Bear’s insides stirred. “I can’t wait to see her.”
Grace nodded, wiped at a tear, and took hold of the box once more. “You look like your dad did when we got married,” she said, her voice choked with tears. She gave him a wide grin. “I’m so happy for you two. You’ve got your whole lives ahead of you.”
“Thanks, Mom,” he said.
“See you downstairs in a minute.”
As Grace stepped out, Cam walked in, a boutonniere already pinned to his lapel. “It’s starting to fill up down there. Guess you guys have more friends than I thought,” he razzed.
“Yeah,” Bear said. “What have we been doing hanging out with you guys all this time?”
“That’s what I keep asking,” Ethan said, greeting Cam with a pat to his back. “How’s it going, man?”
“Did you see Maddie yet?” Bear asked.
Cam shook his head. “Are you kidding? I haven’t even seen my own wife since this morning. Thank heavens her mom’s here to help with Britt.”
Bear nodded. “Yeah.” But his mind was stuck on something Cam had said: wife. He couldn’t wait until Maddie was officially his.
“We better get down there,” Ethan said. “They can’t start without the groom.”
A quick glance at his watch said Ethan was right. It was time to get started. He followed the men out of the suite, but paused to look over the room. Tonight he and Maddie would spend their first night together in that Inn. Fire roared in his belly at the thought.
Bear closed the door behind him, moved along the hallway, but slowed as he caught sight of the foyer. Vaulted ceilings in the massive entry allowed him to see over the banister. He wasn’t much for decorating and all that, but Bear had to admit the place looked incredible. He could see why Maddie, after attending the owner’s wedding there just last year, had her heart set on the idea.
He made his way down the stairs, knowing his soon-to-be-wife would do the same in mere moments. And as he walked down the aisle, greeting guests along the way, Bear bid a glad farewell to life as a single. Time to start the next phase of his life.
Claudia paced behind Maddie nervously, then stopped and looked at her through the vanity mirror. “Are you sure you want me to do this?”
“Yes,” Maddie said, placing her powder brush back in her makeup kit. “If Grandpa could have come, I might have had him do it and follow a more traditional route. But honestly …” Maddie spun around to look her mother in the eye. “You’re the one who was there all those years. You should do the honor.”
It was funny, but having her mother walk her down the aisle wasn’t something Maddie would’ve considered a year ago. Yet over the last few months, Claudia had embraced Bear, his family, and the commitment they planned to make. Beyond that, she and April had moved back to Cobble Creek, and were now playing an active role in Maddie’s life. Until then, Maddie hadn’t known how much she needed it.
“I love that you’re going to do this, Mom,” April agreed. “It’s going to be amazing!”
The word amazing was one Maddie had come up with dozens of times that day. The suite she and the ladies were getting ready in was gorgeous. And from what Jessie, the adorable owner of the B&B, said, the room they’d be staying in that night was even better. Bless Jessie’s heart for allowing Maddie and Bear to rent the place for their wedding. She’d helped the couple select just the right décor for the day, whether the event took place inside or out. Rain was a big possibility, so Maddie hadn’t set her heart on the outdoor wedding. Which was a good thing, considering the puddles that were gathering outside the cozy B&B. No worries. The draping fabric and bright lights created the perfect haven from the storm. Inwardly, Maddie preferred it this way; already, it was a dream come true.
A tap came to the door, and in came Grace. “Oh my goodness,” she said, clenching her hands together. “So much beauty all in one room! Is everyone ready?”
“I think so.” Claudia nodded, almost looking like she meant it.
Grace glanced at April before setting her eyes back on Claudia, seeming to sense the distress in the air. She hurried over to Claudia, put her hands on her shoulders, and gave her a wide grin. “Our babies are getting married today!” she squealed, and Maddie’s mom joined in.
“You’re right,” Claudia said with a grin. “And they’re going to be so happy together.”
“Yes,” Grace said. “And you get to walk your daughter down the aisle.” The two shared a moment of laughter that bordered on tears. Then they turned to Maddie, eyes watery, smiles wide and lovely.
Brenda stormed in. “Is everyone ready? Bear handed the rings over to Phillip, so at this point, we’re on borrowed time.”
“Good point,” Grace said. “Let’s line up.”
A quick jiggle from the bathroom doorknob reminded Maddie that Kate was in there; she’d almost forgotten where she’d gone.
“I pumped three ounces,” Kate said, tucking a small bottle into the diaper bag on her shoulder. “Britt’s going to be quiet as a mouse during the ceremony.”
“Perfect,” Maddie said, noticing something different about her right away. “Did you get contacts?”
