He turns his attention from my favorite doggy to me and offers the one-sided smile that he always gave me when he was keeping something from me. “Here and there.”
It crushed me that after being back for a few days stateside, he immediately left and went away. I don’t know where he went. He never says, but at least, he keeps in contact. He calls me two or three times a week, depending on when he has access to a good connection.
When I pressed him about his mysterious trips, he confirmed he’s been on a mission, but it’s not anything to do with the military. He keeps saying it’s a personal mission and gives me no more details than that.
“We missed you.” Bree hugs him. My best friend adores my brother just as much as I do. Since Dalton also served in the military for a long time, I think she looks at Vale and sees what could have happened to her husband. “You have to come over for pie the next time you’re in town for longer than a few hours.”
“And don’t forget,” Joyce says as she finishes applying my lipstick and glances Vale’s way, “you promised me that you would dance the tango with me.”
“Who has the first dance?” Vale asks.
“Mr. Dunn,” I tell Vale.
Joyce swats at my shoulder, and I can’t help grinning. He’s clearly a little bit in love with her, and I’m pretty sure she returns his feelings, but they’ve been moving slowly.
Vale produces a bouquet of flowers from behind his back and passes them to me. “You look beautiful today, by the way.”
I wave away his words. “You have to say that.”
He shrugs. “Doesn’t make it any less true though. Just so you know, I threatened him. He’s going to be a great husband.”
I roll my eyes. “I already know that.”
“Yes, she abandoned us to move in with him last week.” Joyce gives a little sniff of indignation, like I’ve betrayed her by leaving. I know she’s secretly happy for me.
“Oh, you love the fact that your grandson now has the apartment directly across from you,” I tell her.
Bree gives a soft smile to Joyce. “Ryan is the sweetest. He adores you.”
“He’s a good writer, too” I say.
“He is,” Joyce is quick to agree. “I’ve read some of his work.”
There’s a knock on the door then Ryan sticks his head inside. “We’ve got ten minutes.”
Aunt Elaine surveys the crowd of people all here. “Can I have a moment with the bride?”
After a round of hugs, kisses, and well wishes, everyone leaves the two of us alone. Menace makes a soft whine, but Vale just chuckles. “Come on. You can stand up front with the groomsmen where you belong.”
My aunt smiles at me when we’re alone. “Last month, I told you I chose you.”
I tear up and blink, determined not to ruin the fantastic makeup job that Bree did. “I’m so grateful that you did.”
“Just so you know, I’d still choose you,” Aunt Elaine says. “I’ll always choose you, and I couldn’t be happier that you’re marrying Bronco. He’ll be an amazing husband, one who gives you everything that you deserve. But I need you to know that you’ll always have a place with me. You can always come home.” She squeezes my shoulder.
I give her a big hug, clinging tightly to the woman who stepped up when my own mom chose a criminal over her kids. “I love you.”
“Here, now.” She steps back and reaches for a tissue, blotting at my face. “Now, you’re ready to get hitched.”
Within a few minutes, Vale and I are taking our place at the end of the aisle. It’s a carpet of white and red rose petals dropped over the stone path. We’re getting married outside of the community center here in the lush gardens. I considered getting married on Valor Ranch, but I wanted all of the Wildflower residents to attend. These are the people who have raised me and have taken me in. I want them around me on the most special day of my life.
Vale is giving me away today. Neither of us ever knew our father, and it’s not like Vale hasn’t filled that role over the years. He’s the one who helped me with my homework, made sure I had food on the table every day, and taught me how to drive. He’s always been there, quietly fulfilling the duties of a parent even though it wasn’t fair to him.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I whisper, watching Menace take his place at the altar beside Bronco.
“Are you kidding? There’s nowhere else on earth I’d rather be,” he says just as the music starts.
I walk down the aisle on Vale’s arm, my heart beating in time with every step toward Bronco. There’s so much love and affection in his gaze. I can’t believe after all these years we’re finally getting married. I get to call the cranky cowboy my husband.
