Page 64 of Jonathan

Unaware that he had even moved, he made his way towards her, eyes brimming with love and possessiveness. Taking her hands in his and completely ignoring her grandfather, he drew her to him. Lifting her hand, he pressed his lips over the knuckles, eyes holding hers.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” She smiled at him and his world spun crazily.

“Ready?”

“Absolutely.”

He drew her towards the minister who beamed at them and started to pray a blessing over the nuptials.

They exchanged vows, his loud and crystal clear, hers soft and poignant. They exchanged rings, were declared husband and wife. The kiss was deliberately chaste, failing that, he would probably not be able to stop himself from ripping the dress off her. Time for that later on, he decided.

Their first dance as a married couple had him holding her close, her curves pressed against him and driving him to distraction.

Her perfume, something elusive and sexy assailed his nostrils and tortured him, He wanted to insist that as her husband, he had the right to whisk her away and get a head start on the honeymoon, but he wanted her to enjoy her day.

“We’re married.” She gave him a dreamy smile as she wrapped her arms securely around his broad shoulders. “I am Mrs. Jonathan McCarthy.”

He grinned at her as he gathered her even closer. “That you are my love. You’re mine now. All mine.”

Chapter 16

The bonfire was blazing in the middle of the grounds near the barn and managed to light up the entire surroundings.

Trestle tables stacked with food – everything from finger foods to meats on grills and whole animals roasting on a pit and sending the enticing aroma all around. It was a sight to behold! And the big city guests were in for a treat.

Lively music had the guests stomping their feet along to the beat and several ranch hands were already doing the two steps and whirling their partners around, much to the delight of everyone. The bridal party had changed out of their wedding fineries, trading them for figure hugging denims and flannel shirts.

The three friends had gone even further, by including suede hats with strings hanging around their necks.

“I am going to make a proper cowgirl out of you yet.” Her new husband teased as he snagged her onto the dance floor for a dance.

“I don’t know the steps.” She protested as he whirled her around.

“I got you. I happen to be a terrific dancer. Hold on tight darling.” He added the warning as he lifted her and swung her around, until she was dizzy.

“Stop!” She ordered laughingly, her arms tight around his neck.

With a laugh and another twist, he settled her back on the ground just as the music turned into a slow jam.

Pulling her against him, he passed his hands up and down her back and closed his eyes as he inhaled her essence. She was his, was the thought running around in his head. They had exchanged vows before God, family and friends and she was wearing his ring and his name. He could scarcely comprehend the magnitude of it.

The guests formed a circle around the dance floor, clapping and cheering as the couple moved in perfect harmony. The evening air was cool, but the warmth from the bonfire and the excitement of the celebration kept everyone feeling cozy and joyous.

As the slow song played on, Jonathan leaned in close to whisper in her ear. “You are the most beautiful woman here tonight.”

“You’re required to say that of course, but I agree with you completely.”

Tucking a hand under her chin, he stared at her with an intense expression on his face. “I adore you. Since you came into my life, you have brought so much life and laugher to it in such a short time that I find it difficult to believe we have not been together for a lifetime.”

Lifting a hand, she touched his handsome face. He had cleaned up for the wedding and finally got a haircut. “That’s supposed to be my line.” Her fingers trembled a little and emotions clawed at her throat. “You’ve changed my life.” She shook her head and had to clear her throat twice before she could verbalize the rest of the words.

Ones she wanted to say to him, to get rid of any lingering doubts that her place was here with him. “You’re my priority darling. The love of my life and I don’t care if it sounds corny, but that’s the way I feel.”

Blue eyes darkened as he stared into hers and saw the love shining through the tears, “my love. Please tell me we have sufficiently fulfilled our duties, and we can leave now.”

“Absolutely.”

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