Chapter Seventeen #2
Rose and Sabrina rush to the front window.
The noise even raises Father Frank from his nap.
Because on the road out front stands a man set up with an array of amps, a microphone on a stand, and an electric guitar in hand.
Grandma was right about there being photographers.
And they’re both capturing what’s going on.
Holy shit.
Nash clears his throat and, to the tune of “Hey Jude” by the Beatles, begins to sing…
Hey June, don’t make me sad,
Yes I fucked up, but let me kiss it better,
Remember I don’t completely suck all of the time,
Um…shit…I can’t remember what came next.
I am a strong independent woman who is not going to be affected by some guy singing in the street.
Much. Then I see Carmen standing nearby holding a whole large fish.
Just when I didn’t think this situation could get any more surreal.
Guess they’re planning on serving fish tacos tonight in town.
Which honestly sounds amazing. “June, want me to hit him with it?”
Grandma immediately gives this idea a thumbs up. Because of course she does, and I love her for it.
“I’m sorry too,” shouts Charlie, from where he’s standing near the front garden gate. “Please don’t let this very nice lady hit me with a fish.”
“Getting hit by a fish is the least of what you deserve,” yells back Grandma.
And Angus stands by the front fence saying nothing and seeming subdued. I think that’s the right word. As if he’s rethinking his doubts about me maybe. Or just generally considering his life choices.
“Oh shit. Please don’t attack me with your stick, Audrey.
I called Farmer and told him to stay away from you, June,” says Nash into the microphone, still playing his guitar.
Though he just says the words instead of singing now.
“It was a moment of idiocy. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.
It’s just…I fucked up…saw all of my past mistakes instead of you.
And what you are is beautiful and true. I know I don’t deserve you, but I hope you’ll come home anyway. ”
And I don’t know what to say.
Which is not a problem Father Frank has, apparently. “It’s too late! Get thee behind me Satan! Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”
Grandma laughs but tries to hide it in a coughing fit. She’s not exactly successful.
“Hi, Father Frank,” says Nash. “Good to see you again. What a great robe. The green really brings out the colors in your eyes. And there’s Rose and Sabrina in the front window too. Hey, guys.”
Rose waves as Sabrina gives him the bird. I really do love this place. There’s absolutely nowhere else I’d rather be.
“June, the only thing you’ve ever done is try and protect me. To give me the space and support to do what I want to do,” he says. “And you deserved the same care and support from me. I’m sorry I let you down.”
I don’t know what to say. But the media are here and catching every word. Doing this in the open maybe isn’t the best idea.
However, he gives me this sad hopeful sort of smile. “We can still get the llama if that’s what you really want.”
“I never wanted a damn llama,” I shout. “That was your idea!”
And he grins and keeps right on playing guitar.
“HA. Made you talk to me. Have I told you how much I hate it that you moved the engagement ring to your other hand? It’s almost like you don’t want to marry me or something.
Which would be a damn shame because Isa has some great ideas for a fall wedding and Rose has started planning how we could decorate the bar. ”
Now my heart is firmly lodged in my throat. I am choking on the damn thing. “You hurt me.”
“I know I did. And I’m so fucking sorry. You know I love you, right?” he asks. “Have I told you that? Because I’ve definitely been meaning to, but things got sort of busy and here we are.”
I shake my head. Shit. I am absolutely going to cry again.
“Do you want me to try and make up another chorus of the song or should I just grovel more in general?” he asks. “Whatever works best for you is good with me.”
“I love you too, you idiot.”
His answering smile is everything. It’s just that complicated and that simple. “You do?”
I nod my head jerkily.
“June, still waiting on an answer,” says Carmen from the roadside. “Yes or no to beating the crap out of him with a wet fish? You know, preventative measures are never a bad idea. Might make him think twice next time he tries to pull this sort of crap.”
My smile turns into laughter turns into joy. “Maybe not this time,” I say.
“You’re getting off light,” says Carmen, with her fish still in hand. “But there’ll be other days and other fishes.”
“I consider myself warned.” Nash’s fingers are still on the guitar, and he looks at me with such warmth and…I don’t know. He’s my person. I found him and I’m keeping him. And forever doesn’t feel like nearly a long enough time. Though I guess it’ll do for starters.
