Page 80 of Tangled Vows

Two hours later, my hair was expertly coiffed in a half-up style that left soft curls cascading down my back, and my makeup was red carpet worthy.

There was another knock on the door as Lorna was packing up her supplies. I opened it to find another woman carrying a large garment bag.

“Right on time,” Lorna crooned, and the woman stepped inside. “Caitlin will take it from here.”

“What is going on?” I mumbled as Caitlin draped the bag over my bed and unzipped it.

“Would you like some help getting into your dress?” she asked.

“My dress?”

Reaching into the bag, she plucked a notecard with Easton’s masculine scrawl and handed it to me.

Shayla,

Meet me in the garden.

Wear the dress.

Your loving husband,

Easton

My heart beat double time, and butterflies took flight in my belly. It was like the note he’d left me on our wedding day, only shorter and much more demanding. What did my husband have up his sleeve?

“Do you want to have a look?” Caitlin asked, reaching into the garment bag.

“Yes,” I answered, my voice trembling. She pulled out the dress and held it up for my inspection. I gasped and covered my mouth as my eyes misted with tears.

“Now don’t go messing up your makeup, lass,” she said, and I dabbed at the corners of my eyes, careful to avoid smearing my mascara.

“I’m good. Let’s get this dress on.”

I slid the dress over my hips and pushed my arms through the sleeves. Caitlin zipped me up, and I turned to face the mirror. I had never felt more beautiful in my entire life. The A-line, off-the-shoulder dress with loose sheer sleeves and lace embellishments was an absolute dream. The corseted top with its sweetheart neckline accentuated my curves, and the tulle skirt gave it an airy, romantic feel. It looked exactly like something I would pick out for myself.

“It’s perfect,” I said, marveling at my reflection.

“Let’s get you to the garden,” Caitlin announced, holding up a pair of shoes I hadn’t noticed her bring in with the dress. I slipped them on and followed her down the grand staircase and outside. My pulse quickened as we neared the garden, and I picked up my pace, eager to see what awaited me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I couldn’t see anything past the stone wall concealing the garden until I reached the entrance.

I halted in my tracks. My heart stopped, and my lungs refused to draw in air at the sight before me. There, standing in front of the fountain, was my husband, dressed in a kilt.

Holy shit. I never knew I had a thing for men in kilts until this very moment. My knees wobbled, and my thighs pressed together as a slow smile curved his lips. He. Was. Breathtaking. I blinked away the fog of lust and noticed for the first time, we weren’t alone. There were rows of chairs lined up on each side, creating an aisle down the center.

I choked out a sob when I saw my mother rise from a chair lining the left side of the aisle. She was still regaining her strength but was finally in remission again. Makenna stood next to her and looped her arm through Mom’s. They beamed at me with matching smiles and watery eyes.

Everyone else followed suit and stood. I scanned the sea of familiar faces. Roni and Max were there accompanied by Easton’s grandpa, David. Weiss, Kent, and Tillman, along with their dates, took up the rows behind them. All of the men on Easton’s side wore matching kilts, even Max. All my closest friends were there with their partners and kids: Brynlee and Macon, Delilah and Vance, Haley and Jonah, Melody and Gavin, Cameron and Blake, Emily, Sean, and Claire.

Emotion welled in my chest, and I sniffed as tears threatened to spill over. I started down the aisle on shaky legs, but stopped when Harper and Charlie ran toward me.

“These are for you!” Charlie announced, thrusting a bundle of wildflowers at me.

“And I have a few to put in your hair,” Harper offered. I ducked my head so she could strategically place each flower in the perfect spot.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice trembling as I offered them a watery smile. Then I took a deep breath and made my way toward Easton. He reached for me and gripped my free hand.

“What is all this?” I asked, glancing around.

“Most of our friends and family weren’t there when we got married, and I know how much it meant to you for them to be apart of our special day. I couldn’t give that to you then, but I can give it to you now for our vow renewal ceremony.”

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