“I was just getting your ring ready. You want to take a look?”
I nod and walk up to the counter. An infinity band sits on a padded mat, and I gingerly pick it up. A thin line of baguette cut diamonds span around the small band. It’s simple but classic, and something that won’t get in the way of any tools Rina needs to use while she works.
“It’s beautiful,” I breathe as the reality of the day hits me hard.
I’m finally giving Rina the wedding she always dreamed of, the one she always should have had, and I can’t fucking wait to shout it to the world.
“Shall I wrap it up for you?”
“That’d be perfect, thanks.” I wait while he makes it pretty before I make the trek back to Bluebell Falls.
My phone rings when I’m about fifteen minutes away.
“Sheriff,” I answer.
“Hey, so we may have a problem,” Ainsley frantically answers.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I’m at your house trying to get Rina ready, and she refuses to leave her damn workshop.”
“She shouldn’t even be working today. What the hell?”
“She said she needs an hour to finish up her project, then she’ll be ready for whatever nonsense—her words, not mine—I need. Does that leave us enough time?”
“It’s cutting it close as hell. Can you send an S.O.S. to the gossip crew and tell everyone to bump back an hour? My only worry is people showing up and ruining the surprise.”
“I’ll just call my dad, and he can make sure the town knows. Consider it done.”
“Thank you. I’ve got some things to pick up, then I’ll head that way. I’ll try to give you an hour to get her to your house.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you in a little bit!” She’s excited, and I’m glad she’s helping me out with this. I don’t think I could have pulled this off without her.
As I get into town, I know I need to kill some time, and I find myself parked in the driveway of Uncle Charlie’s old house.
I think he would be proud of me and the man I’ve become. I didn’t always feel that way. There were many years that self-loathing took over, but I finally feel content. I wish he was here to see this, though. He always loved Rina.
“Thank you for everything, Uncle Charlie,” I whisper before leaving and getting the rest of the things I need to make this wedding happen.
Ainsley texts me with the all-clear, and I head back to our house where Ledger, Oakley, and Lennox, of all people, are waiting for me.
“Well, this is a surprise,” I say as I climb out of my truck.
“Ainsley said you probably need help, so put us to work,”Ledger says.
They help me grab the cake that Kelly made as well as a shit-ton of flowers I secretly got from Ledger’s nursery thanks to Ainsley. Kelly is bringing food when she shows up later, so at least I don’t have to worry about that.
In a matter of two hours, we have an archway built and covered in flowers, and the only thing left is minimal decoration inside for when everyone comes back here and then changing into my suit. Setting up the ceremony spot won’t take long, and thanks to the guys’ help, it’ll take no time at all. The three of them take the flower arch and tell me to take a minute to myself and they’ll make sure things get set up properly. All I need to do is meet them there.
Changing into my suit is quick after I shower. As I sit on our bed, I take in this feeling. When we first got married, I didn’t feel nervous. I felt invigorated. Now, nerves tickle my chest and I have to call on my breathing technique to calm myself down. I’m not worried about Rina not wanting to marry me. We’re definitely past that, but I’m nervous that she doesn’t want the whole wedding with all our friends and family there to celebrate. Maybe she wants it to be just us.
Shaking my head, I remember that I know her, and as much as she says she’s fine with how things are, there’s a part of her that wants the big wedding and the celebration.
The only thing I want is to make sure all her hopes and dreams come true, so this is happening. I just have to shove my nerves down.
Grabbing my suit jacket, I put it on and stand in front of the mirror. Patting my pocket, I double-check that I have the ring, then take a deep breath.
“Go marry the love of your life,” I tell myself before spinning around and making my way to our spot to wait for Rina.
