How to Rope a Loyal Cowboy by Anya Summers
Epilogue
Two months later
Noah stood at the front of the local church. Flowers and bunting decorated the chapel. It was the second time he had done this in his life. And he knew it would be the last as the organ commenced with the wedding music.
When Morgan appeared at the back of the church, the crowd rose to their feet for the processional. She took Noah’s breath away in the ivory satin and lace, holding a bouquet of white calla lilies. But it was the smile on her face, beaming with love for him, that did it.
He knew what other people thought, that he had found a trophy wife who would make him feel young again. He couldn’t give a fuck what they thought. He loved Morgan, couldn’t imagine his life without her. Hell, his life didn’t work without her in it.
Wade stood as her man of honor, and Zack was his best man. His sons were all smiles at Morgan as she approached.
Noah held out his hand and helped her up the single step to the altar.
Pastor Brian held up his hands in greeting. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to bear witness to the union of Noah Reed and Morgan Davies. Before we begin, the bride has asked to speak to Wade and Zack.”
Noah cocked a brow as she handed him her bouquet. What was she up to?
“Boys, come here for a minute.” Morgan held out her hands. When they stood in front of her, she knelt before them and took their hands in hers. “Wade, Zack, before I marry your daddy and say my vows with him, I have some vows I want to make to you first. Today, I’m becoming your step-mama. And my vow to you both is this: I will love you as if you were my own. I will protect you, and guide you, and keep you from getting into trouble, and be there to discipline you when you do. I will be your friend and confidant and your shoulder to lean on. And these medallions of Archangel Michael,” she placed one around each their necks, “are a symbol of my vows to you today. I love you both so much, and I’m so honored I get to be your step-mama.”
Wade and Zack had tears in their eyes as they tossed their arms around Morgan. Noah had to admit he had tears in his eyes too. He hadn’t known she was going to do this, but the fact that she wanted to include his sons this way only made him love her more.
“Does this mean we can call you, Mama?” Wade asked with hope brimming in his eyes.
“Yes, baby, it does.” She kissed both their foreheads and released them.
Noah helped her rise. She kept her arm around Wade, and Noah put his around Zack as they spoke their vows. Because while today he and Morgan were promising to love each other until death did them part, the real meaning of this ceremony was the joining of their family, the one they were creating.
And when Pastor Brian pronounced them husband and wife, with their boys beaming up at them, Noah kissed his sons’ mama, and everything that had been askew in their lives finally clicked into place.
The End
