Epilogue
Four months later . . .
“It’s time, Abby,” Brice said.
She turned from the mirror and smiled at him and Caleb, who stood in the doorway. “You too look so handsome.”
At her words, Caleb beamed and tipped his cowboy hat at her while Brice fidgeted with the buttoned collar of his shirt. The three of them had never left the East ranch. Once she and Clayton had returned on Christmas Eve, there had been a huge celebration for their engagement.
Her brothers became quite the cowboys over the next few months.
Both rode a horse like they’d been born to it, and their happiness extended to other parts of their lives.
Their grades were great, and they both had begun to hang with different friends, but their attention was the ranch.
They willingly did their chores every day without having to be told.
“Abby, you look beautiful,” Caleb said as he walked into the room.
She looked down at her wedding dress. Though she hadn’t cared about having one, Clayton and Justine had insisted that she get something. Surprisingly, she’d found the perfect one. The vintage lace dress matched perfectly with the ambiance of the wedding set at the ranch.
The gown had long, lace sleeves and a bodice that hugged her figure before the lace dropped in an A-line skirt to the ground. The veil was actually Justine’s from her wedding. Never before had Abby felt so beautiful or special.
With a brother on each arm, Abby walked from her room, down the stairs, and out the back of the house just as the sun was setting. The yard had been turned into a scene right out of a fairytale. Flowers dripped from everywhere.
There was a huge tent that had tiny lights strung across the top to mimic the spot where Clayton had proposed. But that was for the reception. Now, her brothers walked her toward an archway of flowers and more tiny lights where Clayton waited.
His blond hair was still long at her request, and his pale green eyes were locked on her. His smile was sexy as he gave a nod of approval when he saw her. His black suit fit him to perfection. She would have to find other reasons for him to wear it, because it looked stunning on him.
And then she was standing before him. Her brothers handed her off, each of them kissing her cheek before going to their seats. Clayton took her hand in his as he gave her a little squeeze.
“My God, woman. You put the stars to shame, you shine so brightly,” he whispered.
“You’re wearing that suit again. I can’t stop staring.”
“I’ll wear it every damn day then,” he said with a wink.
She never took her eyes off Clayton as they exchanged vows and wedding rings. Before she knew it, Clayton was kissing her. The loud cheer that went up had both of them smiling—and remembering that they weren’t alone.
“You’re mine now,” Clayton said as he pressed his forehead to hers.
“I’ve been yours.”
His crooked grin made her stomach flutter. “Let’s get out of here and start our honeymoon.”
“We can’t,” she said with a laugh. “And we need to walk down the aisle to the reception.”
“You’ve got an hour, Mrs. East. Then I’ll throw you over my shoulder and carry you out of here.”
She was smiling when they turned to face their guests. Hand-in-hand, they walked down the aisle to start their new lives. Abby didn’t know what the future held, but she knew whatever came, it would be worth it being loved by—and loving—Clayton East.
Her hero.
Her cowboy.
Thank you for reading THE CHRISTMAS COWBOY HERO.