His Heart to Have (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) by Renee Peterson Page B

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    A small smile curled her lips. “I’ll be looking for you, Mr. Callahan.” She turned and ran back into the church as quickly as her abnormally high heels allowed, turning to flash him one big grin before entering the double doors.
    Was it possible for a heart to really soar?  Because, if so, he was pretty sure his was.  The sound of his name under her breath, matched to hers, was music to his ears. Lord willing, their names would be joined together for eternity. 
    “Earth to Jase? Anyone home?” someone called out.
    With a quick shake of his head, he looked around to see who was talking to him.
    “I’ve been calling out to you for five minutes, buddy,” Charlie said. “I think your mind is still on a tall brunette who is best friends with my very soon-to-be bride.”
    “That’s very possible,” Jase answered, staring back at the door for any glimpse of his wife.
    “Let’s get going. The preacher wants all the men in place.”
    “Before we go, it’s my duty to give you this talk,” Jase said solemnly.
    Charlie groaned. “Really?”
    “Hey, we’ve been friends for a long time, but I’ve been friends with Missy longer. She’s like a sister to me and I’d venture to say I’m more of a brother to her than her own flesh and blood. That being said, you ever do anything to hurt or mistreat her, and you’ll answer to me.”
    “I love that girl more than I do my own life. I’d never hurt her; this I promise you,” Charlie swore.
    Jase slapped Charlie on the shoulder.  “I know that or I would’ve talked her out of marrying you,” he teased, the serious moment over.  “Let’s go get you married.”
    “No argument from me on that,” Charlie answered. “And for the record, the same goes for Allie. You treat her the way a bride should be or you’ll answer to me.”
    Inside they were given last minute instructions before the guests arrived.   Jase did his role, ushering people to seats and when it was time, he took his place to the side as the best man.  Directly behind him was Clint Weston, foreman at the Rivers Range Ranch which Charlie’s family owned, and behind him, Chad and Daniel Raver.   There was silence and then the organist began playing her music.
    A little girl, a niece of Charlie, walked down the aisle flashing cherubic smiles to the guests while scattering dark red and ivory rose petals.  Beside her was Cody, as the ring bearer.  Jase had to say he was surprised that the two young kids were keeping time with each other, despite one being on foot and the other in a wheelchair.
    “Uncle Charlie, I look like a princess,” the little girl exclaimed, spotting her uncle standing at the altar.  The guests burst out in chuckles at the little girl’s folly but sobered up as the bridesmaids began their walk.  First Twila, then Beth and then Lanie.  A slight pause and then Allie walked through the door.  Her eyes searched him out and he held her gaze as she walked down the aisle, as though they were the bride and groom.  When Allie reached the front, the music changed, and Missy walked through on the arm of her father. Jase turned his head toward her, but kept his eyes diverted to Allie. 
    The ceremony continued but Jase barely heard a word.  Was Allie also remembering their own little wedding at the chapel in Vegas?  It hadn’t been planned, but he meant every word of the vows.  Until death did they part, he would love and cherish her every day of their life.
     
    ***
    “Ladies and Gentleman, may I have your attention, please.  It is my great honor to introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Rivers,” Josh Macolm, friend and emcee for the night, announced.
    A thunder of applause circled from the gathered audience as Missy stepped through the French doors on Charlie’s arm.  Allie’s eyes misted seeing the unadulterated joy on her friend’s face.   Missy was head over heels in love with her Charlie and she didn’t care who knew.  What she