sweet gesture affected her so deeply; she wanted to cry.
âThank you,â she whispered. âIâI never expected . . .â
âItâs only appropriate.â His palm settled on her upper arm, his fingers curving. âExpect the unexpected.â
The preacher made a noise from his throat to call attention to their dawdling.
âHoney, letâs get married.â
Gil McLoughlin offered his hand, and she laced her fingers with his. They took their places before the preacher.
Eli Wilson yelled, âWe need witnesses.â
Seven cowboys appeared and lined up between the chuck wagon and the campfire. Sadie Lou, under the worktable, roused from sleep to sit up and watch the happenings. As if he were an invited guest, Tecumseh Billy trotted to the campâs perimeter, then stood by, his great horns turned in their direction.
Ashen-faced, Matthias walked up. His expression read, âIâve given my best wishes, but I want you to think twice.â
She had done her thinking and deciding.
Nonetheless, the wildflowers began to shake, and trying to get a grip on them as well as on herself, she glanced upward. Clouds moved across the moon.
Preacher Wilson, the Good Book cradled in his palm, cleared his throat. âLet me repeat. Will you take this man to be your wedded husband?â
Her gaze flew to the man at her right, and she gained strength from his steadfastness. There was no other sheâd want for her own. âI will.â
Gil squeezed her hand.
âWill you take this woman to be your wedded wife?â
âI will,â was the strong, sure reply.
Preacher Wilson turned back to Lisette. âWill you love, honor . . .
I will honor him. And I do love him in untold ways.
â... forsaking all others, for as long as ye both shall live?â
âIâI will.â
âWill you love, honor, and keep her, forsaking all others, for as long as ye both shall live?â
âI will.â
The sacred vows continued. Gil slipped a gold band on her finger and it carried the warmth of his hand. For a fleeting moment she wondered where heâd gotten it and why it fit.
âIn the presence of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you man and wife.â The minister smiled at the couple. It was his first expression of approval since Lisette had joined the Four Aces outfit. âYou may kiss your bride.â
Gilâs hand went to her waist, and it felt warm and protective . . . and provocative. He smiled his seductive smile that made mush of her insides. His lips parted to kiss her. Hers did not part. The bouquet fluttered from her fingers, yet she grabbed the cherished flowers from the ground . . . and accepted that her tall, strong partner would seal their vows with a deep kiss.
This was a weddingâtheir weddingâand she allowed herself to be weak. Just this once . . . no, once again.
Her fingers flattened against his nape as his lips met hers. His tongue moved inside, and she tasted the pure flavor of his mouth. Mmmm. so nice. His arms were around her, his hands pulling her close to the hard strength of his warm body. Mmmm. nicer.
âOh, Mister McLoughlin,â she murmured breathily. âYou wonât regret this. I promise with all my heart.â
This, she pledged meaningfullyâto her husband and to God.
The witnesses cheered; the dog chased Tecumseh Billy from camp; Matthias drifted away from the celebration.
And Lisette wished her marriage could be different. If only she could accept all heâd offered . . . But theirs would be a good arrangement, she vowed. Somehow sheâd keep her distance.
Once more, she whispered, âOh, Mister McLoughlin.â
âDarlinâ, youâd better call me Gil.â
Chapter Seven
All the bridegroom wanted was to dispense with his brideâs virginity, and now . Yet Gil had promised himself to cultivate and celebrate their loving, and he wouldnât pounce upon her.