Page 88 of A Marriage Pact for the Cowboy

Maxwell’s mother glowered at him as they passed her seat, but whatever. He was going to flirt with his girlfriend at her father’s wedding if he wanted to.

All too soon, he left her and crossed to stand in his own assigned spot.

The wedding march began, and Grandfather and Nadine appeared at the top of the stairs. Nadine had opted for a pastel pink gown that coordinated with the other dresses, or so Eryn had explained.

Grandfather had insisted on giving his daughter away, saying he’d missed far too much in her life, including her first wedding. He was going to do it right this time. Part of doing it right seemed to be the flower shop that appeared to have exploded all over the lodge.

Pastor Smith began the ceremony, and Maxwell did his best to focus. He’d paid little attention during Tate’s wedding to Stephanie or during Graham’s wedding to Cadence. It was different today, knowing Eryn. Loving her. Wanting to spend the rest of his life making her happy. Making her his.

Were all wedding sermons based on First Corinthians 13? Maybe Maxwell should ask Pastor Smith if he had another variation. Or would they ask Eli Bryson to marry them? His gaze drifted to Eryn, who appeared to be intent on the officiant.

Focus, Maxwell. Focus.

It seemed no time at all before Keith and Nadine were presented as man and wife and were kissing like teenagers. Good to know passion could still exist in one’s fifties.

There’d be photos and the reception and the dance and then the newlyweds would head for their Hawaiian honeymoon. That chapter would close, and Maxwell would turn the page to a new one.

Eryn sighed against Maxwell as the final notes of music faded away. They stood at the edge of the dance floor, holding each other close. She could feel his heartbeat against her cheek.

She’d never felt safer. More loved. It had been days — weeks, maybe — since she’d thought much about Amelia. Now she was sorry for her sister’s bitterness. Sorry Amelia couldn’t have been present to see how happy their father was with his new love, his new life. Oh, he’d loved Mom, no doubt about it, but he’d gratefully received a second shot at happiness.

“How are you doing?” Maxwell murmured against her hair. “It’s been a busy day.”

“It has.” She exhaled. “Good, though. I’m glad Dad’s so happy.” He and Nadine had headed off not 20 minutes back.

“And you’re moving back into the duplexes.”

Eryn chuckled. “It was nice living in the farmhouse while it lasted, but the newlyweds need their space. Besides, it’s time I left the nest, don’t you think?”

“I definitely agree.” Maxwell’s hands splayed across her back, pressing her against him.

He seemed to be drifting away from the thinning crowd, but she didn’t care. A quieter place to unwind one-on-one would be welcome. But he fumbled with a doorknob behind him and pulled her through, into…

The gift shop? They’d been working in here lately, painting the space and updating the flooring. Jordan was building new shelves, and Eryn had begun ordering stock for the grand reopening in four months.

Now the room was bathed in fairy lights, and soft music played. A bank of flowers filled the area where the pottery display would be, its heady perfume permeating the space.

“This is beautiful.” Eryn looked up at Maxwell, only he wasn’t there, but kneeling before her. She gasped, and her hand covered her mouth.

“Eryn Ann Ralston, I love you with everything in my being. You’ve changed everything about my life in the best possible way. You’ve challenged me to grow closer to God, and you’ve suffused my life with happiness and hope. Would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife? I want to spend the rest of my life beside you, honoring you and loving you.”

He held a ring box toward her. A diamond flanked by two garnets winked up at her.

Was this real? Had her moment finally come? She reached a tentative finger to touch the diamond. It certainly felt solid.

Eryn dropped to her knees in front of Maxwell and grasped both his hands in hers, the little ring box at the center. “Is this a promise?”

He gazed into her eyes, the expression in his brown ones softening. “It’s more than a promise, my love. It’s a pact, a marriage pact. I pledge my love to you as long as we both shall live.”

“Isn’t that what you say during the wedding?”

“I’ll say it again then. I’ll say it to you as often as you need to hear it.” He stretched across and brushed his lips against hers, his gaze still intent. “But more than that, I pledge to live it.”

“Maxwell… I don’t even know your middle name.”

“Jefferson.”

She blinked. “Seriously?”

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