Chapter 43
Ari
Golden hour settles across Horseshoe Holler, the orange glow of sunlight cutting through the trees.
String lights hang overhead, already twinkling despite the remaining daylight.
White chairs line both sides of the aisle while guests settle into their seats, their conversations blending together beneath the soft music drifting from the live quartet.
It’s beautiful.
Everything Landrie wanted.
I stand around the corner with the rest of the wedding party, trying not to fidget with my bouquet. At the back of the line, Wade catches my eye.
“You look gorgeous,” he mouths.
“So do you,” I mouth back.
Honestly, it should be illegal for a man to look at me like that while wearing a suit. I’m completely smitten.
The music changes, causing the guests to quiet and turn in their seats. That’s when the wedding coordinator nods at Luke and me. Slowly, we begin our walk down the aisle, passing people and faces that make up the backbone of this town.
Juliet.
The Ednas.
James Carver and Sadie.
The rest of the Stevenson family.
Carson and Emma.
Maggie Devens.
Reese and Liv.
Anyone you can name, they are here.
When we get to the front, we split apart, each taking our spots on the sides. I watch as Wade brings up the rear with his focus only on me.
Then, the music changes again, and the audience stands.
Landrie sits sidesaddle atop a white horse at the edge of the meadow. The late-afternoon sun catches the beading on her dress, making her sparkle against the autumn landscape. Dad walks beside her, one hand resting lightly on the reins.
The horse carries her slowly forward until they reach the beginning of the aisle. My dad helps her dismount, handing the reins to Archer. Then, Dad offers Landrie his arm. Together, they begin the walk, and all I see is my little sister.
Years of memories flood my mind, bringing tears to my eyes.
I’m so happy she’s getting everything she wants.
At the end of the aisle, my dad gently hands her off to Jaxon, placing a sweet kiss on her cheek before he takes his seat.
The ceremony begins.
Jaxon watches Landrie like she’s the only person in the world. And honestly? He looks a lot like Wade does when he looks at me. The thought sneaks up on me unexpectedly.
For the next twenty minutes, I watch two people promise each other a future and a lifetime. They aren’t promising perfection, just commitment. Maybe that’s what love really is.
Choosing someone again and again, despite the risk.
My gaze drifts across the aisle. Wade is already looking at me like he’s thinking of us right now too.
Somewhere between moving home, fake dating, football games, hayrides, bonfires, and stolen kisses, he became my favorite part of Autumn Ridge.
A few minutes later, Landrie and Jaxon exchange rings.
Then vows.
Then, finally, “You may kiss the bride.”
The crowd erupts into cheers.
Landrie laughs through her tears as Jaxon kisses her.
The music swells.
Guests stand.
Applause echoes through the trees.
For one brief moment, everything feels exactly as it should.
I glance at Wade again, and the thought, maybe someday, echoes through my mind.