Page 163 of Buck ’Em Cowgirl

Because that was when I saw her.

My bride.

Dressed in white.

The kind of thing only Fable could pull off—country yet elegant, dramatic yet effortless. The bodice was fitted, cinching at her waist before cascading into a full, layered skirt that brushed the ground, the sheer lace overlay catching the light. Delicate floral embroidery stretched across the fabric, mirroring the colorful flowers on the arch, and a long, flowing train stretched behind her, sweeping through the dirt.

Her honey-colored hair was pinned up, loose strands curling around her face, and her green eyes—those damn green eyes—shimmered as they locked onto mine.

Gatlin and Dad both got the hint, stepping back toward the barn to give us a moment.

I grinned, stepping toward her. “Pretty sure I’m not supposed to see you yet.”

She let out a soft, nervous laugh, her hands fisting slightly in her skirt. “I couldn’t wait. I was too nervous. I needed to see you.”

I exhaled slowly, drinking her in, trying to memorize this moment.

“My beautiful bride,” I murmured, reaching out to take her hands.

She was trembling slightly, and I squeezed her fingers, grounding her.

“You nervous?”

She nodded. “Not about this. Not about us. Just . . . everything.”

I smiled, rubbing my thumb over her knuckles. “You don’t have to be. This?” I gestured between us. “This is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

Her lips parted slightly, her breath shaky.

“You and me, baby,” I murmured, stepping closer, lowering my voice for her. “We’ve already been through the hard parts. The long nights. The fears. The things we had to fight for.”

Her fingers curled around mine, holding tight.

“This life we’re buildin’?” I continued, my gaze locked onto hers. “It’s gonna be beautiful, Fable. Messy, maybe. Chaotic, definitely. But it’s ours. I’m never gonna let go.”

Her eyes shimmered, her lips trembling, and I knew—I knew—she felt it too.

This wasn’t a wedding.

This was a beginning.

“You know what I love about you?” she murmured, tilting her head slightly.

I grinned. “Besides my good looks and undeniable charm?”

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “You make everything feel safe. Like, no matter what happens, no matter how messy or chaotic life gets, I don’t have to be afraid.” She lifted our hands, pressing my knuckles to her lips. “That’s all I ever wanted, Beau. A life that feels steady. A love that feels like home.”

My chest ached with love.

I cupped her face, brushing my thumb along her cheek before leaning in, catching her lips in a deep, slow kiss, one that held every promise I couldn’t put into words.

She melted into me, sighing softly, her hands resting against my chest, and I swore I could’ve stayed in this moment forever⁠—

Except the sound of boots scuffing against dirt broke us apart.

I stepped back, turning in time to see Dalton rounding the corner—cowboy hat on, half-asleep, and definitely not dressed for the occasion.

“The fuck, dude?” I blurted. “You were supposed to be here hours ago.”