His legendary control cracks. Not a hairline fracture. A complete, devastating break.
His eyes go bright. His jaw works. His hands clench into fists at his sides, then release, like he doesn’t know what to do with them.
He takes two steps toward me before he catches himself. Ethan grabs his arm, says something I can’t hear, but Daniel doesn’t seem to notice. He’s staring at me like I’ve performed a miracle.
Maybe I have.
I keep Captain Winky at a steady walk. My posture isn’t perfect—I know that. My hands are too tight on the reins, my heels not quite down enough. But I’m doing it. I’m riding. The woman who was terrified of horses a month ago is riding toward her wedding on the back of a one-eyed gelding who trusts almost no one.
I’ve seen Daniel controlled, furious, passionate, protective. I’ve seen him commanding and gentle and wrecked with desire.
I’ve never seen him undone.
I did that. Me and this horse. We undid Daniel Sutton.
Best decision I ever made.
I halt Captain Winky a few feet from the altar. The whole gathering holds its breath.
Then Daniel is there, his hands reaching up to help me dismount. I swing my leg over and slide down. He catches me like he’s been catching me all along. Like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“You learned to ride.” His voice cracks on the words.
“Seemed important.”
“You—” He stops. Swallows. His eyes are wet, and Daniel Sutton does not cry. “You’re incredible.”
“I know.” I grin up at him. “You going to marry me or what?”
He laughs—wet-eyed and breathless, his hands still on my waist like he can’t bear to let go.
“If you two are done making everyone cry,” Miss Maggie calls from her spot under the oak tree, “we’ve got a wedding to get through.”
Chapter 13
Delaney
The ceremony is simple.
Miss Maggie got ordained online—“Took me fifteen minutes and cost me twenty dollars. Best investment I ever made”—and she presides over us with the same no-nonsense warmth she brings to everything.
Daniel holds my hands. His are steady. Mine are shaking.
“Dearly beloved,” Miss Maggie begins, and I almost laugh because it’s so traditional, so formal, coming from a woman who threatened me with a cast-iron skillet named Lucille the first time we met.
But then she goes off script.
“We’re here because these two stubborn, wounded, beautiful people found each other. Against the odds. Despite their best efforts to push each other away.” She looks at us, her eyes soft. “Love isn’t always easy. It isn’t always convenient. Sometimes, it shows up when you least expect it, wearing dusty boots and a bad attitude.”
Daniel’s lips twitch. So do mine.
“But when it’s real, when it’s right, you hold on to it. You fight for it. You build something together that’s stronger than either of you alone.”
She nods at Daniel. “Your vows.”
He takes a breath. His hands tighten on mine.
“Delaney.” Just my name, but the way he says it makes my heart squeeze. “I’m not good with words. I’m better with actions. With showing up. With doing.”
