Page 47 of Home to the Cowboy's Arms

Cassie opened the door and ushered them all inside.

They stopped and took in the sight, silence replacing the laughter.

Tori stood in front of the full-length mirror, the seamstress—having helped her with her gown—was now adjusting the full-length veil. Stunning white lace lay over a pale pink lining. The sleeveless, heart-shaped bodice had a wide swathe of pale pink around the waist and slender ribbons fell down the back to the edge of the skirt. When she walked, the skirt would flow around her softly. The veil was full and edged in the same lace all the way down to form a semi-train behind her. The dress was perfect. Tori had never been more beautiful. Cassie tucked another Kleenex into the edge of her demi-glove…to be on the safe side.

“Is it that bad that all of you are just staring and not saying anything?” Tori asked, looking at them in the mirror behind her.

“It’s you. Perfect. Gorgeous.” Callie found her voice first.

“You look like a real Cinderella,” Jillie pronounced in awe.

“Not bad, sis,” Rance said, something strange stuck in his throat.

“Perfect. Just perfect.” Matt seemed to have something in one eye and turned his attention to straightening his daughter’s dress. Then he stepped forward and stood in front of his sister. “I need to go and give some support to a nervous groom. But…well, you’ve got this. It will be the easiest walk you’ll ever take. And the one you deserve more than anyone. Love you, sis.” He bent and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. And then left the room.

“If you cry now, you’ll ruin your makeup,” Cassie said. “I’ll cry enough for both of us.”

“I hear that I have the honor of giving you away, today.” Rance spoke up, moving to give her a hug. He stepped back and gave her one of his usual grins that he often teased her with. “I always wanted to do that when we were growing up as little kids. But now…well, it doesn’t seem like a great idea for some reason.”

Tori shook her head. “None of you can get rid of me that easily. I’ll be here as usual. Full-time big sister. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.”

*

“So is thebride ready? She’s upstairs, right?”

Matt shook his head as he looked at the man in the silver-gray western tuxedo, adjusting his hat on his head for the tenth time in front of the mirror. “Rest easy. I just checked on her and she is here and still planning to meet you in the garden in a few minutes. We tried to talk her out of it, but she wouldn’t be bribed even. No changing Tori’s mind when she’s determined. And she asked the same question about you. Wanted to make sure you had showed up.”

Cade grinned and turned to face the man.

“You didn’t tell her that I showed up two hours early, right? Don’t want to appear too eager, you know.”

Matt laughed. “I think that ship has already sailed. We’re going to have to keep you from running down that aisle, I have a feeling.”

“You just might,” Cade agreed. Then his gaze sobered as it met Matt’s. “Look, I’m glad that you agreed to stand up with me today. It means a lot. I know we haven’t had too much time to sit down and just talk lately, but I want you to know…all of you,” he amended. “I will mean every word of the vows I take today. I intend to spend every day I have in this life making Tori happy. She deserves all of that and much more. And I feel very honored that you all have welcomed me into the fold. It means a lot more than I can say. You are my family now and that is something that I will try my best to be worthy of each day.”

Matt walked closer and slowly put out his hand. Cade accepted it. “We all know that you love our sister. A blind man could see and feel that. And knowing how Tori feels about you…well, none of us could have asked for better in a life’s partner for her than you. You are a good man and we know you will take good care of each other. Cherish each other and each day you have.”

Cassie breezed in at that moment.

“The minister is here and the guests are being seated. Sun is bright, sky is blue, and there is a bride coming down the aisle in ten minutes. Take your places, gentlemen. And, Matt, you have the ring right?”

“That is at least the twentieth time you have asked me that question today, Cassie,” Matt replied.

“Well?” She was waiting.

“It is right here,” and he patted his jacket pocket.

“Very well. See you both at the altar.” She gave a wink and was gone.

Cassie nodded to the harpists, and they began the music. Jillie began her walk across the porch and down the runner toward the gazebo. Flowers were tossed along the way with great skill. Cade grinned at her and winked as she approached. She winked back.

Cassie walked the aisle next, smiling at the guests as she went. Cade met her grin with one of his. Then the music changed, and the guests rose. The bride appeared, escorted by her brother Rance. The guests were not disappointed in watching the groom’s reaction as he watched his bride walk toward him. His gaze never wavered from hers. He came down the two steps to meet her. Rance kissed her cheek and then gave her hand over to Cade.

The vows were spoken from their hearts. Tori’s voice held a bit of trembling at first, but then there was a gentle, warm pressure on her hands that were encased in Cade’s. His strength flowed into hers and his silent message was in his gaze.We’ve got this.And her heart took flight and so did any nerves.

Cade made his vows strong and sure. The prayers were beautiful blessings for long life and happiness. The preacher pronounced them husband and wife and as the couple kissed, hundreds of butterflies took flight throughout the garden.

The reception began, the cake was cut, guests partied. Cade thanked Jillie for their dance and went in search of his bride. He found her in the gazebo. Her face was aglow with the golden rays of sunset. He moved to slip his arms around her and she leaned against him.

“A perfect wedding. I’m glad you wanted to have the wedding here in your garden instead of the ranch. It turned out to be beautiful. What’s on my wife’s mind?”

Tori nodded, her gaze still on the sunset. “I came here a young girl with a stray cat and stayed because of the sunset. It was so beautiful that day when I stepped off the bus. I was scared. I had no idea what I was doing but I had to find a home. And that sunset spoke to my heart. I stayed and now here I am with another perfect sunset and my heart is so complete. I am not a stranger in this garden, and I’m not scared. I am home. Now and forever in Destiny’s River. In your arms.”

The End