Her Cowboy Savior (The Winchester Cowboys Series Book 2), page 16
Carson put his arm around her. “Honey, you don’t have anything to worry about. You have a big family now. Together, we can handle everything.”
She looked around the table, her smile lighting up her face. “Thank you all. Thank you for caring for me and for saving me. I can’t wait to call myself Haley Winchester someday soon.”
Carson bent and kissed her temple. He looked forward to that day with all his heart.
Chapter Fifteen
It was a perfect fall day in late November, and the temperature was in the high sixties. Carson looked up as a slight breeze fluttered the ribbons flowing from the wooden arch over his head. Their bright colors perfectly complemented the vibrant flowers fastened there. He and Haley were holding their wedding under the beautiful copse of oak trees he’d first shown her on her arrival at the ranch.
In the four months since his proposal, he, along with his father and Landon, had healed from their wounds. Landon had offered to be his best man, saying that their harrowing experience had made him realize just how much he loved his big brother.
The guests were all seated in rows in the chairs Ken had borrowed from the American Legion. Movement caught Carson’s eye, and he glanced to his left. His heart began to pound. An SUV had appeared around the curve in the pasture road, and inside was the woman he loved above all else.
His breath caught as Haley stepped from the car, dressed in white, followed closely by Chesley. Haley had chosen a dress that came just below the knee and showed her small waist. She was so beautiful he blinked back tears.
His father tucked her hand under his elbow as Debra, who carried Aria in her arms, and Dakota made their way to their seats.
Chesley looked expectantly toward the arch where he stood.
Landon glanced at him and whispered, “You ready for this, brother?”
“I can’t wait.” His heart was beating so fast he couldn’t have counted the beats if he tried.
His brother Beau, who was in charge of the music, started the wedding march.
Chesley walked slowly ahead of the bride toward the seated guests.
The pastor cleared his throat quietly as all heads turned toward Haley and Ken.
Carson couldn’t take his eyes off her. She wore her hair down in soft curls, and its red was a striking contrast to her pale skin and white dress. Her petite size next to his father’s height emphasized a fragility he was constantly aware of. His protectiveness of her had never waned.
Then she smiled at him, and everything else disappeared. Each step she took toward him made his heart pound harder. She looked neither right nor left, holding his gaze with those wondrous green eyes.
He was dimly aware of Chesley arriving and standing to the side. Then his father gave him Haley’s hand. Her smooth palm sent a ripple of goose bumps up his arm.
They turned toward the pastor as he began to speak, but his words didn’t penetrate Carson’s reality. His whole being was focused on Haley.
She glanced up at him and smiled. Warmth spread through him, and he smiled back. It was finally happening. He was getting married, and his life would never be the same. He’d forever be joined with this sweet, loving woman beside him.
Abruptly, he heard the pastor say, “Carson, you may now state your vows.”
He turned to Haley, taking both of her hands. “Haley, I promise to always love you above all others. I’ll protect you from harm and stand with you in your troubles. Honey, I give you the best of me, my heart and my soul, forever.”
Her eyes shining with tears, she mouthed, “I love you.”
The pastor said, “Haley, you may now state your vows.”
She smiled and squeezed his hands. “Carson, I promise that I’ll always take care of you and comfort you. I’ll support you and encourage you and try my hardest to always be patient with you. I give you my generosity and my faithfulness and my love, forever.”
The beauty of her words touched him deep in his soul. He blinked back tears, swallowing past the lump in his throat. If only he could take her in his arms.
As they exchanged rings, he smiled down at her, taking in every detail as she admired her new wedding band.
“I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride, Carson,” the pastor said.
Carson picked up Haley and whirled her in a circle, then kissed her soundly to the applause of the guests.
Beau cut in with the music again as they strode down the passageway between the chairs. Their friends called out their congratulations, laughing and clapping as he and Haley made their way to the end of the makeshift aisle.
His father walked up to him. “We’ll move the chairs and get the reception tables set up in the shade real quick, son. I’ve already talked to a bunch of the men. Just hang tight.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Landon went off to help as Carson said, “You look so beautiful, honey.”
Haley, face slightly flushed, smiled up at him.
His mom came hurrying over with Aria in her arms before the bevy of guests walking toward them could reach them. “You all can sit under the trees at the table that’s being set up for you. The band’s just arrived, and Beau’s got them in hand. All you two need to do is sit down and watch.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“You’ve done such a wonderful job arranging things today, Debra,” Haley said.
His mom smiled. “It was a beautiful ceremony, honey, and we’re going to have fun this afternoon. You all just take it easy for a while now. Oh!” She turned. “The caterer’s calling me. I’ll see you later.”
Landon came back and ran interference for them as they made their way to the table under the trees. Carson was happy to see that people were already making good use of the kegs of beer set off to the side.
The tables and chairs were quickly set up in the same spot where the wedding had been held under the trees, and the guests found their seats again as the caterers got ready to serve. When his mom and Haley had talk`ed about food for the reception, they’d decided on a place out of Llano that had fabulous barbeque and a great catering reputation.
