See Bride Run! Read Online Free Page A

yourself from the vehicle.”
    Giving an enormous sigh, Annie hit the automatic door unlock and reached for the handle. The sheriff stepped back as she opened the door and tried to extricate herself from the front seat of the limousine. Her cheeks flamed a bright red as the crowd stared in disbelief. The woman in the waitress uniform hurried over and tried to help her. Once Annie was out and standing among them, everybody stared.
    “Oh, my Lord,” Darla said. “I’ve never seen anything like that.”
    Annie longed to crawl beneath a large rock and never come out.
    Sam stared as well at what looked to be hundreds of yards of white satin and lace that made up the most elaborate bridal gown he’d ever laid eyes on. She still wore her veil although it hung askew, and her tiara looked as though it was barely hanging on. Seeing her face in the light was almost humbling. Her facial bones were delicate and very feminine, her skin flawless and glowing. Her mouth was full and sexy as hell. He could not help but stare openly.
    “Jeez, Louise,” Bic said, having come around from the front of the car.
    He looked at Sam, and whispered, “Would you get a load of that crown on her head? She must come from royalty.” He bowed low in respect and nudged Sam to do the same.
    “That’s not a crown,” Darla said. “It’s a tiara. A lot of brides wear them. I’ve never see a pink one.”
    “She looks like a bone fide princess to me,” Bic whispered, still bowing. “How you reckon she managed to get that bride’s dress in the car with her?”
    Sam shook his head. Had he been a betting man, he would have wagered against that possibility. “Beats me.” He looked at Bic. “Would you stop bowing for Pete’s sake!”
    “Well, now,” Sheriff Hester said, clearing his throat loudly. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this before. Are you supposed to be somewhere, miss, um—” He paused.
    “No, Sheriff, I don’t have anywhere I’m supposed to be,” she said. “I fled the scene. That’s how I ended up in this predicament.”
    “Honey, that dress is to die for,” Darla said. “I know you didn’t buy it off no rack. And I have to say,” she went on, “Kim Kardashian’s gown doesn’t hold a light to you.” Darla looked at Sam. “Am I right or am I right?”
    He gave Darla a blank look. “I don’t know anybody named Kim.”
    “Oh, good grief!” Darla said. “What’s the use of having all those flat screens if you don’t keep up with the hottest TV shows?”
    “It’s one of those Reality TV shows,” Hester said. “My wife watches it.”
    Sam knew nothing about Reality TV, but he knew that Annie’s bare shoulders reminded him of fresh cream. The gown was formfitting and jeweled from the waist up, revealing ample breasts and a trim waist. From there it flared like a bell. A very large bell, he thought.
    The woman, Annie, caught him staring and looked amused. Or maybe Sam just thought she looked amused because he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was a vision. Nevertheless, he felt foolish. “Yep, that is some dress,” he said. “Only two things missing as far as I can tell,” he added, “the groom and the church.”
    Darla glared at him. “Samuel Aaron Ballard, that was downright rude!”
    Annie met his gaze. “Yes, it was rude.”
    “Don’t listen to ol’ Sam,” Darla told her. “Last time he saw a bride, she was running fast as she could in the opposite direction.”
    Sam looked at Darla. “Thank you for airing my dirty laundry on Main Street,” he said tersely.
    “Would you two stop fussing long enough for me to do my job?” Sheriff Hester demanded. “Besides, I think it’s time we gave Sam a rest about his fiancée running out on him. After all, that was years ago.”
    A sudden smile curved Annie’s lips, and two dimples appeared. Sam felt as though a rug had just been pulled out from under him.
    “Excuse me, Sheriff,” Bic said. “May I speak to the lady one