Page 38 of Mason: His to Convince

* * *

Maggie drove as fast as the speed limit allowed. They were already late and still ten minutes from the church. If Rebecca hadn't forgotten something they still would have been late, but not this late.

“He's going to kill me,” Rebecca fretted, checking her make-up in the mirror and smacking down the wayward hoop of her Mother’s wedding dress.

“Probably,” Maggie agreed. “What was so important we had to go back?”

“A little wedding present for my future husband,” Rebecca answered, patting the envelope in her lap.

“Couldn't it have waited until later?” Maggie questioned, trying to pay attention to the traffic.

“It could have and probably should have,” she answered mysteriously. “But I figured I owed him this one.”

Maggie glanced at the envelope and shrugged. It seemed like a small thing compared with what she had to face. She was honored to be standing up with Mason and Rebecca but the thought of spending the afternoon with Nick by her side was terrifying.

Rebecca was out of the car almost before it stopped. Tearing up the slippery church steps, one hand clamped on her tiara and veil and the other holding her dress up to her knees she ran smack into the man coming out the front door.

Nick's quick reflexes saved them both seconds before tumbling down the stairs.

“Where's Mason?” she demanded breathlessly.

“Ripping his hair out in the vestry. Where the hell have you been?” he questioned steadying her.

Nick towered over her, his strong hands grasping her arms.

“I forgot something,” she replied trying to twist out of his arms.

“I hope it was important,” he ground out releasing her, the scowl on his face making his feelings perfectly clear. “You put my brother through hell.”

“It was,” Rebecca assured him, laying her hand on his arm. “Please give this to Mason,” she requested softly, handing Nick the envelope before turning away and entering the church.

Maggie could feel his eyes on her as she tried to slip past him. When his hand shot out and grasped her wrist she struggled to control her trembling and faced him with a boldness she was far from feeling.

“I've been trying to reach you for days,” he stated calmly, the hold on her wrist tightening slightly. “Why haven't you returned my calls?”

“I've been busy Nick and you’re hurting me,” Maggie answered. He released her instantly and she tried not to wipe her sweating hands on her silk dress.

“Well get un-busy,” he ordered. “We have things to discuss and I won't be put off much longer.”

“Nick, please,” she pleaded. “I have to go to Rebecca; this isn't the time or the place.”

Nick nodded and made a visible effort to relax. Maggie breathed a sigh of relief as she hurried after Rebecca. Let this day pass quickly she prayed.

* * *

The music swelled as Rebecca started down the aisle. If Mason had opened the envelope he would know she was coming to him out of love. She knew he might be upset with her for being late, but once she explained he would know how important the card had been to her. Observing him carefully she noted the tenseness of his broad shoulders. His hands were clenched slightly but it was his eyes that threw her. There was sadness in them. It almost broke her heart.

She stumbled slightly as she reached him and he took her arm to steady her. It was as if an electric current passed between them, snapping Mason out of a trance.

“Dearly beloved,” Reverend Whittaker began.

When Mason said, “Excuse me,” Rebecca almost fainted. Mason turned her towards him and lifted her veil.

“Rebecca there's something I have to tell you before we go any further,” he began, stunning the entire assembly.

“Mason,” she hissed, looking over her shoulder at the gathered guests and groaning. “Don't you think they've waited long enough?”

“This is important,” he stressed, taking her face into his hands. When their eyes met, Rebecca fell silent.