She clutched her bouquet of pastel roses and shifted nervously in her tall ivory heels. She hadn’t seen Cash in several days and eagerly anticipated being with him in a few short minutes.
Today could have been so different. It could have been Ethan she had settled for. Thank God she’d come to her senses. Ethan had taken a job at a large firm in Dallas shortly after she’d turned down his marriage proposal. She hoped he was doing well and was happy. She smiled at her reflection. As was she. Incredibly happy.
Her wedding to Cash would be simple but beautiful. The sanctuary was decorated with soft-colored flowers looped together with wide ivory ribbons at each pew and a gorgeous arrangement of pale roses on the table in the pulpit.
Kate hugged her shoulders from behind and met her gaze in the mirror. “You okay?”
She grinned. “Yep. I can’t believe I’ll be Mrs. Cash Powers when this is all over.”
Kissing her cheek, Kate said, “You have fun in Cancun. I had a blast when I was there last year.”
Cash’s friend, Ward Ramsey, was feeding the stock for him while they were on their honeymoon. Cash had done the same for Ward when he got married. Dallas looked forward to getting some rest, too. Between working and preparing for the wedding, she was exhausted.
Cash had insisted on something, though. She had turned in her notice at work, and when they returned from Cancun, for the first time in her life, she’d be a stay-at-home mom. He wanted her to enjoy some down-time before she enrolled at the university.
She stiffened as the organ rang out with the chords of “The Bridal Chorus” from Wagner’s Opera Lohengrin. The lyric, “Here comes the bride...” ran through her mind.
Kate covered her face with the veil.
Sarah opened the door, holding Piper’s hand. “Come on, girl. Let’s go.” Sarah led Piper, in her soft pink dress, to her place next to Sarah’s son, Colin, the proud ring bearer.
Looking a bit uncomfortable in his tux, Dallas’s father came forward and raised his elbow, smiling at her. “Are you ready, honey?”
Kate, beautiful in her pale-yellow gown, stepped in front of them and started their little procession toward the open doors.
Her pulse pounding, Dallas followed. With each step, emotion built in her. Her senses sharpened. The smell of roses grew strong, and, as she entered the sanctuary, her gaze zeroed in on Cash. Her heart leapt. He was breathtaking. Looking like something out of a magazine, his tux fit his tall, broad-shouldered frame with exquisite perfection. She didn’t see the pews filled with his family and friends. Didn’t acknowledge those who had made the trip to Howelton to wish her well. Her gaze locked with his. Her heart yearned toward him. And, at last, her father led her up the steps to Cash’s side.
The pastor asked, “Who gives this woman’s hand in marriage?”
Her father said, “I do,” and passed her hand to Cash.
He squeezed her fingers and grinned at her.
The pastor said, “Stand before me, please.”
Cash slipped his arm around her waist and led her to their spot. He held her close as the pastor spoke, explaining their responsibilities to each other and the sanctity of marriage. At last, it was time for their vows.
Jesse, who was best man, handed Cash her ring.
Holding it to her finger, he began in a clear, strong voice, “I take you, Dallas Royle, for my wife. I promise that my love for you will be an ever-flowing spring. I stand by you, a rock to lean on, a shoulder to cry on, a pillow to rest your head on. I promise you tenderness, and undying devotion, to not ask you to be more than you are, and to love you for being you. All I have in this world I give to you. I promise to hold and keep you, comfort, protect, and shelter you for all the days of my life.” He smiled and slid the ring on her finger.
Her lips parted, and she leaned toward him, tears pooling in her eyes. His words were perfect. She clutched his hand.
He smiled, holding her gaze.
Kate handed Dallas Cash’s ring, and she slipped it to his first knuckle, afraid she might drop it if she held it. Still overwhelmed by his words, she swallowed, and said, “I take you, Cash Powers, for my husband. You’re the most generous person I have ever known—kind, honest, and loving. I promise to be your hearth, to keep a flame alive for you in my heart. I vow to share my life with you in everything—to respect and love you. I take you to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, not just for this moment, not for an hour, or day, or year, but for every season, every year, forever and ever.” She slid the ring on his finger. He beamed a smile, clasping her hand.
They turned to the pastor as he said, “With the power vested in me, and in the eyes of God and man, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Cash pulled her close, and she trembled in his arms, filled with a joy that surpassed any she had ever experienced. Gently lifting her veil, he let it fall to her back and teased her lips with a tender kiss, as if to show her how he’d care for her. Then he deepened the kiss, sending a wave of thrills through her body, reminding her of the passion they would have in their marriage. He ended their kiss playfully, with a nip and a smack, grinning as he picked her up and hugged her. He set her on her feet, and the jubilant chords of Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” filled the sanctuary.
He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “I
