“Married.” I deadpan.
Alex chuckles while we all laugh. “I know that, I just mean where do things stand with you guys? Are you going to stay married?”
I spin Holly around in my embrace so I can easily look down into her face. She’s looking very kissable, but she expressly forbade it until she brushed her teeth. “How would you feel about having a redo? We could have a Christian wedding ceremony at the church in Bolt, and exchange vows. I know my mom would love to throw a wedding reception in the barn. That way we can involve all of our friends and family, and feel like we get to start things over and do them right from the beginning.”
Holly’s eyes widen, and her smile dazzles me with the amount ofhappiness shining there. “I love that idea. I could walk down the aisle, have official bridesmaids, and we could go all out. Do you think Hudson could walk me down the aisle?”
Alex laughs. “I think he would be offended if you didn’t ask him. Although he’d probably concede if you ask Stanley, who would also be happy to walk you down the aisle.”
Holly gives Alex and Reina a brief smile before turning back to me. “Do you really want to stay married?”
There’s only one way to answer that question.
I lean down and kiss her.
Morning breath and all.
Gagging noises break me out of the reverie of Holly’s soft lips on mine. “Eww, that’s my sister,” Alex protests.
Holly giggles against my lips, and I swoop in for one more kiss before she pulls back, her eyes shining. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
I weave my hand in her hair as I treasure this moment. “Yes. I want to stay married to you, Holly.”
Reina’s arms wrap around me on one side, Alex’s on the other.
Reina squeals. “This is going to be so much fun. We’re all going to be so close to each other, it’s going to be amazing.” She sniffs and fans her eyes. “Ugh, it’s the hormones, guys. I haven’t been able to stop crying all week.”
Holly reaches behind me, finds a box of tissues on the side table, and hands one to Reina. Reina dabs at her eyes, and we all stay that way, wrapped up in a family hug, until Holly’s stomach rumbles.
I chuckle as she pulls away. “Time for breakfast.”
Alex smiles and walks to the kitchen. “First family breakfast of many.”
Chapter 45
Our Home
Mateo
It’s quiet in my truck as I pull off onto the road that leads into Bolt. Holly’s head is propped on a pillow against the window. She fell asleep an hour ago. I don’t mind the quiet—it’s peaceful and gives me an opportunity to ponder how my life has changed in the past two months.
Almost three months ago, Holly called me asking if I’d marry her. This Saturday, we’re renewing our vows and having a Christian wedding ceremony to make our marriage real in the eyes of God, family, and friends, not just the legal system.
Although we’ve had a fun trip driving up the coast, I’m ready to not have separate hotel rooms everywhere we stop. I’m ready to decorate my house with Holly’s home decor we have in the bed of my pickup, to go to church with both of our families on Sunday, and to make Bolt as much a home for Holly as it is for me.
I tap the steering wheel as I drive past the few storefronts on main street. I take it in with fresh eyes. The diner I’ll take Holly to on dates, the library we’ll hopefully take our kids to and help fix up. All these places where I get to make new memories with my wife.
I’ve never loved my tiny town more.
Bolt is definitely different from a big city, but after Holly gave her two weeks’ notice and we packed up everything before one last red carpet experience with Alex and Reina, both of us are ready for small-town life.
Holly’s house sold within hours of listing it. She’ll never have to work again if she doesn’t want to. Granted, she could have chosen not to work even before selling the house, but if I know anything, it’s that Holly will need projects in her life.
I’m hoping she’ll find things to enjoy doing on the farm. I bet Mami and Momma T will have plenty of projects for her to help with, both at home and in the community. Plus, Alex has been working with Hudson to bring more traffic into Bolt, and Holly’s social media expertise can help with that.
I glance over at my sleeping wife and my heart beats double. She’ll change everyone’s lives for the better, just as she’s done mine.
Holly’s new wedding ring burns a hole in my pocket. I glance at the setting sun as I turn off of main street and pass Stanley and Momma T’s house, then turn left onto our street. The familiar scenery quickly passes before I turn into our farm. I drive past the big farmhouse and around the orchard to my house.
