Free The Montana Rancher's Bride (New Montana Brides) by Susan Leigh Carlton

walked back down the aisle together. The audience was standing and applauding. Once outside, they were descended upon by well wishers. Hands were shaken, and welcomes were offered. Case did not let go of Carrie’s hand. During a lull, Carrie asked, “Were you surprised?”
    “I’ll say. I have never seen anything or anybody as bea utiful as you are right now.”
    “Thank you,” Carrie said softly. “This was Letty’s we dding dress and her idea. Of course I was a willing conspirator,”
    Jack and Letty came up. Letty hugged him tightly, and said, “Isn’t she gorgeous? We surprised you, huh?”
    “You surprised me too. I haven’t seen that dress since our wedding.”
    “What are your plans now,” Letty asked.
    “It doesn’t sound very romantic, but we have to pick up some things from Silas, and then we are going home to the Lazy J,” Case said.
    “On the contrary, I think it sounds very nice and the most sensible thing to do.”
    Carrie said, “Letty, I would be honored if you and Jack could be our first guests. Would you?”
    “We would be delighted,” Letty said.
    “I think I will go change, and give you your beautiful dress back, and I will be ready to go home.
    “Home… that sounds so wonderful. I had begun to de spair of ever being a wife.” She turned, threw her arms around Case’s neck and kissed him fully on the lips. “Come on, Case, let’s get this marriage started.”
    “I’ll get the wagon, and get it loaded and come back for you,” he said.
    “Don’t forget me,” she teased.
    * * *
    The wagon was loaded. Carrie’s arm was linked with Case’s as they left Helena for the Lazy J. After fifteen minutes, Carrie asked “Would you stop under the tree over there?” With a little pressure on the reins, he did as she requested. “I would like for you to kiss me now, and don’t hold back.”
    “It will be my pleasure,” he said, as he took her into his arms.
    “Mine too,” she murmured, and tilted her head in antic ipation. Their lips met, his massaged hers tenderly. She parted hers slightly. His tongue traced the contour of her lips and entered the inner recesses. When his tongue met hers, the fireworks lit the sky. Twisting her head back and forth, she demanded more. The kiss deepened. Case felt his desire growing. He moved his hand to cup her breast.
    “Ohh,” she moaned softly and placed her hand atop his, squeezing, massaging her breast. They broke the kiss.
    “Whew,” Carrie said. “That made me feel warm all over. It took my breath away.”
    “I know exactly what you mean,” Case said. He picked up the reins, and moved his team toward home at a brisk pace.
    All of the ranch hands gathered when they stopped in front of the barn. “Did you get hitched, boss.”
    “We sure did, Case said. “We now have a new boss on the Lazy J.”
    “She’s a lot prettier than you,” one man called out.
    “Thank goodness for that,” Case said.
    He helped Carrie, from the wagon. Gathering an arm load of supplies, they headed for the kitchen, The rest of the things were carried in by the men. Inside, he turned to her, and said, “Welcome home, Mrs. Jamison.”
    “Why thank you, sir,” and curtsied.
    “You haven’t moved your things to the other bedroom, have you?” she asked.
    “Not yet,” he said.
    “Why don’t you do that, and I’ll start dinner,” she su ggested.
    After dinner, s itting in the swing watching the clear, star studded sky, Carrie pointed to the northwestern sky, and said, “Look! It’s a shooting star. That is supposed to be a lucky sign.” They watched until it disappeared beyond the horizon. She stood, and said, “It’s been a long day, I’m going to get ready for bed.”
    “I’ll give you a few minutes, and I’ll be in,” Case said.
    She tugged at his arm. “I’m going to get ready for bed,” she said. “You’re part of it. Come on.”
    “I get your hint.” He followed her in and down the hall to their bedroom. At the door, he said,