Kate shrugged. “After I had Matthew, I cut my hair. This time I got contacts. I think I want some sort of instant change after I give birth, since the weight thing always takes a while.”
Maddie stood, walked over to her dear friend, her dress dragging behind her, and gave her a hug. “You look beautiful!”
“You, bride-to-be, look beautiful,” Kate said in return.
Maddie’s eyes welled with tears. Something about having the women she loved so dearly all in one room.
“Group hug,” Brenda announced, and soon they were all surrounding her. For a few sweet moments, Maddie let their love sink into her soul.
A tap came to the door. “You ladies ready?” It was Jessie.
Claudia spoke up first. “We sure are.”
“Let’s get you all lined up, then. The gentlemen are waiting to escort you.”
Maddie lined up at the back of the group, a soft grip around her mom’s arm. As the line dwindled, she imagined the couples walking down the stairs and then the aisle. Her gratitude had swelled so much over the last few days—an appreciation for the many wonderful people in her life. But now, as the song began to play, Maddie let her focus shift back to Bear, the man she’d spend the rest of her life with.
Her eyes drifted over the crowd and right to the front. There, beside Pastor John, stood the lumberjack from Cobble Creek, and he was all hers. Maddie could hardly keep her eyes off him as she took the stairs and as she walked down the aisle too. Perhaps it was the stunning appearance of him in a tux. Or the look in his eyes as he watched her walk. A look that caused emotion to stir within her. She loved this man, and Maddie knew he loved her in return.
The photographer shifted position as they neared the front, the click and flash assuring her the moment was being captured. Something their kids could see one day. For Maddie, she’d never forget. Each minute of this blessed day was engraved in her heart.
“Well,” Claudia said under her breath. “I guess it’s time to hand you over.” She turned to face her, wiped a tear from her eye, and then pulled Maddie in for one last squeeze. “Thank you for letting me do this. It was such an honor.” She rested her hand in Bear’s then. “You take good care of my baby, okay?”
“I sure will,” Bear said, his brown-eyed gaze moving from Claudia to her.
“I know you will.” Her mom patted Bear on the arm and stepped into place at the front.
“You look stunning,” he whispered.
Maddie grinned. “Thanks,” she mouthed back.
Pastor John told the guests to be seated, and the ceremony began.
Maddie thought she’d cried out all of her tears while writing her vows. But expressing her love and devotion for Bear in front of all the people she dearly loved, it was unlike anything she’d experienced. Pastor John had said that marriage was of God, and Maddie
felt the profound truth of it as she spoke.
When it was his turn, Bear wiped his cheeks, cleared his throat, and joked that his allergies were kicking up.
“There are no guarantees in life,” Bear said. “We don’t know how long people will be with us. Sometimes they leave on their own accord. Sometimes they’re called home before we think their time’s up. Neither of us are strangers to that truth. But my prayer is that we can live like we don’t know it, but also love like we do.” He chuckled, and wiped at his eyes once more.
“I promise to never take you for granted, Maddie. To always be aware that life is fleeting, and that each moment we have together is a gift. I promise to love you deeply, admire you greatly, and hold you close until my dying day.”
Maddie hoped, as she wiped tears from her cheeks, that Brenda’s go-to mascara was weathering the storm.
The pastor proceeded with the ceremony, and at last pronounced them husband and wife. “Bear,” he said, “you may kiss your bride.”
Camera lights flashed. The guests cheered. And Maddie’s heart swelled as she kissed her groom.
After everyone said their congrats, the chairs were cleared and the music kicked up. Tonight Maddie and Bear would spend the evening together, but for now, they would celebrate with their guests.
And what a celebration it was.
Rain fell beyond the windows of the Country Quilt Inn, giving life to the land. Just as spring was a time for new beginnings, this was a time for new life. A life she and Bear would live out together, and Maddie planned to cherish it each day.
Thanks for reading The Lumberjack’s Yuletide Bride by Kimberly Krey. There are more Country Brides & Cowboy Boots available including The Sherriff’s Bride from Kimberly Krey.
Click here to pick up your copy, today!
The fun doesn’t stop here. There are more Country Brides & Cowboy Boots books available. Turn the page to see the fun and romantic country books available from bestselling and award-winning authors.
Horses, Hayrides, and Husbands
by Jeanette Lewis
The Sheriff’s Bride
by Kimberly Krey
The Inventive Bride
by Maria Hoagland
An Unexpected Groom,
A Much-Anticipated Bride,
and A Country Wedding
The Fair Catch Ranch Family Saga
by Lucy McConnell
With more Country Bride & Cowboy Boots books to come!
