Chapter Twenty-seven

CHRISTMAS MORNING, CHANCE WOKE to the smell of bacon frying. Her arms were empty, and she could hear muted conversation in the kitchen. She and Jax had finally left her parents’ around nine and made their way home. My guess is Maggie Fitzsimmons is in there with Jax, fixing Christmas breakfast for everyone. Guess I’d better jump in the shower while I can. She couldn’t wait to have the most incredible gift she’d ever been given in Jax’s love. All wrapped up in the most beautiful package ever.

Chance climbed from the shower fifteen minutes later and stood in front of the mirror. She rubbed the cocoa butter into her scars, each a reminder of how much she’d gone through before reaching this day. Steel is tempered by fire, and gold is refined by it. “Today, I’ll put a gold band on her hand and promise myself to love no other. That’s a promise I’ll keep until my dying day.”

Jax slid in behind her and wrapped arms around her chest. Soft kisses rained down on Chance’s bare skin. “Good morning.”

Chance turned and pulled Jax to her, focusing on the frost-green eyes that reminded her of pulling in a breath on a crisp morning. “Good morning to you and Merry Christmas.”

“Ah yes, it’s Christmas morning, isn’t it?”

“Indeed, it is. Were you a good girl?”

“What do you think? Naughty or nice?” Jax kissed her. Chance felt the heat of their bodies and melted into the soft lips that met her own.

“If my mom weren’t in the kitchen, I’d show you just how naughty. That is her in there cooking, right?” Chance kissed her again.

Breathless, Jax answered with a groan. “Yes.”

“Well then, we’ll just have to wait until you are Mrs. Chance Fitzsimmons to continue this. If I hadn’t been so exhausted last night, you would know exactly which list you’re on.”

“Ah, an old married couple already, too tired for sex.”

“Easy now, or I’ll show you that list with my mom right in the next room.”

Jax laughed and reached behind her for the coffee mug that sat on a small table. “I think I want to wait for the full show. In the meantime, I bring gifts of black liquid gold. Hurry up, Kendra and Brandi will be here with Dee in fifteen minutes.” Jax smacked her on the ass and strode away. “And before you think about drinking one too many tonight at the reception, remember, I want a full accounting of that list.”

The blood rushed to Chance’s center and she closed her eyes in an attempt to drop her heart rate and calm her libido. When she could no longer hear the cadence of Jax’s walking cast, she opened her eyes. “That woman is trying to kill me.”

 

***

 

The family sat around the massive farm table laden with breakfast food. Maggie Fitzsimmons stood at the head of the table with a clipboard in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Jax smiled, as her future mother-in-law assigned tasks to the troops like a well-trained general. Jax had been given the task of making sure the rings and the flowers she and Chance would wear on their dusters were present and accounted for. Dee was to use the truck and plow a path out to the field for the vehicles that would be driven to the site. Six inches of fresh powder had fallen the night before. Jax had prayed for a fresh layer to brighten the wedding. It was a crisp seventeen degrees and would likely raise only another seven to ten in the heat of the day. The pictures would be breathtaking. They’d hired a local photographer who would be at the farm around one in order to document the entire day. He’d promised to fade into the background and only ask for them to pose or remain still if absolutely necessary.

Jax sat tucked under Chance’s arm, enjoying the morning with this family of choice. “Oh, we need the horses brushed out.”

Kendra had her hand up in an instant. “Brandi and I are on that, first thing after breakfast. We’ll curry their coats and polish the saddles.”

Chance punched her younger sister in the arm. “Don’t make them too slick. I’d like to stay on my horse for the wedding.”

Kendra snapped her fingers like any good smartass would.

“Don’t worry, Chance, I’ll keep her in line.” Brandi leaned over and softly kissed Kendra’s cheek before smacking her in the back of the head. “Right?”

Kendra feigned a mortal wound and whimpered. “Yes, dear.”

Maggie checked an item off her clipboard and pointed to Kendra again. “After that, take those straw bales and blankets up to the site for the guests and cover them with tarps until this evening.”

“Aye, Aye, Captain!” Kendra saluted, soliciting smacks on the back of her head from Dee and Brandi. “Ow. Okay, okay.”

Jax put her hand up and waited for Maggie to look at her. “I know I’m a bit hampered, but I can do more than you’re giving me.”

