The thought makes me grin like a love-sick fool.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand.
Austin: You better not be getting cold feet.
Me: I’m a firefighter. My feet are always warm.
Austin: That’s the worst joke you’ve ever made.
Me: Winnie thinks I’m funny.
Austin: Winnie thinks you’re funny-looking. Get to the station by 8. The guys are making breakfast.
Me: I can make my own breakfast.
Austin: Not on your wedding day, you can’t.
I shake my head, smiling. The crew has been unbearable for the past two weeks—hovering, planning, and making sure every detail is perfect because apparently, I can’t be trusted to help organize my own wedding.
Winnie finds it hilarious.
In reality, it’s both annoying and deeply touching, but I’ll never admit that out loud.
I dress in jeans and a flannel—the suit comes later—and head to the station.
On my way there, I drive past the cemetery and pay my respects.
“Today’s the day, Dad. Wish you were here.”
But he’s not and he won’t be. At last, I’ve made peace with that.
When I arrive at the station, I’m immediately ambushed by the smell of bacon and the sound of Hayes singing off-key in the kitchen.
“Is that supposed to be the wedding march?” I ask, dropping my garment bag on a chair.
Handsome spins around, spatula in hand. “It’s my interpretation. You like it?”
“It’s terrible.”
He presses his hand to his chest. “You wound me, Maverick.”
Austin appears with coffee, already dressed except for his jacket. “Morning, groom. How’d you sleep?”
“Fine.”
“Liar. I texted you at two a.m. and you responded immediately.”
I take the coffee, refusing to dignify that with a response.
Scotty emerges from the equipment room with Oreo, wearing a bow tie that matches the wedding colors—silver and navy blue. “The dog is part of the ceremony. Winnie’s idea,” Scotty explains in his usual gruff manner, before I can ask.
“Ring bearer,” James adds, appearing with a plate of eggs. “Though we’re concerned about the logistics. What if he eats the rings?”
“He won’t eat the rings.”
“He ate an entire Crush Cake last week.”
“He has good taste.”
