Page 38 of Claimed By the Cowboy
“Ready,” we say in unison, and I realize I've never meant anything more in my life.
The ceremony passes in a blur of traditional words and promises. I hear myself saying “I do” and “forever” and “with all my heart,” but mostly I’m focused on Kitty’s face, on the tears of joy tracking down her cheeks and the tremble of her hands in mine.
When the reverend pronounces us husband and wife, the words hit like a physical blow.
Husband and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sutton.
Mine. Finally, legally, completely mine.
“You may kiss your bride,” the reverend says with a beaming smile.
I don’t need to be told twice.
I cup Kitty's face and kiss her with everything I have—love, possession, promise, need. She melts against me with a soft sound that makes my blood sing, her arms winding around my neck as she kisses me back with equal fervor.
Applause erupts around us, along with whoops and hollers from my brothers. But all I can focus on is the woman in my arms, the way she tastes like forever and feels like home.
When we finally break apart, Kitty’s eyes are bright with unshed tears.
“Mrs. Sutton,” I say softly, testing out the name.
“I like the sound of that,” she whispers back.
“Good. Because you’re stuck with it for the next sixty years or so.”
“Only sixty?” She grins up at me. “Iwas hoping for longer.”
Before I can respond, we’re surrounded by family, pulled into hugs and congratulations and laughter. Dad claps me on the shoulder with pride in his eyes. Luna hugs Kitty so hard she lifts her off the ground.
“Pictures,” Shay announces, producing a camera. “Before everyone gets too emotional.”
What follows is a photo session that will make our wedding album unique. Traditional shots of the bride and groom. Family groupings with everyone smiling. And, because this is the Sutton family, several pictures featuring Cheese Puff as an honorary wedding party member.
“One more,” Shay calls, lifting the camera. “Tom, pull her close. Kitty, look at your husband like he’s the cowboy you’re gonna ride all night.”
Kitty’s face blazes red.
“Shay!” Henry chokes beside her, eyes wide.
She lowers the camera, claps a hand over her mouth, and mumbles, “Sorry, got carried away. Pregnancy hormones seem to be messing with my inhibitions.”
“Don’t I know it,” Henry says, giving his wife a meaningful look.
“Don’t weallknow it,” Angus grumbles.
I lean down to murmur in Kitty’s ear, “Don’t worry, darlin’. Happy to let you ride me into the sunset tonight.”
Her blush deepens, which only makes Shay cackle as she lifts the camera again. “Perfect. That’s the shot.”
The shutter clicks, capturing my Kitty’s laugh, my cocky grin, and our entire family cracking up around us.
The reception is everything a ranch wedding should be—relaxed, joyful, full of laughter and love. The food is perfect, the atmosphere warm, and the company exactly right.
As our small gathering moves to the front porch for cake and dancing, all I can think about is being alone with my wife.
My wife. The words still don't feel real.
“Cake cutting,” Luna announces, producing a simple white cake decorated with wildflowers. “Make it good—this is going in the photo album.”
