Chapter Nineteen – Bradly
brADLY
You could totally see the resemblance between Mackenzie and her sister Emily. Not only did they look similar, but certain parts of their personalities matched. Mackenzie was a bit more guarded, but I was positive that was from how she grew up. You could see how protective she was of her younger sister, and I couldn’t blame her.
We walked into Timberlynn and Tanner’s barn, and both women gasped at the sight before us.
“Who decorated the barn?” Mackenzie asked, spinning in a circle.
I smiled as I took in the space. The barn had been transformed into what looked like a fantasy land of white lights and greenery. A few rows of white chairs were set up in the middle of the barn, with the altar at the end. Small little groups of LED candles were at the end of each row and lined the path of the aisle. White fabric draped down from the ceiling, and lanterns containing more LED lights hung from the rafters.
“How…? Who…?” Mackenzie asked as she kept turning in a circle, taking everything in. “And why do I love that the horses are still in their stalls?”
“Aunt Kaylee used to plan weddings, receptions, parties…you name it. She only does it now for family and friends, but at one time, she was kicking ass.”
Mackenzie turned to me with a confused expression. “I thought she edited books?”
“She does that as well.”
“Okay, my mind is blown, and now I want to be married in a barn. Doug, take note of this. Barn. Winter. Snow.”
Doug nodded. “Noted.”
Mackenzie chuckled. “This really is so beautiful.”
Aunt Kaylee walked in and clapped to get everyone’s attention. “It’s time! Everyone, please take your seats.”
Maverick walked in with Nathan at his side. He looked happy and scared at the same time.
“I take it that’s the groom?” Emily asked.
“Yes. He looks so nervous,” Mackenzie said, taking a seat and reaching for my hand. I loved that she didn’t even think about the motion. She just did it naturally, and that filled my chest with warmth.
Everyone quickly got to their seats, and a quiet hush filled the barn. Lily had decided it would only be her and Maverick in the wedding. I loved how simple they were keeping everything. All they wanted to do was share the moment with their family and closest friends, and that worked for them.
The music started to play, and we all stood and turned to see Lily standing there in a silver gown that sparkled from all the lights in the barn. A thin cape was tied around her neck with a piece of jewelry that appeared to be the clasp. She looked beautiful. And the glow on her face seemed to grow as she looked directly at Maverick. Then she smiled, and I was pretty sure everyone else in the barn simply vanished, and it was just the two of them alone.
“That dress is beautiful,” Mackenzie whispered to her sister. “The tulle cape that matches the gown is stunning.”
We watched as Tanner and Timberlynn both walked Lily down the aisle. I could already hear sniffles filling the space, and at one point, even noticed Mackenzie and Emily discreetly wiping tears away.
The ceremony went by so fast, as Lily and Maverick said traditional vows. Then it was time to kiss the bride, and they both turned to face everyone and grinned as the pastor introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Prescott. Lily looked at Maverick, and when he wiped her happy tears away and kissed her again, I felt Mackenzie squeeze my hand. It was a sweet and tender moment, and I was so glad I was home to be part of it.
After way too many photos of the couple, the families, and the extended families, it was time to head up to Uncle Brock and Aunt Lincoln’s house, where the party would immediately begin.
“What a beautiful wedding that was!” Emily gushed as we headed to the truck. “Everyone is so nice and has made us feel like we’re part of the family.”
Mackenzie smiled at her sister. “They’re an amazing group of people, aren’t they?”
The girls talked in the back seat while Doug and I discussed raising cattle. He was born and raised in New York City and found ranch life fascinating.
Once we got to Lincoln and Brock’s house, Avery got everyone’s attention.
“We have another reason to celebrate! Today is Emily’s birthday!”
Lincoln came walking out with a birthday cake. I glanced over to Emily and Mackenzie, both had tears in their eyes. We all sang happy birthday, and right after Emily blew out the candles, Avery pulled Emily and Mackenzie away to properly introduce Emily to the family. I watched as Doug looked on fondly.
“She misses her sister so much. Emily’s been looking forward to coming here for months now. The minute she heard Mackenzie was moving, she started making plans to visit.”
“They don’t get to see each other much, I guess.”
He shook his head and turned to me. “When we got here, and I first saw Mackenzie…it was like seeing another person, to be honest with you. I think moving to Montana was one of the best things she’s ever done. I know you know about her mother and stepfather.”
I frowned. “Yeah, she told me.”
Doug shook his head. “I hate that they’re all they have left of their small family, yet they’re so far away from each other.”
“Have you thought about leaving New York City?” I asked.
He wore a smile that said he was a man with a secret. “I have. As a matter of fact, I applied for a position here in Hamilton. At a pediatrician’s office. They’re looking to add another doctor.”
“You did?” I asked as my eyes flew open wide. “Emily hasn’t said anything to Mackenzie about it.”
He looked sheepish and rubbed at the back of his neck, almost like he was unsure of his actions. “She doesn’t know. My residency finishes up soon, and I know Emily doesn’t want to live in New York City long-term. I was offered a position with a pediatric office in Manhattan, but I haven’t given them an answer yet. I wanted to see how Emily liked it here in Montana before I mentioned anything to her.”
“Wow. You’d be willing to leave your family behind to move to Montana?” I asked.
Doug searched the room until he found Emily. “I’d be willing to move Heaven and Earth for her.”
I followed his gaze and felt my heart jump in my chest at the sight of Mackenzie. She must have felt my gaze on her, because she turned, and our eyes met. I smiled softly, and she returned the gesture, but added a wink that had my body wishing we were alone.
