Sebastian peered out over the crowd and noticed the lengthy reception line near the white tent. He also spotted one man he needed to speak with out of his wife's earshot. "If you don't mind, I believe I'll find a waiter and get a drink. I'll catch up with you in a bit."
She brushed a kiss across his cheek. "All right, but please hurry. I do not want anyone to assume I put you on a plane to London without me."
He frowned. "Why would anyone assume that?"
"This is a very small town, Sebastian. Gossip travels at the speed of lightning, according to Violet."
Nothing he hadn't encountered in the jolly old town of London. "I'll be along briefly."
After Nasira disappeared in the sea of people, Sebastian set out for Mac McCallum, who was standing near the bar bedecked in white bunting. He could now kill two birds with one stone.
As soon as he reached the drink station, he addressed the bartender, tip in hand. "I need a scotch, neat. The best scotch you have, actually."
The man poured the drink and set it before him. "It's free."
Did he think he was so socially inept that he didn't understand the concept of an open bar? "I realize that," he said as he tossed the fifty-dollar bill on the counter. "This is a tip."
"Thanks a heap, mister."
"You're most welcome, barkeep."
He grabbed the drink, approached Mac and looked around before he began asking questions. Realizing the coast was crystal clear, he addressed the cowboy. "Did you make the arrangements?" he asked in a lowered voice.
"Yeah, I did. Delivered the funds personally."
"What timeline should I expect?"
Mac swiped a hand over his jaw. "You're going completely custom, so I estimate at least a year, maybe a bit longer."
That would allow enough time to finalize the deal before the birth of their child. Odd that only a few weeks ago, he would not allow himself to believe he could continue the Edwards legacy. "I appreciate your help. And by the way, who are all these people?"
Mac leaned back against the bar. "Most are Texas Cattleman's Club members, old and new, and their significant others. The man over there is Ben Rassad, Darin Shakir's cousin. And that guy over there is Gavin McNeal."
"I met the former sheriff at the festival a few weeks ago."
"Yeah, he's part of the old guard. The man standing near him is the new Texas Cattleman's Club president, Case Baxter and his wife, Mellie. I'm surprised he bothered to show up, but I guess he's decided to bury the hatchet. And right over there is the current sheriff, Nathan Battle."
Sebastian sensed a story coming on. "Does this Baxter fellow have a problem with the bride and groom?"
Mac set his empty beer aside and straightened. "It's a long story, but Case was very angry with Rafe for secretly trying to buy up the town, including Mellie's land where the club sits. But all's been settled now that Rafe decided not to get revenge on me for his assumption I defiled your wife a long time ago, and as you probably know, that led to Rafe's torture and confinement by your deceased father-in-law."
The unbelievable story, laid out in such a manner, reeked of a made-for-TV movie plot. And although he now knew the details, and that Mac had no designs on Nasira, he still wasn't pleased with the man using defiled and his wife in the same sentence. "Regardless, I'm glad the situation has been resolved."
He was also glad to see his spouse weaving through the masses, heading his way. When she arrived, he slipped his arm around her slender waist. "Did you give the happy couple my regards?"
"Unfortunately I could not reach them. Fortunately we have time to visit with them before our flight departs tonight." She turned her smile on Mac. "I spoke with Andrea a few moments ago. I believe she is searching for you."
The man's expression lit up like a livewire. "She's probably wondering about the documents I left her yesterday. You folks enjoy the rest of the day, and have a safe flight."
Nasira laughed as soon as Mac left the immediate premises. "Did you notice how quickly he left when I mentioned his assistant's name?"
"I did. Obviously she is very efficient."
She frowned. "She is very attractive, and Mac is completely smitten. I would not be surprised to learn they are the next couple to wed in Royal."
Honestly, Sebastian didn't care about anyone other than the woman standing next to him, looking stunning in her coral chiffon gown and matching heels. He crooked his finger in invitation. "I would greatly appreciate some alone time with my wife."
She took a moment to survey the frantic scene. "That could be difficult to come by unless I borrow a cattle prod to clear the crowd."
Cattle prod? Obviously his wife had resided in Texas long enough to adopt the classic cowboy colloquialisms. "I don't see anyone milling about that massive statue of the woman Gavin McNeal mentioned at the fair."
Nasira peered off into the distance. "Oh, yes, the statue of Jess Golden, his wife's distant relative. If we hurry, perhaps we might steal some privacy, although we will have ample alone time on the plane."
He liked the sound of that, yet he refused to wait until they boarded the jet to let her in on his secret plan. He felt like an impetuous schoolboy on Christmas Eve as he guided her toward the legendary figure from Texas Cattleman's Club's past. Once they arrived, he gave his beautiful bride a kiss and as an added bonus, a pat on her shapely bottom.
"I spoke with Mac earlier today," he began, "and he told me that at one time, the Texas Cattleman's Club members engaged in missions bordering on espionage. Apparently it was quite the rage back then."
She favored him with an endearing smile. "You cannot believe everything you hear, although I admit, I have heard the same. However, clearly times have changed."
He looked lovingly at Nasira and in that moment recognized the value of family and love. "I'd personally like to believe that men of honor still have the capacity to come to the rescue of their fair maidens."
She touched his face with reverence. "They do. After all, you have rescued me from a life without a child, fathered by the man I love with all my heart and soul."
"You have done the same for me. I want nothing more than to have you as the mother of our children, my love. And to reward you for your efforts, I have a gift to present you."
Her sunny expression melted into a frown. "You have already given me the best gift I could have ever wished for. Our baby-to-be."
She had given him more than he could express. "This will be something we can all enjoy as a family."
"Is it bigger than a music box?"
"Much bigger."
"Where is it?"
"It is being built as of tomorrow."
She looked entirely confused. "Sebastian, I have the Bentley. I do not need another car."
"It's not a car, sweetheart. It's a house."
She appeared unimpressed. "We already own two houses."
"And we shall have three, only this one is a vacation home and will not be located in the UK."
"Tahiti?"
"No. Royal."
Worried that he might have permanently rendered her speechless, he waited for her shock to subside. "Why? Where?"
"In the gated golf community of Pine Valley. I selected a lot and I met with the architect after you left me to return to Rafe's. It's a place we can call home when we return next year on holiday."
Her eyes brightened. "Oh, Sebastian, that would be marvelous. By that time, we will have our baby and we can introduce him or her to its new cousin."
Knowing he had pleased her pleased Sebastian greatly. "I vow to make this home as extravagant as you like."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tightly for a time. "My dear sweet love, my home is anywhere you are."
This incredible woman, his wife, the mother of his child, had changed him in ways he had never believed possible. "And I promise you this day, beneath this historic statue and this symbol of bygone days, I will be there for you and our children through good times and bad."
She pulled away and stared at him. "Children?"
"Certainly. At least five. However, you do realize that will require quite a bit of practice, beginning tonight in the sleeping quarters on the plane."
"I am already pregnant, Sebastian."
"My dear, practice does make perfect."
As they rejoined the celebrants and sought out the bride and groom, Sebastian Edwards realized that perfection was in his reach. He had a remarkable wife, the promise of a bright future and a love he had resisted out of fear. He had learned to forgive when forgiveness had not come easily for him, yet he had his lovely bride to thank for that. The moment he returned home, he would seek out his father and afford him the benevolence Nasira had taught him, before it was too late to mend their relationship.