"Do you Mae Hawkins take John McClain to be your lawful wedded husband?" Ryan stood in front of them and spoke, but all Mae could focus on were John's beautiful gray eyes glued to hers. The day had finally come when they'd be joined as husband and wife.

The wedding was all she dreamed of. The Jacobs' small chapel was replete with wildflowers and blue ribbons. Every bench filled with townspeople and friends.

The only person whose presence would have made the day even more perfect was Miss Lady. Although Mae felt her presence in her heart, it filled her and kept her smile in place.

Miss Lady would be delighted for her, for the turn of events, which she'd no doubt anticipated when forcing her on the trip west with John. Yes, Miss Lady would be sitting at the front bench with a knowing smile and happy for her in seeing she was finally joyful and fulfilled.

When it was time to exchange rings, she gave her small bouquet of blue wildflowers to Patty who stood next to her as her matron of honor. And then it was time to repeat the vows and place the golden ring onto John's finger. Her hand trembled in his, and John squeezed it to reassure her.

Wesley stood tall beside John, his face solemn when handing John her ring. Her heart swelled with pride at their little boy.

John's voice was strong when he said his vows until the last word when it hitched and she let out a breath at his being affected as much as she was.

A sniffle took her attention, and she slid her gaze over to Elma who sat next to Lucinda. Both wiped their eyes with bright white handkerchiefs and blew their noses at the same time. The Hispanic woman had been so excited at the news that Wesley would remain at the house that she'd burst into tears in the middle of the kitchen and had to be helped to sit.

Not only had Mae grown to love the child, but Wesley had managed to steal Elma and Lucinda's heart as well.

After the ceremony, everyone went to the Jacobs' home where a large banquet had been laid on tables outside for the celebration. Many of the townspeople were present, and Mae milled about with John getting to know the people who she'd be neighbors with now.

John's parents had traveled from Virginia for the wedding, and much to her delight, she and his mother Elizabeth McClain had immediately hit it off. Her new mother-in-law was a strong no-nonsense type who did not mince words. Just like her son, she went straight to the point when speaking. She'd taken Mae aside and told her she approved of the marriage and was glad John was marrying a strong woman and not some simpering wallflower. Mae had laughed and hugged the woman.

John's father Robert McClain was the complete opposite of her mother-in-law and son. Easy-going and patient, the man spent hours reading to Wesley and telling him stories. He'd walked to the barn and helped Alan with the care of the horses and milking of cows. The elder McClain proclaimed to fall in love with the lands and that upon news of a second grandchild, they'd move to Texas and live in John's now empty house.

His mother shook her head in response. "We'll have to split our time since the girls remain in Virginia Robert."

The evening finally came, and John ushered Mae into the master bedroom they would now share. Her entire body trembled in anticipation, and she fumbled with her hairpiece. Mae stood in the middle of the room waiting for him to lock the door. Everyone was abed, and the house was quiet.

John came to her and cupped her face taking her lips with his. "It's been so hard to wait until this night. It seemed like it would never arrive." He kissed her again and she squirmed attempting to unbutton his shirt.

"It will be worth it," Mae replied and caressed his face. "And because we have the rest of our lives to be together, each time will be special."

"Yes, the rest of our life." John pressed his lips to hers.

When he fumbled with the buttons down the front of her dress, she finally lost her patience. "Let's take our own clothes off," she told him, her words breathless while making quick work of the fastenings of her dress. "Hurry, John."

The crooked smile as he undressed made it harder for to Mae remove her clothing. Her heartbeat quickened as more of his body was revealed. When his shirt slipped from his wide shoulders displaying the broad expanse of chest for her eyes to feast upon, Mae stopped moving and just stared at him transfixed. His body was perfect.

Hands on his pants front, John began to push them from his narrow hips. Darkened eyes met hers. "Take your clothes off Mae." The huskiness of his request prompted her to move.

Within moments, her dress was folded over a chair, her hairpiece and short gloves next to it on the top of a table. For a strange reason, she felt shyness overtake until she lifted her gaze to John's. His eyes traveled over her body, and his chest expanded with his rapid breathing. She rushed to him.

Finally without the impediment of clothing, they clasped onto each other, mouths and bodies fused, fitting perfectly.

Mae slid her hands up his wide back and wrapped her arms around his nape. When his mouth covered hers, she pushed into him needing to touch every inch of his large body against her own.

John guided her to the bed and laid her upon it following after her.

Making love with her husband was an experience unlike anything she expected. Every moment of exploration and discovery was like unwrapping a beautiful gift. She'd never forget this night, a dream come true of being held and loved by the man she loved.

"What are you thinking Mae?" Joined with her, John stopped moving and pressed a kiss to her brow. "Why are you frowning?"

"I'm puzzled at how I could ever deserve to be so happy." Mae replied kissing his lips.

"You deserve so much more." He continued to keep an eye on her, a soft curve to his lips. "I love you."

"And I love you John McClain. But..."

"But?"

"Please keep moving; don't stop." She lifted her hips to emphasize her words.

Thankfully he took instruction well.

When their movements reached a frantic pace from which there was only one outcome, the breathtaking destination of bliss, Mae called out his name and lost all control flaying under him.

John's hoarse cry penetrated through the fogginess and she held him until he finally relaxed.

"I love you Mae, I love you so much." John began pressing kisses all over her face and Mae knew it was true because she accepted it fully, the words sinking into her very soul.