Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
Keaton rinsed the conditioner from her hair, and Layne enjoyed the feel of his fingers massaging her scalp. Actually, she liked the feel of his hands anywhere on her body.
He turned off the showerhead and opened the glass door, reaching for a towel. He stepped out, toweling himself off and then wrapping it around his waist. The towel hung low on his hips, and she was thinking about pulling it off when he shook his head.
“You’ve got that look in your eyes, Miss Larson. Don’t even think about it.”
He held open a towel for her, and she moved toward it, letting him slip it around her. He handed her another towel, which she wrapped around her head.
“You aren’t going to be able to call me Miss Larson much longer. In about two hours, the wedding ceremony starts. So let’s say, in two hours and fifteen minutes, give or take, I’ll be Mrs. Maxwell.”
He frowned. “Are you sure you want to change your name to mine? You’ve built a terrific professional reputation as Layne Larson. It’s got a real ring to it.”
She shook her head. “I still have no profession. No idea what I want to do. Sometimes, I wonder why you’re even bothering to marry me. I’m just as much a mess as I was when we first met.”
Keaton slipped his arms around her, kissing her softly. “The first time we met, you were a top business executive in Dallas, oozing smarts and confidence. That was at Carson and Mila’s wedding. I was really attracted to you right away.”
“And the second time we met, I cried more that day than I ever had my entire life.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “Yet despite your red eyes and even redder nose, I still found you incredibly sexy.” Keaton framed her face with his hands.
“You’re about to reopen what I believe will be a very popular B&B.
Even after the reno, you still have a good chunk of money from the separation package and the sale of your house in Dallas.
Today’s ceremony is just that. A ceremony.
We’re already committed to one another. What’s mine is yours, and vice-versa.
This house is paid for. My art is bringing in money.
We’re fine. Take all the time you need to figure things out,” he encouraged.
Layne had been surprised to find that Keaton had placed her name on the deed to the house he had bought.
She’d tried to give him cash. Not an entire half of what the purchase price had been, but she wanted to pull her weight.
He had refused, telling her not to worry about it.
She hoped she would decide what she wanted to do soon.
He was right about the Bay Breeze. Once she’d placed the pictures Stacy had taken on the website, a slew of reservations had poured in, many from longtime guests who were eager to return to Driftwood Bay.
They would have the grand opening this weekend, and Piper was pumped to be in charge.
Her friend had come in and gotten her feet wet as Layne had given a crash course in the running of the B&B.
Piper added some good ideas to how things were already set up, plus she had taken to the cooking lessons Keaton had given her.
Since most of the inn’s guests only stayed three to four days, Piper said she would rotate four days of different breakfast items, then she would start at the beginning of the list again.
She had mastered scrambled eggs, along with bacon and sausage.
Then Piper had conquered French toast and pancakes.
It had taken her several tries before the consistency of her oatmeal was good enough to serve, but she was comfortable with preparing all those items.
Piper had suggested a small fridge be placed in the dining room, along with a toaster.
That way, they could stock the fridge with cartons of yogurt, milk, and juice.
Guests could also prepare their own toast or English muffins.
Because of this, Layne and Keaton would not need to drive over every morning and prepare breakfast for guests, and he had convinced Layne to go on a honeymoon.
They would leave in two weeks for Italy and France, two countries she had yearned to see for as long as she could remember.
Though neither of them had ever been abroad, Keaton somehow had the passport process expedited, so nothing was holding them back.
While he shaved and dressed, Layne put on her makeup and blow-dried her hair.
“Go,” she told him. “Piper is already horrified that we spent the night together and woke up in each other’s company this morning. If you see me in my wedding dress, we’ll never hear the end of it from her.”
Keaton kissed her lightly. “I’ll see you when the ceremony starts. Love you.”
“Love you more,” she said, nudging him out the bedroom door and closing it behind him.
She wouldn’t let Piper’s superstitions invade this perfect day. Layne looked out the window, seeing blue sky and ample sunshine.
