Love and Dreams: The Coltrane Saga, Book 6 Read Free Page B

dispel Jade’s fears and concerns, not wanting her to worry about anything on her wedding day. “Don’t think about Travis. He’s strong as a mule and three times as stubborn, and you’ll say the same about his son in years to come. Now, there’s another reason I came to see you.”
    Kitty removed the pearl and emerald ring she always wore on the third finger of her right hand. Blinking away her own tears, she stared down at the sentimental piece. “Travis gave this to me on our tenth anniversary,” she said softly. “He said it was not only to celebrate our years of marriage but was a gesture of goodbye to the poverty of the past and a welcome to the wealth of the future. He said it was the beginning of many, many expensive pieces of jewelry he wanted to give me through the years. He was right. But none of the treasures since have meant as much as this.”
    She held out the ring to Jade. “I want you to have it.”
    Jade was momentarily speechless. The gift of such a precious piece was overwhelming. “I…I don’t know what to say,” she murmured, taking the ring with trembling fingers. “You’ve given me so much already.”
    Kitty raised a questioning eyebrow. “What do you mean, dear? We haven’t even given you and Colt your wedding present yet. We’re waiting till you come to Paris, and—”
    Jade laughed, a bit nervously. “Colt,” she informed her. “You’ve given me Colt.”
    Kitty also laughed, shaking her head from side to side as she denied, “Oh, no, I haven’t. I’ll never give away that part of him that is a son, just as you’ll never give to me that part of him which is a husband. We’ll each have him in a different way, Jade, and that’s the way it’s meant to be. We’ll be good friends to each other through the years because we’ll respect each other’s place in his heart. Agreed?”
    Jade hugged her, grateful for her wisdom. “I will always treasure this ring, as I’ll always treasure your son.”
    Just then there was a tap on the door, and the Grand Duchess Marie softly called, “Jade, darling, it’s time. Are you ready?”
    The mother and the soon-to-be wife of Colt Coltrane looked at each other, their hearts reaching out to touch in spirit.
    “Go,” Kitty whispered, giving her a gentle shove. “Go and marry my son and be happy, my child.”
    Jade turned toward the door…and her future…and took one more step to fulfilling her love and dreams.

Chapter Two
    Marie placed the nuptial crown of sparkling diamonds on Jade’s head; then they made their way to a grand stairway and began their descent.
    The palace seemed to be alive, to actually breathe amidst the glow of lights, crystal, silver and gold, and the awesome jewels worn by the ladies in attendance. Jeweled medals adorning crimson sashes sparkled on the chests of the men of nobility, gold braids shining. Cossacks of the guard lined the walls of the palace, in long coats of red and purple, curved sabers against spit-polished black boots. The cream of European society vied for a glimpse of the famed, lovely bride as the sweet song of the violins of the court orchestra filled the air.
    Jade found herself wishing for the hundredth time that she and Colt could have just slipped away for a private ceremony. But, adopted or not, she was considered a Romanov. And she was marrying the son of a very respected United States emissary. Protocol decreed such a formal wedding, so she faced what she felt was a circuslike atmosphere, forced a smile on her lips, and made her way to the chapel past the well-wishing guests, praying all the while it would be over soon.
    The chapel glowed with light, the walls and ceiling covered with luminous frescoes. Before the altar stood an iconostasis of gold, layered in jewels. The small gathering of people inside, limited to family members and immediate royalty, seemed bathed in iridescence due to the sheen from the jewels, candles, and golden icons.
    Jade softly drew in her breath,