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

Jack”
    “Jack, Patrick Palmer. Are you up for a wedding?”
    “I’m always ready for the marriage ritual. Did you find someone willing to marry you?” he asked.
    “I did. Mary Louise Wells and I want to get married,” Patrick said.
    “Whoa, hold on, you’re serious, aren’t you?”
    “I’m as serious as a heart attack. We’d like to tie the knot tomorrow. Is that possible?” Patrick asked.
    “If you have the license, it is possible. Where?” Jack asked.
    “We do have a license. Your house, the church, our house, the Circle P, it doesn’t matter. I would prefer the church if it’s available,” Patrick said.
    “I will perform the ceremony, and anywhere you want, however, why deprive the town the pleasure of seeing two of our own wed?” Jack asked.
    “I hadn’t thought of it that way. You do have a way with words. Hold on.” He turned to Mary Louise, “Jack says he will marry us anywhere we want, but he asked why we would want to keep the town from the pleasure of witnessing our wedding. He makes some sense for a change.”
    “Sunday is fine with me as long as it’s okay with you,” she said.
    “We both reluctantly agree you’re right. Sunday it is.” Patrick said. “See you in church, Jack.”
    “We’re set for Sunday afternoon. That gives our mothers time talk us out of this,” he said.
    “Not from me,” Charlotte said.” My only request is that you don’t get tied up on a house call or surgery. And miss it.”
    “I’ll convince Dad to take any calls, but that is the life of a doctor. Always on call.
    “Mary Louise, let’s take a walk. We have a lot to talk about,” Patrick said.
    Charlotte was looking through the window. “Zebulon, come look at them. They’re holding hands. Isn’t that sweet.”
    While they watched, the couple stopped, kissed, and continued their walk. “Those two were meant for each other. It’s a shame it took so long for them to get together,” she said.
    “It is,” he agreed.
    Later…
    “Elizabeth, isn’t it wonderful? After all these years.” Charlotte said,
    “It is. They were here when Patrick proposed. They had talked in the living room, and came out to tell me. Did they decide when?” Elizabeth asked.
    “Patrick called Jack and asked about tomorrow, but Jack talked them into waiting until Sunday. I’m glad. This is going to be a day we’ll all remember and the congregation can share it. Besides, it gives me time to get a new dress, and see if I can find anything for two red haired girls,” Charlotte said.
    I have the feeling Patrick wouldn’t mind if they dressed in sackcloth,” Elizabeth said. “If you’re coming into town tomorrow, stop by, and we’ll compare notes.”

Chapter thirteen
    The Wedding Day
    Shedding his white smock, Patrick donned his best suit and tie for his wedding. His father, Carter would stand up for him… if he did not have an emergency call. His mother called it ‘one of the best days of my life’.
    Mary Louise had chosen a green dress for herself and the same color for Emily. When she started down the aisle, Patrick’s jaw dropped. I knew she was beautiful, she’s beyond beautiful today . Her emerald green eyes sparkling, perfectly matched the color of her dress. The bit of sun that penetrated the stained glass window bathed her in a rainbow of colors as she passed through the beam.
    When Zebulon placed her hand in his, Patrick felt a warm tingling race through his body. I’ve been waiting for this a long time.
    She smiled at him and mouthed, “I love you.”
    He squeezed her hand and whispered, “I’ve always loved you,” as Jack began speaking.
    “It is seldom that I have had the privilege of uniting a couple in holy matrimony, who have grown up in our church. Like many of you, I’ve personally known Mary Louise and Patrick since they were toddlers. Today I have the privilege officiating at their wedding. I’m glad you are here to share it with me.” He raised his hands and said, “Let us