Matt (26 page)

Elliott gave a gentle shake of his head. “All I want is your happiness, Nessa.”

Yancy was already rubbing his hands together. “I'd love to put together the finest banquet anyone's ever tasted.”

Grace was elated. “This is more than I could ever hope for.”

Frank joined her to whisper, “I'm so glad you're here, Nessa Girl.”

While Luke and Reed pumped Matt's hand and hugged his bride-to-be, Burke waited until Nessa and the others gathered around her father before putting a gnarled hand on Matt's shoulder. “It does my heart good to see you two together. It's where you both belong.”

“Thanks, Burke. Did you have anything to do with this?”

The old man shrugged and then grinned. “This was all on her. That little lady's got spunk, son. That one will never let you down.”

Matt nodded. “You should have seen how she fought her attackers, Burke. She was really something.” He added softly, “It's not something I'll ever forget.”

“Sounds like she had to fight her father, too.” The foreman handed him his beer before touching the rim of his bottle to Matt's. “Every time I look at you and Nessa I see another young couple who were so crazy in love that nothing could ever come between them. Like your folks, I think the two of you are going to have one hell of a love story, son.”

Matt beamed as he looked at his bride-to-be, surrounded by his family and wearing the most radiant smile as she blew him a kiss. “My love story is right there. In Nessa's heart. In Nessa's hands. And thanks to my bride-to-be, our story can have a happy ending.”

M
ontana spring had been as brief as a wink. Cold nights and cool mornings gave way to sunshine and heat as summer followed close on its heels. The meadows, a glorious green, were blanketed with colorful wildflowers. The hillsides were dark with sleek cattle, feeding on the lush grass that grew in the highlands.

The Malloy Ranch had seen its share of parties and celebrations through the years, but the wedding of Matthew Malloy to Vanessa Kettering promised to be the biggest ever.

Almost everyone in the town of Glacier Ridge had received an invitation, and folks made it a point to arrive early so they wouldn't miss a thing.

The wranglers, sporting their best shirts and string ties, their boots polished to a high shine, were directing traffic, while two others stood on either side of the rarely used front door to show folks to the great room, where the ceremony would take place.

Because of the overflowing crowd, some chose to remain outside. There they were free to watch and listen through the open double doors as they nibbled appetizers and drank longnecks arranged on tables on the front porch, which stretched along the width of the big house.

Elliott Kettering proudly stood beside the Malloy family as they greeted the members of his staff, who had made the flight to Montana. By their smiles and looks of amazement, they were more than a little dazzled by the size of the Malloy Ranch and by the handsome, loving family she was joining.

Yancy and the wranglers, who were assisting him in the food preparation, had arranged chairs, draped in white and tied with big white bows, in a semicircle around the fireplace in the great room. Tall vases of white roses and hydrangea, with ivy trailing from each, stood majestically in front of the fireplace screen; they also flanked the banquet tables set up for the guests under a giant white tent in the front yard.

As the room began filling up, and others in the crowd ambled outside to enjoy the sunshine, Nelson whispered to Frank, who beckoned his son and grandsons, as well as Burke and Elliot, to follow.

They made their way along a gravel path to the plot of land situated on a windswept hill. Opening the wrought iron gate, they gathered around a single headstone bearing a heart, and the names
PATRICK MALLOY
and
BERNADETTE DOYLE MALLOY
. Seeing the dates of their births and deaths, Elliott lifted a brow in question.

“Some would say they died too young.” Frank took in a quiet breath. “But I've always believed their love was so great, it will continue to burn hot enough for eternity.”

Luke produced a bottle of Irish whiskey and filled several tumblers, then passed them around.

“To Patrick and Bernie,” Frank said softly. “For I know they're smiling down on all of us this fine day.”

As one, they lifted their glasses and drank.

“To my beautiful Madeline.” Nelson's voice was husky with emotion. “How she would have enjoyed this.”

They drank again.

Elliott cleared his throat. “I'd like us to drink to Nessa's mother, who is right here with us, too. To Danielle O'Conner Kettering.”

Solemnly they drank.

Luke and Reed shared a grin before Luke said, “To Nessa, the only one who could have ever bullied my big brother into getting hitched.”

