I thought love like this was something that happened to other people. Not to me. Then I ran into Jackson Carter, and everything changed.
Music drifts across the property as the sun sinks lower in the sky. Inside the barn, the reception is in full swing. Jackson stands near the dance floor, our daughter perched on his shoulders while he gently bounces our son in his arms.
Jackson looks completely unbothered. Completely happy. Completely at home.
My throat tightens.
Jackson never had a real family growing up, but he built one anyway. With me. With our kids. With this life.
He glances up suddenly and catches me watching him. Our eyes meet, and just like always, the rest of the world fades away.
He walks toward me, the kids still in tow.
“Bride and groom good?”
“Perfect.”
He studies me. “You look tired.”
“Good tired.”
Jackson sets our son in the stroller nearby before gently lifting our daughter down. “Go dance with Aunt Jem,” he tells her.
My best friend waves from the dance floor. Our daughter takes off running.
Jackson straightens slowly and holds out his hand. “Dance with me.”
I laugh softly. “Right now?”
“Right now.”
Guests swirl around us, music playing, lights glowing overhead, but Jackson doesn’t care about any of that. He looks at me the way he always has, like I’m the only thing in the room.
I slip my hand into his, and he pulls me close. His arms wrap around my waist. My cheek presses against his chest. We sway slowly in the middle of the barn.
Jackson and I moved into the house on this property five years ago. We realized quickly that my old apartment was too small for us, so he bought us this place. When I mentioned that I wanted to have my own venue for weddings, he got right to work rebuilding this old barn. He made it rustic and charming, even better than what I had envisioned.
He’s been helping out with the business ever since. He hangs string lights, sets up tables and decorations, and helps with vendors. Whatever I need, he’s always there.
It was a weird adjustment at first. I went from being invisible to my family to having someone who was always looking out for me.
Speaking of family… with Jackson’s help, I officially cut them out of my life a little over four years ago. They showed me over and over again that they didn’t have my best interests at heart. They proved that they didn’t care about me or my life, and honestly, I’m so much happier not having to deal with any of them. I have my own family now.
Jackson’s hand slides gently up my back, and as if he can read my mind, he says, “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. You and the kids.”
Emotion tightens my throat. Five years later, and his words still hit just as hard.
I tip my head back to look at him. “You chased me across an airport once.”
Jackson grins. “Best decision I ever made.”
“Mine too.”
Outside, the sky darkens to deep blue. Twinkle lights glow across Fernwood Estates. Guests laugh and dance. Our daughter twirls across the floor. Our baby sleeps happily in his stroller. And Jackson holds me like I’m the most important thing in the world.
Five years ago, I was planning someone else’s wedding. Exhausted, overworked, invisible.
Now I have this.
