Page 33 of The Banker's Bride

“Thank you.” Dallas nodded, glad that all of them were able to put the past behind them. Although Ella was supposed to have been his mail-order bride, he was glad it had worked out the way it did. After the last month of being married to Megan, he couldn’t imagine his life turning out any other way. “So, Wyatt. How is the saloon business going?”

Wyatt smiled. “It’s going well, thank you. I heard you had some trouble at the bank a few weeks ago. If you ever need anything, I’m here to help.”

Dallas shook his hand. “I appreciate that. And the same goes for me. If I can ever do anything for you, just let me know.”

Wyatt smiled his thanks. “So, congratulations on your marriage. We wish you both the best and we hope you’ll be very happy.”

“We already are.” Dallas slid his arm around Megan’s waist as she blushed.

Everyone laughed.

“So, how’s married life?” Dallas asked Wyatt.

“It’s going well,” Wyatt replied as he slid his arm around Madison.

“Trying to keep him out of trouble is hard work, though,” Madison teased as everyone chuckled.

Wyatt smiled down at her. “Hey, you haven’t been complaining so far.”

Everyone laughed again.

“Well, I’m so glad you came.” Dallas stepped away. “We’ll see you in a bit. Enjoy the party.” Dallas led Megan around the room, making sure that she had the opportunity to meeteveryone. Dallas stopped when they reached Dirk and Gabriella, who was visibly pregnant. “Dirk, Gabriella, I’d like to introduce my wife, Megan.”

“It truly is a pleasure to meet you both.” Megan offered Gabriella her hand.

Gabriella gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “The pleasure is ours,” Gabriella replied in a rich French accent. “Do I detect an Irish accent?”

Megan smiled. “Yes, I’m originally from Dublin. Where are you from?”

“Monaco,” Gabriella replied, absentmindedly rubbing her stomach. Although she was visibly pregnant, she looked lovely. Pregnancy suited her.

“Do you know that Gabriella is a real princess?” Dallas interjected.

Megan’s eyes opened wide. “Really? How on earth did you ever move here?”

Gabriella grinned as Dirk pulled her to his side. “It’s a long story, one that I’ll have to share over tea sometime.”

Megan smiled. “I’d like that.” She moved closer. “If ye don’t mind me askin’, when are ye due?”

Gabriella moved closer to Dirk, who slid his arm around her. “Christmas.”

“Congratulations,” Megan replied and then Dallas led her away.

Dallas and Megan continued to mingle, meeting everyone in the room. He was glad to see that just about every person in Whiskey River was in attendance. Even Charles seemed to be enjoying himself.

Just then, the string quartet started playing a beautiful waltz. Dallas had brought in the musicians from Laramie. It had cost him a fortune, but it was worth it. Introducing his wife to the town was a very special occasion.

“I believe they’re playing our song.”

Megan blushed. “We have a song?”

“Now we do,” he replied, already leading her toward the dance floor. “Shall we?”

“But no one else is dancing.” Megan looked around.

Dallas shrugged. “And it’s a shame, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.” She smiled as she slid her arm over his shoulder.

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