Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 131651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 658(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 658(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
I sniff embarrassingly loudly. “I love you, Dad.”
He hugs me. “You too. Now go get yourself a husband.”
I laugh as Holden’s fingers twine through mine.
We both turn to face the officiant, an older woman who smiles indulgently. I guess we’re not the only couple who messes up the traditions and kiss when we’re not supposed to or have mini conversations all through the ceremony.
Traditions aren’t the most important thing here, but the words that drift by carry weight. They build my future, brick by brick, bringing me one second closer to ever after with Holden Verity.
“And now,” she says after the vows and legal spiel, “you may kiss the bride.”
Holden’s brown eyes spark as he looks at me. He grabs my waist, bending me over as he leans down and devours my lips.
Our crowd erupts in cheers.
I think Holden’s folks roar the loudest as he pulls me back up again.
“Show-off,” I mutter, catching his cheek in my hand.
He kisses my palm. “For you, yes.”
I grin and kiss him again before we walk down the aisle, man and freaking wife.
The sun shines on, the calm water laps softly against the shore, and the musician we hired to play the cello makes my heart hurt with boundless energy. The music perfectly matches the mood here today.
We hold the reception in PopPop’s enormous great room with borrowed furniture and rented lights dancing across the carpet.
Holden and I sway together for our first dance—another thing I had to talk him into—and then Kit joins us for a more energetic version that makes me giggle.
Everything she does is adorable chaos and I love her so much.
Right now, she feels more like a little sister than a daughter, but I know I’m filling a hole in her life. A new parent.
Someone to give her advice as she sails into her teen years.
All the things not to do, and I have plenty of lessons. Probably should start making a list soon.
“Congratulations, girl! Last but not least to rock a wedding Blackthorn style.” Margot grins, hanging off the arm of her massive husband with their kids flanking them.
She winks at me.
I have to bite back my smile.
I just know she’s thinking back to our chat when she told me to buck up and go for it.
“Thanks.” I kiss her cheek and reach up to hug Kane. “I’m over the moon.”
“You look stunning,” Margot says.
“So do you. I’ll never get over that dress.”
She preens and Kane’s hand slides a little too low down her backside. She giggles, and I lean back into Holden’s warmth.
He wraps a hand around my hip, drawing me closer, possessive as ever. This wedding haze must be going to everyone’s head.
Honestly, I don’t mind.
We spend the rest of the evening drinking and dancing and eating too much. When the party moves outside to Gramps’ huge outdoor patio under the moon and stars, we slip away while the rest of the crowd soaks in their sixth, seventh, eighth dances of the night.
We take the side door that cuts through the old library.
The massive desk is gone with the rest of the furniture, but there’s a presence in the air. Like Gramps might still pop in at any moment, even though he’s been gone for too long.
“I miss you,” I whisper into the darkness. “I never did get a chance to thank you for bringing us together.”
I imagine him sitting by the fire, smiling smugly, like he always planned it this way.
Who knows, maybe he did.
The man had strange, mystic instincts, though it’s hard to believe he meant to set anyone up besides Ethan and Hattie.
When Gramps died, his family was in tatters. Everyone was trapped, wrestling their own demons.
If only he could see us now…
If only he could know how much he’s loved.
Right now, I can’t imagine being happier than I am with Holden.
“It’s like he’s still here,” I say softly.
“Yeah. If he were, I know he’d be proud of you.” Holden wraps his arms around my waist, his lips gentle against my neck.
Smiling, I rest my hand on his arms, letting myself sink back against his wall of strength.
It’s been such a long, joyful day, and I have the perfect buzz fizzing in my veins.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I whisper.
He turns me, tilting my head up for a kiss. “Exactly what you’re doing now, Clee. Killing it with your heart. Making Kit laugh when you’re parked in front of a bad horror movie and painting away. Suffering another old fool. Who the hell knows why.”
“You’re not ancient yet. But I’m grateful. I get to be by your side for everything. Can’t believe my luck sometimes.” I grin and slap at his chest.
“You mean you’re not intimidated by a successful woman?” I tease.
“You kidding? If I could learn to sit still, you’d make a house husband out of me. Still might one day. Regardless, I’ll gladly cook for you all day, every day.”