Page 50 of A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy

She was marrying the amazing Tate Sullivan. The rest of it didn’t matter. It really, truly didn’t, and she’d already asked both of her closest friends.

“Honey, are you sure?” Still holding the chain, Mom met her gaze in the mirror again.

“Absolutely sure.” Even if she weren’t, she wouldn’t tell her parents. “I know it seems sudden, but Tate is the real deal, and he means everything to me.”

“Next to Jesus.”

“Of course.” Trust Mom to push her into a declaration and then temper it with faith. “Doesn’t that go without saying?”

“I would hope so, but I’m just checking. This all is such a surprise that it’s thrown me for a loop. I was barely used to the idea that you didn’t work for the bank anymore or live up the street with Harper.” Looking down, Mom laid the necklace on the dresser. “I guess I’d kind of hoped you’d move back home after Harper’s wedding in August.”

Thankfully, Mom didn’t seem to notice Stephanie’s mouth hanging open. “I wasn’t planning on moving back into this house. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m twenty-eight years old.”

“I know.” Mom gave her a misty smile. “But you’ll always be my little girl. It’s hard to give you up.”

“I’ll be just up the road at Sweet River Ranch.” At least, until Tate insisted on returning to Chicago. Stephanie’s twitchy gut tightened. “You can come visit any time.”

“That’s a big comfort. It really is.”

The sound of Jamie’s wakeup babbling came from the next room.

“I’ll get him while you put your regular clothes back on. Here, let me undo the buttons first.”

Obediently, Stephanie turned and felt her mother attack the row of tiny beads. Next time, it would be Tate undoing them. She shivered.

“Are you cold?”

“No. But maybe I should call Tate to get Jamie, since this is going to take a while.”

“I’ll be quick.” Mom’s hands flew down Stephanie’s back. “That little guy is just the sweetest thing, isn’t he? Thank you for bringing such a lovely grandson into the family.”

“You’re welcome.” But it seemed an inane thing to say.

“Hey, shorty.” Tate’s voice came from the hallway.

No surprise he’d heard Jamie from the living room. Yes, the bedroom door was firmly closed. There was no chance he’d accidentally see her in this gown.

“Dada’s got you, Jamie. Ew, you need a diaper change.”

Stephanie smiled as her mother finished releasing her.

“He’s a keeper,” Mom whispered.

“I know.” Stephanie swallowed hard as she stepped out of the dress. She might have a lot of misgivings and little time remaining to work through them in a logical way, but that was one thing she knew for sure. If everything went awry, it would be her fault, not Tate’s. “I’m so lucky.”

“Not lucky.”

“Right. I know. It’s just a saying.” She pulled her camisole on and reached for her pants.

“Your father and I are praying for you every day, just as we’ve done your entire life. We’re praying for God’s blessing on you and Tate, for you to have wisdom in dealing with each other and that your love will only deepen with time.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Now it was Stephanie’s turn to dab moisture from her eyes. Her parents did love her and want her to be happy. She’d always known that. They supported her even now when they had a little whiplash about the speed things were happening.

Mom hugged her tight, rocking her.

“But does Dad really approve? That day in the park… at the job fair...”

“You caught him off guard, is all.”

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