Rocky Mountain Oasis Read Online Free PDF Page B

the man she was to marry. Somehow his look was different from all the rest. He was not smiling, but she saw something in his face. What? Concern? Was he worried about her, or was he having second thoughts about marrying her? She fleetingly hoped he might reject her. She would be fine with that. But it wasn’t rejection she glimpsed. What then? It wasn’t an expression she’d seen on any man’s face before.
    The minister was the first to break the silence. Gesturing to the hard-packed dirt in front of the cabin, he asked quietly, “Shall we commence?”
    Her soon-to-be husband stepped forward and offered her his arm. She stepped up beside him, facing the minister, the yellow daisy clutched in her hand like a lifeline.
    Skipping the “dearly beloved” speech she’d heard at so many weddings back home, the black-coated minister launched immediately into the vows. “Do you, Brooke Baker, take this man to be your husband? Do you promise to love him, honor him, and obey him until death do you part?”
    Brooke hesitated only a moment before she said quietly, “I do.”
    “And do you, Jason Jordan—” The minister’s words were cut off as the man beside her raised a finger.
    “Skyler. Skyler Jordan.”
    Brooke looked up at him, surprised, and the minister, taken aback, glanced down at the names before him, as though to be sure he had read correctly. He paused only a moment, though, then continued, “Do you, Skyler Jordan, take this woman to be your wife? To love her, honor, cherish, and keep her until death do you part?”
    “I do.” Skyler’s voice was firm.
    Skyler! Why couldn’t I remember that?
    “Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.” The minister stepped back, his expression saying he was pleased with a job well done. Clasping his hands in front of him, he looked back and forth between them expectantly, his eyes twinkling.
    Brooke’s heart sank. They were supposed to kiss.
    At first Skyler stood still and unmoving. Then he faced her.
    Brooke called on every ounce of self-control in her body to prevent herself from running for the safety of the cabin. She looked up as her new husband ran a hand back through his curly blond hair and resettled his hat, a pained expression in his deep brown eyes.
    After a moment more, the minister cleared his throat and frowned. “You may kiss the bride.”
    Skyler stepped closer, his movements deliberate and casual. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.
    He placed his hands gently on her upper arms and gazed down at her. She wondered what he could be thinking. Then, his dark eyes holding hers, he lowered his head, his lips brushing hers for the briefest of seconds.
    Her tense shoulders relaxed as thankfulness coursed through her. He had not kissed her possessively as she had seen so many of the men do the day before. Maybe he really was the gentleman he appeared to be.
    But her quick cynicism returned, reminding her it couldn’t be true. So! He’s the type that likes to appear the gentleman in public .
    A spattering of applause greeted them as he stepped back from her, and
    Jack Greer called out, “Congratulations!” Then, turning to the small group of men, he gestured toward the cabin and called, “Grubs on! Come and get it.”
    Brooke rubbed the stem of the daisy nervously between her palms, its head twirling crazily in a yellow blur, as the men began to turn toward the cabin, leaving her alone with Skyler.
    Percival was the only one who approached her. Holding out his hand, he said, “My congratulations, ma’am. This gentleman here,” he nodded toward Skyler, “is one lucky fellow.”
    She smiled at him, allowing him to bow over her hand and offering a murmured thank you, then watched his back as headed toward dinner.
    When Skyler did not move for some time, she looked toward him, suddenly aware of the rushing river only paces away. Long fingers draped casually over the front of his pockets, he stood, hands resting on slim hips,