Chapter 59
Chapter fifty-nine
Dakota
Six weeks later
“How do I look?” I ask, running my hands down the lace gown that had me crying the first time I saw it.
“Total baddie,” Arizona says with a smile.
“Are you sure?”
“Totes. The Hus is going to flip.” She wags her brows.
She opens her arms. “How about me?”
“Gorgeous as usual.”
“Staaapp,” she mocks embarrassment, flipping her hair.
“Come here.” I open my arms to her, and she steps in immediately.
We’ve made leaps and bounds when it comes to mine and Ari’s relationship. She’s even opened up about Bea’s death and has joined in on the days the advocacy center comes out to the ranch.
“Love you.” I squeeze her tight.
“Love you too, D.”
I’ve officially been gifted a nickname, and it makes me smile every time.
Arizona Larue Sterling was officially deemed part of our family three weeks ago, and the paperwork has been filed to complete the transition to make her a Mayson. As for now, we’re fluttering around Ruthie and Emmett’s new farmhouse preparing for my wedding.
My real wedding.
The last six weeks have been a blur. Between me almost drowning, spending three days in the hospital, being granted full custody of Ari, and planning a legit wedding, I’ve been nothing but smiles and exhaustion.
After getting a lengthy lecture from Cooper about my actions the night of the accident, he immediately dropped to one knee right there in the hospital room, asking me to marry him in front of the entire nursing staff and our family.
The nurses were confused, but everyone else had already caught on weeks ago.
A knock sounds at the door, whispers filtering through as Ivy and Laiken amble in. They both freeze, hands flying to their mouths.
“Oh my God,” Ivy fans her face. “I’m going to cry.”
“Me too,” Laiken sniffs. “You look stunning.”
“Why are you crying, mama? I thought Aunt Ivy only cries since she has a human in her tummy.”
“Trace!” Laiken shrieks.
My eyes widen. “What!!!!”
“Shhhhh.” Ivy flails her hands.
“Maddox.” Laiken calls down the hallway. “Can you take him please?” She cracks the door, shoving Trace out. “And please explain to him how we keep a secret.”
She shuts the door and I’m still gaping at my best friend. Well, sister-in-law.
“You’re pregnant?” I ask.
“Yes.” She looks remorseful.
“And you didn’t tell me!” I gasp.
“It’s your wedding day!” She shrills. “We found out yesterday, and I didn’t want to ruin your day.”
“Ruin my day?” I roll my eyes. “Ivy Mayson. First of all. I’m already married, and I would have been completely content on keeping the courthouse ceremony the only wedding we had. But we both know your brother is dramatic and wanted the whole shebang.”
She laughs, swiping tears from under her eyes.
“And second. This little rugrat is my niece or nephew. I’m over the moon for you.”
Ivy is full on crying now as I cross the room to her.
“Trace is a little sneak and must have overheard us this morning.” Laiken laughs as she joins us in a group hug.
“I’m so happy for you,” I tell her.
“Maybe you’ll be next.” Laiken teases.
I glance back at Ari who’s putting on lip gloss. “Please, mine’s already potty trained and knows how to do dishes. I’m golden.”
Another knock sounds at the door and we disperse, all wiping our eyes.
Ruthie pokes her head in. “It’s time.”
Stepping onto the front porch of the farmhouse, I glance out at the yard that showcases rows of white chairs that hold our closest family and friends. A beautiful arch of wildflowers sits at the end of the aisle, along with Cooper, Maddox, and Ryder.
“I’m ready, Kota,” Trace says, a turquoise pillow resting on his tiny palms that hold our rings.
“Ok. It’s your turn,” Laiken urges him forward. “Go stand by Uncle Mads.”
He proudly stomps down the stairs, then down the aisle. Arizona follows, dropping white petals along the way. Next is Ivy and Laiken, their gorgeous blue long sleeve dresses perfect for this December weather.
“You sure you want to marry him? I got a horse saddled out back if you want to run.” Emmett smiles, stepping up next to me in his starched jeans and button up shirt.
A little yellow flower is pinned on the pocket.
I tilt my head back on a laugh. “I think I’m finally done running.”
He holds out his elbow. “Then let’s get you down that aisle.”