Mitch studied his new bride across the expanse of Eileen Pierce’s backyard, not caring if his expression reflected how hopelessly smitten he was. He still couldn’t quite believe Ivy was well and truly his at last.
The wedding service, which had been held at Mrs. Pierce’s place so Nana Dovie could comfortably attend, had ended nearly an hour ago and it seemed as if he’d barely been able to say two words to Ivy since. He tried to tell himself to be patient—after all, he had the rest of his life to spend with her—but he decided he’d been patient long enough. Excusing himself from the discussion with Dr. Pratt and Sheriff Gleason, he circulated through the crowd with purpose, closing in on his bride.
After a half dozen stops to accept congratulatory slaps on the back, Mitch finally made it to her side. The warm smile with which she greeted him set his pulse racing. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, then whispered in her ear, “What do you think, Mrs. Parker—is it too early for us to make our exit?”
Her low, throaty laugh had him wanting to tug her to him for a proper kiss.
But before she could give him an answer, Reggie approached. “There you are. I’m ready to take photographs of the happy couple if you’ll spare me a few minutes.”
Ivy shot him an apologetic look and squeezed his hand before turning to Reggie. “Of course. Just tell us what to do.”
“I’m set up right over there.” Reggie led the way to the flower-bedecked arch where they’d recited their vows earlier. Along the way, Ivy squeezed his arm and nodded off to her left. “I do believe Mrs. Swenson has found a new object for her affection.”
Mitch glanced in the direction she’d indicated and smiled. Mrs. Swenson was engaged in conversation with Carter Mosley of all people, and the two seemed to have more than a passing enjoyment of each other’s company.
A few moments later, Reggie was fussily posing Mitch and Ivy while some of the guests drifted over to watch. At last, Reggie was satisfied and she took two photographs—one with just the two of them, and one with Nana Dovie between them.
“I wish your sisters could have come,” Ivy said. “Then we could have a true family photograph.”
“They’re eager to meet you, as well.” Mitch dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “We’ll plan some trips soon.” He knew his sisters were going to love Ivy, and she them. But he hadn’t wanted to wait a moment longer than he had to for the wedding.
His plans to lead his bride away were foiled yet again when Reggie stopped him. “If you don’t mind, there’s one more photograph I’d like to take. And this one’s for me.”
Mitch raised a brow. “You want a picture of me and Ivy?”
“Not exactly.” She turned and glanced to the folks gathered behind her. “Adam, Everett, Chance—you three come over here and stand next to Mitch.”
Adam raised a brow. “What are you up to?”
Reggie took Adam’s hand, then looked at the four men. “I remember when you all first arrived here two years ago—and I know we didn’t see eye to eye back then. But this town is the better for all of you being here, and I am, too.” She pitched her voice so only they could hear. “I’d like to have a picture of my three would-be grooms, and my one true love, to hang on my wall.”
As Mitch stood shoulder to shoulder with his friends, he thought again how they’d all set out to find fresh starts here in Turnabout.
What they’d found was so much more than any of them had ever expected—a community that welcomed them in with open arms. And more importantly, good women to cherish and be cherished by, and to build their lives and futures with.
He met Ivy’s warm gaze and thanked God again for not giving up on him when he’d given up on himself, for leading him here to Turnabout and for bringing Ivy into his life to show him how to love and laugh again.
The flash of Reggie’s camera released him from his pose and he marched toward his wife and captured her hand in his. “Time to go,” he said.
She laughed. “Is everything ready?”
“The hamper and bags are already in the carriage.”
“What about the fishing poles?”
“They’re there, as well.”
“And you’re sure Reggie doesn’t mind us borrowing her cabin.”
“She insisted. After all, I never did get in that week I’d planned on.”
“I hope you’re not looking for peace and quiet this time out.”
“No, ma’am. This time I’m looking for excitement and adventure.” He grinned. “I even have the materials to construct one fine tree swing. Ready?”
She nodded, and hand in hand, they slipped away, together, the way Mitch intended them to be forever.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART by Allie Pleiter.