Both Jake and Logan, who also were engaged, nodded in full agreement.
Gavin rubbed his chin and said, “Hmm, that’s interesting advice.”
Tom smiled. “It sounds pretty damn debatable if you ask me.”
But all the men later agreed that a woman was something none of them could live without.
Epilogue
All eyes were on the couple on the dance floor sharing their first dance as man and wife. The wedding reception at the Hartman Ranch had been in full swing for almost an hour and everyone present had to agree it had been a beautiful wedding for such a gorgeous couple. The bride was wearing a long white bridal gown and the groom was wearing a black tux. Alli’s sister, Kara, had been her maid of honor and Christine had been her bridesmaid. Jake had been Mark’s best man.
Mark and Alli would be leaving later that night for a flight that would take them to Dallas and from there to Hawaii, where they would spend the next week. They couldn’t imagine being away from Erika any longer than that. They were thankful that Mrs. Tucker had arrived and would be taking care of their precious darling.
Mark tightened his arms around Alli. He felt as if he were the luckiest man alive and looked forward to being a good husband to Alli and a wonderful father to Erika. He intended to spend the rest of his life showing both of his ladies just how much he loved them.
“Nita looks nice doesn’t she?” Alli asked.
Following her gaze, Mark saw Nita Windcroft talking to Mrs. Tucker. She was wearing a light blue pantsuit. “Yes, she does and this is the first time I’ve seen her in anything other than a pair of jeans.”
Alli nodded. This was the first time she had seen Nita wearing anything but jeans, too. Alli thought the pantsuit looked really good on Nita and couldn’t wait for the day she got to see Nita wearing a dress—if that day ever came. “So, Mr. Hartman, are you ready to take time away from Royal for a while?”
“As long as I am with you, Mrs. Hartman, I am ready for anything.” He leaned closer and kissed her, ignoring the catcalls and applause.
When he released her, Alli glanced across the yard at her sister, who was smiling happily at her. Alli smiled back. Cameron, who had arrived in town with Kara to help her drive her new car back to Houston, was indeed a hottie. But after talking with him, Alli concluded that he was also a really nice guy. He had come from a family of attorneys and had plans to go to law school. She could tell he cared a lot for Kara and he told her that he and Kara had talked about it and had decided not to let their dates interfere with their schoolwork. Alli liked that decision. Even Mark had said he liked Cameron since he seemed to be a pretty decent and mature guy with a good head on his shoulders.
Moments later, when Mark escorted her back to their table where Erika was sitting in her high chair, he leaned over and kissed his niece. Love ran swiftly through Alli’s veins as she watched her husband. He was no longer afraid to show his emotions and for that she was thankful.
Hand in hand, they began walking around thanking their guests for coming and sharing in their special day. Happiness shone on their faces in knowing this was the beginning of their lives together and they intended to make every day exceptional.
“How about another dance, sweetheart?” Mark asked, pulling her into his arms and leading her toward the dance floor.
“I’d loved to,” she said, smiling up at him.
He leaned down and brushed a kiss across her mouth. “And I love you,” he said softly, thinking he could never say it enough. Never had he dreamed someone so beautiful would come into his life and help him to overcome his past, and give him the love and the passion he’d always yearned for. He gathered her closer into his arms and couldn’t wait for later that night when they would be alone.
“What are you thinking about, Mark?” Alli asked, leaning back slightly to look into his eyes.
His eyes—no doubt full of love—held hers. Deciding that what he was thinking about was for her ears only, he leaned closer and whispered to her.
What he said nearly took her breath away. He smiled and hugged her closer, burying his face in the curve of her neck and inhaling the scent that was so much a part of her. “You did ask.”
A smile touched the corners of Alli’s lips. He had just whispered some very naughty things that he had planned for her later. “Yes, I did, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did,” he murmured softly. And then he was kissing her again.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-3672-5
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