Chapter Nine

“Wow, this is going to be a fun time, bro,” Matt said, slinging his arm around his older brother. The family gathered down at the Cooper’s ranch for the wedding. Spencer grabbed Rose and pulled her close when a group of cowboys came into the room. Ryan laughed because he was still possessive of Rose.

“What are you laughing at, Ryan? Your bride is tucked away getting ready. Wait until all the guys around here get a look at her. If I was you, I’d tell the preacher to skip the whole if anyone objects part.” A sudden panic took over Ryan. He left his brother on a mission to find the preacher who was talking to Mr. Cooper. Matt laughed, until he saw his wife smiling at Aaron Cooper.

Ryan, getting reassurance from the preacher, turned to see Matt moving fast and so did Spencer, who started moving toward their brother. Thankfully, crisis was averted when Mr. Cooper took his son out of the fray.

“Matt, I can’t believe you,” Candice snipped.

“Cut him some slack, Candice. Three o’clock,” Spencer said, tilting his head. She looked that way to see two guys eyeing her. “There’s a lot of single guys in this place and you’re beautiful. I feel like I want to box, too, but I’m not worried that Rose is going anywhere. You and Matt just got together and you know his ass already thought you wanted Ryan.”

“I know, but I don’t want him ruining his brother’s wedding. Besides, this ring says it all, doesn’t it?” She lifted her hand with her ring on it.

“Yes, it does,” Matt grumbled.

“Okay, so can we get all of you to behave? I have a woman to marry before I lose my mind.”

“The preacher’s been warned?” Matt asked with a tease.

“Hell yeah, he has.” Ryan nodded, then walked to his spot at the altar. Marrying July was all he could think about. He wasn’t as worried as his brothers because these fools all had their chance and she didn’t want them, she wanted him. It did help that she was carrying his baby. He smiled to himself, thinking about his future.

“Son,” Richard Kane called to his lost in space boy. “Earth to Ryan, Earth to Ryan.”

“Sorry, dad.”

“No, it’s perfect, son. That’s the look a man in love has. You’re in love with her and it shows. Even her father sees that.” Ryan looked for his father-in-law to be, who was smiling and relaxed as he talked to another guest.

“Yeah, I’m grateful for that. Everyone around here carries guns, and honor and respect are more important than anything. I love her, dad.”

“I’m happy for you. She’s a great girl and soon we’ll have another Kane baby. They’re going to be coming out of the woodwork.” He smiled then took his seat. Ryan noticed that Mr. Cooper left, so the show was just about to begin. His heart was thumping a million miles a minute. The brothers and sister went to join the wedding party, making Ryan anxious. He wanted her as his wife already and it seemed to be taking forever. He’d waited so long he almost lost her and he wouldn’t risk that again.

The music started and all eyes moved to the back. Each bridesmaid came forward with his groomsmen, and then it was the moment he’d been dreaming about. In a gown made of thin silk and lace that went down to the floor and the sleeves hung off her shoulders, July appeared on her father’s arm. “I’m so lucky,” Ryan muttered to himself, his gaze focused on his bride. The preacher heard his words, nodding in his own pleasure to see a groom eager to be married. The smile spread across Ryan’s face along with a small chuckle of happiness.

Her veil covered her face, but he could see her eyes through it. They were perfectly bright and he told himself that this memory would never leave him for as long as he lived. She met him at the altar despite Ryan attempting a few steps before feeling Spencer’s hand on his shoulder. With a deep breath, he controlled himself enough to wait for her.

Once Mr. Cooper handed over July to Ryan, he whispered, “Thank you, July.”

The ceremony was over without any objections, but Ryan did give the preacher a dirty look when he didn’t skip that part. As soon as they became Mr. and Mrs. Kane, he scooped her up and carried her down the aisle. He was feeling powerful, territorial, and excited. The crowd cheered on the overzealous groom, who disappeared into the house with his bride. He was up the stairs and to her bedroom, all the while, July giggled. He sat her down on the bed, then got down on his knees and held her hands.

“I have to say this in private, July. You only deserve to hear this. I love you so much that I feel like I can’t breathe without you. I think about you whenever you’re not around and the thought of losing you still plays in my head and I will live with that fear for the rest of my days because you are by far the greatest thing in my life. Thank you for marrying me. For giving me a future that I crave and for the love I’ve always hoped for.” July emotions were just as visible as Ryan’s. Tears streamed down her face. She placed her hands on his cheeks as she stared down on Ryan.

“Thank you for marrying me. I’ve loved you for so long, I didn’t want to live without you. My heart needed for you to claim it. I can’t wait for us to have this baby and many more. You make me so happy that I can’t imagine what I would do without you.”

Ryan rose up to kiss her lips. It started off soft and sweet, but as the emotions intensified, he pushed his weight on her until her back hit the mattress. He slid his hand up from her waist, skimming the edge of her breast. They didn’t have time for sex, but he couldn’t help touching her. With one more kiss, he let her up.

She giggled when she looked at him. He had to adjust his cock that was very noticeable. He went to her mirror on the dresser and saw how disheveled he looked. She had gotten a hold of his hair and he didn’t even care. The only reason he straightened up was to keep her from being embarrassed. With a quick peck, he led her out of the room and back down to the massive crowd who’d been waiting to congratulate the couple.

Two hours later, Ryan had another surprise for July. They had a honeymoon to Greece to get to. “I told you mind was bigger.” He pointed to the large, private jet with a wink.