47. Family, I’d Never Had One Of Those Before
FAMILY, I’D NEVER HAD ONE OF THOSE BEFORE
CASH
I sat in the second row inside the old barn as Lottie and Owen said their vows.
Paige’s eyes met mine and I couldn’t help but smile as I took her in.
She was wearing a pale blue dress that swept all the way to the ground and her hair was in a sexy slicked-back ponytail.
I couldn’t wait for the ceremony to be over so I could get my hands on her.
For the past two days, Paige and I had been all over each other, making up for lost time. The first night, we barely talked. We were completely consumed in each other, and I felt blissfully at peace as Paige fell asleep wrapped around me.
Yesterday, Paige and I sat in Shadow’s stall and she told me all about California. She told me about her apartment by the beach and the friendships she made. She told me about her freelance work and showed me her photographs.
The entire time she spoke, she had this smile that never faltered. There was something different about her now, a confidence that somehow made her even more attractive. I hadn’t realized how much Paige needed to get out and experience life on her own.
Paige had always been a people pleaser and she deserved the time to figure out who she was and what she wanted—I was just grateful that what she wanted was me.
The moment Lottie and Owen walked back down the aisle, I went in search of my girl. It was shocking that we went three months without speaking because now even being separated for a few minutes made me itchy.
I found Paige standing with the bridesmaids and wrapped myself around her from behind, placing a kiss on her cheek. She burst into giggles and turned to drape her arms around my neck.
I placed a quick kiss to her pink painted lips and whispered, “Hey, baby.”
She smiled against my lips. “Hey.”
“You guys are disgustingly cute.” Keegan laughed as her husband Luke pulled her into his side.
Maeve sighed and shook her head. “I love this”—she pointed her finger at us—“but I’m so sad you’re taking my best friend back.”
Paige laughed and leaned her back into my chest. “I’ll come visit. I promise.”
“You better.” She pouted as Colin kissed her head.
Paige told me all about how close she’d gotten to Owen’s siblings. I was looking forward to visiting them in California so I could finally experience the good times she’d raved about.
Paige and I broke off from the group and headed in search of a drink. With two glasses of champagne in hand we casually made our way to the back of the barn and leaned against the railing, taking in the view of the mountains as the sun set.
The barn beneath Paige’s apartment was renovated last summer when Gigi wanted to host an engagement party for Lottie and Owen. She had a deck built with fire pits and chairs for people to relax and enjoy the mountain air. It was my favorite place to hide during events like this.
Paige glanced over at me and her eyes trailed up my body slowly.
“Stop looking at me like that, P. I don’t want to walk around this wedding with a raging boner.”
She laughed, but her eyes remained glued on me. “It’s not my fault that you look so good in a suit.”
I gestured to my outfit and smirked at her. “You like it?”
She nodded and sucked her bottom lip between her teeth.
Fuck.
“I do prefer the Wranglers, though. Or nothing at all.”
I shook my head and placed my champagne glass on the railing before pulling her into me.
“I’m trying really hard to control myself here, Pip.”
“I like it better when you lose control.” Paige ran her hands up my chest.
My pants started getting tighter and I wasn’t going to last much longer with this self-control thing. Paige Brooks made me want to pull her behind the barn and show her just how crazy she made me.
I heard footsteps behind us as Axle and Reid headed in our direction. I shifted to adjust my pants and pulled Paige into my side.
“I know you guys are all loved up again, but Lottie wants us for family pictures.”
Paige started to walk forward, but I lingered by the railing. I picked up my glass and looked out over the mountains.
“Cash! Let’s go!” Reid yelled back at me.
I startled, confused. Paige knew what my hesitation was. She laced her fingers between mine and tugged me with her.
“You’re family, Jesse. Yeah, we’re married now, but you’ve been family for a long time.” She started walking backward and I followed her like a puppy.
Her words were like balm to my scarred soul.
Family.
I’d never had one of those before. I’d never known the unconditional love of people who had no choice but to accept you—until now.
I was a little choked up as the photographer placed Paige and me in our spots for the family portrait. I had always been jealous of the bond this family had. No matter what happened, they supported each other fiercely. To be part of something like that seemed like a pipe dream.
I held Paige to me and soaked in the moment. I knew now that there was no one who could ever have my back the way her and our family did.
I could not be more endlessly grateful that one reckless moment showed me everything in life I was afraid to open myself up to.