EPILOGUE
Eighteen months later
“Momma, I love you,” Jessie said through clenched teeth. “But if you don’t stop fussing with my veil, I’m going to throw you in the pond.”
Daisy’s hands faltered on the lace, but she finally stepped back. “I’m sorry, sugar, but I wanted to help.”
“You are helping, but you’re also fidgeting.” Turning her attention to her matron of honor, she asked, “Whit, be honest. How do I look?”
Whitney dabbed at her eyes for the third time in as many minutes. “Y’all look perfect. Thank you so much for letting me style the wedding.” She blew her nose, the sound echoing throughout the room.
Gladys had given them full rein of the farmhouse and grounds, saying it was the least she could do for bringing Hog Hollow back to life. Truth be told, the farm brought Jessie back to life. She’d found a purpose she’d been searching for, and it had been right under her nose this whole time.
Jessie savored this sense of accomplishment, of belonging, but today was about more than work and finding herself.
She’d found Malcolm, permanently. Even more importantly—today she was finally marrying Malcolm.
No more games, no more yo-yoing; they were putting rings on it and making it legal.
And right where it all started, Jessie couldn’t imagine a better location to say I do!
“Room for one more?” Estelle said from the doorway. She was dressed in a dusty pink gown that brought out the hue of her cheeks, her blonde hair styled in an updo that looked more complicated than her Momma’s recipe for Hummingbird cake.
“Of course, Estelle.” Daisy tugged her future in-law into the room. “We were just talking about how we’re not going to cry anymore, because it ruins our makeup.”
Estelle’s bottom lip trembled, but the tears didn’t fall.
“Oh goodness, I’ve been a mess all morning.
Craig can attest to that, but I won’t ruin my makeup for anything.
Not even my baby boy finally putting a ring on it.
” She clutched her hands in front of her and gushed, “You look gorgeous, Jessie. I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride. ”
“Thanks, Estelle. I appreciate everything you and Craig did to help.”
Her future in-laws had pulled out all the stops, from hosting the rehearsal dinner to paying for more flowers than the state of Georgia had ever seen.
Every type of bloom imaginable was shoved in bouquets, tucked into tuxedo jackets, or strewn across tables.
Trevor had warned the station to double up on their allergy medications, which, in hindsight, was smart thinking.
Craig and Estelle had also made scarce so Malcolm and Jessie could enjoy a little time together before the festivities got insane, which Jessie knew was not easy for her almost mother-in-law to do.
In the lead-up to the big day, both bride and groom had been working hard so they could enjoy their vacation time and honeymoon.
Malcolm had been back to full service at the station, which meant he pulled a few double shifts here and there.
Jessie had morphed into a full-on farmer, lovingly obsessing over every animal and plant that graced Hog Hollow.
In short, life was busy, but damn was it good.
“Oh hush now, it’s our pleasure.” Estelle preened at the praise.
Whitney dabbed at her eyes again before checking her reflection and sighing. “Are y’all sure I don’t look too bloated in this? I’ve put on a few pounds since our final fittings.” She frowned, her hand resting on her growing baby bump.
Daisy was incredulous. “Now it’s your turn to hush, sugar. You’re glowing and growing my first grandchild. I won’t hear such nonsense.”
“And neither will I,” Estelle agreed, gently patting Whitney’s bump.
“You’re gorgeous any day of the week.” Lowering her voice, she added, “And I’m not saying it has to be tomorrow, Jessie.
But if you and Malcolm wanted to make me a grandmother sooner rather than later, I wouldn’t say no.
We start filming for the Atlanta Hearts spin-off next month, but I’d be back here by the holidays. ”
Daisy laughed, but Jessie blanched. “Um ...” She opened and closed her mouth like a goldfish while she struggled to find her words.
There was a knock at the door as Trevor joined the fray. “Well, I’d love to know what’s being discussed that got my dear sister tongue-tied.” He mimicked her expression, earning a not-so-discreet middle finger from Jessie.
Whitney closed the distance to her husband and kissed his cheek, hastily wiping the lipstick smear with her damp tissue. “Be nice, it’s girl talk. Is everyone ready?”
Trevor nodded, draping his arm around his wife. Jessie felt herself well up at the sight of them. Her brother had been through a lot, and seeing him this happy still made her want to weep with relief. It also made her want to be with her own man.
“Tell me it’s showtime,” Jessie pleaded. “I’m ready to get out there and become Mrs. Smith.”
