Andrea laughed softly and, tossing the sketch pad on the table, she leaned closer. “You’re on the injured reserve but I think I can find a way to pleasure you without hurting you.”
“Pleasure me? Mmm…I like the sound of that.” She ran a hand over the sheet covering him until she found hard, straining flesh. “Tell me what else you like, big boy,” she teased.
“What I love,” he corrected softly, cupping her face in his hand. “What I love,
who
I love, is you. Always have, always will.”
Her breathing faltered. “Promise?”
“You bet,” he replied, drawing her face toward his.
“But don’t expect me to give up my fashionable clothes,” she whispered against his lips.
A low chuckle escaped him. “I’m gettin’ real fond of your fancy duds,” he teased, then captured her mouth in a deep, devouring kiss that sealed the promise for their future.
Epilogue
“So what do you think, Nanna?”
Andrea twirled from the full-length mirror in her bedroom to show her aunt the wedding gown she and Cheyenne had created.
Nanette studied the strapless white satin gown with the snug-fitting bodice and pleated waistline. It dropped into a flowing, tea-length skirt adorned with an unusual pleated ruffle.
“Absolutely gorgeous.”
Cheyenne smoothed the silk of her turquoise maid-of-honor gown. “What else could it be with a phenomenal design team and an internationally famous model wearing it?” she added, tongue-in-cheek.
“Well that’s a given. I do have a flair, don’t I?” said Andrea in a haughty tone that had all three Bartell women giggling like schoolgirls. When tears filled her eyes she quickly swiped them away. “I think I might be getting a little giddy.”
“You’re allowed. It’s your wedding day,” said Chey.
“I hope you’re not expecting any wedding night advice from me,” said Nanna. “Never been there or done that. I should have a tee shirt.”
After another round of giggles Andrea dabbed her eyes with a tissue and protested, “You both need to behave or I’m going to ruin my makeup.”
Cheyenne gave her a wink. “For some reason I don’t think Noah will give a hoot about your makeup.”
The mention of Noah brought a deep, contented smile to Andrea’s face. She’d thought she loved him six years ago and had fallen in love again six months ago. But now, after her proposal and the decision to marry, he’d made her fall more deeply in love each passing day.
She ached with love for him and couldn’t wait to be his wife. Whatever life had in store for them, they’d be all right as long as they had each other. Unlike some brides, she had no last-minute doubts, only a few bridal jitters.
“There she goes again,” Chey said on a heavy sigh. “She gets all dreamy-eyed and drifty when she thinks of Noah. It’s like a disease.”
“She’s got it bad,” said Nanette.
Andrea flashed them a smile. “She’s got it
good.
”
A knock at the door interrupted more laughter. “Hey, women,” Zack scolded. “Stop horsing around. The guests are all seated, the preacher’s here and the music started. It’s time to go downstairs.”
“We’re almost ready,” said Chey. She slipped an old-fashioned veil over Andrea’s head. Noah’s only request had been for her to wear her hair down, so Chey secured the veil and smoothed it into place. “Perfect.”
Andrea hugged her sister and then her Aunt Nanette. “Thank you both for all your help. For the old, the borrowed, the blue and everything else.”
She added a little prayer of thanks for her Nanna’s successful surgery and her remarkable recovery. Having her share this special day would make the memories even more precious.
Cheyenne handed her the bridal bouquet of yellow roses, then picked up a smaller matching bouquet.
“Noah’s ring?” asked Andrea.
“Got it,” Chey assured her.
“Then I guess we’re good to go.” Turning to Zack, she gave him a once-over. “Ever think of going into modeling, big brother? You look pretty good in that tux.”
His brows creased in a frown and the women convulsed in giggles again.
“Have ya’ll been doing some premature celebrating? Hitting the champagne bottle while the rest of us have worked our butts off been getting this cart and donkey show on the road?”
Andrea gasped in mock outrage. “Cart and donkey show?”
Zack grinned and offered her his arm. She tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and he patted it gently. “Whatever you’ve been doing it sure looks good on you, little sister,” he whispered gruffly.
“Well that’s better,” she said with a smile.
They made their way down the stairs and to the double doors leading to the formal garden. The late September weather had cooperated for their special day. A clear blue sky and mild temperatures awaited them along with a profusion of neatly trimmed shrubs and brilliantly colored flowers.
Looking handsome but a tad uncomfortable in his tux, Trace took Nanna’s arm and accompanied her outside. He seated her on the front row of chairs and took his place as best man at Noah’s side. When the next song began, Cheyenne followed them down the aisle. She moved with slow grace through the small gathering of friends and ranch staff.
At the crescendo of the wedding march, the doors opened wide and Zack escorted Andrea down the flower-strewn white aisle runner. She looked toward the rose-covered archway of the gazebo where Noah stood. Once their gazes met she smiled and tension drained from her body. The steadfastness of his love and adoration shone from his eyes. Her breath caught at the purity of it. Bridal jitters vanished. His love guided her forward as she knew it would do for the rest of her life.
The End
About the Author: Becky Barker is a multi-published author whose steamy romance novels have been translated into more than a dozen foreign languages, into electronic format, and have been re-issued in trade paperback as well as large print library editions. Her personal hero is a former Marine who helped her create three pretty wonderful children. Rachel and her husband, Jerramy; Amanda and her husband, Jay; and Thad and his wife, Dara, all live within a few miles of Mom and Dad in rural Ohio. Besides spending time with her family, Becky enjoys music, gardening, water sports and reading. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at BeckyBarker.com or by emailing: [email protected]
Other books by Becky Barker:
Bridleton, Back in His Arms, Born To Fly, Captured by a Cowboy, Dangerous, Impossible Match, The Last Real Cowboy, Renegade Texan, Sassy Lady, To Trust Again, Western Dreams, On Wings of Love (reissue), Cade’s Challenge, Terms of Surrender (novella), A Matter of Trust (reissue), Chameleons, Undercover Virgin, Hanchart Land (reissue)