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Also by Kimberly Krey
The Sweet Montana Bride Series
Reese’s Cowboy Kiss
Texan pageant winner, Reese Taylor, has a former classmate who wants her dead. Now she must leave her friends and family to enter a protection program on Emerson Ranch. A group of good-looking cowboys awaits her, but Reese has her eye on Blake Emerson, the one man too busy with the ranch to give her a chance.
Jade’s Cowboy Crush
Single mother, Jade Miller, has just witnessed a murder. Now, set to testify against the cold-blooded killer, Jade must be placed under protection. While she is grateful to the kind folks who've offered to take in her and her son, Jade is surprised to find the man escorting them from L.A. to Montana is Gavin Emerson. A womanizing, far-too-attractive-for-his-own-good, rebel cowboy. Jade assures Gavin that she has sworn off men until her son is grown, but all too soon she finds herself fighting back feelings for the man who's agreed to care for them.
Cassie’s Cowboy Crave
Twenty-four-year-old Cassie Lovell has a great job, good friends, and an apartment with a killer view. That is, until life is turned upside down. Without the chance to say goodbye, Cassie is forced into a witness protection program on Emerson Ranch. Just when she fears life is doomed, Cassie meets Shane Emerson, the stunningly handsome cowboy who'll be posing as her newlywed groom.
Second Chances Series:
Rough Edges
Allie’s ex-husband might have left Montana in search of greener pastures, but his old high school friend, Braden Fox, is still running the woodshop just miles down the road. The handsome carpenter has been in love with Allie since he can remember. Now, with Terrance out of the picture, will he finally have a chance? Or will bitterness and hurt from years back keep him from welcoming her into his heart? Find out in this newly released novel, Rough Edges, where Allie and the carpenter try to smooth out the past.
Mending Hearts
Logan and Candice have struggled over the years. With hardships ranging from their inability to conceive, to loved ones lost, the two have finally called it quits. Almost. Logan Emerson isn’t ready to let go just yet, and he'll do what it takes to show Candice that it's worth the fight. Can this married couple rekindle their love and mend their broken hearts?
Fresh Starts
Bree has had her fair share of difficulties. The loss of her parents, a not-so-recent divorce, and the disruption of her life caused by a dangerous stalker who’s serving jail time. When the determined criminal finishes his sentence, Bree is sent into hiding. And while she’s doing all she can to steer clear of this frightening piece of her past, a new man enters the scene, determined to be part of her future.
Novellas
Getting Kole for Christmas
Kylie’s been crushing on Kole for two years now, but can she get him to see her as more than a friend? For years Kylie has watched her older sisters get asked to every school dance there is. Yet once she’s old enough to go, the invites are in short supply. While getting overlooked has never felt good, it hasn’t really hurt the way it does this year. Because now there’s someone she really wants to go with: Kole Kingston. Kole is charming and funny. Gorgeous and kind. And everything she wants in a guy. Trouble is, he’s also her very best friend. Can Kylie tear herself free from the friend-zone in time to get asked to the Christmas dance? Or will she – like so many others – find that a romance between them will never be?
Getting Micah Under the Mistletoe
Quinn’s been in love with her friend, Micah, for two years straight. But between Micah’s dense skull and his even denser girlfriend, Quinn hasn’t stood a chance. But things are about to change. With Ms. Denser out of the picture and Christmas around the bend, Quinn has a plan that could switch their status from bumping fists to locking lips.
Ranch Hand for Auction
(Get this one free by joining Kimberly Krey’s mailing list)
Meg left her Montana home, earned her bachelor's degree, and lived out her dream of selling her art. But now her life is in limbo. Stay in Colorado with a man who won't commit, or call it quits and move back to her home state. Her answer comes in the form of Jake Billings, a woman-courting, dimple-sporting cowboy her father bids on at the county fair. The auctioned ranch hand is meant to help Meg process grapes on her father's land, but along the way he steals her heart. Can Meg trust this sudden shift in direction, or will she be drawn back to the man she left behind?
About the Author
Kimberly Krey specializes in writing "romance that's clean without losing the steam!" She's a reader of good, clean romance, a lover of family time and Diet Coke, and the ultimate hater of laundry. She lives in the Salt Lake Valley with her husband, four children, and two hyper Chihuahuas. To receive a free book (Ranch Hand for Auction) by this author, join her mailing list! Also get updates @ Kimberly’s Author Page on FB for details, or go to kimberlykrey.com.
The Lumberjack's Yuletide Bride: Country Brides & Cowboy Boots (A Cobble Creek Romance) Page 14
