Theirs was a simple ceremony beneath the canopy of the ancient oak trees where they had first fallen in love. Dr. Bonita DeLaFuente-Brand, Gabe’s wife, arranged for her father’s private jet to bring Molly, Chase and Chester to Bozeman, Montana, for an early fall wedding. The air was crisp and Skyler, to Hunter’s mind, was the most beautiful bride Montana had ever seen. Her simple, unembellished white satin gown, complete with pockets, emphasized her narrow waist and complemented her short reddish-gold locks. His mother had handcrafted a pair of white leather moccasins, at Skyler’s request, for the wedding. It was a gesture that had touched Lilly’s heart, as it had touched his own.
Together, they stood hand in hand beneath the oldest of the ancient trees on his hill, with his family standing in a circle around them while the pastor had them read their vows. While Skyler was reading her vows to him, all Hunter could do was focus in on the softness of her lips, the pertness of her small nose, the little freckle on her left cheek and the darkness of her long lashes surrounding her unusual lavender-blue-gray eyes. She was the true love of his life—his first, only and forever.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the pastor said. “Hunter. You may now kiss your bride.”
She smiled at him, her smile so warm and full of promise of the good years to come. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. It was a sweet kiss, tender and kind.
“I love you,” Skyler said, holding his gaze.
“I love you,” he said, stealing one more kiss before they faced, for the first time, their friends and family as husband and wife.
The Rocking R Ranch was right now, but one day, they would build their dream home right here on this hill. One day, their children would race across those fields, carefree and completely loved. One day, Hunter would meet his grandchildren—a new generation of Brands with his determination and Skyler’s kindness.
They had decided on a picnic-style reception at the main house. Next to Skyler, Hunter sat at a table for two at the top of a horseshoe shape of tables.
“What did you get Skyler for a wedding present?” Savannah called out to him.
“I got her what she asked for,” he said, and Skyler was beaming as she thought of her wedding present. “I got her a skid steer.”
“It was the best present of my life!” she called out to her friends and family. As their wedding party laughed, Skyler turned her pretty violet eyes to him.
“This feels like a dream,” his bride said with a happy sigh.
He took her lovely face in his hands, her eyes so full of love for him. Hunter said, “My beloved Skyler. You are my every dream come true.”
For more sweeping Western romances, try these great stories:
His Forever Texas Rose
by Stella Bagwell
Making Room for the Rancher
by Christy Jeffries
Their Night to Remember
by Judy Duarte
Available now wherever Harlequin Special Edition books and ebooks are sold.
Keep reading for an excerpt from Their Night to Remember by Judy Duarte.