The Wrangler Takes a Wife (Silver Creek Ranch #7)

Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

A mara

Nothing felt different. Everything felt the same. Chase and Amara had driven up to New Oxford, a city right outside of Calgary, and spent the night. Then when they woke up this morning, they headed to the courthouse, got a license, exchanged vows, and tied the knot. He slipped a thin band which matched her engagement ring on her finger. Yet she felt like the same old Amara. Maybe if they married for love, the vows would have magically transformed this into something new and she’d feel like Chase’s wife. The big celebration waiting for them seemed pointless.

“Hey, you’ve been quiet the entire trip back. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you ready for the wedding?”

As she feared, when Chase involved her family, they completely took over. What had started off as a little party had grown into a full-blown wedding. They were going to repeat their vows in front of family and friends, then a reception would follow. Amara’s input was minimal. She nodded through most of the planning, chose items when she was pushed and reeled them in, when necessary. Because hell no, they weren’t arriving at the reception in a hot air ballon. Louisa and Jo were ridiculous.

She allowed them to persuade her to get a wedding outfit, but she refused to buy a wedding dress.

Chase snapped his fingers, drawing her attention. “I’m ready as I’ll ever be,” Amara finally answered.

As they pulled up to the diner, Chase let out a sharp whistle. “I don’t believe this shit!”

“Believe what?”

He pointed to a tall Asian man standing in front of the diner. “That’s Ryan.” Chase had mentioned him. They had met when they enlisted and remained friends.

“Were you expecting him?”

“No. This is a surprise.” They got out of the truck and approached Ryan, who was leaning against a pole. Once they got close, he uncrossed his arms.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“Well, I heard you gave a woman Stockholm Syndrome so bad, she agreed to marry you. I had to come see it for myself.” Ryan winked at Amara.

He was a handsome man. Well, more like pretty. Honestly, he didn’t look like he’d ever done a moment of hard work his entire life.

“You have all the jokes. Amara, this is Ryan. Ryan, this is my wife Amara.”

Ryan shook her hand but didn’t let go. “Your wife? I missed the wedding?” He asked Chase.

“Not really. It’s a long story. I’ll explain later.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Amara.”

“You too. How was your trip?”

“It wasn’t too bad. I flew in yesterday and drove into town this morning.”

Chase cleared his throat loudly.

“What do you want?” Ryan asked him.

“Let go of her hand already,” Chase replied.

Ryan ignored him. “It’s your hand, Amara. What do you think?”

“You can let go of it if you’d like.”

“I like you already Amara.”

“I don’t know how much you’ll like her after she gets your ass whooped.”

“Well, I didn’t expect marriage to make you delusional.” Ryan shot Chase an incredulous look.

“Let go of her hand. Damnit.”

Ryan chuckled as he released her hand with a flourish. They all spoke for a while and the men made plans to grab lunch in the diner. Amara couldn’t stay, as she had a wedding to dress for. Nancy arrived to pick up Amara to get her ready for the festivities.

“Who the hell was that?” Nancy asked as they drove away.

“Ryan, Chase’s friend.”

“He’s fine as fuck.”

“You have a whole husband.”

“I know. What I don’t have is a side dude.”

Amara laughed so hard she had to wipe the tears from her eyes. Nancy was way too much.

“So, you’re officially married now, too. How was it?”

“It was fine.”

“Hm. Okay, last chance to get you away from this production and horse show? I’ll hide you.”

This is why Amara loved Nancy so much. She was a true friend. There was no doubt in her mind if she told Nancy she didn’t want to go, she’d turn the car around.

“No. It’s okay.”

“Alright, if you say so. I just want you happy.”

“I am.”

“Tell your face. Seriously, stop worrying so much. Everything doesn’t have to fit into a perfect box. You guys have mad chemistry. You get along. It can make for a splendid marriage. Not everyone needs the make your teeth ache kind of love. My guy grew on me.”

The message was heard, but Amara didn’t know if she received it. Nancy might not know exactly what was going on with Amara and Chase, but her friend was paying attention, and it meant a lot.

Besides, the couple had already tied the knot. This part was all for show. What a show it was.

Amara was directed to take a shower once they arrived at Louisa’s. One of her cousin’s wives was a makeup artist and had Amara looking flawless. Another did her hair. No braids today. She missed the comfort of it. It was blown out and then barrel curls were added. There was a last-ditch attempt to have her wear a wedding dress. She was offered two hand-me-down dresses but declined. Once they saw her beautiful two-piece white lace outfit, they raved at how stunning she looked. Although Amara objected to the traditional ceremony, it didn’t stop her from having something blue. The outfit was completed with blue cowgirl boots. This sure beat the white silk top and grey slacks she wore to the civil ceremony.

In a show of unprecedented understanding, her wedding party disappeared, giving her a moment alone. Amara enjoyed that solitude for fifteen treasured minutes.

Tap, tap.

“Come in,” she called.

“Prettiest thing this side of heaven,” he greeted as he walked into the room.

“Daddy!!” Amara was pulled into a bear hug. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Do you really think I would miss my baby girl’s wedding?”

