Page 40 of Bronco
He accepts my hand when Vale passes it to him. He nods solemnly at his best friend who claps him on the back and takes his place in the wedding party. I pass my bouquet of magnolia blooms and baby’s breath to Aunt Elaine, my maid of honor.
“You take my breath away,” he murmurs softly, for my ears only.
I’m wearing a tea-length vintage inspired wedding dress with half sleeves made of lace and an A-line skirt that swishes around my legs with every step. The veil pinned in my hair is elegant and classic, a true vintage find at a thrift shop.
“Back at you, cowboy,” I whisper and give him a wink. He looks stunning in his blue suit and tie. His thick, bushy beard is trimmed and well-oiled. I can’t wait to run my fingers through it tonight.
“Don’t get that look in your eye right now,” he warns me just as the officiant starts.
“Then don’t be so handsome,” I tease.
The look he sends me tells me he thinks I’m trouble, but he loves my brand of trouble. I know that from the last month we’ve spent together. Every waking moment when he wasn’t tending to the farm, Bronco has been with me.
As we repeat our vows, I watch the love shining on his face. I know this man is going to be with me forever. I never have to doubt that he’ll be on my side, and that’s a pretty amazing thing to realize about the person that you’re marrying. Nothing I face I’ll ever face alone, because Bronco’s going to be there with me. And what’s more, he believes in me. He’ll follow me through every crazy idea I have.
He reaches for the rings and our ring bearer Ryan produces them. He was pretty excited to be included in the wedding, and I love the way he’s letting himself be loved by the community here.
Bronco slides the wedding band on my finger, and it nestles perfectly against the vintage engagement ring that he proposed to me with. I slide a ring on his finger then we’re kissing and my knees are going weak in front of the whole community center.
“Happy wedding day, wife,” he says and gives me a grin that promises the best days of our life together are still to come.
Bronco
The photos are almost done when the photographer calls for another round of photos with the bride and her mother. Lauren pulls her aunt forward, and I love the way Elaine’s eyes tear up. It’s obvious she wasn’t expecting this moment.
I step back so I’m out of the frame. Most of the wedding party is already on the other side of the hedges where the reception is being hosted. Judging from the soft music and easy chatter, everyone is having a good time.
I step toward Vale who’s leaning against a tree and surveying the crowd. He glances subtly at his watch. He catches my eye and realizes I’ve seen him. “I have another flight back out in a few hours.”
“Are you going to tell me why you keep leaving?”
He looks around, making sure no one is listening to us. Then he says in a lowered voice, “I’m looking for someone.”
I keep my voice quiet, hoping I don’t regret asking this question, “Who are you looking for?”
“My wife.”
I’m quiet for so long that finally, he explains, “When I was missing and not sure who I was, I spent some time working as a mercenary on one particular job. There was a woman. She spoke several languages. She may have been a translator. We hit it off. She was only in town for one night, so we got together and got married.”
“Shit, you don’t move slow.”
He grimaces. “I think there was some alcohol involved. No, scratch that. Definitely some alcohol involved. We spent a great night together. But when I woke up the next morning, she was gone.”
“And you need to annul this marriage,” I say. It makes sense. It’s the last thread from his time overseas. Once he’s got this resolved, he’s free and clear. The military already processed his honorable discharge.
He shakes his head. “You don’t understand. The same way you and Lauren look at each other, that’s how I felt about her.”
My heart breaks for him as soon as he says that. “I couldn’t imagine if I couldn’t find Lauren.”
“She didn’t just take my heart. She took my soul. I feel like a fucking zombie wandering through the days. Don’t know how much longer I can go without her.”
“You’ll find her,” I tell him, clapping him on the back. “But if you need backup, you let me know. Me and the boys will hop a plane. Any time. Any place. Say the word.”
He smiles. It’s one of the few real ones I’ve seen since his return. “Thanks, man.”
After Vale gets waved over by the photographer, I head toward Cord and Flint. They’re deep in discussion about something, and as I get closer, I hear Flint say, “I’m telling you, show up with the white horse.”
I look at Cord, trying to figure out what’s going on. “Show up with the white horse where?”
