Page 43 of The Bull Rider & the Wedding Planner

“Hey. It was all my Sigma twin.” Easton winked at Marci. “I’m innocent as usual.”

“Innocent.” Marci guffawed. “You tried to get Walker in trouble about some hot redhead last night.”

“We all know you couldn’t stay mad at Walker for longer than ten seconds,” Easton said.

“True.” Marci looked up at Walker with moony eyes.

“Please hand me my girl before you start kissing your wife,” Easton said to his brother, opening his arms to Presley.

Of course Presley leaped into his arms. Cassie’s stomach bubbled. His girl. He seemed to be as gone over Presley as he was Cassie.

Two armed guards followed them out of the church, and they loaded into Easton’s truck and drove to Clint’s house.

Cassie was busy during the wedding dinner and party. She made sure each detail was perfect. She relaxed as the hours passed. The caterers were set up in the empty garage. They were top notch and no savory or sweet dish got close to empty. Everyone was happy and celebrating. There were toasts and speeches. Clint’s living area was massive but felt tight with all the people. Still, the wedding couples found space to dance as married couples; everybody else backed into the walls orkitchen or lined the banister of the loft. Clint and Lily and Miles and Eva each danced with their parents and in-laws and then everybody was dancing. She saw Houston and Daisy dancing, but it didn’t appear Daisy was making her move. Her friend looked uncomfortable. She’d have to talk to her about it tomorrow.

Cassie got to sway with Easton and Presley for a few songs. Then Walker and Marci stole Presley, and Easton grinned and held her close.

One of his firm hands was on her lower back as his other hand clasped hers, resting on his chest. He gave her his cocky grin and started singing along with the Tyler Hubbard song. “‘Into you is what I am, leavin’s what I ain’t …’”

The meaningful look in his blue eyes and the fact that she knew he was wholly devoted to her brought tears to her eyes.

He kissed her tenderly. “I’m in love with you, Cassie Johnston,” he whispered against her lips.

Cassie kissed him until the song ended and they were broken apart by hoots and hollers.

She laughed and teased with everyone, but then it was time to focus again. The wedding couples cut the cakes, threw the wedding garters, took photos, kissed often, and finally it was the big send-off.

Everyone streamed outside into the cold with sparklers distributed by Cassie, Daisy, and Rose, and cheered as the grooms carried their brides to the limos and took off.

Cassie felt a rush of success and a letdown of the party being finished. Most of the crowd scampered back into the house to avoid the cold. Some grabbed their coats and left but more lingered, laughing and talking and eating some more.

She looked around for Easton and Presley, grateful that Easton had designated himself as Presley’s caretaker for the evening. They both had been happy anytime she’d crossed their paths. She was near the kitchen area and could see Easton, Walker, and Marci across the large living room and near the entry. Walker had Presley in his arms and they were all laughing.

Then none other than Trudy Everett sidled up to Easton from behind and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Cassie’s spine prickled.

Easton turned and tugged Trudy against his side.

What?

Cassie stared. Easton wouldn’t pull Trudy close. Her archenemy? No way. No how.

All the old fears and ugly jealousies surfaced. Distrust, anger, panic. She felt it all hit her like a sledgehammer.

No. She wouldn’t believe it. Easton was true to her. This had to be a mistake. She chose to trust him. To have faith that God had brought them together again after the rough path apart. Easton would never do anything to hurt or betray her.

As quickly as Easton pulled Trudy around, he released her and quickly stepped away. Cassie watched as some words were exchanged and then Trudy sulked away. She’d chosen to trust Easton, but still she felt relieved.

Easton looked around the room, searching until he found her. His gaze locked in on her and she could read the question. Had she seen Trudy come at him? Did she know he would never betray her?

She smiled and nodded, making a heart with her hands. Of course she trusted him and she’d never stop loving him.

He started toward her. She wanted to be in his arms, but she needed to thank the caterers and have her moment outside to pray in gratitude and savor the victory. She held up one finger.

He nodded and mouthed, “Only one.”

Cassie laughed and agreed. She pivoted and strode quickly past the kitchen, through the mud room, and into the garage.

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