Maggie scowled. “I’m not through with my list. Hold your horses.”

The bantering went back and forth for the next thirty minutes, as everyone was assigned several tasks. Jax was also put in charge of making sure Chance’s and her own outfits were ready, and that Zeus had his own boutonnière that would be affixed to his collar. She loved the family she was marrying into. She heard a truck pull up and watched her father and Uncle Marty climb out. She met them at the door. “Morning, you two. I have breakfast plates in the oven from Maggie and your assignments.”

Each man hugged Jax. Her father lingered a little longer in the embrace before kissing her temple. “Morning, Jibber Jack, how are you?”

“Really good, Daddy. You?”

“Thankful to be sharing this day with you.” He looked at her, then hugged her again. “Wouldn’t miss this for the world. I know I won’t be walking you down any aisle this time, but to tell you the truth, you’re not mine to give away. You’re a beautiful woman your mother and I somehow managed to have a very small part in bringing into this world. I’m proud of who you’ve become all on your own.”

Tears welled up in Jax’s eyes and she snuggled into her father’s embrace. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“No tears, it’s your wedding day and Christmas to boot. I brought you something. You’re supposed to have something old and something new, something borrowed, and something blue. This was Jennings’, and I’m sure he’d want you to have it with you today. He handed her a small box. Jessie said he wished he could be here, but he’s deployed.”

Jax wiped her eyes and opened the small, hinged box. A royal blue ribbon held the medal Jennings had received for bravery as a police officer. The sight of it completely took her breath, as she remembered the circumstances. Jennings had rushed onto the train tracks as the long line of cars barreled down on them with screeching brakes. He scooped up the small boy in a dirty diaper and dove for the other side of the tracks. Both received minor injuries, but the boy lived and was placed in foster care. They’d found his overdosed parents in a van, several blocks away. Jennings had always been Jax’s hero, right along with their decorated father. She put a hand to her mouth and stifled a cry.

Mike St. Claire held his daughter close. “He’s watching over you, Jax, and he’s so proud that you’ve always taken your own path. I know it.”

They stayed like that for a few minutes, until the clang of dishes from the kitchen drew Jax out of the moment. “We’d better get you fed. Maggie has a list a mile long that needs to be done before one. I love you, Daddy.

“I love you, too. Now, show me to breakfast.”

Jax did just that, knowing that her father was right. You’ll be right with me, Jennings. I love you, and I miss you more than I can say.

 

***

 

Chance fidgeted with her shirt, trying to fit the studs through the buttonholes. She struggled with the top button, before Sarah slapped her hands away.

“You’re going to make that shirt a grubby mess. Bend down here.” Sarah deftly slotted the last stud through the buttonhole and adjusted the collar.

Chance scowled. “My hands aren’t grubby. I’ve showered three times today! Give me a little credit.”

“Easy there. Tell me your palms aren’t sweating like crazy right now?”

Chance wiped her palms down her jeans. “Yeah well?”

Sarah laughed and shook her head. “Oh, my God. Was I like this when our roles were reversed? I don’t remember yelling at you.” She reached for the small bow tie; the beautiful grouse feathers matched the colors of Chance’s vest.

Chance closed her eyes as Sarah threaded the bow tie around her neck. “Fuck, Sarah. I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right. You’re nervous, I get that. The woman loves you. It’s not like you have to impress her or anything. She’s gut hooked, just like you are. There, you look great.”

Chanced turned to stare in the mirror. She looked so different in something other than a uniform. Jax had chosen her outfit to complement her own, something Chance had yet to see. “Have you seen her yet?”

Sarah nodded. “I have, and you are going to fall off Kelly when you see her. I’d hold on to the saddle horn if I were you.”

Chance had been banished to Maggie’s house while Jax got ready with the assistance of Kristi, Brandi, and Penny. “I don’t want to rush this, but I want it over with. It feels like today will erase so many empty years.”

“You can’t erase them, but you can make up for them. You’ve always been like a sister to me, and I couldn’t be happier for the choices you’ve made.”

Chance knew she was talking about Faith, the one subject she wouldn’t bring up today. Not today. “Thank you for always standing by me. I don’t know how I’d have ever made it this far without your friendship.”

“You can pay me back by keeping my son as safe as possible. I’ve only got one kid, Chance. Someday, I’d like to be a grandmother, as odd as that sounds.”

