Page 32 of Blake Marshall Says He Needs Me

Charlie and Blake, suited up as Wilder's best men, stood on the other side, exchanging glances that hinted at some mischief up their sleeves. The officiant, Mick from the hardware store, who was also ordained, had a penchant for puns and took center stage, ready to turn the ceremony into what we hoped would be a comedic masterpiece.

The ceremony began with Ba stealing the show by casually wandering into the aisle, adorned with a makeshift floral wreath made by Shelby. Shelby shot Wilder a playful look, muttering, "Well, at least Ba's dressed for the occasion."

Unable to resist a comedic moment, Charlie whispered loudly, "They say a wedding without a little drama is a baa-d wedding."

I couldn't help but stifle a giggle at his pun, and Blake shot us both a bemused glance. Embracing the lighthearted atmosphere, Mick began incorporating farm-related jokes into the vows, turning the ceremony into a hilarious blend of love and laughter.

When it was time for the rings, Ba ambled with a sheepish grin as the guests laughed.

As the couple exchanged vows, Wilder's nervous excitement led him to mix up a few words, turning "in sickness and in health" into "in slinkies and in stealth." The entire crowd burst into laughter, including Shelby, who rolled her eyes with mock exasperation.

During the "you may now kiss the bride" moment, Ba decided to join the celebration by letting out an enthusiastic "baa." The entire farm seemed to echo with sheepish joy as the newlyweds shared their first kiss, surrounded by the laughter of friends and the unmistakable soundtrack of a farmyard in full swing.

Yup, more than Ba was in attendance. Shelby had gotten her way, and her dream of a farm grew and grew. Three ponies, seven highland cows, three dozen chickens, and a cranky goat rounded out the Presley farm.

As the ceremony concluded, Shelby and Wilder walked back down the aisle hand in hand, Ba proudly trotting behind them. The entire scene was a perfect blend of love, laughter, and the unpredictable charm of a wedding on a farm. And in that moment, I couldn't have asked for a more wonderfully wacky celebration of two people starting their life together amidst the barnyard banter.

Blake and I followed behind them, hand in hand. We neared the end of the aisle, and he pulled me into his arms to the side. “That was the best wedding I have ever been to,” I confessed. “It’s like they trained Ba or something.”

Blake smiled wide. “That sheep has his own unique personality. One minute, he is chewing on grass; the next, he is opening our front door to see what we’re having for breakfast.”

“One time,” I laughed. “And he got in only because you didn’t latch the door.”

Blake pressed a sweet, slow kiss to my lips. “I love you, Shannon McGee.”

“And I love you, Blake Marshall,” I sighed.

“What do you say you make an honest man out of me and marry me?” he proposed.

“Blake,” I gasped. “Are you serious?” I looked around, wondering if I was dreaming. I had just watched one of my best friends marry the man of her dreams, and now the man of my dreams asked me to marry him. This had to be a dream.

He nodded and reached into his pocket. “I know this is Shelby and Wilder’s day, but I can’t go another second without knowing if you’ll be my wife and have at least three babies with me.” He held the ring between us and waited for my answer.

“Can we agree on one for sure and maybe two kids?” I knew I wanted one baby with Blake, but I wasn’t sure about three.

“Is that the only condition you have?” he chuckled.

I nodded. “We could very well end up having ten kids, but for now, let’s start with one.”

A huge smile spread across Blake’s lips, and he lifted me in his arms. “Deal,” he whispered in my ear. “Whatever you want, Shannon, it’s yours.”

Blake was all I wanted.

That was it.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Shelby

I sat at the table with Wilder, the strains of laughter and joy surrounding us as the dance floor came alive. Our wedding had been a whirlwind of love and excitement, Ba, and now, as we caught a breath at a table to the side of the dance floor, the real show was beginning.

Flo and Del had taken center stage on the dance floor. They were a dynamic duo, their energy defying their age as they prepared for the Cupid Shuffle, an unexpected but delightful choice for a dance that typically involved a lot of footwork.

Wilder and I exchanged amused glances, knowing that Flo and Del were about to steal the spotlight. With her radiant smile and infectious laughter, Missy leaned over to me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Are you ready for this? Flo and Del are about to show us how it's done!”

Wilder chuckled, sipping from his drink. “I wouldn't miss it for the world. Those ladies are the life of the party.”

As the DJ cued the music, Flo and Del took their positions on the dance floor, their animated expressions reflecting pure joy. The upbeat rhythm of the Cupid Shuffle filled the air, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

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