When her icy hands were placed in his warm ones, his eyebrows arched. Surely he didn’t wonder why she was nervous. If he had qualms, they were well hidden. His hands were warm and steady. Standing at his side, she repeated her vows and finally they were husband and wife.
“You may kiss the bride.”
She looked up at Cal with apprehension. “Mrs. Caleb Duncan,” he said softly. He leaned forward to brush her lips so lightly and quickly with his. Another feathery kiss that should have done nothing, but the instant their lips met, her stomach turned over.
And then he took her arm and they walked down the aisle to gather her family and go to Green Oaks for the recep- tion.
As soon as they emerged from the rented limo, the boys raced across the lawn to the house. Red, Cal’s golden re- triever, bounded out to meet them and Chris led the dog around the side of the house. “I hope Chris puts Red in his new pen,” Cal remarked to Juliana.
“He’ll probably stay in the pen with him,” she said. “The boys adore your dog. And so does Gladys.”
A sandy-haired man stepped in front of them. “Con- gratulations, Cal. Best wishes to you, Mrs. Duncan. I’m Wynn Barkley from the Colby Sun. May I take a couple of pictures, please?”
Without waiting for an answer, he stepped back and snapped their picture.
“I’m not sure I want him doing that,” Juliana remarked quietly, glancing at Cal who was smiling at the photogra- pher.
“He’ll get pictures, anyway, so let him take a few. Elnora’s will is big news.”
“So is our wedding, I suppose,” she said as another flash went off. “How many do we have to pose for?”
“I think you’re going to be rescued. Stoddard will han- dle Wynn,” Cal said with a note of amusement as he watched the butler approach them. “I could use Stod- dard’s help in my law office. He has a way of settling peo- ple down.”
She watched as Stoddard spoke in an undertone to Bark- ley and with a shrug and a smile, the reporter turned away. “Thanks,” Wynn said before trotting after Stoddard, who disappeared around the side of the house.
Franci, Jerry and Mimi crossed the porch and went in- side. Cal took Juliana’s arm and they traversed the lawn and climbed the steps. The afternoon sun was warm on her shoulders, yet Juliana couldn’t shake the chill that had en- veloped her all morning. On the porch, Cal turned and swept her into his arms.
Startled, she wrapped her arms around his neck while he flashed her a grin. “Don’t look so alarmed. I want to carry my bride over the threshold.”
She gazed into his dark eyes, her emotions churning. This was a loveless marriage. Cal Duncan wouldn’t even con- sider asking her out on a date if it weren’t for Elnora’s will, yet he kept doing things like giving her a huge diamond and carrying her over the threshold—acts that weren’t neces- sary or even expected.
As she stared at him, he watched her and the moment in- tensified. She became aware of every inch of him as she pressed against him, of his solid chest, his strong arms holding her, his brown eyes filled with smoldering curios- ity. The world faded and her heart drummed and she forgot where she was or why. Awareness narrowed to this man and the desire flaring in his eyes.
Without taking his gaze from hers, he set her on her feet, and one arm slid from her shoulders to her waist. Juliana couldn’t catch her breath. His arm tightened, drawing her closer. His gaze lowered to her mouth, his look seductive. He lowered his head, his lips moving against hers so lightly, then settling. His tongue touched her lips and her insides felt as if she had stepped off the edge pf the world.
“Sir,” came a quiet voice and a clearing of the throat.
Cal raised his head and looked beyond Juliana into Stod- dard’s impassive face. “Sir, guests are arriving.”
“Thanks,” he said, glancing over his shoulder and look- ing down at her. “We’ll finish what we started later.”
“Not if we have good sense.”
Cal knew she was right. It was on the tip of his tongue to reply that the heart knew little about good sense, but he bit back the words. Juliana was unquestionably right. Stop kissing the woman. One year and then he would be free. He turned away to greet friends coming through the front door.
Juliana felt dazed as she smiled and greeted people and met Cal’s friends. She was separated from him until Meg took her wrist and led her to the table that held a three-tier wedding cake. Cal stood beside her while she cut the first piece. They ate a small bite and then in minutes were sepa- rated again while they talked with friends.
“You look so beautiful, Juliana,” a woman said. Ju- liana turned to look at Cal’s slender, dark-haired mother who stood leaning on a cane. Sylvia Duncan’s skin was pale and she looked fragile. Her thickly lashed eyes had been in- herited by her son. Otherwise, they bore little resemblance to each other.
“Thank you,” Juliana replied, gazing into eyes as dark brown as Cal’s.
“Cal told me about Elnora’s will and you and your boys. Of course, Cal and our family will benefit, too, but I’m happy because I think you’ll be very good for Cal. We’ve worried so long about him being alone. He needs someone in his life.” She stepped closer to brush Juliana’s cheek with a kiss. “Be patient with him. He’s a good man.”
“Juliana, you’re wanted for pictures.” Meg approached and waved at Juliana. “Mrs. Duncan, they’ll want you, too. I’ve already rounded up Mr. Duncan.”
“I see Cal standing at the end
