My Stallion Heart (The Stallions Book 7) (14 page)

It took some maneuvering but two days later Natalie and her siblings were being given a tour of Briscoe Ranch and the Stallion family home. Briscoe Ranch was well over eight hundred acres of working cattle ranch, an equestrian center and an entertainment complex that specialized in corporate and private client services. With the property being central to Austin, Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth, Briscoe Ranch had made quite a name for itself.

Back in the day, Edward Briscoe, the ranch’s original owner, had been one of the original black cowboys. Not long after the birth of his three daughters, Eden and the twins, Marla and Marah, he and his first wife had expanded their Texas longhorn operation, adding two twenty-thousand-square-foot event barns and a country bed-and-breakfast.

After Marah Briscoe’s marriage to John Stallion, Edward had gifted the property to his daughter and new son-in-law, her love for a Stallion ending the conflict that had bought the couple together in the first place. Under the Stallion family umbrella, Briscoe Ranch had grown substantially, specializing in corporate and private client services. It was also a point of consideration for a number of government programs, the property used to assist children and families in need. More importantly, the ranch was home to them all and the pride and joy of the Stallion clan.

Natalie was in awe of the wedding chapel, a charming structure built back in the late 1920s and since completely remodeled. She couldn’t help but be impressed as they stepped through the double wooden doors and took in the beauty of the interior.

The cedar pews had been polished to a high shine, the coloration a rich mahogany red. Stained-glass windows shimmered color across the walls. A runner of red carpet atop the hardwood floors ran the length of the center aisle. It was going to make a perfect venue for a wedding.

“This brings back memories!” Tierra exclaimed as she leaned into her husband’s side.

Travis nodded. “The happiest day of life before the births of our babies,” he said.

Tinjin wrapped his arms around Natalie’s shoulders. “It’s not Paris but it’s also home.”

“It’s perfect,” she said as she reached up to kiss him, brushing her mouth gently against his. “It’s absolutely perfect.” She held out her left hand to admire the sapphire and diamond ring Tinjin had placed on her finger two days earlier.

The Utah Stallions all nodded their approval. Naomi brushed away tears of joy as she sat in a front pew, taking it all in. Her baby sister was getting married and the tears wouldn’t stop flowing.

Marah reached for Natalie’s arm and looped it through her own. “Let’s go back to the main house and I can go over all the arrangements with you. We need to make sure we have everything you want because this is your day!”

Natalie’s brothers moved to shake Tinjin’s hand.

“Dude!” Nicholas said. “You sure about this?”

Noah laughed. “You’re the only one scared.”

Nicholas laughed with him. “Damn right! I know I’m not ready to head down this road. I’m just looking out for Tinjin.”

Tinjin joined in the merriment. “I am absolutely sure,” he said. “Your sister is going to make me the happiest man in the whole wide world!”

Chapter 15

T
he following morning Natalie Stallion and Tinjin Braddy professed their love and adoration, promising to love and honor the other until death parted them. Their commitment to each other was witnessed by family and friends just as the sun came gleaming through the stained-glass windows of the Stallion family chapel. The abundance of love there to support them was overwhelming and the happy couple couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

Red roses and hints of baby’s breath adorned the church and the bridal bouquets. Tierra, Naomi and Frenchie stood at Natalie’s side. Travis, Nathaniel and Matthew stood by Tinjin. Noah walked his sister down the aisle.

Natalie wore a gown of antique lace designed by her husband. It was everything a girl could have wished for and more. She was stunning, everything perfect from head to toe. Side by side they made a beautiful couple and no one could begin to know the team they’d already become.

Tinjin married his best friend, vowing to support and protect her. His grandmother held his arm as he’d moved into place before the pastor, showing her support and solidarity. From her seat in the front pew, Mama Dee’s affection for them all was magnanimous.

The reception lasted until the wee hours of the morning, the family dancing the night away. The sounds of laughter could be heard coming from an oversize tent that filled the yard. Natalie and Tinjin stood alone in the rose garden, holding tight to each other as they stared up to the late-night sky.

“Look!” Natalie exclaimed as she pointed to a shooting star streaking across the sky.

Tinjin smiled. “Did you make a wish?”

His new bride laughed. “I most certainly did!”

“Well?”

“Well, what?”

“What did you wish for?”

The beautiful woman paused for a brief moment. She turned in her husband’s arms and looked into his eyes.

“What did you wish for?” he persisted.

She smiled sweetly. “Snow.”

Momentary confusion washed over Tinjin’s expression. “Why snow?”

Natalie laughed. “I was thinking it might not be so bad if we got stranded at the airport while we were on our honeymoon.”

Tinjin stood staring at her, his eyes blinking rapidly. “Really, Gnat?”

She giggled. “My wish, TJ. Make your own if you don’t like it.”

He laughed, wrapping her in a deep embrace. He kissed her and she kissed him back. She was everything a man could wish for and both knew he would forever have her Stallion heart.

* * * * *

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ISBN-13: 9781460381113

My Stallion Heart

Copyright © 2015 by Deborah Fletcher Mello

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