Page 66 of Stormswept Colorado

“Itis, and I had to say it. In some ways, you might be the reason Emma and I got together.”

“Me?”

He shrugged. “Sometimes, people need a little push. Or a not so little one. You showing back up in my life turned my world upside down, but that just made me realize how much I wanted something different. For me and Maisie both. Does that even make sense? I don’t know. You’re the poet, not me.”

“I think I get it.” My heart felt too big for my rib cage. A common problem when I was around my niece, but Maisie’s dad could do that to me too, it seemed. “I love you too. Now let’s getout there. You’re about to get married, and I don’t think you’ll want to keep Emma waiting.”

Ashford turned. But I put a hand on his arm. There was one more thing I needed to add.

“Lori’s looking down on you and your family today. And she’s really happy for you. I know it.”

The seats were filling up. Teller and Piper had already found spots, placing Ollie between them. But there was a free seat next to the chief.

I worried for a split second that I’d be crashing their family party if I sat there. But then Teller’s gaze found mine, like he’d been watching for me. His brow lifted subtly, and he nodded at the empty seat beside him.

When I sat down, Ollie pulled on Teller’s sleeve. “Uncle Tell, she’s really pretty,” he whispered. It was a kid-whisper though, so I could easily hear him over the voices in the room.

“She is.” Teller turned to me, his arm nudging mine. “Where’d you go?”

“Just having a sisterly chat with the groom.”

“All good?”

Ashford and Dane walked to the front of the room, taking their places by the huge bank of floor-to-ceiling windows that showed the winter landscape outside. All snow-capped purple mountains in all their majesty, tall evergreens, blue sky. Ashford could hardly contain his smile. The man was practically vibrating with joy.

“Yep,” I said. “All is well.”

Despite the turmoil of the last couple of days, all the ups and downs, that felt like the absolute truth. Ashford was about to get married with Maisie by his side, and I was here with Teller. Ididn’t know what we were to each other, but this felt too good to fight it.

Maybe everything would be different tomorrow, but right now, all was well.

The music started up. The remaining guests took their seats, everyone turning to watch the aisle. Emma’s little brother Thompson appeared first, adorable in his tiny suit and carrying the rings on a purple pillow. Then Emma’s little sister Kelsea, followed by Maisie, both flower girls smiling wide.

Maisie’s lavender dress flounced with every step. She looked so happy and proud of herself. My sister’s baby girl. My heart swelled.

Grace came next, elegant in a darker purple dress and holding a bouquet of dahlias.

And then there was Emma, with her dad Nash escorting her. A collective hush of awe fell over the room. Her dress, a confection of lace and satin, followed the curves of her body. Her dark hair was swept back, and a long veil flowed around her as she walked.

She reached Ashford, and the look they shared was filled with so much love.

Tears burned in my nose and throat. This was exactly the moment they deserved. All three, Ashford and Emma and Maisie.

As the ceremony began, too many emotions twisted around inside me. I wished Lori had been able to be here, because Ashford had been her best friend, and she would’ve been just as happy as I was to see this. Such a beautiful, perfect occasion.

And yet my heart was cracking because I missed Loriso much. So damn much.

I wouldalwaysregret the years we lost because I was so desperate to get away from the colonel that I’d avoided her too.

Teller put his hand next to mine and linked our pinky fingers. It was like he’d shown me the way out of the storm.

I held on to that small point of contact until my sadness faded to a distant ache. Lori wouldn’t want me to be sad right now.

We clapped as the bride and groom kissed. Stood and cheered as they walked the aisle again as husband and wife, but with Maisie holding each of their hands.

I felt the gentle pressure of Teller’s fingers against my lower back. “That was beautiful,” he said in my ear. “Your sister would’ve been very proud.”

I nodded, grateful beyond words that he’d somehow known what I was feeling.

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