Pick Of The Crop: The Wedding
A Question Of Planning
Burke Malssum felt weird putting on a suit. He hadn’t worn one since he’d left Boston behind and headed to Vermont. Even though he continued to be an accountant, he didn’t need his suits for online or in-person consults here in Vermont. He was used to living in jeans and work boots, as he would look ridiculous in a suit on the apple farm.
But not today.
Today, it was exactly what he needed and wanted.
He’d even ordered a tux instead of using one of his nice suits. Only the best for his bride.
Rissa’s life hadn’t led to luxuries, but he wanted to change that. He wanted to shower her with things that made her smile and filled her heart. He knew most of those things held little monetary value, but he couldn’t wait to surprise her with a couple soon.
He figured the tux would make her smile and that was priceless.
When he walked into the kitchen at the farmhouse, he found his brothers and friends waiting. Even Charlie wore a suit. Even though he could tie his own, he pointed at his bowtie hanging loose on his shirt. “I hear you’re the master.”
Charlie grinned. “I am, although tying them is more fun than wearing them.”
Lawson laughed and slapped the boy on the shoulder. “Just wait until you’re older. The ladies love a man in a tux.”
Nash rolled his eyes and slugged Lawson. “My son just turned fourteen, not twenty.”
Charlie finished up the bow tie and grinned at his dad. “I guess I better get used to wearing one then. Maybe at school.”
Nash sighed heavily, although his eyes twinkled. “Come on kid, let’s bring out the day’s cider.”
Everyone on the farm had been told Nash and his family were working on a new variety, but none of them had shared the flavor yet. Nash and Charlie grabbed bottles while Knox set out a tray of shot glasses.
Nash rolled his eyes at his kid and switched the bottles. “Fourteen, remember. You don’t get the hard stuff for a long while yet.”
Charlie grinned and opened the bottle and poured his own. While his dad poured the rest, Charlie grinned. “We think this one is pretty cool. It’s got apples, Dani’s honey, a little bit of peach, and mint.”
They all just stared at Nash and his kid. Burke swallowed and searched for the right word. “That sounds…complicated.”
Nash laughed and held up his shot glass. “It is. I wouldn’t steer you wrong, today of all days. Trust me, it’s really good. To you and Rissa.”
Seth sniffed at the glass. “I don’t think this’ll poison us. To Burke and Rissa. Keep making her happy, Boss Man.”
Wyatt smiled. “Wishing you all the best in your future, you both deserve it.”
Ford nodded. “The No Phailed Apple family keeps growing in the best ways and we’re glad you’re here on the farm. Congratulations, man.”
Knox thumped Burke on the shoulder. “You deserve the best, Burke. I’m glad you finally found it.”
Lawson laughed. “Only because Rissa showed up on her own. Here’s to not screwing it up again.”
Gray grinned. “To a future filled with love and family.”
Charlie held up his alcohol-free cider. “Congratulations, Burke. Now the whole Malssum family is married and here on the farm.”
Burke blinked back his emotions. “To family.”
They all shot back the cider and then shared a grin. “That’s really good, Charlie. You and your dad have another winner.”
Just like Burke. Because having Rissa as his bride was the biggest win of all.
No Question About It
Rissa Quinnell wasn’t sure when she’d last worn a dress. Had she ever? None of the many jobs she’d held over the years had required a dress. Her current job of playing with kids and science—best job ever—made wearing dresses silly.
But today? She was all in.
It was her wedding day and she was going to twirl and dance in the prettiest dress in the world.
Amber, Jolie, and the other women on the farm had helped her contact Nia Alexander-LaChance, a woman who lived in Bloo Moose, across the state. Nia was an incredible seamstress and designer. She bought used and vintage wedding dresses and cobbled together bits and pieces to make one-of-a-kind dresses that matched her clients perfectly.
Like this one. Rissa hadn’t wanted a gown, but she’d wanted something that twirled when she moved and made her feel her best. She also wanted Burke’s eyes to pop when he saw her.
Laughing, she spun again in front of the mirror in the Appley-Ever-After room at the No Phailed Apples Inn. “What do you think, Frizzle? Do you think he’ll like it?”
Frizzle barked her agreement, making Rissa laugh.
