The Ranger Takes a Bride (20 page)
Read The Ranger Takes a Bride Online
Authors: Misty M. Beller
As she listened to his words, love surged through Alejandra. This man was made to save people. He was talented on the ranch, yes. But God had given him a gift for helping others. And he was willing to give it up if it made her uncomfortable.
Thank you, God. You've given me more than I could have ever dreamed.
She squeezed his hand. "I want you to be the sheriff, if that's where God calls you. Mama Sarita's in a good place at the ranch with Anna. I'll be by your side, helping people with you."
His face was a mixture of emotion. Uncertainty. Wariness. A hint of hope. "Do you mean that?"
To prove her truthfulness, she leaned forward, pulling him close for another quick kiss. As their lips parted, she met his gaze. "Every word."
Epilogue
One Month Later
The
sun shone brightly as a light breeze ruffled the branches of the Live oak at the river's edge. Edward glanced at Jacob, who met his gaze with a single raised brow.
"She's coming, Little Brother. Don't worry."
He wasn't worried. Not really. Although he couldn't tell that by the knot in his stomach.
The small crowd milled in the open area beside the Guadalupe River. The group mostly consisted of cowpunchers from the Double Rocking B, because the women were all riding to the river with the bride.
His bride.
The knot tightened in his gut. Where was she?
A group of men gathered around Juan as he held little Martin. He was almost two months old now, and just learning how to give real smiles. Amazing how a baby could make even tough cowhands go googly-eyed and talk baby-gibberish.
A horse nickered in the distance, and Edward's attention snapped toward the sound. An enclosed carriage—the new one rented from the livery in town—stopped at the edge of the tree line. Uncle Walter descended from the box in the front, and reached to assist Aunt Laura down as well.
At the edge of his vision, Edward barely realized that Reverend Walker had made his way from the crowd around Juan, to stand beside Edward. They were ready. And now he only needed his bride. Alejandra.
Curtains hung in the windows of the carriage, so he couldn't catch any glimpse of the occupants. Uncle Walter moved with painful deliberation as he stepped to the door, turned the handle, and pulled it open.
Emmaline was the first out, and after Uncle Walter helped her down the step, she sashayed across the grass. The crowd parted for her to pass through, like the little princess she was. When she reached her papa, her hand found his, and she fell into line beside him. Leaning forward, she gave Edward a beaming smile.
Next to exit the carriage was Anna, and her appearance sent a surge of pride through him. His sister hadn't looked so nice since the day she married Jacob. She and Alejandra had become like sisters these last few months. And now they really would be.
Anna moved to stand beside Aunt Laura, as Uncle Walter turned back to the coach door. Mama Sarita's head appeared, and she allowed Uncle Walter to hand her down. Her bearing was straight and regal, with the same willowy figure as Aunt Laura. Their resemblance was even more obvious when she went to stand with her sister and Anna.
Uncle Walter turned to the door one more time, and Edward's gut tightened. This had to be Alejandra. There was no one left. But after speaking to the occupant for a moment, Uncle Walter turned away, and moved to where the women stood. He extended his arm, and Mama Sarita motioned for Aunt Laura to take it.
The couple approached the wedding guests, with Anna and Mama Sarita falling into step behind them. When they neared the front of the crowd, Anna took her place across from Jacob, leaving an empty spot for Alejandra between her and the pastor. It was all like a rehearsed dance, but the waiting was enough to drive Edward mad.
"Patience, man." Jacob muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Edward to hear.
Patience. Edward inhaled deeply, then blew out the spent air. It seemed like he'd been patient for months.
And then the carriage door opened wider, and Alejandra appeared. Her magnificence stole his breath. Raven black hair framed her face, with long tendrils escaping down her back. The white lace on her gown flounced in waves down the skirt and around her collar, bringing out the rich bronze of her skin. Beautiful. Breathtaking. Amazing. Words couldn't begin to describe her. Or the effect she had in his chest.
As she approached, Alejandra floated like an angel, her gaze never wavering from his own. Her mouth tipped in a sweet smile, her eyes sparkling. His bride.
When she neared, her hand slipped into his, and Edward raised it to his lips. Reverend Walker spoke, and Edward had to force his gaze from Alejandra, as they turned to face the pastor. The clergyman began the ceremony and a feeling of awareness washed over Edward. He was standing here with Alejandra. Very soon, she would be his bride. How many times over the last months had he prayed for this moment? It wasn't until he'd fully submitted to God's will, that the Lord had brought them together.
Thank you, Father.
When the minister spoke his name, Edward's attention snapped back to the man's words.
"Edward Thomas Stewart, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"
"I will." He spoke the words with the certainty that coursed through his chest.
As Alejandra made the same promise, he gave her hand a light squeeze. Did she still harbor any worries? Any regrets?
When she spoke her vows, Alejandra met his gaze, her voice strong and sure. Edward fought the urge to pull her in his arms.
Patience.
For now, he could simply enjoy the moment. The start of the rest of their lives together.
He slipped the gold band on her finger, and raised her hand to plant another kiss. Her eyes sparkled with extra moisture, and she nibbled her lower lip. An adorable habit.
At last, Reverend Walker gave him permission to kiss his bride. Time seemed to slow, as everything except Alejandra faded away. Edward fitted his left hand behind her back, and cradled her cheek with his right. She raised her face to him, her eyelids drifting closed in trusting abandon. He savored the sight, then lowered his lips to hers. Just a single, powerful kiss. But her lips sparked in him the desire for much more. Later.
As her eyes flickered open, their dark depths glazed in wonder. It was only through force of will that he didn't go back for another kiss. Alejandra blinked, as if coming back to her surroundings. Good to know the kiss affected her as much as it did him. She glanced around at their friends and family, pink stealing into her cheeks.
They were greeted with hugs and congratulations, and after a few minutes, Jacob gathered everyone to ride back to the ranch house for a post-wedding meal and celebration.
Edward snagged Alejandra's hand and led her to where he'd tied Pepper. "Are you sure you'd rather not ride in the wagon? I'm certain the ladies would make room for us both."
"I'd rather ride with you." That cute blush fanned her cheeks again, and Edward couldn't help a grin.
"Me, too." He mounted, and she pulled up behind him, wrapping both arms around his waist. A simple act of trust. He'd protect that trust with every last breath in his body.
The rest of the group mounted and started for the trail through the woods, but Edward halted his gelding at the edge of the river. Alejandra's grip tightened around him as they gazed over the water.
After a long moment she spoke. "Anna was right."
He waited for her to continue, then finally prompted. "Anna?"
"She said if I would trust God, He promised to give me a hope and a future."
Edward swallowed down a lump as she rested her head against his back.
"God kept His promise when He gave me you."
Did you enjoy this book? I hope so!
Would you take a quick minute to leave a review?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B010EN1YSO
It doesn't have to be long. Just a sentence or two telling what you liked about the story!
About the Author
Misty Beller
was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and two daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family—both immediate and extended—is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.
Sign up for e-mail updates when future books are available!
Also look for
Misty M. Beller’
s
Mountain Dreams Serie
s
:
