20. Ronnie
Ronnie
The toy buzzer makes another loud farting sound, and I turn to glare at Kane. The boys break into giggles because at five years old, fart noises are still the height of entertainment.
He shrugs, unrepentant. “I wanted something to keep them entertained while you guys got ready.”
“Hey, they're happy right now,” Flint says and reaches over adjusting my veil.
His living room, well, I guess it's our living room now, has turned into wedding central. We're getting married outside in just a few minutes. When Flint put out the word that we wanted to get married today, everyone dropped what they were doing to show up and help us.
Mallory from Sew Cute bought a collection of wedding dresses to the ranch for me to try on. Austin from Bloom Anywhere handled the bouquets. Camden showed up with the marriage certificate that he sweet-talked someone at county hall into issuing for us this morning.
It amazes me to think that after years of my grandma and I struggling just to survive, we're now surrounded by a big, warm community that cares for us and wants to make our day special.
“What are you doing? You’re going to ruin that makeup,” Mira fusses.
I blink and take a deep breath, forcing myself not to cry. I’ve been extra emotional today, and Flint has taken every tear in stride.
He gives me his patient, steady smile. “You look beautiful.”
Another fart sound fills the room, and Kane laughs right along with the boys.
“Come here, you two,” Ridge says, “Let's get your boots shined again.”
While the boys settle down for another tutorial on the proper way to shine their boots, I see Ridge quietly slip the buzzer into his pocket, and I send him a grateful smile.
Kane lets out a slow whistle. “What are you doing over there, Miss Alice? You’re going to upstage the bride today.”
I turn my head to see my grandmother. She comes into the room wearing a beautiful blue bridesmaid’s gown. When Mallory showed up, she didn’t just bring wedding dresses. She made sure to bring options for my bridesmaids too. It was the sweetest thing she could have done.
“You still aren’t in my good graces yet no matter how handsome you look,” she sniffs, pretending to be mad at him over their fight last night about which action hero is the best.
“Well, don’t think I’m forgiving you anytime soon no matter how stunning you look today,” he answers.
Lauren appears in the doorway. “Everything is all set up! We’re ready for you!”
Bronco agreed to officiate our wedding. He got ordained online a few minutes ago, and now he’s ready to perform the ceremony.
Grandma turns her attention to me. “Are you ready?”
I’m not looking at her. I’m staring into the eyes of the man who makes my heart skip a beat every time I see him. “I’ve never been more ready.”
“That’s my girl,” he says and presses a soft kiss to my forehead.
There’s a flurry of hugs and kisses then the boys are following the men outside. I love that Flint wants the boys standing up there beside Cord, Kane, and Ridge. He insisted that they’re part of his crew, same as Duchess who’s next to the boys and preening at our audience.
The music starts, and I slip my hand inside Grandma’s arm. She gives my hand a gentle pat. “He’d love this, seeing you so happy.”
“I know he’s watching over us,” I whisper.
“Let’s give him something good to see,” she says and walks with me up the aisle to the love of my life. Flint’s gaze never wavers from mine as I walk toward him. His smile is just as charming and open as it was that day at the pool.
Grandma puts my hand in his, and they exchange a nod.
“You rest now. I’ve got your girl,” he promises her.
My eyes blur as we repeat our vows then Flint is kneeling next to the boys. Each one hands him a ring, giggling and waving when Grandma snaps a photo on her phone with the flash on.
He slides the ring on my finger and waits for me to do the same then he’s sweeping me into his arms and kissing me breathless. It’s only when he stops kissing me that I realize our friends and family are giving us a standing ovation.
I put my head on his chest. “Thank you for rescuing me yesterday.”
“Thank you for keeping my baby safe.”
I look up at him again, not even paying attention to Bronco who is pronouncing us man and wife or the audience who is still cheering like they’re at a stadium game.
He smiles down at me, his eyes twinkling with delight. “Let’s go live a beautiful life together.”