Page 21 of Wed By the Lumberjack

“Now that I see your faces I do. Gosh, it feels like it’s been ages.”

“A while,” Kai says glancing at me. “How’s the memory coming?”

“Bits and pieces are beginning to fill in. But it feels like I haven’t seen you in 15 years? The doctor said it’s the recent past I shouldn’t be able to remember. Like my wedding maybe. But have we not hung out as adults?” she asks confused. “I remember you guys not even being able to grow beards back then, and now they’re in full force.”

“It’s been a while,” Kai says glancing at me with a warning look. “But we’re glad you’re here.”

Dixie smiles. “It’s good to be back.”

Chapter Seven

Dixie Rose

“Dixie, this is Emmy, Maya, and my cousin Cali. They’re all married to the Woods brothers, Grant, Levi, and Beau, respectively.”

I’d already met the Woods brothers down by the grill a few minutes before and their wives seemed equally as friendly, with big smiles. Despite the warm welcome though, something unsettling churns in my stomach.

Heath said I’d never met the Woods family before because they grew up outside of Moonshine Creek, so why didn’t he introduce me as his wife? Why was I just Dixie?

Why was I so damn insecure?

Why did I have this feral need for Heath to claim me? I mean, I’m right by his side. He has his arm around my waist. It’s obvious we’re together, so why am I so desperate for him to call me his wife? It’s like I want him to claim me. Brand me as his.

Maybe it has something to do with Heath turning me down last night. I was soaked, so damn ready to climb on top of the sexiest man I’ve ever seen and he’d all but thrown my clothes back at me.

I still don’t understand why it’s so important that I remember him before we make love. Muscles have memory and I’m sure the moment he sticks his cock inside of me, my body will remember him like yesterday.

That aside, I know that I love this man. I can’t explain it. Like everything else, it’s a feeling that I have. A strong one.

“Nice to meet you, Dixie,” Cali says, extending a hand to shake mine.

When she does, I feel the cool metal of her wedding rings. Then those of Emmy, Maya, and Ayla as I shake their hands in turn. Even in the low light, I can’t help but note the pretty sparkles of their diamonds, all different sizes and shapes.

We chat casually for a while until the Woods brothers and the Forester cousins come to the porch with massive trays of barbecue and corn to place between the dozens of other sides already loading the table.

“Ash and Bucks are still forty minutes away,” Kai says. “I know everyone wants to wait but Bucks insists we start.”

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