Page 66 of Tanner

CHAPTER27

Tanner took his bride’s arm and they followed Travis and Samantha as they walked down the makeshift aisle to the justice of the peace standing at the front of the tent, waiting on them.

He was getting married to the love of his life and he was so excited. The girls had worked together, and here they were getting married almost two weeks to the day since he’d proposed.

Glancing at Emily, he smiled. No, they hadn’t known each other long, but she was the woman for him. So far, he’d not had an episode since that day, and he hoped with her help, they would continue to be fewer and fewer.

She was late. It was still too early to tell, but he was starting to get enthusiastic about the thought of a baby. The cousins would be so close in age and he knew how Burnett cousins loved to get into trouble together.

They arrived at the officiant and Tucker stood beside the man along with Desiree. Both girls had agreed that she should be the person standing up beside them, and he was thrilled.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” the man said.

Five minutes later, it was over, and to the claps and cheers of the crowd, he kissed his bride while Travis kissed Samantha.

They were married.

After the photos, they went to the reception hall where there was a sit-down dinner. Toasts were made to their happiness and then they had their first dance together as man and wife.

“Do you remember our first dance?” he asked her.

“Of course, I was dancing with this handsome man and wondering how I could get him into my room.”

He grinned. “And I was wondering how I could get you to let me into your room.”

“Oh, Tanner, I came to Texas not looking for a husband but to start over. I found not only love with a good man, but an entire family.”

“Who will probably drive you crazy,” he said.

She laughed. “To think that a ghost brought us together is rather strange.”

“A matchmaking ghost.”

Just then the lights blinked on and off and the music stopped. Everyone glanced around the room.

“Tucker, grandson, you’re next. It’s your turn to find love.”

“Go away, Eugenia,” Tucker called. “I’m not going to marry. You’re wasting your time.”

She laughed. “Oh, I love a good challenge. That’s what all the Burnett men say. As for the rest of you, get ready, I’ll be coming for you after Tucker. The family must continue.”

With a sparkle of lights, she disappeared and the music began again.

Emily shook her head as she gazed at her husband. “Poor Tucker has no idea what he’s up against.”

“Oh, I think he does. But he won’t win.”

“No, he won’t,” Eugenia said with a whisper around them. “Now I’m ready for some grandbabies. Get to work.”

They both looked at each other and laughed. “What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. I did a pregnancy test this morning, Tanner.”

His heart started to pound in his chest. “And?”

“Baby Tanner will arrive in about eight months.”

Joy filled him.

“And you’re going to be a great father.”

“I hope so. I truly hope so,” he said and pulled Emily in close. “Let’s blow this joint. I’m ready to spend some time in your arms celebrating.”

“Agreed,” she said.

They ran out the door before anyone could stop them. They didn’t need the bird seed thrown at them for good luck. Tanner would do everything in his power to make their union happy, and Emily would too.

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