“Before and during the shower.”
“Cole.”
“I love making you blush.” He pulled her back against his side. “Okay. Movie, then dinner.”
She settled into him. “I need to call Aunt Ping too. I waited until I knew for certain you wanted me here.”
He pressed his lips to her temple. “I always will.”
They turned back to the movie, the room warm and quiet around them. Aftyn thought about how it had all started. Masher chasing her across that field. Her car breaking down on the side of the road. It had felt like the worst day. She leaned into Cole’s side and smiled to herself. Without all of it going wrong, none of this would have gone right.
Epilogue
Aftyn stood at the apartment window, cradling her coffee and looking out at the May sunshine spilling bright and clean over Clifton. She heard footsteps in the hall and turned to find her aunt.
“Oh, you look beautiful,” she said, and laughed when Ping rolled her eyes.
“I can’t tell you the last time I dressed up like this.” Ping smoothed the soft pink dress, its fitted bodice flowing to just below her knees, and looked down at her sensible matching shoes. No stilettos for Aunt Ping.
“I’m sure it’s been a while.”
“I’m so happy for you and Cole.” Ping looked up at her with the kind of smile that didn’t need any words behind it.
“I know you are.” Aftyn turned back to the window. “I got a beautiful day for it.”
“You really did. I’m glad you chose May over winter.”
“Me too.” She shook her head. “I still can’t believe people will stand outside the church just to be there.”
“I can’t wait to see it,” Ping said.
“When I asked Cole about it he just said, Clifton tradition, darlin’. The ones with invitations get inside. Everyone else stands out.” She smiled. “That’s this town.”
“I like this town.”
“I love it.” She set her cup down and placed herhand gently over her belly without thinking about it. “I’m nervous.”
Ping crossed to her. “Every bride is. I imagine Cole is too.”
“He said he wasn’t yet. But he will be.” She exhaled. “This is a big step.” She straightened her shoulders. “I need to start getting ready. I’m so glad Ryan and Skylar are standing up there with me. I got close to them faster than I expected.”
“They’re wonderful. Go. I’ll be right here.”
Aftyn hugged her tight. “Thank you. For everything. I love you, Aunt Ping.”
“I love you too, honey. Now go.”
The wedding was two hours away. All she had to do was slip into her gown. Skylar would fix her hair into a loose bun at the church, and then there was nothing left between her and the rest of her life.
****
Cole and Seth rode to the church in silence, the sun glinting off the hood of Seth’s truck. Cole’s fingers drummed against his knee, his jaw set. They both wore black western suits with crimson vests and bolo ties, and a red rose on each lapel.
“You alright?” Seth asked.
“Yeah.” Cole’s voice cracked slightly. “Yeah, I’m good.”
Seth grinned. “You sound nervous.”
