This Hick?

Chapter 68

CHAPTER 68

CASSIDY

T he outdoor venue was in full bloom. The blinding sun would have been too much without the tents shielding us and the guests. The smell of roses was a little overpowering. The arch where Archer was standing was covered in white and pink flowers. It was the kind of day that felt like it had been ordered straight from the heavens just for them.

I had never given much thought to wedding details, but even I had to admit it looked beautiful out here. Chairs were neatly arranged in rows, each one decorated with delicate ribbons and small floral arrangements. Potted plants and bouquets of blooming roses were strategically placed, adding pops of color and an air of elegance. A white aisle runner led to another arch covered in roses at the opposite end of the setup.

A pianist was playing soft music, and guests were leaning over and chatting with one another. A few kids were fussing, and ushers were standing near the back keeping a watchful eye on everything. I was standing with the other groomsmen, dressed up and lined in a row next to Archer. I found myself feeling oddly nervous. It wasn’t the kind of nerves you get before speaking in public or doing something stupid. It was a deeper thing. It was an excited energy about our future. I was happy to be a part of the wedding, but I was so looking forward to going home and telling everyone the ranch was saved.

I knew Karen was coming down the aisle soon, so I kept my eyes focused on the arch at the opposite end of the white runner. I was trying to act natural and failing miserably.

I saw one of the ushers walk over to the pianist and whisper something in her ear. The music changed and Jenny appeared under the arch. I swallowed, knowing Karen would be appearing any second. The moment she stepped onto the white runner, it was like the world fell away. Her pale blue dress was soft and flowing around her figure like it had been custom-made for her. I remembered it actually had been custom-made just for her because I was at the wedding of very wealthy people who could afford that kind of thing.

I lost myself staring at her. I wasn’t sure I was breathing. My eyes met hers, and the rest of the ceremony faded for a second. She was glowing, her eyes bright, and that little smile on her lips, directed right at me, knocked me back. I actually swayed.

I thought I knew what love was, or I had an idea of what it was based on the movies I had seen. But I could never have imagined it was like this. I didn’t even know what this was.

I had never felt anything like it. That woman, my woman , was doing something incredible. She was giving herself, her future, her whole being, to grow our family, to give me something I hadn’t even realized I wanted until it was right here in front of me. It was like someone had pulled the floor out from under me because I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know if I could ever deserve her. But I would do everything I could to try.

She kept her eyes on mine as she walked, graceful and confident, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. When she reached her spot, our connection held for just a second longer. She was everything I hadn’t known I was missing.

There was no way in hell I was letting that go. I would crawl over broken glass through fire for her. I was going to fight like hell to prove to her every single day that I was worthy of her.

Mary Ellen’s appearance broke my focus. Everyone stood as she made her progression down the aisle. She was wearing a pristine white dress, fanning out behind her. Her face was serene as she glided down the aisle toward her future husband.

Mary Ellen reached the arch, stopping in front of Archer who looked at her like she held the entire universe in her hands. The pianist played the final notes and hushed whispers filled the air as everyone sat down. The ceremony started but it was all white noise to me. There wasn’t anything I could focus on besides Karen.

The vows Archer and Mary Ellen had written were beautiful. Archer’s voice cracked in places, destroying the tough guy image he portrayed. He held Mary Ellen’s hands as if he was never letting go. I looked at Karen, imagining the day she would stand with me like that, promising herself to me forever. The way she looked at Archer and Mary Ellen made me want to wrap her in my arms right there. I hoped she was thinking the same thing.

When the ceremony ended, applause filled the air. Everyone broke into smiles and laughter as we made our way to the next part of the day. Pictures. The photographer herded us all into an area nearby, the light perfect for the photos that would forever memorialize the day.

The bride and groom kissed again and again for the camera, their faces glowing with love. We all posed, smiled, and made our way through what felt like a million photos.

Somewhere in the middle of that whirlwind, Mary Ellen disappeared for a quick touch-up, leaving the rest of the bridal party to take a breather. That was when I saw my opening. Karen grabbed a bottle of water and was downing it when I walked up behind her, slipped my hand around her waist, and pulled her close.

“You look incredible,” I murmured, my lips brushing against her ear.

She turned to me, her face lighting up. Her eyes met mine. I didn’t waste a second. I leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was meant to be quick but turned into something deeper, something that spoke of all the things I hadn’t figured out how to say yet. Her hand slid up to my chest, fingers resting over my heartbeat as if she could feel the way it raced for her.

