Southern Romantic-Suspense Boxed Set (Southern Romantic-Suspense Novel Book 0) Read online

  The rear of the manor, completely canopied by magnolia trees, was breathtaking. Roses and countless other flowering shrubs, trees, and plants trimmed the grounds and walkways. A lake bordered the end of the property, and adjacent the bank, stood a beautifully adorned gazebo with nearly a hundred chairs lined up in symmetrical rows, all embellished with garlands of pure white flowers and crisp satin bows, which people already occupied.

  Melissa led her up the steps into a lovely chamber. “This is where we’ll get ready.” She hung Jaynee’s dress on the back of the door. “I have to get my dress, Jaynee, and there’s someone who wants to speak with you. I’ll send him in if that’s okay.”

  “Yes, of course,” Jaynee said, wondering other than Jordan, who would want to talk with her.

  An older gentleman walked in seconds later, as if he’d been waiting for her arrival. He was slight, only a few inches taller than she was and in decent shape for his age. He looked about seventy. He was dressed professionally in a dark suit with a crisp white shirt underneath, his tie a simple blue. But what she noticed clutched in his hand, confirmed her assessment of him — a Bible. He looked like a preacher.

  He smiled as he shook her hand. “Hello, Jaynee, I’m Pastor Young. I know you’re technically already married, but I needed to take a couple of minutes to speak with you. Is that okay?”

  “Certainly, but I’m confused. Why exactly are you here?”

  “Jordan wanted me to marry you as his pastor in front of your friends and family. I find I’m doing that more often as couples choose to elope, but then want to renew their vows more traditionally. I guess it takes down their stress level over the typical big wedding ceremony.”

  She wasn’t sure about that. Suddenly she was extremely anxious. But she could also see his point ... wasn’t she just thinking the identical thing about her family?

  “Thank you, then, for providing us with your services,” she said, returning his smile.

  “I do have a couple of questions, though, because I’m a preacher, and it is my duty to serve God first. Generally, I counsel couples for a year before they marry, but that’s obviously not possible. But, I do have one question.” He paused a moment as she watched him. She knew what his question would be. “Jaynee, are you a Christian?”

  “Yes, I am,” she answered for the third time in two days. No wonder Jordan had asked. He obviously didn’t want them to scare her. “I was saved by Christ when I was sixteen and baptized within a few weeks. I admit I haven’t attended church in years. I’ve had some bad situations, but I pray regularly and truly believe Jordan is an answer to prayer. I love Jordan with all that is within me and want to spend the rest of my life with him.” There, she thought. That ought to answer all his questions. It was the truth, of course, but she figured it’d be better to throw it all out at once.

  “Well then.” He seemed surprised by her candidness. “Those are the important issues, salvation and love. If anyone can make a marriage work, it’s Jordan. He puts God first in his life and his decisions. If you put God in the center of your lives, you will have a successful marriage. Jordan’s father and grandfather were just as quick to marry, and both of them lived long happy lives. Of course, no relationship is perfect. We all struggle. But as long as Christ is your foundation, you can weather any storm.” He smiled at her again and then nodded. “I’ll be happy to marry you — again.” He stood, taking her hand in both of his. “Well, I won’t keep you any longer, Jaynee. I’ll see you under the gazebo.”

  Leave it to Jordan, she thought. He’d said a surprise, but then was nervous she might have been upset. Actually, it was rather romantic, and she was anxious to get outside to her husband.

  Pastor Young left, and within seconds, Melissa was at the door again. “Jaynee ... please don’t cry, but someone else wants to see you, and we don’t have much time.”

  Melissa guarded the doorway like a sentry, shielding her from whoever was behind it. Would they allow Jordan to see her before the wedding? Was it unlucky when you were technically already married?

  He was probably confirming she wasn’t upset about his surprise. “Send him in,” Jaynee said, excited to see Jordan.

  Melissa allowed the door to open, and several people poured in at once. The first person — a man she’d recognize anywhere, even if dressed uncommonly in a black suit — was her Uncle Adam. Her grandmother followed right behind him. Her hands flew to her face as she took in the rest of her family. Melissa started fanning her eyes again, but it didn’t help; the tears wouldn’t stop. The last woman to enter was her mother; tears were already streaming down her mother’s face.

