Husband Fur Hire (Bears Fur Hire #1)(70)

Thank you, he mouthed.

And she understood the deep gratitude that swam in his bright blue eyes. He’d missed his brothers. Even if their bears didn’t get along, this was a big day, and they were family. They should be here, standing beside him, just as her brother was here, showing his support.

She hadn’t planned on Ian when she put that advertisement in the newspaper, but standing here with him, holding his hands in hers, staring up into his adoring eyes, she knew their struggle had been worth it. They had fought for each other. They bore scars for each other, and loved each other beyond all faults.

She had given herself completely to a worthy man and been rewarded with a bond so deep it left her breathlessly happy.

And as she said “I do,” she was giving so much more than the simple vows the preacher had asked them to repeat.

She was promising to walk this difficult life hand in hand with her mate, no matter what danger came.

She was giving her solemn oath to spend every winter protecting him and every summer loving him unconditionally.

Her eyes were wide open going into this. Winters would always be long and hard, but summers…oh, those warm months held the potential for indescribable happiness.

“You may now kiss your bride,” the preacher said.

Up on her tiptoes, Elyse met Ian’s lips. This was the moment she would remember for always—holding Ian in the front yard of their homestead, newly married, vows still warm on their lips as the people who meant the most clapped softly behind them.

Ian rocked back and looked down at her. With the pad of his thumb, he wiped away a tear before it touched the scar on her cheek. “Elyse,” he whispered. “I’ve got you.”

She smiled slow and squeezed his hand, then said the words that were just as important as their other vows. “I’ve got you, too.”