He and the Landrys had helped set up for tomorrow, and the space had turned out perfectly. White chairs were lined up with perfect precision on each side of the aisle. After the ceremony they would be swept away and replaced by tables while the wedding party posed for photos lakeside.
Arms slipped around her from behind as the familiar scent of Jonah’s soap filled her lungs. “Just one more day until you’re Lauren Landry.”
“I can’t wait.” She folded her arms over his. “Do you like how the barn turned out?”
“It’s beautiful. You’re amazing at this—I knew you would be.”
“Well, a girl envisions her wedding day. All I had to do was bring it to life.”
“It’s perfect. But truth be told, I’d marry you in a muddy pigpen as long as you promised to be mine forever.”
She turned and slid her hands up his shoulders. “Well, let’s do the beautiful barn wedding—and I’ll still be yours forever.”
“Deal.” He gave her a quick peck. Then another, his lips lingering on hers for an extra beat. “It’s been a busy week.”
“Crazy busy.”
Her mom had arrived this afternoon and was staying in Birch. They’d met up several times since their reunion in February and kept in touch via texting. Lauren didn’t know if they’d ever share the kind of relationship Tammy had with her children—they’d been separated so long. But she was willing to build a relationship, and her mother seemed grateful for the opportunity.
Jonah nuzzled her neck. “I’m so looking forward to having you all to myself for seven sunny days in Bermuda.”
“Ahhhh, I can’t wait to lounge on the beach with an umbrella drink and soak up all that sunshine with my new husband.”
“Are you in a bikini in this scenario?”
“I am. And it’s red.”
He groaned. “You’re killing me. Tell me more.”
She chuckled. “You’ll see it soon enough, my love. Maybe we should go over a few details instead as we do have a wedding tomorrow. Did you pick up the tuxes?”
“For the record I’d rather think about the bikini. But yes, I picked them up this morning. And I took Graham to get groomed this afternoon. He smells like a spa.”
“Perfect.” Because, yes, Graham would be their ring bearer. Lauren had been working with him for weeks, and their sweet little mutt had his part down pat.
“Can I at leastseethe bikini?”
She snorted. “Let’s see, what else? The rehearsal starts at five, followed by dinner at The Landing, but that’s all set. The flowers will be delivered in the morning. Do you think we should start boxing up my things?” Jonah’s parents had bought a little Craftsman near town, and Jonah and Lauren would be moving into their old place above the lodge when they returned from their honeymoon. It would be a new start for them all.
“I’ve already boxed up my stuff. I think yours can wait till we’re home.”
Home.Such a nice word—and never more fitting. After years of searching she had finally found the place where she belonged. And the people with whom she belonged. Joy welled up inside her until she nearly burst with it.
“I have something for you.” He reached down and lifted a manila envelope with a white bow from a chair.
“What’s this?”
He handed it to her. “It’s your wedding present.”
“But I haven’t even wrapped yours yet.” She’d gotten him a watch he’d been eyeing online. She loved the idea—the gift of time.
“I can open yours later. I wanted you to have this a little early.”
“It’s a—adocument?”
“Open it up.”
She slid her finger under the flap. The envelope was about half an inch thick. “If this is a prenup, I should inform you that’s not an appropriate wedding gift. Also, you have a very thorough lawyer.”