Chance put her hands on Sarah’s shoulders. “You know I’d jump in front of a bullet or a train for him. I’ll keep him as safe as I know how to. He’s doing great at K9 training. I’m glad he’s home for this. It wouldn’t be right without him here.”

“You’re his hero, you know?”

“I think he has many of those, starting with the two women who brought him into this world. Sarah, don’t ever think he doesn’t look on you with the same admiration. Trust me on that.”

“Well, don’t get me all sappy now. We’ve got a hitchin’ to go to. I brushed your Stetson. God, you’re a femme’s wet dream, you know that?”

Chance shook her head in laughter. “I only want to be one femme’s wet dream, the one who’s about to wear my ring.” Chance straightened Sarah’s jacket lapels. “You look pretty spiffy yourself.”

“Kristi thought so. As she was dressing me, all I could think of was undressing her. She’s smoking today.”

“We are two lucky fucks, you know that?”

Sarah slapped Chance on the back. “I know we don’t usually say this to each other, but I can’t imagine you don’t know it. I love you, Chance. Let’s go get you married off.”

“Love you too. Would never have made it this far without you.” Chance looked at her watch. “It’s about that time.” She and Zeus made their way to the door, and she turned back to the house that she’d grown up in. “Way past time.” She patted her breast pocket and felt her dad’s badge there. I wish you were here, but I know you have the best seat in the house. Thanks for thinking, back all those years ago, to make the moms-squared my guardians. They did well, Dad, raised me like you would have.

 

***

 

Jax sat in front of the mirror while Kristi and Penny worked on her hair. Penny frequently stopped to sit down, as she was very uncomfortable. Taylor hovered outside the master suite door.

“Penny, are you doing okay?”

The very pregnant woman rubbed a spot on her side. “I would be if this baby would stop trying to kick its way out. Wee one wants to come out and play one minute, then takes a nap directly on my bladder in the next. Which reminds me, I have to pee.”

Penny practically waddled to the master bathroom.

“I’m glad you’re here for more than doing my hair,” Jax said to Kristi. “I’m half afraid she’s going to go into labor any second. Taylor is near frantic.” Jax applied her waterproof mascara.

“I’m keeping a close eye on her.” Kristi nodded. “I’ve already checked her sugar once today. It’s not going to be long. I think she’s going to go early. Don’t worry, she’s got a dozen people watching her.”

Jax clasped Kristi’s hand. “Thank you for doing this.”

“It’s my pleasure. I haven’t seen Chance this complete since you left all those years ago. You’ve made her so damn happy by coming back.”

“I sure as hell took my time doing it, out of pure stupidity. Running from something never solves anything.”

Brandi walked in, awkwardly fumbling with something in her hands. She handed it to Jax. “This is from your mother. Maggie says you shouldn’t read this. She took the message and promised she’d have it brought to you, but she says you should trash it.”

Jax rolled her eyes. Not today, devil, not today. She tucked the note into a drawer, determined to not let a single spiteful word from her mother ruin her day.

From the bathroom, they heard Penny yell for them. “Uh, can someone go get Taylor, please?”

Jax jumped up and went to the door. Penny was holding her abdomen. “What’s wrong?”

Penny looked mortified. “I think my water broke.”

Kristi rushed to her side, as Taylor pushed past everyone and stood shaking in front of Penny. “I knew this was a bad idea. Are you okay?”

Penny patted her cheek before doubling over a bit. “I’m pregnant, Taylor, not dying. My water broke. We need to go.”

Taylor pulled at the front of her shirt. “Oh shit, are you sure? It’s too soon.”

Penny groaned, while Jax held her hand. “Taylor, I’m only going to say this one more time. We need to go. Get the Jeep, and the girls will help me out to the vehicle. My contractions aren’t close together, but with the problems we had earlier on in this pregnancy, I’m not taking any chances. Let’s go to the hospital.”

Taylor fumbled in her pocket to find the keys. She dropped them on the floor, twice, before she ran out the door. Maggie saw her and ran to Penny. The others jumped into action. Kristi got on one side of Penny and Maggie on the other.

“Penny, I’m not sure if Taylor will survive this. You’ll have two babies to deal with.” Maggie held one hand and put her other on the small of Penny’s back. “Don’t worry about anything here, you just go have a healthy baby. That will be the best present for the married couple.”

