Page 128 of Always a Bridesmaid
With Travis home, her sister had the support she needed. It also helped that Isla had begun sleeping through the night.
Ford wrapped his arms around Violet’s middle and pulled her back against his chest. As she basked in the chatter and laughter of their closest loved ones, all felt right with the world.
“FYI, I might never let you go.” Ford kissed her neck, sending goose bumps across her skin. Every tiny gesture, every day, everyeverythingwas better with Ford in her world. Not only had he kept his word to always show up and be there for her, last night he’d fulfilled another one of his promises.
One day…
Violet had been snuggling with Trouble and felt something whack her chest. When she’d spotted the diamond ring hanging from his collar, her heart had stopped.
Then she’d turned to see Ford on one knee, Pyro at his side, and that kicked her heart back into motion. Occasionally she still felt the lack of Nitro and Tank, but in a few months they’d have another litter to train. The teams the dogs had gone to also sent updates, which helped her feel like their little family was off to a strong, happy start.
Ford cleared his throat and raised his voice. “Violet and I would like to welcome y’all to our home.”
Violet let the phrase “our home” wash over her.
“We do have another announcement,” he said, and then he glanced at her.
The diamond on her finger twinkled as she lifted it in the air to show it off. “We’re getting married!”
Everyone shouted their congratulations. There were hugs and jokes, and then they settled in their chairs to eat, because food went hand in hand with celebration.
As they finished up the meal, Ford nudged Easton with his elbow. “So, I was hoping you’d be my best man.”
“Dude, I’m starting to think we throw weddings as often as we play poker. My boys are dropping like flies.” Easton winked at Violet and then punched Ford’s shoulder. “I’d be honored.”
Lexi shifted in her seat, leaning so she could peer around Will at them. “Have you started planning the wedding yet?”
“I’m pretty sure Violet has like a…binder, wasn’t it? A super-organized, serial-killer-type one, but for weddings? Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
Violet cocked her head at her fiancé. Yeah, she was going to be using that term a lot.
“Only kidding.” Ford wrapped his hand around her thigh and leaned in for a kiss. “You know I love your binder almost as much as you. And not just because it means less work for me this go around.”
“Dream. On.” Violet spun in her seat to address Lexi. “While I do have certain aspects planned, I’d love your help.”
Lexi clapped and bounced in her seat. “Ooh, I love weddings.”
Everyone began laughing and talking again, and when they needed more beer, Violet headed to the kitchen to grab some.
Apparently, Easton was way ahead of her. He stood in front of the fridge, six-pack in hand, but his focus was on the wedding invitation she’d hung in place with a magnet.
“When did you get this?” Easton asked, gesturing toward the invite.
“I just hung it up this morning. It was in the mail, and I figured it was one of Ford’s friends. Since the sure way to get him to see something is to put it on the fridge…” She laughed, but the tension in Easton’s posture remained.
She’d never seen him so broody before.
“Vi? You get lost on the way to the fridge?” Ford’s heavy footsteps came on the heels of the question. “Don’t worry, your big strong badass is here to save you.”
As soon as Ford stepped into the kitchen, Easton yanked off the invitation and showed it to Ford. “Did you know about this?”
Ford squinted at it, two creases forming between his eyebrows, and then his features smoothed as he studied the pictures. “No. Bro, I’m so sorry.”
“Whatever. I… I’m going to go.” Easton handed the six-pack to Ford, crumpled the invitation, and tossed it on the counter. Then he stormed out of the house, the screen door slamming in his wake.
“What was that all about?” Violet asked, debating whether or not to follow the guy, although she hadn’t the faintest idea what to say.
“This woman.” Ford tapped the crinkled picture, and Violet studied the beautiful couple. He wound an arm around her, his large hand splaying on her stomach and making her think of the day that’d come when he was feeling their little one growing inside of her, and he said, “As far as Easton’s concerned, she’s the one who got away.”
