The Lawman Claims His Bride (Love Inspired Historical) by Renee Ryan Page A

did?”
    He flipped open the lid. “Actually,” he said, looking a bit sheepish. “I acquired it two years ago, in anticipation of today.”
    Megan placed her hand over her heart. “You bought my ring two years ago?”
    “Well, I made an offer for it that long ago.”
    She lowered her gaze and caught her breath at the sheer beauty of the rather large, perfectly round sapphire surrounded by what looked like hundreds of tiny diamonds.
    “It took me two full years to pay it off.”
    “Oh, Logan, it’s perfect.” She lifted her gaze back to his.
    “The color of this particular stone reminds me of your eyes when you’re happy. I promise I’ll make you happy.”
    Bella sighed again. Several of the men cleared their throats. Mattie blew her nose, louder than before.
    Ignoring them all, Megan stared at her groom. Oh, she knew she was looking at him with stars in her eyes, but she couldn’t help herself. Logan had bought her a beautiful ring. Two years ago. “I...I didn’t get a ring for you.”
    “It’s all right, my love.” He cupped her cheek. “This was all a bit sudden.”
    “Not to worry. One will do for now.” Pastor Beau plucked the ring from the box with deft fingers. “Whenever you get a ring for Logan, I’ll bless it then.”
    Grateful for the promise, Megan nodded. “Thank you.”
    Smiling his pastor smile, the reverend placed the ring on his Bible and continued the ceremony. “Bless, O Lord, this ring to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other: through Jesus Christ our Lord.” He handed the sapphire to Logan. “Amen.”
    Holding her hand gently in his, Logan slid the ring onto Megan’s finger and then nodded in satisfaction. “It fits.”
    Despite her promise to avoid any more crying today, the back of her eyelids stung with unshed tears. She parted her lips to speak, to say something, anything, but nothing came out.
    “Megan,” Logan began, rubbing her finger absently as he repeated the words Pastor Beau said first. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
    Still too choked with emotion to speak, Megan busied herself with admiring her new ring. Unfortunately, a rogue tear slipped free. Several more threatened.
    Blinking rapidly, Megan kept her gaze averted. She didn’t dare look at Logan just yet, or the rest of her tears would surely break free.
    Thankfully, Pastor Beau proceeded with the conclusion of the ceremony. “Now that Logan and Megan have given themselves to each other, I pronounce that they are husband and wife.”
    Bella clapped her hands excitedly.
    “Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.”
    The entire room responded in unison. “Amen.”

Chapter Ten
    S tanding on the planked sidewalk just outside the jailhouse, Logan spoke softly with the three men who’d been kind enough to witness his marriage. He held himself at ease, with his heavy wool coat closed against the biting wind.
    When the topic turned to child rearing, Logan could only summon up a halfhearted smile. Although he definitely wanted children with Megan, that wasn’t the first thing on his mind. Getting his new bride to a safe haven, now that was another matter entirely.
    Needing a moment alone, he casually broke away from the group.
    Mired in what the Bible had to say about child rearing, Shane and Beau continued conversing with one another, completely forgetting Logan had ever been a part of their discussion. Just as well. He had nothing to add.
    Trey slid him a knowing look and what might have been a sly smile, but he didn’t try to stop Logan from leaving their friendly huddle.
    Grimacing, Logan moved closer to the rail. While Megan changed into something more suitable for their journey, he mentally considered the best, fastest route to his parents’ ranch.
    But no matter how hard he focused, his mind