They waited throughout what was left of the summer, enjoying bright days and sweet evenings. They wanted the paperwork on Mikey’s adoption to be in order before they married.
The day finally came. Their wedding day.
Emily looked down at her gown. She’d chosen pale pink silk and had sewn the dress herself. Annie was to be her only bridesmaid.
“Are you ready?” her father asked.
She smiled up at him, through tears. “Having you and Mother here is the best gift I could dream of.” She had written them to let them know of her location and her plans. They had arrived two days ago.
“Your mother and I are so happy you have found a place where you are accepted as the beautiful, pure young lady you are. Jesse is a good man.” He kissed her cheek. “And he’s probably tired of waiting.”
They followed Annie down the aisle. Emily almost stumbled at the sight of Jesse at the front, dark and handsome in a black suit with Mikey holding his hand.
Three years old already. He wore a black vest, black trousers and a white shirt, all of which Emily had made.
They went forward. Emily kissed her father and mother then turned to Jesse and repeated the vows as Hugh prompted them. After exchanging rings they stood to the side, beaming with joy as Gram and Grandfather then came to the front and were married. The two couples signed the register. Then the judge set out the adoption papers and they were duly signed.
Hugh stood before the people of Bella Creek. “Folks, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Allan Marshall.”
Gram and Grandfather kissed, then made their way down the aisle to cheering and clapping.
Hugh signaled Jesse and Emily forward. “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hill and their son, Michael Jesse Hill.”
“That me?” Mikey asked.
“It is indeed.” Jesse lifted him into the crook of one arm. Emily took his other arm and they made their way down the aisle, receiving many words of congratulations.
Later that evening, Mikey went to stay with Annie.
Jesse carried Emily over the threshold of their home. “I often dreamed of a wife and child living in this house.”
Still in his arms, she pulled his head down to kiss him. “I am thrilled to help make your dreams come true.”
“Dear wife, you are my dream come true.” He kissed her again. “Are you happy?”
“Happier than I’ve ever been before.”
He set her on her feet and tipped her head up to claim her lips in a kiss full of so much promise and love she wondered her heart could contain it.
* * * * *
If you enjoyed this story, pick up the previous
BIG SKY COUNTRY books:
MONTANA COWBOY DADDY
MONTANA COWBOY FAMILY
MONTANA COWBOY’S BABY
MONTANA BRIDE BY CHRISTMAS
MONTANA GROOM OF CONVENIENCE
Available now from Love Inspired Historical!
Find more great reads at www.millsandboon.com.au
Keep reading for an excerpt from MAIL-ORDER BRIDE SWITCH by Dorothy Clark.