When we broke apart, she was smiling. I couldn’t get over the way she looked at me, like I was something worth all the love in the world.

I pulled her in close again, speaking softly so only she could hear. “I love you, Karen.” I felt her fingers tighten on my lapel, her hand fisting the fabric. She looked up at me.

“I love you, too,” she whispered. Then her smile wavered just a little. “Sometimes it scares me how much I love you.”

The words hit something deep inside me. I reached up, tracing her jawline with my thumb. “What do you mean?”

She took a shaky breath, her fingers smoothing the front of my suit as if she was trying to calm herself. “I’ve never wanted anything like this. Like you or this baby. And it scares me, having so much to lose. You know?”

I let out a breath, understanding her completely. “I know. Believe me, I know. Every day, I think about it. But you’re not going to lose me. My place is with you. Both of you.”

I took her hand, brought it to my lips, and kissed her knuckles, holding her gaze. “You’re stuck with me, sweetheart. I’m the bad rash you can’t get rid of.”

We were in this together, come what may. I wasn’t going anywhere, and I would do everything in my power to make sure she never had to doubt that.

“I’m lucky, you know that?” she said.

I grinned, pulling her close again. “Oh, I think I’m the lucky one.” I lowered my voice, bringing my lips close to her ear. “I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it if I have to.”

“I look forward to that.”

“I missed you,” I said. “I’ve decided I don’t like sleeping alone.”

“Me too,” she said. “I got to sleep on a luxurious bed. Unfortunately for you, you were stuck in my broke-down bed.”

I laughed. “It’s all good. It was a little weird to be so alone. I haven’t slept that alone in… ever. I was in the boys’ home and then the bunkhouse. Being in that big house felt a little strange.”

“Were you scared?” she teased.

“Nope, but I did think about going into the kitchen naked just so I knew what it felt like.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “I assume you didn’t act out your absurd idea?”

“I didn’t.” I laughed. “But, who knows? Maybe one day.”

I kissed her again. She melted into me, her hand resting against my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, feeling more content than I’d ever felt in my life. I thought about telling her about the ranch, but I wanted more time. I knew Mary Ellen would be returning any second.

“You keep kissing me like that, and we’re going to have to find a closet or something.”

“Fine by me,” I replied.

She laughed again, rolling her eyes. “Naughty, naughty.”

“Horny, horny.”

We rejoined the rest of the wedding party. Mary Ellen returned from her makeup touch-up, beaming and clearly having the best day of her life. We all gathered close for more pictures. The photographer directed us this way and that, posing the couples together when possible. Every so often, Karen would catch my eye and give me that secret smile, the one that told me she felt it too. She was feeling the love.

When the photographer finally called for the last round of pictures, we were all relieved and ready to get to the reception. I took Karen’s hand as I led her toward the huge tent where the guests were already enjoying appetizers and drinks.

“We’ve got this,” I said. “You, me, and our little one. We’re going to build something beautiful together.”

“I know,” she said. “I have no doubt in my mind. I trust you.”

“When we get a minute, there’s something I need to talk to you about,” I said.

She looked at me. “What? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong.”

“Karen, we have to help Mary Ellen change into her reception dress!” Rylee called out.

“Everything is fine,” I said. “Go. We’ll talk when you get back to the table.”

“You’re sure everything is okay?”

“I promise, it’s better than okay.”

With one last kiss on her forehead, I watched her walk away. Jameson walked over and slapped me on the shoulder. “Let’s get a drink.”

“Alright,” I said, watching Karen disappear with her friends.

I followed Jameson to the extensive bar at one corner of the tent. The array of beverages set out for selection was impressive. Wine, whiskey, champagne, even craft beers. The bride had certainly thought of everything.

“What’ll it be?” Jameson asked, gesturing to the array of bottles on display.

I grinned, taking in the options. “How about a whiskey?”

Jameson nodded, hailing the bartender. He quickly poured two glasses and handed me one. He lifted his glass for a toast. “To new beginnings and unconditional love.”

I clinked my glass against his. “To love.”

As we sipped our whiskey, I turned to look at the reception area. The tent was decorated beautifully with twinkling fairy lights and delicate blooms of pastel flowers. Tables were perfectly arranged. Beautiful centerpieces adorned each one. The band was softly playing a jazz number that paired perfectly with the light chatter of the guests. It wasn’t too loud or too soft.

It was giving me ideas about what I wanted my wedding to look like. And I knew at that moment, I absolutely wanted a wedding.