Page 29 of Hitched to the Mountain Man
"Packed." He steps fully into the room, closing the door behind him. "Half the town showed up. Turns out marrying the sheriff's daughter makes you respectable."
Riley slips in behind him, elegant in a deep blue dress that matches Sylvie's bridesmaid gown. "More like half the town wants to see if you actually go through with it this time," she teases, straightening Jax's tie with practiced ease.
I've grown fond of my soon-to-be sister-in-law these past months. Her no nonsense attitude reminds me of Savannah, which probably explains why the two became fast friends after Jax finally introduced us properly.
"How's Savannah doing?" I ask her.
"Calm as can be." Riley smiles. "Says she's already done the hard part by running out the first time. Everything after that is easy."
I snort. "Not why I'm marrying her."
"No." Jax's expression softens as he wraps an arm around Riley's waist. "That much is obvious to anyone with eyes."
The past five months have been the happiest of my life. Moving into Savannah's grandmother's house together. Renovating room by room, my skills with metal and wood complementing her eye for design. Watching her launch her catering business from the kitchen we rebuilt together. Making love in every room once we finished it. Creating a life neither of us expected but both of us wanted desperately.
"Sheriff Parker is actually smiling," Riley reports. "Might be the first time I've seen that."
That relationship has been the biggest surprise. Tom Parker, who once saw me as nothing but an ex-con, now invites me for coffee. Asks my opinion on town matters. Calls me son with only minimal hesitation. All because I love his daughter and make her happy.
Another knock, more insistent this time. Ridge enters without waiting for a response, tension evident in his normally stoic features.
"We have a problem."
My heart stutters. "Savannah?"
"She's fine," he assures me quickly. "It's the minister. Car broke down twenty miles out. Won't make it in time."
Relief that Savannah hasn't changed her mind quickly gives way to frustration. "Can we find someone else?"
"Already on it," Riley says. "Sheriff Parker is calling Judge Martinez. He can perform the ceremony."
I nod, anxiety easing. Nothing will stop this wedding. Not after everything we've been through.
"Nervous?" Ridge asks, studying me with unusual perceptiveness.
"Not about marrying her." And it's true. I've never been more certain of anything. "Just want everything to be perfect for her."
"It will be." He claps my shoulder. "Because it's real this time."
Riley gives my arm a gentle squeeze. "I should get back to Savannah. She asked me to fix her veil right before we start." She rises on tiptoes to kiss Jax's cheek. "See you out there."
Those words stay with me as we make our way to the front of the chapel. Real. Not an arrangement, or a contract, or a business deal. Just two people who found each other against all odds, who built something true from the most unlikely beginning.
I take my place at the altar, brothers flanking me as groomsmen. The chapel is indeed packed, faces turning toward me with expressions ranging from approval to lingering suspicion. Mrs. Jenkins from the coffee shop gives me a thumbs up from the third row. Some of the kids I teach welding toare scattered throughout, cleaned up for the occasion, but still fidgety in formal clothes.
Judge Martinez arrives, slightly breathless but composed. He shakes my hand warmly. "Never thought I'd be doing this for you, Reeves."
"That makes two of us, Your Honor."
The music changes, signaling the start of the ceremony. The doors at the back of the chapel open. Sylvie enters first in a deep blue dress that matches the color scheme Savannah chose. Riley follows, carrying a small bouquet that complements Sylvie's larger one. She catches Jax's eye as she takes her position, the love between them obvious even from across the altar.
Then everyone stands, turning toward the entrance. And there she is.
Savannah on her father's arm, in a dress that makes my breath catch. Not the simple one from the courthouse. This one is all lace and subtle sparkle, hugging her curves before flaring at her hips. Her hair is up with tendrils framing her face, and her smile when our eyes meet is bright enough to light the whole town.
This is what I was missing five months ago. Not just the formal ceremony or the guests or the traditional trappings. But this certainty. This rightness. The knowledge that the woman walking toward me loves me as completely as I love her.
Sheriff Parker places Savannah's hand in mine when they reach the altar. "Keep taking care of my little girl," he says, voice gruff with emotion.