Now Estelle couldn’t keep her tears at bay. “Oh, I love the sound of that,” she blubbered, snatching a wad of tissues from Daisy’s hand. “We’re finally family!” If the Atlanta Hearts reboot didn’t garner the woman a daytime Emmy award, this performance surely could.
Whitney squared her shoulders and whistled, silencing the sobs of joy. “All right, ladies! Let’s get to our places so Jessie and Malcolm can get hitched.” Turning to her husband, she asked, “Are the boys in place?” She raised an eyebrow and added, “All the boys?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Trevor promised, kissing her cheek before stepping back. “Momma, Paul is waiting to take you to your seat. Jessie and I will be there in a minute.”
Daisy, Whitney, and Estelle all left, leaving the siblings alone for a moment.
“Y’all know I’m not one for speeches,” Trevor said, sitting down on the edge of the bed.
Jessie’s eyes misted at her brother, knowing whatever he was about to say was coming from the depths of his heart. “I know that,” she whispered.
“We both know it should be Daddy walking you down that aisle.” Trevor’s voice caught, and he cleared his throat twice before he found his words. “But since he can’t be here, I’m truly honored that you asked me to give you away.”
Makeup be damned, Jessie couldn’t hold back her tears. “You’re the only person I want giving me away, Trev.” She stepped closer, taking his hand in hers and squeezing with everything she had. “He would be so proud of you, you know that, right?”
Trevor snorted. “Jessie, I’m supposed to be saying that to you. You’re stealing my speech!”
“Well, it’s my wedding day, so I can do what I like.
” Jessie wrinkled her nose, not through with her argument.
“You’re captain of the greatest fire station in the great state of Georgia, you married the greatest woman alive, save for me and Momma of course.
” She laughed, watching Trevor’s frown turn into a megawatt grin.
“And you’re going to be a daddy yourself soon.
He would be so proud and thrilled for you. ”
Trevor stood, letting out a breath before carefully resting his hands on Jessie’s shoulders.
“You’re the one he’d be proud of, going around the world to help people.
Then you came home and shared your love and hard work with the people of Pinegrove.
And I won’t even waste my breath on how much Daddy loved Smithy.
He’s doing cartwheels in Heaven watching you two today. I know it in my bones.”
“And now Whitney is going to be furious for me ruining my makeup.” Jessie dabbed uselessly at her eyes, but she didn’t care. “I love you, big brother.”
“Love you, too. Now let’s get out there. I’m already sweating in this monkey suit.”
“You fight fires for a living, and a tuxedo is what pushes you over the edge?” She thwacked his arm. “Some captain you are.”
Trevor hugged her, careful of her veil and dress. “Let’s get you hitched, brat.”
“Deal.” Jessie took her brother’s hand, gleefully walking out into the sunshine to marry her favorite person in her favorite place.
*
Malcolm’s face hurt from how hard he was smiling. Not even his mother’s theatrics or Javi’s shameless flirting with the photographer could dampen his spirits. He was about to marry JJ, the love of his life.
“I’ve got something you can take a picture of,” Javi whispered from the far side of the barn.
“Javi, knock it off. I’m on the clock,” Lola protested, batting away Javi’s hand as he attempted to grope her bottom. “Now get over there with the groom or I’ll have to Photoshop you into the pictures.”
“That sounds like a better idea, especially if I get to keep touching your ...”
“Good Lord, Ortiz! Can you do as the woman says?” Malcolm threw his arms in the air and sighed.
“You two are ridiculous, you know that? Here I am, expressing love for my girlfriend on a very romantic day, and you’re squashing my joy.” He patted Lola’s butt again to punctuate his point.
Lola playfully pushed him aside. “And I said I would only be the photographer and your date if you behaved. And here you are, causing trouble before they even make it down the aisle.”
“I never really promised anything, and it makes sense you’re here. You’re my girlfriend and the best photographer in Pinegrove.”
Lola thrust her hands on her hips, staring down at her boyfriend. “Enough flattery, mister. Now, go out there and make sure Katie and Oinks haven’t gotten into trouble. I won’t have her ruining her dress before she’s performed her flower girl duties.”
Malcolm, Jessie, Lola, and Javi had gotten closer over the last year, and that included spending more time with Katie.
She felt like part of their group from the moment Lola and Javi started dating, and having her as part of their special day made perfect sense.
For once, Malcolm had been proud of Javi’s determination on the dating front.
Lola was a breath of fresh air, and he’d truly never seen his friend this smitten.