She Was Sold Beside Her Sister, The Cowboy Said “You’ll Both Have A Home With Me”

Chapter 9

The morning of the wedding, the ranch was a flurry of activity. Guests began arriving early — neighbors, townspeople, even a few of Garrett’s relatives from Colorado. The ceremony would take place in the garden, which stood in full late-summer glory with roses and sunflowers and dahlias in bloom.

In the upstairs bedroom she would leave behind as Eliza Whitfield, Eliza stood still while Rose and Mrs. Beale fussed over her dress and hair. The gown was a masterpiece of Rose’s skill — ivory satin with delicate lace at the neckline and cuffs, the skirt falling in elegant folds to the floor.

“You look beautiful,” Rose said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. “Like a princess in a fairy tale.”

“Thanks to your talented hands,” Eliza replied, hugging her sister. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

Mrs. Beale tucked a sprig of white roses into Eliza’s dark hair. “Believe it, my dear. You’ve earned this happiness. Both of you.”

A knock at the door revealed Toby, handsome in a new suit. “Reverend Aldritch says they’re ready whenever you are.” His eyes widened as he took in Eliza’s appearance. “Wow. Garrett might faint when he sees you.”

They all laughed, the sound bright with joy.

Rose took Toby’s arm, and Mrs. Beale led the way downstairs and through the house to the back door that opened onto the garden. The guests rose as Eliza appeared. At the end of the flower-lined path stood Garrett, tall and handsome in a black suit, his face lighting up as he saw her. Beside him stood the foreman, Mr. Coyle, serving as best man, and on the other side, Reverend Aldritch with his prayer book.

With no father to give her away, Eliza walked alone down the path, her steps sure and steady. This was no traditional Eastern wedding with its rigid formalities. This was a frontier celebration — honest and heartfelt — exactly as she wanted it to be.

When she reached Garrett, he took her hands in his. “You look…” He shook his head, words failing him. “You look like everything I never knew I was waiting for.”

“Dearly beloved,” Reverend Aldritch began. “We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”

The ceremony was simple and moving. They exchanged vows they had written themselves — promises to love, honor, and cherish each other through all of life’s joys and sorrows. When Garrett slipped the gold band onto her finger to join her engagement ring, Eliza felt her heart might burst with happiness.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Reverend Aldritch declared. “Garrett, you may kiss your bride.”

The kiss was sweet and tender, filled with promise.

And when they turned to face their guests, the applause was thunderous, led by an exuberant Rose.

The celebration that followed lasted well into the evening. Tables were set up under the trees, laden with food prepared by Mrs. Beale and the women of nearby ranches. There was dancing to fiddle and guitar, speeches and toasts, laughter and a few happy tears. As twilight fell, lanterns were lit, casting a golden glow over the festivities.

Eliza found a quiet moment with Rose near the rose garden. “Are you happy, Rose?” she asked, putting an arm around her sister’s shoulders.

“Impossibly happy,” Rose replied. “I love it here. I love the people, the work, even the isolation. It feels like we’ve found where we belong.”

“I feel the same way.” Eliza squeezed her sister’s hand. “And now you have your inheritance to consider. You could go back East, finish your education, see something of the world.”

Rose shook her head decisively. “My place is here. The money is a blessing, but it doesn’t change that.” A blush crept up her cheeks. “Besides, Toby has asked to walk out with me properly. He wants to court me, with Garrett’s blessing. He wants to build a small house on the north section of the ranch. Garrett has offered him the land as a wedding present — when the time comes.”

“That would be wonderful,” Eliza said sincerely. “To have you nearby always, like a proper family.”

“Which reminds me,” Rose said, her eyes sparkling, “Toby is waiting for the next dance. And I believe your husband is looking for you.”

Eliza turned to see Garrett approaching, his face alight with love. “There you are. I thought I’d lost my wife already.”

“Never,” Eliza promised, taking his outstretched hand. “I’m right where I belong.”

Later, as they lay together in the quiet darkness of the master bedroom, Eliza rested her head on Garrett’s chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. “Happy, Mrs. Maddox?” he murmured, stroking her hair.

“Completely, Mr. Maddox.” She propped herself up on one elbow to look at him. “When I think of how we began — me bound and standing on an auction platform, you a stranger bidding for my contract — it seems impossible that we’ve ended up here, like this.”

“Not ended,” Garrett corrected, pulling her close. “Just beginning.”