Taylor rushed back in. “I’ve got the Jeep right outside the door. Let me help.” She took the hand that Maggie was holding and walked Penny out the door.

They helped get her situated and buckled in. Kristi whispered something in Taylor’s ear, and Jax watched her take several deep breaths before climbing in. Penny waved. “I’ll call and let you know. First babies take a while. Don’t worry if you don’t hear anything. I promise we’ll keep you updated. Be happy Jax and save me some cake! Even if you have to freeze it so I can eat it later, I want a piece!”

Jax waved. “You’ve got it. Drive carefully.”

The bridal party watched the Jeep Cherokee drive away. Watch over them Jennings, they’ve been through enough. A new life coming in is exactly what we need to start this life off.

Maggie stepped forward and clapped her hands together. “Okay, show’s over. We have less than an hour to finish getting ready for a wedding. Let’s go girls.”

Jax wrapped an arm around her soon to be mother-in-law’s waist. “Thanks for the warning on that note. I didn’t open it. I’ll deal with all that another day. She won’t get a shot at putting a single cloud over this day. I love you, Maggie. I’m grateful I can call you Mom after today.”

“Honey, you could have been calling me Mom all along. Dee and I love you like one of our own. You’ve given Chance her smile back and let her believe in love again. That’s all these two mothers can ask for.”

Jax kissed the silver-haired woman’s temple. “She’s my forever chance, and I’m holding on for the rest of my life. Count on that.”

 

***

 

Chance stood at the door to the barn, holding Glenny. They’d rigged up a wagon with steps that Jax could walk up and easily step into the saddle. They’d practiced over the last few days and had it nearly down to a science. Chance stood there in her dark leather duster, Stetson in place, with Zeus at her side. Kendra held Kelly for her.

“You nervous?” Kendra rubbed Kelly’s nose as she spoke to her sister.

“Damn skippy. I just want to see her.” Glenny nickered beside Chance, and she turned to soothe her. “Easy girl, she’s coming.”

Kendra pointed to the pathway coming from the house to the barn. “And there she is. Remember to breathe.”

Chance lifted her eyes to see Jax coming toward her with her slowed gait. The path had been cleared to make it easier for Jax to trek the distance out to the barn. “My God,” she whispered, incapable of putting any power behind her voice. Her strength had been stolen, along with her ability to think about anything beyond how beautiful Jax looked. She wore a pair of tan denim jeans and a thick, cream-colored sweater in an Aran honeycomb pattern. A tawny duster just brushed her shins. “Stunning.”

Kendra stepped forward with Kelly. “I agree, Chance. Let’s get you two saddled up and hitched up.”

“I’m all for that.” Chance moved toward Jax and took her hand, kissing it lightly. “Be still my beating heart.”

“You look dashing, yourself. I love the tie.” Jax leaned in and kissed Chance lightly.

“You look good enough to eat, and later, I will,” Chance whispered in her ear.

Jax slapped her lightly on the arm. “First things first. Make an honest woman of me, and I’ll see what we can do about that hunger. I do need to tell you, Taylor and Penny had to leave.” She put a hand on Chance’s shoulder. “Settle down. Penny’s water broke, and she’s having contractions. She told me to tell you to get on with this wedding, because apparently, we’ll be having a christening soon.”

Chance stood there in shock. “Was Penny doing all right?”

“Better than Taylor. She’s fine. She’s going to text Maggie updates. What do you say we get married?”

Chance held out her arm and allowed Jax to crook her hand inside. “It would be my greatest honor.” She handed Kendra the reins and helped Jax up the steps. Jax was able to swing her good leg over the saddle, allowing her walking cast to rest on a special stirrup Chance had designed. When she was seated and comfortable, Chance leaned over and kissed her. “Let’s go do this. I can’t wait to call you Mrs. Fitzsimmons.”

Jax took the reins from Kendra in one hand and cupped Chance’s cheek in the other. “I’ve waited a long time for this.”

Chance nodded and walked back down the steps to climb into Kelly’s saddle. She and Jax waited for Kendra and the rest of the wedding party to make their way to the bluff. The sky was just turning that dusky blue, and millions of snowflakes floated in the air. Large torches lined the procession to the final spot overlooking the fields. Rhebekka would meet them on an elevated platform that would allow her to be at eye level with the couple. The song in their hearts was the only music they needed for their processional.

