Page 110 of Texas Destiny
In the years to come, she knew she would take it from the cedar chest, look upon it with fondness, and remember the first of the happiest days of her life.
She had intertwined her arm through Houston’s, just as their lives would forever be joined. No brand would emblazon their union. Only the words they exchanged today.
She couldn’t take her eyes off Houston as he stood beside her in his new brown jacket and woolen trousers. She thought he more closely resembled a banker than a man who spent the best part of his day with horses … and soon she hoped, the best part of his night with her.
The even, straight brim of his new broad-brimmed hat made her smile, and she wondered how long it would be before old habits crumpled it. Around the brim, he wore her linen of long ago, with its delicate embroidered flowers, faded and frayed. Through the eyes of her heart, she knew she’d never seen a more handsome man.
Reverend Tucker’s melodious voice rang out as he once again spoke the words he’d said the previous autumn. Dallas stood solemnly beside her, and she wondered briefly if he was remembering the day she had become his wife or if he was mentally designing the layout of the town he planned to build. She hoped he was thinking of his town, and that it would bring him a wife.
Austin stood on the other side of Houston, smiling broadly, his sparkling blue eyes competing in beauty with the pond as the sun reflected off the rippling waters.
“If anyone knows of any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, let him speak now or forever”—Reverend Tucker held the gazes of the three men in attendance for the space of a heartbeat—“and I do meanforeverhold his peace.”
Amelia caught her breath and waited. She knew Dallas had the right to object. A part of her was saddened with the knowledge that she would not give him the son he desperately longed for; a corner of her heart would always be reserved for the memories of the short time that she had been his fiancée, and then his wife. And her love for him would grow over the years as he’d predicted, only it would be the love of a sister toward her brother.
Reverend Tucker cleared his throat. Amelia released her breath and repeated the vows she’d said once before, her gaze never leaving Houston’s.
Reverend Tucker shifted his attention to Houston. “And if you’ll repeat after me—”
“She’s had those words given to her before,” Houston said gruffly. “She deserves better than hand-me-downs. I’ve got my own words to say.”
Lifting a brow, Reverend Tucker chuckled low. “Well, I’ve never heard my words referred to as hand-me-downs, but I suppose they are. I have no objection to you giving your own vows as long as your bride doesn’t. Amelia?”
“I have no objections,” she said, her heart thrumming with the rhythm of the falls. She imagined that they still carried the sound of Houston’s laughter mingling with hers, and after today they would forever echo their vows.
Reaching around her, Houston cupped her elbow, tugging slightly until she faced him completely. He swept his hat from his head, the shadows retreating to reveal the craggy left side, the perfect right side that came together to form the face she loved.
He took the hand that wasn’t holding the bouquet of wildflowers and stared at it, holding it so tightly that she thought he might crack her bones. Then his hold gentled. He slipped a gold ring onto her finger and lifted his gaze to hers.
“I’m not a brave man; I’ll never be a hero, but I love you more than life itself, and I will until the day I die. With you by my side, I’m a better man than I’ve ever been alone. I’m scared to death that I’ll let you down, but I won’t run this time. I’ll stand firm and face the challenge and work hard to see that you never have any regrets. You told me once that you wanted to share a corner of my dream. Without you, Amelia, I have no dream. With you, I have everything I could ever dream of wanting.”
Tears burned her eyes as he glanced back at the preacher. “I’m done.”
Reverend Tucker smiled. “In that case, I pronounce you husband and wife. With my blessing, you may kiss the bride.”
Houston cradled her cheek, his gaze lovingly roaming over her features. “I love you, Amelia Carson Leigh,” he said huskily as he lowered his lips to hers, sealing the vows with a sweet tender kiss, filled with the promise of tomorrow.
When he ended the kiss, she pressed her cheek against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart, gathering her happiness around her before she stepped away to face her brother by marriage.
Taking her hand in his, Dallas smiled warmly. “I never thought you’d look prettier than you did the day you married me, but you sure look prettier today. You wear love well, Amelia.”
“I hope to say the same to you someday.”
“That I look pretty?”
Standing on the tips of her toes, she brushed her lips over his. “That you wear love well.”
“Don’t hold your breath on that one,” he teased.
“You could always order another bride,” Houston suggested.
“Hell, no. I’ll get my town built, and women will start flocking out here. Then I’ll make a selection.”
“Love isn’t always that practical,” Houston said.
“I’m not looking for love. I’m looking for a wife who’ll give me a son.” He glanced over Amelia’s shoulder. “I’ll build you a church in my town, Preacher, so I don’t have to send my men chasing after you every time I need you.”
“You do that, Mr. Leigh,” Reverend Tucker said as he slipped his Bible into his coat pocket. “Meanwhile, I think my job is done here so I’m gonna get back to looking for a lost soul.” He shook hands with the men and brushed a kiss against Amelia’s cheek. “You be happy, now.”
