“So you worked that out. Good.”
She touched his smile. “I’m a slow learner.”
“I won’t argue that.”
“Based on what?”
“Based on the fact you can’t see when a man is head over heels in love with you.”
“What?” She couldn’t have heard him right.
“Don’t sound so shocked.” He tipped her mouth close. “I love you. That being the case, Mimi Banfield, would you do me the honor of being my wife, my partner, my love for all the rest of your days?”
It was all her daydreams come together, sprinkled with fairy dust and touched with magic. But a younger her could never have known what to do with a man like Jackson. She would have run, she would have fought, she would have let fear destroy everything.
“Are you sure?” she asked, just to be fair. “The kids come, too.”
“I’m always sure, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Because he sounded so arrogant she teased, “Good. Then you can tell them they’re stuck with us.”
“I’m not expecting complaints.”
“Not even from Kevin?”
“Nope.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“He loves you and trusts me. Besides, I promised him a rifle of his own.”
“So you bribed him.”
He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Any complaints?”
She shook her head. “Not a one.”
“What about you? Are you sure?” he asked. “Do you think you can give up Bentley’s Folly to become the wife of a struggling rancher?”
“You won’t be struggling for long.” Of that, she was sure. “And yes, I’m looking forward to it.”
“It’ll be just us. Pa’s taking a liking to California.”
She tried to cock her eyebrow, failed, so just settled for cocking her head. “Are you trying to talk me out of it?”
“Nope.” With the lightest of touches, he stroked his finger down her cheek. The familiar caress was as compelling as a kiss. “Just making sure you’re sure.”
She leaned into his touch. Instantly, his fingers opened, offering her support. “Sure? No, I can think of a million reasons why you’re making a mistake.”
“But?”
Turning her head, she pressed her lips into his palm. “But if you’re determined to make it, I would be honored to be your wife, your partner, and your love.”
“Why?”
She smiled softly and cupped his face in her hands. This kind of insecurity she knew how to handle, because he’d taught her. “Because I love you. I love you with my body, my heart, and all my soul. I’ve loved you since you dropped into that hellish well cracking jokes, and it’s only grown since. It used to scare me, but now it thrills me and I can’t imagine the future without you in it.” Kissing him softly, she asked, “How was that?”
Hooking his arm around her neck, he shook his head and pulled her closer. “It sounds like I’ve got my work cut out for me.”
She smiled and breathed into his kiss, “You can handle it.”
* * *
• • •
They were all there. Standing at the altar with his best man, Clint, Jackson looked around the church, decorated in white and green, and felt at peace. With the exception of his father, who’d sent a congratulatory telegram, all the people he’d known for his life were there. People he’d breakfasted with, worked with, laughed with, and fought over pie with. His friends and his family, in the form of the McKinnleys, the Swansons, and the MacIntyres. His life told through the faces of the people he loved. A sense of continuity that he appreciated now that he was adding another face, another facet. It was good.
The organist began to play. The soft music floated through the space, quieting the chatter.
Jackson stood up straighter.
Brad, holding his Bible, leaned over. “You sure about this?”
He’d never been more sure. “Absolutely.”
“Still got time to run,” Clint teased.
“Shut up, Clint.”
The other man chuckled. From the front row, Jenna hushed him. The music stopped. Everyone turned expectantly. The organist launched into the wedding march. Jackson, along with everyone else, held his breath, waiting for that first glimpse of the bride.
The double doors in the back opened. Melinda Sue strolled through the door, looking like a pink angel in her new dress, tossing rose petals to the right and left. Behind her, Mimi walked down the aisle, Tony and Kevin, looking uncomfortable yet dapper in their new suits, on either side.
Jackson had never seen a more beautiful bride. The light green dress hugged Mimi’s figure before flaring out in a lace-drenched skirt. Her hair was pulled back in a fancy twist that showed off the length of her neck, and an ornately braided crown of daisies circled her head, giving her the appearance of an ethereal princess. She walked down the aisle as if she didn’t have a care in the world. Head up, chin level, eyes straight ahead, her bouquet of white roses held loosely in her hand. When she reached the altar, he held out his hand. Without hesitation, she took it. Ignoring protocol and everyone waiting, he asked her the same question that’d been asked of him. “Are you sure?”
Her smile softened and she stroked her thumb across the back of his hand. “Absolutely.”
“Still got time to run,” Clint offered.
Mimi didn’t hesitate. “Shut up, Clint.”
Clint chuckled. “For sure she’s your woman.”
Yes, she was. Bringing Mimi’s hand to his lips, Jackson pressed a kiss to the back and smiled into her eyes. Together they turned to the Reverend.
“We’re ready.”
About the Author
Before becoming a full-time writer, Sarah McCarty traveled extensively. She would bring a pencil and paper with her to sketch out her stories and, in the process, discovered the joy of writing. Today, Sarah is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including the Promise series, and is best known for her historical and paranormal romance novels.
CONNECT ONLINE
sarahmccarty.net
What’s next on
your reading list?
Discover your next
great read!
* * *
Get personalized book picks and up-to-date news about this author.
Sign up now.
Promises Decide Page 27