Page 319 of The Cowbears of Curvy Bear Ranch

“I’m a good judge of character,” her dad said. “I didn’t spend twenty years in the service without learning a thing or two aboutpeople.”

“What branch?” Drewasked.

“Marines.”

“Army,”Drewsaid.

“See, I knew you were a good man,” her dad said. “Anyone who serves this country is right inmybook.”

“Well,” her mom huffed. “I’m always the last to know aboutthings.”

“Don’t worry, Mom,” Cindy said. “You can help me plan thewedding.”

“When do you think you’ll have it?” her momasked.

“I don’t know. What do you think, honey?” CindyaskedDrew.

“Let’s wait until the summer after the snow has melted,”hesaid.

“That sounds good to me.” She laced her fingers together with his and smiled. She couldn’t be anyhappier.

* * *

Later that night,after spending a great evening together, everyone said their goodnights. Cindy’s mom and dad suggested that they share a room with Brooke so that Cindy and Drew would have some time alone. Her dad joked that since Drew was going to make her an honest woman, he’d let their sleeping arrangements slide. Cindy wanted to die of embarrassment as Drew led her to thebedroom.

Once inside, she turnedtohim.

“I’m so happy that my parents like you,”shesaid.

“Me too.” He drew her into his arms. “I can’t wait tomarryyou.”

“I can’t wait to marry you either. Do we really have to wait untilsummer?”

“The docket’s pretty full with all the other weddings we need to have between now and then. It wouldn’t be right if I jumped the gun and beat my brothers to thealtar.”

“Didn’t a few of them have fast weddings?” she asked. “Madison told me something about a shotgunwedding.”

“Yeah, that’s what Logan and Kate called it, but she wasn’t pregnant or anything,”hesaid.

She yawned as she climbed into bed beside Drew. She slid into his embrace as if they’d been sleeping like that for years. He tilted her chin up and gave her a kiss hot enough to melt the sheets. She returned it with a passion that stole herbreath.

“I love you,” she whispered when she finally came upforair.

“I love you more,” hemurmured.

“Are we going to be that disgusting couple that’s always mashing their faces together in public?” she asked withagrin.

“I hope so,” hereplied.

As she snuggled in his arms, her heart swelled with happiness. She’d finally found an amazing man and she couldn’t wait to spend the rest of her lifewithhim.

Epilogue

Four monthslater…

June sunlight cast a heavenly glowacross the people gathered for Drew and Cindy’s wedding. Cindy stood next to Drew as the minister said the last words in theceremony.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss thebride.”

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