“I’ve never seen her look so happy. Mackenzie, I mean.”
Turning to look at Doug, I smiled. “I’ve never been this happy.”
He put his hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I’m glad she found you, Bradly. If anyone deserves to be happy, it’s those two women. They’ve had to deal with a lot of shit, Mackenzie more than Em.”
“Okay, no standing in the corner. Come mingle and get to know everyone, Doug!” Avery commanded as she pulled us both farther into the room.
Aunt Lincoln and Aunt Timberlynn had gone above and beyond with the New Year’s Eve event. The food was amazing, the company truly wonderful, and the best part of all—not a game in sight!
“It’s almost time!” Avery shouted as she rang a cowbell to get everyone’s attention. “Grab that someone special and get ready to count down!”
Thomas, a friend of Avery’s from school here in Hamilton, helped her down off the table and the two of them went to stand with Joshua and Nathan. Everyone else gathered around with glasses of champagne to celebrate the new year.
As Avery and Nathan led the countdown, I wrapped my arm around Mackenzie’s waist and drew her closer to me.
“Thank you,” I said as I kissed her forehead.
With a giggle, she asked, “For?”
“Moving to Montana. Being in the barn on Christmas night. Letting me into your life.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you for seeing the lights on in the barn. And for being pushy about going out.”
I tossed my head back and laughed.
“Six! Five! Four!”
Placing my hand on the side of her face, I leaned down and whispered against her lips, “I love you.”
Her eyes met mine as she whispered back, “I love you too.”
“Happy New Year!” Everyone cried out as our lips connected and we rang in the new year together. And what a year it was going to be.
When we broke the kiss, reluctantly, I glanced over to Doug and Emily. He was saying something to her, and I knew the moment her face lit up like a Christmas tree that he’d told her about his idea to move to Hamilton. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
“I wonder what this year will bring?” Mackenzie asked as she let her gaze roam around the room.
I did the same and couldn’t help the smile on my face. “I have a feeling it’s going to bring a lot of happy memories. And more family coming home.”
Turning to face me, she raised a questioning brow, but before she could ask, Emily ran over.
“Kenz! Oh my God, you’re not going to believe this! We’re moving to Montana!”
Mackenzie’s eyes went wide with shock as she looked from her sister to Doug, then back to Emily. “What? Wait—are you serious?”
“Yes! Yes! Yes! Doug applied for a position here and he’s pretty sure he’s going to get it. We’re going to be near each other again!”
Mackenzie looked to Doug, who smiled and gave a single nod. Then, turning back to her sister, they both let out small screams and hugged.
The news traveled fast throughout the party that Emily and Doug were moving to Montana. I wasn’t the least bit surprised to see Doug talking to my father and Uncle Brock about cattle a short while after that. Minutes later, he informed me that he was going with us the next morning to check the fence lines. He wanted to see what ranch life was all about.
Little did he know, he was going to freeze his ass off, and if there was a downed fence, he’d be put to work. I didn’t think he was ready to give up years of medical school to become a rancher full time, but it would be fun to watch him learn something new.
When the night started to dwindle and everyone sent Lily and Maverick off with a huge goodbye, we started for home. I walked Mackenzie, Emily, and Doug up to the apartment.
“Kenz, just use the bathroom when you’re ready; we’ll most likely fall asleep the moment our heads hit the pillows.”
Mackenzie smiled warmly at her sister. “Sleep good, guys.” She turned back to me and sighed. “I’m exhausted, and I think I’m going to hit the sofa.”
“Do you want to go to the cabin?” I asked, pushing a loose curl behind her ear.
“As tempting as that sounds, I should stay here. I’m just going to change and crash. Doug mentioned you’d be by in the morning to pick him up. Something about doing ranch work?”
I chuckled. “He’s excited now. Not sure how he’ll feel once he’s on the horse out in the cold.”
Her hand came up to muffle a laugh. “You know he’s only been on a horse a few times in his entire life.”
“Really? He told me hasn’t ridden in a few years.”
Rolling her eyes, she said, “It was at a camp he went to his freshman year of high school.”
“This is going to be funnier than I thought,” I mused.
“You’re terrible,” she replied, as she tapped me lightly on the chest.
“Kenzie,” I whispered as I cupped her face in my hands, leaned down, and kissed her. “I don’t want to leave.”
Her hands moved up and held onto my arms while she kissed me back. A soft moan slipped free when I took a step back, dropping my hands to my sides.
“I’ll miss you tonight.”
I nodded. “I’ll miss you too.”
“Will you be by early to pick up Doug?”
“No,” I replied with a shake of my head. “It’s been a late night and I’m pretty sure everyone is going to want to sleep in a bit tomorrow. You heading to the greenhouse tomorrow?”
With a soft smile, she said, “No. Avery mentioned something about picking up me and Emily for lunch, and then possibly going shopping with Lily and Rose.”
“That’ll be fun.”
Her smile grew bigger. “I think so.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning then.”
Her fingers came up to her mouth and stroked lightly over her lips. I wasn’t sure she realized she’d even done it. “See you tomorrow. Good night, Bradly.”
Winking and watching her face turn a soft shade of pink, I said, “Good night, Kenzie.”
It took everything in me to turn and walk to the door, open it, and head down the steps and out to my truck.
When I glanced up to her place, I saw her standing in the window. She waved, and I raised my hand and waved back. I slipped into my truck and drove the short distance to my parents’ house with a smile on my face so big, my cheeks ached when I walked through their front door.