Elsa's Stand

by Cathryn Hein

  When the register was signed, they took a moment to stand hand-in-hand in front of the altar and beam out over the chapel.

  Jack leaned in and kissed Elsa on the temple. ‘Wife,’ he whispered.

  ‘Husband,’ she whispered back, the word shooting a frisson down her spine.

  They stepped down, ready to run the gauntlet of greetings and good wishes, only to halt when the chapel filled with piano music.

  Everyone paused, their ears cocked. Frowns morphed into smiles as piano gave way to the distinctive tones of an Elton John mega-hit.

  Jesse was the first to break into laughter. ‘It’s the bloody Lion King.’

  Jack turned Elsa towards him and pressed his forehead against hers. ‘Really?’

  ‘Nothing to do with me,’ said Elsa, as Elton continued his “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” serenade.

  They slid eyes towards their attendants. Serenity was inspecting her sparkly blue fingernails, feigning innocence. Jesse was still laughing.

  Elsa had to admit Serenity had chosen well with her sneaky music bomb. She could certainly feel the love tonight. She refocused on Jack. ‘Could have been worse.’

  ‘Huh,’ said Jack, then he smiled. ‘Little lioness.’

  ‘Big lioness.’

  He wrapped arms around her and held her close. ‘My lioness.’

  The End

  The Outback Bride Series

  Book 1: Maggie’s Run by Kelly Hunter

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  Book 2: Belle’s Secret by Victoria Purman

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  Book 3: Elsa’s Stand by Cathryn Hein

  View the entire series here!

  Book 4: Holly’s Heart by Fiona McArthur

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  About the Author

  Cathryn Hein is a best-selling author of rural romance and romantic adventure novels, a Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year finalist, and a regular Australian Romance Reader Awards finalist.

  A South Australian country girl by birth, Cathryn loves nothing more than a rugged rural hero who’s as good with his heart as he is with his hands, which is probably why she writes them! Her romances are warm and emotional, and feature themes that don’t flinch from the tougher side of life but are often happily tempered by the antics of naughty animals. Her aim is to make you smile, sigh, and perhaps sniffle a little, but most of all feel wonderful.

  Cathryn lives in Newcastle, Australia with her partner of many years, Jim. When she’s not writing, she plays golf (ineptly), cooks (well), and in football season barracks (rowdily) for her beloved Sydney Swans AFL team.

  Visit cathrynhein.com and sign up to her newsletter for a couple of free short stories to enjoy over a cuppa, plus all the news on upcoming book releases, exclusive content, giveaways and more.