The Texas Cowboy’s Courtship (Testament Creek Book 1)
Page 18
For a long moment all she could hear was the singing of the birds in the trees. All she could feel was the frantic pounding of her heart. Emotion swept through her. She felt herself sway for a moment, but managed to stay on her feet.
Gazing down at Cal, she saw the love in his eyes. He wanted her to belong to him. Forever. She met his gaze, feeling the deepest love she'd ever felt in her life. This good man would make her life complete.
"I will agree to become your wife, Cal," Prudence said nodding her head, at last.
Cal leaped up quickly. Still holding her hands, he cried out. It was a howl of the purest joy. The sound echoed across the enclosure of the trees. Prudence glanced quickly toward the house and saw two figures watching. Hope and Grace were smiling. Maybe they'd been wondering what was happening up by the trees. They must have seen Cal getting down onto one knee. That meant only one thing.
Cal's cry of delight gave them all the answer they'd ever need. Prudence heard the laughter of her two best friends ring out all the way to the trees. They understood, and they were happy.
Cal swept Prudence into his arms and kissed her. Prudence wrapped her arms around Cal's shoulders. When the kiss was over, she rested her head against his broad chest. She could hear his heartbeat. Steady and powerful. This was her man. The man she would marry. Eventually, they would have a family together. And they'd spend their life on this precious ranch, building a future together.
She lifted her heart to her Lord and offered up her genuine gratitude. She'd never known such joy.
Lifting up her head, she gazed into his eyes. "Promise me you'll never get locked up in jail again,"she said. "I was out of my mind with worry."
Cal nodded. "My place will always be by your side." He looked out beyond the ranch house. "Ranching is my life."
Prudence shook her head. "Our life, you mean," she corrected.
Cal grinned. "What about Hope and Grace. What will they say?"
"I think they already know what has happened." Prudence tilted her head. "Grace and that deputy seem mighty friendly. Don't you think?"
"I think you might be right." He frowned. "Although, I think they both might have a ways to go before they decide whether or not to marry."
"We'll see," Prudence said. "We found our way. And I'm sure they will. The Lord is making the Circle T into a place for families. Maybe that will be Silas's true legacy."
Cal's gaze softened. "I think Silas is looking down on us and smiling to himself."
"He's happy," Prudence agreed. "I know it."
Cal drew Prudence closer to him. "When do you want the wedding to take place?"
"The sooner the better. I'm sure Pastor Lewis can find a date for us," she replied.
"I have an idea," Cal said.
"What?"
"Let's make it a summer wedding," Cal suggested.
Prudence smiled at him. "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea, Mr Logan."
Cal leaned his head closer. "And I can't wait for you to become Mrs Logan," he murmured.
And, as he took her hand and started to lead her back toward the ranch house, through the bluebonnets whispering around her feet, she told herself that she couldn't wait to become Cal's wife.
EPILOGUE
Two Weeks Later
It was true what they said about Texas weddings, Prudence reflected on that Saturday afternoon near the end of July. Once a Texas couple decided to marry, they didn't wait.
It had only been two weeks since Cal had proposed. The days, every one of them sunny and bright, had passed quickly. So much had been organized in the whirlwind of activity since that day. Chief amongst those activities had been the making of a white wedding dress. It had taken long days and nights of sewing, but they had succeeded.
She stood at the door of the Testament Creek church and gazed into the packed interior. Members of the congregation gazed at Prudence. There were smiles all round. This was going to be a happy day.
She saw Cal waiting for her at the altar. He looked elegant in a dark suit and wore a matching waistcoat over his white shirt. He was smiling right at her. Butterflies fluttered in her middle as she smiled back at him. Prudence's fingers tightened around the bouquet of flowers.
On her right stood Hope, dressed in a simple, plain blue gown. Prudence smiled at her friend. "Are you ready?" Hope asked.
Prudence nodded. She turned to her left. There stood Grace, dressed in a blue gown which matched the one Hope was wearing. Grace smiled at Prudence. "I won't ask how you're feeling," Grace said easily.
Prudence dragged in a deep, calming breath. In a short while she would be Mrs Cal Logan. That thought seemed almost unreal. But it was true. And she couldn't wait.
The pianist inside the church started to play the wedding march. It was time for her to go to Cal. Time for them to exchange vows. And then they would be man and wife.
Prudence lifted her heart and prayed silently.
Lord. Thank You for bringing Cal into my life. I love him so much. Thank You for bringing these wonderful people to me. And for granting me a new life here in Texas. I shall never stop thanking You, Lord. Amen.
Everyone inside the church stood. Prudence saw Cal standing tall, gazing at her with such love and affection that it made her eyes moisten with joy. She wondered if he was as nervous as her. Of course he was, she told herself. His heart would be beating fast, just like hers.
But soon, all that would be in the past. Then they could start their new life together up at the ranch. The future promised joy and happiness and family. It was all she had ever wanted.
Prudence started to walk into the church. Close behind, her two best friends followed slowly. Every step took her closer to Cal. To the man she loved with all her heart.
And soon they would be together.
Forever.
THE END
The Testament Creek series will continue soon with the following two novels:
The Texas Sheriff's Family Blessing. (Testament Creek Book 2)
Her Texas Rancher (Testament Creek Book 3)
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Brides of Inspiration series.
The Rancher's Bride Arrangement
The Rancher's Marriage of Convenience
The Rancher's Second Chance Bride
The Rancher's Bride Surprise
The Rancher's Bride Blessing
The Rancher's Devout Bride
The Rancher's Christmas Miracle
The Rancher's Christmas Wish
The Rancher's Reunion Bride
The Rancher's Beloved Bride
The Rancher's Frontier Family
The Cowboy's Frontier Courtship
The Lawman's Frontier Bride