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She gaped at him. “How can you even ask that? Of course, I love Gabi. I couldn’t love her more if she were my own daughter. She’s an amazing little girl, and I’m grateful she holds a measure of affection for me.”
Josh grinned. “Oh, it’s not just affection, Rena. She loves you—deeply. Almost as much as I do. Love you, I mean.”
At Rena’s look of surprise, Josh continued. “That brings me to my second question. Do you love me?”
“Josh, I …” Rena drew in a deep breath and her shoulders straightened, as though she steeled herself for his reaction. “I do love you, Josh Gatlin, with all my heart. I have from the first moment I met you, when you came rushing at me like you’d rip me apart until you figured out Gabi was safe in my presence. You are such a good father, and it is one of the many reasons I love you.”
“That’s good, Rena, because I love you, and I don’t want to waste another day apart. Unless you put me out of my misery, my house is going to overflow with nosy, bossy people who seem to feel it is their duty to give me detailed instruction in how to properly court you while serving as unwanted and unnecessary chaperones.”
Mirth sparkled in her eyes, and Josh relaxed. “If you want a long courtship, I’ll do it. But if you hold any interest in marrying me sooner, I wouldn’t complain a bit.”
“Tell me more about the marrying you sooner plans.” Rena took a step closer to him and his heart kicked into a double rhythm.
“I love you, Renatta Liliana Burke, with all my heart. You are a breath of fresh air, a sunbeam on a cloudy day, and the happiness in my smile. You make me laugh and challenge me, and sometimes you’re thoroughly exasperating, but I love each facet that makes you so uniquely you. I know life together won’t always be easy, but I’ll do my best to make it fun and full of joy, to give you security but also freedom. I don’t want to change you, Rena. Not at all. I just want to love you. Whatever it is you want to pursue in life, I won’t object, even if that means you continue to work at a mine. You’re an amazing, intelligent, caring, capable, courageous, and passionate woman. It would be my great honor and pleasure to be your husband if you think you could tolerate being married to me. My last question of the day is this: will you marry me, Rena? Will you be my bride?”
“Yes, Josh. I’ll marry you, but only if you are absolutely certain this is what you want.” She swept a hand down the length of her. “I’m likely to continue wearing trousers most of the time, and I can’t promise that I won’t be opinionated, stubborn, and downright argumentative when I think I’m right. I’m not a woman you’ll find perched in the parlor embroidering linens if I can be outside doing something, but I will love you until my last breath and do everything in my power to make you and Gabi happy.”
“That’s all I could hope for Rena. You are an unexpected blessing, and I will give thanks every single day for the privilege of spending my life with you.”
“Just as I’m thankful for you and Gabi, Josh. I came here so broken by my past. Your love has helped me to heal and look forward to the future. I still have a ways to go, but I’d sure like it if I could finish this journey with you.”
He smirked as he settled his hands at her waist and lowered his head toward hers. “Does this mean you’ll give up shooting holes in your love targets?”
“I’d say love was right on target when it came to meeting you.” Her hands slid up his arms, and he felt her fingers brush along the back of his neck. Goose bumps broke out on his skin, and he looked forward to Rena becoming his wife. Whether she realized it or not, she was a very desirable woman.
“I think this is the part where you kiss me senseless,” she whispered, raising up on her toes so her lips almost touched his.
Their breath mingled along with their hearts as Josh wrapped her in his arms and his love.
“I reckon it is.”
“Rena!Aboxcamefor you today,” Theo hollered as he opened the cabin door and stepped inside.
She peeked over the edge of the loft as Theo set a large box on the table.
“How did you get it? Weren’t you at the mine all day?”
Theo removed his hat and hung it on a peg by the door. “We finished up early this afternoon. Cade asked me to drop some letters off at the post office. Mr. Masters caught me and said this box for you arrived on the afternoon train.”
Rena hurried down the ladder and over to the table. “Who do you think sent it?”
Theo held out his pocket knife to her. “Cut the string and find out.”
Rena would have normally saved the string, but she was too excited to pluck at the knot. She sliced it in two, then worked the lid off the box. An envelope with her name written across it rested on layers of tissue paper. She opened the flap and took out a sheet of thick parchment.
“It’s from Maggie,” she said, glancing at Theo, then reading aloud the note from her friend.
Dear Rena,
We were thrilled to hear of your upcoming nuptials to Mr. Gatlin and thank you for the wedding invitation. We do plan to be there Saturday for the ceremony. I wanted to send this ahead in hopes you might find it useful for your wedding. If you already have a dress, don’t feel obligated to wear this one.
Before you worry about paying for it, it’s a gown I had on display last year. Due to sun damage, I can’t in good faith sell it, but I think you’ll find it suits you. If it needs any alterations, I can make a few on Saturday when we arrive. Again, don’t feel like you need to wear it if you already have something planned.
Also, please consider the other garments a wedding gift from your Baker City friends.
Much love and many congratulations!
Sincerely,
