“Missed your stinky ass too.”
They grin at each other, then Jace turns to me and folds me into an embrace.
“Damn, she smells good too.”
Suddenly Jace lets go, and Dex pulls him back by the scruff of his shirt.
I laugh. “Nice to finally meet you, Jace.”
Jace smirks, his eyes crinkling. “The pleasure is all mine, darlin’.”
“All right, off you go.” Dex pushes him toward the door, and we follow.
Inside, candles and flowers are everywhere, making the place look like a fairytale.
“Lexy!”
Mia runs toward us, wearing the cutest white dress with pink flowers in her hair.
“You look beautiful!” she says, looking me up and down.
“Oh no, you’re one hundred percent the most beautiful one here.” I hug her.
“You look like a fairy!” She beams up at me, then turns. “Uncle Dex, doesn’t she look like a fairy?”
Dex’s eyes warm as he picks Mia up, looking me over like he hasn’t seen me yet today.
“She does…”
“She looks good enough to eat!” Jace chimes in, and Dex turns to knock him on the head.
“Watch it, little brother. Wouldn’t want to hurt those knees right before rodeo season starts again.”
Jace doesn’t seem bothered and offers me his arm to walk outside, but Dex takes my hand instead, guiding me past himand out the door, leaving Jace pouting behind us in a way that somehow still looks unfairly handsome.
“Lexy!”
Penny walks over, a lovely green dress making her look surreal, camera in hand, Cas right behind her looking just as put together.
I hear a click and realize she took a shot while Dex is still holding my hand.
Then she hugs us both. “I saw your mama, she looks so beautiful.”
Penny’s smile is infectious, and I find myself smiling too. “Where’s Summer?”
She points to a table where a three-tiered white and pink cake sits, Summer adding the final touches.
“She made that?”
Penny nods. “She’s great at baking.”
I nod. “Let’s go say hi.”
Dex’s hand settles on my lower back as he guides me toward Summer and Ethan, the warmth of it grounding in a way I’m trying very hard not to think about.
“Hey, girl! You look absolutely stunning!” Summer hugs me close.
I smile as I take her in. “You look beautiful.”
