The Cowboy's Bride
Page 5
“Listen, Jake, do you want me to go talk to her?”
“No, but thanks for the offer. That would set her off even more. I’m going to go to bed. See you at six.”
“Yeah, man, see you then.” Nate shook his head then headed straight for the bunkhouse. He felt sorry for Jake. Watching him with his tail between his legs wasn’t fun for anyone.
***
That Saturday morning, Tessa looked out at the arch and waited with a smile on her face. She waited for Jake to come around with the tractor; she waited for the beautiful white cloth to lay out in contrast to the green of the field. She waited for her prince to ride up on his noble steed, and to steal her heart away with one glance. She waited all afternoon. She was ready; she was ready to marry Jake.
“Mom, it’s nearly noon. What’s going on?” Tessa asked, panicked.
Mary Jane thought she knew, but didn’t want to crush her daughter. Jake had finally given up. “I know Jake’s been having a rough time sleeping lately. He’s probably just gotten a late start.”
“You don’t think he’s given up, do you?” Tessa asked quietly.
“He may have, Tess. I know he still loves you, but there’s only so many times a man can stand there and wait by himself.”
“I’m not making him wait any longer. I love him, and I want him to be mine tonight. Will you help me?”
Mary Jane smiled for the first time in weeks. “Sure, baby, what do you have in mind?”
Chapter 7
The arch stood in all its glory under the beautiful sunset. Flowers were everywhere this time. Tulle wrapped down each aisle chair, with sweet smelling lilacs attached in bows. Two large candelabras stood on either side of the arch, lighting the area where they would become husband and wife.
The chairs were lined up in rows of 4 this time, and the cloth aisle that Jake put up lovingly so many times before stood out in bright contrast to the freshly mown grass.
The preacher stood under the arch and waited for the ceremony to begin. A lone violin player stood this time, playing trumpet voluntary of all things. Tessa stood at the front this time. Her beautiful white wedding dress floated around her soft curves lovingly. Her parents sat in the front on the left, while Jake’s mom sat on the right with Jake’s sister Janie and his brother Brock.
Half of the town was there, and Tessa stood, waiting for her prince to arrive. She hoped that this time, everything was perfect. Just as the sun started to disappear and Tessa almost gave up, Jake came riding down on Midnight. The surprise on his face was etched and felt on every one of the guests at the wedding.
Jake dismounted quickly, leaving Midnight by the wooden arch.
“You’ve come,” Jake said, his voice trembled. A lone tear streaked down his face.
“I’ve missed you so much, Jake,” Tessa said, then grabbed him and kissed him senseless.
A minute or an eternity later, the preacher spoke. “We haven’t gotten to that part yet.”
The guests laughed as Jake cleared his throat, clearly choked up by the turn of events.
“Jake, I love you so much. You, my best friend, the one constant in my life that has never changed. You. My friend, my lover, my everything. I am so sorry if I have let you down. I promise I will work hard not to ever do that again. Will you marry me?”
Tears still coming down his face, Jake nodded. “Of course, I’ll marry you. Haven’t you been paying attention, brat?”
The guests laughed. Tessa grinned. “There hasn’t been a minute that I haven’t thought of you, Jake. I just wanted everything perfect. For you. For us.”
“Didn’t you know, Tess. All we needed was each other. I don’t need perfect. All I’ve ever wanted was you. You, Tess.”
Tess nodded. And the preacher continued through the ceremony. Their ‘I do’s’ were complete and Jake’s mom took off her wedding ring and handed it to Jake. Another Anders woman would wear the family ring, and it meant everything to Tessa to be wearing it, too.
Tessa smiled at Jake’s mom and looked deep into Jake’s eyes. “I love you, Mr. Anders.”
“I love you, Mrs. Anders.”
With the wedding complete, Jake and Tessa thanked their guests and then he brought her home, to his place, and they settled into his bed.
That night the lovemaking was slow. Tessa had never felt so strongly about anything or anyone in her entire life.
“I love you so much, Tessa Anders.”
“I love you, too, Jake. Thank you.”
Jake’s mouth quirked to the right. “For what?”
“For not giving up on me.”
Jake cradled her head between his hands and kissed her lips. “Never.”
Epilogue
Nine months to the day of their wedding, Tessa and Jake welcomed their son, Joseph Michael Anders, into the world. The baby was named after hers and Jake’s father. Her father was delighted, and decided then and there that Jake was alright, which made everyone laugh.
Their boy was perfect. Beautiful red hair, green eyes, and a stubborn temper that rivaled his mother’s. Lord help them all.
Danielle Lee Zwissler was born in Dover, Ohio. A small town in North East Ohio. Her love of romance and cowboys took over in this novella. She is a big fan of William Shatner, Harry Potter, and all things Harlequin. Her first novel, “Her Last Chance”, debuted in 2010 with Firefly & Wisp Books. And then shortly after the sequel, “The Art of Seduction” came out. Unfortunately, after three years of working on the third book of the series, Danielle’s laptop was stolen and the story of Kyle and Christine was taken along with it. However, with hard work, and another year or two, she will finish it and hopefully unleash it on to her fans of the Daniel Dynasty.
Other books by Danielle that will be coming out this year:
Served—a cowboy romance, will be out in July.
The Stairs to Andeligh—a Fantasy, will grace the shelves in December of this year.
Thank you for taking the time to read this book, and don’t forget to review. To learn more about Danielle or her books, please go to her website at: www.danielleleezwissler.com or you can visit her author page on facebook at: www.facebook.com/danielleleezwissler