Kate stepped out of the car and walked to the back of the ambulance. “Have they had enough of you? Are they dropping you off right here in the middle of the road?”
Will looked at the two EMTs. “Can I get a private moment here with her?”
“Nope,” one of the men said. “We’re risking our jobs for you. We want to hear it all.” He laughed. “And it better be good.”
Will drew in a deep breath and exhaled. “You can’t go back to Chicago.”
“Really? Why not?” she smiled and cocked her head to the side.
“I love you Kate.”
A smile grew across her face and her hand lifted to her heart.
“You’re the klutziest, most hardheaded woman I have ever met. But, I can’t live without you.” Will pointed at her. “You’re the opposite of everything I’ve ever liked. But you can’t leave. I want you to marry me.”
Kate leapt into the ambulance and leaned in close to him. She whispered, “You’re hard-headed, your belt buckle is too big, and your cowboy hat is not in my idea of high fashion. But yes, I will marry you.”
Will lifted his hand and touched the top of hers with his fingers. Heat rose up Kate’s neck and onto her face. She leaned forward and their lips met in a warm embrace. She slid her hand through his hair, and leaned back. “I love you Will Stonen.”
***
The crisp leaves on the trees fluttered to the ground in front of the new church construction site. A chill settled in the air and Kate slid her hand through the crook in Will’s arm. “I love the fall. It’s my favorite time of year.”
Will smiled and paused before speaking. “They are releasing the mountain lion back into the wild today.”
“Are you upset you’re not able to see it?” She said, looking up at him.
“No. I wouldn’t be able to do much anyway.”
“That’ll be a great story,” she said.
“So, why aren’t you up there?”
“Trevor said he’d go. He wanted a day to hike so he thought this would give him a good excuse to go take some pictures.”
“Hey you two,” Pastor Connor yelled from across the church lot.
Kate and Will turned to see him approaching.
“Look at this.” He held out a large stone in his hand. “This is from the baptismal wall.”
Kate gasped. “These are the same rocks your mother and Emma helped pick out.”
“Once they get the walls up, we’ll put some of these rocks back in their rightful place,” Will said, staring at the frame of the newly built church.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Connor said.
“I am too,” Will said. “I’ve appreciated your Bible studies these last few months.”
“You bet. C’mon.” Connor tipped his head in the direction of the church. “Let’s get this thing built. You two have a wedding coming up.”
Epilogue
“So I guess this means you won’t be coming back to Chicago.” Kate’s father said. Joshua Polson pulled at a lock of her brown, curly hair, and watched it bounce back into place. “I’m really going to miss you there.”
“I know, Dad. But, you can get away anytime you want and come visit.” Kate adjusted her veil.
“It’s never been the same since you left earlier this year. I really got used to you sitting just outside my door.” Her father ran a comb through his pepper colored hair and adjusted his tie. “I will say one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ll save some money not having to buy you such expensive things.”
“Who said you weren’t going to get me some of those clothes I see online?” Kate stood on her toes and gave her father a kiss on the cheek.
“Listen honey. I really like this guy. I think you made a fine decision in a husband,” her father said.
“Thanks Dad.” Kate wiped a tear from her cheek. “Now. No more of that. I want my makeup to last all day.”
Kate turned and looked in the mirror. A strip of thin lace clothed her shoulders, stitched to a full-length silk gown with dots of crystal details. Her veil reached the floor, and trailed several feet behind her. “I think I’m ready.”
Her father reached over Kate and pulled the veil over her face. “You look so elegant.” He nudged her with his elbow, waiting for her.
Kate slid her hand into her father’s arm and the two walked to the foyer doors of the newly built church.
The sanctuary doors opened, revealing the groomsmen and Will, standing at the front. The men were dressed in black suit jackets with bolo ties, and Wrangler jeans. Kate giggled to herself. Just under his buttoned jacket, Kate could see the bottom of Will’s extra large belt buckle. She couldn’t imagine it any other way.
The music started, and Kate waited until her bridesmaids settled into their position in line before going down the aisle. It was still hard to believe she would be marrying the man of her dreams.
The wedding guests rose to their feet. Kate and her father walked slowly down the aisle taking in every moment. When she reached the front her father lifted her veil, gave her a kiss, and sat down next to her mother.
Kate turned and looked into the eyes of the man she loved. Once she had his attention, she pointed down at the ground. She lifted her dress a couple inches off the floor, revealing a pair of white leather cowboy boots.
“That’s my girl,” Will laughed and shook his head.
***
“I’m really happy for you Kate,” Trevor said, wrapping his arms around her. The music played while guests danced during the wedding reception.
“How are things with you and Victoria?” Kate asked, straightening her dress.
“Good. We are taking things slow. I want to do the right thing.”
Kate smiled. It was hard to believe that just a few months ago, she was determined to marry the man standing in front of her now.
Will came up next to Kate and held out an envelope.
“What is it?” she asked.
“It’s from Emma,” Will said.
She took the envelope, pulled out the sheet of paper, and scanned the writing. She looked up, tears running down her cheeks. “I can’t…I can’t believe this. Is it real?”
“Yeah. Her lawyer just handed it to me. He’s known for a while. Had me going, saying there were a few snags with her will. He thought it would make a good wedding gift.”
“So the ranch and all the animals are all ours?” Kate asked.
“All ours. Including Max.”
Kate wrapped her arms around Will. She looked up and kissed him.
The two embraced and Kate knew her life was complete.
Finding Kate Page 13