The next couple of minutes went by in a blur. Then the first chords of “Mama He’s Crazy” started, and she took her mother’s arm.
“Not exactly wedding music,” Polly whispered.
“Waylon and I aren’t exactly traditional folks,” she said as she took her first step down the aisle.
When the lyrics said that he was heaven sent, Waylon gave her one of his special smiles, and the whole world disappeared. To Shiloh, they were the only two people in the church, and nothing mattered but the vows they were about to say.
It wasn’t planned, but he left his place in the front of the church and met her halfway down the aisle. Polly gave him a kiss on the cheek and then put Shiloh’s hand in his. She waited until the two of them finished the walk together and then went forward to sit on the front pew.
“Well, I usually start with ‘dearly beloved,’” the preacher chuckled, “but after that song, I think we’ll just let these two say their vows.”
Shiloh handed her bouquet to Abby Joy and raised her dress to show off the pair of brown cowboy boots that she wore to work on the ranch. “See these boots. I come to you today in my pretty white dress, but under it is a ranchin’ woman who wants to spend her life with you. I love you, Waylon Stephens, and I give you my promise that I will love you longer than forever, and right into eternity.”
Waylon took her hands in his. “My granddad told me once that life is like a river, and I should find the right woman to ride the river with. I didn’t find the right woman. I found the perfect one. I love you, Shiloh, and I give you my promise that my love for you will last through eternity.”
Shiloh heard a couple of sniffles from the front pew. She was glad that she’d had a few moments in the nursery after her mother left. That had given her time to switch out the pretty white satin shoes for her old cowboy boots that she’d snuck into the church in a duffel bag.
They exchanged plain gold wedding bands, and then the preacher pronounced them man and wife, and told Waylon he could kiss the bride. The new husband bent his bride backward in a true Hollywood kiss, then stood her up to the applause of everyone in the church. “And now it’s my turn,” he whispered.
“What?” she asked.
The music started and Blake Shelton’s voice came out loud and clear with “You Name the Babies, I’ll Name the Dogs.”
She giggled. “It’s fitting after the one I walked down the aisle to.”
He took her in his arms and two-stepped all the way out of the church with her. He scooped her up at the door and carried her to his truck. When he’d settled her into the passenger seat, he leaned in and kissed her one more time. “Love the boots.”
“I’m excited that I get to ride the river with you. Let’s go enjoy our reception,” she said.
“Yes, ma’am.” He whistled all the way around the truck.
Want to read Abby Joy’s story? Look for Daisies in the Canyon wherever books are sold.
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About the Author
Carolyn Brown is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and #1 Washington Post bestselling author, and a RITA finalist. She has sold more than seven million copies of her books. They have been translated into 19 foreign languages. Cowboy Courage is her 101st published book.
She presently writes both women’s fiction and cowboy romance. She has also written historical and contemporary romance, both stand-alone titles and series.
She lives in southern Oklahoma with her husband, a former English teacher, who is not allowed to read her books until they are published. They have three children and enough grandchildren to keep them young. For a complete listing of her books (in series order) and to sign up for her newsletter, check out her website at CarolynBrownBooks.com or catch her on Facebook/CarolynBrownBooks.
Also by Carolyn Brown
The Longhorn Canyon Series
Cowboy Bold
Cowboy Honor
Cowboy Brave
Cowboy Rebel
Christmas with a Cowboy
The Happy, Texas Series
Luckiest Cowboy of All
Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas
Toughest Cowboy in Texas
The Lucky Penny Ranch Series
Wild Cowboy Ways
Hot Cowboy Nights
Merry Cowboy Christmas
Wicked Cowboy Charm
Digital Novellas
Wildflower Ranch
High Praise for Carolyn Brown
“Carolyn Brown makes the sun shine brighter and the tea taste sweeter. Southern comfort in a book.”
—Shelia Roberts, USA Today bestselling author
“Carolyn Brown is one of my go-to authors when I want a feel-good story that will make me smile.”
—Fresh Fiction
“Carolyn Brown writes about everyday things that happen to all of us and she does it with panache, class, empathy, and humor.”
—Night Owl Reviews
“I highly recommend Carolyn Brown as a go-to author for all things sexy cowboy.”
—Harlequin Junkie
COWBOY REBEL
“Brown’s capable fourth Longhorn Canyon contemporary western romance…suggests that love can make even the baddest of bad boy cowboys want to settle down. Sweet, sexy romance and a strong heroine elevate the story. Fans of romance series filled with small-town charm and a cast of supportive family and friends will appreciate this installment and seek out earlier ones.”
