Saturday morning dawned clear and bright. Eleanor woke early, her stomach fluttering. Today she would become a wife. Today everything would change.
She bathed carefully, washed her hair until it shone, and pinned it up in a soft style. The dove-gray dress fit perfectly. She studied herself in the mirror. She looked different than the frightened girl who had arrived just days ago.
Her eyes were brighter, her cheeks flushed. She looked alive, happy. She looked like a woman in love. The thought stopped her.
Was she in love? Already? But her heart knew. Yes.
She was falling in love with all three of them. A knock came at her door. "Eleanor?" Jake's voice.
"The preacher is here." She took a deep breath and opened the door. Jake stood there wearing his best shirt. He had shaved and his hair was neatly combed.
He looked devastatingly handsome. "You are beautiful." His voice was rough. She felt tears prick her eyes. "Thank you."
He offered his arm. "Ready?" "More than ready." They descended together.
Cole and Tucker waited with Reverend Matthews. Both brothers wore their best clothes and looked at her with such open admiration that her breath caught. The preacher smiled. "Shall we begin?"
They gathered in front of the fireplace. Eleanor barely heard the words. She was too focused on Jake standing beside her, his hand warm and strong, too aware of Cole and Tucker standing close. When the preacher asked if she took Jake to be her husband, her voice rang clear.
"I do." And when Jake said those same words, Eleanor felt something settle deep in her soul. This was right. This was where she belonged.
"You may kiss your bride." Jake turned to her, his blue eyes blazing. He cupped her face in both hands. Then he lowered his lips to hers.
The kiss was soft at first, tentative, but then heat flooded through it. His mouth moved against hers, coaxing a response she gave willingly. Her hands fisted in his shirt. The world narrowed to just the two of them.
When they broke apart, both breathing hard, Eleanor saw Cole and Tucker watching with such intensity it made her flush. The preacher cleared his throat. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Hollister." He made his exit, clearly understanding this family needed privacy.
The moment the door closed, the air changed, charged with possibility. Jake still held Eleanor close. "You are mine now. Legally, officially mine."