*
By five o’clockeveryone was gathered in Hayden and Laura’s house.Willow looked at herself in the mirror.She was getting married to the love of her life and she couldn’t wait.
Touching the lovely pendant that belonged to Hunter’s mother, she swallowed her tears.For one who never used to cry, she was going all out trying to make up for lost time.
Someone knocked on the door.
“I’m ready, Mom,” she called out, but it wasn’t her mom who entered, but Hayden.
“May I have the honor of walking you down the aisle?”he said, his voice strangely gruff.
Blinking back her tears she took his arm.“Thank you, big brother.You know I’ll always be there for you?”
“I know.Happy looks good on you, sis.Shall we?”
Taking his arm, she leaned against her big brother for a moment.She was too clogged up to speak, but she knew he didn’t need words.
*
Hunter’s eyes wereon the door where his bride would appear any moment.Beside him stood Becket, then Luke.He didn’t know what happened to Cooper and Hayden.Maybe there was a crisis on the ranch, maybe they didn’t want to be here, nobody volunteered anything.Right now, he wasn’t going to worry about other people, he couldn’t wait to see Willow.
Everyone had really gone all out to turn Hayden and Laura’s house into a Christmas wedding venue.The huge Christmas tree in the corner had been beautifully decorated.His mother and Jade had also arrived earlier with the Weston’s friends to help with the final decorating and food.The end result was something extraordinary, like the people gathered here today, their families and friends to celebrate Christmas and love.
The Weston’s cousins, Dylan and Carson, had also arrived early this morning to help with preparations.There hadn’t really been time to discuss Hayden’s plans for all the ranches, but everyone seemed happy about the idea of working together.
All he needed now was his bride to complete the picture.
The first notes of some music filled the air.His heart tripped.Willow’s sisters-in-law walked in, all looking pretty and happy.His eyes were back on the door before they’d found their places.Cooper appeared with his mother on his arm.
Smiling they walked down the aisle.Arlene took her seat, and Cooper kissed his wife before he joined his brother and Luke.
As Hunter looked back to the door, Hayden appeared with Willow on his arm.Hunter’s breath left his body in one swoosh.Looking radiant in a watermelon-colored dress billowing around her, his bride floated toward him on her brother’s arm.It was still difficult to believe this beautiful creature wanted to be his wife.
He had a hard time swallowing back the tears.Days ago, he was still miserable, not knowing how he would face the future without Willow and here she was, walking toward him, her eyes telling him everything he needed to know: she loved him, she couldn’t wait to start their future together.
Hayden’s grip on his hand was harder than it needed to be, but today Hunter didn’t mind.
“You’ll look after her?”Hayden said gruffly.
“Always,” Hunter said.
“Welcome to the family, to the ranch, brother.”
Finally, he could look at his bride.“Beautiful,” he whispered before his lips found hers.Everyone laughed but he couldn’t be bothered.It felt like a lifetime ago he’d last kissed her.
Behind them, the pastor cleared his throat.
“Let’s get married, cowboy!”Willow whispered.
He grinned.“I can’t wait to start my life with you.”
*
Willow had justput her feet up after a few dances when Hunter’s dad and mom joined her.
“Thanks for the beautiful pendant, I love it.”
Hunter’s mom leaned forward and gave her a hug.“I’ve always wanted another daughter, welcome to the family.”
