Page 56 of Cowboy Stolen Kiss for Christmas

“Tough.” Lucy rolled her eyes as she adjusted one of the pleats in her bridesmaid dress. She looked amazing in the sage green column gown. They’d selected a design with a classic empire waist and a skirt that draped to the floor.

“You say the sweetest things,” Laura teased. “No wonder Flint is so bewitched by you.”

To her surprise, Lucy burst out laughing. “You’re not wrong. We’re both brats, aren’t we?”

Brats who belonged together, in Laura’s opinion. She hoped her sister figured it out before it was too late.

The door opened and shut, and Noelle joined them. “Sorry for the disappearing act.” She tugged uncomfortably at the top of her dress. “Day was ready to nurse again, and…” She bit her lower lip. “Too much information, I know. Sorry.”

“No need to apologize. Everything that’s said in the bride’s dressing room stays in the bride’s dressing room,” Lucy promised as she helped her smooth out the front of her gown. “You look beautiful, little mama.”

Noelle frowned critically down at herself. “Not too fat?”

“No!” Laura and Lucy chorused the word so fiercely that Noelle’s expression relaxed.

“Thank you for saying that,” she sighed.

Mrs. Lee breezed into the room next, looking tearfully joyful. “My precious girls!” She held out her arms to them, and her two daughters stepped into her embrace. “You, too, Noelle. We’re about to become family.”

Noelle gave her a grateful smile and joined their group hug.

Ayaka Lee sent up a prayer of thanksgiving over the ceremony about to take place. Then she prayed a special blessing over the days to come.

“Amen.” The four of them solemnly spoke the last word together.

Mr. Lee knocked on the door only seconds later to walk his wife down the aisle. Then Nash came to escort Noelle. Though he was serving as Ames’ best man and Lucy was serving as Laura’s maid of honor, he’d insisted on walking his own wife down the aisle. They would make the switcharoo and take their correct positions once they reached the altar.

Flint came to collect Lucy next.

He crooked an arm at her, silently drinking her in the way Ames was forever doing with Laura.

Lucy merely rolled her eyes at him as she laid her hand on his arm. “We seem to be making a habit of this.” They’d served together at one other wedding a few months earlier.

“Practice makes perfect,” he quipped, wrapping her hand more firmly around his arm.

“You wish,” she hissed at him.

“More than you know,” he retorted.

Laura watched a blush stain her sister’s face as Flint led her away.

Then it was her turn. Her father reappeared in the doorway.

“May I have the honor?” His dark eyes were as damp with emotion as mother’s had been as he held out an arm to her.

She squeezed his arm affectionately and moved with him into the vestibule. “Thank you, Dad. For everything you did to get me here. For raising me. For loving me. For giving me faith. I’m so grateful for the life you and Mom have given to Lucy and me.”

“It’s been our honor and pleasure to raise you both.” He patted her hand. “I just wish you girls hadn’t grown up quite so fast on us.”

They made their way to the entrance of the sanctuary. The pianist flicked a glance their way from the platform and started playing the opening notes of the wedding march.

Haruki Lee proceeded to lead his oldest daughter down the center aisle to the altar, where her favorite cowboy was eagerly waiting for her.

Laura breathlessly met his gaze. What she saw in his eyes made her feel boneless, like she was floating the rest of the way to him on a wave of pure joy. She knew she looked her best, but it was his love that made her feel beautiful, today and always.

“She’s the best part of me, son.” Her father’s voice cracked as he handed her over to her groom. “Treasure her always.”

“I will, sir.”

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