Montana Secrets (19 page)

Six months later

G
RACE HADN'T PLANNED
on being a June bride, but when Seth set his mind to something, she'd learned he generally got his way. She took a deep breath, conscious of everyone's eyes on her as she exited the house with Brent at her side, her hand on his arm as they walked down the aisle toward the garden where the ceremony would take place.

She spotted Seth standing beneath the decorated arbor, handsome in his tux and western string tie. She'd never seen him in formal dress. Not even when the ranch officially opened its doors for business two months earlier after a whirlwind of activity and building to accommodate their physically limited guests.

Seth leaned heavily on the cane in his hand, but when their eyes met, he straightened, a smile curving his lips up.

He'd been impatient to get married immediately,
but as he wanted to stand during the ceremony, he'd agreed to her request to wait long enough to heal and cope with not only Roy's attack, but with all the changes taking place in her life.

Two weeks earlier Roy had been sentenced to prison for attempted rape, assault and every other charge that could be thrown his way. His prison term wasn't a long one, but at least he was gone and would now have a record following his release.

As she watched, Seth's expression filled with love, and he was uncaring that nearly all of North Star watched. He winked at her and nudged Jake, murmuring something that made both men grin and more than one woman in the crowd smile in response, including Maura, her matron of honor. Jake and Maura's baby boys were propped up by pillows as they were pulled up the aisle in front of her in a decorated wagon led by Lexi. Even Blackie was dressed for the occasion, the all-white cat sported a soft pink bow that matched Lexi's dress.

When Grace was at Seth's side, she accepted his extended hand, sighing at the love and support she found in his eyes.

Their gazes locked firmly on each other, she and Seth vowed before God and their family and friends to love each other for the rest of their lives, to battle through the hard times and relish the good. Side by side.

Grace didn't believe it was possible to feel so exposed, so vulnerable, and yet so happy while she bared her heart and soul to everyone present.

“You may kiss your bride.”

With a wicked grin and promise in his eyes, Seth tossed his cane to Jake and cradled her face in his hands, raising her mouth to his. Their lips met, held in a sweet, soft caress that deepened to the delight and cheers of the crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Seth Rowland of the Second Chance Ranch!”