Page 21 of The Mountain Man's Valentine Baby

When she’s satisfied with her work, I gesture to the vanity where Thea has finished putting the final touches on her makeup. “Ma, come meet my soon-to-be wife, Thea Madison.”

Thea stands from her seat and smiles at my mom. To the outside world, she looks calm and poised but I can see the slight tremor in her hand when she holds it out to the woman who took me in when no one else wanted me.

In true Emma fashion, Ma bypasses her hand entirely. She wraps her arms around Thea and squeezes her tightly. “I’m so glad to have a new daughter!”

Over her shoulder, I catch Thea’s gaze and see her tearing up. She didn’t know a mother’s love before, but she will now. Ma will make sure of it. She’ll surround her with all the love she missed out on growing up.

“Now let me look at you.” She steps back to take in Thea’s appearance. “Lord have mercy, he sent me the prettiest daughter I’ve ever seen.”

“Thank you for letting me be a part of your family,” Thea whispers softly, her cheeks going pink.

She glances at me, and I read the question in her eyes. I give her a nod and cross the room, taking her hand in mine and slipping my other hand around her waist. I put it over her stomach, right where our little baby is growing. “I’m not just bringing you a daughter.”

Ma presses a hand to her chest and gasps. “The miracles keep coming today.”

I smile down at my blushing bride. “Yes, they do.”

Thea

I’ve never had someone accept me so quickly and completely as Jasper and Emma May have done. They both took one look at the girl everyone else rejected and fell in love. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I’m very easy to love and everyone else before him couldn’t see it.

All I know is I can’t stop smiling as Jasper’s big hand rests protectively on my stomach. His scent surrounds me. I don’t know if he’s ever going to let go of me again. Not that I mind the idea of being with him always.

He only had to make one phone call and the whole town sprang into action. It was amazing the way the roads were suddenly cleared. Mallory from Sew Cute opened her dress shop to make sure I had the perfect wedding gown. Austin from the flower shop got my bouquet ready and decorated the wedding chapel.

The only thing that would make this day perfect were if—I can’t even finish the thought because the door to the room is opening. Zac and Dotty are here. Dotty races toward me, throwing her arms around me and talking a mile a minute about how excited she is for me and Jasper.

Zac shows his support in the way that cowboys do, thumping his best friend on the back and congratulating him. I love that he and Dotty are both here for our ceremony, since their wedding is the reason we’re getting married.

When everything is ready, Emma May walks me to the altar. She reminds me of a peacock as she struts down the aisle to give me away. She’s overflowing with love and pride. I’m so happy that my child will know the love of this woman. I can already tell she’ll be a doting grandma who will spoil our baby.

When the pastor asks who gives me away, Emma May puts my hands in Jasper’s and looks at him solemnly. “You’re holding a treasure, son. Make sure you always treat her like it.”

“I’ll cherish her all the days of my life,” he answers with conviction.

“That’s not your line yet,” the pastor interrupts, and we all break into chuckles.

We repeat our vows, but I keep pausing to hold back tears. Finally, when I can’t anymore, Jasper takes a handkerchief from his suit pocket and blots my face. “I promise you. From this day forward, you will only cry happy tears.”

I lean into his touch. “I love you.”

He smiles down at me, love and acceptance glittering in his eyes. “I love you most.”

When the pastor pronounces us man and wife, Jasper gives me a passionate kiss and pauses to whisper for my ears only. “Forgot to mention. I have another Valentine’s Day gift for you, and it involves my tongue.”

I giggle as my heart soars. I’ve never felt as loved or as precious as I do right here with my mountain man valentine.

Chapter15

Thea

“Do you have any idea how beautiful you looked today?” Jasper whispers as he slides the zipper to my dress down, exposing my white lacy lingerie.

The white of my wedding gown begins to pool around my knees but it never touches the floor because he scoops it up. He puts my wedding dress on the armchair in the corner of our bedroom. Almost reverently, he runs his fingers across it. “Promise me something.”

I shiver at the way he’s looking at it, like he’s seeing our whole life together. “Anything.”

“You’ll wear it again when we renew our vows in ten years then twenty then thirty. I want to reaffirm our commitment again and again until the whole world knows you belong to me, and I belong to you.” He turns and stalks to me.

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