Eleanor smiled. "I need a dress suitable for a wedding. Something simple but nice." While Eleanor looked at fabrics, the brothers stood close, offering opinions. Cole preferred the blue fabric.
Tucker thought the cream color made her skin glow. Jake simply watched her with an intensity that made her hands tremble. In the end, she chose a dress of soft dove gray with delicate white lace at the collar and cuffs. The woman promised to have it ready within two days.
Two days. In two days, she would be married. Next, they visited the preacher. Reverend Matthews was an older man with kind eyes.
"The Hollister boys. I had wondered when one of you would finally bring me a bride." Jake shook his hand firmly. "We would like to be married in two days, Reverend. Saturday afternoon."
The preacher's eyebrows rose. "That is quite sudden." But Eleanor met his gaze steadily. "I am certain, Reverend Matthews. This is what I want."
He studied her, then nodded. "Very well. Saturday at two." Jake glanced at his brothers. "At the ranch, if you do not mind traveling out. We would like to keep it private."
The preacher agreed. As they left the church, Tucker spoke up. "There is something else we need to do." He gestured toward the land office.
Jake frowned. "What are you thinking?" Tucker looked at Eleanor. "She should have her name on the deed. Official. Legal."
Eleanor's breath caught. "What?" Cole nodded. "Tucker is right. This will be her home. Her ranch, too."
Jake turned to face her fully. "You agreed to marry me. To build a life here with us. That is enough." Tears pricked her eyes.
No one had ever given her anything before. Tucker's quiet voice held certainty. "You are family now." They walked into the land office together, and within an hour, Eleanor's name was added to the deed.
Eleanor Heart, soon to be Hollister, co-owner of the Triple Bar Ranch. She stared at the document and felt something break open in her chest. She belonged somewhere. The ride back was quiet but comfortable.
Eleanor leaned back against Jake, feeling safe in a way she never had before. When they arrived home, Jake stayed with her while his brothers went to work. As they sorted supplies, Jake spoke. "I need you to understand something about my brothers and me."
She looked up. "What?" His blue eyes were serious. "We are closer than most siblings."
"I know. You said that before." He stepped closer. "What I am trying to say is that I will be your husband. You will be my wife."