Secrets Collide (Bluegrass Brothers)

was in front of other people. His tongue caressed her mouth as she flung her arms around him urging him on. The sharp sound of catcalls and whistles broke the spell as Gemma felt her face flush with embarrassment.
    “Come on. I know the perfect place to celebrate,” Cy whispered in her ear before grabbing his hat and mounting his horse. “Thank y’all. Miss Lily, would you mind watching Fred for a bit?”
    “Not at all.”
    Congratulations broke out from the crowd. Gemma smiled and waved, but looked up at Cy, wondering what he was planning.
    He held out his hand. “Grab my hand and put your foot here.” He withdrew his foot from the stirrup and when she put her foot in it, he swung her up and into his lap. His arm wrapped securely around her waist as he turned the horse and trotted back up the road.
    “Where are we going?” Gemma asked as she tossed her head back in the air and soaked up the moment.
    “Home.”
     
    Cy sat down next to Gemma on the blanket and tossed his hat on the ground. He looked out at the flat field surrounded by large trees like the one they were sitting under. “I thought we’d put the house right here. What do you think?”
    “Oh, it’s lovely.” Gemma glowed with excitement. He leaned over and kissed her. He had a romantic picnic planned, but right now all he wanted was her.
    As he deepened the kiss, Gemma arched forward, pressing her breasts against his chest. Cy fought for control as his hand slid up her side, caressing the outside of her breast before reaching her shoulder. He slipped her dress straps down, freeing her to him. His hand cupped her as his thumb traced a nipple.
    His heart pounded as he eased her down on the large blanket. Soon all pretenses of slow and romantic faded as she tore his shirt off and tossed it on the ground. When words weren’t enough, action was. And he was going to show her just how much he loved her.
     

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
     
    Four months later…
     
    Gemma heard her new sisters in the room next to her laughing while they got dressed. Her hair was finally pinned up and the fingertip veil floated around her as she grabbed a replica of the maid of honor’s bouquet and put it in a basket. Without saying a word, she went down the large staircase of Miss Lily’s bed-and-breakfast. She picked up the front of her A-line gown and hurried down the street. The smell of fall was strong in the air. The trees were radiant shades of red, orange, and yellow as she ran past them.
    It only took five minutes to make it to the Keeneston Cemetery where she stopped in front of her sister’s grave. After her engagement to Cy was announced, Gemma sent notice to her magazine and had movers pack up her house while she and Cy went to Gia’s apartment to pack. They arrived back in Keeneston the next day and buried her sister next to Morgan’s mother. The whole town came out to support her and to honor Gia, who was laid to rest with honor befitting an American hero.
    The next day Tammy and Pierce announced they didn’t want to wait to get married. They got married the following weekend in a beautiful ceremony at the church. Tammy looked fantastic in her tea-length dress with sky-blue high heels. The Rose sisters had been hired to cater and were in a state of frenzy and pure delight to have been asked.
    Gemma had needed an outlet and had started writing her and Gia’s story. It was a story of a sister’s love and determination and the downfall of an international criminal. Marianne from the Keeneston Journal had run the first chapter, and before Gemma knew it, she had become an author and the small newspaper's articles were being picked up around the world.
    Gemma opened the basket she had brought with her and pulled out the book she had placed inside. “This is the first copy of our book, Gia. I found my passion finally. You led me to it. It’s writing.
    “Yesterday Cy gave me my wedding present, the Keeneston Journal . I own a newspaper. Marianne wanted to write part-time and couldn’t keep up with the demands now that other papers have picked up my articles. She’s covering the court dockets and I’m writing hard-hitting and feel-good articles.  Every now and then, I’ll sneak in to host the weekly gossip column. It’s actually a ton of fun. It’s silly, but when done right, the gossip column can bring true joy and laughter.”
    Gemma set the book down and pulled out the bouquet of flowers. “Today I’m getting married. I wanted you to have