Page 138 of Relentless

When it finally came down to making her guest list for the wedding, Oakleigh felt an overwhelming peace over inviting her mother.

She was relieved when Harper RSVP’d withYes.

It was more than she would ever receive from her father, who hadn’t even bothered to reply.

Oakleigh knew her mother’s response would begin the extensive negotiation with Paisley, who was still adamantly digging in her heels.

Oakleigh — typing…

Please Pais. I need you.

It took some effort, but she successfully wore her little sister down.

The wedding had been everything she had wanted and more. Dallas had walked her down the aisle, his proud smile pushing up the edges of his dark brown mustache. He had become the father she had never known that she needed, and she was so grateful for his love and support.

She had somehow talked hercute cowboyinto wearing a suit jacket over his button-up shirt, with a brand-new pair of Wrangler jeans. As usual, his shaggy blonde hair was tucked neatly under his black cowboy hat. He gazed at her coming down the aisle in her elegant white gown as though she were the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.

At her request, Sawyer had agreed to perform the ceremony, and even he had looked happy to be there.

Crew’s choice for best man ended up being a tie between Wade and Colton. They had long since accepted Oakleigh as their new boss, and sometimes, it seemed like they were even starting to like her a little. It was also possible that Maeve had started paying them off for their respect.

Paisley and Mia stood by her side. Her best friend was noticeably distracted, scanning the room for a cute cowboy of her own.

After their heartfelt handwritten vows, Sawyer announced them husband and wife.

“All right, cowboy,” he grinned. “Kiss your bride.”

Crew pulled off his cowboy hat, placing it firmly on Oakleigh's head. He took her in his arms, and pressed his lips to hers.

“You finally got what you wanted,” he quipped, grinning with his perfect white smile that traveled all the way to the corners of his eyes. The wedding was simple and sweet with a touch of elegance, just like them.

The early summer weather that evening made for a perfect reception. A calm breeze whispered off the pasture, and bright stars hung in the sky above them. Sawyer played his guitar, and Bethany sang. She had an engagement ring on her finger that occasionally caught the light, sending a proud smile across Sawyer’s face.

The twinkle lights strung between the ranch house and barn shimmered, while the newlyweds took their first dance as husband and wife. Oakleigh swayed in Crew’s firm embrace, and all the anxious feelings of the day fluttered away.

When it was time for them to head out for the evening, the couple made the rounds, thanking each of their loved ones for attending their special day.

June swooped Oakleigh and Crew into a hearty hug.

“You’ve got a good one here, Crew,” she chided. “Don’t you go messing it up.”

Crew chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

“I’ll do my best.”

The newlyweds made their way over to the table where Maeve and Dallas were seated. They were both dressed casually, wearing their usual jeans and a button-up shirt. Maeve’s brown hair was flying free under her tan cowboy hat.

Harper sat beside them in a designer navy blue dress, with her blonde hair pulled into a loose bun.

Oakleigh couldn't help but notice that her mother looked healthier than she had in a long time. There was a hopefulness about her, despite the recent disappointing news that the twins had chosen to live full-time with their father.

Harper kept to herself throughout the long day and into the evening, almost as though she simply appreciated being included. Paisley still hadn't spoken to her, rarely venturing to meet her eyes. It wasn’t what Oakleigh had wanted, but she had felt grateful to have them both there nonetheless.

Before the couple reached the table, Paisley and Mia swept into their path.

Oakleigh wrapped her arms around her sister. Hugging her close, she whispered in her ear, “I love you, but talk to her, please.”

Paisley took a deep breath. “I’ll think about it,” she replied. “No promises, okay?”

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