Together, they turned to face the preacher, but Monty didn’t let go of her hand. Against all odds, God had brought them to this place, and he planned to enjoy every minute of it.
As they spoke their vows, Grace’s words were sure and steady. Much more so than the gallop in his chest. But one sentence the reverend spoke caught and held in his mind.
“Therefore, what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.”
As Monty pulled his bride close for their first kiss as husband and wife, he paused to take in the love reflecting in those crystal blue eyes. It so perfectly matched what overflowed in his own chest.
~ ~ ~
IT FELT LIKE forever before all the backslapping and well-wishing was over. Anna had wanted to throw a big fiesta to celebrate the marriage, but Grace talked her into only a few of the traditional Mexican wedding foods.
Which suited Monty just fine. They’d have plenty of years to celebrate with the others, but today belonged to the two of them.
Like the faithful friend he was, Juan had their horses saddled and waiting by the time Monty was able to sneak Grace away from the festivities.
They mounted, and cantered from the ranch yard by way of the back corral behind the barn.
The smile blooming across Grace’s features only deepened as the buildings faded from sight behind them. She reined her mare down to a walk. “How long do you think before they’ll notice?”
He settled Poncho into an easy stride beside Grace’s mare. “Jacob promised to keep Anna busy. I think that’s the only way we got out of there without a ruckus.”
The ride to the river passed too quickly, as Monty soaked up time alone with this woman. His wife.
As the flowing water of the Guadalupe came into view, their conversation drifted into the peaceful sounds of nature. They reined in at a live oak tree, and Monty dismounted, then stepped around to help his bride.
Not that she needed help, but in that frilly blue dress he couldn’t stand to keep his distance from her.
As he stepped near her mare, she gave him one of those looks that warmed his blood. He reached up to her waist and slipped her down to the ground. But now that he was this close, he wasn’t letting go just yet.
She came into his arms willingly, and fit there like she’d been created for the spot. He held her close, breathing in the scent of summer roses in her hair. The trickle of the river before them drifted on the breeze.
“The day’s been perfect so far. I just wish I could bring you to our new home tonight.”
She shifted in his arms to look at him. “I don’t mind, Monty.”
He sank into those blue depths. “You don’t mind bedding down in the extra bunkhouse for a few weeks?”
The corners of her mouth tipped. “Anywhere with you is home.”
And that’s exactly the way he felt. As they stood on the banks of the Guadalupe River, his wife in his arms, he’d never felt so complete.
What God brought together here—would last forever.
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Check out the other books in
Misty M. Beller’s
Texas Rancher Trilogy:
Book 1
Amazon.com/dp/B01064BQCU
Book 2
Amazon.com/dp/B010EN1YSO
Also look for
Misty M. Beller’s
Mountain Dreams Series:
Book 1
Amazon.com/dp/B00MQB7F4U
Book 2
Amazon.com/dp/B00T8XN9Q2
Book 3
Amazon.com/dp/B00WH8RBPA
Book 4
Amazon.com/dp/B011GC7VH
About the Author
Misty M. Beller writes Christian historical romance and is the author of the bestselling Mountain Dreams Series and the Texas Rancher Trilogy.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and two daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Connect with Misty at www.MistyMBeller.com
Dedication
To my sweet angel Haven.
I love you more than you could ever imagine.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are the product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
Copyright © 2015 Misty M. Beller
All rights reserved.
The Rancher Takes a Cowgirl Page 16
