Cowboy on the Run (26 page)

Rosita slipped through the door before William came into the room and settled himself at the foot of the bed. He held a handful of papers, which he read quickly to himself before motioning Gage to a spot to stand. The boy promptly responded. Back at the door now, Jade tucked her small hand into her grandfathers and began walking the few steps to the beloved foreman.

Her daughter paused and glanced at Jessie. “He is going to marry us...all of us,” the child clarified. “Not just me and Gage. You and daddy, too!”

“We went to the library...got on the net,” Jessie’s son informed her with a matter-of-fact tone.

She shook her head. It’d been hard enough keeping the child away from the library. And now he had discovered the internet?

“Yep, it appears anyone can marry you...for a price,” William explained. “I already asked Nate if it was okay. I would like to be the one who marries you both—if you agree. Your dad will be giving you away, but you’ve always been like a daughter to me. I want to say all the words—I now pronounce you man and wife...you can kiss the bride...that kind of stuff. Oh, I almost forgot the best part...” William shuffled through his papers, “Here it is...something about obey.”

She giggled, feeling tears well in her eyes. Jessie clutched her hand to her chest; she had never been so touched. “I would be honored.”

Wiping at a runaway tear with the back of her hand, she jumped to her pajama clad feet and hugged the dear man, peppering a tender kiss on his cheek.

Her father handed her the large bag he’d been holding. “This was...your mother’s.”

Jessie peeked inside before pulling out a delicate, ivory silk dress. Despite the many years it had been in storage, the garment was flawless. She brought the sheath to her face, allowing the smooth sleekness of the material to caress her skin.

Several images of a beautiful woman from her past came to life, misting her eyes with more tears. If only her mother could be here. She glanced at her children, remembering she was around the same age when her mother had died. Speechless, she gazed lovingly at her father.

“Daddy got it out of the attic,” Jade explained.

As if on cue, Nate appeared in the doorway. An expression of concern furrowed his brow. Jessie hid the gown behind her back, tucking the garment beneath the top bedspread.

“You should be resting,” he stated with a firm tone. Reading the worry in his stare, she didn’t argue and returned to the bed. If it was up to him, he’d keep her off her feet until the wedding. Although, not for the reasons Jessie desired. Despite several bruises, a slight concussion and a few emotional scars, she was fine.

“Daddy!” Her daughter squealed in delight and jumped into his arms.

“I heard there was a wedding,” he said, kissing his child on the nose. “Now, go get married. Show us how it’s done.” Nate smiled, sending Jade back to the makeshift altar as he made his way to her side.

Jessie handed him the plate of pancakes and scooted over to make room.

“Hungry?” He inquired with a smile. The large tower of pancakes drowning in a generous helping of syrup tilted, sliding off to the side of the plate.

“Jade thought so. That’s the second plate.”

“We are gathered here today to join...” William began.

“Ah, so this is our daughter’s handiwork. I’m sure Rosita had a say in it, too,” Nate whispered, shoveling a hefty forkful into his mouth and swallowed. “I thought you were trying to tell me something...like you were eating for two,” he said between bites. “Or should I say three?” He chuckled at his own joke.

A secret grin pulled at the corners of Jessie’s mouth. If only he knew how close his words hit the mark.

A word about the author...

Devon McKay lives on a farm in Ohio with her loving husband, teenage son, a small herd of long horn steers, two pygmy goats, two dogs, two cats and a flock of chickens. When not tending the farm, she enjoys curling up to a good book and writing.

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