Page 62 of What the Cowboy Wants
His brothers had remembered his blithe comment at Becket’s wedding that if he ever were to get married, he’d wear a tux.They’d made sure he didn’t forget.He had one.
*
Rose stared atherself in the mirror.It had been a crazy fortnight.Her parents had wanted to see as much of Marietta as they could while they were here, and she discovered all the beautiful places with them.
Over the past two weeks she’d also received quite a few emails from possible clients looking for her interior decorating services.Most evenings, she had to work late to finalize quotes and send out emails.
She’d also made time to talk to Janice’s students.The kids had had many questions.Using her own experience as an example, she’d tried to warn them about the pitfalls of losing yourself in social media.According to Janice, they’d loved her talk.
While balancing everything that was going on, she’d also found time to finish the surprise she’d made for Cooper.She wanted to give it to him later tonight.
But now she was ready to marry her cowboy.Twirling around, she smiled.“Thanks again, Arlene—it’s the perfect dress.And I can’t get over the shoes—they’re gorgeous.Thanks to the two mothers in my life.”
“Your mom knew exactly what you’d like,” Arlene smiled.
“I have something else for you,” her mom said as she gave her a small, wrapped gift.
“You and Dad are paying for the caterers, you’ve given me so much already,” Rose cried.
“Open it,” her mom smiled.
Inside the box was a beautiful pair of emerald earrings, the same pair her mother had always been fond of wearing.
“Your earrings!Oh, Mom, they’re perfect, but don’t you still want to wear them?”
“Well, you see, I thought now that we’re moving to Marietta, I could borrow them any time I want.Your something old.”
It took Rose a second to understand what her mom was saying.“You mean you’re willing to move here?”
Her eyes bright with tears, her mom nodded.“Of course.This is where you are.Your dad and I both like the pace of this little town, and it’s so beautiful and unique with Yellowstone National Park just around the corner.We can’t wait to explore everything.”
“Oh, Mom,” Rose sniffed, hugging her mom, “I’m so glad.I was dreading having to say goodbye to you.”
“No crying, remember?”Willow said as she entered the bedroom.“Something from your groom!”
“If it’s another pair of earrings,” her mom said quickly, “don’t worry about wearing these.”
“Don’t worry,” Willow smiled.“It’s a unique Cooper gift.”
With hands not quite steady, Rose opened the small square box.Inside was a golden bracelet with different charms.Only when she picked it up could she see what the charms were—a three-legged dog to represent Prince, a terrier who looked like Charlie, a Maltese who was probably Lady, a black cat, and a horse.
Sniffing, trying to keep the tears at bay, she pressed it against her.“This is perfect.”
Arlene stepped closer with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in her hands.“Cooper picked these for you early this morning and asked me to make the bouquet for you.”
At this point, nothing Rose did could stop the tears.“Oh, I’m so happy!”
“Come on,” Willow said as she stepped closer with make-up.“Blow your nose, you’re about to get married!”
“Are they ready?”Rose asked Willow.
“They’re ready,” Willow grinned.“Cooper is going to love your entourage.”
*
Dressed in atux and a shirt with a very tight collar, his brothers and his nephew flanking his sides, Cooper waited for his bride.It was cold outside the marquee tent in front of the house.Inside were heaters placed all around, but out here, the temperature was dropping fast.
A few minutes earlier Rose’s dad had announced that this was where they should wait for Rose, so even if he was going to freeze his butt off, he’d wait.
