Page 68 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

“Do you want a big party, like Nico and Layla’s celebration?”

“Neither of us have family. Maybe we should just go to the courthouse.”

“Tyler tried that, sneaking off to get married. We surprised them and packed the courthouse. And you know as well as I do that we have family.” I brush my thumb along the edge of her finger. “Do you want a big wedding or a small one?”

“Just big enough for all our friends.” She flashes a wide and genuine smile. “Sooner rather than later.”

“I am fully on board with that.”

We spend the next couple of hours discussing the wedding and where we want to live. I’m happy with whatever she wants. Being her husband is my idea of happily ever after.

I know it isn’t going to be all rainbows and roses from here on out. We’ll have to go back to the house and see the damage. Her leg needs time to heal. But the feeling of being alone is gone. I have my person, and I no longer have to pretend that I’m not crazy in love with her.

When I drive through the gate at the ranch, she grabs my arm. “I thought of someone else we need to invite.”

“Who?”

“Mr. Hoover.” She holds up her hand and wiggles her ring finger. “We owe him at least that.”

“Agreed.” I park outside the main house and point at the clock. “We timed that well. It’s lunchtime.”

She laughs. “I can tell because of all the trucks parked around here.”

I help her out, and we walk around back to the mess hall.

As we round the corner, someone inside shushes the room.

Lettie stops and leans into me. “Did you plan this?”

“I did not. If we’re walking into a surprise engagement party, it’s not my doing.”

She grins and starts moving again. “I love this ranch almost as much as I love you.”

When we step through the doorway, everyone—including Layla and Nico—cheers and hollers.

Ava walks up with her arms spread wide. “Give me a hug, y’all! This makes me so happy.” She points to a huge cake on the counter. “I went with chocolate. I hope that’s okay. Tandy said you were a fan of chocolate. But first, lunch. I made chicken strips, mashed potatoes, and corn.”

Stunned, I turn to Lettie.

She laughs. “Tandy texted, asking me about your favorite food. I didn’t know about the rest of this.”

After hugs and congratulations, Lettie and I find a seat, and I grab us plates of food. “Here you go.”

Lettie whispers, “I like Ava.”

“Figured you would. She’s awesome. And y’all have that same taking-care-of-people-with-food gene.”

“I was hoping the old saying was true that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

“It worked.” I cut into my chicken and drag a bite through the mashed potatoes.

She rubs my arm. “Maybe on Tuesday, I’ll join your crochet circle and try learning.”

“I’d like that. Then we’ll both have something to do when we’re old and in rocking chairs. Because I meant what I said about forever.”

CHAPTER25

LETTIE

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