Chapter 28 Willow
I walk down the aisle in my white dress—it’s simple, but elegant enough to feel like a bride.
His bride. I grabbed this one off the rack a few days ago when Rose hauled me to the town mall.
It caught my eye instantly. For its knee-length, mostly, to go with my boots.
But also because it didn’t make me feel like I was putting on a show.
It felt comfortable, uncomplicated. Right.
The ache in my heart is still fresh. My pride—my confidence and my reassurance that this thing with Dallas and me could turn into something that lasts forever—torn a little.
A prenup should not have surprised me.
Having it handed to me while I’m in my wedding dress, moments after battling with my mother, refusing my inheritance to keep my integrity—that stung.
But like the stupidly in-love fool I am, my heart hurts for him more.
I know he didn’t want it. And I know what it’s like to have someone who’s supposed to be rooting for you only care about protecting you financially.
Despite who it hurts.
Brushing the pain aside, I focus on the beauty of the moment. The sun dipping behind those pretty blue mountains. The same ones I’ve loved waking up to from his bedroom window. The setting sun casts a warm gold glow over the open field.
Heat lamps are lined up on either side of our seated guests, adding to the warmth and light.
A week ago, I would have been too nervous to look at anyone. Feeling like a fraud. But when I lock eyes with the man under the tree, the one with the cool easy grin, I don’t feel like a fraud at all.
I’m a woman marrying the man I’ve fallen for.
He and I may not be forever. But I’m not lying to anyone today. And whether or not he feels the same, one thing is for sure—he’s going to win his daughter.
And that’s forever.
I glance at my mother with a small smile and she perks her brow. I know what she’s thinking.
I inhale a deep breath, my heart sinking to my stomach. Then, I give her a subtle nod.
Fine. I’ll do it.
Her shoulders rise proudly and she mouths, That’s my girl.
I hand Rose my flowers and step under the tree to join Dallas. His eyes warm as he watches me.
He takes a couple of steps toward me, cupping my chin as we meet. “Just you and me, Sunset,” he whispers low, an inch from my mouth.
At first I’m confused, frowning up at him. Then he adds. “Against them all.”
I suck in a breath, my heart still pounding with confusion for my emotionally driven decision. “For better or worse,” I say with a light shrug.
He watches me, reading me. “I’m all in, Willow. I’m not just ready to spend the rest of my life with you. I was meant to.”