—Publishers Weekly
COWBOY BRAVE
“Sizzling romance between believable characters is the mainstay of this whimsical novel, which is enhanced by plenty of romantic yearning.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Over 300 pages of warmth, humor, and sweet romance…Carolyn Brown always manages to write feel-good stories, and this is definitely a…special read.”
—Harlequin Junkie, Top Pick
COWBOY HONOR
“The slow-simmering romance between Claire and Levi is enhanced by the kind supporting characters and the simple pleasures of ranch life in a story that’s sure to please fans of cowboy romances.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Friendship, family, love, and trust abound in Cowboy Honor.”
—Fresh Fiction
COWBOY BOLD
“Lighthearted banter, heart-tugging emotion, and a good-natured Sooner/Longhorn football rivalry make this a delightful romance and terrific launch for the new series.”
—Library Journal
“Cowboy Bold is the start of a new and amazing series by an author that really knows how to hook her readers with sexy cowboys, strong women, and a bunch of humor…Everything about this book is a roaring good time.”
—Harlequin Junkie, Top Pick
“Everything you could ever ask for in a cowboy romance.”
—The Genre Minx
“Western romance lovers are in for a treat. This wickedly saucy series is unputdownable. There’s no one who creates a rancher with a heart of gold like Carolyn Brown.”
—RT Book Reviews
Looking for more hot cowboys?
Forever has you covered!
COWBOY COURAGE
by Carolyn Brown
Heading back to Texas to hold down the fort at her aunt’s bed-and-breakfast will give Rose O’Malley just the break she needs from the military. But while she may speak seven languages, she can’t repair a leaky sink to save her life. When Hudson Baker strides in like a hero and effortlessly figures out the fix, Rose can’t help wondering if the boy she once crushed on as a kid could now be her saving grace. Includes a bonus novella!
Find more great reads on Instagram with @ReadForeverPub.
BORN TO BE A COWBOY
by R.C. Ryan
After running wild in his youth, Finn Monroe is now on the other side of the law as the l
ocal attorney. Between his practice and the family ranch, his days aren’t as exciting as they used to be—until Jessica Blair steps into his office. Gorgeous and determined, Jessie has a hunch her aunt is in trouble, and Finn is her last hope. When she and Finn start poking around, it becomes clear someone wants to keep them from the truth. But as danger grows, so does their attraction. Includes a bonus novella by A.J. Pine!
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT
by Lori Wilde
Attorney Jillian Samuels doesn't believe in true love. But when a betrayal leaves her heartbroken and jobless, an inherited cottage in Salvation, Colorado, offers a fresh start—until she finds a gorgeous and infuriating man living there! Tuck Manning has been hiding in Salvation since his wife died and isn’t leaving the cottage without a fight. They resolve to live as roommates until they untangle who owns the cottage. As their days—and nights—heat up, they realize more than property is at stake…
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MY ONE AND ONLY COWBOY
by A.J. Pine
Sam Callahan is too busy trying to keep his new guest ranch afloat to spend any time on serious relationships—at least that’s what he tells himself. But when a gorgeous blonde shows up insisting she owns half his property, Sam quickly realizes he’s got bigger problems than Delaney’s claim on the land: She could also claim his heart. Includes a bonus novel by Carolyn Brown!
UNFORGIVEN
by Jay Crownover
Hill Gamble is a model lawman: cool and collected, with a confident swagger to boot. Too bad all that Texas charm hasn’t gotten him anywhere in his personal life, especially since the only girl he ever loved has always been off-limits. But then Hill is assigned to investigate her father’s mysterious death, and he’s forced back to the town—and the woman—he left behind. Includes a bonus novella by A.J. Pine!
Follow @ReadForeverPub on Twitter and join the conversation using #ReadForever.
COWBOY COME HOME
by Carly Bloom
As far as Claire Kowalski is concerned, Big Verde, Texas, is perfect, except for one thing: the lack of eligible men. Some days, it feels like she’s dated every single one. It’s too bad that the only man who ever tickled her fancy is the wandering, restless cowboy who took her heart with him when he left her father’s ranch years ago. Just when she’s resigned herself to never seeing him again, Ford Jarvis knocks on the door. Includes a bonus novella by Sara Richardson!
HOME AT CHESTNUT CREEK
by Laura Drake
When Nevada Sweet runs into trouble, she heads to Unforgiven, New Mexico to hide. There, she meets Joseph “Fishing Eagle” King and discovers a new kind of trouble, the kind she desperately needs. Joseph has dedicated his life to helping the Navajo and the last thing he wants is a secretive newcomer. Still, Fish is drawn to Nevada’s beauty and wit—but when her past comes to town, can they face her demons and embrace a future together? Includes a bonus novel by Carolyn Brown!
Discover bonus content and more on read-forever.com.
Cowboy Courage: Includes a bonus novella Page 34
