The Wedding

TRIG

I gave Lainey and Ma two hours to pull the wedding together. The way they did that was something generals in the military should study.

My entire family was there, even Zeb. Colt was the one who put the call out to a fellow officer close to Missoula where Zeb went to school and got him back here with the help of lights and sirens with a few minutes to spare.

Ma had emptied out their chest freezer in their garage and got busy thawing a lasagna, a Mexican beef casserole and chili which were now all warming in Lainey’s oven and stovetop. Shep had picked up three pies from Mabel at the Sip N’ Serv on his way out of town.

Since Lainey’s wasn’t the biggest house, it was a tight fit, but it only highlighted how many people we had around us who wanted to celebrate me finding my woman and putting a ring on her finger.

Ellie was mine, ring or not. She was mine, marriage license or not.

But there was no way in hell Trout was getting his grubby hands on what was mine, nor anyone else.

Pops walked Ellie “down the aisle” which was from Lainey’s bedroom and into the family room to where I stood beside Colt in front of the fireplace. Furniture had been pushed back to make room.

Pops looked pleased as punch, his smile huge. He had on pressed jeans, an equally pressed snap shirt with a lariat. His hair was neatly combed and, yeah, that smile. I had to mention it twice because he was so damned happy.

Ma stood beside me. She had on a deep green dress and she reached out and gave my fingers a squeeze as they approached. After nine kids, this was the first marriage.

Ellie was becoming a Wilder, so she’d now have ten.

I hadn’t changed. I wasn’t leaving where Ellie was, not for a second. I was in my flannel and jeans, my boots by the door. In fact, the entire wedding party was sock-footed.

But it was Ellie I saw. Only Ellie.

She was in a pair of black leggings and a top that had to be Lainey’s. I also knew she wasn’t wearing any panties, because I had them tucked in my pocket.

When she got to my side, she hugged Pops, then took my hand.

Colt scratched his head. “I have to admit, I’ve never done this before.” He blushed and gave a lopsided grin. “But here goes.”

I flicked my gaze to Ellie. She wasn’t looking at Colt, she was looking at me.

After all she admitted earlier, I figured she’d be nervous. But no. She was as calm as an early Montana morning and she looked… peaceful. Content.

“Trig, do–”

“I want to say my own vows,” I said, cutting him off.

Colt looked relieved. “Sounds great to me.”

I took both of Ellie’s hands and she turned to face me directly, then I gave them a squeeze.

“Ellie, you’re mine. You’ve been mine since you said ‘you’re a cowboy’ out in the blizzard. I’m your cowboy. This may have been rushed, but to be honest, I think I owe Trout a beer for moving this along. Now I can call you not just mine, but Mrs. Wilder.”

Ma sniffed and Lainey handed her a tissue.

I glanced down the line of brothers, all of whom were smiling. They’d get their turns soon enough.

Ellie cleared her throat ready for her turn. “I… I love you.”

I whooped. “That’s all that matters.” I turned to Colt. “Finish up.”

Everyone laughed because I didn’t give Ellie time to say anything else. What else was there? What could be better than that?

“By the power vested in me as Justice of the Peace of the state of Montana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wilder.”

Everyone clapped, Buck put his fingers between his teeth and whistled. Pops pulled Ma in for a hug.

I kissed Ellie. Short and sweet, then a little more thoroughly, then bent down and tossed her over my shoulder to take her home.