Page 1 of Hometown Cowboy

Chapter One

Darby Jameson’s stomachflip-flopped like crazy as she walked up the beautifully paved sandstone walkway toward the men standing in the retro bandstand-style gazebo, all so darned handsome in their matching tuxedos.

Purple wisteria and a multitude of other flowers echoed colour back from everywhere she looked. The wisteria hung over the gazebo, giving it an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere.

Darby walked slowly, but not so slowly as to feel uncomfortable. The bride would be in view any second, but for the moment she and Amy, the other bridesmaid, had the audience’s full attention. The tiny three-year-old flower girl tossed random handfuls of rose petals all over the place, making the guests laugh. She kept trying to hold hands with her twin brother who was focused with absolute attention on the little pillow he held between his hands, two glistening platinum wedding rings sitting atop it, tied with a teeny white satin bow.

The children reached the steps of the gazebo and exclamations sighed through the guests.

Emma.

Darby grinned; she couldn’t help it. Her gaze caught Ryan’s up ahead in the gazebo, best man for her brother. Gabe, the groom, looked transfixed as he caught sight of his future wife. Ryan’s grin matched her own. He winked at her and turned his attention to the bride behind her.

Darby’s stomach somersaulted at that simple little wink. It meant nothing, not really, but it still had the power to make her heart dance and stomach betray her with flocks of butterflies.

The little boy held up the pillow with solemn intensity. Ryan reached down to the little fellow and untied the rings and slipped them into his pocket.

Darby took her place up front and faced the vision coming up the makeshift aisle.

Even though she had helped Emma get ready, Darby’s heart constricted at the sight of her walking up the aisle. A simple off-the-shoulder dress graced Emma’s curvy frame. In the most beautiful champagne gold, it fitted to her figure then flared a little at her waist into a slightly fuller skirt.

Invisible boning of the lining corset, and full-length drawstring ties ending at the small of her back, completed the dress.

The bride’s glorious hair fell in soft waves down her back, unbound, a tiny braid from each temple being pinned back to keep it out of her face.

Darby sighed wistfully. Emma was the epitome of a beautiful bride. She could’ve graced any number of magazine covers and been right at home on them.

Voguecame to mind.

Darby chuckled. Emma wouldhatethat. She was the most unassuming person Darby had ever met and hated being at the centre of attention.

Well, she’d have to suck it up today.

The entire congregation seemed just as smitten with Emma as Darby herself was.

It was as if every single person held their breath as Emma walked past. Faint pink highlighted her cheekbones, her unease at being the centre of attention obvious to Darby. She glanced at Gabe and grinned.

Her brother’s gaze was pinned to his bride-to-be. Absolute adoration shone from his face.

Any doubts anyone may have harboured about his feelings for her were shattered by his expression. The man adored her; it was as simple as that.

An incredibly intense yearning speared Darby, a physical ache deep in her gut.

Would anyone ever look at her like that?

Usually she was pretty upbeat. She never dwelled on things that were out of reach. She was simply too practical for that.

Butthat—that look, that feeling of being cherished—thatwas what she wanted.

She snuck a look at Ryan then glanced away just as quickly. There was no use even thinking of going there. He’d never been interested in the past, so there was no reason to think that he would be interested in the future.

One day. Maybe one day she’d have her chance.

Emma reached them and Darby took her bouquet. They all faced the priest and waited for him to begin the ceremony.

Chapter Two

Darby couldn’t helpthe wide grin that had been a permanent fixture on her face the last few weeks.

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