Wild At Heart (21 page)

“Adam, you may kiss your bride.” The pastor’s pale blue eyes gleamed, as if he rather enjoyed this part.

Adam leaned down, a gentle smile on his handsome face. “I love you, Fancy Feathers.” And he kissed her.

“Yee-haw!” Behind them cowboys cheered.

“Kiss her again, Adam.” Claude waved at her, his face glowing.

Adam chuckled and straightened. “I will, Claude, but not when there’s a crowd watching.”

Everyone laughed, and Adam turned her to face the minister again. He looked past them to the crowd. “It gives me great pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Adam McFarland.”

Whoops and hollers resounded as they made their way down the short aisle of the small church. Adam had promised her a church wedding, and he’d kept that promise.

He lifted her into a decorated buggy for a short ride to the Metropolitan Hotel, where dinner would be served to those who attended the wedding.

“I can’t believe we’re finally married,” he said as he climbed into the buggy.

He stole a kiss and gave her an ornery smile. She looked forward to seeing that expression often in the future.

“Don’t forget, I need to mail in my latest manuscript so it will be there before the deadline.”

“Already done. Quinn did it before the wedding.”

She leaned against his arm—the same one the train robber had shot. “Ever the thoughtful husband.”

“I aim to please, ma’am.” He stole another kiss. “So, what’s the name of this book?”

Mariah smiled. “
The Greenhorn Gal of the Dakota Badlands.
”

There are so many people this Oklahoma gal wants to thank for helping make this book set in North Dakota a reality.

Alicia Redmon, a divine meeting if there ever was one. This North Dakotan, whose family owns a ranch near Medora, graciously assisted me with many minor issues and proofed this book, helping me to make sure my research and descriptions were accurate.

To Andee Davis, whom I know online through ACFW. She offered much information about the Russian Germans and freely answered my many questions.

To Paul and JoAnn Douglas, who shared their gorgeous home with the most beautiful view of the Badlands that we saw while in North Dakota. Also, to Paul, who answered my questions about ranching and area plants.

To Doug and Mary Ellison, owners of the fabulous Western Edge Book Store in Medora, for sharing their wealth of knowledge about historical Medora.

To Inspycrits, for brainstorming this book with me and critiquing it. You all are the greatest!

A note from the Author:

I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:

Vickie McDonough
Author Relations
PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683

VICKIE MCDONOUGH
believes God is the ultimate designer of romance. She is a wife of thirty years, mother to four sons, and a doting grandma. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling. Visit Vickie’s Web site at
www.vickiemcdonough.com
.