He smiled at me and asked, “Are you ready, Miss Birk?”
I nodded my head and walked over to stand next to Garrett. My heart was pounding a mile a minute. I couldn’t believe I was fixin’ to become Mrs. Garrett Thomas Mathews.
Garrett held my hand and quickly rubbed his thumb back and forth across my skin. Each movement left a trail of fire in its place.
As the justice of the peace started the ceremony, Garrett and I stared into each other’s eyes. I wasn’t even sure what all was being said. All I knew was that we were getting married, and there would be no more sneaking around. We were free to be with each other. I could now take care of Garrett and help him with his recovery—in more ways than one.
Garrett gave me a smirk and lifted his eyebrow at me. My face instantly turned red. He must have known what I was thinking.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride, Garrett.”
Garrett licked his lips, and my insides melted.
Oh, how I want him more than anything.
I leaned down, and Garrett slipped his hand through my hair. He held me close to him as we kissed. He moved his tongue along my lips, seeking entry, and I opened myself up to his passionate kiss. Soon, we were lost in each other…until I heard my father clear his throat. I smiled against Garrett’s lips and pulled slightly away.
“I love you, Emma Rose Mathews.”
My heart soared. “I love you more, Garrett.”
Emma stopped just short of the restaurant.
I turned and looked at her. “Em, what’s wrong?”
Her eyes filled with tears. “I said such horrible things to Marg. What if she doesn’t forgive me?”
I pulled her into my arms. “Trust me, Margie misses you like crazy. It’s been four months since you’ve seen her. Now, come on. They’re waiting inside.”
We were meeting Billy and Margie in Fredericksburg for dinner. It was the first time the girls would be seeing each other since the night of the fight. I was still having a hard time moving around, but I was slowly making a go of things.
As we walked in, I saw Billy stand up. He was grinning from ear to ear, and I couldn’t help but smile. We made our way to the table, and Margie jumped up.