CHAPTER 43
Tally
“If you get cake in my hair, I will murder you, Daniel Hall!” the bride shrieks as her husband plays airplane with a piece of cake.
“Is it weird seeing someone destroy what you worked so hard to make?” Walker asks.
“No. Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone enjoy something I’ve fed them.” I lick my lips and my eyes widen. “You going to try my cake, Cowboy?”
He smiles knowingly. “You know I love your cake.”
I lean into him and we laugh, and God, does it feel good to just relax with this man.
Between getting the farm ready for the Daffodil Festival and preparing for this vow renewal, these last few weeks have been extremely stressful.
Especially for Walker, who I know takes everything personally.
But standing here now, I feel like we’ve accomplished something amazing. My father would be so proud.
The party gets rowdier as the night wears on.
Because boy, these hockey players can drink.
I’m surprised, seeing as they’re still in season, but apparently they’re all enjoying their night off.
My favorite moment, however, is when the bride and groom head to the dance floor with their son between them, rocking back and forth as their friends surround them and sing the lyrics to “Adore You” by Harry Styles.
They’re just about to start the family dances when Walker grabs my hand and tugs.
“What’s up?”
“Come with me. Our sisters have this part covered,” he tells me.
My heart races when I realize Walker’s taking me away right as the father-daughter dance is about to start.
This man. He leads me toward the wildflower field, and I shake my head, pulling his arm backward.
“What are we doing out here? We can’t get naked while a wedding is going on! People will see us!”
He chuckles. “I was thinking maybe you’d like to dance with me.”
I hide my face in his chest as he pulls me toward him and we sway in time to the music.
“Did you have a good time today?”
Chin on his chest, I smile up at him dreamily. “The best.”
He presses a kiss to my nose, and my cheeks pink.
“You know someone might see us,” I warn him.
He shrugs. “Couldn’t care less.”
“Because you like me?” I don’t know why I’m so nervous to ask him. Of course he likes me. But my question is loaded, and we both know it.
Walker pushes a golden lock of hair behind my ear and cups my cheek.
“Fuck, Tal, I more than like you.” He traces a finger across my jaw, and the feel of it sends an electric current through my body and straight to my heart. “I’m crazy about you, and the thought of you leaving and meeting someone else …”
I turn into him and rest my palm on his jawline, tweaking his chin to force him to look at me.
“I’ve never dated anyone but you. And I think I make you happy.
” My fingers smooth over his rough skin, my thumb coaxing him to relax.
“That you smile more when you’re around me.
” His eyes soften. “Maybe most people wouldn’t call this dating, but it’s the most real relationship I’ve ever experienced. ”
Something sparks in his eyes. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. I’ve never been happier than I have these last few weeks with you.”
“Will you be my girlfriend?” Walker’s words take me by surprise. The boyish innocence of them.
“Really?”
A laugh looses from his chest. “Yeah, Wildflower, really. Will you date me? In public.”
I bite my lip, but before I get a chance to respond, Walker presses on.
“I know you’re still leaving. I’m not trying to keep you. I just—”
I press my finger to his lips to silence him. “How about we don’t talk about the future? How about we just live in the now, together?”
He nods with a goofy grin. “I’d like that.”
A huge smile blooms on my lips. His mouth twitches into one, too, before we both lean in to savor a long, languid kiss.
“Are you two ever coming back?” Penny calls.
Walker and I turn to see Rosie and Penny standing at the top of the hill, both beaming as they watch us.
“Yeah, what are you guys doing out here? The party’s back there!” Rosie shouts.
The corners of my mouth twitch up as I settle against Walker’s chest and holler back. “We’re dating!”