Chapter 32
CHAPTER 32
DALLAS
I tug my collar away from my neck. It’s most likely nerves choking me up because the tie isn’t even that tight.
Mad Dog, who is officiating the ceremony, pats my shoulder. “You’ll forget all about your nerves when she comes into view.”
“Hopefully, I don’t pass out before that.”
Daphne pops her head out of the door we set up at the back of the aisle. Rose wanted something to hide behind so that we’d have that moment of seeing each other.
With a basket full of marigolds on her arm, Daphne walks up the aisle, handing out blooms along the way.
Choosing one best man was impossible and having eight groomsmen seemed excessive, so Rose made Daphne the flower girl. And she is playing her part well.
Mason starts playing the wedding march on his guitar, and Clint and Kent are both beaming. Kent because he’s a proud dad. And Clint because he’s been giving Mason guitar lessons for years.
Gaze fixed on the doors, I take a deep breath and remember not to lock my knees.
Aunt Tandy is in the front row, bawling her eyes out, before Rose even steps into view. And Matthew is handing her tissues and kissing her temple.
The doors at the back open, and Sage steps out with Rose on his arm. It means the world to me that he showed up for her today.
Rose is a vision. She’s in a strapless dress, and I’m praying it doesn’t get much cooler during the ceremony. I don’t want her to be cold.
As Rose and Sage near the front, I touch my hip, knowing Mom and Dad are looking down at me today. They’d love Rose.
Sage shakes my hand, and Mad Dog starts the ceremony.
Rose hands her bouquet to Daphne, then slips her hands in mine and whispers, “You’re warm.”
“Forever your personal heater.”
Mad Dog looks from Rose to me, chuckling. “Y’all want to say it loud enough for everyone to hear?”
“Not really.” I’m not surprised by the laugh that rumbles through the gathered guests.
The ceremony continues, and Rose and I hold hands as we promise each other forever. It seems fitting that for all my swearing that I’d given up on the idea of white picket fences, I’m getting married in a field surrounded by a white picket fence. One that I installed to make Rose happy.
Then we get to my favorite part. And I kiss my bride.
I want everything to be perfect for our first night together in my cabin. I’ve arranged a babysitter for Floofy. Thankfully, Aunt Tandy’s cats love the little guy. So there won’t be any little fuzzy trying to share the bed with us.
Tonight, Rose is all mine.
With her in my arms, I walk to my cabin door. “The keys are in my pocket. Do you think you can reach them?”
“You never lock it.” She stretches, shoves her hand into my pocket, and spends way too much time feeling around for the only thing in there.
I stare at her, trying not to seem amused. “What are you doing?”
She grins, that bottom lip between her teeth. “Enjoying myself.”
Kissing her is just the thing to get her back on task. She unlocks the door and pushes it open. Once inside, I twist the lock.
“What’s with the locked doors?”
“I locked it before because I didn’t want anyone sneaking in and short sheeting the bed or anything like that. I’m locking it now because I won’t chance anyone—human or otherwise—getting in unannounced.” I continue down the hall to the bedroom.
“Human or otherwise?”
“I’m starting to wonder if Dennis the goat can work doorknobs because two days ago, I found him inside Tandy’s house. Eating her plants. She was not happy about that.” I set Rose on her feet.
She trails a finger down my buttons. “He’s a mess, isn’t he?”
“He is, but in spite of all her fussing, she loves that silly goat.”
“Uh-huh.” Rose undoes a few buttons, then presses a kiss to my neck. “I used my discount at the lingerie store.”
“Did you?” My gaze slides down her dress, and I’m wishing I had X-ray vision.
She nods. “Do you remember the first night we shared this cabin?”
“Like it was yesterday.”
“You said that you were glad the guy with the rose had a change of heart, but the whole time, you were the guy with the rose.” Her focus shifts to my hip. “I want a better look at it.”
“That can be arranged.” I reach around her and slide down the zipper on the back of her wedding gown. “Do you know what I want?”
“To see what I bought in Delaney’s shop?”
I pull the decorative comb out of her hair, and her blonde strands fall around her shoulders. “You. I want you.”