by Leslie Kelly
"I wonder if Justin is ready for his dance with the maid of honor,” said Wyatt, a wry grin tugging at his sexy mouth. “He's been practicing so much, he'll be crushed if he steps on Simone's toes."
"I hope he won't be too crushed. Maria tells me Simone brought a date," Nicole replied with a frown.
"At least it's not Brady!" Wyatt muttered.
Nicole nodded vehemently. She had been just as relieved as Wyatt that Brady had decided to leave the ranch once Wyatt and Nicole were married, finally allowing Wyatt to buy him out. They hadn't seen him in months. Thankfully, once he had left, Simone had quickly gotten over her heartbreak, moved in with Maria and Josh and returned to school. Justin was the only one not too pleased with that arrangement.
"You know, I used to think Simone had a crush on you."
Wyatt chuckled. "Wouldn't have mattered if she did. I haven't been available since I was nineteen years old and lost my heart to a brown-eyed girl sitting on a fence.”
She melted a little inside. Wyatt always managed to say exactly the right thing, making her feel more loved every single day of her life.
“I love you,” she whispered. “I’m never going to stop showing you how much.”
“I’d die if you did.”
Their hands entwined and squeezed. Falling silent, they watched as most of the congregation followed the newly married couple out of the church. Within a few moments, all the pews were empty, except the front one where Wyatt and Nicole remained.
"I guess I'll just have to let Justin be the Clayton heartbreaker from now on," he said with a self-satisfied smirk. "And the girls had better watch out."
She couldn’t help teasing him, knowing he was still thinking only as Justin’s father. "You look happy about that," she retorted. "Don't tell me you approve of boys who go around breaking girls' hearts?"
Wyatt started to toss off a reply, then caught Nicole's pointed downward glance. Looking horrified, he bent down, muttering, "Never. Not in a million years."
Nicole laughed out loud as Wyatt hunched protectively over the baby seat in the pew. He woke Jessica up as he slid the protective straps off her tiny body and lifted her against his chest. The baby didn't even make a sound of protest as she curled into her father's embrace.
"You've spoiled her already." Nicole chuckled. "Nine days old and she's got her daddy wrapped around her little finger."
Wyatt nodded, completely happy at his fate. "And her big brother, too. Heartbreaking boys had better steer clear."
Nicole brushed a fine curl from Jessica's brow, caught the baby's green-eyed stare and winked at her. "Don't worry, sweetheart. Mommy's going to teach you all you need to know about ending up with the right man."
Careful of the baby in his arms, Wyatt drew Nicole forward and pressed a sweet kiss on her lips. "I love you, Nicole. Thanks for the anniversary present."
“You’re welcome,” she told him with a smile. "Just don't expect the same thing every year.”
******