The last car door shut, and Chance looked to Jax with one final reassuring glance. They waited another five minutes, then slowly made their way out through the snow-covered field. Their photographer was also on horseback, slightly up and out of the way of the pristine snow they would ride through. As Chance watched Glenny carry Jax, she marveled at the beauty of the woman atop the gorgeous snow-white Arabian. Jax was every bit the horsewoman she was, and Chance looked forward to many long trail rides together.

Sprigs of holly and pine adorned Glenny’s and Kelly’s manes, to match the small flowers each woman wore pinned to their dusters. Zeus bounded through the snow beside them. When they reached the gathering, their friends and family stood to the outside of the platform. Both Sarah and Kristi had ridden out on their own horses and were waiting for them.

When the couple made it to the platform, they joined hands and held their horses as still as possible. The snow continued to fall softly around them. The torch lights warmed the area with a golden halo in the fading sunlight. The silence gently held the breathing and soft rumbles of the horses.

Rhebekka stepped forward. “We are gathered to join these women, Chance Raylynn Fitzsimmons and Jax Elizabeth St. Claire, together in matrimony. Their road has not been an easy one. Together, they’ve overcome tragedy and hardship to be here before us now. These two hearts were once separated, yet they found their way back to love once more. When I spoke to them about a favorite scripture, they told me that I would know better what could offer the greatest gift of wisdom.” She stopped for a second. “Chance also said it was my jurisdiction.”

The assembly joined her in the moment of levity with soft laughter.

“There were many I could choose, some that would be expected, but the ‘Song of Solomon,’ the eighth chapter, says this. ‘Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.’” She paused. “Given our area, this felt like the right one to me. Both Chance and Jax dedicate their lives to the service of others in different ways, yet in the end, they both serve as a reminder that God loves all his creatures, great and small. The couple has chosen to say their own vows. Jax, would you like to start?”

Jax nodded and turned slightly in her saddle. “Chance, I fell in love with you as a teenager. Today, as a woman, I will marry you and take your name as my own. The road back to you was winding and full of tears. That same road led me to your door once again. I didn’t know if you would even want to see me. The minute I laid eyes on you at that rescue, my heart knew the love in yours. You’ve accepted me with all my flaws, all my baggage, and all the love I have to give, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. You opened your family to me and saved me when I called for you. You’ve been my shining star and my soft place to rest.” Jax took the ring from Kristi. “With this ring, I pledge my heart and soul to you.” Jax slipped the gold band, adorned with mountains and rivers, on the ring finger of Chance’s left hand.

Chance choked back a tear and cleared her throat. “Jax, over thirty years ago, you swept into my life and showed me what love at first sight truly was. We were kids then, but now we’re two fully grown women completely in love and free to be together for the rest of our lives. When I was burned, I lay in that sterile hospital bed, searching for anything to take away the pain. A single memory let me escape into a place where there was nothing but joy. I held on to the memory of floating on the Cheat River with the most beautiful woman I’d ever met. You helped me through. The memory of your touch, the depth of that teenage love, and the prayers of my parents compelled me to stay in the land of the living, when all I really wanted to do was die. In a very visceral way, you saved me then, and you save me now.” Sarah handed her Jax’s matching band. “With this ring, I pledge my heart and soul to you.”

The couple clasped hands and looked back to Rhebekka. “As these two have signified their desire to be married and faithful to one another, let no one and nothing come between them. You may each kiss your bride.”

Chance leaned over and pressed her lips to Jax’s. She felt a soft hand snake around the back of her neck, drawing her in. She whispered through the steam from their shared breath. “I love you, Jax, now and forever.”

“And I love you right back.” Jax kissed her again before releasing her. They pulled on their horses’ reins, until they faced outward toward those gathered.

Rhebekka gave her final pronouncement. “It’s my pleasure to present to you, Mrs. and Mrs. Chance Fitzsimmons.”

Their friends and family erupted in loud whistles and clapping. Chance held their joined hands aloft and smiled from ear to ear from under her Stetson, as the setting sun painted the sky as if it had been specially ordered just for them. The photographer circled the group, as Chance leaned in again and kissed the woman who was now her wife. When their lips parted, she whispered. “Ready?” When Jax nodded, the two riders urged their horses forward and took off across the field, breaking fresh snow in their path. They were married and bound by more than a band of gold.