Page 53 of With You Forever

Lacey scoffs and holds up a manicured hand. “I can’t with him sometimes.”

Seth glances at Cash and lifts an impressed brow. “Kid can still hang.”

Lacey peers down at her nephew, his dark eyes heavy with sleep. “Barely.”

Sal groans and covers her eyes. “Parents of the year right here.”

Luke chuckles. “He knows a good party.”

Griff jostles Cash. “Ain’t nothin’ to worry about. He’s gettin’ some lessons from Uncle Griff.”

Luke, choking back a laugh, shakes his head. “Lord, help me.”

“It’s my turn.” Alabama opens her arms and smirks. “Pass the baby, Greyson.”

“I’m passin’, I’m passin’,” Griff grumbles, looking none too pleased to let go of Cash.

Emmy Lou waves a lazy hand, drops it to her heavy belly. “Y’all remember this, and come to my house when these babies are born.”

Jace, polishing a glass, chuckles. “I’ll need all the backup I can get.”

A round of laughs go up. More drinks are poured, the jukebox cranks out Willie Nelson at brain-splitting levels, Cash is finally put to bed in his playpen. The night shows no signs of ending, just beginning.

Lacey locks eyes with Seth in the dim bar light. His grin is enough to power her heart, fuel her soul. Tonight’s a celebration. Even with her surgery looming, she has nothing to worry about. Not tonight. She feels overwhelmed, steadied by love, by friendship. Everyone’s shown up, gathered around her and Seth to celebrate their special day.

Drunk and happy and in love. The way it should be.

A wave of contentment sweeps over Lacey, and for a brief second, she closes her eyes.

This is how they heal. They let go. Make room for forever.

Because love ... it never fails.

Seth slugs down his beer, slams the bottle on the bar top. Turns to Lacey. “Let’s dance, princess. Put those heels to good use.”

Sal, gracefully tipsy, shouts, “Luke, go forth and make music!”

“Hell, you’re comin’ with me, darlin’.” Grinning, Luke picks Sal up in his arms and slings her over his shoulder. Sal squeals and pounds on his back, laughing.

“No sad songs,” Seth calls to Luke as his brother hustles to the jukebox. “Not tonight.” He looks at Lacey, brushing hair out of her eyes. “Dance with me, princess?”

She nods, her throat tightening unbearably.

Then as a swell of bluegrass floods the room, Seth’s swinging her into his arms, pulling her against his broad chest. For a long second, she relishes this moment. Tonk’s. Saying their vows in this dingy dive bar they fought in—and then fell in love in—so long ago.

It’s her and Seth. Impromptu and flighty and chaotic and so damn perfect she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Seth’s deep drawl rumbles out. “You happy, Lace?”

She smiles up at him. “I am.”

“You like the wedding? It’s what you wanted?” His worried eyes search hers, making sure she’s happy. Always giving her everything she needs and then some.

“It was everything, Seth.”

She kisses him, then leans back to take him in. Her heart tightens to the point of pain. He looks so damn handsome. She cups his cheek, holds his eyes. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Nothing. Her wedding was beautiful and beyond what she ever could have imagined. And his vows. She’ll never find words to describe what Seth’s vows did to her. The way his jaw trembled, the fierceness of his words. She heard so much even if he never said it.

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