“He’s an easy man to love, Pops.”
Mike held out his arm, and when she wrapped her hand around it, he patted her fingers. “Welcome to our family, Lainey. I hope you and Jase know the kind of joy that comes from two hearts joined by faith, hope, and love.”
“Thank you, Pops.” Lainey kissed his cheek again, then they left the room and made their way down the aisle.
Celia Kressley had offered to take photos, so she was there, snapping away as Mike escorted Lainey to where Jason waited for her, standing next to the pastor in a new dark gray suit that made him look unbelievably handsome. He was surrounded by Galen, Lisa, Shaun, and their families.
When it came time to exchange vows, Jason’s love glowed in his eyes as he said his vows, placed the ring on her finger, and gently squeezed her hand.
Lainey swallowed down her tears, held Jason’s hand, and recited her vows with her heart behind every word as she slid the ring on Jason’s finger.
Before the pastor could say anything else, Mike stepped forward and faced Lainey. “I promise to love you like a daughter, and I will be grateful every day for the sunshine you bring to our family.” The old man kissed her cheek, then handed her a light pink silk rose.
Galen was the next to move beside her. “I promise to cherish you for the friend you’ve been and the sister you’ve become. Welcome to the family.” He squeezed her hand and handed her a yellow rose.
Lisa was next, followed by Shaun, then Tyler, and Brylee, as they all made vows to Lainey. Dani, Carter, and Caitlyn offered their own sweet, heart-touching promises to love her. Each of them presented her with a silk rose stem of varying colors, until she held a whole bouquet. Lisa even gave her a white rose withthe faintest blue tint to it from newborn Jordan Tyler, who had arrived two weeks ago.
By the time they finished their vows, Lainey couldn’t hold back her tears. It was a moment and memory she would always cherish, and it deepened the beautiful bond she already felt for Jason’s family.
Jason used his thumbs to brush away her tears, then took her hands in his again.
Although it wasn’t part of a typical ceremony, the pastor looked at Lainey and repeated the question, “Do you take Jason to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do,” Lainey said, heart overflowing with love.
“And do you take his family to be yours?” the pastor asked.
“I most certainly do,” she said, smiling at them.
The pastor turned to Jason. “Do you take Lainey to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“You betcha I do,” Jason winked at her.
“Do all of you take Lainey to be part of your family?” the pastor asked the others.
“We do!” they said in unison.
The pastor grinned. “Jason and Lainey, and family, have proclaimed their love and commitment to each other in the eyes of those gathered here today, and before God. By the power vested in me by the state of Oregon, I am delighted to pronounce you husband and wife, and family! Jason, kiss your bride!”
“Gladly,” Jason said, then wrapped Lainey in his arms and gave her a kiss that wouldn’t embarrass his children, but held enough heat to make her look forward to the honeymoon they would leave for in the morning. One of the artists she’d interviewed for herA Life of Colorbook had offered the use of a private condo on a beach in Kauai as a wedding gift. Lainey and Jason planned to spend ten days doing nothing but soaking up the sun, strolling along sandy beaches, and falling more in love.
When Jason started to pull back, Lainey bracketed his face in her hands, gave him a sweet, tender kiss, and whispered, “thank you for marrying me.”
“No, thank you, Gypsy. I can’t thank you enough for bringing joy and love back into my heart.”
Suddenly, Shaun thumped Jason on his back, and Galen swept Lainey into a hug that lifted her feet off the floor. After a round of hugs and congratulations, they headed back to the ranch, where a reception for all their friends and extended family would soon begin.
Many of their rodeo friends were already there when they returned, and a steady stream of guests were arriving by the time Lainey and Jason made it into the backyard, where everyone was gathering for a catered barbecue dinner.
Celia seemed to be everywhere at once, taking photos, both posed and candid. Lainey could hardly wait to see them when she and Jason returned from their honeymoon.
Later that evening, after they’d enjoyed the meal, cut the cake, and tossed a bouquet Lainey had ordered just for that purpose, she and Jason spoke to each guest, thanking every person who was there for attending. Then they made their way out to the side-by-side that had been bedecked with streamers and tin cans and drove up the hill to their home.
Jason carried Lainey across the threshold. “Welcome home, Gypsy girl.”
She smiled and caressed his cheek. “Don’t you know, Jason, I’ve been home since the day I met you. Wherever you are is where my home will always be.”
“And my heart will always be with you, Lainey, my love.” He set her down and led her into the living room, where candles glowed on the fireplace mantel and around the room.
