Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25068 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25068 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Brennon grunts when his wife says my name, and I get it now. I get why he’s always so grumpy when Cadence gives attention to anyone but him. It’s because he wants to be the only man in her eyes. Just like I want to be the only man in Laura’s eyes.
“Now, your turn. What are you wearing, my hunky mountain man?” Laura’s voice teases me across the line, and I didn’t realize she was listening to this conversation.
Brennon groans and pulls the phone away before I can answer. He switches it off speakerphone and says something in a growl to his wife. I’m pretty sure he’s threatening to tie her to their bed tonight.
Fortunately, Roman interrupts my thoughts. “You know that fancy new mall they’re building in Asheville? Guess who just got commissioned to design an art piece for the lobby.” He smacks Trace on the back of the shoulder.
Trace just shrugs like it’s not a big deal. The man is humble to a fault. He makes so much damn money and most of it goes back into his charity for underprivileged children. Yet for all of his good deeds, he’s still alone in that cabin of his. One day, I hope he finds a woman to share his life with, like I found Laura.
“Impressive,” Blade offers by way of congratulations. I think that’s the closest thing to a compliment he’s ever given in his life.
Before I can add my own congratulations, the chapel doors swing open, and the minister is beckoning for us to come inside.
I take a deep breath, feeling anticipation swirl inside. Today is the day I get to give the woman who is my soulmate my last name. Tomorrow is the day I’ll wake up next to her for the start of our forever.
Laura
I think brides are supposed to be nervous, but I can’t bring myself to be nervous as I peek down the aisle and catch the first glimpse of my groom.
I’m marrying the world’s sweetest mountain man. He might pretend to be gruff and growly. But he’s standing at the altar with his Frenchies by his feet, and they’re wearing little suits with bow ties that match his outfit exactly. All three of my boys look sharp today.
I let go of the door and pause to adjust the crown on my head. Cadence made me feel like a fairytale princess with the way she swooped in and helped me get ready.
She’s invited me to hang out with her and some of the women in Courage County for the weekly coffee and cookies meeting. I don’t know that I’m ready for that just yet, but it’s nice to know her community will welcome and accept me.
“You could do better,” Trace insists as he offers his arm. He’s walking me down the aisle of the chapel and giving me away today. He’s been cracking jokes since I met him, offering funny quips under his breath. I think he’s excited to see his friend so happy.
“He’s perfect for me,” I answer with total conviction.
“There’s still time to duck out with me,” he whispers just as the organ music begins to play and the doors swing open.
“Not a chance,” I tell him as he leads me down the aisle.
Brennon and Blade are standing on Nash’s side and waiting on my side are Roman and Cadence. He gives me a thumbs-up when he sees me, revealing his swollen hands. Cadence dabs at her eyes and mouths “congrats” to me.
I can barely focus on the people around us. There’s only one person that matters to me today. His blue eyes are filled with warmth as he smiles down at me. His words are quiet, whispered only for my ears, “You look beautiful today.”
I smile, my cheeks growing warm. “You and the boys look handsome too.”
The minister leads us through our vows, but I’m barely able to concentrate on anything he’s saying. I feel like I’m floating above my body because I’m so happy. I never imagined when I started following Nash that I would find the love of my life or that he would become so obsessed with me.
When the minister finally says we can kiss, Nash reaches for me. He whispers in my ear that he loves me then his lips are against mine. His kiss is soft and tender and perfect, filling me with happiness.
I’ve spent my life running, searching desperately for something I couldn’t define. But with Nash, I’ve found exactly what I need. I have a home. I have roots, a man that’s strong and solid and anchors me. Together, we’re going to build a beautiful life.
EPILOGUE
LAURA
“What do you think you’re doing?” My husband’s voice is a quiet rumble in my ear that instantly makes my nipples pebble. We’ve been married for a year, and it still turns me on whenever he gets that deep, growly note in his tone.