Even if he didn’t know anyone laid to rest there personally, he knew their loss. And he was in such good company with several other young men and their families, quietly strolling through the graves and stopping for murmured words of respect.
As we left behind those silent, bone-white headstones behind, he pulled me so close, and kissed me so sweetly I almost died.
How could I ever forget what he said?
“Thank you,” he whispered, his voice torn. “Thank you, baby, for getting me out of that hole.”
I didn’t need to ask what he meant.
I knew, and I think we both sensed the weight lifting off him like Atlas set free.
It still makes me cry, knowing I gave Weston a new chance at life, and he’ll repay me a thousand times over.
After flying home first class from D.C., we had a nice, long, hilariously cramped ride in the Love Bug before settling in at his place. It wasn’t five minutes before Faye and Gram came bursting through the door with a squealing Hercules on his dog leash.
I’ll never know who was screeching louder, the old women or the pig.
We grilled outside and basically let them throw together our wedding logistics. I’m not hung up on style as long as it’s with him.
Flash forward several hectic days later, and here we are.
Sharing the first glimpse of our last forever.
At the truck, he gives me a solid, grateful kiss before opening the door for me. “Need to stop anywhere else? Not a lot of time left to pick up essentials before the big day.”
I laugh as I climb in.
“Oh, I’ve had so much help planning this wedding, I’m sure we’re covered. Between Gram, Faye, and Granny Coffey, I think I’ve got a memory like a herd of elephants.”
No exaggeration. Between the town’s three senior cupids, plus a hand from Grace, Bella, Tory, and Willow, I’ve barely done more than mumble “Yep, I agree” to their suggestions.
All fine by me.
I’ve happily continued playing nurse with West until this doctor’s visit today.
Also, Faye spends so much time at Amelia’s since her head healed that she’s practically living there with Gram. With her help cleaning and Marty taking over accounting, it’s pretty much freed me up to move right into Weston’s house.
Permanently.
It couldn’t be more perfect when I can pop over to the B&B, if needed. And after our big hallelujah and honeymoon, I’ll work some extra hours there while I figure out my next move.
“All right then, we’ll head back home then. Just two more days,” he says with a boyish smile.
“Can you believe it? Best friends to man and wife.” I pinch my elbow in an exaggerated motion that makes us both laugh.
Seriously, though.
I’ve been counting down the seconds until I’m Mrs. McKnight.
To my great delight, I’ll be wearing Gram’s wedding dress. We only needed a quick alteration since my size isn’t too far off from hers when she was younger.
Another dream come true.
I used to imagine wearing that dress someday.
Almost as long as I’ve daydreamed about marrying Weston.
When we’re roughly halfway home, I take a deep breath and settle in my seat, pretending to sleep.