by Megan Ryder
“Point me to the horse and give me a couple of hands and we’ll take care of it. You don’t want to be late for your own wedding, do you?”
Chase heaved a sigh of relief. Things were coming together. Now to make sure the rest of the guests could get there, and they’d be all set.
Chapter 7
Hailey's father met her on the porch, with Gene Woodruff, the town's cantankerous artist who clearly had a heart of gold, or at least a romantic streak. He waited in a gorgeous black sleigh, with a Christmas-red interior and a red, white, and black plaid blanket draped over the back, to ensure her comfort on the short distance to the barn. Gene had already taken the bridesmaids over, mostly so Tara could look over the last-minute details and make sure everything was perfect. Tears pricked her eyes at the picture-perfect sleigh, her ride for her wedding. How magical that was, beyond anything she could have ever imagined.
Her father brushed a tear from his eyes. "You're beautiful, Hailey. Radiant. Thank you for letting me be a part of this."
They hugged, while he was careful to not muss her hair or makeup, she didn't care. She had spent too much time being careful in her life. She held him close and laid her head on his shoulder for a moment. She straightened with a deep breath and turned to Gene who had moved to the bottom of the step.
"Your carriage, milady?"
Hailey took his hand and carefully walked down the steps and into the sleigh, arranging her skirt so it wouldn't wrinkle. Her father sat across from her and they smiled for the photographer. Gene then started the sleigh and bells jingled on their way to the barn.
A.J. raced in, yelling so everyone could hear. "They're coming!"
Everyone got very quiet and Chase could hear the sleigh bells jingling as the sleigh pulled up to the barn door. He couldn't see her yet and nerves jangled inside his stomach.
Ty leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Did you think she wouldn't show?"
Chase glared at him but Ty only grinned. Ass. But the jest had done its job, lightened the mood enough to relax him so his fists weren't so tightly clenched, his jaw not aching from the stress that was stored in his body. She was here. The justice of the peace was here. Their family and friends were here. Everyone had made it. Finally, Hailey and A.J. were going to be his; they were going to be a family. Forever. For all his years of running from commitment, this ceremony couldn't happen soon enough.
The music started playing and everyone stood at their tables. He took a deep breath and turned to face the open door. Hailey stood framed in the doorway, her father by her side, but he only had eyes for his bride. She literally took his breath away for several moments. His heart pounded in his chest, blood roaring in his ears. This was the woman who completed him, who stood by his side, supported him and made him a better man. She was his goddess, the woman he would happily worship for the rest of his life. The warrior who fought for her son, for him. And she was his lover, his partner. Everything else faded away until he could only see her. Her smile. Those deep blue eyes that shone with love.
He took two steps forward before West grabbed his arm with a low chuckle. "Wait for her to come to you, idiot. She'll be here soon."
The room had noticed his eagerness because they all laughed, even Hailey, who smiled and started down the aisle, her eyes never leaving him. Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, she was standing next to him and her father was in between them.
He glanced between the two of them, a little awkwardly. "Well, I guess this is where I hand you my little girl. Take care of her, Chase."
Chase blinked rapidly a few times to clear his vision. "No, sir. This is where you become part of our family. And I will always take care of her."
Her father looked startled then pleased. He held his hand out to Chase. "Welcome to the family, son."
Now it was Hailey's turn to sniff and blink rapidly. "Don't make me smudge my make-up."
Chase took her hand and they stepped up to the justice of the peace to begin the ceremony. A.J. came and stood between them, which was a bit unexpected, but not unwelcome and they each put a hand on his shoulders. It felt right to have him there. Nancy did her usual beginning, which Chase mainly tuned out, still casting sidelong glances at Hailey until she nudged him.
Nancy smiled and murmured, "I know we didn't rehearse this, but this is the part where you say your vows. I was told you wanted to say your own?"
He cleared his throat, face burning as his brothers snickered. He turned to face Hailey and took both of her hands in his, A.J. stepping to the side.
"Hailey, I never really knew what love was, never really had an example of family or love before now. When I met you all those years ago, I didn't think I deserved you and I still don't. But you've shown me how to love, how to laugh, how to live, and how to be a family. I promise you that I will love you, honor you, cherish you for the rest of my life. And I will be the best husband I can be."
He then knelt and put a hand on A.J.'s shoulder. "I may not be your father, but I promise you today that I will be your dad and take care of you, love you, and raise you as my own. You will be my son and be a part of my family forever."
A.J. threw his arms around Chase and hugged him. Chase swallowed hard, hugged the boy then gently disentangled himself to stand. Hailey had tears running down her face by this point, but she recovered.
"Chase Summers, I've loved you for so long and I can't remember a time when you weren't in my life as a friend, a partner and now my love. I'm glad you never gave up on me and were always there for me, to help me have this second chance at love and life. I promise to love you and show you how to be a family forever and to be the best wife I can be and the best partner for you in all of our lives."
He leaned down to kiss her, but Nancy stopped him. "Not so fast, cowboy. Rings?"