  “You didn’t think you could keep us away, did you?” Gram spoke first, her voice cheerful and aggressive. Her eyes were dry; she was a strong woman. But her lack of tears did nothing to contain her emotions. She was clearly pleased with herself.

  Jaynee flew to her feet. “Oh, Gram, Mom, everyone ... how did you?” The words caught in her throat from the tears. She felt as though she were gasping for air.

  Gram pulled her into a hug. “Jordan and I have been working on this ever since you told me. I knew he wanted to marry you right away, but I couldn’t stand to have my baby girl get married without me.”

  Jaynee’s mother stepped closer, wrapping her arms carefully around her so as not to tarnish her dress. “Honey, Jordan picked me up at the airport. He’s a wonderful man. I’m so proud of you.” Unlike Gram, her mother’s eyes were red and puffy as if she’d been crying for hours.

  “He picked you up?” Jaynee reeled at this information. He’d not only had her family drive from Florida but had also arranged to have her mother fly in from New York. That was what he’d been worried about ... allowing her mother to come. Gram must have talked him into it, since she’d told him that the last time they’d seen each other they’d fought.

  The man was incredible, and suddenly, all she could think about was getting to him.

  Uncle Adam stepped around her mother and took Jaynee’s hand in his. “Is it okay if your old uncle escorts you down the aisle, Cay?”

  “Nothing would make me happier, Uncle Adam.” And it was the truth. Her father wasn’t here, but her aunt and uncle had been there her entire life, and she felt guilty she hadn’t realized they’d want to be here. Thank goodness Jordan had realized she’d needed this. She wouldn’t change this day now for anything.

  Melissa fluttered her hands toward the group. “Okay, not to be a party-pooper, but we need to get going before Jordan comes looking. You’ll see everyone at the reception afterward.” Melissa hurried everyone out, requesting that Uncle Adam stay close, indicating they’d be out in a minute. “If it’s okay, Jaynee, Rachael and I will stand up for you.”

  “Of course, Sissy, you’ve already made me feel so welcome. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am.”

  “Then everything’s settled. We’re heading down the hall and out the rear doors. So follow us, and then we’ll exit separately.” She pulled in a deep breath. “Ready, Jaynee?”

  “Yes, I am. Very much so, thank you again.”

  Both her new sisters smiled and left the room.

  Jaynee held her position behind the doors while she heard the introduction of the traditional Wagner’s Wedding March. She knew her cue — every girl in the world knew her cue.

  What surprised her was the nervousness she felt, as if she weren’t already married. They had done this just a week ago, and amazingly, it felt brand new.

  Both doors swung open as the music changed, and she stepped over the threshold with her arm latched around her uncle’s arm.

  The crowd stood. Then, uniformed sighs and gasps reached her, probably just shock at seeing the mystery woman. She wished they would sit ... she just wanted to see Jordan’s face.

  She hardly noticed any of the faces staring at her. She was looking for her groom, and then she spotted him at the end of the aisle, waiting for her again. His smile was dazzling, and he was striking in his black tuxedo. The feelings t
hat washed through her were unfamiliar. She’d loved him from their first night together, but now, the emotions that soared through her were overpowering; her heart pounded to the point of almost being painful. The love she felt at this moment seemed as if it could burn right through her skin, and he was staring at her exactly the same way. His eyes were a little glassy as he accepted her hand from her uncle.

  Their first wedding had been beautiful, but Jordan was right to have arranged this. She felt even more attached to him, as though married by a preacher in front of their friends and family sealed their commitment. They repeated the typical marriage vows, and a feeling of utter peace coursed through her veins when Jordan spoke the two little words, “I do.”

  When the Pastor announced the words, “You may kiss the bride” Jordan felt as if he could barely contain himself. Jaynee was lovelier than ever.

  He would have to think of something special to thank Lorraine and his sisters; they’d made this evening better than he’d imagined.

  He thought that he was doing this for Jaynee’s relatives and his own family. But now, he found he was even happier and felt even more of a connection, if that were possible.