A knock on the door preceded Jolie’s voice. “We’re here. Are you ready? Can we come in?”
She laughed at the excitement in her friend’s voice. “Come in.”
Friendships had never come easily for Rissa. As a kid, she’d been shy and quiet, worried more about her home life than reaching out to others. Books and science had been her safe place for years, then Burke and his family had taken her in, wrapped her in warmth and taught her what family was supposed to be.
Now, after years apart, she was wrapped in the Malssum warmth again. This time, she also had love and it made her happier than she’d dreamed possible.
Jolie bounced in with a huge smile on her face, followed closely by Amber and the other women who lived on the farm, including Jayna Rose in her mom’s arms, and little Ella Mae who twirled in her dress.
“Issa, Issa, pwetty dwess. Pwetty pink dwess.”
Rissa squatted down and ran her fingers over the girl’s sparkly pink flounces. “You’re right, Ella Mae. You’ve got a pretty pink dress and you look like a princess.”
Ella twirled and then pointed at Rissa. “Pwetty dwess too.”
Rissa stood and twirled herself, making Ella do another dance while she laughed and clapped her hands.
Amber hugged Rissa. “You’re beautiful, inside and out. My brother is a lucky man.”
“I’m the lucky one.”
Jolie laughed and hugged her. “We’ll call it a tie. We’re so excited to have another sister, Rissa. Well, officially. We’ve thought of you that way for a very long time.”
Risssa swallowed down the emotion. Being part of the Malssum family activities had been the very best part of her childhood and youth. Now she had them forever.
And her lifelong dream was about to be realized. She was about to marry the man she’d loved since he’d been a boy carrying her books from the library.
At the No Phailed Apple Farm, dreams did come true.
A Question Of Family
Burke waited by the arbor and benches they’d set up in the orchard. The apple blossoms were at their peak and the area smelled like heaven.
Knox had been the first of their family to see the potential in their family’s inheritance. It had taken more than a year, but now all five Malssums lived here on the farm. His siblings were happily married and doing jobs they loved and that helped develop the farm. They’d created healthy businesses here on the land left them by their grandfather’s brother.
He hoped Fox and Jay knew how much the inheritance meant to them. Not only had they figured out the rift that had torn the brothers apart, Burke figured they’d also healed that rift. Fox’s grandkids living on Jay’s land brought the family back together.
His brothers approached him and Knox grinned. “They’d all be so damn happy for you.”
Lawson nodded. “They’d love knowing you and Rissa found each other again.”
Which they wouldn’t have had to do if Burke hadn’t been such an ass back then.
Knox slapped him on the shoulder. “No regrets, especially not today. If you hadn’t drifted apart, maybe you wouldn’t be standing here now.”
Burke nodded, but he would always regret hurting Rissa the way he had. It had been about self-preservation at the time, but he would spend decades making sure she knew she was loved.
Lawson looked around. “I think they would all love the farm and what we’re doing with it. Regenerative farming, healing the land, running an inn.”
Burke agreed. “And doing it all because we love it and it makes everyone happy. They’d especially love that we’re all together.”
His brothers nodded and it was a moment before they spoke, all of them swallowing the emotions.
Ella Mae danced into the orchard and waved. “Pwetty dwess, Daddy.”
Burke watched Nash’s grin bloom. Ella was speaking more clearly by the day and hearing her call Nash her daddy was new. The tyke had been through a lot in her few years, but now she was safe and happy with her new family.
Nash swooped her into his arms and turned her into a dance. “You’re beautiful, my Ella Mae.”
Beside them, Charlie grinned. “That’s a very pretty dress, Ella.”
She squirmed down and took Charlie’s hand, then looked back from where she’d come. “Pwetty dwesses.”
Olivia, Mara, Dani, Thea, and Esme walked through the trees, all sporting pretty summer dresses. Esme moved to the side to take pictures and Wyatt moved to stand with her.
Burke’s heart jumped as he searched the orchard for his bride. The woman he would love forever.
Rissa wasn’t comfortable with a lot of attention, so they’d skipped having an aisle. She wanted to walk in with her friends and Frizzle, not alone.
When he spotted her at the back the group, his heart stuttered.
She’d looped arms with Amber on one side and Jolie on the other, with Frizzle dancing around their feet as they walked.
