Read Online Blaine, Destiny - Roping in Forever [Forever 1] (Siren Publishing Allure) by Destiny Blaine - Free Book Online

right there, so to steady himself, he took her hand—something he needed anyway. Or at least, he sure hoped so.
    Bella’s eyes were wide, and she looked so surprised that he wasn’t sure if he was even doing this right. So maybe he was rushing things, but according to Bella he was the slowest cowboy in Texas so perhaps this gesture would change her mind.
    “Bella McDermott, I want you to know that I plan to do right by ya, if you’ll have me.” His palms were clammy, and he was feeling sort of light-headed. He stared at her then and grew really nervous as he watched the tears stream down her cheeks. “I reckon I’ve sowed a few wild oats, and maybe I don’t deserve you, and maybe that’s why I’ve stayed away as long as I have, but I’d like to marry you all the same. If you’ll become my wife tonight, I’d be honored.”
    “Tonight?” she screeched. “Tonight, Corbin?”
    “Or tomorrow night. Why yes, tomorrow night will work just fine, too.”

    * * * *

    Bella stared down at the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen in her life. The thing must’ve cost a fortune, but the expression on Corbin’s face was far more priceless than the gold and diamonds. His eyes were moist. His lips were dry. And he looked like he was anxiously awaiting the answer she’d always wanted to give. In fact, as a girl, she’d practiced her reply many times.
    “Yes,” she whispered, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing his cheeks. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
    “Well, thank God,” he said. “Maybe now I can breathe again.”
    He wiggled the ring away from the velvet holder and slid the symbol of his love on her third finger. “Lookie there,” he drawled. “It fits. Who would’ve thought?”
    “It’s perfect,” she said, holding her arm away from her body. “You shouldn’t have, Corbin.”
    “Yes, I believe I should’ve. I reckon you deserve the finest in jewelry since you’re getting a less-than-perfect man” he said, drawing her wrist to his lips and kissing a trail down to the center of her palm. “I’ll make you the happiest woman around, Bella. I swear I will. I’ll make up for any shortcomings you think I had in the past, and I’ll make a good husband. You’ll see. I’ll be the man you can depend on, the man you’ll be proud to call your own.”
    “I know you will,” she said gleefully, wrapping her arms around his neck. “But I have something to tell you.”
    “What?” he asked, alarmed.
    “I can’t put together a wedding on short notice.”
    “It doesn’t matter,” he said. “You said yes. That’s all I care about. When you said yes, you became my wife in my heart, Bella. We’ll make it legal whenever you say so, but I couldn’t go to Tulsa day after tomorrow without knowing you belonged to me or without you there with me.”
    “You want me to go to Tulsa ?”
    “Why yes, that’s a fine idea. I’m glad you thought of it,” he said, pulling her into his arms.
    “Corbin Cansey, you’re full of surprises!” she exclaimed, leaping into his arms and laughing as he spun her around.
    He shot her a wink along with a wicked smile. “You have no idea, but you’ll have some by the time the honeymoon is over.”

Chapter Fourteen

    Bella descended down the front steps a few hours later. Corbin stood in the foyer watching his beautiful bride, the woman who’d wormed her way into his heart seven years prior, when she was still too young to know what she wanted, and far too young for Corbin to claim.
    Dressed in the beautiful low-cut lavender and lace gown—something he’d purchased from the lingerie shop earlier that day—Bella looked at ease, not at all like the nervous blushing bride he’d half expected.
    “You look sensational,” he said, slipping a kiss upon her hand when he laced their fingers together. “Perfect.”
    “Something smells good,” she said, peering over his shoulder.
    “What would a wedding night be without a little dinner and dancing before the