Page 31 of Blake Marshall Says He Needs Me

I smirked. “Nothing will ever keep me away from you, Shannon. Not even Ba.”

A flicker of anticipation danced between us, like a melody waiting for the perfect note. As if guided by an invisible force, our movements synchronized, drawing us closer until our breaths mingled in the shared space.

When our lips met, it was like a cascade of memories rushing back. The kiss held the weight of a decade's worth of longing and the tenderness of a love that had never truly faded. It was a bittersweet collision of emotions – the familiarity of the past mingling with the discovery of the present.

“God, I missed you, Shannon,” I confessed when our lips parted. “I buried what we had all these years, but I remember it all now.”

“Oh, Blake,” she sighed. “I missed you, too.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Shannon

The warm summer evening breeze brushed against my skin as I sat with Shelby and Missy on Missy’s front porch.

Shelby, with her infectious laughter and excitement, animatedly discussed wedding plans. Anticipation of Shelby and Wilder’s impending nuptials filled the air with a palpable sense of joy. Now that Shelby was settled into Wilder’s house, she was in full force planning their wedding.

Missy was holding baby Clara in her arms, listening with a smile.

As we indulged in the wedding chatter, the lively duo of Flo and Del decided to join the conversation. Their porch, adorned with colorful flowers, served as the perfect backdrop to their boisterous personalities.

“Hold on, you three! We better be getting invitations to this wedding of the century!” Flo hollered, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Del, equally enthusiastic, added, “That's right! We've been waiting for this day since Shelby and Wilder started dating. You can't leave us out!”

Shelby laughed, exchanging amused glances with Missy and me. “Don't you worry, Flo and Del! You're on the top of the guest list.”

Missy nodded in agreement, her voice warm, “Absolutely! You two are practically family already.”

Flo clapped her hands in delight. “Well, it's about time! We've been practicing our dance moves for the reception. You better have a big dance floor!”

Del, ever the joker, chimed in, “And don't forget the buffet. We're professionals when it comes to wedding buffets.”

Laughter echoed between the porches, creating a harmonious symphony of joy. Baby Clara cooed in Missy's arms, seemingly enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Shelby winked at Flo and Del. “You two can consider yourselves honorary wedding planners. Just be ready for the time of your lives!”

As the banter continued, I couldn't help but feel a warm sense of belonging.

Not too long ago, I felt nothing but alone.

But all of that had changed when Missy had barged into my office almost a year ago, pregnant and swearing me to secrecy.

We had forged a friendship day that I would forever be thankful for. Not only had she become my friend, but she also brought Blake back into my life.

A piece of my heart I had been missing for ten years.

Blake Marshall said he always he needed me, and fate knew I needed him, too.

Chapter Twenty-One

Shannon

Six months later...

The sun beamed down on the farm, where pretty much the whole town of Adams had gathered for Shelby Lynn and Wilder's wedding. Ba, the sheep, seemed to have appointed itself as the honorary ring-bearer, grazing contentedly nearby, blissfully unaware of the matrimonial mayhem about to unfold.

In her wedding gown, Shelby looked radiant, and Wilder, dapper in his suit, wore a goofy, lovable grin that suggested he was equally thrilled and terrified. As one of Shelby's maid of honors, I stood alongside Missy, both of us trying to keep our composure as we awaited the impending hilarity, uh, I mean, ceremony.

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