Emma took the uneaten sandwich from Logan and placed it on the end table with hers.
“I have something I need to tell you, as well.”
Logan’s face softened as if he knew what she was about to say. He moved closer on the settee and put both of his hands on her cheeks. “I want to see your eyes while you tell me,” he whispered.
Their eyes met. His eyes searched hers as she murmured softly, “I love you, Logan.”
Logan let out the breath he’d inadvertently been holding. He pulled her gently to her feet and embraced her. He said not a word, but he held her tightly. Finally, he loosened his hold and said, “I’ve waited so long to hear those words. Say them again.”
“I’m sorry it took so long, but I needed to be sure. I love you, Logan, and I have Cynthia Price to thank for making me realize it at last.”
“Cynthia?” Logan asked.
“I didn’t know if the feelings I had for you were sympathy or gratitude, but I knew I felt a strong attachment to you. When I saw you with Cynthia by the barn the other day, I knew it had to be love because I couldn’t stand to see you with someone else. Surely, I wouldn’t feel jealous if my feelings were only due to sympathy or gratitude. It had to be love, and I knew it as sure as I knew my own name.”
Logan smiled. “Silly girl. You knew I was in love with you. How could I be interested in someone else? My love for you has grown stronger each day. No one can take your place in my heart. I gave you freedom because I loved you enough to let you go, if that’s what you wanted.” He squeezed her tightly. “Tell me you’ll agree to marry me—for real this time.”
Emma was so filled with joy she felt like she was floating on air. The mood prompted her to playfulness. “Was that a proposal? Shouldn’t you be on your knees?”
Logan released her and knelt before her. “Will you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Sinclair?”
Emma tapped her chin. “Since I can’t live without you, I might as well live with you…as your wife. Yes, Logan!”
Logan rose, swung her around, and embraced her again. “We’ve never kissed except that small peck for Prudence’s benefit. May I kiss you now, Emma?”
She put her arms around his neck. “Not if I kiss you first.” She positioned her lips on his, and they kissed. She’d never had a romantic kiss before, and she kept bringing her lips to his at different angles to get the most benefit.
Logan groaned. “Stop,” he said, gently removing her arms from around his neck. “I don’t think we should kiss again until we’re married.”
“I think I can guess why,” she said, smiling up at him. “Let’s do it soon.”
~~~**~~~
Epilogue
Logan and Emma married in the barn a week later. The entire congregation attended, including Alan, Rachel, and Tim. Prudence sent a card with a gift because she couldn’t make it due to morning sickness.
The Judge and Mrs. McGregor, the owners of the barn, provided refreshments after the ceremony.
Emma sipped a cup of punch and watched her handsome husband talk about horses with several men.
Alan approached and congratulated her. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you two finally got things right.”
“I wanted to be sure, Alan. Imagine telling someone you loved them on the spur of the moment and have to take it back later.”
Alan nodded. “You did the right thing because Logan would never have recovered from another rejection. I’m happy to see Tim and Rachel here. They’re a great couple.”
“My husband is a forgiving man, and I’m proud of him.”
“Watching the two of you makes me yearn for a partner, too.”
“Have you anyone in mind?”
“Nah, there aren’t many eligible women in Hunter’s Grove. I hear the railroad might be coming through here soon, and that will bring a lot of new residents in, but I don’t think I want to wait that long.”
“I’m sorry, Alan. Maybe you could spend more time in Hays or Abilene to meet someone.”
Alan moved closer and spoke in a low voice. “I was thinking of putting an ad for a mail-order bride in the Matrimonial News.”
“I’ve heard about that. Be careful, though.”
“I’d correspond with a prospective bride for a while first. A friend of mine in Russell got a mail-order bride, and he’s happy.”
Logan came by, put an arm around his wife, and smiled proudly at the two of them. “She’s taken, Alan. Look at the finger on her left hand—I’ve branded her.”
The three of them laughed.
Alan clapped Logan on the back. “So, you have. Congratulations. I couldn’t be happier for you both.”
Someone approached Alan, and he turned away with a wave.
Logan whispered in his wife’s ear. “Let’s go home. We need to consummate this marriage before you change your mind.”
Emma smiled up at him. “Lead the way.”
~~~**~~~
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A Bride