He slipped his arm around Haley. She’d put on a white shawl over her shoulders, which were bare except for the thin straps of her dress. As he bent to kiss her temple, he whispered, “I love you, sweetheart. This is the best day of my life.”
She reached up to cup his face in her hand. “I’ve never been so happy. I don’t have words to describe how I feel, honey.”
He closed his eyes, savoring the sensation of holding her close. All he wanted was to have her to himself. But that would have to wait.
It wasn’t long before the caterers began to pass out plates of sausage, brisket, pinto beans, and potato salad. Gallons of iced tea appeared, and glasses of it were served along with the meals.
When their food arrived, the smoky aroma made his mouth water.
Haley picked up her knife and fork. “This looks delicious. I was too nervous to eat anything today, and now I’m starving.”
As he took his first bite of sausage, the band began to play. They’d chosen a country-and-western band that played contemporary music as well as old-time favorites. The first song was a George Strait song Carson especially liked, All My Ex’s Live in Texas.
Haley reached for his hand, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Carson, I never dreamed that I’d find someone like you—that I’d be a part of a family like yours. Thank you, sweetheart, for everything.”
He brought her hand to his lips. “You’re the woman I’ve waited for all my life. I might never have found you if it weren’t for what happened. Honey, I’m looking forward to starting our married life together.” He gave her his best sexy smile. “And I can’t wait for our honeymoon.”
She grinned. “Mountains, here we come!”
Chapter Sixteen
Haley looked out the floor-to-ceiling living-room window at the big, fluffy snowflakes falling outside. The drive from the Colorado Springs airport to Breckenridge had been a hairy one. Snow had fallen so hard that Carson could barely see the road as he navigated through the hairpin turns and steep 300-foot cliffs of Hoosier Pass.
They were staying at a small Airbnb outside Breckenridge, near the little town of Blue River. The cozy cabin had a large rock fireplace that already had a roaring blaze going in it, thanks to Carson’s fire-building skills.
He came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. “The sunset’s beautiful from up here, don’t you think?”
She turned her head, caressing his cheek with hers. “This place is amazing. Even prettier than the online photos.”
“It’s good that Aria’s doing so well with Mom and Dad. We can relax and enjoy ourselves without feeling guilty about leaving her,” Carson said.
“I’m just glad she’s sleeping all night now. I’d feel terrible if they had to miss sleep as well as take care of her while we’re gone.” She turned toward him and put her arms around his neck. “Are you looking forward to skiing tomorrow?”
He screwed up his face. “Remember, I’ve only skied a couple of times in Ruidoso. You’re good at it. I’m not.”
She gave him a quick kiss. “We’ll start out on the bunny hill. You’ll get your legs under you soon enough. And don’t worry about trying to keep up with me. I’ll stick with you.”
“I want you to have fun, though, honey.”
At his look of frustration she kissed him again, making it count this time. “I’ll have fun, mister, don’t worry. If I leave you, then I won’t enjoy myself.”
He smiled. “Let’s stick together, then. I’ll give it my best shot.”
She glanced outside again where the snow continued to fall heavily. “The lady I talked to at the ski resort today said that we should have perfect powder tomorrow. They’re expecting eighteen inches of new snow tonight.”
“Is powder snow harder to ski on?”
“No, it’s just different. It’s beautiful to watch skiers coming down the hills. Great plumes of snow fly out behind them. And powder’s much better than wet snow that has frozen overnight, which makes a crust of ice you have to deal with.”
He took out his phone and checked the time. “We’d better get a move on if we want to get seated without reservations at the Briar Rose.”
Haley had discovered the Briar Rose Chophouse and Saloon when she’d gone online looking for great places to eat in Breckenridge. According to the owner of their cabin, it had an outstanding menu and a good reputation with the locals. As she put her coat on, she said, “I think I’ll call your mom while we’re on our way. See how everything’s going.”
She tapped Debra’s contact, and when her mother-in-law answered, said, “Is my daughter behaving for you?”
“She’s being a doll. No problem at all. Did you arrive safely?”
“We sure did. We’re on our way to dinner right now. And the cabin’s gorgeous. I’ll take lots of pictures and send them to you.”
Carson glanced at her and smiled.
She reached for his hand as a wave of happiness swept through her.
“Well, I’m glad you’re there and on your way to supper. Have fun and don’t worry about a thing back here.”
“Thanks so much, Debra. We’ll check in again tomorrow.”
“Feel better?” Carson asked as she put her phone in her purse.
“Yeah. Of course, I trust your parents completely. It’s just that I’ve never been away from Aria before.”
He squeezed her hand. “I know. It’s just for five days. We’ll be home soon, honey.”
When they arrived at the Briar Rose, she admired the restaurant’s red-and-black Victorian façade. They were a little early for the dinner rush and were seated just a few moments later.
As they looked over their menus and the wine list, Carson asked, “Are you thinking of having a steak?”
Haley looked up and nodded. “Their beef sounds fabulous. All natural Black Angus and aged for twenty-eight days? I don’t think I can pass it up.”
