We point our horses back to the entry gate while the podium is whisked away from behind us.
Brent and all of her family gather around us, shaking hands, hugging, and crying on shoulders as we pass from one to the next.
When Dixon leans in and grabs my palm, I tug him closer. “Thank you. And there was some guy named John here earlier looking for you.”
His dark brows furrow. “Who?”
“Guy in a white Stetson, light colored hair, too white of teeth?” I hold up my hand to around my own height.
But his confused expression grows. “I have no idea who you’re talking about.”
“Huh. Well, he said he was looking for Sophia’s uncle.” I shrug and turn to Mason.
Mason’s cheeks are pale, and he clutches my elbow to pull me to him. “Sophia has two uncles. Did that guy say Cade was here?”
“No, just that he was expecting he might be.” I think that settles his nerves a little, because he relaxes.
“Ah, gotcha. Congratulations, Ollie. Welcome to the family.” His smile is broad and genuine as he gives me a fast hug.
“Thank you,” I grunt.
I search out Sophia and slip my fingers into hers. “Should we?” My lips find the shell of her ear making her giggle.
“Yes, please.” She turns to Lori for one last embrace, then entwines her hand with mine.
Pulling away from the crowd, the true weight of what we did hits me.
“Mrs. Sophia Brookes. It fits you.” I pull her to me to find her lips.
The need to taste her is overwhelming.
“Husband,” she murmurs through our kiss. “I like that.”
Cutting behind the stands, my truck is waiting, strung with half a dozen empty barrels like the ones she races around.
“Oh, that’s hysterical,” she giggles. “Did Brent do that?”
“Probably,” I snicker. “They’re gonna make a hell of noise when we’re driving.”
“Sophia!” A deep voice comes from the shadows. Then a dark figure grabs her arm, spinning her.
“Hey, don’t.” She jerks her elbow away.
“What the fuck?” I jump past her to get between them, getting my first look at an unnerving face.
He looks likeMason?But all scarred down one side.
And he has a bloody nose?
“Cade!” she exhales, backing away.
But her long train wraps around her legs, tripping her.
“Sophia, get in the truck!” I yell behind me, raising my fists.
Cade’s jaw sets as a scowl takes over his marred features. “Don’t you dare,” he growls, then tries to rush past me.
“Like hell.” My knuckles connect with his cheek, knocking him backwards.
