by Tessa Layne
His mom slipped up beside him. “Your bride is nearly ready.”
He leaned on his cane as he reached to give her a hug. “’Bout damned time. Feels like I’ve been waiting for ages.”
“Not as long as she has.” His mother grinned slyly.
“I don’t understand.”
“One of her sisters brought out a cootie catcher she’d made in grade school. The whole thing was filled with your name.”
“I don’t even know what a cootie catcher is, Mom.”
Her laugh sparkled like the sunlight. “It’s a girl thing. But I think Cassie’s waited a long time too.” Her face turned serious. “You have the ring?”
For a second his throat grew tight. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
His mother cupped a hand on his cheek, eyes shining with unshed tears. “So much of your father in you, Parker. Don’t ever forget that. He lives in you, and he’s here today. I can feel it.” Her voice caught. “He would be so proud of you. And proud for you to wear his wedding band.”
“Mom.” His voice grew choked. “I’m afraid it will get stuck.” He held up his hand, still red and swollen from his burns. “I didn’t imagine it would be like this.”
“It’s never the way we imagine it. But it doesn’t make this any less good. Here.” She slipped off a heavy silver chain from around her neck. “Have Cassie put the ring on this, and then wear it until you can wear it.” She beamed up at him. “Then you’ll have a bit of me, too.”
“Mom, about Zack Forte.”
Her eyes grew wary. “Parker, I–”
“Hear me out, please? Does he make you happy?”
Her face lit, and she nodded.
A pang of grief shot through him. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen his mom look happy like that. If he thought hard, back into the recesses of a childhood memory, he had a flash of his mother laughing with his father, face happy and content. “I want you to be happy. To have… this.” He waved at the scene on the lawn.
“I am, and I do, son.” She turned to face the front porch. “I think it’s time for you to greet your bride.”
Cassie had stepped out on the front porch, to the cheers of everyone gathered. His heart stuck in his throat as he studied her. Her long dark hair was braided and fell down one shoulder in a single tail. Scattered through her hair were tiny white flowers, and she carried a simple bouquet of sunflowers. His feet began to carry him forward, though he still needed the cane for balance on the uneven ground. He’d be free of it eventually, but physical therapy was a long process, and neither of them had wanted to wait any longer.
He stepped up the porch and came to a stop in front of her. “Hi.” He couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. “You look so beautiful, Cassie.”
She beamed back. “Thank you. You look pretty spectacular yourself.” He’d opted for black suit pants since the material was more comfortable on his burns than denim, and wore a simple white shirt, open at the neck. Although many of the men present sported dress black Stetsons, he’d opted to go hatless. One less thing to worry about. And easier to kiss his bride at will.
“Still want to marry me?”
Her eyes lit. “Yes.” And then she leaned in to whisper in his ear. “Be sure to check out my shoes later.”
“I’ll be checking out a lot more than your shoes,” he whispered back.
The ceremony passed in a blur, and suddenly, he was being told to kiss the bride. That he could do, without help or additional prompting. He pulled her close and brought his mouth to hers, savoring her sweetness.
A whoop went up from the crowd, and he pulled back, then shook his head and murmured. “One more time.” This time the kiss was full of promise. All that was now and yet to come.
THE BEGINNING OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER
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FLINT HILLS MILITARY HEROES – a new series featuring your favorite Prairie characters (and some new ones!)
A HERO’S HONOR – Travis Kincaid & Elaine Ryder
Prairie’s police chief, Travis Kincaid, has had enough of death and destruction. After an operation gone wrong, he left the SEALs for a slower life at home. But when a deadly tornado destroyed half the town, the floodgates opened up and memories of the past haunt him daily. The only person who seems to help is single mom, Elaine Ryder. Her gentle presence pulls him out of the darkness he battles and helps him to feel again.
But Elaine has demons of her own, and a young son to raise. When she accepts Travis’ offer of temporary housing after the tornado, she’s shocked to find herself falling for one of Prairie’s most eligible and elusive bachelors. But how can she risk loving again? Especially a man so conflicted and full of secrets?
As past and present continue on a collision course that may cost Travis his family’s ranch, Travis must decide whether he’s brave enough to revisit the battlefield a final time. In the aftermath, will the couple be able to rebuild their hearts together?
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A HERO’S HEART – Sterling Walker & Emma Sinclaire (coming 2018)
A HERO’S HAVEN – Cash Aiken & Kaycee Starr (coming 2018)
A HERO’S HOME – Jason Case & Millie Prescott (coming 2018)
A HERO’S HOPE – Braden McCall & Luci Cruz
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PRAIRIE REDEMPTION – Cody Hansen & Carolina Grace
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Acknowledgements
To put it bluntly, this book kicked my ass! I had NO idea when I started this book, the magnitude of research it would take to accurately and adequately bring Parker and Cassidy to life. Researching this book has been a journey, and I have developed an entirely new level of respect and awe for the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, and/or as firefighters for the US Forestry Service, BLM, and National Parks. It is an understatement to say that I’m in awe of what you do day in and day out.
There are several people who were instrumental in the development of Parker & Cassidy:
Dan Huyett, retired fire marshal, took time to explain to me the nature of a prairie fire, structural fires, rural firefighting culture and systems, and so much more.
Mike Ferris, PIO for the US Forest Service National Interagency Fire Center, patiently answered every single one of my questions, and left me wanting to become a wildland firefighter myself. Before researching this book, I had no idea of the level of infrastructure required to support wildfire suppression. In many ways it mirrors a military operation, and I can see why so many with military experience end up in that arena.
To Brogan – Thank you for going over my manuscript with a fine-toothed comb. Your spirit is evident on so many pages.
To my mentor, author Kimberley Troutte, and fellow writers Genevieve Turner, and Cora Seton – your insights, advice and wisdom are invaluable and my books are better for it.
To Amanda at Razzle Dazzle Designs – You continue to amaze me with your ability to capture my characters. I love this cover so hard!
To Kara – thank you for your continued support, brainstorming texts, and frank criticism of my drafts. I am so grateful for your friendship, encouragement, and humor.
Lastly, to Mr. Cowboy, Teenager, and Tiny – for your encouragement on the tough days and your enthusiasm in celebrating the small wins. I am grateful for you every day.