After their engagement had been announced, her parents had called her from their cruise. They didn’t have many questions. Her mother had unwavering confidence in Amara and her decision making. Her father trusted her mother.

“ We wish we could be here, but this cruise doesn’t end for another nine days.”

But here her dad was. “You left your cruise early? For me?” Her dad paying extra for anything was a big deal.

“Of course.” He let go of her. “I didn’t mess up your outfit, did I?”

“No.” Amara shook her head. She wouldn’t care if he did. She was just happy he was here.

“So, I met your Chase.”

Amara held her breath. She didn’t know why, but she wanted her father to like him. Her father reached for her hand.

“It is a little late for nerves now.” He chuckled teasingly. “We had a good chat. I like what I see and hear… so far.”

Her father was a man of few words. So, the little he said was a big deal. Her smile faltered as a bout of guilt attacked her. The people she loved were a party to what she and Chase did.

“Are you okay?” Concern threaded his voice.

Amara shrugged, then nodded. “Yes, it is a big day. So much change.”

“Change isn’t always a bad thing. Besides, you are not alone on this journey. Embrace your new life. There isn’t anything you can’t accomplish if you work at it.”

“Thanks, Daddy.”

“When you are ready, I’ll drive you over to the barn.” She nodded. Rodney had offered to accompany her to the venue and walk her down the aisle, but she declined both offers. There wasn’t a point. She was already married, so she didn’t need to be given away. Amara couldn’t decline her father’s offer for the ride. Thankfully, he didn’t raise an objection to not walking her down the aisle. “I’m just happy to be here for the celebration.”

Her mom was waiting outside by the car. “Let it not be said I don’t make beautiful children,” her mother gushed, cupping her face lightly.

“I’m so happy to see you both.” Amara had known her momma was close by when she saw her father.

“Let’s get you to the barn,” her momma instructed.

It was a short drive to the community barn the town used for events. Damn, there were so many vehicles. The doors were open, displaying the transformed space. She’d seen it decorated for weddings before. The barn had looked good… great, even. Her family had gone above and beyond transforming it into a magical space with flowers and lanterns. It looked like a magazine. Half of the area was the ceremony, and the other was set up for the reception. The attendees looked as good as the decorations. All of them wore their Sunday best. It was all so much to take in.

Her parents kissed her cheeks, then went in and took their seats.

Amara saved the best for last. Finally, she looked to where Chase stood up front by the archway. The man cleaned up damn well. The navy blazer and Wrangler dress jeans fit him to perfection. Neither were tight but were tailored enough to show he was a muscular man. And hell if he didn’t accessorise with a bolo tie and his champion Wrangler belt buckle and finished the look with a cowboy hat she’d never seen before.

Chase was already walking towards her as they had agreed to meet halfway. Her steps slowed as he smiled at her. He continued walking until he reached her. “Hello,” he greeted, offering her his elbow.

Amara took ahold of it right away. “Hello. You came more than halfway.”

“You’re worth the extra steps.”

Amara felt her knees tremble at his words, and her heart raced. It was difficult for her to hold back her emotions as she felt her cheeks flush. She admonished herself to calm down. He was just getting caught up in the spirit of exchanging nuptials. There was no way he meant what he said. Thankfully, the ceremony would be short.

The officiant was an attorney who was a friend of Jo’s. They both agreed having a minister officiate would push things too far. It was the reason they had poured over their vows. They agreed on one that wasn’t too dishonest. The internet was such a resourceful place.

While they held hands, Amara recited the carefully selected vow.

“I invite you to share my life. You are the most clever and kind individual I have ever known, and I promise to always be in your corner. Together, I know we can do anything. I can’t wait to work hand in hand to build a beautiful life together.”

However, when it was Chase’s turn, he did not follow the script! Why was this man incapable of sticking to the plan? For a man who didn’t even like country music, why would he dedicate the words from a country song as his vow? Amara was both devastated and elated as he recited words from “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes.

“As good as you make me feel

I wanna make you feel better

Better than your fairy tales

Better than your best dreams

You’re more than everything I need.”

Amara didn’t realise that she had spilt tears until he used his thumb to wipe them away. His words made her wish that today was about more than just an agreement between them. However, when she looked into his eyes… really studied them. It was clear to Amara they shared more than she had acknowledged. He cared for her, and she felt the same.

“Are you okay?” he mouthed.

“Yes.” She nodded.

Slowly, a smile spread across his face, and despite all her mixed emotions, she couldn’t help but return it. Despite everyone being around, it felt like the moment belonged to them alone.

The officiant cleared his throat. “I hate to interrupt your bubble, but Chase, you can kiss your bride.”

“It’s okay. You can interrupt anytime for that.”

The crowd burst out in laughter. Chase cupped her face, studying it intently. He leaned in slowly, brushing his lips gently against hers, savoring the moment. Her heart fluttered as his lips lingered. She closed her eyes, feeling a warmth spread through her body. Whistles interrupted as the kiss intensified. They slowly pulled apart, their eyes dancing with joy.

The officiant finished the ceremony and presented them as Mr. and Mrs. Chase Harrison. The crowd erupted in applause, but all she could focus on was the happiness radiating between them.