“What makes you so sure that you love me?” I hope my question doesn’t offend him. He’s just been through so much, and it’s important to me he knows for sure.
I’d never survive being a mistake.
His heavy exhale says more than words ever could. But it’s not a negative thing. I know he’s reflecting on his life. “Do you remember in Ben’s letter when he said to meet a woman who gets me and brings out the best in me?”
“I remember,” I whisper into the quiet of the night.
“I realize that’s been you all this time, Collie. In fact, the same day you called and invited me to Capri’s wedding was the day my parents basically told me I should shoot my shot with you. I knew I cared deeply for you, but once again, they saw what I was afraid to.”
I smile at him. “I think that means you’ve got some pretty incredible parents, Ranger.”
“I’m very fortunate,” he tells me humbly. “When did you know?”
“Today.” He chuckles, clearly wanting to know more. “I mean, I obviously care about you more than I ever have about anyone, but I’m my own worst enemy. I overthink everything. Pretty sure I once heard a woman’s voice in the background when we were on the phone together and I panicked inside. I knew it was probably Sydney and totally harmless, but it was the first time my defenses were up in regard to my feelings, and it freaked me out.”
“I think I remember that,” Easton murmurs. “You rushed off the phone before I could explain. I knew it upset you and that’s why I sent the five pounds of Gushers in the mail the next day. I’m sorry if I worried you. Sydney is harmless, and in fact, she insists on meeting you. Told her I had to lock you down first.”
“I’d like that. And not gonna lie, the Gushers made up for it.” I nuzzle into his comfort as my voice closes in. “Tonight, I sat back and watched my sister celebrate her marriage with Jones and I had an epiphany.”
“You did?” he questions, intrigued to hear more. “And what was that, baby?”
“I’m the older sister. The one Capri should have spent her life looking up to, except I realize it’s always been me who looks up to her. Capri loves with her whole heart and soul, while I’ve always encouraged her to be herself, yet I restrictmyself from love. Watching them smile, kiss, gaze at each other like there’s no one else in this world that sees them like they do …it made me think of you, Easton. I’ve never experienced that before. For once, I didn’t feel envious of what my sister had because I had it, too. I found the same love she did, and I’d be foolish not to acknowledge it for what it truly is. I get the guy, too. I get the love story and I needed you to know how I felt.”
“We both deserve this, Collie. It’s been a long time coming, but worth the work to get here.”
“It led me to you,” I whisper, my eyes falling closed.
“Every obstacle was worth it to be right here. With you in my arms, my heart in your hands.”
And I’m not sure I could ask for anything more…
37
COLLIE
“Mr. and Mrs. Archer,eh? Has a nice ring to it!”
“It better, because it’s permanent,” Jones tells me, smirk at large as he pulls his bride into his side. “Right, sweetheart?”
Capri smiles at him, her bliss contagious to all around the reception hall. “Fits me just right, Captain.”
The wedding was absolutely stunning. But then again, I expected nothing less when Jones Archer fits the bill. I anticipated that with them living in Capri, Italy, they would have wanted something a bit more extravagant for a wedding, but what Capri planned was the opposite—in the best way possible.
I remember the day Capri told me they were going to be married in Timber Heights. I screamed and cheered, then proceeded to cry, because I love that she chose home to seal the deal with Jones. It makes sense given he’s actually from the same town. But Jones also takes care of his mother with dementia, so traveling isn’t as easy as it once was for them.
But Dolly Archer is here, that hilariously erotic woman. Since the ceremony was on a small private beach, Dolly’shome health aid wheeled her through the white sand, parking her directly beside Easton.
The moment I witnessed her whisper something in his ear, I knew I had a funny story to look forward to. Lucky for us, patchouli incense didn’t make its way into the ceremony decor. Although, Capri said she requested it.
Easton looked completely caught off guard by the fiercely enigmatic woman and my heart lit up in my chest just watching him be a listening ear for her. Seeing him with my family, blood or by marriage, only confirms what I already knew—he’s my forever.
I want him to be.
The reception carried over into the small clubhouse along the dunes of the beach. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows surround us, giving a three-sixty view of the South Carolina coast. Easton was whisked away by my Aunt Barb for a dance, being tossed between her and my cousin Mariah on the dance floor.
It feels good to know he doesn’t need saving. The man has blossomed into a full-blown golden retriever with no plans to return to his old broody ways. I take out my phone and snap a picture of him.
My favorite smile painted across his scruffy face. His beard is a bit longer now. I love it.
