Page 29 of Something Tangled Something True
We spend the next few minutes getting me into this gorgeous gown and simple flats before making the short trip to the field at the furthest end of the property.
My heart is pounding out of my chest when I see Ryder looking as mouthwatering as ever, standing in front of a thin gold arch facing the setting sun. The field is overflowing with vibrant wildflowers in a rainbow of colors, and our parents stand on either side of the arch, Isabela in my father’s arms.
Mayte takes my hand in hers, walking the rest of the way with me. She whispers, “You ready?”
And I am. I see Ryder in his navy-blue suit, his eyes raking over me with a look so fiercely confident it settles the anxiety brewing inside me.
My parents smile brightly at me, andMamiwraps me in her arms. “I’ve never seen a more stunning bride,mija. I’m so glad things turned out this way. It would have broken my heart to see you marry that other man.” Her words cut through me, and the realization I would have never been happy with Russ finally hits home. I knew this; I’d known it for far longer than I’d care to admit, but my own mother confirming those thoughts does wonders for the guilt I’ve been pushing down.
“Thank you,Mami.” I give her a kiss on eithercheek and press one to the top of my niece’s head, her soft brown curls pulling a smile across my face.
Mamicups my shoulder and whispers into my ear, “Ay mija, ahora sí vas a respirar tranquila. Y que se vaya pa’l carajo.” My shoulders shake as I playfully roll my eyes.
My dad and each of Ryder’s parents give me a hug as well, and Ezekiel tips his chin at me.
I move to Ryder, taking a deep breath before meeting his eyes.
The sun hits his baby blues just right, so I’m able to see how glossy they are as he takes me in. There’s not a chance Russ would’ve been half this emotional on our wedding day.
He saw me as a prize to be won, a means to an end. Nothing more.
And after years of being told I wasn’t worthy of more, I started to believe it.
A deep sadness grips my heart, but Ryder reaches out for me, taking my hands gently in his, drawing me to the present. He pulls me into his strong arms, pressing a warm kiss to my forehead.
Mayte takes her spot between us, preparing to officiate this ceremony.
“You are so gorgeous, Lola,” he whispers into my hair.Lola.Not darlin’, butLola. I love it when he says my name like that, like it holds a million emotions and incredible memories in the four letters of my name alone. “I know this probably isn’t how you’d envisioned your wedding day, but if I’m going to fake marry anyone, I wouldn’t want it to be anyone else.”
My whole body warms at his words, but this is already touching on dangerous territory, so I pull out of his arms and give him a small smile before turning my attention to Mayte.
Because, ultimately,he’s wrong.This isexactlyhow I always imagined my wedding day.
“You lovebirds ready to do this?” Mayte asks, her eyes glowing brightly.
We both nod, but Ryder’s eyes widen, and he says, “Wait!”
My heart sinks as he runs across the small hill to one of the work sheds. Did he get cold feet all of a sudden?
My worries are silenced a moment later as he runs toward us with something hidden behind him. “You needed a bouquet,” he explains, producing a tiny bundle of origami paper flowers.
There’s a tingling sensation at the nape of my neck, and my face heats as I will the tears not to fall. “They aren’t as pretty as the ones you make, but I did my best,” he says, thrusting them into my hands.
I clutch them in my left hand, running the pads of my fingers over the delicate edges of the petals. A sob threatens to choke me, but I swallow it down. My eyes flit up to meet his, and the world falls away as I’m met with a look that could end a war or bring world peace. It’s in this moment that something becomes incredibly evident to me: Ryder Lockhart will go to the ends of the Earth to make me happy, and I’d be a fool not to let him. He’s forgiven me for leaving him when he’d needed me most, and I can forgive him for marrying Lemmon. He hadn’t known the full extent of our history, and now that he does, I truly believe he’d never have betrayed me if he were aware.
“They’re perfect, Ry,” I finally choke out. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you, darlin’.”
Mayte swipes at a tear, clearing her throat. “Sorry, allergies. Too many damn wildflowers out here.”
We go through run-of-the-mill vows Mayte picked out for us, but every word Ryder speaks feels too personal, like he isn’t really following a script at all. I can’t see what he has written on the paper in front of him through the thick curtain of tears gathered in my eyes. I latch on to his declaration of devotion and protection, allowing them to soothe the sting of a marriage that never was.Gracias a Dios.
When he slides the gold band on myfinger, I can’t help but stare in astonishment at the marquis-cut diamond flanked by two tiny triangular stones. It’s elegant and beyond perfect.
This is another unnecessary stab to the heart, one Ryder would have no way of knowing he’d cause.
The giant, gaudy ring Russ gave me was everything I detest. It was flashy and served only the purpose of showing off how much money he has.
