Colton's Spring

Chapter 14

"He cleans up nicely," Kennedy said to Spring as they waited for Hawk and Sunshine to sign the register to confirm they were officially married.

"It helps that he's able to shave again," Spring said. "He does not look good with four day's growth of stubble."

"Does the hair grow fast?"

"Oh, you bet it does. If he wanted a beard, it wouldn't take long at all for him to grow one."

"But he doesn't plan to do it, does he?"

Spring shook her head. "No. He already thinks he intimidates people with his size. He's afraid a beard would make people terrified of him."

Kennedy regarded her sister. "But you've been trying to show people his softer side. How's that going?"

Shrugging, Spring made a surreptitious glance over to Colton who was watching her intently. "I think it's easier to rally the community than it is to convince Colton he deserves the outpouring of support."

"He's always been a very private person," Kennedy observed. "Whereas you've always been outgoing and gregarious."

"Do you think that's going to ultimately doom us?"

"I wouldn't go that far," Kennedy said. "Maybe you'll each pull each other into a more balanced state."

"Do you really think I can bring him into the light?"

"I think you'll have a challenge, but I've never seen you back down from one," Kennedy pointed out. "I could try to tell you to take it slow and easy, but that advice is far too late."

Spring frowned. "I don't think he feels the same way about me as I feel about him."

Kennedy gave her sister a long look. "Don't kid yourself, Spring, he's not here because it might be good for him. He's here for you."

Which gave Spring a secret thrill. "You seem okay with this."

"Well, aside from the fact it's a done deal, Torah did call me to warn me. I think she was hoping I might call you and try to talk some sense into you, but I knew I wouldn't. You're twenty-six and plenty old enough to make your own mistakes."

"You think Colton is a mistake?"

"You didn't let my finish," Kennedy replied. "And you're also old enough to rejoice in your own successes. We'll all be happy for you if this works out, but that's up to you and Colton. Nothing Torah or I says is going to change that."

Kennedy's words gave Spring a sense of hope which she hadn't really had to this point. She was about to say more when Hawk and Sunshine stood. The celebrant pronounced them man and wife to general applause and a chaste kiss between the newlyweds.

Spring noticed movement in the back of the room and groaned which immediately caught Kennedy's attention.

"What is it?"

"Now what," Spring said quietly, "who."

Kennedy followed Spring's gaze and let out a sigh. "I suppose it was inevitable. I'm just glad he didn't interrupt the ceremony."

"I'm going to talk to him," Spring said. "You keep Torah distracted."

"Try to grab Rafe or Rory to go with you," Kennedy advised. "They served with Logan and might be able to talk him into leaving."