To be honest, I’m relieved Paige finally realized she didn’t love me when she was younger. The fact that she doesn’t think she’s wired to fall in love makes me feel better about this. Because the last thing I wanna do is hurt her.
My reluctance is slowly fading. In fact, the more I think about how much this situation will help both of us, the more I like it.
I hold out my hand. “Deal?”
“On one condition.”
“Name it.”
“I want some chickens.”
Did I hear her right? “Chickens?” I snort.
“Don’t you laugh at me, Rhett Walker. I want some chickens, and you’re going to get me some.”
Chuckling, I nod. “Yes, ma’am.”
When she places her small hand in mine, I smile.
I don’t know why I’ve been so worked up about this. Paige and I are both gonna get what we need and then go our separate ways.
This will be a breeze.
Jace is a genius.
8
PAIGE
When I seethe price tag on the white slip dress, I cringe.
“Oh, I love that one,” Baylee’s mom Sylvia says. “Try it on.”
“Aunt Syl, it’s too expensive.” She’s not really my aunt, but I love her like she’s family. I’ve missed her so much. She would’ve come to my graduation, but she was sick.
“Nonsense.” She squeezes my hand. “It’s not every day that my best friend’s daughter gets married.” Sylvia and my mom were besties back in the day. “If it fits and you love it, I want you to get it. I have some emergency savings set aside, so I can cover it. Your mama can’t be here, and Lord knows Irma has done a shitty job of looking after you. Trust me, it would be my pleasure.”
Behind her, Baylee tuts. “Haven’t you learned you can’t argue with my mother?”
Syl smirks. “Besides, you’re marrying Rhett Walker, the biggest catch in town. I will not let you walk down that aisle in somethingyou got secondhand.Mija, that white cotton dress you showed me is lovely, but you need something special. You’re only getting married once.”
Eesh. Guilt swirls in my stomach. “It’s just the courthouse.” We had to wait a few days so Rhett could make sure his brothers were here. Except for Isaiah because he never comes home. Plus, Texas has a seventy-two-hour waiting period after the marriage license is issued, which was fine because it gave me time to come to terms with this. Rhett also wanted to be sure Harlan could attend. At least now my limp isn’t so bad.
The scary thing is even though this started out as a small ceremony, we’ve now added a reception at the ranch. One we probably can’t afford, but Rhett told me not to worry about it.
“Try it on,” Syl says and pushes me toward the dressing room of Texas Rose Bridal, a small boutique in downtown Wild Heart. “Go with her, Baylee. Make her see some sense.”
As we head behind the curtain, my best friend is quiet.
The chill of the air conditioning pricks at my skin while I change. Baylee fusses with the hanger and wipes away imaginary creases in the beautiful silky dress. As I watch her, it hits me, how wrong this is.
We should be gushing with excitement that one of us is getting married. I should be thinking about how one of my brothers will proudly walk me down the aisle. I should be over the moon that I’m marrying the guy of my dreams.
Instead, I tug on the dress like I’m changing for a costume party. I’m not the blushing bride. I’m playing a role. By rote, I lift my arms, slide the gown over my head, and turn so she can zip me.
I’m getting married, but it’s not for love. This isn’t the fantasy I used to daydream about. This isn’t about vows and commitment and building a family.
Sighing, I try to suck up my disappointment and accept that this is my life. At least for the next six months.
