Page 21 of In Her Sights

"Randal Harrow is far too frivolous for any woman to take seriously."

Tessa toyed with the ribbon on her dressing gown. "I don't know. I think he just looks for ways to enjoy life. Besides, Jackson told me he took a job at the gristmill last month. The type of job a man takes when he's ready to settle down and provide for a family."

"Yes . . . well . . . gainfully employed or not, he's still ridiculous."

Nevertheless, she smoothed her bodice and patted her hair before reaching for the doorknob. She slipped into the hall without meeting Tessa's gaze.

"I . . . ah . . . better go." She started to draw the door closed, then paused. "I'll put the flowers in water and tell your sister you're ready to dress."

"Thank you."

Tessa managed to stifle her smile until the door closed. Laura was going to give Randal a merry chase, but Tessa suspected there might be another wedding before year's end.

A few minutes later, a quiet knock rapped against her door, and Mollie stepped into the room, a smile beaming across her face. "I can't believe the day is finally here, Tessa. You're going to make such a beautiful bride!" Mollie's oversized belly squished against Tessa's midsection as her sister engulfed her in a hug.

Tessa embraced her sister, then stepped back and touched a hand to Mollie's belly. Something that could have been a foot pressed against her hand before sliding into another part of the womb.

"I felt her move!"

"Him," Mollie corrected. "Ernest is certain we're having a boy."

"Well, either way, you're going to be a wonderful mother."

Her sister's eyes grew misty. "Do you really think so?"

Tessa squeezed her hand. "I do. Although I feel I should warn you that I might have gone a bit overboard with sewing baby clothes. I've already filled a hatbox with gowns and bonnets and diapers."

"Thank heaven! Mama took one look at the gown I tried to sew and declared me a complete disaster."

Laughter and love filled the room, easing Tessa's nerves as she prepared to meet her groom.

* * *

When Tessa walked into the church, Jackson forgot to breathe. How in the world had Tessa James ever agreed to be his wife? He wasn't worthy of such a gift. Yet, when her eyes met his, and her smile widened, the old doubts and insecurities faded. She loved him. He'd not squander that miracle. He'd cherish it and nurture it all the days of his life.

The ceremony passed in a blur. Crockett kept it short, as he'd promised when Jackson had asked him to officiate, but even so, Jackson barely remembered a word of what had been said. He remembered kissing his bride, though. The sweet taste of her lips would be distracting him until he got her alone later tonight.

As he exited the church with his bride on his arm, happiness swelled so large inside him, his chest nearly split.

"I don't know how you got a gal this pretty to agree to marry ya, Jackson. You sure you didn't kidnap her?"

Jackson grinned at the sound of the rasping voice that could only belong to one person. "Silas, you old coot! Good to see ya!" He shook the man's hand with enthusiasm. "Crockett didn't tell me you were coming."

"I told him to keep it a secret. I like sneakin' up on people, you know." Silas chuckled, then slapped Jackson on the back "Though now that they've gone and made you a deputy, I may have to make myself scarce. Can't believe you let them turn you into a lawman." He scowled, but the twinkle in his eyes gave him away.

Jackson turned to Tessa, eager to introduce her. "Tessa, this is Silas Robbins. Cattle rancher, reformed outlaw, and the man who trussed up Crockett like a chicken and gave him to his daughter as a birthday present."

"What?" Tessa's soft laugh floated between them. "That's a story I'd love to hear."

Silas rubbed his hands together, loving a good yarn. "It all started when me and the boys held up a train—"

"Not now, Daddy." A lovely redhead swept in to save the day. Just as she always did. "There will be plenty of time for that later." She turned to Jackson, her smile radiant as she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. "I'm so happy for you!"

Jackson grinned. "Thanks, Joanna."

"And who are these little angels?" Tessa hunkered down to peer at the two little girls peeking out from behind their mother's skirt.

Joanna Archer ushered her daughters forward. "These are Martha and Hazel."