Page 4 of Relentless

Maeve leaned her head on Dallas’ shoulder as he chuckled warmly, his eyes crinkling in the corners.

They raised their glasses in a final toast, and Oakleigh picked up her phone to tap away at her screen. Even though Maeve didn’t enjoy the thought of Oakleigh’s enormous social media following getting a glimpse at their special day, she knew it was the high cost of having an influencer under her roof.

Late into the evening, their guests finally began trickling out. The newlyweds took their places near the entryway. Maeve gave out hugs while Dallas offered firm handshakes to each of their dear friends.

Audrey, their faithful coffee shop barista, slipped past with her eyes full of tears.

“You okay, Audrey?” Maeve asked, her brow furrowing with concern.

“It’s all just so beautiful,” Audrey sobbed. “I just hope I get this someday.” Her eyes drifted to Sawyer, who noticeably focused his attention on anyone but her.

Oakleigh put her arm around Audrey’s shoulder and shuffled her to the door. “Audrey, we’ve been over this,” she lectured. “You and Sawyer went on like three dates.”

The last dwindling guests made their way to their cars, signaling the reception had come to an end. June emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishrag.

“Guess it’s about time youboth hit the road,” June said, raising a sharp eyebrow.

Maeve knew they would do everything possible to keep her from assisting in the extensive cleanup.

“June,” Maeve protested with a shake of her head. “You know I’m not going to leave all this for you.”

June and Oakleigh exchanged a conspiratorial glance, and Maeve knew she would inevitably lose if the two strong personalities allied against her.

“Maeve, it’s your wedding night, and I planned a magical week for you,” Oakleigh said, crossing her arms. “Don’truin it.”

It was clear that the stubborn young woman would have the final word – this time.

Maeve felt Dallas’ arm around her waist.

“You’re outvoted,” he whispered, appearing quite pleased she had lost the argument. It was a look that drove a smile to her face.

She gave him a slight eye roll but finally conceded, “Let’s go.”

Stepping out onto the front porch, Maeve intertwined her fingers with his. “Oh yeah, one more thing,” she announced. “I got you a little something.”

Dallas blinked slowly as though he were trying to comprehend the sight of his brand new, gunmetal gray truck parkedin the driveway. Sawyer clapped him firmly on the back and dropped the key fob into his hand.

“Welcome to the family, Dal,” Sawyer grinned.

Dallas stammered, “You didn’t have to do this.”

Maeve gave his hand a squeeze. “Does it make you happy?” She scanned his reaction, hoping the extravagant gift wasn’t too much. To her relief, a smile burst across his lips.

“You make me happy,” he whispered. He took Maeve in his arms and pulled her close.

Oakleigh obnoxiously cleared her throat. “There’s a woman at the bed and breakfast who sounds about ninety years old,” she declared. “And she’s waiting up to check you in — so if you can save it ’til then, I’m sure she wants to sleep sometime tonight.”

Maeve bit her lower lip, struggling to stifle her amusement. Leaning back into Dallas’ strong embrace, she whispered, “I think that’s a nice way of telling us to get a room.”

Oakleigh raised an eyebrow. “You have a room. It’s three hours that way,” she prodded, pointing toward the highway. “Now hit the road.”

Dallas packed the truck with their luggage and climbed into the driver’s seat. There was one last thing Maeve needed to do before relinquishing to Oakleigh’s stern demands. She went to the porch where the young woman was leaning her shoulder on a post, patiently waiting to see them off.

“This was exactly the wedding I dreamed of,” she said, pulling Oakleigh into one last tight hug. When she steppedaway, Maeve couldn’t help but notice her swipe a tear from the corner of her eye.

Oakleigh shrugged. “It’s the least I could do.”

Maeve settled into the comfortable leather passenger seat, letting the hum of the engine lull her to sleep after the seemingly endless day. It was finally just the two of them winding up the dark mountain road. Laying her head on Dallas’ muscular bicep, she felt blissfully happy.

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