Page 15 of Bernadette
Bernie continued to watch him, then wrinkled her nose. “Not that it’s any of your business, Mr. Helm, but two days ago I retired from a job I’ve had for the last twenty years. And…” she held up her hand to continue with her glare. “Again, not that it’s any of your business, I was the commander of the EWMs.”
“Shit,” David whispered, and looked at the women looking back at him. “You’re the one Morgan warned us about?”
“Probably, let me make a mental note on my calendar to have you and your position investigated.”
“Don’t worry,” Chuck said from her other side. At the sound of his voice, she turned her head in time to see his smirk. “Astrid already did. She can give you the details Monday morning.”
They shared a moment, then Chuck’s eyes flared as he reached back and pulled his phone. “Give me your number.”
“Excuse me?”
“Sorry,” he said as he looked up from fiddling with his phone. “I just remembered that you might want a photo of the guy we’re waiting to see if he comes to ruin the wedding. The guy behind why Lucas contacted the Brotherhood Protection Agency.”
“Oh,” Bernie said as she pulled her own phone, and leaned in to give him the number. They sat there with their heads bent discussing the photo of the man Chuck described as Frank Carlisle, because that was whom they anticipated that would be there. They looked up in time to see two people being escorted to the front.
“Why does that man look familiar to me?” Bernie scowled at Chuck as she asked.
“That is Morgan’s Uncle Chip, and his wife Peggy. Peggy is Dottie’s sister.”
“And Dottie? Who is she?”
“Morgan’s mother. Oh, and Chip’s last name is Boswell, he started his own business back in New York State years ago. Apparently when Morgan left the military, she went to work for him, then later, after meeting Wyatt, she came out here to live and started Boswell Two.”
“Oh,” Bernie frowned, then shook her head. “Sounds like there’s a story behind that.”
“There is, but now’s not the time. The couple coming up the aisle now are representing Wyatt as his parents.”
“They aren’t his parents?”
“No,” Chuck leaned in further, so his lips touched her ear as he whispered, “That’s why all the security. Within the last week we have learned that this Carlisle guy killed Wyatt’s parents twenty years ago. It’s all part of the investigation you’ll be a part of.”
“Holy shit,” Bernie said in shock. She looked up in time to see the other women looking at her, all wearing different expressions of acceptance. “I’m in,” she said loud enough for them to hear her, and when the man in the front row turned, hearing her statement, his eyes flared when he saw her, then he nodded once and wore a gigantic grin.
CHAPTER7
“Baby girl,”Stan Stuart sighed as he walked into the room at the ranch, and caught sight of his daughter in her wedding dress. He immediately pulled a handkerchief to wipe his eyes.
“Don’t start, Dad,” Morgan said as she waved her hand in front of her face. “I’ve already had to repair my makeup once, I don’t need to do it again.” She laughed, and sighed in relief when he turned his back to wipe his own eyes. Morgan looked up at her mother and shared a grin. At the knock on the door, she called for them to come in, and had a gigantic smile on her face when she caught sight of both Lucas and DJ as they entered.
“Holy shit, Aunt Morgan!” Lucas said, then ducked when Stan went to cuff the back of his head. “Sorry.” He grinned at the older man. “But she looks hot. Uncle Wyatt might have a heart attack before the wedding even starts.” He stood back and folded his arms over his chest and looked at his brother. “It was lucky I found her.” His statement caused everyone in the room to burst out laughing, and Morgan had to wave her hand in front of her face again to try to stop the tears. This time it was tears of laughter.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to let you know that I need to take Grandma Dottie to the front. Uncle Chip, Aunt Peggy, and the Wilsons are already seated. On my way here, Dad was taking Mom up the aisle.” DJ told them.
“Oh, wow, so it’s time.”
“Yes.”
“I’m here to make sure you don’t need any last-minute things.” Lucas grinned. “Being the Man of Honor and all.” Everyone turned to Morgan and froze at the expression on her face.
“Actually, could I have a minute alone with Lucas, please. Maybe three, then I’ll be ready.”
“Everything okay, honey?” Dottie asked in concern.
“Yes, I just need three minutes alone with Lucas. Don’t worry, I’m not ducking out or anything. I promise.” When they continued to look at her in concern, she grinned and picked up the sides of her flowing wedding dress. “Do I look like I can run in this.” At their chuckles they agreed to give them the time.
“I’ll escort Grandma Dottie to the front then.” DJ nodded and held his elbow out to the older woman. Stan stepped out and left Lucas alone with Morgan.