Six Month’s Later
“Do I look ridiculous?” asks Grandma.
“What? No. Why would you think that?” I haul myself out of the chair. Being five months pregnant with twins is no laughing matter. Or a moving fast matter. “You look wonderful and you’re marrying the man you love.”
She sighs.
“You do love him, right?”
We’re in the back office of the bar. Music and chatter can be heard coming from the main room, but it’s not quite time for us to make our appearance.
Not until Grandma decides she’s good and ready.
She’s wearing an elegant floor-length white gown with a red velvet bow around her middle.
Sabrina styled her hair and had her cousin help with makeup.
Grandma is the perfect Christmas bride. And I’m in a green empire-line maxi dress with comfortable shoes and my hair in a chignon.
“Of course I love him,” answers Grandma. “You know, I never wanted to do this again after losing your grandfather.”
I nod. “Risking your heart is hard.”
“Yes, it is.”
Which is when Bernadette charges through the door with a large bowl in hand. The whole idea of us having some privacy in the back office before the ceremony was a fallacy. “Where do you want the ambrosia salad?” she asks. “I added extra Cool Whip and marshmallows for those who have a sweet tooth.”
“Bernie, food goes out on the table set up in the bar,” says Isa, also appearing at the door. “I already told you this. Just admit you wanted to snoop on Audrey’s dress and then be on your way.”
“Wearing white for a second wedding isn’t right,” Bernie sniffs. “I wore coral to mine and then plum for the third. If there’s a fourth, I’m thinking lemon would be nice.”
Grandma stares contemplatively at the smaller white-haired woman. “I don’t remember inviting you to this event.”
“I’ll just go add my salad to the buffet,” says Bernie, making a swift exit.
Grandma gives me a wink. Then her serious face descends again. “Right. This was no impulsive course of action on either of our parts. I thought about it at great length and decided this was the right move for both of us.”
“You did,” I concur.
“Charlie and I discussed it.”
“Even I can confirm that,” says Isa. “See you out there.”
“And I love him very much.” Grandma takes a deep breath and lets it out slow. “Maybe I should have another shot of whiskey to calm the nerves.”
“It’s your wedding,” I say. “If you want to walk down the aisle drunk, you’re entitled.”
“Only tipsy, dear.”
“Okay.”
“Ladies,” says my fiancé, walking into the room twirling a piece of holly with intent. “I’ve never seen Charlie this nervous. He’s out there losing his shit, worried you’re going to change your mind or something.”
Grandma smiles. “That makes me feel so much better. He should be nervous. You have to keep them on their toes, June.”
“You’re a ten, Grandma,” I say. “The man’s beyond lucky to be getting you.”
Nash nods. “This is true. You know, it’s not too late to let me officiate. I would make an amazing celebrant. A couple of jokes, a song or two, we could really turn this into an event.”
“I’m sure you would,” I say with a smile. “But they both already said no, didn’t they?”
“Another dream crushed.” He smiles and cups my face to give me a kiss. “Guess I can’t officiate at our wedding in September.”
“I don’t think it’s legal to marry yourself like that. Or, not marry yourself, but…you know what I mean.”
“I know what you mean, my light,” he confirms with another kiss. This one longer and more involved. Because Nash in a three-piece suit with the button-down shirt open at his strong throat is hot as fuck.
Grandma clears her throat and stands tall. “Right then. Enough of you two making out. I’m ready to go get wed. Father Frank will be waiting out there. It’s not wise to let him have too much time for brandies before he has to make a speech.”
We put a pause on the kissing and pull ourselves together.
And Grandma holds out a hand to each of us.
The two members of her family ready to walk her down the aisle.
I couldn’t keep the smile off my face if I tried.
And that’s with one of the twins bouncing on my bladder like they’re already running out of room in there.
There are gigs planned up and down the West Coast in a couple of weeks.
Grandma and Charlie, Angus, Nash and I have a busy touring schedule coming up.
It all comes to a halt, however, when I am seven months pregnant.
Then we’re going to sit at home and rest and nest and just be in The Bend with our family and friends.
However, this next week is given over entirely to Christmas and the wedding. It’s a beautiful life we’re living, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I am loved and in love with my very best friend, the runaway rockstar.
Continue reading for a sneak peek of
FAKE