Page 36 of Claimed By the Cowboy
“Good, because we have a wedding to plan,” Delaney says, all practicality again.
I grin. It’s how my sister shows her love. “You're really okay with this?” I ask, a twinge of worry still shadowing my happiness.
“I'm more than okay.” Delaney reaches out to squeeze my hand. “Besides, it’s time I started living my own life.” Her smile is warm but firm. “And something tells me Montana has its own plans for me.”
“We need someone with your head for systems. Ranch coordinator. Vendor logistics. Admin, payroll,” Angus offers. “Won’t make you rich, but it comes with housing and a chance to build something that matters.”
“Sold,” she says without hesitation. “I want to stay and watch my sister live the life she deserves.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to be a rancher's wife.” I shake my head in disbelief.
“Damn right. And the most beautiful bride Montana has ever seen,” Tom says, possessive satisfaction thick in his voice. He cups the back of my neck, pulling me close for another kiss. “And after Saturday, you’ll be the most thoroughlylovedwife in the state,” he adds so only I can hear.
The promise makes me shiver against him, and hegrins against my mouth.
My heart is full to bursting.
I’m no longer the girl waiting to be told what’s safe. I’m the woman choosing what I want. Choosing love. Choosing him.
Chapter 11
Tom
Three days later, I’m standing at the altar in our family barn, hands shaking like a teenager on his first date.
The space has been transformed into something Mom would’ve loved—wildflowers in mason jars, white lights strung from the rafters, hay bales covered in quilts for seating. Simple, beautiful, and utterly perfect for my bride.
My bride. I can’t believe my luck.
“Nervous?” Angus asks from beside me, straightening his tie for the dozenth time.
“Terrified,” I admit, checking my watch. Two o’clock on the dot, and still no sign of Kitty. “Whatif she realized she’s too good for me and changed her mind?”
“Then she’d be an idiot,” Henry says from my other side. “Which she’s not. She’s getting ready to marry the luckiest bastard in Montana.”
“Speaking of which”—Angus grins wickedly—“Cheese Puff’s been unusually quiet today. Almost like someone bribed her with an entire bag of grain to behave.”
“Someone did,” I mutter. “Can’t have her destroying my wedding.”
Before my brothers can respond, the barn doors swing open and Luna steps through, wearing a simple blue dress. She winks at Angus as she glides to her place, mischief dancing in her eyes.
Shay follows in a green dress that does nothing to hide her pregnant belly. Then comes Delaney, looking lighter, freer, happier than I’ve ever seen her. The satisfied smile on her face says it all—she’s exactly where she belongs.
And then it hits me. Kitty’s coming. My bride will walk down that aisle any minute now.
“Breathe,” Dad whispers from the front row, his voice thick. “Proud of you, son.”
The music begins—a simple, soulful guitar melody strummed by Beckett, our security guy. Who knew the gruff ex-SEAL had that kind of talent? His fiancée, Georgina—George to all of us—watches him with stars in her eyes. For once, our resident mechanic has traded her grease-stained coveralls for a purple dress, which has Beckett fumbling a chord.
Even my cousins—Daniel, Ethan, and Gabriel—are here, having traded their jeans and flannels for suits. All three look about as comfortable as cats in bathtubs.
But all of that blurs into the background.
Because there she is.
Kitty stands in the barn doorway like something out of a dream, backlit by afternoon sunshine that makes her hair look like wheat kissed by the sun. She’s wearing a simple white dress that flows around her like water, wildflowers tucked behind one ear, and a smile that could powerthe entire ranch.
But it’s her eyes that undo me. Brown and gold and locked on mine with such love, such certainty, that I have to stop myself from crossing the barn to claim her right now.