  He leaned down to Jaynee, pulling her chin up to meet his lips, but before kissing her, he whispered a promise, “I’ll love you forever, Jaynee Monroe.” Then her lips were warm and soft under his. A cheer went up in the crowd, but neither of them moved. They were lost in their own world. The clearing of throats broke them out of their solitude, and Jordan directed his bride down the aisle, his arm wrapped around her waist to the waiting reception.

  Jaynee held onto Jordan’s arm as he escorted her inside the building to a ballroom decorated even more elaborately than outside.

  Everything was white, including large satin curtains that garlanded the windows and the rear of the room. Decorative squares, trim, and intricate moldings adorned every window and door leading up to a painted ceiling resembling a miniature Sistine Chapel. Just enough topiary and roses filled the room to break up all the white.

  Jaynee glanced around the room, trying to decipher who was who in the crowd. She recognized Jordan’s law enforcement co-workers by their stance and haircuts, but the remainder of the crowd seemed to be an eclectic collection of who’s who in North Carolina. Besides the police officers, there were individuals who, even under their ties and occasional jackets, looked like construction workers, and others who were clearly businessmen. Other than a wedding, she couldn’t imagine anywhere the group would coalesce. Everyone seemed to be getting along, but she could see the division of different social ranks forming at individual tables and loose standing circles throughout the room.

  As Jordan and Jaynee waited at the rear of the room, a line began to form of well-wishers. Jaynee noticed a woman approaching. She was a nice-looking woman, tall and thin with dark-blond straight hair cropped to her shoulders, framing her face. She had pale blue eyes set inside a tanned face with freckles dotting across her nose and cheeks, as if she worked outside. She wore a simple black dress and stilettos, which surprised Jaynee since she was already tall, almost as tall as Jordan with her heels.

  Jordan leaned close to Jaynee’s ear. “My secretary, Lorraine, chose the location and the decorations. She took care of everything after I gave her minimal instruction,” he whispered.

  “Where is she?” she asked softly, as the woman Jaynee noticed approached them with a half-smile.

  Jordan nodded to the woman in front of her now. “Jaynee, this is Lorraine Condrey. Lorraine, I’m pleased to introduce my wife, Jaynee.”

  “Oh,” Jaynee exclaimed, reaching out to hug the woman, but Lorraine took her hand instead. Confused by the cold greeting, but undeterred, Jaynee continued, “Thank you for everything. It’s beautiful. Jordan said you took care of all the arrangements. I’m so delighted to meet you. Jordan explained how he wouldn’t be able to function without you.”

  Lorraine sucked in a breath and held onto Jaynee’s hand a moment longer than necessary. “Well, he managed to find a beautiful wife without my assistance.”

  She smiled, hoping they wouldn’t see through her playful, but truthful observation. After all, she’d meant every word.

  She couldn’t deny Jaynee was beautiful, and they looked perfect together. Lamenting, she realized Jaynee was the antithesis of her; they were polar opposites. No wonder Jordan had only treated her like a friend; she wasn’t even remotely his type. This hurt, but also appeased her, knowing nothing she could have done would ever have altered that reality. She could change her hair, but she couldn’t modify her complexion, shape, and height.

  “I’m pleased to meet you, Jaynee, and I wish you both the best.” She squeezed Jaynee’s hand, then turned to embrace Jordan. “Congratulations, boss! It’s about time I married you off. Maybe you won’t require all those late evenings anymore.”

  Jordan frowned at her remark. “Um, as I recall, it’s always you calling me after hours, asking about specific job sites.” His cheek lifted. “Nevertheless, I think you’re right. You might not see me at the office as much if I can help it.”

  Lorraine released Jordan, stepping back. It was as she suspected. She could only hope things didn’t go haywire. She would do her utmost to keep everything working flawlessly. Her income depended on the success of the business too. She wouldn’t allow Jaynee to take everything she’d worked so hard to get.

  The next person in line was the gentleman standing next to Jordan at the altar as his best man, Jaynee noticed.

