Then the first notes of Pachelbel’s Canon rose through the church and the mood shifted. Skylar appeared at the back and began her walk down the aisle, Ryan behind her, and Cole watched them without really seeing them, his eyes already moving past to the doors.
Both women took their places. A breath of silence.
Then the Bridal March swelled and the guests rose in a wave of rustling fabric, every head turning. Cole straightened and pulled in a slow breath.
She appeared in the doorway and Cole forgot to breathe.
Her white dress fell from spaghetti straps to the floor, a small train trailing behind her, her veil soft over her face. He bit back a smile when he noticed her bouquet of red roses and little white flowers trembling in her hands. She was just as nervous as he was. Somehow that made him love her more.
“She’s stunning,” he said, his voice catching.
“Yes, she is,” Seth said quietly beside him.
Cole blinked hard.
When she reached him he stepped down and took her hand.
“You are stunning,” he said low, just for her.
“You look so handsome.” She squeezed his fingers and held on.
When the Reverend pronounced them husband and wife the church erupted, and Cole laughed when the roar from the crowd outside rose to meet it. Never failed.
Dewey’s had been transformed for the reception, Scarlett and Noah insisting on hosting it themselves, and by the time everyone gathered the place was warm and loud and full of the kind of happiness that fills a room without trying.
When the band called the newlyweds to the floor for their first dance, Cole took her hand and led her out. The opening notes ofWhen a Woman Loves a Mandrifted through the room and Aftyn looked up at him.
“Our first dance.”
“I hoped that was alright.”
She laid her head on his shoulder. “It’s perfect.”
After the first dance and the speeches and the toasts, the floor filled and stayed that way. Cole sat at their table with Aftyn’s hand in his, Seth and Ryan beside them, Ethan and Skylar across. He caught Rawley crouched next to Skylar’s chair, holding her hand and talking low, and smiled to himself. It wouldn’t be long before those two had a table of their own.
“I really like your aunt,” Cole said.
“She likes you too.” Aftyn leaned into him.
“You know, if you ever wanted to go back to Colorado, we could. I’d go.”
She pulled back and looked at him. “What?”
“I mean it. Whatever you want.”
“You told me you’d never leave Clifton.”
“I’d leave for you.”
She held his gaze for a moment, then shook her head slowly. “I have a job I love, a town I love, and the man I love. I’m not going anywhere, Cole Harrison. Do you understand me?”
He pressed his lips together against the grin. “Yes, ma’am.”
She laughed. “You’re so easy.”
“Only for you.”
****