The guests all laughed but Chase didn’t care. He just wanted to get to the good part. The part where Hailey and A.J. were his forever. They quickly exchanged their rings and finally he was able to kiss his bride, the love of his life, the woman who had saved him all those years ago with her friendship and just a few short months ago with her love.
Chapter 8
Hailey and Chase took the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. The lights that twined around the poles and the rafters drew to a point right above their head. A sprig of mistletoe tied with a red bow dangled from the center point to emphasize the romance of the moment. As they danced to the spot, the predictable clinking of glasses began and she glared at Tara, who gave her an innocent smile. Hailey narrowed her gaze then shrugged. Why fight it? She'd been wanting to kiss her man all day. Now she could.
She tangled her fingers in the strands of his hair at the back of his head and pulled him down, pressing her lips to his. He slid his hands around her waist and hauled her up against him, so she was on her tiptoes and took control of the kiss, his tongue diving deep to remind her of who was in charge. She leaned against him and deepened the kiss, but he lifted his head a few inches, an amused smile on his face.
"Not yet, wife. We have an audience. I prefer privacy for that."
She laughed and laid her head on his chest, swaying gently to the music. "Thank you for your vow today, with A.J. I can't believe you did that."
He sighed and rested his cheek on her head. "Today wasn't just about us but about him too. Today, we became a family. Look around. My brothers. Your parents. A.J. Our friends. All together, enjoying this moment."
"I'm glad we didn't go to Vegas."
He smiled and twirled her around, so they were standing under the mistletoe again. "Me too. We would have missed all of this. But we're still going away for a few days, after Christmas."
She drew back, her brow furrowed. "We can't. There's too much to do and the timing..."
"Couldn't be better," West interjected as he and Tara danced close by. "It's all been decided."
"We all pitched in and got you a honeymoon for your wedding, something way better than Vegas. Cabo San Lucas. Enjoy yo
ur fun in the sun while you relax at the resort for a week."
"A.J. will stay with us for the week, if that's okay," her mother offered, from the other side.
Hailey stared at Tara, frozen in her spot. Cabo? She had heard other people talk about it, seen the pictures on the Internet but never dreamed she'd ever go there. She looked at Chase who looked at his brother, his jaw tight. She realized their family and friends had all gathered round and were waiting to hear their response. She linked her arm with Chase's and shook her head at everyone.
"I can't believe you all did this. It's way more than you should have but we thank you. We're overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness."
Chase cleared his throat and wrapped an arm around Hailey. "It means the world to us that you all are here for us today, and every day. But this is beyond anything we could have ever dreamed. Thank you all so much."
A.J. pushed his way through. "Am I going too?"
Chase knelt down. "Not this time, buddy. Maybe another time."
He looked crestfallen but Ty laid a hand on his shoulder. "Someone needs to help me with the horses. I thought you were training to be Chase's assistant. Someone has to tell me what to do."
A.J. nodded. "I can do that."
Hailey bit her lower lip to stop from laughing. Instead, she laid her head on Chase's shoulder. She finally had the family she always wanted and the cowboy who came home to her, along with his promise of forever. She had everything she could ever want.
About Megan Ryder
Ever since Megan Ryder discovered Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught while sneaking around the “forbidden” romance section of the library one day after school, she has been voraciously devouring romance novels of all types. Now a romance author in her own right, Megan pens sexy contemporary novels all about family and hot lovin’ with the boy next door. She’s also a master procrastinator–if only her cocker spaniel, Bentley, would let her focus on writing instead of playing ball all day!
For upcoming releases and other information, contact Megan:
Click here to go to Megan’s Website
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Also by Megan Ryder
THE KNIGHTS OF PASSION
The Knights of Passion. A team of team of sexy, dedicated men and women who love baseball and are filled with the competitive fire to win on the field and off the field. These are men and women who have been tested by life. They have found a place that they can call home and people they can call family.
Going All The Way (Knights of Passion 1)
He’s looking for redemption.
After destroying his reputation, first baseman Jason Friar is desperate to make a comeback in Major League Baseball. The only team who will have him is the perennial cellar dwellers, the Georgia Knights, who are looking for a leader for their struggling team. With the contract comes a leash, held by a sexy image consultant with whom he had a hot fling…
She’s looking for respect.
After being blamed for the collapse of a political candidate’s campaign, Stacia Kendall needs a new opportunity to prove herself to her father, a prominent and powerful Senator. Her one chance is to redeem the image of Jason Friar and not succumb to the heat simmering between them, a heat she knows so well…
Can Stacia help Jason find the redemption he needs, while protecting her heart?
Order: Going All The Way (Knights of Passion 1)
Love From Left Field (Knights of Passion 2)
She wants to save the Knights…
When Miranda Callahan’s father, principle owner and hands-on dictator of the Georgia Knights, has a heart attack, the responsibility to make the team an independent success becomes solely hers. Though everyone expects her to fail in her new role, Miranda is determined to take her team to the top and earn her father's love and respect on the way. The only other obstacle is the League's consultant – a secret crush from her past – the man trying to take over the team, and the one person who can save them all.
