Page 77 of Rebel Heart
Fortunately, neither Birdie nor Serena had noticed anything. Or, if they had, neither had mentioned a thing about it.
Unwilling to waste a precious minute on a day like today, I scurried through the crowds and was practically jogging across the parking lot toward my car. That’s when I heard Wyatt’s voice.
“Hey, Jules,” he called. “Where are you going in such a hurry?”
I slowed to a stop and turned to find my oldest brother walking in my direction, his long legs rapidly gobbling up the distance between us. “Hi, Wyatt.”
“Bad day today?” he asked.
My body tensed. Had he figured out what I was doing today? Was he going to try to stop me?
I shook my head, my brows pulling together. “No. What would make you say that?”
He swept his hand out in my direction. “Since when do you run out of here?”
“I’m not allowed to be eager to enjoy being off early today?” I countered.
Wyatt laughed. “I’m not saying that. I was just surprised. So, do you have anything fun planned?”
The smallest twinge of guilt moved through me. For a very brief moment, I deliberated telling him the truth. But I gave that thought only seconds of consideration before I decided against it.
That’d be asking for trouble. If I’d wanted someone to show up and object, I’d spill the details to Wyatt about my plans to get married today.
It still felt so strange to think that.
Married. Me!
I was so excited about it; I was practically bouncing on my toes.
“I do have plans to run an errand before I head home, but I’m mostly planning a night in tonight.”
Technically, that wasn’t a lie. I didn’t intend to spend most of my night indoors. Naked and in bed with Beau, if I had anything to say about it. But Wyatt was one of the last people who needed to know that detail, especially if he learned it would be happening immediately after I got married.
I’d have been lying if I said there wasn’t some small part of me that had experienced a bit of nostalgia for the wedding that I’d envisioned having all my life—the fancy white dress, all my family and friends, a massive celebration. But I loved everything about what Beau and I had decided to do. We could always have a big celebration with family and friends later.
“A quiet night in. I struggle to remember what that was like.”
A smile spread across my face. “Jack won’t be little forever. The time is going to fly by, and you’re going to miss these days.”
He sighed. “I know. But it’s difficult being in the trenches right now. In fact, I’m heading home early today just to give Rhea a bit of a break. She’s been feeling overwhelmed.”
I reached out and squeezed his arm. “You’re a good dad, Wyatt. And a great husband. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
“Thanks, Jules. I’ll see you later.”
“Later, Wyatt. Give Rhea my love. And give Jack extra kisses and a cuddle from me.”
“I will.”
Without waiting for any additional response, I scurried off, desperate to get to my car, so I could make a quick stop on my way home. I couldn’t be late today.
The extra adrenaline I’d been feeling pumping through my body all day long didn’t subside. And that was a good thing, because it allowed me to be decisive and to keep moving forward with each task ahead of me.It had done such an excellent job of it that I had managed to get home, shower, and be completely ready to go just two minutes before Beau arrived to pick me up.
As I approached the door, knowing he’d be on the other side, a thrill of delight ran through me.
I was still buzzing as I opened it. But the second I did and saw him dressed in a suit, everything slowed down. Standing there, tall and proud and handsome as ever, was the man who was about to become my husband. I savored everything about the moment.
“Beau,” I whispered.
