Page 73 of Rancher's Heart

Nora, Fallon, Tayla, and Kristin had taken Elle to shop in the city, and they were under strict orders to have her wear whatever she picked back home. I didn’t know what excuse they’d figured out, and my head was pounding as I listened to them trying to figure it out. So I told them to come up with something and that I didn’t need to know.

Nash arrived with Elle’s family, and I watched in awe as Parker communicated with his grandparents and uncle. Even though he was using his implant, he was signing, and that was because Elle’s brother Wyatt, didn’t like wearing his, he preferred to sign.

“Are you evesdropping?” Linc asked as he walked over to me.

“I’m trying, but I can’t keep up.” I laughed, and he walked to the porch to visit with my parents.

“Hey Griff, this is my Grandpa Paul and Grandma Della.” Even though he was talking his fingers signed the words. I shook both their hands. “This is my Uncle Wyatt.” Parker beamed up at him, and I wondered if they’d created their own special bond over the years.

Wyatt, it’s nice to meet you. Thank you for coming, and I hope you’ll find yourself comfortable here. Everyone knows ASL, and even though we’re slow, we hope we get it right.

Wyatt smiled, and he moved his hands slowly so I could keep up with him.Elle told me you were all learning, and I can’t tell you how amazing it is to be somewhere nobody looks at me funny or tries to talk slower so I can understand.

Well don’t worry we’ll sign slow, but only because we don’t understand it all yet.

The group laughed, and I was overcome with emotion when Elle’s mom, who looked like an older, slightly shorter version of my soon-to-be bride embraced me gently. “When Chanelle told me she’d moved in with you, I was worried she was jumping too soon. Then she told me how you and the group here had accepted Parker and started taking lessons so he would be comfortable in any situation, I stopped worrying. You’re a good man, Griffin Harp, and I’m so glad my daughter found you.” She smiled up at me when she let me go and I had to blink back the tears that were forming in my eyes.

“Sir, could we have a chat? I know it’s backward and not the right time, but I would appreciate a moment.” The man nodded, and we walked into the house together.

Standing in the living room, I looked up at the vaulted ceiling. Before looking at him, I said, “I love your daughter sir. While your answer won’t change my mind or the outcome of today, I would like your permission to marry her. She and Parker are my life, without both of them, I wouldn’t be the man I am standing before you.”

“Son, I’ve seen my daughter at the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and when we talked to her right after the fire, she was at the lowest point I’d ever seen her. Della and I were moments from boarding a plane to be here for her, but she assured us she was surrounded by people who loved herand would take care of her.” He looked past me, out the large window, and pointed. “All that out there makes me believe that she’s never been in better hands. You’ve done more for Parker than I could ever imagine, and you’re confident enough in your relationship with her that you befriended her ex-husband. Any man that’s strong enough to do all that is worthy of my daughter’s hand. I give you permission to marry Elle. Just don’t tell her. She’s an independent woman and will likely be mad at the both of us.” He laughed and shook my hand.

Time flew and everyone pitched in to get the final touches on the yard. Kipp’s truck turned onto the road, and I was suddenly overtaken by butterflies relentlessly dancing in my stomach. “Okay, it’s time,” I said as I wiped my hand on my jeans. I wanted to take off the sling for this, but my mother was sure Elle would kill me if I did.

“How was your day?” I smiled as I helped her out of the truck.

“It was good, but what is all this?” She looked around, confusion taking over her calm exterior and back to me. “Is that my parents?” I nodded and led her away from the truck and walked us over to where our life had been changed.

“I know you don’t want a big thing, but I couldn’t wait one more day to make you my wife. So, I made some calls, had people come in, and we’re getting married. Right now.” Her eyes brimmed with tears, she nodded and smiled before grabbing my face to kiss me.

“Hey, you can’t do that yet, we haven’t even started,” Ryder said as he took his spot. “Your dad’s waiting.” He said quietly and motioned to the porch where her father stood waiting to walk her down the makeshift aisle.

Watching her walk to her father, I took my spot in the middle of the yard. Ryder nodded and pointed at Cooper, who pressed play on the speakers. Music floated through the yard, and Ellemoved toward me like she was floating on air as our guests stood. The white dress she wore fluttered around her knees, the ring on her hand sparkled in the sun and her smile healed every part of me that wasn’t back together yet.

“Okay, everyone sit down,” Ryder said as he flipped through his notes. “Griff is someone I never thought would settle down. But one day he showed up at Nash and Fallon’s with this woman who he’d moved into his house.” The crowd laughed.

“They’ve become inseparable, quite the team together, and nobody can remember what life was like before they were together. And we’re all thankful Griff’s trips to the emergency room have decreased greatly.” Another round of laughter erupted around us. “The other benefit of Griff and Elle being together, is Parker. He’s taught all of us that nothing is an obstacle; he’s a great man to have around and a wonderful big brother to all the rug rats that have taken over this ranch. Griff has worked on a few things to say.”

Reaching for Elle’s hand, I took a deep breath and looked into her eyes. “It seems appropriate for us to be starting a new life here in the shadow of the half-constructed barn.” Her eyes flit to the structure behind me, and she nodded. “The night you showed up here at midnight terrified and needing a place to be safe, I knew I never wanted you to leave. If I could have married you that night, I would have. But standing on this spot where my life was taken from me, you fought for me, for us and our family.” Her eyes dropped to the ground and a tear slid down her cheek.

“I will protect you, Parker, and our little surprise with my life. I love you more than anything in this world.” I had more to say, but a lump formed in my throat, and I stopped talking.

“Time for the rings pal,” Ryder said as he held out his hand to Parker, who was standing behind me.

“Don’t I get to say anything?” Elle asked.

“Sure, go ahead.” Ryder shrugged like he hadn’t even considered she’d want to say vows. It’s a good thing I was only doing this once; I wouldn’t have to fire him from being an officiant.

“I never thought I’d do this again, but you changed everything in my life. You’ve accepted Parker and me without question and you’re willing to take this crazy ride with us. I don’t know what our future will hold, and I can’t say there won’t be bumps along the way, but I’m so glad we’ll have you beside us to get through them. The day I brought back your horses changed my life, and I don’t want another day without you.”

I couldn’t slip her ring on her finger fast enough, I held her hand in mine. Elle put my ring on my right hand and smiled. “As soon as I can move it, I will.” I nodded in agreement.

“By the power given to me from the state of Montana and some random website I found, so let’s hope this is legal.” Everyone roared with laughter, but I could have throat-punched him for making me wait. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Griff, would you finally kiss this girl.”

“Gladly.” I pulled Elle to me. “I love you.” Lowering my head. Kissing her was like fireworks and corks popping off champagne. I would have stayed here forever, but I pulled away from her, and her kiss lingered on my lips long after we parted.

Motioning for Parker, he came and stood in front of us, and we posed for pictures, which I was sure would end up grainy and out of focus, but it didn’t matter. We were a family now and nobody could take that from us.

---