Bryan shook his head. “I don’t care what my brothers think. Neither of you are me, and you don’t know how it feels to be looked down upon by a wealthy family. You don’t know how it feels not to be considered good enough to marry a girl I’d given my heart to.” He brought up the glass and finished drinking the remaining whiskey. “No, I won’t go after her. Too much time has passed.” He shrugged. “Besides, she could have easily tried to find me, and she hasn’t. That tells me she doesn’t love me anymore, and she definitely doesn’t care.”
“You’ll never know unless you go see her,” Maverick said calmly.
“I’m sorry, Maverick. Your intentions were thoughtful, but it’s not going to happen.” He glanced at Hannah. “I’m happy that you found a man to love. I hope you two are very happy.”
Bryan stood. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sawmill to run since I haven’t been there for three days as I was trying to look for my bride.” He walked to the door and stopped, glancing over his shoulder at Maverick. “I hope you’ll invite me to the wedding.”
Maverick smiled widely. “Of course, I will.”
Bryan nodded and left the house.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Maverick turned to Hannah and held out his arms. She left the couch and rushed to him, throwing her arms around his neck. Their mouths met, and their kiss was one of reprieve. Finally, they could now wed without any barriers between them. And Maverick couldn’t wait to make Hannah his wife in all aspects of the word.
* * * *
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Hannah’s face hurt from all the smiling she’d been doing lately, and as she gave Maverick their first kiss as a married couple, happiness filled her soul.
Many people came for the wedding, even Bryan, thankfully, but she was shocked to see her mother come, too. Wayne Lindon, her mother’s employer and his new wife – who was also a mail-order bride, Callie, came with their children. Hannah was pleased to see Wayne smiling so much. Of course, now she understood why. Love does that to a person.
Hannah still wondered if she’d meet some judgmental people in Stumptown, only because she was supposed to be Bryan’s bride. Thankfully, nobody treated her like the hussy Dillon had once accused her of being.
After visiting with all the well-wisher guests, Maverick took her hand and led her away from the group. She didn’t mind. She wanted to be alone with him, if even for a few moments.
“Mrs. Easton,” he said with a big smile, “my amazing wife who makes my life complete... I love you more every time I look into your eyes.”
She sighed and leaned against him, gazing up into his eyes. “And I melt every time you say such sweet words to me, Mr. Easton, keeper of my heart.”
He caressed her cheek. “We’ll be so happy together.”
“Yes, I believe we will.”
“And I’ve had an idea that you might like.”
“What’s that?”
“The other day, I was thinking of a way to bring more women to Stumptown. After all, I’m married to the prettiest woman around, and I don’t want other men gawking at my wife.”
She laughed. “You are such a charmer.” She touched the dimple in his chin. “But what is your idea?”
“What if we bring in more mail-order brides to match with these lonely loggers?” He wagged his eyebrows. “This will not only keep them happy after work hours, but they won’t be hung-over from their nightly drinking sprees, which in return, will help them work harder and be more productive.”
Hannah nodded, slipping her arms around her husband’s waist. “I love that idea. In fact, if you want, we can be match-makers. You know the men and what they like, and I’ll find them a good mail-order match.”
His grin softened as his focus dropped to her mouth. “Is it any wonder I fell in love with you? You’re so brilliant, and you have the kindest heart.”
Sighing, she moved closer and pressed her mouth against his, lightly brushing their lips together. “We are made for each other. Don’t ever forget that.”
THE END
**READERS – In this story, you met Bryan and Joel Easton. They will both have stories in my new series, “Runaway Mail-Order Bride.” Here is a link to book one – Denton’s Bride. Book 2 will be Bryan’s Bride, and book 3 will be Joel’s Bride. I hope you follow this 5-book series starting in November 2020. (FYI – you’ll learn more about Denton’s (book 1) in my story, Mail-Order Adelaine.
https://www.amazon.com/Dentons-Bride-Runaway-Mail-Order-Book-ebook/dp/B08CQ4TJ6X
https://www.amazon.com/Adelaine-Widows-Brides-Secret-Babies-ebook/dp/B085DF9QS4
Other published stories by Marie Higgins
https://www.authormariehiggins.com/books
SPECIAL OFFER – If you join my newsletter, you will get FREE books to start your reading collection. https://www.authormariehiggins.com/newsletter
Author’s Bio
Marie Higgins is an award-winning, best-selling author of clean romance novels that melt your heart and have you falling in love over and over again. Since 2010, she’s published over 90 heartwarming, on-the-edge-of-your-seat romances. She’s broadened her readership by writing mystery/suspense, humor, time-travel, paranormal, along with her love for historical romances. Her readers have dubbed her “Queen of Tease” because of all her twists and unexpected endings.
Website – https://www.authormariehiggins.com
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/marie.higgins.7543
Twitter – https://twitter.com/mariehigginsXOX
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie-higgins
