Page 143 of Lethal Threat

Tonight, Cole’s dressed in a sherpa lined parka. The sparkling white snow stands out in contrast to his dark brown cowboy hat. He looks even taller and more imposing than usual.

He’s a yummy winter mountain man. Andall mine.

Cole nods to the minister to begin. “Ready.”

We say vows that neither of us wrote. We don’t care about that. All we care about is promising our love to each other and starting our little family with the blessings of those we care about.

I’m lost in the ocean-deep love in Cole’s steady eyes when the minister says, “You can now kiss your bride.”

Cole pulls me toward him, crushing my bouquet. I try to tug it loose and we both laugh. Then, he wraps his hand around the back of my neck and kisses the ever living hell out of me.

Somewhere in the distance, I hear catcall whistles.

But none of that matters. I don’t care who is watching. I’ve got eyes only for Cole.

I’m delirious with joy when he lets me go. Everything is wavy and sparkly in my vision from all the happy tears on my lashes.

Liam shoves a glass of champagne in each of our hands,but Cole shakes his head and takes mine away. “None for her.”

His brother frowns. “What kind of doctor do you think I am? Sierra’s is sparkling apple cider. I’m not going to give a mom-to-be champagne.”

Cole grumbles, but relaxes next to me. “You worried me there for a second.”

Liam rolls his eyes, then winks at me. “Somebody’s a little protective of you and that baby.”

I lean into my husband. “I don’t mind. As long as he’s not too bossy.”

“Good luck with that,” says Liam’s wife as she pulls on her husband’s hand. “Honey, you're hogging the bride and groom. Let them have some fun. There are toasts to be made and food to be eaten.”

Cole and I laugh as she drags him away.

He pulls me under his arm. Taps his glass against mine. “To everything. And you know I can’t help being bossy. I just worry about you.”

“I’ll toast to everything. But I get to be bossy back.”

I clink my glass and sip the bubbly gold liquid as he grumbles. Before I have time to say anything else, he whisks me away to the fire pit where everyone is gathered in the warm flickering light.

Before long, we’re being toasted and roasted, or at least, Cole is being roasted, by his brothers.

I’m in tears, laughing at the stories they share. The party goes on into the night as the clock draws closer to the New Year.

“It’s time!” shouts Larson from the top of a hay bale. He kicks off the countdown. Our voices in unison, the entire group counts down to the last second of the year.

God, how much has changed in that year? It makes my head spin to think of it.

“Three, Two, One!” I shout at the top of my lungs. “Happy New Year!”

I take a breath as Cole tips me backward over his arm when the clock strikes. The first kiss of the year.

Tiny snowflakes tingle against my face as he kisses and kisses and kisses me. I finally giggle. When he stands me back up right I’m breathless.

“You’re a maniac!”

“I’m a happy new husband.”

Boy, what a way to start our New Year, our new life, our new family together.

We share hugs with everyone in Cole’s family.