Page 124 of Sweet Like Whiskey

“Rice pudding,” he says happily. “Stole some earlier to keep here. I’m glad I did. I doubt those hooligans would have saved us any.”

I watch Ash as he sets the rice pudding on the table, rambling all the while about howalthough I suppose we’re the hooligans, huh? Considering we were the ones that went streaking. They just watched. But honestly, they’re a bunch of troublemakers. You can’t deny that.

He cuts off, looking at me with a curious tilt to his head, those stormy eyes bright. “What?”

“Nothing,” I say, drawing him close and running my thumb over the dimple in his chin. I tip his face up, bringing our lips together in a short, soft press. He hums against me, arms encircling my waist.

I feel…overwhelmed, but not in a bad way. I’m swamped by my emotions. Grateful for everything that’s found its way into my life.

Grateful forhim.

“Would you sing me that song later?” I ask. “The one from when you arrived in town?”

His arms tighten around me, his hair brushing the side of my head as he leans his cheek against mine. I close my eyes, heart feeling so damn full I’m not sure how I can withstand it.

“Yeah, Jack,” he says softly, his lips near my ear. “Don’t you know? There’s not a single thing I wouldn’t do for you.”

Epilogue

Ash

Three Years Later

“Oh, honey. You look so handsome.”

I glance at my mom in the mirror. She’s wearing a light blue lace dress, her hand over her mouth as she looks at me. “Yeah? You like the white?”

She lets out a breath before walking my way. “It’s perfect. Just like I’d always imagined.”

“You thought about my wedding day?” I ask curiously.

She straightens my lapel, even though the fabric is already perfectly pressed. “You’re my son. Of course I did. I never wanted to pressure you, but I hoped you’d have this someday. I think it’s any parent’s dream for their kid to find happiness.”

My lips turn up into a smile. “Even if that means them being thousands of miles away?”

“Even then,” she says seriously. “Are you ready?”

“More than,” I admit.

“Such a handsome groom,” my mom says softly, shaking her head. “Come on. Let’s head outside.”

Arm looped with mine, my mom accompanies me out of the spare bedroom of the ranch house. The halls are quiet as we make our way through the house to the back door. It’s a beautiful fall day, the temperatures just warm enough to keep our guests comfortable but not so hot as to be sweltering. The foliage has started to change color, oranges and yellows mixing in with greens, and the cattle, like usual, add small dots of black-and-white to the landscape. Everyone is waiting for us near the river, so we head right that way.

When I catch sight of my soon-to-be-husband for the first time in hours, I can’t help but bark a laugh.

Jackson has donned more jewelry than I’ve ever seen on him. Rings cover fingers on both hands. Leather and beaded bracelets peek out from below the hem of his suit jacket. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few necklaces are hidden beneath his shirt and tie, too.

It’s clear his family got to him, the sweet nuisances.

I expect Jackson to be scowling when I meet his gaze, but he’s not. He’s watching me with an expression that has my feet stuttering, even as my heart takes off at a gallop.

“I’ll wait with the others,” my mom says, giving my cheek a quick kiss before walking off, leaving me with Jackson.

“Hi,” I say quietly, closing the distance between us.

He swallows roughly, his gaze running up and down my form, my white suit in direct contrast to his black one. “Hi,” he finally replies.

I huff a laugh, running my fingers through Jackson’s hair. Like usual, the strands are refusing to stay put, but damn if I don’t love them that way.

---