Page 93 of The Trouble with Runaway Brides

I laugh, looking through my suitcase for the paperwork on the ring and box to give to her since I brought them with me from New York.

“And the music selection. He has the worst taste in music.”

I laugh. “You don’t want rap?”

“I can’t even tell you the song he wanted to play when you were walking down the aisle to me.”

I slide out an envelope, thinking I’ve found what I’m looking for, but it’s the letter from Great-Grandma Dori.

“What’s that?” Kenzie asks.

I hold it up and smell it. It still has that smell that is all Great-Grandma Dori. “It’s a letter from my great-grandma.” I tell her the entire story Brinley told me.

“Why haven’t you read it?” She sits up on the bed excitedly.

I shrug and walk over to her. “I guess I wasn’t really ready.”

“I’ll go downstairs and make some tea so you can read it.”

“Stay.” I sit on the bed and lean my back against the headboard, stretching my legs.

She curls into my side, and I open the envelope, pulling out a handwritten note. Kenzie squeezes me across the middle.

My Dearest Lance,

* * *

If I know you well enough—and let’s face it, I know you better than anyone, including Kenzie (sorry, Kenzie, but it’s the truth)—then she’s right next to you.

I look at my fiancée and we laugh.

The universe works in weird ways, but I always knew the two of you would find one another. And you didn’t need some motivational speech to act and win Kenzie’s heart over. You always did wear that heart on your sleeve and it’s an admirable trait. Don’t ever let that go away.

There isn’t much I can say to you two. It’s been a long road for you, so now enjoy the ride. This life goes by fast, so slow down and cherish the moments, even the fights, because one day you’ll laugh about them.

Fill a house full of kids, raise them right though, and let them have sugar, for heaven’s sake, especially since I’m not there to sneak it to them. Allow them to be kids and get dirty. Take a lot of pictures, never take one moment for granted, and more than anything, just love one another. All it really takes to make a good marriage is love, respect, and understanding. I wonder if I just coined that phrase or if I saw it stitched on a pillow? Huh. Feel free to use it and take credit.

I love you both. Never forget how much you love each other.

* * *

Love,

Great-Grandma Dori

* * *

P.S. If the universe screwed me and you didn’t marry Kenzie, I’m terribly sorry. Welcome to the Bailey family, new girl. But I’m 99.9% sure that I’m right. At least, I hope. Oh well, if not, I’m gone and there’s nothing you can do to me. Haha.

“How do you think she knew?” Kenzie looks up at me.

I kiss her forehead. “Because you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. The only woman I could ever love.”

“But what if?”

I shake my head. “I would’ve gotten my head out of my ass at some point and come for you.”

“I always hoped you would.”

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