Page 50 of Long Past Dawn
Heaven turned and took the ring from Dawn, who gave her an encouraging smile. “It has been a long road, hasn’t it?” she asked, clearing her throat while Blaze offered her another smile. “We’ve been through more together than most couples go through in a lifetime, yet here we are, still fighting for this thing called love. We have so much living to do, and I can’t wait to get started. I can’t wait for those nights by the campfire and lying out under the stars while the bison snuffle. We’ll ride our horses to visit my daddy and, hopefully, one day, teach our children about the legacy of Bison Ridge and Heavenly Lane. Our legacy of love and laughter, joy and happiness, pain and sorrow through the good and bad times. That is what we’ve learned together over the painful years that have passed. There is no roadmap for our love, just uncharted fields, and wild paths for us to explore. I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I will love you for every tomorrow and until I reach the home I am named for, Blaze. With this ring, I do,” she whispered, sliding the ring onto his finger.
Heaven had the band specially made. It was titanium and had a never-ending trail of bison around it made from onyx, with one in the middle made from mother of pearl. It was a beautiful reminder of the trip last summer that finally set them on the right path.
I raised my hands to the audience with laughter on my lips. “Looks like they did my job for me. All I have left to say is this, by the power vested in me by the internet and the State of Wisconsin, I now pronounce you man and wife. Blaze, for God’s sake, kiss your bride!”
Blaze let out a whoop and grabbed Heaven, bending her over carefully for a kiss none of us would soon forget.
“Good thing we rechecked the fence line,” Tobi, Heavenly Lane’s new ranch hand, said as we rode back into the clearing.
“Agreed. With that many guests at the bottom of the hill and the herd at the top, it would have been a bad scene if the bison had gotten out. Thanks for following that tingling at the back of your neck. You may have saved lives.”
Tobi grabbed Cloudy Day’s reins after I dismounted. “No problem, Beau. The animals had bedded down anyway, so I’m sure it would have been fine, but I’m glad we found that hole in the fence and closed it up. Enjoy the rest of your night. I’ll put the horse to bed in the barn at Heavenly Lane.”
“Thanks, Tobi,” I called as she led our horses away.
I jogged toward the giant bonfire where the wedding party had gathered. It had been a long day, followed by a cold night, but most guests had left after the dance. When it cooled considerably after dinner, we did some line dancing in the barn rather than the tent where we held the dinner. I made Blaze eat a little bit of crow since he heckled me so much about having the barn ready for the wedding. We’d had a good time until Tobi rode in, sounding the alarm.
“Did you get it taken care of?” Blaze asked when he noticed me walking toward the fire.
“Nothing to worry about,” I said, even though it was. The hole in the fence was extensive and would easily have allowed one of the large animals out to roam. God help us if they had decided to stampede. “It only took a few minutes to repair. We rode the rest of the fence to make sure we were okay. We’ll check again in the morning. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it,” I said when I reached the fire ring.
Blaze punched me playfully on the shoulder and shook said pretty head. “I would have helped.”
“Not on your wedding day. Besides, it was an easy fix. I see most of the guests have departed.”
Heaven came over and took her husband’s arm. “Chores come early tomorrow for all of our rancher friends.” She leaned in close to my ear and whispered. “Please, take Dawn home. She’s tired. The cold is making her stiff and sore, too. I couldn’t get her to go without you.”
I glanced over to the fire, where Dawn sat wrapped in a blanket in a lawn chair while talking to Amity. “I was worried about the same. I’ll take her home in the truck. It will be warmer that way.”
Heaven hugged me tightly with one arm. “Thank you for everything today. Without you, not only would we not be married, but we wouldn’t have laughed nearly as much or had as few hiccups in the day as we did. Take the day off tomorrow, Beau. You deserve it.”
I patted her back and handed her back to Blaze. “How about I sleep in and show up around ten? I have some work to do on the fences before red dogs start showing up. I don’t want to miss my window.”
Blaze slapped me on the back. “Sounds great. We’re turning in, too. It’s been a long day.”
We all waved them off as Blaze and Heaven ran for the door, Blaze scooping her up off her feet and whooping as he carried her through the door of the farmhouse, slamming it behind him with the heel of his boot.
I turned to Ash and Amity. “Where are you two bunking tonight? I don’t think you want to go in there?”
Ash snorted and pointed at me. “You couldn’t pay me enough. Amity moved our stuff over to the dude ranch to stay in the quarters for a few days. We were thrilled when Dawn suggested it. It gives the new couple some time to be alone without the parents in the house. Besides, the bunkhouse at Heavenly Lane reminds us of home.”
“Good thinking,” I said, massaging Dawn’s shoulders. “I need to get her home. Do you want a ride?”
Ash shook his head. “I promised Blaze we’d make sure everything was squared away tonight and put the fire out. Take Dawn home and warm her up. She’s not in good shape. We tried to get her into the house, but she refused.”
“She is sitting right here,” Dawn said from the chair while everyone around us laughed. “They’re right, though. I’m not in good shape. A hot shower and some medication will help.”
She stood gingerly, grimacing when she took a step, so I grasped her waist and held her close to me. “The truck is by the house. Let me bring it over.”
She patted my chest twice. “I'm fine,” she promised, then hugged Amity and Ash. “Thanks for a lovely evening. Let's do breakfast tomorrow?”
“Sounds like a great way to start the day,” Amity agreed.
“Oh,” Ash said, digging in his pocket and pulling out a small envelope. “This came addressed to you about a week before we left. Since we were coming here, I just brought it along. I thought it was odd because you haven't lived at the ranch for years.”
I took it and checked the envelope. “No return address, either.”
“I figured it was an old high school friend or maybe about your class reunion,” Amity said. “The postmark is Dallas. Have a good night, dear,” she said, kissing my cheek while I tucked the envelope in my pocket.