As they chuckled and drank, Matt handed his glass to Burke before turning away.

“Hey,” Reed called to his retreating back. “Where are you going?”

“To face my bully,” he called over his shoulder.

His words produced a roar of laughter from the others.

“I have a powerful need to see her.” He quickened his pace. “Right this minute.”

When he was gone, Luke said, “Matt might try, but Gram Gracie is never going to allow him to see the bride before the wedding.”

Burke chuckled. “My money's on Matt. When he sets his mind to something, the whole world had better get out of his way.”

Vanessa stood in the middle of the upstairs guest room, with her best friend Lauren trying to affix a veil on the bride-to-be's flowing hair.

Lauren studied Nessa's reflection in the mirror. “Maybe a couple of pins?”

“Why do I have to wear a veil?”

“It's traditional.” Lauren draped it this way and that, trying for the best effect.

At a soft tap on the door, Lauren hurried over to admit Gracie, who paused in the doorway, her hand to her mouth.

“Oh, Nessa. You're a vision.”

Vanessa looked suddenly shy. “It was my mother's wedding gown. I thought by wearing it, I'd feel her here with me.”

“It's perfect.” Grace held up a jewelry roll. “I wore this when I married my Frankie. If you don't think it's too much, I'd love for you to have it.”

“You mean borrow it.”

“I mean have it. In my privileged youth, my parents lavished me with jewelry, but since my life here, I have no use for such things. Since you and Matthew are planning your honeymoon in Italy, you'll enjoy wearing it.”

She unrolled the satin to reveal three strands of platinum studded with diamonds woven into a stunningly simple necklace. Both Nessa and her friend gasped at the beauty of it.

Gracie fastened the necklace before stepping back to study the effect. “What do you think?”

Nessa touched a hand to it before turning from the mirror with a smile. “I think it's perfect.”

“And so are you.” Gracie caught her hand. “You've made Matthew so happy. If I didn't already love you, that would be reason enough. All of us are so thrilled to have you in our family.”

The two women embraced just as the door opened. They both looked up as Matt stepped inside.

“Oh, Matthew, you musn't see your bride before the wedding.”

Before Gracie could block his view, Vanessa stopped her with a hand to her arm.

“What's wrong, cowboy? Having second thoughts?”

For a moment he was unable to speak. He stood perfectly still, staring at her with a look of blinding love. Then, finding his voice, he gave a shake of his head. “I just needed to see you. Alone.”

Lauren gave a soft laugh and turned to Gracie. “Come on. I'm so glad you still have two eligible grandsons left. Not to mention that bachelor son of yours. Can I have my pick?”

“Be my guest. The more women in my family, the happier I'll be.”

The two women left on a trill of laughter.

When the door closed, Matt stepped closer. “I was afraid I'd dreamed all this. Afraid when I got here, the room would be empty.”

“You're not getting rid of me that easily, cowboy. You promised me forever, and I'm holding you to it.”

She stepped into his arms, and he pressed his lips to her temple, breathing her in.

She looked up with an impish grin. “Why does Gram Gracie think we're heading off to Italy?”

“Because ever since Vittorio and Maria arrived, they've been insisting that we use their villa. Maybe this winter we can slip away for a visit.” He feathered her mouth with his. “But tonight we'll head up to the cabin. Away from everyone and everything.”

“Our very own simple shack in the woods.”

He chuckled. “Not exactly simple. I had Burke haul up a case of Maria's wine, and Yancy threw in enough prime beef and lobster to feed an army of wranglers.”

She smiled. “I hope they're both sworn to secrecy.”

“They know better than to say a word to anyone. The last thing we want is the whole family barging in on our honeymoon.”

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “That might not be so bad.”

“Don't even think it.” His arms tightened around her. “After all the time you spent in Chicago getting ready for this, I've built up a powerful hunger for alone time with my best girl. There'll be plenty of time with the family. Just promise me that if you ever feel crowded, you'll let me know and we'll go anywhere you want.”

Against his lips she whispered, “The only place I ever want to be is with you.” She slipped an arm through his and started toward the door. “Now let's go make some memories, cowboy.”

Memories.

