Page 54 of The Fence Between Us

At the back of the church, Skye hid behind a set of ornate solid wood doors. On the other side, Rabble waited for her,and that was all that mattered. The doors opened, and she ducked back into a darker corner as Declan and Dash escorted Bekah and Kellyn down the aisle. Their long periwinkle dresses flowed like water on the polished wooden floor, reminding Skye of mythological nature spirits she’d read about as a kid. While the ladies exuded grace with every swishing step, the twins looked handsome in their chambray shirts and suspenders, a tiny cluster of wheat spikes tucked against their chest as a boutonniere.

Once they took their place at the front of the church, Elyza primped Skye’s hair one more time, shaking out the long curls with a loving hand.

“You ready?” she asked.

Skye’s heart skittered, and her breath hitched with nervous excitement. “I am.”

Elyza grinned, and her eyes sparkled. “Then let’s get you down that aisle.” She opened the double doors, securing them with little wooden stops, and proceeded down the aisle like a model on a runway.

Elyza stepped up to take her place as the maid of honor then, hidden in the florals of her bouquet, she clicked a small device that allowed her to control the music from her position at the front of the church. The smooth, lilting tune sounded like summer nights and gentle breezes that invited Skye to begin her journey toward the only man she ever wanted.

***

Rabble

The moment the music changed, moving into something smoother, something rich and warm, Rabble recalled long days under their fence, laughing together as the towering oak and flowering lilac watched over them.

Elyza grinned at him and Rabble’s eyes caught movement at the rear doors. He froze, his body becoming impossibly still.

“Please stand,” Sheriff Armanan said.

The twins’ mom, Mrs. Basket, and Olivia rose to their feet, turning back to witness the vision gliding through the doors.

Rabble’s eyes couldn’t get any wider, could they? Surely, his chest couldn’t expand anymore. His heart felt swollen with love, and he struggled to pull in breath.

Skye began her measured assent toward him, her smile beatific and gentle, though an excitement sparkled in her eyes too.

He gulped as his gaze travelled over her, taking in every minute detail. She wore her hair long, curling down her back, a few stray tendrils about her ears and cheeks. Her smocked dress shimmered with a creamy light as she walked, the slightly puffed sleeves settled off of her shoulders. His eyes lifted in surprise as he took in the hand-embroidered fall flowers and wheat that started at the neckline and hem and grew toward her heart. The details of the floras and field grasses were unparalleled, and he wondered who dared to put such colors on a wedding dress and where could he send his thank you note.

She kept her steps light and rhythmic until she stood just before him, and Rabble extended a hand, inviting her to join him at the altar of their forever. He didn’t hear most of what Sheriff Armanan said, too focus on Skye’s radiance, and Rabble nearly missed the call for vows.

Skye went first. “From that very first day, I knew you were mine. You have been my safe place, my calm and my crazy, and I vow to spend every day by your side from now until eternity. Because there is not a place or a time in existence in which I wish to be parted from you.”

Rabble tried to swallow past the lump cutting off his voice. He cleared his throat and spoke, voice rough. “From that first day, I knew you were mine. You became my home, my peace, my silence, and my music. Not a day has passed when I haven’t wanted to be by your side. And there is not a place or a time in existence where I want to be apart from you. I love you, Skye. Every breathtaking inch of your mind, body, and soul.”

A quiet sob escaped her, and Rabble pressed his hand against her cheek, a small thrill going through him when she leaned into his touch.

The next words Rabble heard released a tidal wave of need and possessiveness.

“Husband and wife… kiss the bride.”

Rabble cradled Skye against his body, her gaze reflecting his thoughts, a promise of long nights of love and days of staring down the world, side by side.

Chapter 33

Rabble

Clutching Skye’s hand, Rabble hurried them toward his truck. Their friends stood on either side of the path holding up thin sparklers which sent tiny multi-colored arcs flying about them. Skye ducked into Rabble’s side as he did his best to shield her from the bright flashes with his body. He threw his truck door open and helped her up and into the cab, carefully tucking her dress around her legs before shutting the door. Declan stood nearby; no less than three sparklers clutched in either hand which he waved about in gleeful abandon.

Rabble dodged the soaring sparks as he raced to his door and popped the latch. Preparing to launch himself into the driver’s seat, he paused, watching as Dash approached. He rolled his eyes at his twin’s shenanigans and held out his hand for Rabble to shake.

“See you at the reception,” Rabble said, taking his friend’s hand in a firm grip.

Dash gave a snort. “Yeah, okay.”

Rabble couldn’t stop the feral grin that came over his face. Dash was probably right. They’d make it to the reception…eventually.

Skye practically bounced in her seat, excitement radiating from her in waves. He started the truck, revving the engine a few times before tearing from the parking lot, the truck growling loudly as he headed toward the surprise he planned. He drove in the opposite direction, back through the town of Shiloh Hills and passed the Cottage District to a short, charming gravel path that led back through a thick stand of trees. The leaves had begun to change colors and shadowed the driveway in an enchanting way.

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