Lydia

Epilogue

Nick gazed into Lydia's beautiful face as Reverend Higley conducted the wedding. A small crowd had gathered at the church, but they consisted of Lydia's sisters and friends from Woodville – who Edmund Fox and Bryan Easton had the privilege of bringing to Stumptown for the special occasion. Maverick and Hannah Easton were here, along with Joel Easton and his wife, Maranda. Sheriff Reed, and his lovely wife, Courtney, were here. Doctor Cade West was also in attendance, but it was to make sure Lydia was well from her head injury. Nick still hadn't forgiven the doctor for what he'd done while Nick was laid up. And finally, Anthony Vincent, the former Pinkerton agent who had been Nick's friend for years. Anthony's wife, Monica, came with him.

The day had been perfect for a wedding. Although the cooler temperatures would bring snow any day now, at least it held back from dumping the white powder on the ground. Nick wanted to take Lydia away somewhere special for their honeymoon, but they would stay at a hotel in Woodville once they took back Racheal and her friends.

Nick's wedding gift to Lydia would be resigning as a Pinkerton agent, and before he could do that, he needed to go to Virginia City to meet up with his supervisor. Nick hadn't told Lydia of the surprise, but he knew she'd support him. After all, his new job was right here in Stumptown, working as Sheriff Reed's Deputy.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife." Reverend Higley smiled wide and looked at Nick. "You may now kiss your bride."

"You won't have to ask me twice." Nick grinned as he gathered Lydia in his arms.

She threw her arms around his neck and met his kiss, melting against him. He loved kissing this woman, and he would love being her husband and raising their children together, as well.

The wedding guests cheered. As much as Nick wanted to keep kissing his adorable wife, he withdrew but kept her in his embrace as their friends and family came up to congratulate them.

It was easy to see that the three Swanson sisters were related. Although they each had slightly different hair color, they were still very strikingly beautiful. Of course, he happened to think Lydia was the prettiest of them all. But he was certain that Miss Racheal would find her a husband easily enough. Especially here in Stumptown. In fact, Nick noticed the way Edmund Fox kept looking at the youngest Swanson sister in interest.

After everyone had congratulated the happy couple, Nick took Lydia by the hand and walked her outside. Sighing, he gazed upon the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. "Do you know how much I love you?"

"I hope so."

"I've never had a woman save my life before." He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her loosely against him. "And I think I love you that much more."

"Well, you saved mine." She shrugged. "So, now you know how I feel about you."

He nodded. "I cannot believe we were able to get married in one day, just as we wanted."

Her gray eyes turned lighter as a teasing grin widened her tempting mouth. "Where will we go for our wedding night?"

"I thought about taking Racheal and your friends back to Woodville. We could stay there for our first night. Then I want to take you to Virginia City for a couple of days."

Her pretty eyes danced with happiness. "You are going to spoil me, Agent Drake."

"Then I hope you spoil me right back." He kissed her briefly on the lips. "Besides, I like doing things for you. It makes me feel like a real man."

She slid her palms up his chest, and her eyelids lowered seductively. "My dear husband, I plan on showing you tonight that you are a real man."

Excitement jumped inside his chest. "Hmm... perhaps Mr. Fox or Bryan Easton will take your sister and her friends to Woodville. I suddenly want some private time with my wife."

Slowly, she pulled away from him but took hold of his hand. "Then we had better go let those men know of our plans because I'm a very impatient woman."

He laughed. Keeping her hand in his, they ran back into the church. The wedding night would be soon, and he couldn't wait one more minute.

THE END