A Woman's Touch

below. When she found what she was seeking, she squeezed gently.

    „Now that,“ said Kyle as he rolled her onto her back and came down on top of her, „is my idea of romance. Just like everyone at work always says, you have a knack for handling me.“
    The wedding reception was held at the Stockbridge home. In spite of Kyle’s reassurances that he had taken care of everything, Rebecca found herself running around like mad during the few days available before the big event. It was hard for a born manager to let someone else manage something this important.
    „Are you sure the caterers understand about the champagne?“ she asked at one point.
    „I’ll make sure they get the word,“ Kyle promised easily.
    „We don’t want the cheap stuff. Not for all your neighbors and friends.“
    „Stop worrying about the Stockbridge image. It’s already shot to hell, thanks to you.“
    „Kyle, the quality of the champagne is important.“
    „You have my personal guarantee we’ll get the expensive stuff.“
    Rebecca grinned suddenly. „Something’s not right here. I don’t hear you screaming about the price of good champagne.“
    „Only the best for this wedding,“ Kyle vowed.
    „This one’s special?“ she teased.
    „This marriage is going to last the rest of our lives. Might as well do it right.“
    And so it went. But at long last she stood on the patio, surrounded by everyone who happened to live within a radius of a hundred miles. The gown Kyle had chosen was simple and elegant in design. She felt like a queen in it. A country-western band that had a surprisingly sophisticated sound was providing plenty of lively dance music. A catering service from the nearest fair-size town had outdone itself. The array of food was staggering. Champagne flowed freely. And at the head stood a huge, tiered wedding cake.
    „What do you think?“ Kyle asked smugly when he managed to get close to his bride for a few minutes. „Not bad, huh?“
    „I’m overwhelmed,“ Rebecca said honestly. „I couldn’t have done any better myself. How did you manage all this on such short notice?“
    „I’ve discovered I have a natural talent for being able to delegate,“ Kyle confessed.
    „Aha! The truth at last. To whom did you delegate the responsibility for this wedding?“
    „Never mind that now,“ Kyle said smoothly. He smiled possessively down at her. „Enjoying yourself, Mrs.
    Stockbridge?“
    „I certainly am, Mr. Stockbridge.“ Her eyes were glowing as she looked up at him. „What about you?“
    „This part’s okay, I guess. But I’m looking forward to enjoying myself a lot more later on tonight. In the meantime, we’d better dance.“ He caught hold of her hand and led her toward the small area that had been set aside for dancing.
    „Fine with me,“ Rebecca murmured as she skipped to keep up with him. „But what’s the rush?“
    „I need to work off a little excess energy,“ Kyle explained as he swung her into a brisk country waltz. „It’s either dance with you, or carry you inside to the bedroom and get started on the honeymoon.“
    Rebecca grinned, feeling the warmth deep in her body. „Think how shocked the guests would be.“
    „I’m not so sure about that. People around here always expect a scene from a Stockbridge.“ Kyle broke off, his gaze suddenly fixed on something behind her. „Or a Ballard.“
    Rebecca glanced over her shoulder. „Oh, good. Darla and Glen are here. I was wondering what was keeping them.“
    The familiar ripple of awareness went through the crowd as Glen Ballard and his wife walked into the reception.
    „Don’t worry. If Ballard causes a scene, I’ll break his neck,“ Kyle promised casually, whirling Rebecca into another turn.
    „Don’t look so enthusiastic about the prospect. Glen is not going to cause a scene, and if you provoke one I swear I’ll strangle you.“
    Kyle gave her an offended look. „I wouldn’t provoke a brawl at my own wedding.“
    „Why not?“ Glen said from behind him. „You did at mine. Good evening, Mrs. Stockbridge. Congratulations on finally putting a bridle on this bad-tempered brute.“
    „Thank you, Glen.“ Rebecca inclined her head politely as Kyle drew her reluctantly to a halt. „It was hard work, but I feel in the end, it was worth it. Hi, Darla. You wouldn’t by any chance happen to be the one who helped Kyle get this reception organized, would you?“
    Darla grinned ruefully. „How did you guess?“
    „I sensed a