A large curtain hangs between two trees.
Dad stops. “This is where we get out.”
Paisley gives me a hug before climbing out. “I’m going to grab a seat.”
After popping the candy into my mouth, I slide out of the mule, and Dad offers his arm.
“Ready?”
“I am.” I grasp his arm and let him lead me around the curtain to a gap in the bent-down branches of the big tree.
Music starts—it sounds like a guitar—and Dad and I step through into the most romantic space.
Twinkle lights are draped in the branches. Flower petals are scattered on the ground, forming a red carpet. All our friends and his family fill the white wooden chairs. And at the front, Parker stands with his hands clasped. He’s traded his ball cap for a cowboy hat, and I stop.
He’s handsome. Really good-looking.
His eyebrows lift, and the color washes out of his face.
I smile, hoping that reassures him. Second thoughts aren’t what made me pause. Surprise did. The flutter in my chest felt like the excitement of seeing a date.
When Dad and I start moving again, Parker grins, and I find that I’m eager for the kiss at the end.
* * *
When Mad Dogsays the line about kissing the bride, Dumplin’ does. And that flutter is back.
His kiss is light and quick, not what I expected. When everyone cheers, Bonnet sticks her head between the branches and whinnies.
I inch up and whisper in Parker’s ear, “Didn’t Paisley tell you?”
“Didn’t want to uninvite her, so I went with plan B.” He scoops me into his arms, kisses me again, then strolls out of the tree room. And as we walk, Bonnet follows.
“Are you planning to carry me all the way to the reception?”
He stops behind the curtain and sets me on my feet. “I could, but I figured it might be easier if we just left in my truck.” He points to a cluster of junipers. “It’s parked on the other side of those trees.” He hands me a couple of crackers. “Hungry?”
I eat them more as a precaution. “Thanks. I’m almost too nervous to be hungry, but I don’t want to risk an empty stomach.”
“We never really talked about photos, but would you like to have a few taken before we leave?”
“A photographer. I didn’t even think about that. It’s a good thing I don’t plan weddings for a living. I’m horrible at it.” I’m kicking myself for messing up one more thing. “Maybe our friends will snap a few on their phones for us. I wish I’d thought of it before the ceremony.”
He toys with my hair. “I hired one. Small town. I know people. And Nacha wasn’t booked for today.”
Yet again, Parker saves the day. I don’t deserve someone like him.
Before I can apologize again, a woman pokes her head around the curtain. “Hello. We’re ready if you’d like to have a few more photos taken before the reception.”
“Yes. I’d love that.” I squeeze Parker’s hand as we start around the curtain. “You look incredible today. Very handsome.”
His eyes twinkle as he smiles. “I don’t have the words to describe how fabulous you look. But you’re beautiful every day.”
“You always were a sweet talker.”
“I don’t sweet-talk everyone. Just you.”
I bump against him, laughing. “I love everything about today. Thank you.”
