Page 36 of Tripp

I stood, looking around.

“Can you ride?”

“Yep.”

“I’ll follow you.” I nodded and made my way to my bike. I was more than ready to check on my girl.

Epilogue

Casey

If someone would have told younger me that I’d be standing here, in this very spot, right at this exact time, I’d have told them they were lying.

Hell, if you’d have told me six months ago, I’d have asked if you hit your head.

It would never happen.

Never say never, people. Just don’t do it.

Things you never thought possible do happen.

This moment is proof of that.

Here I stand before family and friends with the man who has always held my heart. Our daughter was still tossing flower petals while dancing in a circle. The pastor was talking, our family was all smiles… He was all I could focus on. His chiseled features. His striking eyes. His hand squeezed mine.

“By the powers vested in me by the State of Texas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

My smile grew as I met his gaze. In a flash, the wedding was over. It was now the start of something new.

“I love you, Mrs. Cavannagh.” He tipped me back and kissed the stuffing out of me.

When he let me up, I was breathless. “I love you too, Mr. Cavannagh.”

“No, my daddy!”

I couldn’t help but laugh as I was pushed to the side. Tripp scooped her up and blew a raspberry on her cheek.

“You better be nice to your mama.”

“My daddy!”

“They all go through that phase,” Lori said, coming to hug us both.

“Hey, some of us don’t grow out of it either.” Dani Lynn was next to give us a hug.

“I never want her to grow out of it,” I remarked, tickling Penny’s cheeks. Her little giggles filled the backyard.

The afternoon was warm, the sun shining down on us. I picked at the platters of delicious hors d'oeuvres. We’d wanted simple, fun, and of course, yummy food. Nothing too heavy. This was Texas, and it was outside so... Better safe than sorry. The tent was lined with tables. Kids ran around, laughing, throwing flower petals at each other. It was a whole mess of adorable, let me tell you.

“Have you seen my husband?” I asked Lori.

Her grin grew as she nodded her head toward the opposite side of the yard.

I watched as the men lined up, jackets off, shirt sleeves rolled up, a football on the ground between them.

“I’m taking bets on who busts their ass first.”

“Or who throws out their back.”

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