Page 136 of Stables

Forever.

“Can you believe we’re in Vegas?” Libby bounces excitedly next to me after she climbs out of the limo. Her light green sundress billows around her with every twirl.

Dixon has given us the royal treatment since we landed last night. He put Libby and Blue each up in their own penthouse rooms near ours.

Then he kept me up until nearly three in the morning breaking it in.

Bringing Libby along to watch Paisley was the best decision ever.

“I almost made it here my last year barrel racing. I qualified but couldn’t get the sponsors.” The lights of the Strip glint on the tinted windows when the chauffeur shuts the door.

Dixon wraps his arms firmly around my waist, snugging me against his muscular body.

He looks incredible in his three piece dark suit and new Stetson black cowboy hat. I have no idea how I got lucky enough to call him mine.

“Well, I’m honored I get to be the one who brought you here first.” His mustache tickles the scab on my forehead.

I didn’t want to get married with a big bandage, but the wound is still sensitive.

“This place can be fun, I’ve spent too much money here through the years.” Blue laughs softly, tilting his tan hat back on his head. “I can’t believe you’ve never been here.” His glance falls on Libby.

He’s all dressed up too. In a navy blazer and lean cut jeans, he looks so different than the man I saw burst out of the smoke to rescue me.

“Well, it’s hard to get away when you live at a dairy.” She grimaces.

Blue’s eyes narrow as he looks at her. “Which one?”

“Taylor. That’s my dad’s place.” When she turns to me, I don’t think she sees Blue’s face pale.

“Char, I think we’re the most envied women in town.” Libby leans close enough to whisper. “I mean, look at these guys.” She flicks her eyes between Dixon and Blue as she picks up Paisley onto her hip.

It makes me hug Dixon’s arm even tighter and smile. “Yep.”

When we step through the giant glass entryway of the chapel, we leave the heat and the noise of Las Vegas outside.

With a cool, quiet interior, we’re alone with a handful of pews and a small archway.

My heart races.

This is real. I think I might pass out.

“Hello, folks. Are you the McCullough party?” An older man with slicked gray hair and an arched back appears from a side door.

“Yes, sir.” Dixon’s deep voice fills the small space.

“Marvelous! Let me get my wife and we’ll get started.” He disappears briefly before returning wearing a burgundy velvet robe, escorted by an equally gray haired woman.

“Oh, you’re so adorable!” The lady squeaks. “Is this a double wedding?”

“No,” coughs Blue from behind me.

Libby giggles. “Not even close.” She readjusts Paisley who mimics her laugh.

“That’s too bad, you’re both beautiful couples.” The woman’s round cheeks puff in a smile, then she sits at a small piano in the corner.

I toss a wink towards Libby.

Her face is as red as one of my vine ripened tomatoes.

---