Love and Triumph: The Coltrane Saga, Book 8 Read Online Free PDF Page B

faces of the guests mingling along the driveway for a better view of the bridal parade. She was still dazed by Rudolf’s unexpected arrival. There had not been much time for conversation, only a few moments of greeting. He had laughed with delight to have taken her so totally by surprise, roguishly warning he’d come to abduct her and carry her away by force, if need be, to his own castle in Zurich.
    A footman was waiting now to take the reins of the horse from her driver; another stood by to help her alight.
    She smiled demurely at Travis, Uncle Colt, and could not help glancing about till she met Rudolf’s gaze. He was standing close to one side, looking at her with open adoration. A few of the unmarried girls in attendance hovered nearby and, seeing the way he was looking at Marilee, began to glower with disappointment.
    She took her place, then turned to await Valerie’s arrival.
    Everyone was excited, whispering among themselves as the orchestra began to play the wedding procession, and they strained to see the arrival of the bride.
    And then it came into view—the pink-and-white carriage, drawn by six stunning white horses, all wearing pink velvet coats, with pink harnesses adorned with little golden bells. They strutted and high-stepped, but with gentle precision, the way they had been carefully trained, so as not to cause the princess they carried to be jostled from her throne.
    Valerie was radiant in her wedding gown of white satin and lace. A fortune in diamonds studded the billowing skirt, and her tiara was fashioned of emeralds and pearls, her veil brushed with thousands of tiny diamond chips.
    When her carriage reached the pagoda, where the ceremony would take place, Travis could restrain himself no longer. A footman moved to help her alight, but he stepped out of place to brush him aside and set her gently on the ground. An approving ripple went through the two thousand or more guests in attendance, crowded there on the lawn, as he went one step further. Unable to resist, he lifted her veil and whispered, “God, you’re beautiful, and I love you so,” and he kissed her tenderly before taking her hand to lead her to her place before the altar.
    Colt and Jade exchanged loving, amused glances for their son’s impromptu behavior.
    Kit and Kurt also looked at each other and smiled, for they knew what it meant to be so dazzlingly in love.
    Marilee saw what went on, then lowered her eyes to stare at her satin shoes, not about to glance at Rudolf for she knew, somehow, that she just couldn’t look at him that way, knew he was expecting her to, and she didn’t want to hurt him.
    The music faded, ended, and a hush fell over the crowd. The minister began to speak, asking everyone to bow their heads in an opening prayer. Then Travis and Valerie exchanged their vows, and finally Travis was lifting her veil, kissing her as his wife. Everyone cheered.
    Colt had his turn to kiss the bride; then other men playfully joined in, brushing their lips against Valerie’s glowing, upturned cheek. And Travis turned to kiss the ladies, first his mother, then Kit, finally Marilee.
    She felt a possessive hand on her arm and found herself looking up into Rudolf’s adoring gaze. “You’re more beautiful than the bride,” he said, his voice a soft caress as he slipped his arm around her, slowly guiding her away from the crowd. “I’m living for the day when you’re my bride, you know.”
    “Rudolf, not here,” she protested. “We can talk later about—”
    “About so many things.” He laughed. “Like when I can expect you in Zurich, and when we can announce our engagement. Oh, Marilee, my mother is so anxious to meet you. In fact, you can blame her for my showing up like this. She and Elenore both insisted that I come here and persuade you to go back with me.”
    “I can’t do that. Not now. I’ve got so much on my mind right now, Rudolf.”
    “Like what?” he challenged, then softly intoned, “I know you’re