Page 20 of Shadow

And I know without a shadow of a doubt I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving it.

ChapterEleven

Lindsey

I’ll hand it to my grandmother. I’m not quite sure how she did it but she put together the most intimatesurprisewedding ceremony in six days. I’m pretty sure my soon to be husband had a whole lot to do with it. Especially considering the fact that not two days after telling him aboutneedingto tie the knot before Kevin left, he had talked to my dad and granddad as promisedandmanaged to surprise me by getting down on one knee and proposing down on the creek bank under the stars.

Everything has come together like it was meant to be this way all along.

I’m shocked we haven’t been met with more resistance but my Dad and Grandad were both on board and even told me and Garrett both that they thought it would be fun to surprise Kevin and keep the entire wedding ceremony between the five of us that were already in the know.

My sweet brother thinks we’re all getting together for his “come home soon” cookout. And we are…right after my private wedding ceremony in the freshly cleaned barn with Domino and Shadow joining us from their stalls while the rest of the horses have been turned out for a bit.

“You ready to do this, baby girl,” my dad steps into the office I’ve taken over in the barn and closes the door.

“I am,” I tell him with absolute certainty.

This whole thing may have happened quickly but the truth is, Garrett and I have known each other for years, and I believe in my heart that we are meant to be forever. I want this moment with Garrett. With my dad, my granddad, my grandma, my brother and my sister in law and nephew too.

We have the rest of our lives to figure the rest out. Til death do us part.

“Oh, Lindsey,” my dad’s voice cracks and even with my back turned to him, I know he just recognized the dress I’m wearing. “Turn around here so I can really get a good look at you.”

I stop looking out the window, waiting for the first sign of my brother and his wife arriving from their house on the other side of the property and spin around to face my dad.

“Linds,” he sniffles and reaches for his handkerchief. “You lookjustlike your momma.”

“I feel like she’s here. Literally wrapping her arms around me.” I fight back tears of my own.

“Honey she would be so proud and tickled pink that you’re wearing her wedding dress.”

The tea length a-line dress fit me like a glove and didn’t need a single alteration.

“Grandma saved it, you know? Had it preserved just in case this day came and I wanted to have it.”

The tea length a-line dress fit me like a glove and didn’t need a single alteration. The off the shoulder lace sleeves are both light and add a touch of modesty and innocence to the style. And it paired perfectly with my favorite boots, because this bride was not about to be caught dead in a pair of heels.

“I sure am glad she did. You look pretty as a picture, baby girl.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

I will not cry. I. will. not. cry. Not yet anyway.

My dad looks over my shoulder and glances out the window I was just gazing out of. “Well, your brother just pulled up,” he smiles. “I just hope he doesn’t punch Garrett before you say ‘I do’,” he adds, teasing me.

“He won’t. At least I sure hope he won’t,” I laugh.

“Guess we’ll know here shortly.”

Dad and I make small talk about my mom. About me growing up, while we wait.

Only a few minutes pass before there’s a knock on the door and Grandad pops his head in. “There’s my Pony Princess,” he smiles. “Oh you look like your mother now more than ever, sweetheart.”

I mumble a thank you while still fighting for those tears not to fall.

“Well, your brother is ready to walk his wife down the aisle and they’re both excited to be standing up for you. So, ifyou’reready…I’ll let Pastor Scraton know.”

“I’ve never been more ready,” I let out a relieved breath.

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