Spurs 'n Surrender (Operation Cowboy Book 2)(60)

As the wedding march resonated through the space, she put one foot in front of the other until the moment Wydell’s fingers closed around hers.




The lump in Wydell’s throat wouldn’t go away no matter how often he swallowed. It probably didn’t help that he’d had too many drinks the night before, thanks to his buddies. They’d taken him into the next town, and while he’d accepted a few drinks, he’d drawn the line at the offered lap dance.

Boyd, however, had taken it and disappeared for the rest of the night. He had a feeling that his friend was a little out of control right now. Hopefully he’d soon find the thing that grounded him too, as Wydell and Brodie had.

Brodie and the other guys stood up with him in their dress blues. As gifts to all of them who’d fought with Matt, Danica had small brass pins tacked to their breasts with Matt’s name stamped across it.

Looking up, Wydell’s brain did a tuck and roll. His Anya, his beautiful bride… He swallowed hard again.

This was really happening. She was coming toward him. As soon as she stood before him, her slender fingers locked in his and her eyes shining, he knew he’d gotten damn lucky in this life. And now their two heartbeats were three.

He glanced down her curvy figure to her middle. Tiny pearls circled her waist, which was just beginning to thicken. Only he noticed it, and that was because he knew her body so well. Knew everything about her, really.

And she knew him. As she spoke her vows in a crystalline voice that everyone clear to the back of the church could hear, he couldn’t have been prouder to call her his bride.

He was so excited that he might have rushed through his own vows. Pastor Kent gave him a smile and said, “I think someone’s eager to get to the kissing part. Well don’t let me stop you. Kiss your bride, Wydell.”

Without hesitation, he cupped Anya’s delicate jaw and swooped in as she threw her arms around him. Lips colliding, her bouquet crushed against his nape. And her sweet flavors galloping through his mind.

Still kissing her, he swung her into his arms and carried her down the aisle. When they burst out the door, Anya tossed her bouquet behind her without bothering with a glance.

“I can’t believe you didn’t let anybody get a photo of that,” he said, nibbling her ear.

“Have you been pining for one?” That sassy tone of hers bordered on argumentative.

“Why, yes, Mrs. Jackson, I have.” He set her on her feet and they stared at each other while people poured out of the church. He was vaguely aware of photographs being snapped, but he was too busy looking at Anya.

“Wydell, will you wear your cowboy hat for the reception?”

A crooked smile spread across his face. “I can’t believe you’d want to be seen with me wearing that battered old thing.”

“I do. I surrendered myself to the Marine, but the cowboy holds a special place in my heart too.”

“Does that mean I get to wear my spurs to bed?”

“Don’t push your luck, babe.” She went on tiptoe to kiss him.





5 Years Later


A sea of balloons bobbed along the sidewalk, the strings clutched tightly in children’s fists as the townsfolk made their way to the memorial park. Anya gripped her little daughter’s hand, smiling inside and out. She could practically feel the excitement in the air. The whole town seemed to be humming with it.

The second annual Los Vista Memorial Day parade had ended and there would be a twenty-one-gun salute in honor of the vets who’d fought or lost their lives. Members of this town, new and old.

She couldn’t help but smile down at little Chesney. She might have her blonde hair but she had her daddy’s eyes.

“Daddy’s at the park?”

“Yes.”

“Where he takes me to play?”

“That’s right.”

“And there’s fireworks?”

“Tonight, yes.”

A small boy moving slowly down the sidewalk alongside his parents let go of his balloon. The red orb floated up and out of reach. A howl rose from the child, and tears began to fall. His father lifted him and patted his back.

“Hey!” Chesney tugged the man’s arm. When he looked down at her, she said, “He can have my balloon.”

If Anya hadn’t already been emotional, that did the trick. Her heart couldn’t hold another bit of happiness or pride. This town, her family, everything was perfect.

“Thank you. Aren’t you a nice girl?” the father asked.

She passed the boy the balloon, and they smiled at each other.

“Is that Miss Chesney I see?” Danica’s distinct voice brought Anya around with a smile. She stood there with their brood. Twins and an infant strapped onto her chest, all as dark-haired as their mother.

Anya greeted them with hugs and kisses, and suddenly Garrett and Boyd were there too, decked out in their dress blues.

“Runnin’ late. Brodie and Wydell already at the park?” Garrett asked. He lifted a hand to his collar, and his shiny new wedding band flashed in the sunlight. “Dang, haven’t worn a collar this tight in ages.”

Anya laughed. “We just saw you in one two weeks ago at the wedding. Where’s Miranda?” She looked around.

“She’s um…runnin’ late too.” He grinned, and Anya and Danica exchanged a laugh. Boyd elbowed him in the ribs.