Page 28 of Storm in Montana (Montana Becketts, Wild Spirit Ranch #3)

The scent of worn, leather-bound Bibles filled the air as townspeople and ranching families filed into the Mystic Church, their Sunday best transformed into wedding finery for this special day.

Pastor Owen Ward stood at the altar, his Bible open in his weathered hands, watching as the last guests found their places. His wife, Catherine, moved through the crowd with characteristic grace, directing people to empty spaces with gentle touches and whispered words.

In the small anteroom, Faith adjusted the lace veil crowning Annalee’s head. “There,” she said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. “Perfect.”

Lilian dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “You look beautiful, Annie.”

Annalee smoothed her hands over the cream-colored silk of her dress, her fingers trembling slightly. “I never thought this day would come,” she whispered. “Not really.”

“The rest of us knew it would,” Faith said, squeezing her friend’s hand. “From the first time Cody invited Brodie out to the ranch when we were children. There was always something special about your friendship.”

A knock at the door preceded Naomi Beckett’s entrance. She paused in the doorway, her gaze taking in her daughter’s appearance. For a moment, she said nothing, her hand pressed against her heart.

“Mama?” Annalee’s voice wavered.

“You look exactly as I dreamed you would,” Naomi said, crossing the room to embrace her daughter. “Your father would have been so proud.”

In another room, Brodie stood before a small mirror, adjusting his string tie for the hundredth time. Cody’s reflection appeared beside his own, a rare smile softening his usually stern features.

“Leave it,” Cody said, placing a steadying hand on Brodie’s shoulder. “The tie is fine.”

Joshua leaned against the wall, his azure eyes twinkling. “Better than fine. Why, you look almost respectable, Brodie.”

“Almost,” Brodie agreed, letting his hands fall to his sides. “I still can’t believe she said yes.”

“We can’t believe it took you so long to ask,” Joshua replied, earning a sharp look from Cody.

The church bell rang, its clear tones floating across the morning air. Brodie drew in a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. “Time?”

“Time,” Cody confirmed, leading the way to the altar.

The congregation rose as the first notes of music filled the church. Faith entered first, her blue dress catching the colored light from the windows. Lilian followed, both women carrying small bouquets of winter flowers. Winter jasmine, pansies, and snowdrops were bound with silver and gold ribbon.

The music shifted, and every head turned toward the doors. Annalee stood in the entrance, one hand resting on Grayson’s arm. Her dress gleamed like fresh snow, the silk rustling softly as she took her first step down the aisle.

Brodie’s breath caught in his throat. She moved with the same grace she showed on horseback, her steps measured and sure. When their eyes met across the length of the church, her smile bloomed brighter than the first flower of spring.

Pastor Ward’s voice rang out clear and strong. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”

The familiar words washed over the congregation as Annalee looked up to meet Brodie’s gaze.

“The couple asked if they were allowed to prepare their own vows,” Pastor Ward announced. “I’d never heard of such a thing, but my lovely wife, Catherine, encouraged me to let them give it a go. After all, it is their wedding, and I’m sure God will be looking down on them with a smile. Brodie?”

Brodie turned to face Annalee fully, his eyes intense with emotion.

“Annalee Beckett, I’ve known you since we were children.

I’ve watched you grow from a fearless girl into an even more fearless woman.

You’ve shown me what true strength looks like.

It’s not in the weight you can lift or the gun you can draw, though you excel at both.

” A ripple of gentle laughter moved through the church.

“Your strength lives in your heart, in your unwavering loyalty to family and friends, in your courage to face whatever comes with determination and grace.”

He squeezed her hands gently. “I promise to match your strength with my own. To stand beside you in all weather, through all seasons. To protect what needs protecting and to step back when you need to fight your own battles. To love you with every breath, every heartbeat, every step of the path we’ll walk together. ”

Tears glistened in Annalee’s eyes. A minute passed before she began her response.

“Brodie Gaines, you’ve been my North star for as long as I can remember.

Even when you saw me as just Cody’s little sister, you were teaching me about honor, about duty, about what it means to serve others.

You showed me how to track, how to shoot straight, how to face danger without flinching. ”

She drew in a steadying breath. “I promise to be your partner in all things. To watch your back as you watch mine. To create a home filled with warmth and welcome, not just for us, but for all who need shelter from life’s storms. To love you with the same fierce dedication you’ve shown when protecting the people of Mystic.