Then a knock sounded lightly on the door. Thinking it might be Piper or Mila, she hurried to answer it, only to find Keaton standing there. He held a frame in his hands.
“I forgot that I wanted to give this to you,” he apologized. “I thought at first I’d paint it for your birthday. Then as a wedding gift. Finally, I decided I would just combine the two occasions since your birthday is soon.”
He turned the painting around so that it faced her. Immediately, her throat tightened. Tears stung her eyes.
It was the view of the bay from their backyard.
He had captured the varying hues of the water, so well that you couldn’t tell where one color ended and another one started.
Two seagulls flew across the sky above the water.
Along the shore, two Sandhill Cranes stood close to one another, looking across the water.
“We’re the cranes,” Keaton told her. “They’re monogamous and usually mate for life. They build a nest together. While the female lays the eggs, both parents incubate them and raise their young as a team.”
He smiled, tears misting his eyes. “That’s how I think of us, Layne. As a team. They’re us. We’re them.”
She took his face in her hands and pressed a fervent kiss against his lips.
“Thank you. For painting this for me. Really, for us.”
“It’s the first of what I hope will be many paintings which you inspire. You are my muse. My love. My life.”
They kissed again, and she heard the doorbell sound.
Breaking the kiss, she told him, “Go answer that. And take the painting. I want everyone coming today to see it and hear the story behind it.”
“Will do.”
Layne closed the door and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Keaton made her feel cherished beyond words. She knew his art spoke for him, and the painting he had just gifted to her was a physical embodiment of their love for one another.
Another knock sounded on her door. This time when she answered it, Mila and Lily stood there.
“Hey, you two. Come on in. I love your dress, Lily.”
“I practiced throwing fake rose petals,” her flower girl confided. “I’m really good at it.”
“I knew you would be.”
“You look pretty, Miss Layne.”
“Why, thank you.”
“Okay, you’ve seen the bride, Lily. Go back and stay with Daddy.”
“And Gran and Pops,” Lily said, referring to Mila’s parents.
The little girl skipped down the hall, passing Piper, who then joined them.
“Let’s get you ready,” Piper declared.
Within minutes, her friend had worked her magic, and Layne’s makeup looked perfect with the simple, A-line cream dress. It had a V-neckline and capped sleeves and struck her just below the knees.
“I really like this dress,” Mila said, helping Layne into it.
“I didn’t see the point of a traditional wedding gown that would cost a fortune and never be worn again,” she said. “This dress is classic. I can wear it for years to come. Unless I have kids down the line and it doesn’t fit me anymore.”
“Speaking of kids,” Mila said, her hand going to her belly. “I know it’s too early to be telling people, but you two aren’t just any people. You’re my people. My sisters. And aunts-to-be.”
Layne and Piper squealed, and they quickly went in for a group hug.
“I knew I needed to come back to the Bay for this very reason,” Piper said matter-of-factly. “With both of you getting married, my gut told me that babies would appear pretty quickly. Does Lily know?”
“No, we’re not going to tell her just yet. Carson said we can wait until I’m beginning to show. Maybe when you can touch my belly and feel the baby kick. That will be more real to Lily.”
“She’ll make for a perfect big sister,” Layne assured her friend. When are you due?”
“Mid-October. Not great with volleyball season, but I’ll work it out.” Mila squeezed both their hands. “Oh, this is really something I’ve wanted. Watching Carson be such a great dad to Lily, I just know he’ll be terrific with another one.”
Piper glanced to Layne and smiled knowingly. “When will you start popping babies out?”
She couldn’t help but blush. “We’ve talked and want them. We just haven’t discussed a timeline.”
“Go for it,” Piper said. “I’ve told you that the Bay Breeze is in good hands.
It’s the last thing you should worry about.
Besides, you have this incredibly large house.
It’s only right you fill it with the laughter of children.
You and Keaton are great together, Layne. I can’t see you with anyone else.”
“Me, either,” Mila seconded.
Layne went and fastened her mom’s pearl earrings onto her earlobes. She brushed the tips of her fingers against the rounded pearls, saying, “I feel like Mom is here with me today. Dad, too.”
