She laughed and nodded. “I’d say – how soon can we get started?”
EPILOGUE
DENTON COULDN’T BELIEVEhow happy he’d been since falling in love with Courtney. Once they’d gotten back to Helena and had both Terrance and Louise behind bars, Denton took his bride-to-be, and they moved to Stumptown. He also brought Mr. Tibbs and Mrs. Jackson because Denton knew the older servants would be well cared for.
Within two days, he and Courtney were married at the church, and one day later, he was standing in front of the mayor, with his lovely bride by his side, and his good friend, Bryan Easton, on his other side.
“Raise your right hand and place your left hand on the Bible,” Mayor Tidwell said.
Denton did as the man asked.
“Repeat after me,” the mayor continued. “I, Denton Reed, do solemnly affirm to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the laws of Montana.”
Smiling wide, Denton repeated the words.
“And I do further affirm that I will do everything in my power to keep the citizens of Stumptown safe and protected.”
Denton nodded, repeating the words.
“As Mayor of Stumptown, I officially appoint you sheriff.” He pinned a gold star on Denton’s vest.
Once the mayor had stepped back, the small crowd gathered in the town hall applauded and cheered. Denton shook the mayor’s hand, and then he turned to gather his wife in his arms and kiss her. Most of these people had seen him kiss her when they attended their wedding, and so he didn’t care if they witnessed it again.
After a few very enjoyable moments, he broke away so that he could shake hands with the others who were there. Bryan gave him a big bear hug and then turned to introduce him to the others in the room.
“Denton, meet my brother, Joel.”
Denton shook the man’s hand. Joel resembled his older brother a lot, but his eyes were brown instead of blue.
“And this is my younger brother, Maverick, and his wife, Hannah.”
Denton shook hands with them both. He realized Hannah was the woman who had smiled so kindly at Courtney the first time they’d ridden into town. And he also noticed by her round belly that Bryan would become an uncle very soon.
Courtney also shook hands with them, and within minutes, she and Hannah were strolling away from the men, chatting like long-lost friends. Denton grinned, loving how welcomed they felt here in Stumptown.
“So, my good man,” Maverick said, slapping Denton on the shoulder, “I think your first line of business should be officially appointing Hannah and myself the town’s experienced matchmakers.”
