He stopped and faced her, wrapping both arms around her. “Courtney Mills, I’ve fallen in love with you, and for reasons I cannot explain, I find myself wanting to settle down and take on a regular job in a small town. I want to marry you and have children with you, and... I want a normal life.”
Tears filled her eyes, and she nodded. “Oh, Denton.” She threw her arms around his neck and leaned closer. “I want to be your wife. I’ve thought of nothing else since our first kiss.” She kissed him briefly. “I’m so much in love with you, Denton Reed, and I can’t imagine my life without you.”
“What about Timothy Graham?”
“Who?” As soon as she asked, the memory hit her, and she groaned. “Oh, you mean the man who is looking for a mail-order bride?”
“Yes. You did tell him you were accepting his offer.”
She frowned. “Yes, but... I only did it because I wanted to leave Montana. But now... I want to be with the man I love.”
“It’ll make me feel better if you send him another telegram and let him know that you have found the love of your life.”
She nodded vigorously. “As soon as we get back to town.”
He stroked the side of her face. “What would you say to raising our children here in Stumptown?”
She laughed and nodded. “I’d say – how soon can we get started?”
EPILOGUE
DENTON COULDN’T BELIEVE how happy he’d been since falling in love with Courtney. Once they’d gotten back to Helena and had both Terrance and Louise behind bars, Denton took his bride-to-be, and they moved to Stumptown. He also brought Mr. Tibbs and Mrs. Jackson because Denton knew the older servants would be well cared for.
Within two days, he and Courtney were married at the church, and one day later, he was standing in front of the mayor, with his lovely bride by his side, and his good friend, Bryan Easton, on his other side.
“Raise your right hand and place your left hand on the Bible,” Mayor Tidwell said.
Denton did as the man asked.
“Repeat after me,” the mayor continued. “I, Denton Reed, do solemnly affirm to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the laws of Montana.”
Smiling wide, Denton repeated the words.
“And I do further affirm that I will do everything in my power to keep the citizens of Stumptown safe and protected.”
Denton nodded, repeating the words.
“As Mayor of Stumptown, I officially appoint you sheriff.” He pinned a gold star on Denton’s vest.
Once the mayor had stepped back, the small crowd gathered in the town hall applauded and cheered. Denton shook the mayor’s hand, and then he turned to gather his wife in his arms and kiss her. Most of these people had seen him kiss her when they attended their wedding, and so he didn’t care if they witnessed it again.
After a few very enjoyable moments, he broke away so that he could shake hands with the others who were there. Bryan gave him a big bear hug and then turned to introduce him to the others in the room.
“Denton, meet my brother, Joel.”
Denton shook the man’s hand. Joel resembled his older brother a lot, but his eyes were brown instead of blue.
“And this is my younger brother, Maverick, and his wife, Hannah.”
Denton shook hands with them both. He realized Hannah was the woman who had smiled so kindly at Courtney the first time they’d ridden into town. And he also noticed by her round belly that Bryan would become an uncle very soon.
Courtney also shook hands with them, and within minutes, she and Hannah were strolling away from the men, chatting like long-lost friends. Denton grinned, loving how welcomed they felt here in Stumptown.
“So, my good man,” Maverick said, slapping Denton on the shoulder, “I think your first line of business should be officially appointing Hannah and myself the town’s experienced matchmakers.”
The small group of men laughed heartily, and Denton shook his head. “I don’t believe that’s in my job description.”
“Then, you should make it.” Maverick nodded assuredly.
“Tell me, Mr. Easton.” Denton rubbed his chin. “Why would you and Hannah want to become the town’s matchmakers? Isn’t that a job for lonely old ladies who have nothing better to do with their time?”
Maverick chuckled. “Well, the truth is, after I met my wonderfully charming wife, Hannah, and I realized how happy I was with her, I knew I needed to make the other single men in our town just as happy.”
“By playing matchmaker?” Denton asked, hoping he understood the man’s offer.
“Exactly.” Maverick folded his arms. “This town needs more women.”
Bryan laughed heartily and elbowed his brother. “Yes, and maybe next time, you won’t steal my bride-to-be.”
Joel shook his head. “Why do we need more women?”
“To be quite honest,” Maverick lowered his voice and leaned in, making the conversation a little more private. “The reason I agreed with Hannah to become matchmakers with her was because I didn’t want the other men in town ogling my beautiful wife all the time. I’m a jealous man, and I don’t like men staring at her.”
Denton chuckled and glanced at his gorgeous bride. He knew that feeling very well. And, until they brought more women to Stumptown, he might have the same frustrations as Maverick.
“You know,” Denton said with authority, “I think I’ll grant you that wish, Mr. Easton.” He gave Maverick a nod. “Starting today, it’s yours and Hannah’s responsibility to find wives for the single men in Stumptown.”
Bryan and Maverick cheered loudly. Courtney and Hannah hurried back to their husbands. Denton took her in his arms and gazed into her mesmerizing eyes, lovingly.
“What’s all the excitement?”
“How would you like to help Mrs. Easton in her new calling as town’s matchmaker?”
Hannah squealed with delight and hugged her husband fiercely. Maverick laughed but appeared to enjoy the show of affection.
“After all,” Denton continued, “we have finally found a place to call home. Let’s also turn this town into our new family.”
Courtney smiled and sighed. “I couldn’t agree more.”
THE END
**READERS – IN THIS STORY, you met Maverick and Hannah Easton. Their story is actually the prequel of the Runaway Brides, and takes place in the small western town of Stumptown. I’m sure you’ll really enjoy their story.
HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.com/Hannahs-Hardship-Westward-Hearts-Mail-Order-ebook/dp/B085DS7TZF
You’ll meet Denton Reed for the first time in “Mail-Order Adelaine”.
HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.com/Adelaine-Widows-Brides-Secret-Babies-ebook/dp/B085DF9QS4
Other published stories by Marie Higgins
https://www.authormariehiggins.com/books
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Author’s Bio
MARIE HIGGINS IS AN award-winning, best-selling author of clean romance novels that melt your heart and have you falling in love over and over again. Since 2010, she’s published over 90 heartwarming, on-the-edge-of-your-seat romances. She’s broadened her readership by writing mystery/suspense, humor, time-travel, paranormal, along with her love for historical romances. Her readers have dubbed her “Queen of Tease” because of all her twists and unexpected endings.
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Denton's Bride (Runaway Mail-Order Bride Book 1) Page 10
