My cousin does a slow spin. “You like it?”
“It’s pink,” Bianca deadpans. To say it’s the complete opposite of Frankie’s whole vibe is an understatement. But I have to admit, she’s rocking it.
“And it has pockets.” Her hands disappear into the folds. “Paisley found them online. The super fast shipping was key.”
“Ooooh, good timing.” The blonde strolls up to our small gathering.
Bianca sputters at the sight of her friend wearing an identical dress. “What’s going on?”
Rather than answer, Paisley winks at me. “We’re ready when you are.”
Frankie and her link arms before retreating their steps. Bianca watches them until they disappear from sight. When her eyes swivel to me, the green is warm with affection.
“We’re having an engagement party?”
I cough into my fist. “Well, shit. Didn’t even consider that.”
She spins on her heel and begins stomping across the driveway. Spud bursts free from the barn, immediately followed by the rest of Bianca’s dogs. Her hasty stride stops abruptly. When she realizes each one of them has a black or pink bow tie attached to their collar, her forehead creases in the middle. But the pieces truly click together once she looks back at me.
I finish tightening the silk tie around my throat. “Thought we might get married, baby mama.”
Her eyes expand into saucers again. “Today?”
My fingers tug at the cuffs of my black dress shirt. “Right now is good for me.”
“But…” Bianca glances down at her dress, just realizing I told her to change into the white one after our pitstop earlier. “Holy shit, you’re like next-level sneaky.”
“As if you expected anything else.”
Her jaw is still slack. “You want to get married?”
“If you’re willing,” I reply. “If not, we’ll call it an elopement.”
“Who’s officiating?”
“Is that a yes? I asked your father and he granted me permission.” My smirk is a slow grower, blooming into a full grin.
My beautiful bride shrugs, getting with the program. “Why not? Seems as good a time as any.”
I chuckle and offer her my crooked elbow. “That’s my girl.”
“Soon to be your wife.” She tips her face toward mine for a kiss.
My mouth glosses over hers. “Can’t wait to be your husband.”
“Hey, now,” Brody cuts in. “Save that for my cue.”
Bianca stumbles into me at the sound of her brother’s voice from our makeshift altar. My best friend stands proudly under the wooden arch that’s covered in daisies. The rest of our guests—which looks to be only Dennis, Paisley, and Frankie—stand to one side of the shriveled flower gardens. Fresh blooms will appear in spring, but that’s not what catches my focus. Cousin Byron and his younger brother are noticeably absent, along with little Ronnie. Jimmy didn’t make the cut.
“You got Brody to officiate?”
“He owed me one for almost ruining everything with you.” I brush the backs of my knuckles along her cheek.
“Consider me impressed,” she exhales as we walk down the petal-strewn aisle.
“Before we get started,” Brody says and gives us a stern glare. “I don’t want to hear any sexy shit, okay?”
My bride snorts. “No promises.”
