Page 16 of Her Grumpy Cowboy
He went to his first AA meeting that morning.He went every day for two months until he showed up on my doorstep to make amends with his daughter.They both cried and he told her how sorry he was.He’s working on repairing their relationship though it’ll take more time.
He wasn’t originally invited to the wedding.But Jenna came to me a week ago and asked if I had any objections to her father giving her away.I explained that as long as he stays in treatment and speaks kindly to her, he’s always welcome in her life.But if he ever reverts back to his old behavior, he’ll be out on his ass.I won’t tolerate anyone being cruel to my wife.I’m her protector and first line of defense now.That’s what I’ll always be.
I know the moment that Jenna’s eyes lock with mine because a big smile lights up her face.It’s probably the same grin I’m wearing.
I used to be a grumpy cowboy but ever since meeting Jenna, I have a thousand reasons to smile every day.I look in the mirror and barely recognize myself because I’m so damn happy.
Her slow walk down the aisle with her swaying hips has me thinking things that I definitely shouldn’t be while standing in the middle of church.But I can’t help it because this woman gets me going.It doesn’t matter where we are or what we’re doing.I can’t get enough of her.
When her father passes her to me, I give him a solemn nod.He knows he’s on thin ice with me.I made that very clear last night when I warned him not to mess up her big day.Judging from his expression, he didn’t mind at all.If anything, he seemed to admire that I was standing up for his daughter.
“Hi,” Jenna mouths when I take her hands in mine.Her palms are so soft and the love shining in her eyes floors me.I’ll spend the rest of my life working to be worthy of that look from her.
“Hi,” I mouth back.It’s been three days since I’ve gotten to say that to her face-to-face.Three days since I’ve gotten to taste these luscious lips and sink into her tight little body.
She touches the locket around her neck and gives me a small smile.It’s what I had River deliver to her earlier today.It’s a heart-shaped locket with a picture of her mother in it.I wanted her to know that her mother is always with her.
We repeat our vows since Jenna opted for traditional ones.Finally, it’s time to kiss my beautiful bride.She blushes when I lift the veil and I’m already looking forward to a long honeymoon.I’m taking her to Niagara Falls because she’s always wanted to see it.
“I love you,” I murmur right before I press my lips to hers.She still tastes sweet and tantalizing.Despite our audience, I take my time kissing her.Because she’s my wife and I don’t care who’s watching.
When I pull away, she grins up at me.“Is it time for the honeymoon yet?”
I chuckle and the sound is covered by the pastor announcing us as man and wife.I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I’ll be forever grateful for this curvy woman who stumbled into my barn.She fills my bed with her warmth and my home with her laughter.She fills my heart with her love, and I’ll spend the rest of my life loving her back.
Epilogue
Jenna
“Alright, good job, everyone!”I clap my hands together and watch as the women from my yoga class slowly begin gathering their things.
I opened a yoga studio across from Mallory’s shop last year.If things keep going so well, I’ll be set to have my first profitable month here at Harmony Studio soon.We have a range of classes including some for those with disabilities or movement disorders.I didn’t think to include any until Mallory asked about it.Now, those are my favorite ones.
I answer a few questions from two of the women who are new before they leave.In the silence, I grab my water bottle and guzzle half of it.
The bell on the door jingles and I turn, expecting that someone left their mat behind.But the sight that greets me makes me smile.My husband of two years is carrying our little daughter.Fiona is eighteen months old and the world’s cutest baby girl.She has her daddy wrapped around her finger.All she has to do is look at him with that cute pout and he’ll do whatever she wants.
“Missed you today.”Walker pulls me close for a quick kiss with Fiona sandwiched between us.We realized we were pregnant on the honeymoon when I started getting sick all the time.
At first, I dismissed it as the flu until Walker pointed out that since we’d started dating, I hadn’t had a period.I thought the man was crazy and was certain he was mistaken.
But one pregnancy test later, I knew he was right.The grin that lit up his face when the stick was positive will always be one of my favorite memories.He scooped me up right there in the hotel bathroom and whooped and hollered so loudly that security knocked on our door.
His chest puffed out when he told them there was nothing wrong, that he’d just learned he was a father.The men congratulated us, and the hotel sent a gift basket.It was crazy and wonderful and perfect.Just like our marriage has been.
“Mama!”Fiona demands, clutching my shirt.
I take her from Walker’s arms and smile at my daughter.Watching her personality develop a little more each day is the highlight of my life.“How was my little girl’s day?”
She squeals and coos, clearly happy with whatever has happened.
“We went to the park and made friends with Ryker’s boy, Declan.He’s about the same age and they sat in the sandbox together, so we’re never going to the park again.”Walker announces with a confident nod.
“Why?”I inspect my daughter for bumps and bruises.She looks perfectly happy and grins up at me, showing off a few of those precious teeth.There are so many days that I want to press pause.I want to keep her tiny for just a little while longer.
“Because boys are icky and gross and they’re not getting near my princess,” Walker says.
Fiona’s expression crumples as if she understands what her father just said, and I scowl at him.“She needs friends.”
