She had wanted a simple wedding with no guests besides Annie and Burke, but Annie wouldn’t hear of it. Ryelee thought Annie had invited about half the town. Annie insisted on having it at her house, and she insisted on paying for it as her wedding gift. Rheenie was on cloud nine. She was going to be the flower girl, and she had a brand new pink princess dress to wear. Best of all, she was going to have a mama. Ryelee tried to mirror her excitement, but she knew she was faking it. She never wanted anything as much as she wanted to marry Clint, but she was so afraid that he would find out about her part in the rustling. Her father tainted everything good in her life, even when he wasn’t around. How she hated him. She had just come to think she deserved some type of happiness. It would be dishonest to marry Clint, but she couldn't help herself. She wanted any happiness she could get even though she knew it would lead to heartbreak later. * * * * Clint walked in from the barn and immediately drew Ryelee into his arms and nibbled on her bottom lip before kissing her deeply.
