Page 18 of Wrangle Me

He wraps his arms around me. I don’t miss the tears that prickle down his cheeks. I can’t imagine walking into this next chapter with anyone else by my side.

CHAPTER 16

CALLUM

My hands shake…not from nerves, but from pure disbelief.

How the hell did I get so lucky?

Just a few weeks ago, Maisie told me that she didn’t want anything to do with getting married. But since then, we’ve grown as a couple and made plans that work for both of us. And now she’s walking toward me down the makeshift aisle we threw together this morning with wildflowers, hay bales, and the help of a few overly enthusiastic brothers. And damn, she looks like an angel draped in white.

The golden Texas sun sinks low in the sky, casting a soft glow across every inch of the ranch. It catches the edges of her hair, her smile, and the silhouette of her curves. The way her eyes lock onto mine like there’s no one else here but us makes me weak in the knees.

I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. This woman is it for me. She’s the one. The calm in my chaos. The soft to my rough. Maisie is the only future I’ve ever wanted. When she reaches me, I take her hands in mine. Her fingers are warm and steady, even as mine tremble like I’m the one about to be swept off my feet.

“Not too shabby for a shotgun wedding,” I murmur, leaning in close and grinning against Maisie’s temple.

She laughs that sweet giggle before we say our I do's in front of a sun-drenched grove on the edge of the property. The breeze catches the hem of her simple white dress and carries her laugh straight to my chest. And just like that, I make the easiest promise of my life, to love this woman with everything I’ve got, for as long as she’ll let me. We seal it with the sweetest kiss.

Originally, today was supposed to be just the two of us. She wanted something simple, quiet, and drama-free. But a chorus of whoops and cheers erupt from behind us as the pastor pronounces us husband and wife. We didn’t send out invitations. Hell, we didn’t even tell anyone. But they’re all here anyway, and the truth is, I’m glad for it.

My damn brothers insisted on coming which means Pa’s here too. He made a case for inviting some of the ranch hands we’ve worked with for years. Then, of course, Rosalie came back to town with urgency when she heard the news and brought Dawson with her.

I catch Dawson’s eye and tip my head in silent appreciation. My brothers and I had a little incident with him a few weeks back. We gave him a hard time, the usual stuff. But I’m not sure he appreciated it. I’m glad to see him here. Maisie and Rosalie are due around the same time. He and I have a lot of shared family time in the future.

Maisie’s fingers curl around mine, and I can feel her pulse fluttering through her palm. She leans into me, warm and soft, and I press a kiss to the side of her head.

“My wife. My wife. It feels so fucking good to say that.” I kiss her again, cupping her face in my hands as she smiles up at me. “Are you ready for our reception, sweetheart?”

Her brow furrows. “Our reception?”

I wink. “Yeah. I thought you’d appreciate it. I know you didn’t want to live in the pole barn, so… I turned it into something else. Something for you. Thought now might be a good time to give it to you.”

Her eyes widen, and a disbelieving grin spreads across her face. “You didn’t.” She shakes her head. “When? How did I not know?”

I slide my hands around her waist and pull her close. “You’ve been a little distracted growing a human and planning not to plan a wedding. Besides, I had help. Alex kept you busy, Priya played decoy, and Cassidy promised not to let you anywhere near that side of the ranch.”

She laughs, resting her forehead against my chest. “Callum, you never stop surprising me.”

We walk hand in hand across the ranch. We’ve only got about fifteen minutes before all our guests burst through the door behind us. I want to make sure I show her every detail before then.

The sun dips low enough to paint the sky in soft golds and bruised purples. The pole barn looms ahead, just like it has for weeks now. But tonight it looks different. It’s all dressed up in white lights and wildflowers.

Maisie’s steps slow as we near the doors. She tilts her head, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Wow, what did you do? This is stunning. Look at the flowers.”

I pull the barn doors open and gesture for her to step inside.

“Welcome to your library, Mrs. Kingridge.”

She walks in slowly, cautiously, until the full view unfolds around her. This place is not a home. Maisie never wanted a house builtforher—she’s had enough of being handed roles and expectations she didn’t ask for. So we’ll figure that out together. But this place is already done, and it’s all for her.

Windows stretch floor-to-ceiling, framing the wheat fields beyond like landscape paintings. The shelves are stocked to the brim with books. Warm light spills across polished wood floors, catching on the deep walnut shelves that line every wall. There’s a spiral staircase that curls up to a lofted reading nook, and beneath it, a plush window bench made for rainy days and good books.

Maisie gasps, her hands flying to her mouth. “Oh my… This is unbelievable.” She rushes forward, stopping at one of the shelves and trailing her fingers across the spines. “This is for me? I can’t. Wow, Callum, thank you. You have outdone yourself.”

She pulls down a copy ofPride and Prejudice, runs her hands over the embossed cover. “Hardbacks,” she breathes, her voice thick with emotion.

“Hardbacks only,” I echo, giving her a flirty wink.

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