Joshua's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) by Maya Stirling

quiet. There were few people around. Joshua felt a moment of disappointment that the usual sight of a celebrating crowd was absent from their special day. There was no applause or hats flying in the air. How nice it would have been if his brothers could have been at his wedding. But the truth was they were a long way away in distant parts of Montana. He'd let them know in due course, and he was sure they would be happy for him.
    He glanced over at the buckboard. Eli's horse was tied to a hitching rail.
    Joshua went to the buckboard and extended a hand to Laura. "Can I assist you ma'am," he said with a mischievous smile. He was glad to see that Laura smiled back at him. Her mood had been up and down all day, and he wanted so badly for her to have good memories of their wedding day.
    She took his hand and he helped her up onto the buckboard seat. He went up and sat next to her. Turning to Eli he spoke. "We'll see you back at the ranch."
    Eli got on his horse, smiled and flicked the reins, moving off up the main drag of the street.
    Once he had headed off Laura's shoulders sagged and she sighed. "Thank goodness he's gone," she said.
    Joshua moved the horse on and the buckboard started to roll forward. "We'll take our time getting back to the ranch."
    "Let's not make it too long. Mama wants to see us as soon as possible. There's no telling what mischief Eli will get up to before we get there," she said.
    "At least he came and did what he's supposed to do," Joshua said.
    "Giving me away? Did you see the look on his face?"
    Joshua shook his head. "I know. He's a strange character. But he is your brother," he said.
    "Let's not talk about him," she said. She leaned in closer and hooked an arm into his. Joshua looked at her with surprise. She smiled at him. "Let's just enjoy our first ride together as man and wife."
    Joshua's brows raised in surprise at Laura's sudden display of closeness. He could certainly get used to this, he thought. The minute Eli had left, Laura had been transformed. Her eyes had brightened and a tiny, contented smile had finally appeared on her face.
    "Are you happy?" Joshua asked quietly.
    Laura leaned in closer to him and nodded. She lifted her eyes and peered at his face. "And you? Are you happy Joshua?"
    He looked down at her and nodded. A sudden impulse rose in him and he leaned his head forward, planting a kiss on her forehead. The sensation of the softness of her skin on his lips made him feel a surge of emotion. He paused briefly, inhaling the delicious scent of her hair.
    When he looked down at her, he saw that she was surprised.
    "How could I not be happy, now that you are my wife. Do you realize how amazing this is? All these years we've known each other. And now we're married," he said, the enthusiasm filling his voice.
    He immediately regretted his outburst when he saw how she reacted to his words. Her brows furrowed, her lips tightened, and she lowered her head, averting her eyes.
    He tried to see her face, lowering his head, desperate to see her expression, but she resolutely kept her features from him.
    Joshua felt her shake slightly against him. He pulled the buckboard to a halt. He cupped her chin and raised her face. Her moist eyes caused a lump to rise in his throat.
    "Laura. What's the matter?"
    She shook her head and swallowed. "It's fine. Let's get back to the ranch. Mama's waiting."
    Joshua used the pad of his thumb to wipe the tear from her cheek. He held her body tight against him and he noticed, with a reassuring pulse in his heart that she didn't try to pull away from him.
    He took the reins tight once more in his other hand and, with a flick of his wrist, moved the horses on.

    ****

    They arrived back at the ranch to find a huge welcoming reception had been set up in the yard in front of the house. Tables had been laid out and covered with food and drink. There was obviously going to be a party.
    Joshua had never been one for parties. His life had been all about hard work and