She laughed, a sudden movement catching her attention. “I thought he was going to behave,” she murmured. Toben had been put out by her belief they should spend one last night apart and downright grumpy when she insisted they not see each other until the ceremony. “Toben?” she called out.
He was on the move, trying to avoid getting caught. But she wasn’t going to let that happen. She smoothed her skirts in place, did a quick search for her lariat and hurried out the back door. The cameraman was fast at her heels.
She was quiet, spinning her rope and letting it fly before Toben figured something was up. He turned, caught, her aim true. He looked so damn handsome he took her breath away. She tugged the rope and handed it to Rowdy. “Hold this, Rowdy. I need to teach your dad a lesson.”
Rowdy giggled.
Poppy gripped the rope, tugging her soon-to-be husband forward while walking toward him. His surprise was replaced with something more. His blue eyes swept over her, his jaw locked, and his eyes sparkled. He shook his head, grabbed the rope and tugged her toward him.
“You are beautiful,” he murmured, leaning forward for a kiss. “And I am the luckiest son of a gun in the whole world.”
She pressed a finger to his lips. “That might be, but you’re not getting a kiss until we’re married.”
He frowned. “Poppy, that’s not right, now. Seeing you like this.” He shook his head, his possessiveness downright thrilling. “Just a little one?”
“It’ll teach you a less
on,” she argued, knowing full well once they started, neither one would want to stop.
“Lesson learned.” He tipped her chin back. “Next time, I’ll listen.”
She sighed, unable to resist him.
“Ma!” Rowdy wedged himself between them. “No kissing until after the preacher says you can.”
Poppy laughed. “You heard your son, Toben.”
Toben stared at her, then his son, defeated. “That preacher better talk fast.”
“Come on, Ma.” Rowdy took her hand, taking Toben’s with his other hand. “I know she’s pretty, Dad, and you can kiss her all you want after—”
“She’s my wife,” Toben finished. “Let’s get this wedding started.”
Poppy saw his wink and shook her head.
“I love you, Poppy,” he said, so sincere her breath hitched.
“I love you, too,” she said.
“You still can’t kiss,” Rowdy said, tugging them toward the altar and the waiting preacher. “Not yet.”
“After the wedding,” Toben whispered as he leaned close, “prepare to be kissed.”
* * * * *