The nurse sighs as the doctor steps outside, “Let him in.”
Daniel rushes inside and finds her resting with her eyes closed. The gash on her temple has been stitched, and the dried blood is evident around the purple bruising. An ice pack is resting on her shoulder, and she opens her turquoise eyes to look at him, and a tear slips free, sliding down her cheek.
The doctor follows him in, explaining, “Delta will need to stay overnight for observation. Her shoulder is going to be alright, just bruised, but she will need to be watched for the next 24 hours for signs of swelling and concussion. If she does alright, she will be free to go tomorrow evening.” He signs the clipboard and drops it into the slot on her door.
“What about her leg?” Daniel asks.
“It's bruised, but the incision remained closed. Ice for that as well and pain med as needed. I suppose you'll be staying.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then use the shower and get him some scrubs,” he orders the nurse before leaving them alone.
“Daniel, you don’t need to stay. Go home and get some rest,” she orders and looks away from him. She feels the bed sink under the weight of him and the warmth of his hand as it takes hers.
“Delta, look at me.” He waits until her eyes meet his. “Please don’t shut me out. I’m sure I’m the last person you want to see right now…,”
She covers his mouth with a finger over his lips, silencing his speech. “Kiss me, Daniel. My painkillers are starting to kick in, and I want to remember the feel and taste of you.” He kisses her softly, trailing his fingertips over her face as though memorizing every inch of her skin.
“I love you, Delta Dawn,” he whispers, and she smiles through tears.
“I love you too.”
Chapter 14
Eight months later
Delta finishes wrapping the Thanksgiving leftovers and listens to the boys argue over the most recent football game. November in Montana is beautiful. Nothing compares to the pristine beauty of the whitewashed landscape and the brisk air, scented with the promise of more snow.
“Do you think they suspect anything?” Daniel asks pulling her aside in the kitchen.
“Not a clue. I hope we can pull this off, Daniel,” Delta whispers looking at her sons, as they tease Abby.
“Any second thoughts?” He asks tugging her into his arms for another kiss.
“None, you?”
“Okay, you two, break it up,” Phillip blusters and pulls her aside. “What are you whispering about?”
Delta grins, “You’ll see.”
Daniel moves into the living room and claps his hands. “We need everyone to listen up. Delta and I have a surprise planned.” Outside, the sounds of sleigh bells ring out, and Daniel grins. “Perfect timing,” three horse-drawn sleighs lit with white lights pull up outside.
Everyone is excited, and Delta orders them to bundle up, and Chase smiles at Abby's excitement. They are the only two who are included in the secret. Her boys ride with Easton and Phillip, “Where are we going?” Easton asks as she steps into the carriage.
“It’s a secret,” Abby says and laughs when the carriage takes off. She runs inside and races into the room where Delta is waiting to help her change into her dress.
Daniel and Chase leave in the next carriage with Sasha, as the girls dress in matching gowns. Delta’s chose a blush colored full-length wedding gown with Chantilly lace corset and slim tulle A-line skirt. Both girls wear cowgirl boots and pull on wraps to keep them warm.
“Abby, I have something for you.” Delta hands her a small black velvet box, nestled inside is a small silver caged locket. “This is a heart locket. Inside you will see five tiny birds, one for each member of our family.”
Abigail smiles and whispers, “Thank you, Delta. I love it, but you didn’t have to do that. I’m glad that you and Daddy found each other.” Delta slips the necklace over her head and squats down to look at her. “Today our families will join and become one. Today you get two brothers, a second mom, and I get one awesome daughter!” They hug, and she whispers, “Now let's go get hitched.”
Daniel is waiting by the newly rebuilt gazebo with Phillip and a pastor. The guests are all seated in the white chairs set up to create a natural walkway. Delta and Daniel wanted an intimate wedding, and as the sleigh pulls down the pathway towards her new future, she can’t help but beam with excitement.
Aiden steps up to the carriage and offers his arm to Abby and helps her down from the carriage. He kisses his mother’s cheek and smiles, “I’m so happy for you, Mom.” Together, he and Abigail walk down the aisle as she drops red rose petals on the snowy the ground.
Allen takes his mother’s hands, “Dad would be so proud of you today. He wanted you to live a long and happy life, but more importantly to be loved. Are you ready?” Delta doesn’t trust herself to speak, so she nods and lets her oldest son walk her down the aisle to her future.
The day passes in a blur of tears, laughter, and excitement. The reception is held inside the rustic barn and filled with beautiful white lights. Guests are treated to food, music, dancing and even sleigh rides for those that wish it. Daniel dances with his bride and leans down to whisper in her ear, “I have a surprise for you.”
Delta laughs as he leads her outside and into a star-filled night sky. A covered sleigh is waiting, “What’s all this?”
“You’ll see.” Daniel lifts her up into the front seat and covers her with a warm blanket before joining her on the driver’s seat.
“What about Abby?” Delta asks as