“They would’ve loved Keaton,” Mila said. “I feel as if they’re watching you, and I know they approve.”
A tap sounded at the door, and Mila answered it. “Hey, Mom.”
Laura Perry said, “Everyone is here, Layne. We can start whenever you’re ready.”
“I’m ready now. I’ve been ready to marry Keaton ever since he asked me.”
Mrs. Perry chuckled. “I love how his proposal went viral. Millions of people have seen Case Wellborne dedicate his song to you and Keaton dropping to one knee.”
She smiled. “Case texted Keaton and said that sales for Marry Me Before Sundown have gone through the roof. The song is over five years old, but radio stations are playing it again. It hit number one on several music streaming platforms. Case also said at every concert since Houston, concertgoers begin chanting for him to play it.”
“I read online where eight more couples have gotten engaged at his concerts while he plays it,” Piper said. “That is so romantic, just like one of my romance novels.”
“Come on, ladies. I don’t want to leave my man waiting any longer than I have to.”
They left the bedroom and moved down the hall. Dr. Perry waited in the great room.
“Ready to make that walk to your groom?” he asked, offering his arm to her.
“Ready and eager,” she replied.
The others opened the doors to the deck, while she and Mr. Perry waited a moment.
“I don’t want to make you cry, but your parents are here with you in spirit, Layne. They loved you more than anything.”
“I know,” she said softly.
“Keaton is a fine man. You’ll build a good life together in the Bay.”
With that, he stepped forward, leading Layne out onto the deck and down the steps.
She was barefoot since they would speak their vows directly on the beach, and she enjoyed the feel of the sand as they moved toward the man she loved.
A handful of others were present, but she only had eyes for her groom.
Keaton watched her coming, beaming at her.
Dr. Perry handed her off, and she joined hands with Keaton, their gazes holding.
“You are so beautiful,” he told her. “Inside and out.”
“Ready, lovebirds?” asked Chief Roberts, who was licensed to perform weddings and would serve as the officiant at their wedding.
As they spoke their vows to one another, contentment washed through Layne. Though she had gone through some difficult times, those were behind her now. With Keaton by her side, she believed she could do anything. Whatever that would be, he would be right next to her, cheering her on.
“I am pleased to say that the two of you are now husband and wife. Keaton, you may kiss your bride. Just don’t take too long,” Chief Roberts teased.
Her new husband slipped his arms around her and gave her a sweet, lingering kiss. Their first as man and wife.
When he broke it, he asked, “Would you care to go inside, Mrs. Maxwell?”
Grinning at him, she batted her lashes. “I’d be happy to go anywhere with you, Mr. Maxwell.”
They led their guests inside. The reception’s food was a potluck, and everyone had brought different, favorite dishes to serve.
Seaside Sweets Bakery had baked the wedding cake, however, and once everyone had finished their dinners, Layne cut the cake, Keaton helping to guide her hand.
They distributed pieces to everyone, with Mila and Piper dishing up scoops of Blue Bell ice cream to go with the cake.
Piper put on some music, and they danced to everything from old Motown hits to the Cotton-Eyed Joe.
Then the beginnings of Marry Me Before Sundown began, and Keaton swept Layne into his arms as everyone allowed them to dance to the song by themselves.
Keaton held her close, humming along, and love for him poured through her.
When the last verse and chorus ended, Piper spoke up. “I think it’s time to tell the newlyweds goodnight.”
Their guests quickly left, and Keaton scooped her into his arms, carrying her to their bedroom. He set her on her feet, his fingers gently caressing her face.
“I love you so much in this moment, but I know my love for you will grow stronger with each passing day.” He swallowed. “Thank you for coming into my life, Layne. Thank you for being who you are and wanting to be with me.”
“Thank you for saving me,” she said softly. “You’ve given me back my confidence. You’ve become my best friend. I can’t wait to see what life brings to us, in this house, living in the Bay.”
Keaton kissed her, and Layne knew this was the start of the best years of her life.