Page 96 of Clean Out of Luck

I’m walking down the aisle toward my forever. How did I get so lucky?

Wade looks like something out of a fairy tale. It’s wildhow handsome he is. I keep thinking that I’ll get used to it. But I haven’t. I’m still ridiculously attracted to him.

I’ve always objectively known that Wade is the best-looking man in the world. I just can’t believe I hadn’t felt the attraction until this year. I can’t believe this is actually happening.

That he loves me. Boring little Scarlett.

But Wade? He’s never made me feel like I’m less. Like I can’t keep up with him in life. Instead, he’s acting like I’m the reason his life will be perfect.

Zero expectations of me to change.

He turns to grin at me as I walk down the aisle.

I’m so glad we did the first look without all of the guests watching. We had an intimate photo shoot with just the photographer, and I got to surprise him with my dress.

He cried.

And then I cried. And then I had to retouch my makeup because not only was the mascara running everywhere, he went on to smear my lipstick with a devouring kiss. Totally worth it.

And now I get to walk down this aisle with Dad and promise “I do” to the man who is everything I’ve ever wanted.

Dad pats my hand and kisses my temple before leading me down the aisle. The short grass tickles the edges of my exposed feet.

Wearing sandals with a heavy wedding dress was a good choice.Much easier to walk in the grass without a heel sinking into the dirt.

We pause a few feet away from Wade. I force myself to wait as the officiant asks, “Who gives the woman to be married to this man?”

“Her mother and I.”

“And me!” Phoenix pipes up from where he’s standing next to Wade.

I fake a glare at him, then turn my attention back to Wade. He’s smiling so big I know it’s got to be hurting his cheeks—because I have the same smile on my face.

Dad kisses my cheek and hugs me, then goes to sit next to mom.

Wade holds out his hand. “Are you ready for forever with me?” he whispers.

“With you?” I whisper back. “I thought I was here to marry someone else.”

Wade’s eyes take on a dangerous glint before he disrupts the proper order of a wedding ceremony. He steps forward and presses a hot kiss against my mouth to the “Awws,” “whoops,” and “you can’t do that yet” of the crowd.

“Thank you for coming down the aisle to me. I was half scared you would come to your senses and leave me standing here.”

And then we turn to say our vows.

Two hours later and we’ve officially been Mr. and Mrs. Wade Hendrix for one hundred minutes. The reception is in full swing, and the DJ is playing some fun dancing music.

I stepped away from a conversation with Wade’s grandparents to catch my breath in the shade. I take that moment to glance around the yard and see how everyone is enjoying themselves.

Phoenix is holding Lilly’s hand as they walk to the drink cart. How unsurprising. It’s about dang time.

Ashlyn stops next to me, a rapidly growing Margie on her hip. “This is the nicest wedding, Scarlett. It’s exactly what I would expect from you.” She smiles as she looks around.

“But do you think Wade is happy with it?” I ask, worried that I didn’t consult him enough about the wedding.

“I think he’s perfectly happy with everything today,” she says bluntly as she sets Margie down, who toddles off toward her grandma. “Look at him.” She tips her head to where he’s standing next to the rose hedge. “I haven’t seen him take his eyes off you. I think he’s scared you’ll disappear if he does.”

“Thank you for helping me so much. I couldn’t have pulled this off without you.” I reach for Ashlyn and do my best to crush her in a hug.

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