Her dress swirled around her legs, making him drool. Rissa was gorgeous in her everyday jeans and t-shirts. Today, she nearly brought him to his knees.
Silky white covered in lace and jewels showcased her strong body and hugged curves he couldn’t wait to uncover.
When they locked eyes, her smile filled him up. She was all he needed. Forever.
I Have A Question
Rissa was glad Jolie and Amber kept her feet moving because she couldn’t pay attention to anything but Burke.
Her fiancé wore a tux that made him sexier than anyone she’d ever seen. World-famous spies had nothing on Burke. But it wasn’t the sexy package that had her heart wobbling, it was the smile in his eyes. She saw forever in that smile and she couldn’t be happier.
When they were only a few feet away, Burke moved forward and took her hands. “Rissa.”
His voice wavered with emotion and her eyes misted.
Then he leaned down to brush his lips over hers. “You’re the most beautiful creature. I can’t believe you agreed to be mine.”
His whisper brushed over her lips and then he kissed her again.
Her nerves fell away with the kiss. Nothing else mattered other than marrying this wonderful man. “I love you, Burke.”
Even though their words were only for each other, Knox coughed dramatically to get their attention as Frizzle barked to do the same.
Knox had become an officiant to marry Jolie and Ford. He’d performed the ceremony for the other couples on the farm and was doing the same for them today.
With a few shuffles, their closest friends arranged themselves in a small group around them. Their other friends from Midnight Lake and Phail would arrive for a party later on, but this ceremony was for their farm family.
Knox smiled. “I’m happy to be here today to marry Burke and Rissa. When we were kids back in Burlington, Rissa made an excellent addition to our family, and we’re thrilled to make that official today.”
Rissa felt her face flush, but that couldn’t stop her smile.
Knox grinned. “In honor of Rissa’s Q Lab and love of questions, don’t you think I should find out a few things about our happy couple?”
The audience chuckled and Knox waggled his eyebrows. “First question is who. Who thinks these two should get married today?”
Burke rolled his eyes at his brother, but he and Rissa both joined in with the crowd when everyone called out, “I do.”
Knox laughed. “Me too. Second question is what. What could have possessed Burke to let Rissa slip out of his hands the first time?”
Burke’s head dropped and he sighed as everyone else laughed.
Knox grinned. “Yep, he was obviously a dumbass, but he figured it out. Third question is where. Where should they get married? How about on the best apple farm in the world surrounded by friends and family?”
Everyone clapped at that.
“Fourth question is when. When did Burke finally get his head out of—oops, sorry kids. When did Burke finally figure out Rissa was who he’d been searching for his whole life?”
Burke shot his brother a look, but Rissa saw the humor beneath it as everyone else laughed. Then Burke lifted her hands and kissed them. “Glad I figured it out. Carry on, Annie, I want to be married.”
Knox held up his hands. “Sorry, Boss Man. And now to the final question. Why? Why do you want to get married today? And for that answer, let’s turn it over to Rissa first.”
Rissa smiled at the man she loved. “That’s an easy question to answer. Burke, you’re the best man I know and I love you so much. When we were kids, you helped me feel normal. I didn’t fit in with most kids, but you became my friend anyway. You let me into your wonderful family and showed me what family could look like. Because of you, I was brave enough to follow my heart and find my way into a job I love.”
She swallowed hard as the emotions swamped her. “Meeting you again here at the farm feels like fate. Like we were meant to find each other again. You’re an amazing man who values the best things in life: family most of all. I couldn’t be happier that we’re about to officially be family. I promise to love you and treasure you for my whole life. No question about that.”
Burke grinned at her. “I love you, Rissa. You’re an incredible woman. You built an amazing life for you and Frizzle. You were always so curious about the world around us and you’ve turned that into a fabulous career where you can share your love of science and learning with others. I’m amazed by you and your strength.”
His hand brushed over the scar left by Dan at that comment.
“I love everything about you, Rissa. I love your curiosity, your gentle heart, and mostly your willingness to give me a second chance when I was a dumbass.”
She chuckled along with everyone else. “You’re not a dumbass, Burke.”
His tender smile had her heart wobbling again. “Not anymore. I promise to love you forever, Rissa. I’ll treasure your heart, stand by your side, and have your back. I love you. No question, because you’re my answer to everything.”
