Page 63 of What the Cowboy Wants
Music filled the air as his sisters-in-law and Willow walked out of the house.They all looked gorgeous, but his eyes were already back on the door, looking for his bride.The bridesmaids joined their husbands, the music died down, everything stilled.
“Ladies and gentlemen, turn this way please?”Rose’s dad said from behind them.
“Did you know about this?”Becket asked as they all turned to the face the road in front of the house.
Pulling at his collar, Cooper shook his head.“Nobody told me.”
“Look at you,” Hayden teased.“All dressed up in a tux, excited to get married.”
Cooper grinned.“Sorry you two have to wear one as well, but thanks.”
“Mom’s idea, but I’m getting out of this the moment you say ‘I do,’” Becket grumbled.
“I know!”Luke cried out with a smile.“Rose is riding Scarlett,”
Just then the first notes of another song had Cooper smiling.He recognized the old Beatles song—“Here Comes the Sun”—perfect for new beginnings.
As he turned his head, the sound of the hooves of a horse joined the music, confirming what Luke had said.And there she was.His breath hitched in his throat, his heart simply overflowed.Just like the image he’d had of her before when he’d run away from her in Seattle, she was sidesaddle on Scarlett’s back in her champagne-colored dress.
Her eyes met his telling him how happy she was.
As everyone clapped, her dad helped her down the horse, and Charlie’s bark announced he was nearby.
Cooper couldn’t wait a moment longer.With his eyes on his bride, he quickly moved toward her.
Only as he neared her, he saw who else had joined her.Prince and Charlie, tongues out, tails wagging were wearing blue bowties around their necks.Behind them was Lady with a pink ribbon around her neck and sitting next to Scarlett’s leg was Ebony, looking regal and slightly bored, a white ribbon around her neck.
He remembered to shake her dad’s hand and then finally he could touch her again.Cupping her face, he bent down and kissed her.“I never want to be without you again,” he murmured.
“Sorry I took your pets,” she grinned.“But they insisted on being a part of today, Willow told me.”
Taking her hand, he turned to Scarlett.“Thank you for bringing her to me.”
Scarlett whinnied softly and dropped her head so that he could stroke her.Go on, get married, she communicated.
Laughing, he gave her another pat.“Okay, okay, we’re getting married.”Giving Rose his arm, he smiled.“Ourpets now.Come on, let’s get married!”
One of the ranch hands was there to take Scarlett back to the stables.
*
“I think youall know how Rose and I met,” Cooper was saying, his eyes on her.“But in that moment, standing in the rain, looking down at the crying and very wet woman in front of me, I lost my heart.Thanks for accepting me for who I am, Rose, I can’t wait to start our new life together.”
Sniffing, Rose got up and took the microphone from Cooper.Tears were running down her face.
“For someone who doesn’t like talking, you have beautiful words,” she whispered and lifted the mic to her face.“And don’t worry, I’ll keep it short.I don’t remember much of the day I got into my car and left my life in Seattle behind me, but what I do remember, was seeing the nameMariettaon a billboard.I was upset, I was crying, it was raining, I couldn’t really see anything, but the moment that name flashed by, I knew that was where I was heading.It was here I met the most wonderful friends who like me because of who I am, not because of the number of followers I had.It was here I met Cooper, who saw right through me and loves me anyway.It was here I connected with Scarlett and Prince and Charlie and Lady and even Ebony.”She had to swallow before she could continue.“It was here I was healed; it was here, with Cooper, I finally found peace.”
At this point, she couldn’t get another word out and sniffing, handed the microphone back to Cooper.He took her hand in his.
“We’re done talking,” he said.“Enjoy yourselves!Just so you know, my wife and I…” Grinning, he looked at her, “Can’t believe I get to call you that… we won’t be staying late.I’m sure you’ll understand why.”
Amidst whistles and laugher, Cooper bent her over his arm and kissed her.
*
“Now you allbehave, okay?”Cooper said as he made sure there was enough food and water for the pets.Rose had asked him to give her a few minutes, apparently she had another surprise for him.
Before he’d finished talking, all three dogs and Ebony were in their beds, curled up and ready to sleep.The excitement had clearly been too much.
