Page 15 of Their Wanted Bride (Bridgewater Brides 1)

“Would you be interested in selling—”

The smile fell from her face, making Andrew lean back warily. “Not under any circumstances,” she said firmly, rising to her feet. “He’s mine, and so are Caleb and Justin. If you’ll excuse us, we’re on our way to a wedding.”

Robert blinked, then shared a telling glance with Andrew. “Of course, Miss Maddy. We’ll escort you and bear witness to this happy event. Welcome to Bridgewater.”

“Madelaine, if you please,” she retorted.

Caleb barked out a laugh and I lowered my face to hide my grin of satisfaction. I liked being claimed by Maddy, but sooner or later, he and I would have to teach her she could relax and let us protect her instead of the other way around.

I wrapped my coat around Maddy’s slim form before we left. It was much too cold for her in that thin cotton dress. We’d have to buy her a more appropriate wardrobe soon. She couldn’t have much money left after getting herself here, and once she was our wife, we would take care of her needs.

We sandwiched her between us, Caleb on her left while I took my position on her right as we escorted her down the street to the church. Her soft curves felt perfect in my arms. I couldn’t wait for the wedding to be done. I wanted to take her back to the hotel and finish what we’d started in the restaurant.

Robert and Andrew followed with their Ann snugged up between them.

As usual, the church door was unlocked, but we’d probably have to search for the preacher. Likely, he was in the parsonage with his wife, seeing as how it was suppertime and the sun was setting.

Maddy’s feet stalled and she looked up at the white clapboard steeple, biting her lip. “Are you ready, sweetheart?” I asked, leaning down to inhale the fragrance of citrusy soap.

She jumped and gave me a tremulous smile. “Yes, of course. Shall we?”

Keeping a firm hold on her waist, we escorted her inside.

CALEB

* * *

“Do you have a ring?” the preacher asked. “I can sell you one for two dollars if you don’t, and you can pay me back when you get your cows sold.”

“I think I have it, but that’s awful kind of you,” I replied, praying I had that much. Digging into my pockets, I scowled when I produced no more than two bits. I didn’t bother to look to Justin for the dollar fifty we needed. He never carried money. I fumbled a coin and bit back a curse when it hit the wood floor.

Dropping to her knees, Maddy bent down and shifted her weight, hiding her movements. A second later, she stood and handed me two silver dollars.

“These fell from your pocket. You need a coin pouch.” Letting her lips curl into a smile, she reached up and kissed my cheek. “I declare, I’d lose every single penny I had if I didn’t have one.”

I gritted my teeth, unsure whether to thank her or take her outside for a sound spanking. Where on earth did she get that money? It didn’t escape my attention that she’d essentially paid for a ring she hadn’t wanted in the first place. Infernal woman.

I barely listened to the thankfully brief ceremony. There were only a few words I wanted to hear.

“I now pronounce you husbands and wife. You may both kiss your bride.”

She lifted her chin, pursing her lips as her eyes closed. Cupping her cheeks in my palms, I kissed her gently, and not quite chastely. Her lips parted and my cock surged in my trousers when she let out a little gasp of air. I took full advantage, deepening our kiss until she whimpered softly. Before she could catch her breath, I passed her to Justin and grinned when her knees buckled under his expert touch. Our new wife was a passionate thing under that prim blue dress.

The sound of the preacher clearing his throat pulled us out of the spell Maddy cast upon us with her soft lips. He handed us a hastily prepared marriage certificate. Folding it carefully, I put it in my pocket for safekeeping.

We made our goodbyes and left the church. Maddy hissed out a breath as snowflakes dusted her face, and Justin wrapped his coat more tightly around her shoulders.

“Let

’s go back to the hotel,” he murmured, pulling her into his arms to share his warmth. “It’s too late to go home tonight, Mrs. Mathis.”

Her teeth chattering, she scowled up at the sky. “It’s almost April! How c-can it be snowing in April?”

“We’ll see about getting you a good coat tomorrow,” I promised.

“Yes, please. I had no idea it would be so cold.”

It wasn’t that bad, but if I recalled correctly, Kentucky was a bit more temperate than Montana. When her blood thickened up, she’d be fine. We hurried her down the street, her small frame nestled against us.

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