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CHAPTER FOUR

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Mary smiled at the memory of Montana holding Mrs. Thompson’s hand. She appeared genuinely flattered by his attention. The slightly older woman either had a hearing problem, or tended not to listen very well. Mary had repeated her name to the woman on several occasions during their travel, and again when they were getting ready to part ways on the stagecoach depot platform. Mrs. Thompson had asked her name so that she could add her name to her prayers. While Mary would have been happy if Mrs. Thompson remembered to pray for her, Mary felt her prayers had already been answered the moment she saw Montana.  

He was even more handsome than she imagined. His chocolate brown eyes and the way his mustache twitched when he smiled stirred a flurry of butterflies within her stomach. Her tummy hadn’t settled during the course of their wagon ride thus far. She doubted it would until they reached his family’s homestead. She took the opportunity to observe Montana since she was seated right next to him in the wagon. Their first time being alone, and he appeared to be every bit the gentleman he was in his letters. “I must confess, I was quite amused when we met.”

Montana glanced at her momentarily, then focused his attention back on the road. “I am regretful for my behavior.” His cheeks flushed. “When I heard you say ‘Mary’, I thought you were addressing her.”

Mary covered her mouth in an attempt to hide her amusement. “I’m sorry.” It was her turn to warm with embarrassment. “I can’t help but laugh when I think of your expression and of your brother’s when he found out that she wasn’t me.”

Loud guffaw erupted from Montana.

Mary loved how good-naturedly he took things. Her uncle had been a serious sort, always so stern-looking. Montana was refreshing, a true joy to be around. With him, Mary felt like she could be herself, not so prim and proper, as her aunt and uncle had expected. “I’m going to love being married to you.”

Montana’s expression sobered faster than a drunk who’d been dunked in a cold river. He glanced at her several times, trying to keep an eye on the horses and where they were going along the path. “I don’t know whether I should stop the wagon and kiss you or what. My mind wants to think of something sweet to say in return, but I’m not good with flowery words.” He slowed the horses to a halt, and stared into her eyes. “All I can say is I am the luckiest man alive to be marrying a woman like you.”

The air escaped her lungs with his heartwarming confession. His lips descended upon hers in a gentle kiss that both rejuvenated her senses and curled her toes. He caressed the side of her face in his palm while gently strumming his thumb across her cheek. The motion made her hunger for more of his kiss. When he lifted his head, parting their lips, she swayed.

“What do you think about getting married Sunday after service?” His voice was low and sounded smooth as melted butter.

She blinked. “This Sunday?”

Flashing his pearly white teeth, he nodded. “Yes, there is a potluck dinner after church. It would be the perfect time to get married.”

This Sunday? That was only four days away.

Montana nuzzled his nose next to hers. His lips were mere inches from hers. Her lips parted. He feathered kisses against her lips, teasing and taunting her. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to do this all the time?”

Mary reached up and grabbed the back of his head, pulling it closer. She kissed him, not caring if her actions were proper. His teasing had driven her crazy with wanting. Come Sunday, she would have the pleasure of kissing him again, and that night, they wouldn’t have to settle for just a kiss.

“Yes,” the single word expelled like a gush of wind. “I’ll marry you this Sunday.”

He drew her close in his embrace, kissing the side of her head. “You don’t know how happy that makes me.”

She knew how happy it made her. If they didn’t get back on the road shortly, she was likely to beg him to take her back into town and marry her tonight. “It might be best if we got on our way. I want to make a good impression on your family.”

Montana winked at her, and planted a kiss on her cheek before taking the reins back up between both hands and setting the horses back in motion. “I know they’ll love you as much as I do.”

Mary wrapped her arms around his bicep and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I love you, too.”

“You keep that up and I’m gonna stop this wagon and kiss you again.”

Giggling like a school girl, Mary looked up at him and smiled.

“Four days.” Montana let out a frustrated sigh. “I just have to hold out for four more days.”