Chapter Twenty-Two
Saturday morning, Dylan was up early with the others to finish the day’s work before the wedding that afternoon.
It had been a busy few days. They’d finished up their first cutting of hay before the next rainstorm would hit.
Hay that got rained on lost its nutrient value, which in turn could have a major impact on cow nutrition in the winter.
On their way back, Dylan lifted his face to the sun, inhaling the fresh air.
He loved ranching, loved watching the seasons change, loved being in the saddle with his brother and cousins, loved planning their breeding program.
This afternoon he was getting married to the most beautiful woman on earth. He couldn’t be happier.
Of course, he knew things wouldn’t always be like this. He knew enough about life on a ranch to know how unpredictable it could be, but with June by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenge life brought their way.
Carson joined him. “Everything ready for this afternoon?”
“Yes, I think so. I’m sorry Abby, June’s friend, can’t be here, she is fully booked for the next two weeks, but apparently, she’ll be visiting soon. But at least Barry and his wife have arrived. I think it means the world to June that they’re here.”
Carson nodded. “I’m glad I got to meet him last night. I’m looking forward to working with him and June.” He hesitated. “You’re sure about getting married?”
Dylan laughed. “I’ve never been this sure about anything in my life before. What about you? Have you met anyone interesting lately?”
“Nope, single and very happy. I haven’t told you yet, but I’ve been contacted by an art gallery in Spokane. Willow has spoken to the owner, they’ve seen my photographs on social media and want to talk about the possibility of an exhibition.”
“That’s great news!” Dylan exclaimed.
“I was very surprised and skeptical at first, but Willow thinks it’s a very good gallery and I should go for it.”
“I’m so happy for you. I’ve always told you your photographs are art.”
“I’m glad you think so,” Carson smiled. “I’m taking your wedding pictures this afternoon.”
Dylan laughed. “I haven’t even thought about it but thank you. I just heard about all the wedding plans from June at night. The women have been amazing helping June.”
Becket, Cooper, and Hayden joined them while they were talking.
“The Weston women are a scary lot when they get organizing,” Becket grinned.
“But you can know it’s going to be a great wedding,” Cooper said. “So is your tux ready?”
“Tux?” Dylan laughed. “I don’t even own a suit. My usual jeans and shirt will have to do.”
Becket chuckled. “Well, coz, you’re probably in for a surprise. Our mom is not going to let you wear jeans today.”
Dylan was still sputtering when the others rode away, laughing.
His phone rang. It was his bride on a video call.
“Hey, you. I thought I wasn’t supposed to see you today,” he grinned.
“You’ve already seen me before you snuck out of the window this morning,” June grinned.
“Well, I don’t understand why I couldn’t be with you last night, it doesn’t make any sense. Are you okay?”
“I’m still struggling to believe we’re really getting married today!”
“Believe it, I can’t wait.”
“Thank you for the beautiful earrings you left on my pillow. You’re spoiling me.”
“You’ll have to get used to that,” he grinned. “I love you, June. I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
Her eyes bright, she smiled. “I needed to hear that. I love you too. Ooh, the women are at the door, see you later!”
Grinning he put his phone away and followed his brothers and cousins. He had to get ready for his wedding.
*
“What do you think, Abs?” June asked as she turned around. Abby was on a video call, June was trying to show her what her dress looked like.
“Oh, June,” Abby sniffed. “You look gorgeous in the satin. And that back is beautiful. Blue is the perfect color for you. I’m so, so sorry I can’t be there today.”
“You’re coming to visit soon, though,” June said. “And I can’t wait to show you around the ranch and introduce you to everything Marietta.”
“I can’t wait. I have to go now, but remember to send me pictures of the wedding?”
“Of course,” June smiled before they ended the call. Putting her hand on her heart, she stared at herself in the mirror. To be honest, she really missed Abby today. They’d always shared everything.
Behind her was a commotion and the door behind her opened. The Weston women, all dressed and ready, entered her room.
“Oh, June,” Arlene sighed. “You look beautiful!”
“Thank you, Arlene. And thank you, again for my dress and the shoes—it’s all so perfect, I want to cry.”
“No crying,” Rose said. “You look amazing.”
“So do all of you. Thanks for being my bridesmaids.”
“Come on, bride,” Willow said, “everyone is waiting downstairs. We’re just here to check if you need anything.”
