“We all know you couldn’t stay mad at Walker for longer than ten seconds,” Easton said.

“True.” Marci looked up at Walker with moony eyes.

“Please hand me my girl before you start kissing your wife,” Easton said to his brother, opening his arms to Presley.

Of course Presley leaped into his arms. Cassie’s stomach bubbled. His girl. He seemed to be as gone over Presley as he was Cassie.

Two armed guards followed them out of the church, and they loaded into Easton’s truck and drove to Clint’s house.

Cassie was busy during the wedding dinner and party. She made sure each detail was perfect. She relaxed as the hours passed. The caterers were set up in the empty garage. They were top notch and no savory or sweet dish got close to empty. Everyone was happy and celebrating. There were toasts and speeches. Clint’s living area was massive but felt tight with all the people. Still, the wedding couples found space to dance as married couples; everybody else backed into the walls or kitchen or lined the banister of the loft. Clint and Lily and Miles and Eva each danced with their parents and in-laws and then everybody was dancing. She saw Houston and Daisy dancing, but it didn’t appear Daisy was making her move. Her friend looked uncomfortable. She’d have to talk to her about it tomorrow.

Cassie got to sway with Easton and Presley for a few songs. Then Walker and Marci stole Presley, and Easton grinned and held her close.

One of his firm hands was on her lower back as his other hand clasped hers, resting on his chest. He gave her his cocky grin and started singing along with the Tyler Hubbard song. “‘Into you is what I am, leavin’s what I ain’t …’”

The meaningful look in his blue eyes and the fact that she knew he was wholly devoted to her brought tears to her eyes.

He kissed her tenderly. “I’m in love with you, Cassie Johnston,” he whispered against her lips.

Cassie kissed him until the song ended and they were broken apart by hoots and hollers.

She laughed and teased with everyone, but then it was time to focus again. The wedding couples cut the cakes, threw the wedding garters, took photos, kissed often, and finally it was the big send-off.

Everyone streamed outside into the cold with sparklers distributed by Cassie, Daisy, and Rose, and cheered as the grooms carried their brides to the limos and took off.

Cassie felt a rush of success and a letdown of the party being finished. Most of the crowd scampered back into the house to avoid the cold. Some grabbed their coats and left but more lingered, laughing and talking and eating some more.

She looked around for Easton and Presley, grateful that Easton had designated himself as Presley’s caretaker for the evening. They both had been happy anytime she’ d crossed their paths. She was near the kitchen area and could see Easton, Walker, and Marci across the large living room and near the entry. Walker had Presley in his arms and they were all laughing.

Then none other than Trudy Everett sidled up to Easton from behind and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Cassie’s spine prickled.

Easton turned and tugged Trudy against his side.

What?

Cassie stared. Easton wouldn’t pull Trudy close. Her archenemy? No way. No how.

All the old fears and ugly jealousies surfaced. Distrust, anger, panic. She felt it all hit her like a sledgehammer.

No. She wouldn’t believe it. Easton was true to her. This had to be a mistake. She chose to trust him. To have faith that God had brought them together again after the rough path apart. Easton would never do anything to hurt or betray her.

As quickly as Easton pulled Trudy around, he released her and quickly stepped away. Cassie watched as some words were exchanged and then Trudy sulked away. She’d chosen to trust Easton, but still she felt relieved.

Easton looked around the room, searching until he found her. His gaze locked in on her and she could read the question. Had she seen Trudy come at him? Did she know he would never betray her?

She smiled and nodded, making a heart with her hands. Of course she trusted him and she’d never stop loving him.

He started toward her. She wanted to be in his arms, but she needed to thank the caterers and have her moment outside to pray in gratitude and savor the victory. She held up one finger.

He nodded and mouthed, “Only one. ”

Cassie laughed and agreed. She pivoted and strode quickly past the kitchen, through the mud room, and into the garage.

“Is everything all right, Miss Johnston?” Sally, the head caterer, asked.

“Yes. I had to come and say thank you. The food was delectable and your service exemplary. I’ll be giving your company a five-star review and hope to use you again.”

“Thank you. You’ve been a pleasure to work with.”

“Thank you. Excuse me for a moment. I need a little fresh air.”

“It’s been a busy night for you.” The woman smiled kindly, then turned back to the tables she had set up in the garage.

Cassie rushed past more caterers, smiling but not stopping. She reached the back garage door and pushed through it.

She stumbled on an icy patch of the shoveled concrete walk. A man caught her arm and steadied her. She pulled back, surprised. Who was out here?

“Ma’am? Are you all right?” The man wore black clothing, held a big, serious-looking gun and had another on his hip. One of Aiden’s security guards. Oh, thank heavens. She’d had a moment of fear that Baxter was lingering out here. That was silly.

“Yes, thank you. Just needed some fresh air.”

The man’s eyes scanned the area. Satisfied, he released her, gripped his gun with both hands, and nodded to her. “I’ll do a round through the back yard and be right back. Please stay here unless you head back inside.”

“Thank you.”

He slowly made his way through the thick snow and around the back of the house.

Cassie let out a breath and bowed her head. Thank you , she prayed silently, for the success of the day, for the incredible brides’ and grooms’ happiness and light, for Easton, for Presley, for second chances. Thank you.

Opening her eyes, she looked up at the many stars and the half-moon in the sky. She was blessed and grateful and everything had gone well. She hugged herself. Her thin silver dress wasn’t much protection against the cold. The security guard should be coming back any moment now.

She heard a soft pop and then a quiet thud as if something had hit the snow out back. That was odd.

It was time to get back to Easton and Presley. She turned to go back into the house.

A quiet whisper came from behind her. She spun. It had to be the bodyguard coming back.

Baxter planted his hand over her mouth and slammed her against the house.

She cried out against his hand, but no sound came out.

He yanked her around in front of him. She screamed and dug her fingernails into his arm, kicking at him with her heels.

Slapping his hand back over her mouth, he wrapped his other hand around her waist, lifted her off her feet, and hauled her toward the nearby trees.

“I’ve been watching for days. I knew you’d come out for your moment after the event. Now I’m going to kill you nice and slow,” Baxter crowed. “Then I’ll find our daughter, take her away from these yokels, and raise her up right.”

Icy horror slithered through her bloodstream. She kicked and clawed at Baxter, but he held her fast.

Where was the bodyguard? Where was Easton? He’d told her only one minute. Would he come for her?

Would anybody even know where she’d gone ?

Probably not until they found her body.

Cassie shuddered and prayed. Cold sweat slid down her back. Her heart raced out of control. Her body trembled uncontrollably.

Please help me, was all she could think to beg as Baxter hauled her into the thick forest bordering Clint’s property.