Forbidden Cowboy (Rocky Ridge Creek #1)

Epilogue

WILMA AND FAYE

––––––––

“THERE’S NOTHING LIKE a good ol’ shotgun wedding.” Faye fans her face with the rustic-inspired hand fan.

The wedding of Hope and Levi is printed on one side of the fan and the wedding party is listed on the opposite. As if the town didn’t know exactly which bridesmaid was walking down the aisle with which groomsman before they arrived.

“Right here will be perfect.” Wilma chooses a hay bale nice and close to the front of the outdoor ceremony.

Mismatched quilts cover hay bales that are being used as rows of chairs. Wild flowers inside cowboy boots are placed at the end of each aisle. Two old wooden doors joined together with logs create an archway where the groom awaits his bride.

“A Wilde and a Fox, who would’ve imagined?” Faye plops down beside her sister, fixing her hat to block the hot afternoon sun. “It’s beginning.”

Wedding music from the local folk band commences. The Wilde and Fox siblings are paired together as groomsmen and bridesmaids. They walk down the aisle, arms looped, smiles not as convincing as they should. Hesitance remains and will take time to overcome. The ring bearer, Rex, chases behind the two flower girls, Lex and Lily. Soon Henry Fox escorts his lovely daughter, Hope down the aisle. The aisle which only days ago had been a fence dividing the Wilde and Fox property.

The vows are exchanged and the celebration continues under a large tent. Before dinner is served, Wilma and Faye carry their large box to the main table and set it down in front of the newlyweds.

The groom sips a beer and eyes the package. “Whatever could this be?” He might not be as grumpy as he was, but he still carries his teasing sarcasm.

Hope unties the red bow. “I, for one, am very excited to see how the quilt turned out.”

Together, they lift off the lid and tear away the tissue paper.

Hope runs her fingers over the material. “It’s beautiful.”

“Do you recognize this?” Levi touches the lilac floral pattern.”

“No.”

“It’s from the dress you were wearing the first time you climbed over the fence. Remember, you ripped it?”

Hope’s eyes light up recalling the memory. “You’re right.”

“Of course I’m right. I remember it like it was yesterday.” Levi kisses his bride before looking back to the sisters. “The real question is, how did you get her dress?”

Wilma straightens. “We do not give away our sources.” She lowers her voice. “But when you have your first child, we will set up a meeting and explain how the quilting begins.”

“Do we know how soon that might be?” Faye inquires.

Levi smiles wide. “Sooner than you might think.”

Walking back to their seats, Wilma zeroes in on a lonely cowboy dancing his night away with his beloved daughter. She nudges her sister and points at the strapping lad. “Wheeler Wilde will be the inspiration for our next quilt.”

Faye’s eyes light up like a bright sunny day.

“And I know exactly who to call.”

––––––––

THE END