Page 8 of Out in the Country

As we enter the driveway of the wedding venue, its classic Southern charm nearly takes my breath away. White pillars and pristine landscaping greet us as we pull up to the front of the perfectly elaborate entrance.

Bags in hand, Everett gives the valet his keys, and I try not to gape at the absolutely incredible view. A pergola the length of the walkway is draped expertly with flowers and vines.

It’s romantic and classically elegant. A pond can be seen in the distance beyond where they’re already setting up the chairs for the ceremony.

“Wow, this place is somethin’, huh?” Everett says on a low whistle.

“It’s incredible, right? Harper showed me pictures, but it’s so much more impressive in person.”

“I feel like there’s a joke in there.”

I snort and elbow him, and he smirks. “Behave,” I plead.

“Where’s the fun in that?”

“These are my work friends and colleagues; don’t embarrass me,” I hiss while keeping my smile firmly in place.

Everett keeps walking and—is that a spring in his step? Hustling to catch up, I grip his forearm and turn him to face me.

“I’m serious.”

“Have I ever embarrassed you?” My mouth falls open like I can’t name a couple dozen times that exact thing has happened. He rolls his eyes and amends, “Okay, fine, have I ever embarrassed you when it was important?”

“No,” I concede.

“Right. So let’s go get checked in and find Harper so you can stop being dramatic.”

“I amnotdramatic,” I say with my hand clutched to my chest and with all the indignation of Blanche fromThe Golden Girls.

Everett worries his bottom lip with his teeth, his eyes sparkling, and I can’t stop my gaze from bouncing between the two. His tongue peeks out to wet his lips, and I force my eyes back to his.

He winks, and the swagger is so real I want to throttle him butdamnhe looks good in those jeans.

Nope—not going there.

Pulling out my phone, I try and distract myself as Everett gets us checked in.

HAYDEN: We made it!

HARPER: Oh my God! YAY! I can’t wait to see you!

HARPER: Let me know when you’re settled, and we’ll meet you for a quick drink before the wedding planner does the final run-through

HAYDEN: Sounds good. I’ll let you know.

“Ready?”Everett’s voice startles me, again, and I shove my phone into my pocket and nod. “We’re in room 213.”

“Okay, great. Thanks for taking care of that.”

“No problem.”

Bypassing the bank of elevators, we opt for the stairs after the drive and climb the two flights to the second floor.

“It’s this one here,” Everett says as he uses the keycard and then pushes open the door.

The room is stunning like the rest of the property. Richly colored walls and bedding make the space feel luxurious and homey at the same time.

It’s absolutely perfect with one tiny exception…

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