He wants revenge…
Lucas Wainright is a turnaround consultant, hired by the League to save the Knights and so many other teams – only this time it’s personal; before being ousted by Seamus Callahan, Lucas' family had been the owners of the team. Now, he has the perfect opportunity to regain his rightful position with the Knights, if he’s willing to suppress his scruples and his attraction to Miranda Callahan.
Can Miranda and Lucas let go of old grudges and hold on to their new love?
Order: Love From Left Field (Knights of Passion 2)
The Game Changer (Knights of Passion 3)
All-star catcher Dylan Prosser always has his head in the game. Accustomed to keeping opponents from stealing bases, Dylan is completely focused on getting the team to the playoffs no matter what the cost. He definitely doesn’t expect anyone to steal his heart and turn his life upside down–least of all, a stray dog and a beautiful girl.
After the ultimate abandonment by her family, Savannah Monroe channels her savior-complex tendencies into helping animals because they can't hurt her like people can. Life at the animal rescue shelter has always provided the security and personal reward that she needs to be happy while protecting her heart.
But as she works with Sadie, Savannah soon realizes that his dog isn’t the only one who needs saving…
Order: The Game Changer (Knights of Passion 3)
LONE STAR MATCH SERIES
Three Bridesmaids. Three lost loves. One matchmaking bride. With just a week before the wedding, can a bride-to-be reunite her bridesmaids with the ones who got away?
Something Old (Lone Star Match 1)
Delaney Winters never expected to see Ethan Van Owen again. He was part of a life she had left far behind… But now, with her best friend’s wedding coming up, it seems like her past has caught up to her. Forced to spend time with her former flame, Delaney’s feelings for him resurface, rekindling the white-hot passion that had always drawn them together.
For five years, Ethan has wondered what went wrong with their relationship. After Delaney broke up with him, Ethan moved to Texas Wine Country to start a new life. But now, he is being pressured to take up the mantle of his family investment business and return to Houston, forcing him to confront his past.
Can Delaney and Ethan bury their past to rekindle the love and passion they once shared?
Order: Something Old (Lone Star Match 1)
Something Borrowed (Lone Star Match 2)
Brigid Anderson is a second year lawyer on a fast track to making partner. With the weight of her siblings' success on her shoulders, Brigid feels like she needs to prove something–to herself and to her parents. Her life is running smoothly and all according to plan...until she meets Grady.
Grady Coughlin understands focus and ambition, having taken over his father's contracting business and building it into a successful historic preservation business on his own. After a blind date with Brigid that ends in explosive passion, they embark on a friends with benefits relationship. But as Grady establishes himself in the business world, he decides he wants more and wants it with Brigid.
On the eve of her best friend's wedding, with her promotion to partner dangling within reach, Brigid believes Grady isn't the best partner to suit her career ambition. But Grady and her heart don't agree and she must decide if she should stick to the safety of the plan or find the courage to pursue what she really wants.
Order: Something Borrowed (Lone Star Match 2)
Something New (Lone Star Match 3)
When Anna Maria Costado is caught having a meltdown on live television, her contract as a nighttime tv star is in danger of being cancelled. Taking a much needed break, she returns home to Texas for a friend's wedding and is faced with the man she left behind, the only man she ever loved, Wyatt Turner.
After a knee injury sidelined his professional football career, Wyatt Turner returned to his alma mater as a football coach. Trying to rebuild a new life, Wyatt buries him
self in coaching. Just when he thinks he has moved on from the past, a friend's wedding reunites him with the woman he once loved and lost, along with his dreams.
Can Anna and Wyatt overcome the circumstances of their past and reclaim the future they were always destined to have?
Order: Something New (Lone Star Match 3)
REDEMPTION RANCH
Welcome to Redemption Ranch, the place for second, third and even fourth chances, until you get it right. Meet Weston Morgan, Chase Summers and Ty. Three foster brothers who found family, home and love at Redemption Ranch with their foster father Douglas Rawlings.
A Cowboy’s Salvation (Redemption Ranch 1)
He wanted to be left in peace…
West Morgan knows all about second chances. After bouncing from foster home to foster home, he finally landed at the Rawlings Ranch as a teenager. There he found a home, something he’d never thought possible. Now an adult, he realizes he’s been given much more: a family and, most importantly, peace. But when his mentor dies and leaves the property divided among his foster brothers and his mentor’s daughter, Tara Rawlings, the fragile future he’s built for himself is threatened.
She wanted to be free of her past…
Tara Rawlings swore she’d never end up with someone like her father, a man completely focused on the ranch to the exclusion of his loved ones. She created a new life for herself in San Francisco, running an interior design company and getting married, then divorced. When she returns to settle her father’s estate, she finds that her birthright is in jeopardy. And the only way to save it is to work with West Morgan, the one man she has always resented—and always found irresistible.
