More in love with her than he ever thought possible, he couldn't imagine an hour without her.
Baker elbowed him from the side."You see Maureen over there?"
Baddy followed his gaze.Maureen carried out a big pan of baked beans from the kitchen, laughing at something one of the prospects said as she passed.She looked...lighter.Happier.
She'd dyed her hair brown and cut back on the makeup.It made her look younger.Even younger when she was standing beside Baker.
Baker shook his head with a half-smile."Never thought I'd enjoy having a woman in my kitchen."
Baddy snorted."Never thought you'd repeat your vows either."
Baker grinned, pride all over his face."Life's full of surprises."
His gaze drifted back to Lydia.She was wiping her hands on a towel, looking around like she was checking to make sure everything was perfect.Then, she took out her new phone from her back pocket and took a picture of her mom, smiling for the photo.
When she spotted him watching, her whole face softened.She slipped her phone back in her pocket.
He pushed off the wall and walked toward her.She had only two days off from working at the diner, yet she was still serving people.
She met him halfway, sliding her arms around his waist.He cupped her jaw, brushing his thumb along her cheekbone before kissing her deeply, right there in front of everyone.She melted into him, fingers curling into his shirt.
"Careful," she murmured against his lips."My dad's watching."
"Good," he said, kissing her again."Let him."
Her laugh warmed every part of him.
Before he could pull her in for another kiss, Kodiak's voice boomed across the room."Alright, listen up!"
The chatter died instantly.Brothers turned.Old ladies quieted.Kids paused mid-sprint.
Kodiak stepped forward, a whiskey in hand."First off," he said, lifting his drink toward Baker and Maureen, "congratulations to these two for tying the knot again this morning."
Cheers erupted.Whistles.Clapping.Maureen blushed.Baker pulled her close and kissed deeply.
Kodiak waited for the noise to settle before continuing.
"And second—" He turned his gaze toward Baddy and Lydia, a slow grin spreading across his face."Next weekend, we'll be heading to the courthouse to watch Baddy and Lydia get hitched."
The room exploded again.Shouts, laughter, and a few whoops from the prospects.
Lydia's breath caught, her eyes flying to Baddy's."I thought we were going to wait until next summer."
He squeezed her waist."I'm not letting you go."
Kodiak raised his bottle higher."Party afterward right here at the compound.Bring food, bring your asses, and Royalla will supply the drinks.We're celebrating."
Lydia buried her face in Baddy's chest, laughing, overwhelmed, happy in a way he'd never seen before.He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, breathing her in.
His old lady.
His future.
A heavy slap landed between Baddy's shoulder blades, hard enough to jolt him forward a step.He turned to find Hunter grinning at him in approval.
Before Baddy could say anything, Cruz appeared at his side, popping the cap off a beer and pressing it into his hand."I'm happy for you, brother," Cruz said, sincerity written all over his face."You deserve this.Both of you do."
Lydia tightened her arms around Baddy's waist, her cheek brushing his chest.She stayed tucked against him.Every part of her fit against him like she'd been carved to match.