” A quiet settled over the church as everyone took in their heartfelt promises to each other.

Pastor Ward’s voice carried to every corner of the church. “By the power vested in me by God and the Territory of Montana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Brodie drew Annalee close, their lips meeting in a kiss as pure and bright as mountain spring water. The congregation erupted in applause and cheers, their joy echoing off the wooden rafters.

Hand in hand, they turned to face their family and friends. Pastor Ward’s voice rose above the celebration. “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Brodie Gaines!”

They walked down the aisle together, past smiling faces and outstretched hands. In the vestibule, Annalee paused, lifting her skirts to reveal her delicate wedding shoes.

“Hold on,” she said, reaching for a pair of boots tucked away in a corner. She made quick work of the change.

Brodie watched with a growing smile. “There’s my girl.”

“Always,” she replied, taking his arm again.

Outside, Grayson waited with a decorated buggy, ribbons streaming from its frame in the morning breeze. He helped them climb aboard, then took up the reins with a flourish.

“To the town hall?” he asked, though he already knew the answer.

“To the town hall,” Brodie confirmed, drawing Annalee close against his side as the buggy began to move.

The Mystic Town Hall glowed with lamplight and laughter, its usual practical furnishings transformed by white ribbons and winter flowers.

Long tables groaned beneath platters filled with chicken, roast beef, fresh bread, and vegetables preserved from summer gardens.

At the center of it all stood the wedding cake, its white frosting decorated with intricate patterns of sugar flowers crafted by the skilled hands of the Beckett women.

Annalee and Brodie entered to enthusiastic applause, their faces flushed with happiness and the crisp winter air. They moved through the crowd, accepting congratulations and sharing embraces with family and friends.

“The cake looks amazing, Mama,” Annalee said, admiring the confection’s delicate details.

Naomi beamed with pride. “Your sisters helped. Lilian did most of the sugar work. She learned it from one of those magazines she gets from back East.”

The newlyweds took their places behind the cake table, Brodie’s hand steady on the knife as they made the first cut together. The crowd pressed closer, eager for their share of the sweet treat.

“Here,” Annalee said, offering the first slice to her new father-in-law. Daniel Gaines accepted it with misty eyes, reaching out to squeeze his son’s shoulder.

They served together, passing plates down the line with easy efficiency. When everyone had been served, they took their own slices, feeding each other small bites as tradition demanded. Brodie managed to barely avoid getting frosting on his nose.

A group of three musicians struck up a lively tune, and the floor cleared for dancing. Joshua led Faith onto the floor first, followed by Nathan with one of the town girls. Soon, the wooden planks echoed with boot heels and swishing skirts.

“May I have this dance, Mrs. Gaines?” Brodie extended his hand to his bride, his green eyes sparkling.

“Always, Mr. Gaines,” she replied, letting him lead her into a waltz.

They moved together with ease, the result of many dances at previous celebrations. As they turned, Annalee caught glimpses of their guests. Grayson had his arm around Jolene. Parker talking with one of the town boys. Elijah deep in conversation with Pastor Ward.

“Look,” Brodie murmured, nodding toward the coffee service. “Doc Wainwright seems lost in thought.”

Annalee followed his gaze to where Caleb stood alone, his cup forgotten in his hand as he scanned the crowd. “He looks lonely,” she observed.

“Is he courting anyone? In Mystic, I mean.”

“Not anyone I know of.” Annalee studied the doctor’s expression. “Though he might benefit from some matchmaking.”

Brodie chuckled. “Leave the poor man in peace, at least for today.”

As the afternoon wore on, the celebration showed no signs of slowing. Children chased each other between the tables while their parents danced and visited. The cake slowly disappeared, each tier revealing new patterns of Lilian’s sugar artistry beneath.

Catherine Ward approached the couple. “Time to change for your journey,” she said, gesturing toward the side rooms where their traveling clothes waited.

Annalee disappeared with Faith and Lilian while Brodie went with the Beckett brothers. When they emerged, both wore practical clothes suitable for train travel. Annalee wore a dark-blue traveling dress, and Brodie in a clean shirt and his best riding coat.

“Ready?” he asked, offering his arm.

She took it, smiling up at him. “Ready.”