by Tanya Hanson
“Me either.”
Epilogue
The following April
“This just has to be the most beautiful place for a wedding,” Tiffany announced atop Curiosity, the spirited Appaloosa mare Bragg had given her for her birthday. The foothills and mountains cuddling all of Mountain Cove had turned back to the green of spring, of life and hope. Mallie and Hooper had chosen well. And Pastor Hale would be performing the ceremony.
“With all the spring wildflowers, you gals sure don’t have to do much decorating,” Bragg commented as he dismounted before helping Tiffany. She slid down him with a skitter of delight as their bodies melded for a brief second.
“You sure your ancestor Joe buried his faithful mule here?” she asked, surveying the tree-lined glen on the shore of the small mountain lake everybody called Old Joe’s Hole.
“So goes the legend.” Bragg nodded, his black Stetson firm on his head over a tumble of shoulder-length sandy waves. He pointed to a large, box-shaped boulder. “Her headstone supposedly, but the first time Christy saw this place, she reckoned it would make a fine wedding grotto.”
Stretching, Tiffany breathed in the sweet fresh air. A rippling creek and birdsong tickled her ears. With no rain for a week and no snow for three, surely the good weather was a good luck omen for the wedding.
No. Not a good luck omen. God Himself and His infinite blessings.
God’s goodness had continued, with Bragg’s former clients regaining their trust in him after Tony’s public confession to the school board. Business was booming, and the Bar R hadn’t held Tony’s wrongs against him. Most likely because the swim team was drug-free and performing well. And Bragg himself had put in a good word.
“So beautiful,” Tiffany breathed.
“I’d say so.” Bragg tossed her a look full of fire, and she stepped on tiptoe to pull his head down for a kiss. The leisurely taste of him only sparked her raging blood and pounding heart. She reveled in his manly groan.
A waft of spring wind still bearing a hint of winter blew through the pretty woods. Although Mallie had sweetly asked Tiffany to be a bridesmaid, she had declined so she could watch Matty. Connor’s appearance as ring-bearer was more than satisfying. Still, the honor had deeply touched Tiffany’s heart. After all, she and Bragg weren’t officially engaged, yet. The months since Christmas had been a time of sharing, of learning, of acceptance as Tiffany’s life turned stable in her own family.
And of falling into a real love so deep and complete Tiffany never wanted to come out of it. She had every expectation of a proposal soon. Olga, who’d arrived for the wedding two days ago, would be thrilled. She’d visited the ranch often since the healing had begun on Christmas Day. Her relationship with Diana was a work in progress, to be sure, but they were making positive steps forward under Pastor Hale’s guidance.
Bragg took Tiffany’s hand as he led her deeper into the trees without letting go. “You know I love it here. I learned to swim at the Hole. But for me, well. When the time comes, I can’t imagine taking vows anywhere else but our church. Standing there, the mountains all backdropped through those big windows. Wouldn’t even need candles or flowers as far as I’m concerned.”
Tiffany’s heart throbbed. Here she was in the arms of the man she loved, with him talking about weddings. Yes, it would be soon, her promise to be Mr. Bragg Martin’s bride.
“What do you think?” he asked her.
“About what?” She tried to be coy, even with the pounding veins. Of course he was just setting her up for tomorrow. “Why would my opinion matter where you get married?”
“Because, Miss Tiffany Vickers, you better be right there at my side.” He got to his knee, and looked up at her with a melting gaze. “You’ll be marrying me, of course.”
“Well, of course.” Even as she trembled, Tiffany chuckled, squeezing his hand. “But you’re supposed to ask.” He got to his feet and pulled a box from his pocket. Her heart stopped in her throat.
“Well, never occurred to me you’d say no.” He smiled as he slid a perfectly-sized ring on her finger. A princess cut diamond surrounded by garnets, her birthstone.
“Oh, my goodness. Bragg, it’s beyond gorgeous. And perfect. How…my size and all? How did you know?”
He winked. She understood. Kelley.
Then he pulled her close. Against his beating heart, Tiffany Vickers was reminded for the millionth time Who had led her to Hearts Crossing.
And why.
She melted into his arms. “I don’t want to rain on Mallie and Hoop’s parade tomorrow. Maybe we should announce it tonight at the rehearsal dinner.”
“That works. I can ask Olga’s permission this very day.”
“Of course. But…” She chewed her lip. “I’ve got another good idea. Talk to Paul, too. I think it would mean the world to him.”
Bragg slowly nodded. “You’re right. He’s turned out to be a pretty good brother.”
“And one can never have too many brothers. Or sisters.” Tiffany thought of the Martin brood and meant every word. But…
“Bragg, you still didn’t ask me. You have to say the words, you know.”
“All righty, woman.” With the grin she loved, he got back down on his knee. “Tiffany, will you marry me?”
She hesitated just long enough for a grin of her own.
“I will.”
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