In Shining Whatever (Three Magic Words Trilogy #2)(71)

Background music to "The Rose" began and Theron pushed back a layer of chiffon. He and Fancy strolled down the aisle on a five-foot section of pale green carpet. When they reached the arch, Theron gave Fancy a kiss on the cheek and went to stand on Hart's side. Then Patrick and Sophie came in and took their places.

When the curtains parted the third time, Hart's breath caught in his chest. Mary was on one side of her daughter, Maw Maw on the other. The traditional wedding march started, and the three women slowly made their way toward the groom. When they'd gone three or four steps, the music stopped.

Kate stifled a giggle. Something had to go wrong that day. Thank goodness it was a glitch in the music and not rain or a tornado. Hart took two steps forward, keeping his eyes on Kate. He had a microphone in his hand, and piano music began to tinkle from behind a curtain off to the left of the arch.

She recognized the song immediately.

It was "Lady" by Kenny Rogers, and Hart had the same throaty voice that made Kenny famous. From the moment he sang the first words that said he was her knight in shining armor, the rest of the world disappeared. Hart was singing to her, and she heard and saw nothing else.

Her mother and Maw Maw started walking with her again. Hart looked at no one else, as once he'd thought he'd never find her, and he'd waited for her so long. When she stood in front of him, he was singing that she was his lady and the love of his life.

The song ended, and he handed the microphone to Theron, and she gave her bouquet of multicolored roses to Sophie. Then he took her hand in his, and they turned to face the preacher.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here this evening ..." he said, beginning the traditional ceremony.

When it came time for Hart to say his vows, he took both of Kate's hands in his and looked deeply into her eyes. "Mary Katherine Miller, you are the love of my life and my lady. I will always love you and I'll always be your knight in shining whatever. I promise to never, ever leave you"

She kissed him on the cheek when he'd finished. "Jethro Hart Ducaine, I've been in love with you since grade school. I intend to love you, not unto death, but beyond that. When we are old and have loved for many years, if you should go first, wait for me outside the pearly gates, because I'll join you as soon as I can. I don't want to live a single day without you."

Mary sniffed into a lace-edged handkerchief.

Maw Maw wiped at a tear.

Elisa buried her face in a handkerchief and wept.

After they'd exchanged rings, the preacher pronounced them man and wife and told Hart he could kiss his bride.

He did the job justice.

"You are truly my lady," he whispered.

"And there's no doubt you are my whatever," she whispered back.

The preacher said, "I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jethro Hart Ducaine."

Hart led her to the back and out into the reception area. "How long do we have to stay?" he asked.

"Until Maw Maw says we can go"

"The bride and groom will dance their first dance together now," the lead singer of the band announced.

Kate melted into Hart's arms as the singer sang "Lady" again. To Kate's way of thinking, it didn't sound nearly as sexy as when Hart sang it.

The minute the last note floated out through the crowd, they were surrounded with well-wishing friends and family.

Patrick picked up a microphone and announced that food was being served and the band would be playing for the rest of the night. He thanked everyone for attending and welcomed Kate into their family.

"Rest of the night?" Hart moaned.

Theron clapped him on the back. "Take my advice and stay a long time. The mommas will love you"

Kate touched Hart's arm. "Let's eat. I'm starving."

Food was served Texas-style rather than by waiter. Several long tables were laden down with everything from jambalaya to barbecue. One table had been reserved for the wedding party, so when her plate was overflowing, Kate took her place beside her husband.

Aunt Maud hugged her from behind and whispered in her ear, "I'm so glad to see you settling down and happy like Fancy. This fall, when I die, Sophie is going to need your attention."

"We'll take care of her, Aunt Maud. She's liable to get her three magic words fulfilled too"

Maud moved around and sat in the chair reserved for Sophie. "I heard about that, and I sure hope she does. I'm doing everything I can to make it happen"

That got Kate's attention. "You're not looking at the preacher that keeps showing up in our circles, are you?"

"Good God, no! She doesn't need another preacher. She didn't need the first one. I need to tell you something so you'll be prepared, but you have to swear on your wedding vows that you won't tell Sophie. You can tell Fancy later, but never Sophie," Aunt Maud whispered.

Kate was all ears. "I swear."

"My late husband didn't leave his half of the ranch to his nephew, Elijah. He left the whole thing to me. It's me that's leaving half to Elijah. He's retired military and speaks his mind. He's rich as Sophie, and they're each going to try to buy out the other. It'll do her good to come up against Elijah. I just wish I could stick around to see the fireworks."

"Oh!" Kate said.

Aunt Maud shook a finger at her and giggled like a schoolgirl. "Just take care of her. She's going to need both of you. And remember, you swore."