Free Never Marry a Cowboy by Lorraine Heath Page A

you, David.”
    Love filled his eyes as he touched her cheek. “I wish it could be more, Ashton.”
    She knew that he wanted her to be well, but no one could grant her that wish. “It’s enough, David, that I have tonight.”
    He nodded before slapping the reins over the horses’ rumps and setting the carriage into motion. Ashton settled back against the seat as twilight eased around her. She saw the first star appear in the skyand smiled softly, knowing any wish she could have made would pale in comparison to the dream unfolding this evening.
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    â€œI cannot believe that you agreed to this idiotic scheme,” Harry whispered harshly as he stood beside Kit at the front of the church.
    â€œI don’t recall asking for your opinion on the matter,” Kit snapped, waiting for his bride to arrive and begin her walk down the aisle. He did not need to hear his own misgivings echoed aloud.
    Word of his impending marriage had seeped into every ear within hearing distance and the strength of the pews was being tested as a crowd of people gathered to gain sight of the woman who had supposedly captured their marshal’s heart with a solitary smile.
    â€œHave you given any thought to the fact that you might meet someone you wish to marry before you become a widower?” Harry asked. “What then? Do you ask the woman to wait, when physicians have predicted death’s arrival in error before? Do you honor vows that demand you forsake all others—”
    Kit sliced his gaze to his friend. “What I do demand is that you shut up!”
    â€œâ€”Forsake all others until death do you part,” Harry continued. “You cannot be celibate for six weeks, much less six months. Will you make a mockery of these vows?”
    â€œI will make a mockery of no vows I take this day. I am giving one woman a chance to live her dream. Would you do no less for Jessye?”
    â€œBut I love Jessye. You do not love Ashton. Therein lies the difference, my friend. You are simply sending yourself more deeply into the bowels of hell.”
    â€œOr perhaps I am seeking absolution. All I know is that no harm shall come of this day or this arrangement because no woman in this world gives a bloody damn what I do. There shall never be a woman other than Clarisse whom I shall love.”
    The preacher cleared his throat.
    Kit gave Harry a level glare. “Now, either walk away from my side, or cease your condemnation and remain the stalwart friend that I need at this moment.”
    Harry gave a brusque nod. “I pray to God that you never come to rue this day.”
    The organist began to play, sending music to the far corners of the rafters. Kit took a deep breath before turning his attention to the doorway that led into the church.
    Bloody damned hell! His mouth went dry, and his breath backed up into his lungs until he thought he might never again draw air into his body.
    His bride strolled down the aisle toward him, her arm intertwined with her brother’s, and God help him, Kit thought he’d never seen a more beautiful sight. Her white gown whispered across the wooden floor. A gossamer veil was draped over her head and covered her face, but it could not hide the luminescent glow of happiness in her eyes.
    Perhaps he was stepping more deeply into hell, but for the first time, he did not object to the journey. She had worn her hair loose as he’d requested. It flowed past her shoulders to her tiny waist, and he experienced a moment of misgiving. The man waiting for her before the altar should be one willing to brush her hair each night before she slept.
    Her dream was to be a bride, but at what point did a bride become a wife?
    At the moment of consummation, he supposed. For them, that moment would never arrive. Why was he always so quick to make a pact with the devil? How many times could he bargain away his soul?
    At least this time, he would not give his heart.
    Ashton stopped