Page 63 of Moonlight Over Montana

Clapping her hands together, she grinned. “Moon Glow is going to fit right in.”

Maggie squeezed Jed’s hand when Susie said her name.

Ford said, “I’m going to unload her so why don’t you stand to the side so she can see you as soon as she’s clear of the trailer. Remember, she’s smart and fast, but you two need to come together as a team.”

“Got it.” Susie moved to where Ford had pointed and he entered the trailer.

Jed could hear the mare paw the floorboards. She was anxious to get out which matched Susie’s eagerness. He stood at the ready in case he needed to take the lead rope, but he preferred that Susie take control from the first moment.

Ford was backing the mare out and the first thing Jed saw was the black tail followed by the prettiest silvery white coat and soon a black mane appeared and her snout. Her name was fitting; she did look like the moon glowing against the night sky.

Susie stepped forward and stretched out her hand to rub her soft nose. “Hey girl, welcome home.” The horse snorted and pressed her body against Susie, who couldn’t smile any wider.

Ford handed her the lead line he had clipped on. “Let’s take her into the paddock and she can stretch her legs for a bit. It was a long ride.”

Susie clucked her tongue and the mare began to walk next to her. Ford stayed with them but let Susie handle the horse.

Maggie looked at Jed and it was easy to see by the expression she wore that she understood Ford had matched the girl and the mare perfectly. She asked, “So what’s next?”

“Training with Tate.”

Her laugh was soft and meant for his ears only. “Not with Susie but with us.”

“A diner to reopen and lots more time together.” He knew that wasn’t what she was referring to but were they ready for the next big step?

Maggie turned her back to the paddock and Jed was standing in front of her. “Care to officially join our family?”

“Why, Maggie Brady, are you asking me to marry you?”

“Seems like I’m the one who has to make the first big moves in this relationship.” She tipped her head. “You are the best man I’ve met and it’s obvious to the entire world we’re in love and there is a young lady over there who already considers you her dad. So, if you think I’m being pushy, I can wait and give you time to catch up to what is obvious, I love you, Jed Steele, and when I see the man standing in front of me who I want to be by my side for the rest of my life, I’m gonna ask the important question. Marry me?”

“On one condition.”

She tipped her head and gave him a knee-knocking smile. “Name it, it’s yours.”

“That we build a house, have a barn for Susie’s horse, and maybe think about having a couple more kids.”

She stood on her tiptoes. “Kiss me.”

Instead, he picked her up and twirled her in his arms. “I’m taking that as a yes.” And then he kissed her.

The Following Fall

Maggie peeked out from the vestibule at the church, It was filled to capacity. It looked like the entire ranch and town showed up for this day. She couldn’t help but smile looking at Susie standing at the altar with Jed, adjusting his bow tie.

Annie whispered in her ear, “Are you ready to go see your groom up close?”

They moved away from the door as Daphne walked up the aisle with purpose in her step. She was in her element being the wedding planner. She eased open the door. “What are you doing?”

“Just checking things out,” Maggie said. “We have a full house and I happened to notice a very handsome cowboy was watching you earlier while you were adjusting the altar flowers.”

“And who might that be?” Daphne looked over her shoulder.

Maggie tucked a lock of Daphne’s hair back from her face. “Ford Shepard. When are you going to just ask him out? You know you want to.”

Annie said, “You’re interested in Ford? He’s handsome, a little broody, but I bet you could keep a smile on his face all day long.”

Daphne adjusted the daisy crown Maggie wore in her hair. “We do not need to be talking about my love life when there is a groom waiting for his bride.”

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