Then he dropped his head while she reached up on her toes. The kiss was full of love and promise.
Vaguely, she heard Knox finish the ceremony. “Without question, because you’ve figured out the correct answer, I pronounce you husband and wife. Keep on kissing your bride, Burke.”
A Surprising Question
Burke watched Rissa dance with Troy Phail who was making her laugh as he led the group in the Chicken Dance. He’d even brought Maki from Chick Inn Time to help him lead the dance.
They were surrounded by the very best nuts in the world.
He texted his brother. “Are you here yet?”
Lawson’s voice came from over his shoulder. “Right here. Jolie and Amber are putting the final touches on your surprise.”
Burke took the keys from his brother and grinned as Knox joined them. Just like when they’d been kids, it felt great to be planning some fun with his family.
It was time to leave the party to the rest of them—he wanted his bride back in his arms. He strode across the grassy area as the song finished. Mara had planned a fun playlist for the evening, and he wondered if she’d read his mood as he crossed to Rissa because the tempo changed.
The song was sultry and sexy, the singer’s voice echoing his thoughts. Rissa spotted him approaching and her smile lit up, filling his heart to the brim.
After the singer finished the first line, he echoed her words. “Could I have this dance?”
Rissa reached up to kiss him. “Any and every dance you like.”
While the song talked about dancing together for the rest of their lives, he held Rissa in his arms and let peace fill him up. He might have messed up as a kid, but he’d figured it out and now, the future was full of the best possibilities he could imagine.
When the song wrapped up, he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Are you ready for a surprise?”
Her laugh was full of sexy fun. “What kind of surprise?”
“Not that, not quite yet, anyway. I’ve got a plan, well several plans.”
“You do, do you?”
He kissed her smile. “Damn straight. Come on.”
As soon as they left the dance floor, Frizzle jumped up and trotted to them, barking her opinion on the evening.
Burke tucked Rissa under his arm and led the way out of the orchard and to the driveway. Of course, the entire group followed them. Which was fine as he knew his family wanted to see Rissa’s reaction to his surprise.
They were past the farmhouse and on the edge of Gray’s garden before she spotted the surprise parked in front of the inn.
She stumbled to a stop and stared at the shiny new RV. Lawson had backed it in, so the large QLab2 logo was visible on the back wall with her website’s URL printed beneath it.
“The Q2. You really had it made.”
He laughed. “Of course I did. I’d never welch on a Christmas gift.”
“You didn’t say a word.”
“I wanted it to be a surprise.”
She laughed and threw her arms around him. “It is. You’re always full of the best surprises, Burke. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“Want to have a peek inside?”
Laughing, she grabbed his hand and ran up the driveway.
Burke unlocked the door, but when Rissa would have stepped inside, he swooped her into his arms instead. “Allow me. It’s our first threshold together as a married couple.”
Her cheeks flushed and her smile bloomed. “Thank you, kind sir.”
When she kissed his jaw and then brushed her hand along his face, he nearly told the family to beat it. “Soon Rissa. Very, very soon. For now, we have an audience.”
Her flush deepened as he climbed into the RV, but she laughed and kissed him again.
He didn’t put her down once they were in, instead he turned her slowly in a circle so she could see the interior.
“Oh Burke, it’s amazing. It’s perfect. Frizzle’s going to love all her dog beds. You’ve thought of everything.”
He hoped so. They’d made a few tweaks to the plans he’d given her for Christmas, and the company had followed through on them all. In fact, they’d had a blast incorporating all of the design elements that would make Rissa happy. Especially the secure storage arrangements for her science tubs.
The others darted in and out for a quick tour of the RV, with Charlie easily being the most excited about the setup.
Burke had to grit his teeth together to let them have a look. He wanted Rissa to himself and he wanted her now.
As if reading his thoughts, Knox slapped him on the shoulder. “Boss Man appears to be at the end of his patience. Let’s go, everyone. Congratulations Burke. Welcome to the family, Rissa. Have fun.”
A Question Of Taste
Rissa tried to squirm to her feet, but Burke grinned and held her close. “Not yet. Let me hold my wife.”