As they started down the stairs toward the house overflowing with family and friends, Matt thought about how far they'd come. They'd survived the worst that life could throw at them. Had cheated death. Had begun as strangers and were now lovers, about to speak vows that would seal that love for all time.

He smiled at the memory of his mother and father, so wildly in love. As he caught sight of Frank and Gracie, hand in hand, looking so happy, his smile grew.

They already had enough memories to last a lifetime.

And they'd only just begun.

• 3 or 4 chickens, quartered, bones in, skin on
  
• ¼ cup olive oil
  
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  
• several cloves garlic
  
• 4 tbsp dried oregano
  
• several bay leaves
  
• ¼ cup brown sugar
  
• ½ cup white wine
  
• 4 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  
• half dozen pitted green olives
  
• 1 cup capers
  

In large plastic bag, marinate chicken pieces several hours or overnight in remaining ingredients.

Arrange chicken in a single layer in large baking pans, pouring marinade over all. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees F. Occasionally spoon marinade over chicken to baste.

When thoroughly cooked, remove chicken pieces to a serving platter, and pour capers and juice over all for a tart delight.

Serve with rice or small garden potatoes. Add a fresh green salad and dinner rolls.

Montana Legacy

Montana Destiny

Montana Glory

Quinn

Josh

Jake

The Maverick of Copper Creek

The Rebel of Copper Creek

The Legacy of Copper Creek

“Solidly written romance. Rich, layered, vulnerable characters in Whit and Cara, coupled with strong chemistry and intense heat between them, proves Ryan does the contemporary Western love story well.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“What a perfect ending to a series…I love this story.”

—SillyMelody.blogspot.com

“If you're looking to lose yourself in a fictional family that will steal your heart and pull you into the thick of things, this is the book for you.
Copper Creek
is where a wayward soul can find a home and have all their dreams come true.”

—MommysaBookWhore.com

“A winner. Ryan writes with a realism that brings readers deep into the world she's created. The characters all have an authenticity that touches the heart.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“An awesome story.”

—NightOwlReviews.com

“Ryan's storytelling is tinged with warmth and down-to-earth grit. Her authentic, distinctive characters will get to the heart of any reader. With a sweet plot infused with family love, a fiery romance, and a bit of mystery, Ryan does not disappoint.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“Full of sexy cowboys and a western feel that is undeniable…A well-written fun story that I really enjoyed.”

—NightOwlReviews.com

“A must-read…cozy enough to make you want to venture into the Wild West and find yourself a cowboy…And if you haven't read a Western romance before, R. C. Ryan is where you should start.”

—ReviewsbyMolly.com

“Wonderful characters who quickly find a way into your heart…a glorious picture of the West from one of my favorite authors.”

—FreshFiction.com

“There's plenty of hot cowboys, action, and romance in this heady mix of a series that will leave you breathless.”

—
Parkersburg News and Sentinel
(WV)

“A powerfully emotional tale that will connect with readers…Love a feel-good cowboy romance with a touch of suspense? Then pick up
Josh
.”

—RomRevToday.com

“Ryan takes readers to Big Sky country in a big way with her vivid visual dialogue as she gives us a touching love story with a mystery subplot. The characters, some good and one evil, will stay with you long after the book is closed.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“Engaging…Ryan paints a picturesque image of the rugged landscape and the boisterous, loving, close-knit Conway family.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“These not-to-be-missed books are guaranteed to warm your heart!”

—FreshFiction.com

“Wonderful romantic suspense tale starring a courageous heroine who is a lioness protecting her cub and a reluctant knight in shining armor…a terrific taut thriller.”

—GenreGoRoundReviews.blogspot.com

“5 stars!…R. C. Ryan delivers an ongoing, tantalizing mystery suspense with heartwarming romance. Sinfully yummy!”

—HuntressReviews.com

“Ryan's amazing genius at creating characters with heartfelt emotions, wit, and passion is awe-inspiring. I can't wait until
Montana Glory
comes out…so that I can revisit the McCord family!”

—TheRomanceReadersConnection.com

A
Cosmopolitan
“Red Hot Read”

“A captivating start to a new series.”

—
BookPage

“Heart-melting sensuality…this engaging story skillfully refreshes a classic trilogy pattern and sets the stage for the stories to come.”

—
Library Journal