“A hug, maybe?”
Everyone gathered around her and soft, feminine arms hugged her close for a perfect moment.
“Okay,” Willow sniffed, her eyes bright with tears, “now we really have to go.”
Skirts swishing and still chatting, they left.
Inhaling deeply, June took a last look at herself before she left. She couldn’t wait to see her bridegroom.
At the top of the stairs was another surprise. Barry was waiting for her with a small bouquet of flowers in his hands.
“Barry? Everything okay?”
“Of course,” he smiled, handing her the flowers. “These are from Abby.” He held out his arm. “It would be my honor to walk you down the aisle.”
She couldn’t talk. Her throat was clogged up with tears. Taking his arm, she leaned against him for a moment. “Thank you.”
“Of course,” he said with a smile. “I couldn’t be prouder of the woman you’ve become. Now I also understand why you wanted to move here. Come on, there’s a guy wearing a suit and tie downstairs and he’s not looking very happy.”
“A suit and tie? My Dylan?” she laughed. “That I have to see.”
*
Dylan was still trying to loosen his tie when the sound of music filled the air of the marquee on the big lawn in front of Hayden’s house. His cousins had been right—Arlene had left a suit for him in the house. It was a nice suit, but why he had to wear a damn tie, he had no idea.
Dropping his hand, he fixed his eyes on the entrance where he was hoping to see June.
Their friends and everyone else on the ranch got up and turned around. It wasn’t June that entered, though, but Willow, Ellie, Rose and Laura. People laughed as Daisy, with a huge pink ribbon around her neck, followed the women. When she saw him, she ran closer, tail wagging, body wiggling.
He bent down to calm her down and as he stood up, he saw June on Barry’s arm coming down the aisle toward him. His breath left his body and in awe, he stared at the vision in blue, the woman who would be his wife within minutes.
As she neared, she turned around, showing him the low back of the dress and winking at him over her shoulder—exactly as he’d pictured her all those weeks ago.
Barry shook his hand, just about crushing it. Dylan managed not to wince.
“You look after her, you hear me?” Barry said.
“Of course, sir,” Dylan smiled.
And then finally, he could touch his bride. Pulling her hand through his arm, he looked his fill. She was wearing his earrings and the necklace he’d given her. “You are so beautiful. I’m a lucky man.”
Her eyes bright with tears, she hugged his arm before they turned to the minister.
*
It was late when they stopped in front of Dylan’s house. He was taking her away for a few days, he’d said, but they were going to spend their wedding night at home. Their home, as Dylan called it.
She’d never been a part of an us or an our but marrying her Weston, she’d automatically become a part of this weird and wonderful family.
As they walked hand in hand toward the front door, she looked up at the stars. It was a clear night with no clouds in sight, just a million stars and the thin sliver of a crescent moon.
“Will Daisy be okay with Cooper and Rose until we’re back?” she asked.
“Cooper’s the animal whisperer, as you’ve heard,” Dylan said as he opened the front door. “All animals are happy around him.” He picked her up and carried her over the threshold. “So, Mrs. Weston, do you need anything else?”
“Oh, yes,” she chuckled as she loosened his tie. “My husband. Naked.”
Laughing, he grabbed her hand as they walked toward the bedroom. “That can be arranged.”
Much later, when she opened her eyes, she was lying cuddled against Dylan’s solid body. For a moment, she lay perfectly still, listening to his soft snoring.
A tinge of sadness for the woman who’d thought she had no choice when she’d dropped her off at the fire station, flitted through her. Her mother.
Sighing, she lifted her head to watch her husband. The hole she’d always been aware of deep inside of her, was now filled with happiness, joy, gratitude, and love.
She, who had never been able to find a forever home as a kid, had found it here with her cowboy.
“You awake?” Dylan’s voice rumbled as he pulled her closer.
“Oh, yes!” Grinning, she reached up to touch her husband’s face. “Have I told you how happy I am?”
“Well,” he said as his hand slipped down her back, “I can make you even happier if you like?”
Slipping her hand up his chest she grinned. “Yes, please, I like.”
With a laugh, he rolled her on her back. “I love you, June Weston.”
The lump was back in her throat. Pulling his head down, she whispered against his lips. She had his name, his heart. Here with him was her forever home. “June Weston loves you right back.”
The End