Carson agreed, then signaled their server and ordered a California Cabernet Sauvignon.
As the server left their table, Haley leaned forward and said quietly, “Maybe we can drive through town after dinner. Get a feel for what’s here.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll bet it’s pretty at night.”
When their plates arrived, Haley’s mouth watered at the wonderful aromas rising from the whipped Yukon Gold potatoes and sautéed button mushrooms.
A moment later, Carson said, “This ribeye’s fabulous. How’s your filet?”
She swallowed. “Amazing. It’s so tender it practically melted in my mouth.”
“I hope the Country Boy Mine’s open. I really want to take the tour,” Carson said.
“I’m worried it’s not, since I wasn’t able to book a tour online. I’ll try to call again tomorrow.”
“The website says we can even pan for gold. Have you ever done that?”
His eyes sparkled with interest, and she grinned. “I can see you like that idea. I’ll bet that’ll be pretty cold, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, but we get to keep all the gold we find.” He laughed. “I can see why there was a gold rush. The idea gets in your blood.”
He poured them each more wine, and Haley felt the quiet, relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant soothing her tired nerves.
“Dogsledding is going to be my favorite activity, I think,” she said as she took another bite of potatoes. “I’ve read so much about it, and I can’t wait to meet the dogs in real life.”
“I’m looking forward to that too. I’m glad you wanted to do it,” Carson said.
They finished their meal with key lime pie and coffee.
As Carson took a bite of his pie, he said, “This has been nice.”
His warm, loving gaze sent tingles racing across her chest. She smiled. “I love where we’re staying. It’s so cozy and sweet. It couldn’t be more perfect. Let’s sit in front of the fire when we get home.”
“I’ll go for that. We can throw some blankets and pillows on the floor and get comfortable.”
She couldn’t wait to get home. “That sounds perfect.”
On the drive back, it was still snowing heavily. Even with the windshield wipers on high, it was hard to see the road. Carson kept both hands on the wheel and drove slowly.
“It’s beautiful outside, but I’m glad we’re heading home. I don’t like that we’re driving in this storm. The visibility’s too bad.”
“At least it’s not far. We’ll make it.”
When they pulled up in front of their cabin ten minutes later, their footprints from earlier had disappeared under the newly fallen snow. They got out and walked carefully up to the door, knocking the snow off their shoes before going inside.
“We’ve still got a lot of good coals,” Carson said, heading over to put more wood on the fire.
The central heat had kept the cabin warm, so Haley changed into an emerald-green teddy that she knew looked wonderful with her red hair. She wanted to look especially pretty for Carson tonight.
When she walked into the living room a few minutes later, he glanced up and grinned. “Come here, you gorgeous thing.” He held out his arms.
She melted against him, loving his strength as he held her tight.
“The fire’s all set. Let me go change.” He kissed the top of her head, then looked into her eyes. “I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
She cupped his face in her hand. “I love you, Carson. I’m so glad we’re finally married.”
He kissed her palm, holding her hand as he drew away. “I’ll be right back.”
There were two throws in the room, and she laid them on the floor in front of the fireplace. The fire popped and crackled, sending up a faint odor of woodsmoke. She took the throw pillows from the couch and tossed them onto the blankets.
Carson walked back in wearing a pair of black boxers. Would she ever get used to how sexy his body was? He was tall and muscular, with broad shoulders that always made her feel small.
He took her into his arms, the gleam in his eyes telling her how happy he was. “We have all night, honey.” He bent and kissed her slowly, sending waves of joy washing through her, then drew her down to the floor in front of the fire.
She could feel the delicious heat on her body. The fire popped loudly, and a bright spark flew toward them.
Carson glanced at the flames. “I don’t want to shut the doors yet. We’ll just have to keep an eye out for more sparks.”
His blond hair glowed in the firelight, and his eyes shone dark blue. He was a gorgeous man, and he was all hers. She drew him down and kissed him softly.
He looked into her eyes. “I love you, honey.” He brushed her hair back from her cheek. “You’re everything to me. Tell me you know that.”
“I do.” She traced the line of his cheekbone with her fingertip. “I don’t ever want to lose you. I don’t want to live without you in my life.”
He clasped her palm and kissed it. “You won’t have to. I’ll never let you go.”
He urged her onto her back and looked down on her.
He was so handsome in the firelight. She smiled and ran her hand slowly across the muscles of his chest. He was strong—and not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. How she loved him. Heart melting, she ran her thumb over his bottom lip, admiring the chiseled cut of his jaw. She wanted him in every way, felt as if she couldn’t get close enough to him. “Make love to me, sweetheart.”
He smiled down at her. “My pleasure, ma’am.” He slipped out of his boxers.
As he trailed kisses along her jaw, a shiver of intense emotion swept through her. This was her best friend, her lover, the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. “I love you, Carson. With all my heart.”
He drew back and looked into her eyes. “I love you more. Believe that.” Smiling, he helped her take her teddy off, then trailed kisses around the curve of her breast and took her nipple into his mouth.
