“We’ll take that one,” he said simply.
No hesitation or discussion.
Just certainty.
The memory makes my lips curve softly now.
“Yeah,” I say quietly, lifting my gaze back to Thatcher.“I think I am.”
He steps into the room and closes the door behind him.
“You nervous?”he asks.
I let out a shaky laugh.
“Terrified.”
“That sounds about right.”
Outside the cabin window, I can hear the soft hum of voices drifting across the property.Chairs being arranged.Laughter.The distant sound of the swans calling from the pond.
Seventy-five people.
That’s what J.T.and I agreed on.
No huge production.
No giant bridal party.
Just family and the people who actually matter.
Evan and Maddox are already sitting together near the front.
The thought makes my chest feel warm.
Maddox insisted Evan sit beside him.
“Kid’s family now,” he said with a shrug.
My parents—Thea and Marcus McCrae—are right beside them.
J.T.’s parents are gone, but he told me once they would have liked me.I carry that thought with me today like a quiet blessing.
Thatcher watches me for a moment.
“Are you sure about this guy?”he asks.
I snort softly.
“You sound like Pop.”
“Pop threatened to drown him in the pond if he hurt you.”
“That sounds accurate.”
Thatcher’s expression softens.
“But seriously.”
