“He’s not sprouting that bull…uh…stuff about her not showing up again, is he?”
“He is for sure,” Jake said as he leaned against the wall with his arms folded.
“I seriously doubt she’s going to change her mind, son. She has all of you in tuxedos and seven attendants. The woman is getting her dream wedding.” Jonathan put his hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Besides, from the story I heard, she worked too hard to get you to let you slip away now.”
“I know. It’s just—” His father was right. Tessa had gone above, and beyond to get him to realize they were supposed to be together.
The door opened and the reverend stuck his head in. “Let’s get you married, Sam. Your bride is here.”
Sam sighed with relief. “Thank God,” he muttered as the men headed toward the door that led to the altar.
Following them out, he took his place and his gaze skimmed over the guests. His mother and Betty Lou were already crying into tissues. He winked at his mom when she looked over to him making her smile as she wiped away tears.
“Why do women cry at weddings?” he whispered, tilting his head toward Riley.
“They cry at the drop of a hat. Who knows?” Riley whispered back and shrugging his broad shoulders.
The music started and Sam watched as each beautiful woman walked down the aisle. When Katie took her place at the altar, Sam saw her blush so he leaned toward Riley.
“Stay away from my sister,” he murmured with a grin.
“Not a chance.” Riley chuckled and put a hand on Sam’s shoulder. Sam glanced at him and nodded. He was glad his best friend was at his side.
When Sam looked to the back of the church as the music changed, he hissed in a breath when he saw Tessa start down the aisle with her father.
“Holy shit,” he murmured.
“You’re in church, Sam,” the reverend reminded him.
“Sorry, Padre.” Sam couldn’t take his eyes off her as she moved toward him. She smiled up at him when her father brought her to a stop in front of him. Sam stepped forward to take her hand.
“I know you’ll be good to my baby girl, Sam. Enjoy Kalispell,” Sean O’Brian whispered then he took a seat next to his wife in the front pew.
“Kalispell?” Sam whispered wondering about what his about to be new father-in-law was referring.
“Aunt Lil gave us the deed to the cabin for a wedding gift.”
“No shit—”
“Jonathan Sam Garrett,” the reverend reprimanded grabbing his attention. The man frowned at him.
Sam winced. “Sorry.”
He looked back to Tessa. “She gave it to us?”
“Yes. Maybe we’ll make it there this time,” Tessa whispered and smiled.
“I know we will. Ready to do this, angel?”
“More than ready, Sheriff. How about you?” Tessa smiled at him.
Sam grinned. “I was born ready.”
Tessa squeezed his hand and Sam squeezed back then they repeated their vows to each other.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride,” the reverend told Sam.
“With pleasure,” Sam murmured as he lifted her veil, and cupped her face in his hands. He pressed his lips to hers. When Tessa moaned, he deepened the kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck and continued kissing him until someone cleared their throat. Sam slowly lifted his lips from hers and gazed out toward the guests. “What?”
The guests laughed and started applauding. People outside who couldn’t fit inside the church started cheering. Sam and Tessa laughed. It had become a tradition with Jake and Becca’s wedding. Whoever couldn’t fit in the church stood outside, no matter how hot or cold it was. It was a hot August day, but they didn’t care. No one was going to complain because the town’s favorite sheriff and veterinarian were just married.
Sam took Tessa’s hand and led her down the aisle, stopping in the doorway as more cheers erupted. Sam kissed her hand. Tessa smiled at him and his heart skipped a beat.
“I love you, Tessa.”
“I love you, Sam Garrett.”
Sam grinned and pulled her to him then put his lips close to hers. “Sheriff Sam Garrett.”
“Anything you say…Sheriff,” Tessa said in a husky tone.
“I’ll make a list,” Sam whispered as he put his lips to hers. She groaned into his mouth when he deepened the kiss.
Life couldn’t be better. Sam finally had the woman he loved and he’d make sure she was happy every single day as long as he had a breath in his body. She’d never go without and he’d make sure he’d never be without her. Gazing into her beautiful dark eyes, he smiled, truly happy. The only thing that could make this better was to have some babies with this beautiful woman who was now his wife. That would come in time, since he wanted her for himself for a while first. He knew most people went through hard times when love was involved but together, they had worked through it. Saving their love had been worth it.
**The End**
Sam Men of Clifton, Montana Book 7 Page 23
