Page 35 of The Wrangler Takes a Wife

Amara laughed so hard she had to wipe the tears from her eyes. Nancy was way too much.

“So, you’re officially married now, too. How was it?”

“It was fine.”

“Hm. Okay, last chance to get you away from this production and horse show? I’ll hide you.”

This is why Amara loved Nancy so much. She was a true friend. There was no doubt in her mind if she told Nancy she didn’t want to go, she’d turn the car around.

“No. It’s okay.”

“Alright, if you say so. I just want you happy.”

“I am.”

“Tell your face. Seriously, stop worrying so much. Everything doesn’t have to fit into a perfect box. You guys have mad chemistry. You get along. It can make for a splendid marriage. Not everyone needs the make your teeth ache kind of love. My guy grew on me.”

The message was heard, but Amara didn’t know if she received it. Nancy might not know exactly what was going on with Amara and Chase, but her friend was paying attention, and it meant a lot.

Besides, the couple had already tied the knot. This part was all for show. What a show it was.

Amara was directed to take a shower once they arrived at Louisa’s. One of her cousin’s wives was a makeup artist and had Amara looking flawless. Another did her hair. No braids today. She missed the comfort of it. It was blown out and then barrel curls were added. There was a last-ditch attempt to have her wear a wedding dress. She was offered two hand-me-down dresses but declined. Once they saw her beautiful two-piece white lace outfit, they raved at how stunning she looked. Although Amara objected to the traditional ceremony, it didn’t stop her from having something blue. The outfit was completed with blue cowgirl boots. This sure beat the white silk top and grey slacks she wore to the civil ceremony.

In a show of unprecedented understanding, her wedding party disappeared, giving her a moment alone. Amara enjoyed that solitude for fifteen treasured minutes.

Tap, tap.

“Come in,” she called.

“Prettiest thing this side of heaven,” he greeted as he walked into the room.

“Daddy!!” Amara was pulled into a bear hug. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Do you really think I would miss my baby girl’s wedding?”

After their engagement had been announced, her parents had called her from their cruise. They didn’t have many questions. Her mother had unwavering confidence in Amara and her decision making. Her father trusted her mother.

“We wish we could be here, but this cruise doesn’t end for another nine days.”

But here her dad was. “You left your cruise early? For me?” Her dad paying extra for anything was a big deal.

“Of course.” He let go of her. “I didn’t mess up your outfit, did I?”

“No.” Amara shook her head. She wouldn’t care if he did. She was just happy he was here.

“So, I met your Chase.”

Amara held her breath. She didn’t know why, but she wanted her father to like him. Her father reached for her hand.

“It is a little late for nerves now.” He chuckled teasingly. “We had a good chat. I like what I see and hear… so far.”

Her father was a man of few words. So, the little he said was a big deal. Her smile faltered as a bout of guilt attacked her. The people she loved were a party to what she and Chase did.

“Are you okay?” Concern threaded his voice.

Amara shrugged, then nodded. “Yes, it is a big day. So much change.”

“Change isn’t always a bad thing. Besides, you are not alone on this journey. Embrace your new life. There isn’t anything you can’t accomplish if you work at it.”

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