She laughed and agreed. She doubted she could deny him anything that was in her power to give. Being held as if she were a treasure was an easy one.
Everyone wished them congratulations until it was only Burke’s siblings left.
Lawson kissed Rissa’s cheek. “Thanks for making our family complete.”
While she blinked her misty eyes, Knox smiled. “Thanks for giving us back our brother.”
Jolie hugged them both. “And for giving us another sister.”
Amber hugged them with a huge smile. “We’ve got Frizzle taken care of. Charlie declared she’s spending the first night with him. We’ve got her covered until you return. We’ve also stocked the fridge and that cupboard. We love you both. Enjoy the Q2’s first trip.”
And then they were gone.
Burke kissed Rissa until her head spun. then he moved to the front and set her gently in the passenger seat. “I’m glad I’ve got a spot that isn’t far. Buckle up and hang on, Rissa.”
He grinned at her as he started the engine and the lack of noise grabbed her attention. “She’s so quiet.”
He laughed as he pulled out of the driveway. “Electric and solar power only. The most environmentally RV on the planet according to the people who built her.”
While she was fascinated and would love to explore her Q2, it wasn’t close to the first thing on her mind. She wanted to explore her husband first. “I can’t wait to learn more about her, but later. Much later. Hurry, Burke.”
He groaned and shot her a look. “Hurrying.”
It wasn’t long before he pulled onto a quiet road. The beauty of Vermont surrounded them, but it wasn’t a distraction either.
After a mile, Burke pulled into a driveway that contained a hay field. “One of Knox’s contacts said we could park here for however long we like. The field won’t need tending for a few days at least.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Burke parked and stowed the keys in a spot in the console—a console that also boasted a raised bed for when Frizzle wanted to join them as they drove.
Burke stood and lifted Rissa out of her seat. He moved until they were in the empty space in front of her new work station.
He slid her down his body and turned her into a dance. She sighed as she leaned into his body. “I’m glad to have my husband alone at last.”
He lifted one hand to brush his fingers along her jawline and into her hair. Her body tingled at his touch, as she knew it always would. “This sexy dress has been driving me out of the mind since the moment you strolled into the orchard with my sisters.”
Rissa laughed. “Good. You look sexier than James Bond ever managed—and I’ve been drooling all day.”
He smiled and trailed his thumb over her lips and jawline again, then cupped her face. “I wish I could go back in time and tell myself we’d end up here together, as we were meant to be.”
Rissa swallowed hard to contain the emotion. “Me too. I never truly believed I would see you again. I didn’t have a clue this much happiness was possible.”
Sorrow swam into his eyes and she reached up to kiss him lightly. “No regrets, Burke. The past is where it belongs and we’ve got the present and the entire future ahead of use.”
“And I’m going to spend every minute of it showing you how much I love you. Starting now.”
His lips brushed over hers slowly, softly, then with more pressure, more passion.
When he lifted his head, her body trembled with desire. Burke spun her in a circle then crashed his lips onto hers again.
His hands roamed under the dress, lifting it as he continued to drive her mad with his mouth. His fingers drifted over the silky underwear she’d ordered to match her dress and he groaned. “Sexy lace to go with the sexy legs and body.”
He danced them until her back pressed against the cupboards, the same place they’d made love for the first time in the original Q Lab.
Burke’s eyes sparkled as he ran his hands up her thighs and traced her lingerie again. “I love you, Rissa. I want to see you shatter right here. Like our first time, I want to watch your eyes go blind and feel your body consumed with pleasure.”
He kissed her lips, then along her jawline to her ear, all while telling her exactly what he was going to do to her and how much pleasure watching her orgasm gave him.
Her limbs weakened when he dropped to his knees. He skimmed his hands up her thighs while he locked gazes with her. Each stroke of his hands moved higher, sending more shivers along her skin.
With a grin, Burke lifted the skirt up. “Hold that for me, would you? I’ve got a few experiments to run here.”
With trembling hands, she held the skirt. Burke kissed her thighs and trailed his lips over the edges of the silk. He drew the panties down her legs, helping her step out of them when her knees wobbled. He chuckled and kissed his way back up. Her body was so needy, so desperate for his touch that it only took a few swipes of his tongue to send her flying.
