“Thank you, Father.” She grinned.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
She came to his side and threaded her arm through his. “Absolutely.”
The wedding march began and her father escorted her slowly down the aisle. She clung to him with one hand, while her other arm cradled Fuzzy lovingly. Johanna’s eyes instantly sought out Benjamin, and saw him at the end of the aisle, standing near the fireplace, and a pastor from Whispering Springs. Benjamin’s eyes were almost as big as saucers as he looked at her, a grin forming as he saw the pup in her arms, and she couldn’t help but feel a little saucy in that moment, knowing the present she had in store for him later.
When they reached the end of the aisle and she took his hand, he leaned over and whispered, “You are stunning, my love. Every bit of you, inside and out.”
She smiled and squeezed his hand. He looked rather handsome himself in a new suit that fit him perfectly. She hoped he’d hang on to that one and it wasn’t just another loaner. She really liked it.
The pastor began the ceremony, which was much longer than the first one had been, but that was part of the price to pay when it was about more than just words. Finally they said their vows, nearly an exact repeat of the time before, except the pastor had been warned ahead of time to take out the word ‘obey.’ It went off without a hitch, and to her surprise, he even had a ring to give her this time around.
He slid a stunning ring of gold, with a diamond surrounded by emeralds, onto her finger. And finally the pastor got to the best part.
“You may now kiss the bride.” And he did.
Finally they separated with much laughter and applause from their guests. The pastor called out loudly, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Jarrett.”
Johanna loved the sound of that. They walked down the aisle arm in arm, and when they reached the doorway and stepped into the hallway, he dropped her hand and bent over to sweep her into his arms. She squealed, cradling the pup even more closely.
He murmured in her ear. “You're the most beautiful bride a man has ever had.” He strode through the hotel, and she assumed he was taking her to his room for the night.
"We do have to stay for the reception first!" As much as she wanted to go off and be alone with him, she knew they'd be disappointing a lot of people if they just ran off.
He groaned. "Really? We have to?"
She nodded, and he set her on her feet, grumbling good-naturedly. "We need to cut the cake and talk and pretend we want to be surrounded by all those people, when really we just want to be alone." She stood on tiptoes and kissed him softly, jumping back when the puppy licked their chins, obviously wanting his share of the loving.
Hours later, Benjamin scooped her off her feet once again and carried her through the hotel, much to the laughter of the wedding guests. "Your father has given us the honeymoon suite for the night," he whispered.
She was thrilled to hear that as it was just a bit away from the rest of the hotel and would give them privacy. She smiled as he carried her the remaining distance, his strength impressive in more ways than one. She'd left the puppy in her sister's tender care for the night, knowing Fuzzy would try to protect her when she wanted to be protected least.
The door was open a crack when they reached the honeymoon suite and he toed it open. “Here we are, my dear. And though I know it’s not required of me, I shall continue to remain a perfect gentleman until you tell me otherwise.” He still hadn’t crossed the threshold.
She pulled herself closer to his ear and said, “Otherwise.” She watched his face, waiting to see if understanding dawned for him.
He pulled his head back to look at her. “Excuse me?”
She gave a deep, throaty laugh. “You said you would remain a gentleman until I told you otherwise. I’m telling you. Otherwise.”
Benjamin’s face went from doubting to a loving and sensual grin. “Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” she said, giving him a kiss that made him lose his balance and lean against the frame.
He never broke that kiss as he crossed the threshold, and kicked the door shut behind him.
THE END
If you'd like to connect with more lovers of historical western romance join Pioneer Hearts Facebook Group.
About the Authors
Liza Westbrook was born in California, but claims no state as home. Over the years she has moved from coast to coast, her favorite being the six years spent in the small town of Noble, Oklahoma, though the Rocky Mountains that dominate her current view are a very close second.
Liza has loved the written word for as long as she can remember. From the day she came home from the hospital, her father held Liza on his lap, telling her stories for hours on end, and swore he would have her reading by the age of four. Only his death kept that goal from reaching full completion, though he came very close.
Liza took the gift of words her father gave her and ran with it. Since then, she’s written ten novels under multiple pen names and in multiple genres. Her head is fairly popping with ideas, so she plans to write until she’s ninety-four or maybe even a hundred and four.
Inspiration is found everywhere, but Liza’s heart is fueled by her family, the Rocky Mountains, her chronic addiction to pens and paper, and the smell of her laser printer in the morning.
USA Today bestselling author Kirsten Osbourne knows how to write romance. Each book is an experience that transplants the reader, indulging them in decadence, intense emotion and sweeping love.
Hailing from the state of Wisconsin, she has lived in Texas for over thirty years as a mother, writer, and wife. Married to the love of her life for more than fifteen years, she knows that true love exists and shares that vision with the world.
As Kirsten Osbourne, she writes contemporary and historical romance. As Morganna Mayfair, she ventures into the realm of paranormal romance. She invites you to join her in her world of fantasy, love, and make believe, not matter the location, and there is always a happily ever after at the end.
Books by Kirsten Osbourne
Mail Order Mayhem
Mail Order Mama
Mail Order Madness
Mail Order Mix Up
Mail Order Mistake
Mail Order Maternity
Mail Order Match Maker
Mail Order Motherhood
Mail Order Matron
Mail Order Meddler
Mail Order Misfit
Mail Order Minx
Mail Order Misfortune
Mail Order Melody
Anthologies Containing Books 13 and 16 in Brides of Beckham
Wild Western Women
Wild Western Women Ride Again
(Contains Mail Order Mischief---the story of Elizabeth Miller)
Dallas Billionaires Series
Steven
Justin
Cody
Stand Alone Books
Dream Lover
Making Me Believe
All For Emma
Making Deals
Lies
Suitors of Seattle
Rose
Lily
Amaryllis
Daisy
Jasmine
Hyacinth
Violet
Iris
Edna Petunia
Orlan Orphans
The Matron
At the Altar
Married in Montana
Meddling in Manhattan
Wishing in Wisconsin
Regencies
Loving Lily
Courting Constance
Writing as Morganna Mayfair
Thrice Blessed Trilogy
Conquered
Adored
Stenwick Siblings Trilogy
The Earl's Design of Love
The Duke's True Love
The Prince's Charmed Love
Books by Liza Westbrook
Dakota Bound
Johanna
*Lydia*
/>
*Margaret*
*Josephine*
*Ida Mae*
Writing as Raine Gillespie
Love Notes
Hearts in Harmony
Waltzing on Wheels
Healing a Broken Harp
*Beauty and the Beat*
*coming soon*
Fantasy Titles by Karen E. Hoover can be found HERE
Contact the author(s) at:
www.lizawestbrook.com
[email protected]
www.rainegillespie.com
[email protected]
www.karenehoover.com
[email protected]
Johanna (Dakota Bound Book 1) Page 13
