Page 31 of What the Cowboy Wants (The Westons of Montana #3)

“I know!” Luke cried out with a smile. “Rose is riding Scarlett,”

Just then the first notes of another song had Cooper smiling. He recognized the old Beatles song—“Here Comes the Sun”—perfect for new beginnings.

As he turned his head, the sound of the hooves of a horse joined the music, confirming what Luke had said.

And there she was. His breath hitched in his throat, his heart simply overflowed.

Just like the image he’d had of her before when he’d run away from her in Seattle, she was sidesaddle on Scarlett’s back in her champagne-colored dress.

Her eyes met his telling him how happy she was.

As everyone clapped, her dad helped her down the horse, and Charlie’s bark announced he was nearby.

Cooper couldn’t wait a moment longer. With his eyes on his bride, he quickly moved toward her.

Only as he neared her, he saw who else had joined her.

Prince and Charlie, tongues out, tails wagging were wearing blue bowties around their necks.

Behind them was Lady with a pink ribbon around her neck and sitting next to Scarlett’s leg was Ebony, looking regal and slightly bored, a white ribbon around her neck.

He remembered to shake her dad’s hand and then finally he could touch her again. Cupping her face, he bent down and kissed her. “I never want to be without you again,” he murmured.

“Sorry I took your pets,” she grinned. “But they insisted on being a part of today, Willow told me.”

Taking her hand, he turned to Scarlett. “Thank you for bringing her to me.”

Scarlett whinnied softly and dropped her head so that he could stroke her. Go on, get married , she communicated.

Laughing, he gave her another pat. “Okay, okay, we’re getting married.” Giving Rose his arm, he smiled. “ Our pets now. Come on, let’s get married!”

One of the ranch hands was there to take Scarlett back to the stables.

*

“I think you all know how Rose and I met,” Cooper was saying, his eyes on her. “But in that moment, standing in the rain, looking down at the crying and very wet woman in front of me, I lost my heart. Thanks for accepting me for who I am, Rose, I can’t wait to start our new life together.”

Sniffing, Rose got up and took the microphone from Cooper. Tears were running down her face.

“For someone who doesn’t like talking, you have beautiful words,” she whispered and lifted the mic to her face.

“And don’t worry, I’ll keep it short. I don’t remember much of the day I got into my car and left my life in Seattle behind me, but what I do remember, was seeing the name Marietta on a billboard.

I was upset, I was crying, it was raining, I couldn’t really see anything, but the moment that name flashed by, I knew that was where I was heading.

It was here I met the most wonderful friends who like me because of who I am, not because of the number of followers I had.

It was here I met Cooper, who saw right through me and loves me anyway.

It was here I connected with Scarlett and Prince and Charlie and Lady and even Ebony.

” She had to swallow before she could continue.

“It was here I was healed; it was here, with Cooper, I finally found peace.”

At this point, she couldn’t get another word out and sniffing, handed the microphone back to Cooper. He took her hand in his.

“We’re done talking,” he said. “Enjoy yourselves! Just so you know, my wife and I…” Grinning, he looked at her, “Can’t believe I get to call you that… we won’t be staying late. I’m sure you’ll understand why.”

Amidst whistles and laugher, Cooper bent her over his arm and kissed her.

*

“Now you all behave, okay?” Cooper said as he made sure there was enough food and water for the pets. Rose had asked him to give her a few minutes, apparently she had another surprise for him.

Before he’d finished talking, all three dogs and Ebony were in their beds, curled up and ready to sleep. The excitement had clearly been too much.

As he walked toward his bedroom, he slipped off his jacket. He’d removed the bowtie right after the ceremony. He was never wearing one of those again if he could help it.

Patting the pocket of his pants to make sure his surprise for Rose was still there, he stepped into his room and lost his breath.

His wife of a few hours was lying on his bed only wearing an oversized beige sweater, barely covering her very sexy bottom, and a big smile.

“Hello, beautiful.” With his eyes on her, he took out the package in his pocket before he got rid of his shirt, shoes, and pants. “I love the sweater, but I’d prefer it if you were naked,” he grinned as he joined her on the bed.

She pulled the sweater over her head. “It’s the wifey thing I made for you.”

Touched, he picked it up. “You made this?”

“For you. Even before I knew how you felt about me. I’ll tell you all about the meaning of the stitches later.”

He put his surprise in her hand. “And how do I feel about you?”

“You…” Distracted by the package in her hand, she looked at him. “You can’t give me more things, you’ve done so much already.”

Pressing his lips against her forehead, he smiled. “You’re my wife. That means I can give you presents any time I want.”

As she opened the package, he slid his lips down her face.

“The turquoise earrings! Oh, Cooper, these are gorgeous. And yes, I know how you feel. You love me, I’m so happy because I love you too.”

As she took the earrings out and put them on, he moved her glorious hair aside so that he could explore her neck. Only when she moved restlessly below him, did he lift his head. “A stone for lovers, if I remember correctly?”

Smiling, she brought his head down. “Yes. Lovers.”

Sinking into her softness, he buried his face in her hair.

Finally.

The End