Burke held her steady while he used his tongue to extend her orgasm and then, only a few moments later, sent her flying into a second.
He swooped her up into his arms when her bones melted and held her close. “That’s a hell of a great way to start our married life, Rissa.”
“I love you, Burke.”
“Love you, Rissa. Ready to try out the Murphy bed?”
“With you, I’m always ready to experiment.”
And laughing, they found out the improved mattress was everything they hoped it would be.
A Final Question
A few hours later, Burke opened the Q2’s fridge to find it stocked with champagne, fruit, meats, and cheeses. Even chocolate covered strawberries and bottles of cider.
In the cupboard Amber had pointed out, he found a gift bag and food container with bows on them, along with a champagne bucket and two glasses. Of course, there was also a tray. He set it up and brought it over to the bed with a grin. Rissa’s hair was tousled from their love-making and her sated smile had his body reacting again.
He held up the tray. “My siblings set us up with a few things.” He set the tray on the bed and then grabbed the gift box and container.
Rissa smiled. “Our names and our wedding date are etched on the glasses and the champagne bucket. I’m betting that was Amber’s idea. You have the best family.”
He sat on the mattress, pleased when his weight didn’t shift the tray. The extra money for a high quality mattress was already worth it. “Wrong pronoun.”
She frowned at him. “Sorry?”
“You said that I have the best family. Wrong pronoun. We have the best family. You’re part of us.”
Burke would never tire of the joy lighting up her face. “You’re right. I’m a Malssum now. When I was a kid, I wished I could leave my father and join your family. I much prefer this way of joining the family.”
Burke laughed. “I’ve never seen you as the sisterly-type. I know we were just kids back then, but we had the right idea.”
He poured the champagne and passed her a glass before lifting his. “To you, Rissa. For giving me a second chance, for filling the world with your joy and love of learning. You’re amazing and I love you so much.”
Her eyes misted as she tapped her glass to his. “I love you, Burke. I’ve loved you forever and I’m so glad I came to Phail that day.”
“Me too.”
They took a sip of the champagne and he handed her the container. “Let’s find out what else they gave us.”
Rissa ran her fingers over the bow before she lifted the lid. Inside, there were four cupcakes edged with tiny apples. Groom was written on one, bride on the second. The third showed a couple kissing, and the fourth was an image of Frizzle saying “Congrats!” All the decorations done with icing.
Burke laughed. “That one’s probably in case you’re missing Frizzle.”
Rissa tapped the dog’s nose without messing up the design. “I hate to say it, but I haven’t even thought of her until now. I hope she’s doing okay with Charlie.”
“She’ll be fine. And if not, they know we’re not far away. We can go get her any time.”
She smiled and shook her head. “I think she’ll enjoy her time with her buddies. I like having this time to focus on my husband.”
He grinned and handed her the other present. Rissa hadn’t had enough presents and positive surprises in her life. That would never be the case again.
Rissa pulled out a small piece of cardstock. Jolie had written on it. “For those moments when you need to cover up. Have fun!”
Rissa’s face flushed even as she laughed. She pulled out a pair of black t-shirts and handed him the larger one.
Amber had been working with Elina Ramirez in Phail to come up with a logo for the farm. The t-shirts showed the final design on the front. The words No Phailed Apples Inn surrounded an apple with a ladybug sitting on top.
He realized there was more on the back and they flipped them around.
An orchard scene showcased chickens, ducks, and dogs playing beneath the blossoming trees filled the back.
Above that, in bold letters, his read Boss Man. Rissa’s read Question Lady.
Rissa laughed and hugged it to her. “This is amazing. They’re wonderful.”
He agreed, but they’d thank their friends later.
Burke placed the tray on the ground and then tossed the shirts. “We don’t need these right now.” Because he needed to kiss the joy and happiness emanating from Rissa.
Once he had everything on the ground, he tossed back the sheet and grabbed the bride and groom cupcake.
Burke straddled Rissa and lifted the cupcake. “I have a question. How will this icing taste when I lick it off your body?”
It didn’t take long to find the answer and declare the experiment a rousing success.
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this bonus scene to the No Fail Heroes Romantic Suspense series!
Next up will be Second Look, the first book in the Second Chances Resort series.
If we’re willing to take a risk, we all deserve a second chance!
