“What did you do?” I whisper, still in shock.
“You deserve a real wedding. You deserve the world knowing how much you’re loved,” he says simply.
His words melt me on the spot, and I lean forward to press a kiss to his lips.
A throat clears in front of us as I look up to find Jim Mathews clasping his hands, smiling.
“I believe we have to do the vows first.” He winks.
Everyone laughs as my cheeks heat and Arlo shrugs.
Jim continues with a very short and sweet ceremony, which is exactly what I would have wanted, and when he says, “You may now kiss the bride,” Arlo takes control in my favorite kind of way. He dips me down, holding me close to his body, and kisses the hell out of me. I’m glad the girls just put lip gloss on me because it would have been ruined.
Cheers and claps surround us, making me laugh against his lips.
“You are fucking amazing, Mr. Steel.”
“All you, Mrs. Steel. I hope I did okay.” He picks me up, and we stare at each other like it’s only us here.
“You did… I’m speechless. This is more than I could have ever imagined.”
“I love you so damn much.” The awe in his voice makes me want to strip him right here and show him my appreciation.
“I love you. I don’t know how you pulled this off.” I shake my head.
“Lots of help. Speaking of, let’s make the rounds, and then everyone will meet us at our house for the reception.”
He kisses me once more before pulling us off the rock and over to our friends and family. The well wishes and happy conversations are not something I thought I needed, but damn does it feel good to know we’re supported.
I see Lennox off to the side, and I let go of Arlo’s hand to talk to him.
“You didn’t have to come,” I tell him.
“I wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything, even if you are a pain in the ass.” He winks.
“It wouldn’t have been the same without you, so thank you. Are you coming back to the house?” Am I overly hopeful? Yes, but I’m concerned by his need to stay at home all the time.
“Not this time, sis.” I can tell he’s sad about it, but I also won’t be the one to push him.
“Door’s always open for you, Lenny. And I have something that’s almost done for you. I’ll drop it off next week, yeah?”
“You didn’t have to make me anything.” His cheeks are tinged pink. A shy Lennox is one I haven’t seen since his adolescence.
“Well, tough, it’s almost done, so say thank you when I deliver it and brag about how awesome the piece is.”
He chuckles at that and gives me a hug before he wanders off down the trail.
“He’ll be okay,” Ledger’s voice sounds from behind me.
“I’m not so sure,” I mutter, more worried about Lennox than I was when he was released from the hospital.
“Come on, we’ll worry about him tomorrow. Today, your husband is waiting for you.”
I turn around and find Arlo looking on with concern, but I shoot him a small smile and make my way to him.
“He okay?” he asks, wrapping his arms around me.
“I don’t know.” Leaning my head on his chest, I watch as our town files out down the trail, leaving Arlo and me to our moment of quiet.
