One month later

KC stood at the front of the small chapel in Bachelor with Ellis beside him on a bright Saturday morning. He had waited a month for this day, settling into his job as the town marshal, finding and swearing in deputies. He’d tried to contact as many settlers as he could find to file charges against Little Archie, the only surviving member of the group that had intimidated and coerced them into selling. Now, Archibald Grady was busy reverting ownership back or paying out fair market value for the homesteads to settle having swindled them earlier without going to jail. Unfortunately, that sniveling snake of a man was one of the richest men in the territory, having inherited all of Mr. Anders’ business interests. KC had decided to let things calm down before he hauled the weasel in on charges of land fraud for the homestead he’d “proved up” on.

It also took time for KC to ready the two-room cabin for his bride. He’d designed their future home. He had marked all around where the walls would be built as a surprise for her tomorrow. That home would straddle both their homesteads with their bedroom sitting smack on the property line.

The Turley family, sitting in the front pews of the church, would become his family today. He stood alone at the front of the room but felt that his parents weren’t far away, that somehow they knew and were happy for him. That they’d been watching and were proud of the man he’d become and the choices he’d made. That he wore their name well. And now that he chose Eliza to wear that name with him. He thought they would love Eliza, too.

He had come to this town for a short assignment but would commit to stay here because of the love of a beautiful woman. He felt humbled that the Lord had made her just for him. His knees felt weak, and anticipation, like hot coals, raced through his veins.

He remembered the night he met Eliza. He couldn’t regret the mistake and felt heaven’s hand in it. It marked a turning point in his life from which he would never walk away. Every event in his life had brought him to this moment. If he’d missed any one of them, he might have missed Eliza completely.

The door cracked open, and he held his breath and then blew it out slowly. She walked in on her father’s arm. KC’s heart lurched, and he coughed into his hand to tamp down his emotions. Her smile was a promise of the love to come. She had pulled her hair up into soft waves and tucked early spring flowers into it.

His fists brushed across his eyes, pushing out unshed tears and clearing his vision. He didn’t want to miss one step. His heart leaped into his throat. If he could have one wish, it would be to live this moment over a thousand times, watching her walk to him and their future. When they left this church, it would be together. They would be a family and with God’s blessing, create a family of their own.

Mr. Turley placed Eliza’s hand in KC’s. “I’m giving you my daughter. I’m giving you my job to love and protect her. She’s an actual piece of me and the lives of all my family who came before. We’re trusting you with this precious gift.”

KC nodded in agreement.

Reverend Bing recited the vows, and KC thought he’d never heard sweeter words than the “I do” that came from Eliza’s lips.

As they were pronounced man and wife, KC whispered in Eliza’s ear, “My wife.” Then he kissed her before their family and friends. From this day going forward, they were one.

Among the well-wishers, the angel patted him on the back. “Congratulations, my friend. You might want to enjoy all the sleep you can. Twins run in her family.” Then he laughed and disappeared. In the distance, KC thought he could hear a donkey braying.

By early afternoon, KC carried Eliza over the threshold of the old prospector’s cabin. Stepping into their home, KC placed her feet on the floor but didn’t remove his arms from around her. She tipped to her toes and kissed him. “I love you, KC Murray.”

“I love you, Eliza, with all my heart.” His lips covered hers, and desire shot through him. His arms tightened around her as she mirrored the embrace. She tasted of life itself. Of spring mornings and winter nights. His kiss only paused as he whispered, “Thank you for saying yes.”

“I plan to say yes all night,” she whispered back, and he deepened the kiss. He thought his heart could not expand more, but then she moaned, and it did.

“If that kiss was meant to steal every rational thought from my mind, it came very close.”

“Should I try again?” KC leaned toward her. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and love. It warmed his heart and burned through his chest.

“Yes, I think we should.”