by Gayle Eden
“No. I had one of those.” She whispered, “Unless you do?”
“No.”
“Why don’t we get married at the courthouse? Do you think your mother would be—”
“—She won’t mind.” He was smiling. “Next week?”
“Yes.” She tried to explain. “Kane. I had a beautiful gown, and it was an expensive ceremony, with all the trappings. And… I felt like I was dying.”
She swallowed. “I’ve had more freedom, more life, more joy, here at 4 oaks, in your arms. This is all that matters. You don’t even have to marry me…”
“I want to.” He cupped her face. “Listen to me, Sage. I don’t need the paper either, but it will matter to Mike. And, it matters to me, because my parents couldn’t make it work. My father wasn’t a good husband. Our family was scattered—and four oaks, yes. It’s everything to us. Nevertheless, it’s nothing if we don’t have love here. My Grandpa saw his dreams of that turn to ashes. I know what he wanted. He wanted family here. And kids. And all the things that make life full.”
“I know. I felt him. Heard him at times. He—” She laughed. “Don’t think I’m crazy, but he encouraged me. He comforted me.”
“I don’t think you’re crazy. I feel him all the time. Particularly when I struggle.” Kane’s hands skimmed down her arms. “He always said that the love of a woman was the most powerful force on earth. I believe that.”
“I love you.”
He gathered her in his arms. This time, when they made love, slow, achingly sweet, and intense, they could speak the words, and others, on those sighs, and against dewed skin and lips.
Sage closed her eyes, breathed him, felt him, inside and out. She knew deep in her soul that she’d come back for him. She knew—that something in him called to her. As rugged and strong as he was, he had love and passion to give, to pour out. He gave that to her with his body and soul.
When he came, holding her tight, holding himself deep inside of her body, it felt perfect, complete.
~*~
On Monday, Sage took time to call and talk to Caroline. They spoke for over two hours, and Sage felt they would be close in the future. On her break from work, she and Kane picked out rings. That night, they talked to Michael. He was over the moon happy.
Though they hadn’t said anything to the brothers, when they returned from the courthouse the day they were wed, Kane in his jeans and boots, hat, and a white shirt, she in a flowered dress— the whole gang was at the ranch house.
“Congratulations!” They yelled from the porch as Kane held her car door.
He took her hand afterwards, he and Sage smiling as they mounted the steps—and were smothered in hugs and kisses.
Jesse and Skye had a great meal cooking. Kane took ribbing from his brothers as he and Sage separated after Carter poured champagne and they toasted.
Sitting on the banisters, Rio said, “It’s a good thing Michael called and told us. We’re you ever planning to?”
“Yeah.” Kane grinned. “I just wanted to get it done before she changed her mind.”
“No chance of that,” Sage said carrying her coffee cup, now barefoot as she let Kane pull her across his lap. “I’m sorry. It was really my idea.”
“Hey. We’re not complaining. You’ve got to put with him,” Carter teased.
“None of you seem too surprised.” She observed.
“He’s loved you a long time,” Rio said, perfectly serious as he held her gaze. “I know what that’s like. I also know—how good it is when you stop fighting it, and admit you need it.”
“I loved him too.” She looked at Kane. “I never stopped.”
“Dinner’s ready. Let’s eat!” Skye called from the doorway.
Though they had stood, Kane held her in the circle of his arms a moment, having said the vows, called her wife, only a short while ago.
“I’ll be a good husband, Sage.”
“I know. I’ll try and be a good wife.”
“You’re perfect.” He kissed her softly. “Absolutely perfect. For me.”
Walking inside with him, Sage caught something out the corner of her eye. She paused and looked over her shoulder, hearing the others inside laughing as she watched the rocker move.
“What’s wrong?” Kane was holding the door for her.
“Nothing.” She looked at him smiling. “I think your Grandfather is happy.”
He smiled back. “Oh, Honey. I know he is.”
The end.
Final 4 Oaks installment in progress… Everything you Want
Other Contemporary Novels by Gayle Eden or Eve Asbury
Bring on the Rain (3 book series)
Her Way Home
One Hot Summer (3 book Series)
Loving Grace
Rock My World
Shameless
Brother of the Bride
Table of Contents
Copyright
What came before…
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Other books
