Page 33 of Big Rowdy Cowboy

I wanted to tell Zac immediately, but we were spending the day and night before our wedding apart. It was my idea. I thought it would be romantic. At least, it sounded romantic inmy head. Really, it’s made both of us cranky. I miss sleeping next to my burly man and hearing his soft growls in his sleep. I miss the feel of his arms around me and the gentle thrum of his heartbeat beneath my ear.

I wash my hands and leave the bathroom, exiting into the bridal suite where Thea, Ginger, and Mrs. Maple are. These three women have helped me with every part of wedding planning.

It’s been amazing to have their support, especially because my own parents aren’t attending our wedding. When they heard I was getting married, they barely cared at all. I’ve decided to stop contacting them. I’ve spent years reaching out to them. If they want to contact me, they can. But I won’t beg for their affection any longer.

“All better now?” Mrs. Maple asks gently. She’s been looking at me this morning like she knows exactly what’s going on, but she hasn’t said anything. I haven’t told a soul about the pregnancy. It feels like something Zac should know first.

“Much better. Glad I went with a tea length dress,” I tell her.

“Can I talk to her alone, girls?” Mrs. Maple asks.

Thea and Ginger give me a round of hugs and kisses before they leave the room. My heart is so full today. Not only am I marrying the world’s biggest, sweetest cowboy, I’m also gaining a family of people who love me. From Zac’s older brothers to his younger sister and even his mom, it’s clear they adore me. I feel the same way about them.

“What is it?” I ask as soon as we’re alone. I’m nervous she’s going to bring up the pregnancy.

But before she can say anything, there’s a knock on the door. When Mrs. Maple gives permission, Walter enters the room. The two of them got married a few months ago in a quiet ceremony in the center of town. They both looked so happy. They livetogether now, splitting their time between the Maple farm and Walter’s house on the edge of town.

Walter comes to stand beside Linda, putting a hand on her shoulder. He gives her a little squeeze, and I love that. They’re so affectionate with each other, so tender and patient. I can only hope that will be me and Zac in a few decades.

“We know your parents aren’t here today,” Walter says. “Linda and I thought…well, it would mean a lot to us if we could do the honor.”

I try to blink back the tears, but they still come anyway. All I can think about is how my baby is going to grow up with so much more love than I ever did. My voice cracks when I say, “I would love that.”

After a long hug from both of them and a quick fix of my makeup, the three of us are walking down the aisle toward the love of my life.

The moment Zac sees me, his face transforms. Eager anticipation gives way to delight.

“Beautiful,” he whispers the word softly as he takes my hand in his. His fingers caress mine gently, and I know it will always be like this between us. Always loving and gentle and kind. We’ll fight sometimes, and we won’t always see eye-to-eye, but we’ll always love each other.

I listen to him repeating his vows in his growly tone, smiling as he promises to love and cherish me for the rest of our lives. Then it’s my turn, and I’m promising before our family and friends that this man will always be the love of my life.

He presses a soft kiss to my lips before Gray even gives him permission.

“You’re mine forever,” Zac whispers, ignoring the time-honored tradition of waiting. I don’t care. This man can kiss me whenever he wants.

“And together, we’re going to raise a family,” I tell him softly. I think Gray is still talking about the importance of love. It doesn’t matter. The two of us are lost in our own little world.

He raises his eyebrows, and I give him a little nod. “Three months along.”

“Can we—?”

I nod again, excited to share this news with our guests. I can’t believe we got this lucky. I thought it would take a few more months of trying together. But we’re getting our little miracle.

“And now introducing as man and wife—”

Zac elbows Gray and whispers something in his ear.

Gray chuckles then says to our audience, “And now introducing as man and wife and soon-to-be parents, Mr. And Mrs. Zac Maple.”

Our guests break into loud applause and whistles as Zac beams down at me. “Best day ever.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Epilogue

Dotty

“Da-duh!” Missy, my two-year-old daughter, squeals the moment that Zac is through the door of the bus. The three of us have been on tour for the last two months.

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