Epilogue
A year later
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Matt, you may kiss your bride.”
Matt wasted no time pulling Iris into his arms. He’d known the moment she had entered the church on her son’s arm that he was no longer chasing a second chance. Beginning today, for the rest of his life, he would appreciate that a higher being thought he was deserving enough to be given one.
Pam had been Iris’s matron of honor, and Dominic had been his best man. Iris had twelve bridesmaids, and he had the same number of groomsmen. Iris had selected purple and gold as their wedding colors.
When he released her mouth, the minister said, as they turned to their two-hundred-plus guests, “I present to everyone, Matthew and Iris Caulder.”
There were claps and cheers inside the church. After pictures, they rejoined their guests in the ballroom of the Westmoreland House. Alpha Westmoreland had done a wonderful job as the event planner, giving them the kind of wedding they wanted.
The past year had been so great, with him and Iris spending more time together. When they decided to move forward and make their relationship permanent, they had called Deena and Garlan with their good news. Both had been extremely happy for their parents.
The announcement of their engagement had not been the only good news.
Aidan and Jill’s identical twin sons, Asher and Ander, were born a few months ago to very proud parents.
Also, Pam was planning another gender reveal party.
This one would be for her sister Paige and her husband, Senator Jess Outlaw. Everyone was happy for the couple.
Matt turned to Iris, cupped her chin, and said, “I love you, Iris Caulder.”
She smiled at him. “And I love you, too, Matt Caulder. For always and forever.”
He swept her into his arms to carry her out of the church, knowing their always and forever had begun.
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Keep reading for an excerpt from Big Sky Rancher by JoAnna Sims.