One Stubborn Cowboy (28 page)

As Clint and Judith fell in behind them Kelly raised her eyes to Kit's. "I wouldn't have spoiled it," she said softly, grinning audaciously. "This is wonderful for me, too, you know."

"I never can tell with you," he muttered, thankful the ceremony had gone off without a hitch. One more task and he'd be free to hustle his bride away from the crowd and have her to himself.

In only a few moments they were at the grange hall where the Lockfords had arranged the reception. The entire town had been invited, Kelly had invited her friends from the city and the place was full. The band was playing, the food was sumptuous and their happiness contagious.

"Never thought I'd see the day," Jefferies said as he came up to congratulate them. "Sure glad I was there at the beginning."

"Which was almost the end. If he'd run over me I wouldn't be here today," Kelly said, her mocking grin teasing her new husband.

The music started. A waltz.

"Mrs. Lockford, if I may have the pleasure?" Kit reached out his hand and took hers. She smiled as she moved in to dance with him. He handed the cane to Jefferies. "I'll just lean on you for balance," he said softly as he gathered his soft pretty wife into his arms.

"Satisfied?" he asked as they moved slowly around the floor. Other couples gradually joined in.

Kelly looked up and nodded, her eyes full of love. "But it wasn't for me, you know," she said, her arms hugging him tightly for a second. "It was always for you. I fell in love with an irate cowboy who didn't like being called an idiot for driving like a maniac. But I didn't care if he could walk or not."

"It wasn't as bad as I thought," he admitted, thinking briefly over the last few months, the operation, the stay at the hospital, Kelly had been with him every step. The convalescence and physical therapy had gone better than even his doctor had anticipated. All because of her.

"Because I was there," she said bragging.

He chuckled and let his left hand drift down to her hip, moving it swiftly back up when he realized where they were. "Probably. Though we never did try your proven method for getting over pain."

"It wasn't as bad as you led me to believe, though I'm so happy it was successful. Walking with a cane isn't so bad, is it? And if you follow the exercise program, one day you can give that up."

"I'll always limp, but then I'll be almost as good as new. But you are one pushy woman."

"And you are one stubborn cowboy." She was silent for a few moments, enjoying the special treat of dancing at her wedding with her husband. The music was dreamy, the day was perfect and a happy, fulfilling life stretched out endlessly before them.

"I have one other request," she said softly.

"No."

"You haven't even heard it yet," she protested in mock disapproval.

"Doesn't matter. I can't do any more."

She smiled smugly. "You can do this!" Her eyes were dancing. "I want a baby."

He hesitated, then rested his cheek against hers. It would make their life together perfect to have a house full of sassy girls and rough-and-ready boys. Kelly had brought him more than he'd ever expected to have. She would never stop filling his heart with love.

"I'll think about it," he said, already anxious to leave the reception and make her his wife forever.

The End

~ * ~

About the Author

Barbara McMahon is an award-winning, best selling author of more than eighty novels. Known for warm family type stories, she enjoys capturing the first stage of a relationship and showing how despite obstacles thrown in their way, a man and a woman can find true love and lasting happiness.

Her books have been translated into 32 different languages and sold more than 16 million copies in the United States and more than 50 foreign countries.

She makes her home in Northern California, the last eighteen years in the rural county of Amador—in the heart of the Mother Lode, California's gold rush country.

Don't miss other electronic books:

Bluebells on the Hill

Cowboy's Bride

Crazy About A Cowboy

Shelter Me

The Bachelor's Baby Promise

Visit Barbara at :
www.barbaramcmahon.com

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