  Jordan gestured to the dark-haired man. His best man was about the same height, but had a lankier build than Jordan’s muscular frame. “Jaynee, this is Detective John Ramos, my mentor, business partner, and best friend. John, my wife, Jaynee.”

  John gave Jordan a smirk and raised one eyebrow. “Well-well, if I’d known all I had to do to marry off Jordan was to send him to Florida, I would have done it years ago. I thought I had a bachelor on my hands forever. Evidently none of the girls in North Carolina are good enough for you, huh, buddy?”

  Jordan mock punched John’s arm. “It wouldn’t have made a difference what state I lived. The second I saw Jaynee ... I knew. Now it’s your turn, huh, old man? You always were jealous whenever I did something first.”

  John scowled at Jordan, then turned to Jaynee, a peculiar look in his eyes. The man exuded arrogance. The kind of guy she would walk the other way if he approached.

  He reached in to hug her, and on instinct, she tensed. He seemed to notice and pulled back, offering her an overconfident smile as he held onto her arms before releasing her. “It’s very good to meet you, Jaynee,” he said in a low voice.

  A chill swept through her body. The guy gave her the creeps. She couldn’t understand why Jordan would be his best friend; they acted nothing alike.

  Finally, it was her family doing the well wishing. Gram was in front along with her mother, followed by her Uncle Adam, Aunt Georgia, and her three cousins Kelly, Wilma, and Ashley. They hugged and kissed Jaynee and went on to embrace Jordan, thanking him for bringing them here.

  Jaynee looked up at Jordan at their comment. “You brought them?”

  “Well, I didn’t bring them ... an airplane did.” Jordan smiled, but it was a weak smile as if he thought she’d get upset, even though she’d promised him she wouldn’t.

  “You flew them here?”

  Gram nudged Jaynee’s arm conspiratorially. “And set us up in a fancy hotel ... with free breakfast and complimentary bottles of —”

  Jaynee was aghast. “Gram, those aren’t —” Jordan squeezed her hand slightly, shaking his head. “You did all of this, Jordan?”

  Jordan’s face fell; he knew how much she loathed him spending money on her.

  Jaynee shook her head, but squeezed his arm at the same time. “I’m just having a difficult time getting accustomed to this, Jordan, but thank you.”

  “Surprise,” he whispered.

  The line finally ended, and Jaynee, hard pressed to remember everyone’s name,
just smiled at the people around her.

  The DJ cut into the soft background music, announcing the new couple as his fingers roamed his CDs.

  Jaynee recognized the classic he chose immediately — a song she’d heard her mother perform. She couldn’t remember the artist but remembered the lyrics to Can I Have This Dance.

  Tears formed again as Jordan took her hand. “Can I have this dance, Mrs. Monroe?”

  He led her to the dance floor and then moved her around in a small circle. They danced alone for a minute, then others joined them. Her aunt and uncle twirled around elegantly. She’d always coveted a relationship like theirs. They’d been married almost forty years and looked as in love as Jaynee could imagine anyone could.

  Jordan swept a lock of hair off her face. “What are you thinking about?” His words were a mere whisper.

  “Us,” she stated simply.

  “What about us in particular?”

  “I was watching my aunt and uncle. I hope we’re dancing like them when we’re sixty-something.”

  “We will, Jaynee. Forever, remember, I’m gonna love you forever.”

  She sighed and laid her head on his chest.

  “Did anyone tell you how gorgeous you look tonight?” he asked after a few seconds.

  “No.”

  “How is that possible? You’re without a doubt the most beautiful woman in the room.”

  “I think you’re biased, Jordan.”

  He squeezed her tighter. “Maybe, but I still have superior taste. And you, my love, are stunning. I didn’t think it was possible, but I love you even more and desire you more than I did our first wedding night. I’m glad we did this; it feels right.”

  “Thank you, Jordan. You look rather dashing in your tuxedo too.” She slid her hand under his lapel as she spoke. “I’m happy you did this. You couldn’t have given me a better gift. I only wish I could offer something in return.”

  Jordan dipped his head to her ear. “I’m sure you can dream up something. I rather liked my surprise the other night. The only problem with you looking so appealing, though, is now I can’t wait to get you home.”