The Montana Doctor's Love (New Montana Brides Book 8) by Susan Leigh Carlton

her words, as soon as possible,” Patrick said.
    Elizabeth, ever practical said, “You have some things to get done, then. You’ll have to get a license, arrange for the preacher, and the church. I presume you will want the church?”
    I would like for Jack to perform the service, how about you?” he asked Mary Louise.
    “It’s fine. I’ve had a big wedding. I just want to be your wife,” she said.
    “Now for the deal breaker,” Patrick said. “Emily,” he called out. “Could you come in here for a minute?
    “I’ve asked your mother to marry me. Is that all right with you?”
    “Yes. Where will we live?”
    “We haven’t decided that yet. I wanted to make sure it was okay with you.”
    “It’s okay,” she said.
    Could I have a hug?” he asked.
     

Chapter Twelve
    We’re Getting Married
    “Will you go with me to tell Mama,” she asked.
    “Of course. I have a suggestion, though,” he said. “Let’s go to the courthouse and get a license.”
    “Good idea.” She stood, and hugged Elizabeth. “Thank you, for having such a nice son. I’m going to be a good wife,” she whispered.
    “I know you will, dear. Your mother and I have wanted this for years,” Elizabeth said.
    “Emily, are you ready to go to Grandma’s?” Mary Louise asked her daughter.
    Patrick paid the Clerk of Court for Lewis and Clark County three dollars in exchange for a marriage license.
    “All set?” he asked when they were back in the buggy.
    “Let’s do it,” she said.
    The Circle P Ranch…
    Patrick said, “I’ll get the baggage.” It took two trips to get it to the door. A quick kiss on the lips and they went inside.
    “Mama… “We’re back.”
    “I didn’t know you were coming home. When did you get in?” Charlotte asked. “We would have met you if you’d let us know.”
    “We got in today, I wanted it to be a surprise. Patrick brought us home.” Mary Louise said. “Where’s Papa?” she asked.
    “He should be in anytime. I don’t know what he and Hiram were doing,” her mother said.
    “What do you think, Patrick? Now?”
    “Why not?” he said.
    “Mama, Patrick asked me to be his wife, and I accepted. We’re going to be married!”
    “I’m glad. You got things straightened out then?” her mother asked.
    “It never was Patrick. It was me. I realized he was what I wanted all along, so I called and asked him to meet us. We talked about it and here we are. We already have the license. We just have to pick a date. And make arrangements wherever we decide to have it.”
    “Well, I’m flabbergasted. Happy for you, but flabbergasted”
    “I didn’t talk her into anything, Mrs. Parsons. She called Monday and asked me to meet them. You know how I feel about both of them. It’s been what I’ve wanted since high school,” he said.
    “Me too,” Mrs. Parsons said. “Does your mother know?”
    “Yes, that’s where we talked. Mom was delighted,” he said.
    “I am too. Now, when and how do you want to do it?”
    “As soon as possible, that’s why we already have the license,” Mary Louise said. “He asked Emily if it was all right with her, he called it a deal breaker.”
    “Well, what do we have here?” her father said as he walked into the room. “Hello Patrick. You brought them out? I appreciate it.”
    “I had an ulterior motive, Mr. Parsons, I’ve asked Mary Louise and Emily to marry me,” Patrick said. “They both said yes.”
    Zebulon’s face broke into a big grin. “Well by God, that makes it a happy day. It’s about time you two got together. When?” he asked.
    “Do you have a preacher handy? We have the license.”
    “Patrick, tomorrow or Sunday?” Mary Louise asked.
    “Tomorrow,” Patrick said. “You might change your mind if we wait until Sunday.”
    She put her arm around his waist and leaned into him. “Not a chance. Papa, shoot him if he tries to back out.”
    The phone rang in the parsonage. The deep voice of Jack Owens said, “Hello, this is