Page 37 of A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy

Stephanie wrinkled her nose. “I think it will be easiest to tell my mother our decisions instead of asking for her opinion. She’s not like your sweet Southern mama.”

“No one is.” Harper smiled. “Momma and Daddy will be here for the entire summer. I can’t wait.”

“Then it’s a good thing I’ve moved out, so they have a place to stay until the wedding.”

“It worked out.”

Stephanie checked her watch. “I need to head back to the ranch so I can help Tate tuck Jamie into bed.”

“And then smooch?”

“Never say never.” Wasn’t it amazing to be able to share this kind of teasing girl-talk on an even footing? Until now, it had always been her friends with the amazing, doting boyfriends, while Stephanie pretended she didn’t care. Even while she and Eli had been dating, over a year ago now, she’d always felt insecure, like the other shoe was about to drop.

And drop it had when Eli had broken up with her and started seeing Harper not long afterward.

Now? Stephanie was oh, so, thankful it had worked out this way. Eli was a great guy, no doubt about it, and he was perfect for Harper. Tate was even more amazing, and he was perfect for Stephanie.

But was it wrong to hope she and Tate might get married first? She sent a quick apology heavenward for that tinge of selfishness. But, on the other hand, she couldn’t deny that she wanted to be Tate’s wife sooner rather than later.

* * *

Grandfather leaned back in his chair, hands clasped behind his head, as he stared at Tate from twinkling eyes. “You sneaky son-of-a-gun.”

“No sneaking, sir. I’m sure you’ve watched the progression of our relationship over the past few weeks.” Everyone else at Sweet River had, that was for sure.

“True. But I thought it might take a year for you to come up to scratch and then maybe another year before the actual ceremony. And now you’re talking about a quickie wedding.” The man’s eyes narrowed. “She’s not pregnant, is she?”

“No, sir. We don’t have that kind of relationship.”

Graham snorted from beside him.

Tate skewered his cousin with a look. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You just sound so pious and innocent.”

“I’m not sure how to take that. Mostly, I’m grateful. But it makes me wonder about you and what went on in your previous relationships.”

Graham glared at him.

At least it silenced the guy. Tate tipped his head then turned back to his grandfather. “I’d like permission to take a week off for a honeymoon at the earliest convenience for everyone.”

“We’re opening to the public next week!” Graham exclaimed.

“I’m aware, cuz. I was actually consulting with Grandfather, not you.”

The old man steepled his hands and let his shrewd gaze flick between his grandsons for a few seconds. “You’re certain.”

“Absolutely, sir.” And if he weren’t, he wasn’t going to mention it in front of Graham. No, the die had been cast, and Tate was following through with the commitment he’d made to Stephanie in front of her father. She deserved to be loved. Cherished. Tate could do that.

“During the quieter winter months?” Grandfather brought up a calendar on his phone.

“No, sir. Sooner. Like in the next few weeks.”

Grandfather eyed him then looked back at his phone. “The week after June 17?”

Tate’s heart leaped. “Sounds good. I’ll make the arrangements.” Four weeks was plenty long enough to plan a wedding, right? Like him, Stephanie didn’t want to put it off. She cited how much easier it would be for Jamie when they shared a home as a family.

Nice thought, but it wasn’t Tate’s first one. He was focused on making Stephanie happy, of soothing the shadows from her eyes. Was it egotistical to think he could do that for her? That he could not only banish her shadows, but keep them away for good?

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