Page 30 of Big Gruff Cowboy

“I’m glad you like the alterations, but I couldn’t have gotten it all done in time by myself.” She nods to Mrs. Maple who waves away the words.

“You make a beautiful bride,” Mrs. Maple says as she dabs at her eyes. She glances toward Mallory. “Can you give us a second alone?”

Mallory gives my shoulder a squeeze before she rolls her motorized wheelchair out of the dressing area.

Mrs. Maple manages to compose herself, offering me a watery smile. “I’m gaining so many daughters this year, and I couldn’t be happier.”

I return her smile. I know that Greer and Evie haven’t talked about tying the knot yet. But that hasn’t stopped Mrs. Maple from claiming Evie and her younger brothers as family. That’s just how the Maples are.

“You’re special. I knew it would take a special woman to win my Noah’s heart. He was the toughest one. He had the hardest time adjusting. It was my fault,” she admits, shaking her head. “It took me forever to find him. And by that point, the system had done a number on his heart. There were so many nights when I cried myself to sleep, worrying about my boy. That he would never be able to let anyone in. That no one would ever see past all the scars on his heart. But you did, Lizzy, and I’ll always love you for that.”

Tears are running down my face now. I’m thankful that Evie and the girls chose the waterproof mascara today.

“He’s easy to love,” I tell her. “He’s an amazing man. I can’t believe I get to spend the rest of my life with him. I’ll treasure his heart always.”

She reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I know you will.”

There’s a knock on the door, and when I call out, Walt ambles in. I don’t miss the way he glances at Mrs. Maple too quickly then looks away.

Mrs. Maple has been sneaking off for “bridge games with Carol” far too often for me to actually think she’s playing bridge with Carol.

It took me some time, but I finally figured out that Walt’s beloved hobby of “fishing with Tank” had nothing to do with fishing or Tank. I haven’t told anyone, not even Noah. I figure they can tell the world on their own timetable.

“You’re a beautiful sight,” Walt says as soon as he sees me. He reaches into his suit pocket and produces his handkerchief, blotting his face. “I never got the chance to do this. Not with your mom, not the way I should have.”

I swallow hard, hating that for him. Hating that the addiction took so much from both of us. “I’m really happy I found my way to you.”

“That was all Noah. He had me sign up to the ancestry site. I didn’t want to do it. I told him it was ridiculous and that he was cruel to give an old man hope. But then one day, there you were, the spitting image of your mother.” He shakes his head. “I have to hand it to that kid. He’s smarter than he looks.”

“I’m here because of him,” I repeat as I glance at the ruby engagement ring on my finger. Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me. My cowboy was calling me home long before either of us knew each other.

“He’s the love of my life,” I croak out around more tears. I never thought I could be this happy. I never thought I could have a family of my own. But here I am about to marry into the sweetest family in the whole state.

“Five minutes,” Evie’s voice calls, singsong.

“That’s our cue to take our places,” Walt says.

Within just a few minutes, we’re assembled in the gazebo with Judge Helen. I’m holding hands with the world’s sexiest cowboy. He’s dressed in a dark suit, and his gaze is filled with so much tenderness.

It’s a perfect summer day with an endless blue sky. It feels like all the days are stretching out before us with decades of happiness to anticipate.

We repeat our vows as the soft breeze swishes my dress around my knees. Mr. Darcy looks on with approval, thrilled with his job as ring bearer.

Before he slides the delicate gold band on my finger, Noah tips it toward the light to show me the inscription. It’s marked with three words that I feel deep in my soul. You are mine.

Even though I promised myself I wouldn’t cry during the ceremony, tears stream from my eyes. He always knows just what to say.

After the exchange of rings, he presses a chaste kiss to my lips. His gaze fills with heat and promises of a long, sensual night. Then Judge Helen is announcing us as husband and wife.

Just like that, I’m one of them. After years of searching, I finally found my family, the people I belong with. But most of all, I belong to this gruff cowboy who shows me every day how much he loves me.

Epilogue

Lizzy

“Ugh, this is not working,” I tell Mr. Darcy as I try desperately to get the corset to tighten.

I’ve been married to my handsome cowboy for six months, and today we’re headed to a Regency era event. He wasn’t interested in dressing up, but I loved the idea of getting into a period costume.

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