Beauty and the Bull Rider (Hotel Rodeo #3)(46)

His breath seized in his throat at his first glimpse of Delaney, looking like a fantasy come true in a light blue dress. His gaze took in a glimpse of smooth bare shoulders as she extended her hand and leaned out of the car. “Zac?” Her gaze widened. “It’s bad luck for you to see me.”

“Had to meet you at the car,” he said. “It’s the only way I could know for sure you won’t run off.”

“Are you really afraid I’d leave you standing at the altar?” she asked.

“Ain’t taking the chance,” he replied. “So you’d best be aware that if leavin’s on your mind, you’re going in there over my shoulder.”

“Leaving’s the last thing on my mind.”

He grinned. “Good answer. You ready?”

She flashed a nervous smile. “As ready as I’m ever going to be. How about you?”

His grin stretched. “Baby doll, I was born ready.”



Delaney entered the swinging doors of the Last Chance Saloon on Kade McDaniel’s arm just as a karaoke-singing Elvis struck up a heart-wrenching performance of “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You.”

The bar was packed with people, friends and hotel employees who’d gathered for the impromptu wedding, but Delaney only had eyes for Zac McDaniel. With his green eyes glittering and teeth shining brilliant white against his sun-bronzed face, Zac looked sexy as sin all in black. Her gaze took in every inch of his tall frame—from the top of his Stetson to the gleaming tips of his boots as she joined him at the altar. Handing her bouquet to Monica, she joined hands with Zac. He squeezed her hand while Elvis sang the final chorus.

Delaney didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry so she did both. In all her life, she’d never experienced those two contradictory emotions simultaneously, but it was poignant and funny and totally surreal.

Microphone in hand, Elvis began, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the exchange of solemn vows between Delaney Eliza McCall and Zachary Dylan McDaniel. If there be any suspicious minds present, it’s now or never ’cause their love won’t wait.”

Delaney rolled her eyes. Zac’s mouth twitched.

Elvis looked up, suddenly stone sober. “All jesting aside folks, marriage is an honorable estate and not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but discreetly and solemnly. Into this relationship these two persons come to be joined. Zac, do you take Delaney to be your wedded wife, to live together in bonds of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, so long as you both shall live?”

“I will,” Zac replied, his gaze locked on Delaney.

“Delaney, do you take Zac to be your wedded husband, to live together in bonds of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, so long as you both shall live?”

“I will,” Delaney whispered.

Zac fumbled as he slid the plain gold band onto Delaney’s trembling finger.

Clasping their hands together, Elvis resumed, “Inasmuch as you have consented together in marriage, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Zac drew Delaney into his arms for a long, dizzying kiss. As a new song commenced, Zac enfolded her tightly in his arms and whispered softly in her ear, “I couldn’t help falling in love with you.”