Page 34 of Bryson

"I don't want to run the risk of you running out on me again. Next weekend." He stroked her satiny cheek slowly. "There's going to be a barn dance to welcome the fall weather. We could go into town, get married and have a celebration here as long as the doctors clear it. Unless you want the whole white wedding with all the trimmings."

"And if I do?"

He quirked a brow at her. "Weren't you the same woman who sarcastically told me that the marriage is the most important part of the relationship, and you did not see the need to be entertaining a bunch of people you barely know and possibly don't like? For just one day?"

"You remember all of that?"

"I remember everything you ever said to me. I also recall thinking that it was my luck to hook up with the most unromantic woman I've ever known." He tucked a few strands of hair away. "And also, the only woman I will ever love. Yes, darling..." he added huskily. "I want to marry you and was working up to demanding that we tie the knot. Thank you for making a stressful day incredibly wonderful."

Lifting her hand, she cupped his cheek. "You're most welcome. So, it's decided then?"

He nodded and then grimaced. "Mother is going to want a different arrangement."

"We will just have to persuade her that this is what we want."

Barbara stared at the couple with a frown. She was just getting used to Julianne invading her space and now they were facing her with this monumental announcement. A marriage in a week, less than that.

"A civil ceremony? You're Bryson McNab. People will expect something lavish." She rose from her desk and went to pour her tea from the silver tray the maid had just brought in.

"That means nothing to me," Bryson told her dryly. He had slept in this morning with the idea of announcing the news and had hoped there wouldn't be any objections. He loved his mother dearly and was aware of the tremendous sacrifice she had made for him.

Late last night, Julianne had further revealed some painful details of what his mother had told her about her pregnancy and subsequent labor and the fact that his father had been elsewhere during the entire experience. His heart bled for her, and he vowed that Julianne would never have to question the fact that he loved her completely.

"But darling..." She carried the tea back to her desk and perched on the edge. "What about December?" she argued. "It's just a few months away and we could make the proper arrangements. It would still be short notice, but we could hire wedding planners..."

"Mrs. McNab... Barbara," she amended when the woman turned to look at her. "I know this might be distressing for you..."

"No." Barbara shook her head hastily, stealing a glance at her son. After the conversation with Julianne yesterday, she had spent almost the entire night coming to grips with the fact that the woman her son was involved with was here to stay and, most importantly, he loved her and it seemed that she loved him too. She would be foolish to stand in the way of them being together. Not to mention that there was a baby involved.

"No," she stated unequivocally. "It's not distressing. You and I got off to a bad start, but I want to make amends for it. You make my son happy and that's what's important." She eased out a breath and turned her gaze back to her son. "All I'm saying is that there is absolutely no need for haste. We could do this thing in the right way..."

"The way you did?" he asked with raised brows. "White dress, a lavish ceremony with hundreds of guests? I saw the pictures, Mother, and it did not do you a world of good. That was all for show. I want a marriage; the wedding is just something formal to bind us together in the eyes of God and man." He took Julianne's hand and linked their fingers. "In my eyes, we're already married. This is just making it legal."

"Mrs. McNab... Barbara." Julianne had seen the flash of pain on the woman's rigid features when Bryson mentioned the meaningless ceremony and felt compassion. She was beginning to understand the woman now and appreciate what she had gone through. "What your son is so tactlessly saying is that we want to stay away from all the fuss. The ceremony itself shouldbe intimate and private. The reception will be open to everyone on the ranch and the people in town."

"We're not even certain the doctors will clear it yet. I'm still not out of the woods yet and we want to keep things as simple as possible."

"What she said." Lifting their joined hands, he kissed the back of hers before letting go and crossing the room to perch his hip on his mother's desk. "And I would very much like your blessing and for you to tell us you're on board." He took her hands in his, a smile touching his lips. "That would mean the world to me."

She became flustered and to Julianne's amazement, she saw the woman blushing in pleasure. "Of course, you have no need to wonder about such a thing." She squeezed his hands; the love she felt for him blazing in her eyes. "Julianne should not have to worry about any of the details. An intimate ceremony at the courthouse and then a luncheon." She looked over at Julianne. "Is there anyone you would like to invite?"

Julianne nodded. "Brian, he's my family. Thank you."

Barbara inclined her head regally. "Now darling, let me get started."

Leaning down, he kissed her cheek tenderly. "You're the best mom a son could ever hope for."

She felt the thickness in her throat at his words and squared her shoulders. "With a son like you, it's quite easy. Now shoo."

She watched them leave and had to blink back the tears. Moving behind the desk, she placed her first phone call. She had been recruiting Sara-Lee to drive a wedge between the couple; it was time for that to end.

"Of course I'll be there," Brian chided as soon as she made the call. "Where on earth would I be otherwise? So, things are sorted out now? I'm happy for you, honey. You've landed yourself quite a catch. The firm will miss you, of course, but you're right where you belong." He paused. "Knowing you, I suspect that you're not just going to be a wife and mother, you want something more."

Curling her legs beneath her on the window seat, Julianne gazed out at the scene unfolding in front of her. It was branding season and the flurry of activities fascinated her. She was also amazed at what it took to get a ranch running. Bryson had kissed her goodbye and ordered her to take it easy before heading out the door.

She was going to be the wife of a rancher, not just an ordinary one, but one in charge of a multi-billion dollar business. It was a little overwhelming. As his wife, she would be expected to be in charge of so much. Which reminded her that she was going to have a talk with Barbara. Things did not have to change. The woman was used to running the household and she had no intention of changing that.

"For now, I just want to carry a healthy baby, something that's proving to be difficult. And now I have to think about getting a dress. Nothing fussy, no frills, and nothing white. Something simple and elegant."