Page 52 of The Backup Bride Proposal

“Girl, you didn’ttell me things between the two of you were so hot.”

Mae pulled her gaze from a disappearing Kane and back to Rebecca. “Didn’t I?”

“You did not. Wow. Tell me everything.”

Mae looked over at George, who was busy in conversation with someone else at the table, so she shrugged and said, “Not much to tell. We’re just having fun. Hot fun.”

“That’s good. I mean, I understand you not wanting to get involved. His time here is temporary, and you’re very much a free spirit these days. No entanglements, right?”

“Right. Exactly.” She looked over at Kane, who was at the bar deep in conversation with someone he absolutely did not know at all. He wasn’t obsessively clinging to her, nor was he pissed off that she hadn’t stuck to his side when he didn’t know anyone here. Instead, he’d made friends and seemed utterly at ease. Which in turn made her feel at ease.

This man constantly surprised her.

She got up and walked over to him, leaning in to speak to him in a low voice so as not to interrupt his conversation. “I have to go do some work things.”

He reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Go do your thing. I’ll be around.”

Yeah, just like that, she thought as she made sure dinnerwent off without a hitch, and that all the appropriate photos were taken and Brenna and Finn had everything they needed. After everything ran smoothly, she could finally exhale.

“Hey,” Brenna said to her after the cake-cutting photos were done. “It’s time for you to take the rest of the night off and have some fun.”

“Iamhaving fun. Are you kidding? This is the best wedding I’ve ever been involved with. I’m so honored you let me take the reins on it.”

“Okay, honey. I appreciate that, and yes, it is an awesome wedding. Everything is handled now, so you’re officially off duty. As the bride I demand it.”

Mae sighed. “You are a beautiful bride, too.” Her silk organza gown with tiny, beaded sequins made Brenna look like a stunning, red-haired fairy princess.

“Aren’t I, though?” Brenna winked and looped her arm in Mae’s as they strolled across the barn. “Now. As your last official duty of the evening, you can help me find my husband.”

“How does it feel saying that?”

Brenna gave her a curious look. “Saying what?”

“Husband.”

“Oh. It feels…I don’t know, Mae. It feels kind of awesome.”

“Aww.” Mae laid her hand on Brenna’s arm. She’d been fighting back tears all day and wasn’t about to start the waterworks now.

“Though, to be honest, the minute I moved in with Finn at the cabin we both said we felt like that was our forever. So, this? Just a formality to make it official.”

Mae squeezed her arm. “And that’s how it’s done when you meet your soul mate.”

“It sure is.”

They found Finn sharing his own brand of distilled whiskey with the groomsmen. Kane had joined them.

“I still can’t believe you make this,” Kane said.

“I do.”

“It’s damn good, Finn.”

Finn grinned. “Thanks. Remind me when I get back from my honeymoon and I’ll give you a tour of the distillery.”

“I’d like that.”

“I hate to break up this guy gathering,” Brenna said, walking into the midst of the guys to take Finn’s hand. “But I need to dance with my husband.”

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