Gabriel's Atonement (39 page)

She stared at the new town. Several plots already had buildings on them made from fresh lumber. One man was painting the facade of his barbershop in red and white stripes.

Something thumped in the rear of the wagon, and then it creaked as Gabe climbed aboard. He touched her shoulder, and she turned toward him. “Are you all right, sweetheart? I know that was quite a shock for you. It was for me, too. Mark never said anything that would have led me to think he'd married your sister.”

“I can't deny that Jo hurt me, but it certainly isn't the first time.”

“Would you prefer to postpone the wedding for a few weeks?”

Her heart overflowing, she gazed into the concerned eyes of the man she loved so much and cupped her hand around his cheek, heedless to the spectacle they made. “No, Gabriel. I want to marry you right now. I love you, and I want you to be able to comfort me when I'm hurting. Maybe that's selfish, but I need you.”

His wide grin cheered away the sadness. “Then let's get married, darlin'.” He placed a quick kiss on the end of her nose then collected the reins and released the brake. “Hi'yah, horses. We have a wedding to get to.”

As Gabe gazed into Lara's lovely eyes, he repeated his vows, promising to love, honor, and cherish her. He slid the ring he'd picked out—a beautiful emerald—onto her finger, excited to become a husband and father all at once. How had he been so incredibly lucky to have found such a compassionate, selfless woman to marry? His mother would have loved her as much as he did.

But even more, he'd made things right with God and had a new purpose in life. He'd learned that no matter what he did or how much he sacrificed, he couldn't atone for killing Tom Talbot. Only Christ could take the pain away and make him a new man. Lara's love and forgiveness had helped, too.

“Mr. Coulter,” the minister said, “you may kiss your bride.”

Gabe grinned, then he cupped his hands around Lara's sparkling face and melded his lips to hers. This kiss would be short. Quick.

But tonight, he would offer her all the comfort and love she needed.

And tomorrow was his birthday, and he and his new wife could celebrate again.