Page 57 of One Texas Night...
“I wish your mother could see you.”
She smiled at him again and patted his arm.
“I’m happy for you and Jared. Be good to him, honey. He’s really in love with you.”
“Maybe you’d better tell him to be good to me,” she teased.
“He will be. I hope you’re as happy as your mother and I were.”
“I hope so, too, Dad.”
“I’m proud of you and Sloan. You’ve been great children, both of you.”
“Thanks,” she said. She looked at the bridal party, their dresses all a pale blue. The flower girls, Virginia and Megan, looked adorable as they held baskets that contained rose petals. Virginia, with instructions to hang on to Megan, held her little sister’s hand. Leah was matron of honor with Allison’s closest friends as bridesmaids. Jared had chosen Sloan as best man, with Ryan Delaney and some other friends as groomsmen. But it was the groom who captured Allison’s gaze.
“It’s time,” the wedding planner said. The wedding march began and the guests all stood, turning toward her. She began the slow walk down the aisle. She could see nothing but Jared. Looking incredibly handsome, he stood there quietly, his eyes on her. She smiled as she walked toward him to become his wife. She felt as if she might burst with joy. When her father placed her hand in Jared’s, she looked up at the man she was about to marry. He smiled and squeezed her hand lightly.
They repeated vows, said prayers, listened to solos and then Jared slipped a gold band on her finger against the dazzling diamond engagement ring. Finally they were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Jared Weston. She walked back up the aisle on the arm of her husband.
Afterward at the country club, the reception was filled with guests. Allison stood in a large circle talking to the Delaneys. She barely knew the eldest Delaney couple, William and Ava. They had a beautiful little girl with them, Caroline. Zach and Emma, who was expecting, were with them along with Ryan, looking dashing in his black tux and black boots. Garrett and Sophia Cantrell were there, too, and Allison knew Sophia was a Delaney. Jared seemed to be enjoying the conversation, but occasionally he would glance at her, and then she felt shut away with him, as if the crowd had ceased to exist.
Later she danced with Ryan who smiled at her. “Jared told me he’s giving up bull riding. I suspect I have you to thank for clearing the way for me to win a little more often than I have in the past.”
She laughed. “You’re welcome. You might not owe me that thank-you, though. It was getting time he quit anyway.”
“Suits me just fine. You look beautiful, Mrs. Weston.”
“Thank you.”
“And Jared looks happier than I’ve ever seen him look. I wish both of you the best.”
“Another thank you, Ryan.”
The dance ended, and she turned to see Phillip approaching. As Ryan left, Phillip stepped up. “So may I have this dance?”
“Of course. I saw you at your table but haven’t had a chance to speak to you,” she said, dancing with him.
“I congratulated Jared. You look beautiful today.”
“Thank you, Phillip. Did you bring a guest with you?”
His smile widened. “I did. Her name is Ginger, and I want you to meet her. Allison, I think it was better for both of us that you never accepted my marriage proposals. We might have had a wonderful union, but you’re radiant today. One look at you and Jared and there’s no question you have so much more than you and I would have had. And I think I may have found someone.”
“I’m glad, Phillip.”
She danced with him and when the dance ended, Jared appeared to take her into his arms. “You are the most beautiful bride ever.”
“I doubt you’ve paid any attention to brides in the past,” she said, laughing.
“Maybe not, but you are definitely the most beautiful.”
As they danced away, she told him, “Jared, Phillip has found someone, too. He said it was best for both of us that I never accepted.”
“I have to agree with him.” Jared spun her in time to the music. “I see your brother watching us. Has he danced with you yet?”
“Not yet.”
“I think that’s what’s on his mind. He’ll feel obligated. Since Sloan got married, he has all these family things he thinks he should do. I hope my new brother-in-law doesn’t drive me crazy.”
