by C C Blaze
It seemed that the entire town of Grand Valley had showed up for the festive occasion. People began to congregate towards the large tent that had been set up for the reception.
The tent was adorned throughout with long tables covered in red and white checked gingham. Jam jars were strategically placed down the center of each and were filled with roses, night blooming jasmine, and clover. Of course, jars of delicious Cowboy Candy lined each table, as well. Delicate white tealights were strung from the ceiling and hurricane lamps illuminated the reception area with a romantic glow.
The tent was buzzing with excitement. Finally, a voice boomed over the loudspeaker . . .
“Ladies and Gents, we are proud to introduce Grand Valley’s newest bride and groom . . .Mr. and Mrs. Dusty Cash!”
The crowd erupted in cheers as Dusty escorted his magnificent bride to their seats. Their table was adorned with bowls of night blooming jasmine, babies breath, and red roses. Tealight candles were lit and placed into jam jars. The centerpiece was designed to surround one particularly special wedding gift. A fruit crate was surrounded by spirals of ribbon and roses. Sitting atop the crate was a large empty cider jar . . .it was filled to the brim with money . . .a sign taped to the outside read, “honeymoon fund.”
Maddy could feel the love emanating from the people of Grand Valley.
Everyone was congratulating them as they made small talk with their guests. This was the happiest day of her life and she felt as if she were in a fairytale. He suddenly rose from his seat and held out his hand for their first official dance together.
The crowd grew quiet as Dusty escorted his bride to the dance floor. He took her in his arms and kissed her. Everyone was spellbound as he looked into her eyes and pulled a white bandanna from his pocket. She grinned and took it from his hands, bent down, and tucked it into her garter belt. The tent erupted with whoops and whistles. Every cowboy in town knew what the bandanna signified.
“Good thing I have plenty of these stashed away, won’t have to worry about running out any time soon.,” he grinned.
She looked at her with a gleam in her eye.
“We’ll have to see about that, cowboy.”
He kissed her again and looked towards the stage.
The band announced that the groom had made a special request.
A hush fell over the tent as a Charlie Rich tune began to play over the loudspeakers.
My baby makes me proud, Lord dont’ she make me proud . . .
. . .She never makes a scene by hangin’ all over me in a crowd.
Cuz people like to talk, Lord don’t they love to talk. . .
But when they turn out the lights, i know she’ll be leaving with me.” As they whirled in each other’s arms, the crowd began to sing . . .
. . . And when we get behind closed doors, and she lets her hair hang down, and she makes me glad, that I’m a man . . .
Oh , no one knows what goes on behind closed doors.
This book is dedicated to country girls everywhere, and to the cowboys who love them . . .